1 SECTION 3 CONCRETE WORKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3/1 GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................... 2

3/2 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................... 2
3/3 MIX DESIGN. ............................................................................................................................... 10
3/4 TRANSPORTING AND PLACING CONCRETE .............................................................. 13
3/5 COMPACTING CONCRETE .................................................................................................... 15
3/6 CURING OF CONCRETE ......................................................................................................... 16
3/7 JOINTS IN CONCRETE ............................................................................................................ 17
3/8 INSPECTION OF CONCRETE ............................................................................................... 19
3/9 FAULTY CONCRETE WORK ................................................................................................. 19
3/10 REPAIRS TO CONCRETE ....................................................................................................... 19
3/11 SUPERVISION OF CONCRETE WORK ............................................................................. 19
3/12 FINISHING OF CONCRETE .................................................................................................... 20
3/13 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF FORMWORK ........................................................ 20
3/14 READY MIXED CONCRETE ................................................................................................... 23
3/15 REINFORCEMENT STEEL ...................................................................................................... 23
3/16 PRECAST CONCRETE KERBS, EDGINGS & QUADRANTS ..................................... 26
3/17 IN-SITU CONCRETE EDGING ............................................................................................... 27

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3/1 GENERAL

The prevailing standard for all concrete work shall be BSI BS EN 206-1: AMD
15571: 2006, and such amendments as shall be approved by the Engineer in
accordance with the CIRIA Guide to Concrete Construction in the Gulf Region.

Concrete work shall consist of furnishing all materials and constructing

structures of the forms, shapes and dimensions shown on the Drawings or as
directed, using Portland Cement concrete, in accordance with the details shown
on the Drawings and these Specifications.

Portland Cement concrete shall consist of a mixture of Portland Cement, fine

aggregate, coarse aggregate, water and additives when required. The mixture
shall be proportioned, mixed, placed and cured in accordance with the
requirements of BSI BS EN 206-1: AMD 15571: 2006. Where an additional
clause conflicts or is inconsistent with the requirements of BSI BS EN 206-1:
AMD 15571: 2006, the additional clause shall always prevail. The concrete
mixes shall be designed mixes for special or ordinary concrete as defined in BSI
BS EN 206-1: AMD 15571: 2006, the design requirements of which are laid
down in this Specification.

3/2 MATERIALS

3/2.1 CEMENT

3/2.1.1 General

Only Sulphate Resisting Cement as specified in Clause 3/2.1.3 shall be used

unless otherwise directed.

Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer all cements shall comply with the
following requirements:-

- The acid soluble alkali level measured as Na2O + 0.658 K2O shall not
exceed 0.6% by weight determined by the test method described in BS
EN196: P2: 2005 .

- The specific surface (fineness) shall not be greater than 325 m 2/Kg and not
less than 225 m2/Kg when tested as described in BS EN196-6:1996.

The cement shall be of approved manufacture and shall be delivered in bags

with seals unbroken, or delivered in bulk in approved containers which shall bear
the manufacturer’s name, cement type and the date of manufacture. Test
certificates from the manufacturers or suppliers shall be submitted for each
consignment and shall indicate the results of the tests for compressive strength,
setting time, soundness and fineness carried out in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant BS or ASTM standards.

Further tests may be required by the Engineer after the cement is delivered and
stored on the site. The failure of any sample to satisfy the BS or ASTM
requirements shall entitle the Engineer to reject the entire consignment from
which it was taken.

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Cement shall be stored immediately upon receipt at site in such a way to keep it
away from water and moisture at all times. The Contractor shall provide a
method statement for the storage of cement which shall be approved and
implemented before any cement is delivered to site.

Consignments shall be used in the order in which they were delivered. Any
consignment not used within 2 months from the date of manufacture will not be
allowed to be used in the Works.

No cement from any consignment shall be used in Permanent Works without

the approval of the Engineer. Cement which the Engineer considers to have
deteriorated in any way shall not be used and shall be removed from site without
delay.

One brand only of cement as approved by the Engineer shall be used

throughout the Works unless otherwise authorised by the Engineer in writing.
Differing types of brands shall not be mixed together for use in the Works.

3/2.1.2 Ordinary Portland Cement

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) strength generally shall be Class 42.5N and
shall comply with BS EN 197-1: 2000: AMD 15209: 2004 & AMD 17325: 2007 or
ASTM C150/C150M-2009, Type 1. Ordinary Portland cement shall contain not
less than 4% and not more than 13% of Tricalcium Aluminate by weight content.

3/2.1.3 Sulphate Resisting Cement

Sulphate resisting cement (SRC) strength shall be Class 42.5N and shall comply
with BS 4027 or ASTM C150: 2009 Type 5. The limit for heat of hydration shall
be 290 Kj/Kg when tested as per BS 4550: Part 3: test 3.8. The maximum limit
for Tricalcium Aluminate Content is 3.5% when tested according to BS EN 196:
Part 2: 2005.

3/2.1.4 Moderate Sulphate Resisting Cement

Moderate sulphate resisting cement (MSRC) strength generally shall be 42.5N

and shall comply with ASTM C150/C150M-2009, Type 2. In either case the
cement shall not contain more than 2.5% proportion by weight of sulphur trioxide.

All other requirements shall be as specified in sub-clause 4/1.3 of Volume 2: Part

I. Moderate Sulphate Resisting Cement shall contain not less than 4% and not
more than 8% of Tricalcium Aluminate by weight.

3/2.2 FINE AGGREGATE FOR CONCRETE AND MORTAR

Fine aggregate for concrete shall consist of natural screened and washed sand
or crushed sand having hard and durable particles, or of other inert materials with
similar characteristics.

It shall not contain harmful material such as salts, clay lumps, tree roots, shale,
iron pyrites, coal, mica, organic matter or any deleterious matter which may

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attack the reinforcement, in such a form or in sufficient quantity to affect

adversely the strength and durability of the concrete.

If necessary, the aggregate shall be washed and sieved to remove the

deleterious substances.

The fine aggregate shall comply in all respects with the requirements of BS EN
12620:2002, AMD 15333: 2004 and the fine Aggregate shall also comply with
Dubai Municipality Administrative Order No. 143/91. In addition to the above, fine
aggregate for concrete shall meet the requirements in Table 3-1.

