Inspection (Singapore)

CONQUAS 21
THE BCA CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

CONQUAS 21
THE BCA
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSESSMENT
SYSTEM
Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 i

First Edition 1989
Second Edition 1990
Third Edition 1992
Fourth Edition 1995
Fifth Edition 1998
Fifth Edition 2000 version
Fifth Edition 2003 version
Copyright @ 2000 by the Building and Construction Authority, Singapore. All rights
reserved. No part may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without
permission in writing from the publisher.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
presented in this publication, neither the Board nor its employees or agents can
accept responsibility for any loss or damage incurred in connection with the use of
the contents.
Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 ii

CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................1
1.1 Objectives of CONQUAS

1.2 Scope of CONQUAS 21
1.3 Derivation of CONQUAS
2.0 CONQUAS 21..................................................................................................3
2.1 Components to be assessed

2.2 The Weightages
2.3 CONQUAS Assessor
2.4 Sampling
3.0 THE ASSESSMENT........................................................................................6
3.1 Assessment Approach

3.2 Structural Works Assessment
3.3 Architectural Works Assessment
3.4 M&E Works Assessment
3.5 Computation of CONQUAS Score
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Quality Standards for Structural Works.............................................16

Appendix 2 Quality Standards for Architectural Works........................................25
Appendix 3 Quality Standards for M&E Works....................................................38
Appendix 4 Defects Grouping Guide for Assessment of Internal Finishes...........50
Effective date : 1st Jan 2003

iii
CONQUAS 21
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objectives of CONQUAS
The Construction Quality Assessment System or CONQUAS was developed by

the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in conjunction with the major
public sector agencies and the various leading industry professional bodies to
measure the quality level achieved in a completed project.
CONQUAS was designed with three objectives:
(a) To have a standard quality assessment system for construction projects.
(b) To make quality assessment objective by:
- measuring constructed works against workmanship

standards and specification.
- using a sampling approach to suitably represent the whole

project.
(c) To enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within

reasonable cost and time.
1.2 Scope of CONQUAS 21

CONQUAS sets out the standards for the various aspects of construction work
and awards points for works that meet the standards. These points are then
summed up to give a total quality score called the CONQUAS Score for the
building project.
CONQUAS 21 covers most aspects of the general building works. The

assessment consists of three components:
(1) Structural Works,

(2) Architectural Works and
(3) *Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Works.
*M&E Works has replaced the External Works
component in the previous edition of CONQUAS. The
latter is now reduced in weightage and incorporated
under Architectural Works for condominiums and
public housing.
Each component is further divided into different items for assessment.

However, the assessment excludes works such as piling, heavy foundation and
Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 1

CONQUAS 21
sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under

separate contracts or sub-contracts.
The building is assessed primarily on workmanship standards achieved

through site inspection. The assessment is done throughout the construction
process for Structural and M&E Works and on the completed building for
Architectural Works.
Apart from site inspection, the assessment also includes tests on the materials
and the functional performance of selected services and installations. These tests
help to safeguard the interest of building occupants in relation to safety, comfort
and aesthetic defects which surface only after sometime.
1.3 Derivation of CONQUAS

The minimum standards were derived from discussions with the major public
sector agencies, developers, consultants and contractors based on the general
specifications used in their projects.
In developing CONQUAS 21, studies and numerous trials were conducted to

fine-tune its new test techniques and assessment standards. Moderation of the
scoring system was carried out along with the trials to ensure its accuracy and
consistency.

CONQUAS 21
2.0 CONQUAS 21
2.1 Components to be assessed

The CONQUAS assessment is divided into three main components - Structural
Works, Architectural Works and M&E Works.
(a) Structural Works.
The structural integrity of the building is of paramount importance as the

costs of failure and repairs are very significant. The assessment of
Structural Works comprises:
(i) Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement and finished

concrete during construction. The assessment shall include
structural steel and pre-stressed concrete if each constitutes more
than 20% of the total structural cost. Precast elements will also
be assessed if the precast concrete volume exceeds 20% of total
structural concrete volume.
(ii) Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and

tensile strength of steel reinforcement.
(iii) Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the cover of

hardened concrete.
The quality standards for Structural Works are given in Appendix 1.
(b) Architectural Works.
Architectural Works deals mainly with the finishes and components.

This is the part where the quality and standard of workmanship are most
visible. The assessment covers:
(i) Site inspection of internal finishes, roofs, external walls and

external works at the completion stage of the building. Internal
finishes include floors, internal walls, ceiling, doors, windows
and components (architectural works that are not classified
above).
(ii) Material & functional tests such as on water-tightness of

windows & external walls and adhesion of internal wall tiles.
The quality standards for Architectural Works are given in Appendix 2.

CONQUAS 21
(c) Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Works.
The quality of M&E Works is important in view of its increasingly high

cost proportion and its impact on the performance of a building. The
assessment covers Electrical Works, Air-conditioning & Mechanical
Ventilation Works (ACMV), Fire Protection Works, Sanitary &
Plumbing Works and the basic M&E fittings. The stages of the
assessment include:
(i) Site inspection of installed works before embedded/concealed.

Such items include ACMV ductworks, electrical conduits,
concealed pipes, etc.
(ii) Site inspection of final installed works such as the Air-Handling

Unit (AHU), cooling tower, fire alarm control panel, etc.
(iii) Performance tests on selected works such as the Water Pressure

Test, Earthing Test, Dry Riser Test, etc.
The quality standards for M&E Works are given in Appendix 3.
2.2 The Weightages
In CONQUAS 21, the weightages for Structural, Architectural and M&E works
are allocated according to four categories of buildings as follows:
CAT A CAT B CAT C CAT D

Commercial, Condominium, Public Landed
Components Industrial, Institution Housing Properties
Institution & others
& others
Structural Works 30% 35% 45% 40%
Architectural Works 50% 55% 50% 55%
M&E Works 20% 10% 5% 5%
CONQUAS Score 100% 100% 100% 100%
The weightage system, which is aimed at making the CONQUAS score

objective in representing the quality of a building, is a compromise between the
cost proportions of the three components in the various buildings and their
aesthetic consideration.
The CONQUAS score of a building is the sum of points awarded to the three
components in each category of buildings.

CONQUAS 21
2.3 CONQUAS Assessor

Assessors are encouraged to attend BCA's CONQUAS training and calibration
programme to ensure competency and consistency in the assessment.
CONQUAS is an independent assessment. Unless specified in the building

contract, project engineers or architects should not use CONQUAS to decide if
the building or parts of the building project are acceptable.
2.4 Sampling
As it is impractical to assess all elements in a building, CONQUAS 21 uses a
sampling system for the assessment. The sampling system, which is based on
the gross floor area of the building, will ensure that the assessment adequately
represents the entire building.

CONQUAS 21
3.0 THE ASSESSMENT
3.1 Assessment Approach

In general, the Assessor should select the actual locations to be assessed prior to
each assessment. Selection of samples shall be based on drawings and location
plans. The samples shall be distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the
construction stages.
The scoring will be done on the works that are inspected for the first time.
Rectification and correction carried out after the assessment will not be re-
scored. The objective of this practice is to encourage contractors "doing things
right the first time".
When an assessed item does not comply with the corresponding CONQUAS
standards, it is considered failed and a "X" will be noted in the assessment form.
Likewise a "4" is required for an item meeting the standards. A "-" will
indicate that the item is not applicable. The score is computed based on the
number of "4" over the total number of items assessed.
3.2 Structural Works Assessment

The assessment for Structural Work will be carried out for every building block
as the construction proceeds. A sample in structural work can be a beam, a
column, a wall or a slab. The assessment of a reinforced concrete structure
consists of the following items:
Reinforced Concrete Structure Weightage %

Formwork/Rebar/Precast* 40
Finished Concrete 20
Concrete Quality 10
Steel Reinforcement Quality 5
NDT - UPV test for concrete uniformity 15
NDT - Electro-Covermeter test for concrete cover 10
Total 100
*If total precast concrete volume exceeds 20% of total structural concrete
volume, assessment will be carried out for precast concrete construction and the
points will be distributed proportionately between formwork/rebar assessment
and precast concrete assessment.
For a typical reinforced concrete structure, selection of samples for assessment

is based on the following guidelines:

CONQUAS 21
GFA per Min Max

Items Remarks
Sample Sample Sample
For CAT A and CAT B

1 Structural Elements 500 m2 30 150
(Institution & others)
For CAT B (Condominium),

1a Structural Elements 1500 m2 30 50
CAT C and CAT D
Concrete Compressive
2 - - - Test Report
Strength
Steel reinforcement Tensile

3 - - - Test Report
Strength
NDT- UPV test for concrete 2 20 5 samples per set

4 5,000 m2
uniformity sets sets
NDT - Electro-Covermeter 2 20
5 5,000 m2 5 samples per set
test for concrete cover sets sets
Note: The computed number of elements to be checked must be evenly distributed

throughout the entire block and cover at least 50% of floors in a block. They should also
as far as possible cover the different types of structural elements.
The resulting score for the formwork/rebar/precast and finished concrete will be
the sum of the number of checks that meet the standards.
The assessment of the quality of concrete and steel reinforcement and the non-
destructive tests is based on compliance to the standards (see Appendix 1a).
The introduction of the non-destructive tests, i.e. on concrete uniformity and

cover for steel reinforcement, is to minimise the risk of carbonation and steel
corrosion which affect the durability of the concrete structures.
If Structural Works consists of structural steelwork which constitutes more than

20% of the structural cost, assessment will be required for the latter and the
points will be distributed proportionately. This applies to Pre-stressing Works as
well. In any case, the distribution should follow the cost composition for these
three types of structural works in a project.
The distribution of points for Structural Steelwork and Pre-stressed Concrete are
as follows:

CONQUAS 21
Structural Steelwork Weightage %

Main Member/Partially Assembled
40
Component
Metal Decking 20
Erection Tolerances 10
Corrosion & Fire Protection 10
Welding Test Reports 20
Total 100
Pre-stressed Concrete Weightage %

Tendon & Anchorage 25
Sheathing 25
Stressing & Grouting 25
Debonding 25
Total 100
3.3 Architectural Works Assessment

Assessment of Architectural works is carried out upon completion of the
building and before handing over of the project to the owner.
The assessment consists of the following items:
Architectural Elements Weightage %

Internal Finishes
Floor 16
Internal Wall 16
Ceiling 6
Door 6
Window 6
Component 6
Roof 4
External Wall 12
External Work* 6
Material & Functional Tests
Pre-packed Plaster 1
External Wall Paint - Warranty 1
Water-Tightness Test for Windows &
10
External Wall Joints
Wet Area Water-Tightness Test 3
Flat Roof
- Waterproofing Warranty 1
- Ponding Test 2
Pull-Off-Test for Internal Wall Tiles 4
Total 100
* Notes : The weightage distribution system applies to

all categories except that for CAT A and CAT D where

CONQUAS 21
External Work is not considered for assessment and the

score will be pro-rated.
The assessment is based on the sampling guidelines as set out below:
GFA per Min Max

Items Remarks
Sample Sample Sample
By locations.
1 Internal Finishes 500 m2 30 150 For CAT A and CAT B
(Institution & others).
By locations.
1
Internal Finishes 70 m2 30 800 For CAT B(Condominium)
a
and CAT D.
1 By locations.
Internal Finishes 70 m2 30 600
b For CAT C.
2 External Wall - 50% 50% of the blocks / units

-
1 for each type of external
3 External Work - 1
- work
4 Pre-packed Plaster - - - For plastering works
5 External Wall Paint - - - Warranty
6 Wet Area ponding Test - 100% - All wet areas to be tested
7 Flat Roof waterproofing - 100% - Ponding test & warranty
Pull-Off-Test for Internal Wall 1 5

8 10,000 m2 5 samples per set
tiles set sets
Water-tightness Test for
9 1,000 m2 5 100 50% on Windows
Windows & External Wall joints
A location for internal finishes assessment is a functional space of a building

such as a room, hall, toilet, kitchen, corridor or lobby. Locations are further
categorised into three types:
Principal locations are major functional places such as halls

and rooms.
Circulation locations include lift lobbies, corridors and

staircases.
Service locations are utility areas such as toilets, kitchens and

balconies.
The computed number of locations will be distributed according to "Principal",

"Circulation" and "Service" based on the percentages set out in the four
categories of buildings as below:

CONQUAS 21
CAT A CAT B
Commercial CAT C CAT D
Locations Industrial Institution Public Landed
Condominium
Institution & Others Housing Properties
Others
Principal 60% 40% 60% 40% 40%
Service 15% 40% 15% 40% 40%
Circulation 25% 20% 25% 20% 20%
Scoring of internal finishes is based on the defects groups as shown in Appendix

4 'Defects Grouping Guide for Assessment of Internal Finishes'. In general, any
item which is not available in a project will not be considered for scoring. For
such case, the architectural score will be pro-rated accordingly.
An item under assessment will be considered failed if it does not meet the
standards. In addition, any item found to be defective functionally such as
evidence of water seepage in the window, slab, ceiling or roof, is considered to
have failed the assessment. Likewise for a particular defect that is found
excessive in an item (say excessive cracks on a wall).
For the assessment of roof, a minimum 50% of the total number of buildings
will be assessed. This applies to the assessment of external walls where a
minimum 50% of the total number of buildings will be required. For a building,
the external wall will be divided into 4 walls for assessment.
The External Works assessment consists of the following locations:
(a) Link-way / Shelter - 10m length section per sample and minimum 2 samples
(b) Apron & Drain - 10m length section per sample and minimum 2 samples
(c) Roadwork & Carpark - 10m length section per sample and minimum 1 sample
(d) Footpaths & Turfing - 10m length section per sample and minimum 2 samples
(e) Playground - 1 location
(f) Court - 1 location
(g) Fencing & Gate - 10m length section per sample and minimum 1 sample
(h) Swimming Pool - 10m length section per sample and minimum 1 sample
(i) Club House - 1 location
(j) Guard House - 1 location
(k) Electrical Substation - 1 location
Each item in the External Works will be assessed separately and all the
locations listed above must be assessed where applicable.
The material & functional tests, including the water-tightness test for windows
and external wall joints, the Pull-Off test for internal wall tiles, ponding tests for
flat roofs and wet areas and silt content test for plastering sand, are awarded
based on evidence of passing the tests.