Table 3- 1: Limits for Properties of Fine Aggregates for Concrete

Type Test Method Permissible
Limits

1. Magnesium Sulphate ASTM C88:2005 Max. 12%

Soundness
(5 Cycles)

2. Clay Lumps and Friable ASTM Max. 1% by

Particles C142:1997(2004) weight
3. Organic Impurities ASTM C40:2004 Lighter than
standard
4. Material Finer than ASTM C117:2004 Max. 3%
0.075 mm
5. Acid Soluble Chlorides (Cl) BS 812: Part 117:1988
For reinforced concrete Max. 0.03%
made with SRC
For reinforced concrete Max. 0.03%
made with OPC & MSRC
For mass concrete made Max. 0.03%
with:
SRC
For mass concrete made Max. 0.03%
with: OPC & MSRC
For prestressed concrete Max. 0.03%
and
heat-cured reinforced
concrete
6. Acid Soluble Sulphates (SO3) BS EN 1744-P1:1998 Max. 0.3% by
weight of fine
aggregate
7. Water Absorption ASTM C128:2007a Max. 2.3%
8. Specific Gravity (apparent) ASTM C128:2007a Min. 2.6
9. Sand Equivalent (when ASTM D2419:2009 Min. 75
aggregate other than natural
sand is approved)

Fine aggregate of fine grading (BS EN 12620:2002, AMD 15333: 2004) shall not
be used. Fine aggregate shall conform to one of the gradings given in Table 3-2
(reproduced from BS 882: 1992).

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Table 3-2: Grading of Fine Aggregate for Concrete

BS 410 Percentage by Weight Passing BS Sieve
Test Sieve
(mm) Coarse Medium

10 100 100
5 100 100
2.36 60 - 100 65 - 100
1.18 30 - 90 45 - 100
0.60 15 - 54 25 - 80
0.30 5 - 40 5 - 48
0.15 0 - 15 0 - 15

3/2.3 COARSE AGGREGATE FOR CONCRETE

Coarse aggregate for concrete shall consist of natural gravel, crushed gravel, or
crushed stone, free from coating of clay or other deleterious substances. It shall
not contain harmful materials such as salts, iron pyrites, coal, mica, laminated
materials, tree roots, shale, or any materials which may attack the reinforcement,
in such a form or in sufficient quantity to affect adversely the strength and
durability of the concrete. If necessary, coarse aggregate shall be washed to
remove deleterious substances.

The coarse aggregate shall comply in all respect with the requirements of BS
882. The coarse aggregate shall also fulfill the requirements in Table 3-3.

Table 3-3: Limits for Properties of Coarse Aggregate for Concrete

Type Test Method Permissible
Limits
Particle Shape (Note 1)
1. Flakiness Index for 10mm BS EN 933, Max. 25
&20mm CA Part3:1997:AMD 14866:
2004
2. Elongation Index for 10mm BS 812: 1990-Part 105 Max. 25
&20mm CA
3. Ten Percent Fines Value or BS 812: Part 111: 1990, Min. 100KN
Impact Value BS 812: Part 112:1990, Max. 30%
AMD 8772: 1995
4. Los Angeles Abrasion ASTM C131:2006 Max. 30%
ASTM C535: 2009
5. Soft Fragments and Shell BS EN 933-Part7:1998 Max. 3% by
Content weight
6. Magnesium Sulphate ASTM C88:2005 Max. 12%
Soundness (5 Cycles)
7. Clay Lumps and Friable ASTM C142:1997 (2004) Max. 1% by
Particles weight
8. Material Finer than 0.075 ASTM C117:2004 Max. 1%

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mm
9. Acid Soluble Chlorides (Cl) BS 812: Part 117:1988

For reinforced concrete

made
with : Max. 0.01%
- SRC Max. 0.02%
- OPC & MSRC

For mass concrete made Max. 0.02%

with: Max. 0.04%
- SRC
- OPC & MSRC
Max. 0.01%
For prestressed concrete
and
heat-cured reinforced
concrete
10. Acid Soluble Sulphates BS EN 1744, Part1:1998
Max. 0.3%
(SO3) by weight of
coarse
Aggregate
11. Water Absorption ASTM C127:2007 Max. 2%
12. Specific Gravity (apparent) ASTM C127:2007 Min. 2.6
13. Drying Shrinkage BS EN 1367-4:1998 Max. 0.05%
Note 1): The index shall be max 25 for combined aggregate but should
not exceed more than 30 for individual sizes.

The coarse aggregate shall conform to the gradings given in Table 3-4 in
accordance with the nominal size of aggregate specified (reproduced from BS
EN 12620: 2002: AMD 15338: 2004).

Table 3-4. Gradings of Single Size for Coarse Aggregate

Sieve Size Percentage by Weight Passing BS Sieve for Nominal Sizes
(mm) 40 mm 20 mm 14 mm 10 mm
50 100 - - -
37.5 85 - 100 100 - -
20.0 0 - 25 85 - 100 100 -
14.0 - - 85 – 100 100
10.0 0-5 0 - 25 0 – 50 85 - 100
5.0 - 0-5 0 – 10 0 - 25
2.36 - - - 0-5

3/2.4 COMBINED AGGREGATE

Approved coarse aggregate and fine aggregate in each batch of concrete shall
be combined in proportions as specified in BS 882: 1992 and as approved by

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the Engineer. However, in no case shall materials passing the 0.075 mm sieve
exceed three (3) percent by weight of the combined aggregate.

The combined concrete aggregate gradation used in the work shall be as

specified, except when otherwise approved or directed by the Engineer.
Changes from one gradation to another shall not be made during the progress
of the work unless approved by the Engineer.

Naturally occuring sand/gravel mixtures (all in aggregates) shall not be used

unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

3/2.5 WATER

3/2.5.1 General

Water for washing aggregate and for mixing or curing of concrete shall be
fresh, clean and substantially free from oil, acids, alkali, sewage, deleterious
mineral or organic matter. Water shall comply in all respects with BS 3148:
1980.

It shall not contain impurities in sufficient amounts to cause discoloration of the

concrete.

All sources of water for use with cement shall be approved by the Engineer.
Sources of water shall be maintained at such depth and the water shall be
withdrawn in such a manner as to exclude silt, mud, grass and other foreign
matter.

If at any time during construction the water from an approved source becomes
unsatisfactory, the Contractor will be required to provide satisfactory water
from some other source.