CONQUAS 21
3.4 M&E Works Assessment

The M&E Works assessment will be carried out in two stages: during the
construction of structural works and upon completion of the building.
The assessment covers the following areas, with their weightages allocated in
accordance with the four categories of projects:
M&E Elements CAT A CAT B CAT C CAT D

M&E Works Assessment
Electrical 15 15 10 10
ACMV 20 20 - 10
Fire Protection 10 10 10 -
Plumbing & Sanitary 15 15 20 -
Basic Fittings 15 15 60 80
Sub-total 75 75 100 100
Weightage 50% 50% 100% 100%
M&E Performance Test Assessment
Performance Testing 100 100 - -
Weightage 50% 50% - _
Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
Note : "-" means that no assessment on that M&E elements is required.
Performance Testing, covering Electrical, ACMV, Fire Protection and Sanitary

& Plumbing, is assessed based on "Get-It-Right-First-Time" principle. The
assessment will be based on the percentage of tests passing the first inspection
for each type of test.
The score will be pro-rated as follow:
Ave % Passing at First Attempt % of Performance Test Score

80% or below 0%
80% < X < 100% (X-80)/20 x 100%
100% 100%
Note : "X" means the average percentage of passing at first attempt.
The assessment of Basic M&E Fittings will be carried out during the Internal
Finishes assessment.

CONQUAS 21
Like the Architectural Works, sampling of M&E works will be determined

based on the four categories of buildings as per the guidelines below:
CAT A CAT B CAT C CAT D

1,000 m2 per 1,500 m2 per 3,500 m2 per 3,500 m2 per
sample sample sample sample
Electrical
1. Embedded conduit 2+ 2+ 2+
2. Main cables 1 1
3. Surface conduits 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+
4. Cable tray, ladder & trunking 1+ 1+ 1+ 1
5. Distribution board 2+ 2+ 1
ACMV
1. Air handling unit 1+
2. Pump 1
3. Cooling tower 1
4. Chiller 1
5. Pipework 1
6. Split unit / Window air conditioner 2+ 2+ 3+
7. Air-con comfort 1+ 1+ 2+
8. Ductwork 3+ 1
9. Fire-rated duct 1 1
10. Dampers 1+ 1
11. Fire Dampers 1 1
12. Flexible ducts 2
13. Flexible connectors 1
Fire Protection
1. Wet / Dry riser 1+ 1+ 1+
2. Sprinkler 1+ 1
3. Fire Alarm 1 1
4. Hosereel 1+ 1+ 1+
Plumbing & Sanitary
1. Concealed pipes 1+ 1+
2. Exposed pipes 4+ 4+ 4+
3. Water tank 1 1 1
4. Pump 1 1 1
Minimum Samples 35 25 10 10
Maximum Samples 70 50 20 20
Remarks : + means to be repeated for additional samples required

Note : Basic M&E Fittings - 500 m2 per sample with min 30 and max 150 samples

CONQUAS 21
3.5 Computation of CONQUAS Score

Below is an example of how a project CONQUAS score will be computed:
Scenario:
Project Type - Commercial (CAT A)
Structural System - Reinforced Concrete system with 31% precast
concrete volume and steelworks at 75% to 25%
cost ratio
Roofing System - Non-accessible Pitched Roof
External Wall - Full Glass Curtain Wall
Step 1: Computation of Structural Score
Structural Works Weightage Score

(Reinforced Concrete Structure) %
Formwork/Rebar (69% concrete volume) 0.69x40% = 27.6% 22.2
Precast (31% concrete volume) 0.31X40% = 12.4% 11.7
Finished Concrete 20 18.6
Concrete Quality 10 10.0
Steel Reinforcement Quality 5 5.0
NDT - UPV for concrete uniformity 15 11.3
NDT - Electro-Covermeter test for concrete cover 10 5.0
Total 100 83.8
Structural Works Weightage Score

(Structural Steelwork) %
Main Member/Partially Assembled Component 40 33.2
Metal Decking (not used) - -
Erection Tolerances 10 8.3
Corrosion & Fire Protection 10 10.0
Welding Test Reports 20 19.5
Total 80 71
Pro-rated Total 100 88.8
The Structural Score will be proportioned by the cost ratio as follows:
(A) (B) (A) X (B)

Structural System Individual Score Cost Proportion
Reinforced Concrete Works 83.8 75% 62.9
Structural Steelworks 88.8 25% 22.2
Structural Score 85.1

CONQUAS 21
Step 2: Computation of Architectural Score
Architectural Works Weightage Score

%
Floors 16 10.3
Internal Walls 16 11.7
Ceilings 6 4.8
Doors 6 3.6
Windows 6 4.1
Components 6 4.6
Roof 4 NA
External Walls 12 7.1
External Works 6 NA
Pre-packed Plaster 1 1.0
External Wall Paint
- Warranty 1 NA
Water-Tightness Test for Windows & External
10 8.0
Wall Joints
Wet Area Water-Tightness Test 3 1.0
Flat Roof
- Waterproofing Warranty 1 NA
- Ponding Test 2 NA
Pull-Out-Test for Internal Wall Tiles 4 3.0
Total 100 59.2
As the External Works, Flat Roof and External Wall Paint are not applicable for
this particular assessment, the Architectural Score will be pro-rated as below:
Arch Score = (Actual Score / (100 - Ext Works - Ext Wall Paint Warranty - Roof - Flat Roof Warranty -
Flat Roof Ponding Test)) X 100
= (59.2 / (100 - 6 -1 - 4 - 1 - 2)) X 100
= 68.8
Step 3: Computation of M&E Score
M&E Elements Cat A Score

M&E Works Assessment
Electrical 15% 12.2
ACMV 20% 18.4
Fire Protection 10% 8.8
Plumbing & Sanitary 15% 11.2
Basic Fittings 15% 12.8
Sub-total 75% 63.4
Weightage (a) 50% 42.3
M&E Performance Test Assessment
Performance Test 100% 86.9
Weightage (b) 50% 43.4
Total (a+b): 100% 85.7

CONQUAS 21
Step 4: Computation of Final CONQUAS Score
(A) (B) (A) X (B)

Area of Works Actual CAT A
Score
Structural Works 85.1 30% 25.5
Architectural Works 68.8 50% 34.3
M&E Works 85.7 20% 17.1
CONQUAS Score 100% 76.9

Appendix 1a
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL WORKS

Part 1 : Reinforced Concrete Structures
Item* Standards
1 Formwork
1a Formwork dimensions and 1) Tolerance for cross-sectional dimensions of cast in-situ & precast
openings for services elements: +10mm / -5mm
2) Tolerance for penetration / opening for services: +10mm for size

and ±25mm for location
3) Tolerance for length of precast members (major dimension of

unit):
• Up to 3m: ±6mm
• 3m to 4.5m: ±9mm
• Additional deviation for every subsequent 6m: ±12mm
1b Alignment, plumb and level 1) Tolerance for departure of any point from its position: 10mm
2) Tolerance for plumb: 3mm / m, maximum 20mm
3) Maximum deviation of mean level of staircase thread to

temporary bench mark: ±5mm
4) For cast in-situ elements, the deviation of level of any point from
the intended level: ±10mm
1c Condition of formwork, 1) Formwork must be free from defects

props & bracing
2) Before concreting, the interior must be free from debris
3) All formwork joints must not have gaps to prevent leakage
4) There must be adequate support, bracing and tie-back for the

formwork to prevent bulging or displacement of structural
elements
2 Reinforcement (cast in-

situ & Precast)
2a Main & Secondary rebars 1) According to structural drawings (numbers / sizes)
2) Spacing of bars not more than that specified
2b Anchorages & lap lengths 1) Required lap length not less than that specified
2c Cover provision 1) 25mm or according to specifications
2d Links, stirrups and trimming 1) According to structural drawings (numbers / sizes)

bars
2) Spacing of links not more than specified

Appendix 1a
Item* Standards
2e Rebar Condition 1) Rebars must be securely and properly tied in place
2) Rebars must be freed from concrete dropping, corrosion etc
3 Finished Concrete (cast in-

situ & Precast)
3a Dimension for elements / 1) Tolerance for cross-sectional dimension of cast in-situ and
opening for services precast elements: +10mm / -5mm
2) Tolerance for opening: +10 for size and ±25mm for location
3) Tolerance for length of precast members (major dimension of

unit):
• Up to 3m: ±6mm
• 3m to 4.5m: ±9mm
• Additional deviation for every subsequent 6m: ±12mm
4) Straightness or bow (deviation from intended line) of precast

member:
• Up to 3m: 6mm
• 3m to 6m: 9mm
• Additional for every subsequent 6m: 6mm
5) Squareness of precast member – Difference between the greatest

and shortest dimensions should not exceed the following:
Length of shorter sides
• Up to and including 1.2m: 6mm
• Over 1.2m but less than 1.8m: 9mm
• 1.8m and over: 12mm
6) Twist of precast member – Any corner should not be more than

the deviation stated from the plane containing the other 3 corners:
• Up to 600mm wide and 6m in length: 6mm
• Over 600mm wide and for any length: 12mm
7) Flatness: 6mm per 1.5m
3b Alignment, plumb and level 1) Tolerance for departure of any point from its position: ±10mm
2) Tolerance for plumb: 3mm / 1m, maximum 20mm for floor to

floor height and 40mm for the entire building height
3) Maximum deviation of mean level: ±10mm
4) For cast in-situ elements, the maximum deviation of levels within

the element: 10mm
5) Camber at mid-span: according to specifications
3c Exposed surface 1) Should not have visual exposure of groups of coarse aggregates
resulting from grout leakage

Appendix 1a
Item* Standards
2) Cold joint & formwork joint must be smooth
3) No bulging of structural elements
4) All formwork, nails, zinc strips, etc must be removed
5) No cracks or damages
4 Precast Specific
Requirements
4a Lifting points/inserts 1) Tolerance for position: ±20mm from centre line location in
drawing
2) Lifting devices and inserts free from damages
4b Sleeve system/connections 1) Tolerance for position: ±6mm from centre line location in
drawings
2) Bar protrusion length according to requirements. No bending,

cranking or damages to bars
3) Bars free from concrete droppings or corrosion
4) Sleeves, grout holes, grout tubes not congested with debris
4c Interface/joint requirements 1) Joint taper:

• Over 3m length: 6mm
• Maximum for entire length: 9mm
2) Alignment of horizontal and vertical joint: ±6mm
3) Jog in alignment of matching edges: 6mm
4) Sitting of element: according to specifications
5) Installation of sealant and waterproofing: according to

specifications
4d Cast-in steel items/welded 1) Tolerance for position of cast-in steel items: ±6mm from centre
& bolted connections line location in drawings
2) Tolerance for position of openings for bolt connections: ±3mm

from centre line location in drawings
3) Relevant requirements in CONQUAS steelwork standards to be

used where applicable

Appendix 1a
Item* Standards
5 Structure Quality
5a Concrete Cube test 1) According to specifications; for every pour of concrete, test
cubes results at 28 days must satisfy the passing criteria as in BS
5328
5b Reinforcement (Rebar) 1) To pass the tensile strength test for all the reinforcement bars
used as according to SS2
2) All the welded steel fabric used to comply with SS32 in their
respective specified characteristic strength of not less than 250 N
per mm2, 460 N per mm2 and 485 N per mm2
3) No non-conforming reinforcement detected through test records

has been installed in the structure

Appendix 1a
Item* Standards
6 Non-destructive testing
6a Ultra Pulse Velocity test for 1) To conduct NDT using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) to check
Concrete Uniformity the degree of uniformity of hardened concrete
2) 5 columns per set and 2 readings per column
3) Assessment is based on :
a the difference between the 2 UPV readings within a column shall

not exceed 0.05 km/s (60% weightage)
b the maximum difference (Vd) between 5 average UPV readings

taken from 5 columns in a set (40% weightage) :
Full point : Vd ≤ 0.10 km/s

Half point : 0.10 km/s < Vd ≤ 0.15 km/s
No point : Vd > 0.15 km/s
4) Method as per SS 78 : Part B3 : 1992
6b Electro-Covermeter test for 1) To check hardened concrete cover for reinforcement bars after
concrete cover casting: minimum 25mm or higher as according to specification
2) 5 samples per set including:
a 3 for slab soffit @ 4 readings each
b 1 for column @ 2 readings each on both axis of the column
c 1 for beam @ 2 readings each on the soffit and one side of the
beam
3) For each reading, full point for ±5mm and half point for >±5mm
to ±8mm. For each location, no point will be awarded if any of
the 4 readings exceeds ±12mm.
4) Method as per SS 78 : Part B4 : 1992
For the assessment of concrete cube test results, the percentage of points shall be awarded based on the
percentage of non-compliance as tabulated in the table below :
Percentage of Points awarded Percentage of non-compliance

100% 0 - 2.5%
75% 2.6 - 5.0%
50% 5.1 - 7.5%
25% 7.6 - 10%
0% > 10%
* An item is deemed to have failed if any one of the standards is not met.
Appendix 1b

Part 2 : Structural Steel Works
Item* Standards
1 Main member/Partial
assembled component
1a Physical dimensions 1) Cross sectional tolerance should not be less than the structural
steel specifications or approved plan
2) Tolerance for length of structural steel member: ±3mm
3) Tolerance for bolt hole size:

• ≤2mm for bolt diameter < 24mm
• ≤3mm for bolt diameter ≥ 24mm
Tolerance for bolt hole position: ±2mm
1b Type and condition 1) According to the structural steel specifications
2) Surface preparation shall meet the surface roughness

specifications
3) Material used must be traceable to its original mill certificates
1c Welding 1) Weld size, length and profile shall meet the structural steel
specifications and drawings
2) Visual inspection shall meet the structural steel specifications
3) All weld shall follow approved welding procedures
4) All welding must be done by qualified welders
1d Bolting 1) Bolts and washers, type, size and number shall be according to
the structural steel specifications
2) Drilled holes shall be free from burrs
3) The condition of bolted parts adjacent to the bolt heads, nuts, flat
washers, connection gussets and splice plates shall be free from
oil, paint, and loose mill scales or otherwise specified by the
structural steel specifications
4) Gap between adjacent parts shall not exceed 2mm
5) Bolts shall be tightened to specified torque or as specified by the

structural steel specifications
6) Threaded bolts protruding at least one thread length with washers