3/2.5.2 Specific Requirements

Water for washing aggregate and for mixing or curing of concrete shall be
tested in accordance with BS and ASTM standards and shall meet the
following requirements:

Table 3-5. Chemical Limitations for Mixing Water

Parameter Maximum Test Method
Concentration
Limit
1. Chlorides as C1 250 mg/l ASTM D512: 2004 or
BS EN 1008:2002
2. Sulphates as SO3 350 mg/l ASTM D516: 2007 or
BS EN 1008:2002
3. Alkali carbonates and ASTM D513: 2003 or
Bicarbonates 500 mg/l BS EN 1008:2002
4. Total dissolved solids, BS 1377: Part 3 or
including 1, 2 & 3 2,000 mg/l BS EN 1008:2002
above

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5. pH Min. 7/max. 9 ASTM D1293: 1999

(2005) or BS EN
1008:2002

The temperature of water for concrete should not be less than 5 C nor more
than 25C. Water may be cooled to not less than 5C by the gradual addition of
chilled water or ice but on mixing, no ice particles should be present in the mix.
Alternatively, flaked ice may be used. The ice to be used should be crushed
and should be the product of frozen water which complies with the above
requirements.

3/2.6 ADMIXTURES

Unless agreed by the Engineer neither admixtures nor cements containing

additives shall be used.

Where the use of admixture had been agreed by the Engineer, they shall
conform to the requirements of Type A, Type D, Type F or Type G as specified
in ASTM C494 / C494M: 2010 and shall be used in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. The Contractor shall be entirely responsible for
the use of any approved admixtures. Samples of proposed admixtures shall, if
required, be submitted to an approved testing authority by the Contractor in
order to ascertain its suitability for use in the Works.

Approved methods and equipment shall be used for dispensing and

incorporating the admixture into the concrete. The dispensing unit shall be
designed so that the discharge of the admixture is visible.

The cost of such admixtures shall be included in the cost of concrete and no
extra payment shall be made if they are used. The proportions of cement, fine
aggregate and water shall be determined by the Contractor before concreting
commences and submitted together with such test results as may be required
to the Engineer for approval and the Contractor shall not commence concreting
before such approval is given nor shall he alter or vary in any way the
proportion of mix unless he submits fresh test results and mix proportions to
the Engineer for approval.

The approval by the Engineer of such mix designs does not in any way absolve
the Contractor of any of the requirements of the Specifications.

3/2.7 CONCRETE MIX SPECIFICATION

The classes of concrete and their respective minimum cement content,

consistencies and the minimum required compressive strengths shall be as
shown:

Table 3-6. Concrete Classification and Mixes

Comp. Strength Slump Min.Cemen Max. Free
(N/mm2) (mm) t Content Water/Cement
Class of (kg/m3) Ratio
Concrete
7 28

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days days
A 20 30 100+ 310 0.55
(30/20/SRC) 25
B 16 25 100+ 275 0.60
(25/20/SRC) 25
C 10 15 100+ 250 0.65
(15/20/SRC) 25

The chloride and sulphate levels in the concrete mix shall comply with the
requirements of Table 3-7.

Table 3-7. Maximum Limits of Chloride & Sulphate in Concrete Mix

Chlorides as Sulphate as SO3*
Type of Concrete C1* (According (According to BS
to BS 1881:Part 124:1988)
1881:Part
124:1988)
a. For reinforced concrete
if made with OPC/MSRC 0.30% 3.70%
if made with SRC 0.06% 3.70%
b. For mass concrete
if made with OPC/MSRC 0.60% 3.70%
if made with SRC 0.12% 3.70%
c. For prestressed concrete and 0.10% 3.70%
heat-cured reinforced
concrete
*Maximum limits of chloride and sulphate content as a percentage by weight of
cement in the mix.

The OPC and MSRC cements can also contain chlorides, the relevant standard
BS 12 allows up to 0.1% C1. Therefore any chloride content present in the
cement has to be taken into account while computing total C1 in the mix. In
case the cement contains the maximum limit of 0.1% Cl, then the aggregates,
water and admixtures used for prestressed concrete or heat-cured reinforced
concrete should be absolutely free of chlorides.

3/2.8 CEMENT MORTAR AND GROUT

Unless otherwise specified, mortars and grouts shall be composed of Ordinary

Portland Cement (satisfying Clause 3/2.1) and sand (satisfying Clause 3/2.2) in
the following proportions:-

NOMINAL PROPORTIONS

Quality Portland Cement Sand

G1 1 1
G2 1 2
G3 1 3

The amount of water (satisfying Clause 3/2.5) added shall just be sufficient to
make the mortar or grout workable consistent with its purpose.

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3/3 MIX DESIGN.

3/3.1 SAMPLES OF AGGREGATES

Before any material from a particular source is used, the Contractor shall
obtain representative samples of fine and coarse aggregates and carry out the
necessary tests and analyses to show that the samples comply with the
Specification. During the progress of the Works, the grading and chemical
characteristics may be checked at frequent intervals. Sampling of aggregates
shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 932-6:1999 & BS EN 932-1
19997.

The results of these tests shall be submitted to the Engineer and his approval
shall be obtained before any of the material is used in the Works. Part of each
sample will be required for concrete trial mixes and part shall be retained for
comparison with subsequent deliveries.

No deliveries in bulk are to be commenced until such samples are approved by

the Engineer as complying with this Specification.

3/3.2 TRIAL MIXES FOR CONCRETE

Following the Engineer's approval of the materials for each class of concrete,
the Contractor shall prepare trial mix of each grade of concrete in the presence
of the Engineer's Representative. Each trial mix shall comprise not less than
1/3 of a cubic metre of concrete and shall be mixed in an approved type of
concrete mixer similar to that which the Contractor propose to employ on the
Works. The quantities of all ingredients of trial mix including water shall be
carefully determined by weight according to the approved mix design. Each
trial mix shall show no tendency to segregate when handled and compacted by
the methods by which the Contractor proposes to handle and compact the
grade of concrete in the Works and it shall be capable of adequate compaction
by such methods.

3/3.3 WATER/CEMENT RATIO

The quantity of water to be added to the cement and aggregates during mixing
shall be just sufficient to produce a workable mix to enable it to be well
compacted and worked into corners of formwork and around reinforcement. All
mixes shall be designed in respect of the proportioning of water so that the
Slump Test as carried out according to BS EN 12350-2:2009 shall be in
accordance with the requirements laid out in Clause 3/2.7. Measurement of
water on the Site shall take into account the moisture present in the
aggregates, and Slump Tests shall be taken frequently to ensure that
variations in the moisture content of the aggregate are fully taken into account
in determining the amount of water to be added. If slump exceeded the
specification limits, Flow test is recommended in this case. Flow test shall be
performed according to BS EN 12350-5:2009.

3/3.4 MEASUREMENT OF INGREDIENTS

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The aggregates for the concrete shall be measured by weight but

measurement by volume may be allowed in special circumstances with the
approval of the Engineer.