Appendix 1b
Item* Standards
2 Metal decking
2a Type and condition 1) Correct type and thickness of metal decking used
2) All decking joints must not have gaps
3) All metal decking must be properly secured in place
4) Metal decking must be free from defects and visible damages
5) Before concreting, the decking must be free from grease, oil,

paint, and all other foreign materials
6) All accessories such as pour stop, end closures and cover plates
must be in place before concreting
2b Shear studs 1) Correct number and type of shear studs used
2) Spacing and position according to approved plan
3) Strength of shear stud welds not less than specified
4) All welds should show a full 360-degree weld fillet. All welds
free from visible damages
2c Lapping and deck 1) According to structural steel specifications or approved plan

openings
3 Erection tolerances
3a Column verticality 1) Tolerance for verticality: ±H/600 or 5mm, maximum ±25mm;

where H is the floor to floor height in mm.
3b Column position 1) The position in plan of a steel column at the base shall not
deviate from the specified position by more than 10mm along
either of the principal setting out axes
3c Beam level 1) Maximum deviation of level at each end of the same beam:
±5mm
2) The level of the top of the steelwork at any storey shall be within
±10mm of the specified level
3d Beam position 1) Beams shall not deviate from their specified positions relative to
the column to which they are connected by more than 5mm

Appendix 1b
Item* Standards
4 Corrosion and fire

protection
4a Thickness of coating 1) Average thickness of the coating or the protective layer must not
be less than specified
4b Condition 1) No visible damages
2) No spalling of coating or protective layer from structural steel

members
5 Welding test reports# 1) Reports for 5% of critical welding joints from the specified
contract requirements must to be submitted
2) Test reports must comply with the acceptable criteria and to be

endorsed by client’s representative
# For test records, the following table would be used to determine the points awarded:
Points awarded Percentage of elements checked which does not comply

20 0%
15 0%<x≤5%
10 5%<x≤10%
5 10%<x≤15%
0 x>15%

Appendix 1c

Part 3 : Pre-stressed Concrete
Item* Standards
1 Condition of tendons & 1) All pre-stressing strands and wires should comply with the
anchorages specified standards and requirements and be free from loose rust,
oil, tar, paint and any foreign objects
2) All tendon anchorage are to comply with the specified standards

and protected from corrosion
Thread parts to be greased wrapped and tapped holes protected

until use
2 Installation of sheathing 1) Sheathing properly secured and protected and free from damage
or puncture
2) Sheathing profile according to drawings throughout the length

with position tolerance: ±5mm
3) Splice to sheathing shall be mortar tight
4) Air vents or grout tubes provided according to the drawing
3 Stressing & Grouting 1) Tendon ducts clean and free from foreign objects and tendon free
process moving in the duct
2) Strands stressed to the final pressure / elongation within the

specific % accuracy of the stipulated value
3) All grouting operations of the tendons must be smooth and

achieved without need to flush out in the first grouting
4 Debonding 1) Open ends of debond tubes over the debond length of strands
sealed
2) Debond lengths according to the drawings
3) Debonding materials not punctured or damaged
* An item is deemed to have failed if any one of the standards is not met.

Appendix 2
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ARCHITECTURAL WORKS

Part 1 : Internal Finishes
Item* Standards
1 Floors
1a Screed finish 1) Ponding not deeper than 3 mm
2) No crack
3) No hollow sound when tapped with a hard object
4) Falls in wet areas like kitchen and toilet should be in the correct
direction towards floor traps or discharge points
5) Expansion joints should be provided at interval as stated by

architect
6) For staircases, the variance in lengths of threads and risers must

not exceed 5 mm; nosing must be straight
7) Evenness of surface (not more than 3mm per 1.2m)
8) No stain marks and any visible damage
9) Surfaces should not be unduly rough or patchy
10) Consistent skirting thickness and no gap between wall & skirting
1b Tiled finish 1) Tile size should be consistent (within ±1%) or up to 3mm
2) Surfaces are even and levelled to proper falls in wet areas like
kitchen and toilet
3) Joints are aligned and consistent with skirting and wall tiles
4) Consistent joint size
5) Chipping, cracks, mortar droppings or other stain marks should

not be present
7) Consistent colour tone
8) Consistent skirting thickness
9) Consistent and neat pointing
10) Lippage between 2 tiles should not be more than 1mm

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
1c Timber floor 1) No cracks and warpage
2) Timber strips to rest firmly on joists or screed
3) No gaps in between timber strips
4) Edges of the floor to be properly sealed
5) Evenness of surface (not more than 3mm per 1.2m)
1d Carpet 1) Stretched and even surface
2) Joint should not be visible
3) Proper anchoring at all edges
1e Raised Floor 1) Evenness of surface (not more than 3mm per 1.2m)
2) Joints should be properly aligned
3) No loose floor panels
2 Internal Walls
2a General 1) Walls meet at right angles (not more than 4mmover 300mm)
2) Surface evenness (not more than 3mm over 1.2m)
4) Straightness of corners and joints
2b Plaster Finish 1) No crack
2) Surface evenness (not more than 3mm over 1.2m)
3) No hollow sound when tapped with a hard object.
4) No mortar stains or paint drips
2c Tiled Finish 1) Tile joints aligned and with consistent joint size

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
2) Evenness of surface (not more than 3mm over 1.2m )
3) Tile size consistent (within ± 1%)
4) Mortar stains or paint drips should not be seen
5) No chips, cracks and other visible damages
8) Consistent and neat pointing
10) Lippage between 2 tiles should not be more than 1mm
2d Cladding 1) Proper anchorage for panels
2) Joints of regular widths as specified
3) Evenness of surface (3mm / 1.2m)
4) Sealant material compatible with cladding
5) Surfaces clean and free from stains
6) Surfaces free from discolouration
7) Consistent spacing and within allowable tolerance
8) Surfaces free from indentations, uneveness, damages & scratches
2e Architectural Coating 1) Substrate - see plaster finish
2) Finished texture and colour to be uniform
3) Paint drips and other stains should not be observed
2f Painting 1) Substrate - see plaster finish
2) Surfaces are evenly painted
3) Good opacity, no patchiness resulted from touch up works
4) Free from peeling, blister and chalkiness
5) No discolouration and fading
2g Pre-cast concrete planks 1) Alignment with adjacent planks not more than 3mm
2) Plane tolerance (3mm / 1.2m)

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
3) Standard of finishes - see above
2h Wall Paper 1) Stretched and even surface
2) Joint should not be visible
3) Proper anchoring at all edges
4) Edges should be neatly laid and finished
2i Glass Blocks 1) Pointing should be satisfactory
2) Joint should be even
3) No chipping, cracks or mortar droppings
4) Glass blocks should be properly aligned
2j Wood / Timber Panels 1) Timber panels to rest firmly on joist or screed
2) No gaps between panels
3) Edges should be properly aligned and sealed
4) Surfaces should be evenly finished
5) No cracks and warpage
3 Ceilings
3a Skim Coats 1) Overall surface should be even, gaps between light fittings and
ceiling should not be seen
2) Formwork joints are grounded smooth
3) No spalling, leaks or stains
4) Paintwork with good opacity
5) No visible crack from a distance of 1.5m
6) No visible damage
3b False ceiling 1) Alignment of rails should be visually straight
3) Surface should be overall level and even
4) Chipped surfaces or corners should not be seen

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
4 Doors 1) Alignment/level with walls
2) No visible gaps between door frame and wall
3) Fire stop provided where necessary
4) Door joints and nail holes filled up, properly sanded down and
with good paint finish (including on top and bottom of door leaf
and consistent in colour)
5) Consistent gap between door leaf and frame and not more than
5mm
6) No sags, warps on door leaf
7) Ease in opening and closing
8) Lock sets with good fit and no stains
10) Glazing clean and evenly sealed with gasket
11) Door and frame corners maintained at right angles
12) No sign of corrosion in ironmongery or metal frame
13) No missing accessories
5 Windows 1) Alignment/level with wall openings
2) No visible gap between window frame and wall
3) No sign of rainwater leakage
4) Consistent gap between window leaf and frame and not more
than 5mm
5) Ease of opening and closing
6) No mortar droppings and paint drips on frames and glazing
7) Louvre windows with glass panels of correct lengths
8) Glazing clean, evenly sealed with putty or gasket for aluminium

windows
9) Window leaf and frame corners maintained at right angles
10) Neat joint between window and wall internally and externally

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
6 Components
6a Railings 1) Mortar droppings should not be observed
2) Welding at joints must be grounded or flushed
3) Verticality of balusters must not exceed 3mm per metre
6b Other components 1) For permanent fixtures which are not covered in the standards,
the fundamentals such as evenness, straightness, no stain,
verticality, consistency and no visible damage will still be the
basis for assessment
* An item is deemed to have failed if any one of the standards is not met

Appendix 2

Part 2 : Roof
Item* Standards
1 Construction Flat Roof
1) Ponding less than 3mm
2) No cracks or chips
3) Sealant should be straight edge
4) Joints properly filled up
5) Clean and no stain marks
6) Surface to level to avoid tripping
7) Proper dressing for any protrusion
8) Openings to be sealed to prevent pest invasion
9) No paint defects
Pitched Roof
1) No sign of damage to roofing materials
2) No leaking
3) No rust or stains
4) Good painting to roof structural members
5) Roof tiles in alignment
6) Openings to be sealed to prevent pest invasion
7) Proper dressing for any protrusion
2 Waterproofing (exposed) 1) Should be evenly installed, no sharp protrusion
2) Complete adhesion to base
3) Good laps at joints and proper vertical abutment details
4) No leaking and sign of damage to membrane/coating
5) Clean and no mortar stains
6) No paint defects

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
3 Gutters 1) Ponding less than 3mm and no chokage
2) No cracks, chips and any other visible damages
3) RWDP inlet should be lower than the surrounding gutter invert

level
4) Gutter and RWDP inlet to be covered to prevent chokage where

practical
5) Clean and no cement stains

Appendix 2

Part 3 : External Wall
Item* Standards
1 Alignment 1) Corners of wall maintained at right angles
2 Plaster Finish 1) No visible cracks across panel
2) Surfaces should be visually even; no patches due to patching

work
3) Straightness of corners
3 Tiled Finish 1) Tile joints aligned and between 2-4mm wide unless specified
2) Plumb tolerance and evenness of surface (3mm / 1.2m)
3) No chips, cracks or mortar stains
4) No mortar dropping or paint drip on tiles
4 Claddings / Curtain Walls 1) Gaps around openings to be properly sealed
2) Joints of regular widths as specified
3) Plumb tolerance as specified
4) Evenness of surface, no dents or scratches
5) Sealant material compatible with cladding
5 Facing Brickwork 1) 10mm joint with pointing
2) Weepholes are provided as specified
3) No mortar droppings and other stains
4) No efflorescence
6 Architectural Coating 1) Substrate - see plaster finish
2) Finished texture and colour to be uniform
3) No paint drips and other stains
7 Painting 1) Substrate - see plaster finish
2) Surfaces are evenly painted; no patchiness due to touch up work
3) Good opacity, no discolouring and free from peeling

Appendix 2

Part 4 : External Works
Item* Standards
1 Items to be assessed
1a Link-Way / Shelter
1b Apron & Drain
1c Roadwork & Carpark
1d Footpaths & Turfing
1e Playground
1f Court
1g Fences & Gate
1h Swimming Pool
1i Club House
1j Guard House
1k Electrical Substation
2 Aprons 1) Bitumen joints with neat edges and sufficient length
2) No stains and mortar droppings
3) Cracks, maximum 0.5mm wide,0.5m long
4) No ponding
3 Drains 1) Free flowing and no ponding of water
2) No stains and mortar droppings
3) Drain covers must be level and do not warp or rock
4) Gaps between drain covers and side of drain between 5-10mm

wide
5) Drain grating properly painted
6) Hairline cracks not wider than 0.5mm
7) Precast sections not chipped or damaged
4 Inspection chambers 1) Inspection chambers are level with surrounding without

depression and with tolerance of 20mm for protrusion
2) Covers to be level with frames and within 5mm tolerance
5 Side drains 1) As in item 3
6 Road Surface 1) No ponding

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
2) Road painting according to drawings; dimensional tolerance of

5mm
3) Consistent pointing/gap for paving blocks
7 Kerbs & aeration slabs 1) Kerbs with correct alignment (20mm / 50m long) and evenness at
joints
2) No stains, mortar droppings or chipped
3) Aeration slabs stable and not broken
4) Gaps between aeration slabs properly filled up with sand
8 Road signs 1) Provided according to specifications
2) Firm and secured at base
3) Sign posts painted evenly with good opacity
4) No corrosion
9 Footpaths 1) Footpaths with even surface and neat edges
2) No stain and mortar droppings
3) Cracks must not exceed 0.5 mm
10 Turfing 1) No depression or bald patches
2) Turfing done evenly, no dead grass or weeds
11 Fences & Gates 1) According to survey boundary
2) Railings and metal supports are galvanised or properly painted
3) Wire fencing is PVC covered
4) Footings provided for supports
5) Vertical tolerance (4mm / 1.2m)
12 Others External Works 1) Constructed according to Contract Specifications
2) Standards defined under Part 1: Internal Finishes, Part 2: Roof

and Part 3: External Wall shall apply for similar items.

Appendix 2
Item* Standards
3) For permanent fixtures that are not covered in the standards, the
fundamental rules for installation and workmanship such as
evenness, straightness, verticality, no visible damages and
consistency will still be the basis for assessment

Appendix 2

Part 5 : Material & Functional Tests
Item* Standards
1 Plastering 1) Use Pre-packed Plaster only.
2 External Wall Paint 1) To provide Warranty covering both supply and installation of
painting works
3 Roof Waterproofing System 1) To provide Warranty covering both supply and installation of
waterproofing system
2) No sign of leakage after ponding the roof over a minimum

periods of 24 hrs
4 Field water-tightness Test 1) No sign of leakage using BCA's Water-tightness Test for
for external wall (include Windows & External Wall Joints or HDB's Hose Method (for
window and curtain wall HDB's projects)
joints)
2) BCA's Water-tightness Test parameters:
Water intensity : 300mm/hr

: 1 litre/min/m of joint
Wind Pressure : 240 Pa
Nozzle inclination : 90o to wall
Distance of nozzle from wall : 200 mm
1 sample = 2m length of joint
Spray duration : 10 mins
5 Water-tightness test for 1) No sign of leakage after ponding wet areas over a minimum
internal wet areas (e.g. period of 24 hrs.
toilets, kitchen, etc)
6 Pull-off test (POT)for 1) Minimum tensile strength of 0.15 N / mm2

internal wall tiles
For the assessment of the field water-tightness test for external wall, the number of points shall be awarded
based on the percentage of non-compliance as tabulated in the table below :
Points Awarded Percentage of non-compliance

10 0%
(15-x)* 10/15 0% < x < 15%
0 15%
Note : No points shall be given if test is not carried out.