When the aggregates are to be measured by weight the weight batching

machines shall be of a type approved by the Engineer's Representative. They
shall be kept clean and in good condition and adjustment. At intervals as the
Engineer's Representative may require, the Contractor shall check the
accuracy of each weight-batching machine.

When the aggregates are to be measured by volume, the proportions of fine

and coarse aggregates shall be measured in well constructed gauge boxes, of
dimensions approved by the Engineer's Representative to guarantee that
whole multiples of such gauge boxes will ensure the use of one more whole
bags or containers of cement and the capacity of the concrete mixer shall be
such as to ensure that no splitting of cement bags or containers is required.
Gauge boxes shall be properly filled and struck off level, addition of fine
aggregates to allow for bulking due to moisture content being made as
required.

An efficient water measuring device shall be fitted to each concrete mixer.

Any cement container shall be such as to contain an accurately weighed

amount of cement.

3/3.5 MIXING CONCRETE

The concrete shall be mixed in a power driven machine of the batch type, no
hand mixing being allowed. The mixer shall be large enough to admit the use
of 1 cement bag or container or whole multiples of bags or containers at a time.
The mixing shall continue until there is a thorough distribution of the materials
and the mass is uniform in consistency and colour. The period of mixing,
judged from the time that all the ingredients including water are in the mixing
drum shall be as ordered by the Engineer's Representative but shall not be
less than 2 minutes or 20 revolutions of the drum whichever is the longer.
Should there be for any reason a stoppage of greater than 30 minutes, the
drum or other containers of the mixer shall be thoroughly washed and cleaned
before mixing is resumed. On completion of the mixing the concrete shall be
discharged onto clean boards or into clean barrows. The method of discharge
from the mixer shall be such as to cause no segregation whether partial or
otherwise of the concrete materials.

3/3.6 RE-MIXING CONCRETE

Concrete which has commenced to set shall not be remixed either with or
without additional water and in no case shall such concrete be used in the
Works.

3/3.7 CONCRETE TESTING

3/3.7.1 General

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The compression tests shall be performed on cubes 150 x 150 x 150 mm as

described in BS1881: Part 116: 1983, AMD 6720: 1991 & AMD 6097: 1989.
Sampling, making test cubes and curing of cubes shall be in accordance with
BS 1881: Parts 101, 1983, AMD 6728: 1991 & AMD 6091: 1989, 108 and 111
respectively.

The following methods of testing shall apply to standard concrete cubes.

3/3.7.2 Preliminary Testing

After the materials have been approved and at least 10 days before any
concrete is poured, the Contractor shall make preliminary sets of test cubes.
Each set of test cubes shall comprise of three cubes made from a single
sample of concrete taken from the point of final discharge of the wet concrete.
Each cube shall be made under the Engineer's Representative supervision.
Cubes shall be tested as follows: one cube shall be tested 7 days after the date
of manufacture and one cube 28 days after the date of manufacture. The third
cube will only be tested if the Engineer's Representative wishes to check the
results of the tests on either of the other two cubes and shall otherwise be
preserved by the Contractor until the end of the Period of Maintenance.
Preliminary test cubes shall be made and tested for all grades of concrete and
for all proposed variations of quality, quantity or origin of the aggregates and
cement.

Should either the test cube crushed at 7 days or that crushed at 28 days fall
below the specified requirements and the failure is confirmed by the testing of
the third cube, the Contractor shall, on the Engineer's Representative's
instructions alter the mix design and/or the source of aggregates, cement or
water and/or the method of mixing including alteration of the type of mixer. The
compressive strength of the concrete cube at 7 days shall be equal to or more
than two thirds the required compressive strength at 28 days.

3/3.7.3 Works Testing

During the course of the construction of the Works, the Contractor shall make
test cubes as required by the Engineer's Representative. One set of six cubes
will normally be taken from each individual concrete member, e.g. culvert
invert, Irish crossings, but additional cubes shall be taken as directed by the
Engineer's Representative. Three cubes will be tested at 7 days and three
cubes at 28 days as the Engineer's Representative directs. Where the strength
of the concrete is shown to be below that specified, the Contractor shall
remove and replace at his own expense all concrete from the concerned pour.
The Engineer may require the Contractor to cut out defective concrete from the
Works at his own expense even though test cubes made from that concrete
have not failed.

3/3.7.4 Workability Testing

The Contractor shall carry out slump test in accordance with BS EN 12350-
2:2009 and/or compacting factor test in accordance with BS EN 12350-4:2009
at such frequency as the Engineer's Representative considers necessary to
ensure that the workability and consistency of the concrete is maintained in

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accordance with the specified mix or accepted mix design and the trial mix. In
any case workability tests shall be carried out at least once every two hours
during which concrete is being mixed at plant.

3/3.8 FREQUENCY OF TESTING AGGREGATE AND CONCRETE

During the mixing and casting of concrete the frequency of testing for control
purposes shall be as indicated in Table 3-8 or as directed by the Engineer's
Representative. No direct payment is made for testing. The price of this work is
to be included in the bid prices of concrete.

Table 3-8. Required Frequency of Testing Aggregates & Concrete

Type of Test Frequency
Grading of Fine and Coarse Once for each source prior to approval
Aggregate; Flakiness and and once prior to casting of each lift for
Elongation Index; Aggregate any major concrete structure or as
directed by the Engineer
Crushing Value
Concrete Cube One set (Min. 6 Cubes) from each mixer
for each individual pour or every 2 hours
for large pours or as directed by the
Engineer.
Compacting Factor Test As directed by the Engineer.
Flexural Loading (1) (as per As directed by the Engineer.
BS 7263 : Part 1: 2001)
(2)
Absorption Requirement As directed by the Engineer.
(as per BS 1881: Part 122,
1983, AMD 6108: 1989)
Slump Test From each mixer or as directed by the
Engineer.
Mix Design Once for each source of aggregate or
every combination of sources or as
directed by the Engineer.
Notes: (1) Minimum requirement is 22.24 KN at 28 days
(2) Maximum 2% after 30 minutes

3/4 TRANSPORTING AND PLACING CONCRETE

3/4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Concrete shall be taken from the place of mixing to the place of depositing by
approved methods which will prevent the segregation or loss of the ingredients
and which are sufficiently rapid to ensure that the concrete does not
commence to set before it is compacted in position. The concrete shall be
deposited as near as possible to its final position in the Works and shall not be
allowed to flow into position. Deposition of the concrete through chutes shall
not be permitted and neither shall the concrete be dropped freely from a height
exceeding 2.0 m. Pumping concrete through delivery pipes may be permitted
but only with the prior approval of the Engineer's Representative.

No concrete shall be placed in a foundation until the extent of excavation and

the character of bearing material have been approved and no concrete shall be

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placed in any structure until the placement of reinforcing steel and the
adequacy of the forms and flasework have been approved.

The concrete shall be placed in its final positions as soon as possible after it
has been mixed, and in any case before the initial set has taken place. The
Contractor shall ensure that concrete which has already been placed in
position and commenced to set is not disturbed by the placing or compaction of
further concrete nearby. All concrete shall be carefully worked around and
between reinforcement and all other embedded fittings without such
reinforcement or fittings being disturbed. Concrete is to be worked well up
against whatever surface it joints.

No concrete shall be mixed or placed when the light is insufficient, unless an

adequate and approved artificial lighting system is operated and such night
work is approved by the Engineer.

3/4.2 PLACING CONCRETE IN HOT WEATHER

Concrete shall only be placed where the general requirements in regard to

ambient and mix temperatures laid down in the CIRIA Guide to Concrete
Construction in the Gulf Region are met. The parameters laid down therein
shall only be exceeded with the prior written consent of the Engineer.

Concrete shall not be placed when the shade air temperature exceeds 40 C
or during periods of windblown dust or rain.

The temperature of batched concrete at time of placing shall not exceed 32C
unless otherwise specified.

Measures shall be taken to provide cool concrete and cool concreting

conditions in order to reduce workability loss, premature drying of concrete and
the development of high temperatures and temperature gradients in placed
concrete.

Proposed measures must be described in method statements and may

include:-
(a) Painting white or silver all storage vessels, hoppers, pipes, walls or roofs
which contain or convey aggregates, cement or mixing water.
(b) Dampening the forms.
(c) Reducing the concrete temperature to the lowest practical level by
procedures such as :-
- Shading the aggregate.
- Cooling the mixing water before use.
- Screening the mixing plant and transporting vehicles from wind, rain
and sun.
(d) Erecting wind breaks and sunshades at the concrete placing location.
(e) Reducing the time between the placing of the concrete and the start of
curing to the minimum possible.

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 15 SECTION 3 CONCRETE WORKS

(f) Minimizing evaporation (particularly during the first few hours subsequent
to placing the concrete) by suitable means such as applying moisture by
fog spraying.

These measures are in addition to those specified for the curing of concrete.

In contracts which small structures spread over a large site, such as sewerage
contracts, where transportation times could be large, dry mixing of concrete
with addition of water immediately prior to placing may be proposed. Method
statements for such a proposal must describe methods for accurate batching
of water.

3/4.3 PLACING CONCRETE IN WATER (TREMIE CONCRETE)

Tremie concrete shall be deposited in water only if specified on the Drawings

and/or directed by the Engineer and under the Engineer's supervision.
Concrete to be deposited in water shall have the cement content increased by
25% at the Contractor's expense. Concrete shall be carefully placed in a
compact mass in the space in which it is to remain by means of a tremie
bottom dump bucket or other approved method that does not permit the
concrete to fall through the water without adequate protection. The concrete
shall not be disturbed after being deposited. No concrete shall be placed in
flowing water and forms which are not reasonably watertight shall not be used
for holding concrete deposited under water.

3/4.4 BLINDING CONCRETE

Prior to placing any concrete on natural surfaces a blinding layer of Class C

concrete shall be laid to a minimum of 75 mm thickness. This blinding shall be
suitably curved prior to subsequent concrete placement. The blinding shall be
clean and free from any dust or impurities prior to subsequent concrete
placement.

3/5 COMPACTING CONCRETE

3/5.1 TAMPING

All concrete shall be thoroughly compacted to the maximum with approved

rammers without any segregation in its final position before it commences to
set. Care shall be taken to ensure that the use of spade type rammers does
not cause segregation of the aggregates and water. Initial compaction of slabs
shall be with approved rammers and compaction by a screed board shall be
limited to that required for the final shape and finish. During the placing and
compaction of reinforced concrete, a competent steel mixer shall be in
attendance to adjust and correct if necessary the position of the reinforcement.

3/5.2 VIBRATING

Concrete shall be compacted by vibrating with an approved vibrator. The

vibrators shall not be attached to any reinforcement or embedded fitting and
where vibrators of the immersion type are used, care shall be taken to ensure
that they do not come into contact with the reinforcement or embedded fittings.
Freshly placed concrete shall not be vibrated in a manner likely to cause

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damage to concrete in other parts of the Works which has already taken its
initial set. Concrete shall not be vibrated in such a manner and to such an
extent as to cause segregation of the constituent materials. If shutter type
vibrators are used they shall be augmented by immersion type vibrators if the
thickness of the concrete member is more than 15 centimetres.

3/6 CURING OF CONCRETE

All concrete shall be protected from the harmful effects of sunshine, drying
winds, rain, flowing water, or other adverse effect. For at least 7 days after
placing, the concrete shall be prevented from drying out by being sprayed with
fresh clean water and covered with hessian, clean sand or other approved
material which shall be kept wet.

Whenever approved by the Engineer, membrane curing of concrete with an

approved liquid may be used as an alternative to curing with water except that
membrane curing liquid shall not be applied to surfaces of concrete from which
the shuttering has been struck, until the concrete has been inspected and
approved by the Engineer's Representative.

The concrete curing compound shall comply with the following requirements:

1) Only products which have been proved to be effective through extensive

use shall be proposed and manufacturers’ literature shall include recent
test certificates illustrating effective quality control and high curing
efficiencies.

2) All materials shall be supplied in the containers marked by the

manufacturer with his name, date of manufacture, shelf life, pot life and
instructions for handling and application.

3) The liquid shall contain a white or silver colour pigment in sufficient

quantity to give a uniform colour when applied to the concrete surface.

4) The liquid shall be of such chemical composition and consistency that it

can be applied by an approved mechanical sprayer in fine spray to
produce an even, uniform, impervious, continuous film within one hour of
application which will not crack, peel or disintegrate within three weeks of
application.

The compound shall not be poisonous, odorous or explosive and shall not
react chemically with cement.

5) Curing compounds shall not be applied to surfaces to which further

concrete or a surface finish is subsequently to be bonded unless the
approval of the Engineer is obtained to the use of a water soluble type.

The Contractor shall ensure that all concrete is adequately protected against
inclement weather until properly set and shall if necessary provide additional
protection to that specified above.