“x” is the percentage of samples failed.

Appendix 3
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR M&E WORKS

Part 1 : Electrical Works
Item* Standards
1 Embedded Conduits
Installation 1) Conduit ends properly protected
2) Correct type of conduit installed as per approved sample
3) Conduit boxes clean and open end plugged / temporarily protected
4) Coupling joints fastened
5) Bonding to earth provided for all metallic conduits
Secured Properly 6) Conduits properly secured
Bent Properly 7) Conduits properly bent without distortion and damage
No visible damage
2 Main Cables
Properly Supported 1) Cables adequately supported
Fire Stop 2) Fire stops properly installed
Spacing of Cable 3) Adequate spacing of cables
No visible damage
3 Surface Conduits
Installation 1) Conduit ends properly connected
2) Metallic conduits properly earthed
3) Correct type of conduit as per approved sample
4) Conduits properly bent without distortion and damage
Support 5) Support / brackets rigidly fitted
6) Screw used properly fastened
No Visible Damage 8) Conduits and accessories properly painted
Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 38

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
4 Cable Tray, Ladder

And Trunking
Installation 1) Joints protected against corrosion
2) Correct type of material used as per approved sample
3) Metallic trunking properly earthed
Support 4) Support / brackets rigidly fitted
5) Screw used properly fastened
No visible damage
5 Distribution Board
Circuit Diagram 1) Circuit diagram provided
2) Proper labeling for panel
Cable Termination /Earthing 3) Suitable cable termination provided
4) All live parts to be non-accessible
5) All exposed metal parts effectively earthed
No visible damage

Appendix 3
Part 2 : Quality Standards for ACMV Works
Item* Standards
1 Ductwork
Location & Installation 1) Location and ductwork installed according to approved shop
drawings
Paints 2) Exposed ductwork and hanger properly painted to approved colour

code
Support 3) Ductwork properly supported
No Visible Damage
2 Fire-Rated Ducts
Location & Installation 1) Location and ductwork installed according to approved shop
drawings
2) No hanging of other services
Access Panel 3) Fire-resistant sealed access panel provided to fire-rated enclosure

of equipment for maintenance
No Visible Damage
3 Flexible Ducts
Location & Installation 1) Installed as per approved shop drawings
Support 2) Duct properly supported
Sufficient Radius 3) Bending radius sufficiently wide to prevent tensioning and

restriction of the throat
No Visible Damage
4 Flexible Connectors
Location & Installation 1) Installed as per approved shop drawings
2) Provided at ductwork, between AHU/FCU/Fans and related

ductwork
Length Limit 3) Not exceeding 50mm length
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
5 Dampers
Location & Installation 1) Location of dampers as per approved shop drawings
2) Dampers / splitter dampers can be adjusted freely between the

open and close position
Access Door 3) Access doors provided to all dampers
No Visible Damage
6 Fire Dampers
Location & Installation 1) Location of dampers as per approved shop drawings
2) Installed as per CP13 and no gap around fire dampers
3) Dampers in open position and held in position by fusible link.
Access Door 4) Access doors provided to all dampers according to CP13
No Visible Damage
7 Split Unit/Window Air

Conditioner
Installation 1) Units are leveled when placed on plinth
2) Drainage provided/units slightly tilted for condensation
3) Drain hose connected to the drain pipe
4) Cool air is not blocked by wall., beam, shelving or other built-in

Furniture in the room
Seal Penetration 5) Proper sealant of wall or roof opening after pipes are fixed
No Leakage 6) No sign of leakage from pipes
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
8 Air-Con Comfort
Temperature 1) Room temperature between 23oC - 25oC or according to

specification
Air Flow 2) Room airflow rate not exceeding 0.25 m/s or according to
specification
Relative Humidity 3) Room relative humidity not more than 60% or according to
specification
9 Air Handling Unit
Location & Installation 1) Location & pipe layout installed as per approved shop drawings
2) Inspection access door for fan, coil, motor and filter
3) All metal parts properly earthed
4) Smoke detector installed at the return air stream
5) Name plate installed with manufacturer's name, serial number and

model number
Support 6) Pipe / duct from AHU must be supported
No Visible Damage
10 Pump
Location & Installation 1) Location & pipe layout installed as per approved shop drawings
2) Pump & motor assembly installed on inertia block & spring

isolator
3) Guard provided to exposed shafts, coupling & moving parts
4) Name plate installed with manufacturer's name, serial number and

model number
Electrical Termination 5) No bad electrical termination
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
11 Cooling Tower
Self-Earthing System 1) Cooling tower completed with self-earthing system for connection
to building lightning protection system
Location & Installation 2) Name plate installed with manufacturer's name, serial number and
model number
3) Location & pipe layout installed as per approved shop drawing
No Visible Damage 4) Cooling tower clear of all debris
12 Pipework
including Chilled water, Hot
water, Steam, Condenser
water, Condenser drain, Cold
Water make-up, water
treatment and refrigerant 1) Pipe installed as per approved shop drawing
Paints & Support 2) Pipework provided with drains at each low point and automatic air
vents with manual isolating valve at each high point
Fire Stop 3) Properly painted and supported
No Visible Damage 4) Fire stop for passage of pipes at opening for fire resistance walls
and floor
13 Chiller
Location & Installation 1) Location & pipe layout installed as per approved shop drawing
2) Chiller to be leveled when placed on plinth or vibration isolators
3) Chiller fixed securely in position
4) Correct model, make & capacity
Pipe Support & Label 5) Pipes supported properly by hangers or brackets
6) Pipe connections follow specified flow direction
No Leakage 7) No sigh of leakage
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Part 3 : Quality Standards for Fire Protection Works
Item* Standards
1 Wet / Dry Riser
Landing Valve 1) Landing valve must be accessible
2) Landing valve strapped & padlocked
3) Labeling for riser door
4) Landing valve painted red for wet riser / yellow for dry riser
5) Automatic air release valve provided at highest point of rising

main
Pipe & Pipe Support 6) Riser pipes properly supported
7) Labeling & painting for riser pipe
8) Bonding to earth provided for rising main
Wall/Floor Penetration 9) Proper wall / floor penetration
No Visible Damage
2 Sprinkler
Location & Installation 1) Location, sprinkler and pipe layouts and sizes as per approved
shop drawing
2) Double layer sprinkler for false ceiling >800mm in depth
3) No obstruction and painting to sprinkler heads
4) Correct sprinkler heads used in correct locations
Pipe Support 5) Pipework properly supported
Wall/Floor Penetration 6) Proper wall / floor penetration
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
3 Fire Alarm
Location & Installation 1) Location of fire alarm panel, breakglass & bell is correct
2) Location & spacing of detectors are correct
3) Fire alarm wiring in conduit (G1 type)
Paints 4) Panel and conduit properly painted
Fire Alarm Zoning Diagram 5) Fire Alarm Zoning diagram provided near panels / sub-panels
No Visible Damage
4 Hosereel
Location & Installation 1) Location of hosereel as per approved shop drawing
2) Hosereel cabinet properly labeled
3) Hosereel pipe properly fixed with hangers & brackets
3) Hosereel operation instruction fixed on hosereel drum or door
Paints 4) Correct & proper painting for hosereel
No Visible Damage 5) No visible damage