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3/7 JOINTS IN CONCRETE

3/7.1 INTERVALS DURING CONCRETING

The timetable for the depositing of concrete between construction joints should
be so arranged that no face of concrete shall be left for more than 20 minutes
before fresh concrete is deposited against it. Pauses for meals, servicing of
machines, changes of shift, etc., and the distribution of concrete among the
positions where work may be proceeding simultaneously must be carefully
organized to ensure that the above mentioned interval shall not be exceeded.

3/7.2 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

Construction joints shall be as shown on the Drawings or as directed by the

Engineer's Representative. If the Contractor wishes to make additional
construction joints he shall obtain the prior approval of the Engineer's
Representative. Such approval may include the provision and placing of
additional reinforcement at the Contractor's expense.
Construction joints shall be formed by inserting temporary vertical stopping-off
boards to form tongue and groove joint with the concrete placed subsequently
except if separately detailed on the Drawings. Unless otherwise shown on the
Drawings construction joints shall be located as near as possible to the position
of minimum shear and tensile stress in the concrete.

3/7.3 JOINTING FRESH TO SET CONCRETE

At a construction joint, the face of the previously placed concrete shall be

cleaned of any skin or latance or loose material by brushing with a wire brush
or other approved method and washing with clean water. Insecurely held
aggregate shall be removed. Excess water shall be removed and the surface
while still wet shall be covered with 1:2 cement mortar which must be
vigorously stippled into the surface by means of a suitable stiff brush, the
depositing of the fresh concrete following closely.

3/7.4 EXPANSION JOINTS

Expansion joints shall be constructed at positions shown on the Drawings or as

directed by the Engineer and shall be formed according to the instruction and
dimensions shown on the Drawings.

Filled expansion joints shall be provided at every 6 m or as shown in the

drawings and/or directed by the Engineer for the kerb and concrete backing.
Any excavated surface for the concrete bedding should be watered and
compacted to a minimum 95% of optimum density.

3/7.5 EXPANSION JOINT FILLER

Expansion joint filler shall be composed of approved durable non-extruding

fibrous material suitably impregnated to prevent deterioration. Sheet bitumen
fillers will not be accepted. Preformed strips of expansion joint filler shall be of
such a nature as not to be permanently deformed or broken by twisting,
bending or other normal handling on site. Samples shall be submitted for

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approval before ordering. The vertical expansion joints in kerbs and parapets
shall be formed with approved vertical seal. Such vertical seal shall adhere to
the vertical face sealed and shall not flow under maximum local sun
temperature nor shall it be sticky to the touch.

1) Expansion joints for precast upstand kerbs shall be at 6 m.

2) For flush kerbs cast in-situ, at 2 m max.
3) For precast slabs, every 4 m min.

3/7.6 EXPANSION JOINT SEALING COMPOUND

The sealing compound shall be of an approved polysulphide compound, non-

pouring grade for vertical application and pouring grade for horizontal
application, as specified in Clause 9/2.1.2 (1) or it may be a rubber-bitumen
compound.

The rubber-bitumen compound shall be a flexible weather resistant seal, slump

resistant unaffected by permanent immersion in water, or by alkalis or
sulphates. The material shall have a minimum storage life of 12 months in
original containers stored in cool dry conditions and a density of 1.30 kg/litre.

The sealing compound shall adhere firmly to the concrete in all weather
conditions. The sealing compound shall not flow either along or down the joint
during hot weather. The sealing compound shall be durable and shall not
weather beyond the forming of a thin surface skin.

Samples shall be submitted for approval before ordering. Vertical sealer shall
be used with an approved priming compound. Application of the sealing
compound shall be strictly in accordance with the Manufacturer's instructions.

3/7.7 WATERSTOP ACROSS JOINTS IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Seepage of water through any joints in a water retaining or water excluding

concrete structure shall be prevented by the use of PVC Waterstop or other
material as directed and approved by the Engineer. They shall be placed
centrally as a water barrier across the designated joint in in-situ concrete
structures and cast centrally into the edges of adjacent concrete components.

Waterstop shall be used at all Expansion and Contraction Joints in concrete

structures below water table. For a Construction Joint, requirement of a
Waterstop shall be indicated in the drawing. The Engineer may also require the
Contractor to provide Waterstop at any additional Construction Joint approved
at his request.

Waterstop shall be extruded from high grade grey PVC Compound. Flat
Dumbell plain web Waterstop shall be used for a Construction Joint while for
an Expansion Joint or a Contraction Joint, a centre bulb Waterstop shall be
used. The width of the Waterstop shall depend upon the concrete thickness,
the aggregate size and the position of reinforcement. In general, the following
shall be taken as a guide to select the width, w, of a Waterstop:-

w < t, but w > (6a+j)

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where, t = concrete thickness

a = largest aggregate size
j = width of Expansion Joint

The following Technical Data shall apply :

Hardness : 42 - 52 BS Softness degrees at 25 C.

Tensile strength : 13.8 N/mm2 minimum at 25 C.

Elongation at break : 285 % minimum at 25 C.

3/8 INSPECTION OF CONCRETE

The Contractor shall not proceed with the surface finish or making good of
concrete surfaces until he has received the Engineer's Representative's
permission to do so and he shall not apply cement slurry or mortar or any other
coating to the concrete surfaces from which the shuttering has been struck
until the concrete has been inspected and approved by the Engineer's
Representative.

3/9 FAULTY CONCRETE WORK

The Contractor shall on the written instruction of the Engineer's Representative

remove and reconstruct any such portion of the work which in the opinion of
the Engineer's Representative is unsatisfactory as regards quality of concrete,
incorrect dimension of the cast portion, badly placed or insufficient
reinforcement, honeycombing or other such cause as shall render the
construction not up to the standard required and which in the opinion of the
Engineer may affect the strength or durability of the construction.

3/10 REPAIRS TO CONCRETE

The method of repairing and replacing defective concrete which the Contractor
proposes to adopt shall be submitted to the Engineer's Representative for prior
approval and the repair shall be carried out in such manner as the Engineer
may direct or approve.

3/11 SUPERVISION OF CONCRETE WORK

Throughout the progress of the concrete work the Contractor shall employ and
provide such supervision as is necessary to ensure

(a) the day to day control of the quality of the concrete and

(b) the mixing, transporting, placing, compacting, curing and protection of

the concrete, and
(c) the carrying out of all testing as specified herein and any further testing
which the Engineer's Representative may require, and

(d) the conducting of investigations as the Engineer's Representative may

require, and

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(e) the preparation of reports and the keeping of such records as the
Engineer's Representative may require.

3/12 FINISHING OF CONCRETE

All concrete surfaces (except top faces of culvert decks) not requiring
shuttering shall be trowelled to a smooth dense surface with the minimum of
cement and fine particles being brought to the surface and shall be free from
irregularities. Top faces of culvert decks shall be carefully screeded and
tamped to the required shape and to a dense surface with the minimum
amount of cement and fine particles being brought to the surface and should
be free from irregularities greater than 3 mm in height or depth.

Shuttered surfaces of concrete which will always be in contact with the ground
may be cast against sawn timber. All other exposed shuttered surfaces
including precast concrete shall be cast against steel, plywood or planed
timber formwork and shall be carefully rubbed down with carborundum to
remove all imperfections and irregularities. Surfaces which are honeycombed,
porous or irregular and which in the opinion of the Engineer's Representative
do not comply with the Specification shall be cut out and replaced with sound
concrete as directed by the Engineer's Representative. The cost of all normal
surface finishes and making good shall be deemed to be included in the
tendered rate for the concrete.

3/13 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF FORMWORK

3/13.1 GENERAL

Formwork shall in every respect be adapted to the structure and the required
surface finish of the concrete. It shall include all temporary moulds for forming
the concrete to the required shape and finish and for the support of such
moulds. It shall be fixed in perfect alignment and securely ledged and braced
so as to be able to withstand, without displacement deflection or movement of
any kind, the weight of the construction and the movement of persons
materials and plant. Joints shall be close enough to prevent the leakage of
liquid and fine materials from the concrete.

The Engineer's Representative may at any time require the prior submission
for approval of the Contractor's proposals for design and construction of
formwork including supports. The formwork shall be constructed so as to
permit its removal without damage to the concrete.

3/13.2 SPACING BLOCKS AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION TIES

Internal spacing blocks and construction ties shall be avoided as far as, in the
Engineer's Representative opinion, possible and practicable. Where it is
intended that the spacing blocks or construction ties shall be removed whether
before or after the concrete has set, the making good of the concrete shall be
subject to the Engineer's Representative's approval. The removal of the blocks
or ties must not jeopardise the stability of the construction. If, with the approval
of the Engineer's Representative, the spacing blocks and construction ties are
allowed to remain in the concrete then they shall be of such material and of

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such quality that they do not prejudice the strength of the work. Concrete
spacing blocks shall be made of concrete at least equal in quality to the main
concrete. Metal ties shall be positioned such that they do not come into contact
with any of the reinforcement or fittings and no part of the tie shall be
permanently embedded in the concrete nearer than 5 cm to the exterior
surface of the concrete.

All holes shall be filled with 1:2 cement mortar.

3/13.3 SLAB FORMS

Where timber is used for the soffits of slabs, the boards shall be placed and
laid perfectly true with close joints to prevent the percolation of liquid or fines
from the concrete. Tongue and groove planks shall be used if specified. All
requisite bearer and struts shall be adjusted in position and placed where
necessary on bearers as specified in the case of beam forms.

3/13.4 TYPE OF FORMWORK

3/13.4.1 Exposed Concrete Faces for Bridges

All concrete faces shall be left as struck with a fair face, true to line finish.

In order to have the finish as it will be formed, approved by the Engineer, test
pieces of 1 sq.m vertical panel 25 cm thick shall be cast. After approval they
shall be retained in position until the concrete works have been completed then
they shall be demolished and removed from the Works.

After careful inspection, all superfluous fines and similar projections shall be
carefully removed. No render or other applied finish shall be used to obtain a
fair face to the concrete. All concrete faces to be exposed in the finished works
shall be adequately protected against damage and surface staining during the
execution of the Works.

3/13.4.2 Sawn Formwork

Shall be used for all culverts.

3/13.5 PREPARATION OF FORMWORK FOR CONCRETING

Immediately before the concrete is deposited, the formwork shall be thoroughly

cleaned out and freed from sawdust, shavings, wire cuttings, dust, sand, clay
and all other deleterious and extraneous materials. Temporary openings shall
be provided in the formwork to facilitate this work. The inside surfaces of the
formwork shall, immediately prior to final erection, be coated with mould oil.
The mould oil shall be of approved type and shall be applied uniformly and the
quantities used shall be the minimum consistent with its purposes. The
Contractor shall ensure that all steel reinforcement and adjoining concrete
surfaces are kept free of mould oil.

All formwork and reinforcement shall be clean and free from standing water
immediately before placing concrete.

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3/13.6 APPROVAL OF FORMWORK BEFORE CONCRETING

The Contractor shall in all cases request the approval of the formwork by the
Engineer's Representative in sufficient time to allow an inspection to be made
and shall not commence concreting until such approval is obtained. The period
between the Contractor's request for approval and his intention to commence
concreting shall be not less than one clear normal working day and the
Engineer's Representative may require a longer period if, in his opinion, the
formwork is of such complexity as to require it.

Such approval shall not absolve the Contractor of his responsibilities under the
Contract.

3/13.7 REMOVAL OF FORMWORK

All formworks shall be struck without jarring the concrete or subjecting the
same to sudden shock.

Before striking any formwork, the Contractor shall satisfy himself that the
concrete is sufficiently hardened to bear its own load and any other loads that
may be placed on it.

No formwork is to be removed, if in the opinion of the Engineer's

Representative, the concrete has not set sufficiently. approval of the Engineer's
Representative shall not absolve the Contractor of his responsibilities under the
Contract.

Subject to the above and the concrete test cube results, the minimum periods
for the removal of formwork generally are as follows:

Sides of beams, walls and columns - 2 days

Soffits of beams and slabs (props left in) - 7 days
Removal of props (beams and slabs) - 14 days
Soffits of precast beams - 7 days

(These times may be reduced only with the written approval of the Engineer)

In the case of the special types of formwork, striking times are to be approved
by the Engineer.

If a beam slab is required to support a construction load in excess of its design

load, the beam or slab is to be propped until the supported construction has
reached the age when the propping may be removed.

No supports for the shuttering may be left in the finished concrete without the
written permission of the Engineer.

3/13.8 CONCRETE BELOW GROUND

All concrete placed below ground level shall have a minimum protection to its
outside faces with a bituminous membrane as per Clause 9/2.1.2 of this
Specification.

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3/14 READY MIXED CONCRETE

3/14.1 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION

The use of concrete delivered to the Site in a plastic condition and ready for
placing in its final position shall be permitted subject to the following
conditions:-

(a) The constituent materials and the concrete mix shall comply with the
requirements of this Specification.