Appendix 3
Part 4 : Quality Standards for Plumbing & Sanitary Works
Item* Standards
1 Concealed Pipes
Location & Installation 1) Pipes properly support, bent without distortion, kink and damage
2) Pipe & fittings ends properly capped
3) Proper joints
4) Materials used are of approved types
Alignment 5) Vertically or horizontally aligned
No Visible Damage
2 Exposed Pipes
Location & Installation 1) Location of pipes installed and labeled as per approved shop
drawing
2) Pipes properly support, bent without distortion, kink and damage
3) Joints are watertight
4) Pipe & fitting ends properly capped
5) No potable water pipes below non-potable water pipes
Alignment 7) Horizontally, vertically and parallel aligned to building surface
8) Inclined pipes laid to proper gradients
9) Plumb < 3mm per 1m height
Clearance 10) Do not cause obstruction / pose safety hazard at public area
11) Sufficient clearance between installed pipes / ceiling and pipes /

wall for accessibility
12) Service pipe duct accessible
No Visible Damage 13) Painting with good opacity and no drippings

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
3 Water Tank
Location & Installation 1) Location, type & capacity as per approved shop drawing
2) All openings properly covered
3) Joints & pipe connections are watertight
4) Not located below non-potable water pipes
5) Corrosion-resistant external cat ladders provided for large water

tank
Netting 6) Netting properly fitted for overflow / warning / vent pipes
Clearance 7) Accessible for maintenance. Minimum clearance of 600mm all

rounded the water tank
No Visible Damage 8) No visible damage
9) Clean & free from debris
4 Pump & Motor
Location & Installation 1) Location & type as per approved shop drawing
2) No noticeable vibration & noise from pump / motor
3) Test certificate for alignment of Pump & Motor from

manufacturer
Electrical Termination 4) No bad / loose electrical terminations
No Visible Damage

Appendix 3
Part 5 : Quality Standards for Basic M&E Fittings
Item* Standards
1 Plumbing & Sanitary Fittings
1a Gully & Floor Trap 1) No damage or chokage
2) Must be securely fixed
3) Trap's top lower than the surrounding floor level
1b Pipes 1) Visually aligned horizontally, vertically and parallel to building

surface
2) Inclined pipes laid to proper gradients
3) No leakage at joints
4) Plumb < 10mm / storey height
5) Brackets firmly secured & adequately spaced
6) If painted, no drippings & with good opacity
1c Fittings 1) Firmly secured & joints properly sealed & pointed
2) No leakage at joints
3) No chipping or cracks
4) No paint drops or mortar droppings
5) Fittings in working condition
6) Accessible for maintenance
7) Do not cause obstruction / pose as safety hazard (e.g. sprinkler

head to point inward).
8) No sediments / particles found in water collected at terminal water

fittings (remove aerator & showerhead).
9) All sensor covers properly sealed against water seepage
2 M&E Fittings e.g. power point, telephone point, air-con diffuser, fan coil unit,
lighting, smoke alarm, sprinkler heads, CATV camera, etc.
2a Installation 1) Fittings must be aligned and location as per approved drawings.

Appendix 3
Item* Standards
2) No stains
3) Neat patch-up for pointing / penetration
2b Safety 1) No exposed wiring within reach
2c Damages 1) No visible damage

Appendix 4
Defects Grouping Guide for Assessment of Internal Finishes
Components Defects Grouping Defects Description

Floor Finishing Stains, Painting / Coating Defects, Tonality, Patchy & Roughness
Wall Alignment & Evenness Alignment, Uneveness, Squareness
Crack & Damages Crack, Chipping, Dent, Scratches
Hollowness
Jointing Joints, Pointing
Ceiling Finishing Stains, Painting / Coating Defects, Patchy & Roughness
Alignment & Evenness
Crack & Damages Crack, Chipping, Dent, Scratches
Roughness
Jointing Joints, Pointing
Door Joints & Gap Joints, Gap etc too big, Inconsistent, Improper Seal
Window Alignment & Evenness
Component Material & Damages Crack, Chipping, Dent, Scratches, Sag, Warp
M&E Fittings Functionality Movement, Functionality, cannot be opened or closed properly, Loose
Accessories Defects Missing items, Improper Fixing, Stains, Corrosion, Other damages

Inspection (Singapore)

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CONQUAS 21

THE BCA CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 i

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 ii

1.1 Objectives of CONQUAS

2.0 CONQUAS 21..................................................................................................3

2.1 Components to be assessed

3.0 THE ASSESSMENT........................................................................................6

3.1 Assessment Approach

Appendix 1 Quality Standards for Structural Works.............................................16

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003

1.1 Objectives of CONQUAS

The Construction Quality Assessment System or CONQUAS was developed by

CONQUAS was designed with three objectives:

(a) To have a standard quality assessment system for construction projects.

(b) To make quality assessment objective by:

- measuring constructed works against workmanship

- using a sampling approach to suitably represent the whole

(c) To enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within

1.2 Scope of CONQUAS 21

CONQUAS 21 covers most aspects of the general building works. The

(1) Structural Works,

Each component is further divided into different items for assessment.

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 1

sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under

The building is assessed primarily on workmanship standards achieved

1.3 Derivation of CONQUAS

In developing CONQUAS 21, studies and numerous trials were conducted to

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 2

2.1 Components to be assessed

(a) Structural Works.

The structural integrity of the building is of paramount importance as the

(i) Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement and finished

(ii) Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and

(iii) Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the cover of

The quality standards for Structural Works are given in Appendix 1.

(b) Architectural Works.

Architectural Works deals mainly with the finishes and components.

(i) Site inspection of internal finishes, roofs, external walls and

(ii) Material & functional tests such as on water-tightness of

The quality standards for Architectural Works are given in Appendix 2.

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 3

(c) Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Works.

The quality of M&E Works is important in view of its increasingly high

(i) Site inspection of installed works before embedded/concealed.

(ii) Site inspection of final installed works such as the Air-Handling

(iii) Performance tests on selected works such as the Water Pressure

The quality standards for M&E Works are given in Appendix 3.

2.2 The Weightages

CAT A CAT B CAT C CAT D

The weightage system, which is aimed at making the CONQUAS score

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 4

2.3 CONQUAS Assessor

CONQUAS is an independent assessment. Unless specified in the building

Effective date : 1st Jan 2003 Page 5

3.0 THE ASSESSMENT

3.1 Assessment Approach

3.2 Structural Works Assessment

Reinforced Concrete Structure Weightage %

For a typical reinforced concrete structure, selection of samples for assessment