(b) The concrete shall be produced in accordance with the standards laid
down in the current edition of the "Authorisation Scheme for Ready Mixed
Concrete", published by the British Ready Mixed Concrete Association
(B.R.M.C.A.), except that
(i) Para. 11.1 (i) of the above publication shall be replaced by item (d)
below.
(ii) Water shall be added to the mix under the control of the central
batching plant.
(iii) Dry batching with water added on site will not be permitted.

(c) The concrete shall be supplied by a depot approved by the Engineer and
Dubai Municipality.

(d) The concrete shall be placed in its final position and left undisturbed
within 1-1/2 hours maximum of the time when the cement first comes into
contact with wetted aggregates, ie. the time when hydration of the
cement commences. If the temperature is less than 4C or if the
temperature is above 21C, this period shall be reduced to one hour.

3/14.2 DOCUMENTATION

The Engineer shall receive copies of the delivery tickets for each batch of
concrete, and have access to a site record book maintained by the Contractor
in which the following information is recorded for each batch of concrete
delivered:-

(i) Delivery ticket number.

(ii) Slump of the concrete, testing on site immediately prior to placing.
(iii) Time when concrete is placed in position and left undisturbed.
(iv) Location that the concrete is placed.
(v) Works test cube reference.

3/15 REINFORCEMENT STEEL

3/15.1 GENERAL

This work shall consist of furnishing, fabricating and placing steel

reinforcement bars of the grade, type, quality, size, shape and quantity

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 24 SECTION 3 CONCRETE WORKS

designated, all in accordance with these Specifications and the details shown
on the Drawings.

The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing reinforcing steel in sufficient

quantity and of the proper sizes, lengths and shapes shown on the Drawings
for any given structure.

3/15.2 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

All reinforcement bars shall be of a deformed type in accordance with BS 4449,

except that plain bars may be used where specifically indicated on the
Drawings. Plain bars shall be in accordance with BS 4449.

All steel reinforcement shall conform to the requirements of the Specifications

for Deformed High Yield Steel Bars, Grade 460 Type 2, unless otherwise
shown on the Drawings or specified by the Engineer and shall be tested as per
BS 4449 : 1997.

Mild steel where specified or called for shall be either deformed or plain bars
complying with ASTM A615 structural grade or BS 4449 or any equivalent
National Standard as directed and approved by the Engineer.

Tying wire shall be No.16 gauge soft annealed iron wire or No. 18 gauge
stainless steel wire or the equivalent AASHTO specification for tying wire.

Welded wire fabric shall be used as reinforcement for concrete where shown
on the Drawings and as directed. Welded wire fabric shall conform to the
requirements of AASHTO M55 or to BS 4483.

All reinforcement shall be protected against corrosion with a fusion-bonded

epoxy coating in accordance with the requirements of ASTM A775/A775M and
BS 7295.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the Engineer’s approval to the
steel bars prior to coating commencing. Such approval will in no way relieve
the Contractor of his responsibilities under the Contract.

The Contractor shall furnish to the Engineer a certificate of compliance for each
shipment of coated steel bars. The certificate of compliance shall state that
representative samples of the coated bars have been tested and that the test
results comply with the requirements of the Specifications.

3/15.3 CONSTRUCTION OF REINFORCEMENT

Steel reinforcing shall be stored on timber packing clear of the ground. The
steel bars shall be free from sharp deformations, rolled-in silvers, deep
recesses or surface faults/blemishes which could result in inefficient or
inadequate coating. When fixed in the work and immediately prior to
concreting, steel reinforcing shall be entirely free from loose mill scale, loose
rust, oil, grease, paint, mould oil, and all other deleterious and extraneous
material. All hooks, bends, etc., unless otherwise shown on the Drawings shall
be to BS 4466.

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Before ordering reinforcing steel, the Contractor shall prepare bar bending
schedules at his own cost and submit them to the Engineer for his approval.
Bar schedules shall show the weight of each bar, the total weight of each bar
size and the total weight of bars, and bending diagrams for bars in accordance
with BS 4466. The length of each bar shall be calculated in accordance with
BS 4466 except that the minimum internal bending radius shall be four times
the bar diameter.

The Contractor shall also provide and submit to the Engineer for approval any
working drawings additional to the Contract Drawings which may be found
necessary for the production of bar bending schedules or for the completion of
the Works.

The Engineer’s approval of the Contractor’s working drawings and bar bending
schedules shall in no way relieve the Contractor of responsibility for the
correctness of such drawings or schedules.

Steel reinforcement shall be bent accurately to the shapes and dimensions

shown on the approved bar bending lists or drawings. Bars shall be bent round
mandrels of the requisite diameter.

Steel reinforcement shall be cut and bent in accordance with BS 4466. Cutting
or bending by the application of heat is not permitted. Welding of
reinforcement shall only be permitted when approved in writing by the
Engineer. If such approval is given then the workmanship shall be in
accordance with BS 5135. The Contractor shall submit full technical details of
his proposed procedures prior to seeking approval.

Hot rolled high yield bars shall not be straightened or bent again, having once
been bent. If the Engineer gives approval to bend mild steel reinforcement
projecting from the concrete, the internal radius of bend shall not be less than
four times the nominal size of the bar.

Links, hoops, stirrups are generally to be bent round pins of the same diameter
as the bars they are to embrace. Where however, such bars are less in
diameter than twice the diameter of the link, the radius of the bend shall be
equal to the diameter of the link.

3/15.3.1 Placing Reinforcement

The number, size, form and position of all reinforcement shall, unless
otherwise directed or authorized by the Engineer, be strictly in accordance with
the Drawings. Nothing shall be allowed to interfere with the disposition of the
reinforcing bars. Bars generally must be of the required lengths. Welding of the
bars will not be permitted. Lapping of the bars other than the lap splices shown
on the Drawings should be avoided. The Engineer may approve certain
lappings under special conditions. All lappings should comply strictly with the
AASHTO specifications, namely Article 1/5.6. Clause "c".

The steel reinforcement shall be firmly held in position by wire ties and
concrete blocks or other approved spacers designed to maintain the correct
clear cover of concrete over steel reinforcement. They shall be as small as

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 26 SECTION 3 CONCRETE WORKS

possible consistent with their purpose, and of a shape acceptable to the

Engineer. Minimum cover to reinforcement shall be 50 mm unless otherwise
detailed. The position of spacers and their method of use shall be approved by
the Engineer. The steel reinforcement shall be so connected as to form a rigid
cage.

All intersecting bars shall be bound together with No.16 gauge soft iron wire
with the ends of the wire turned into the main body of the concrete.

3/15.3.2 Maintaining Reinforcement in Position

Concrete distance blocks shall, unless otherwise directed, be used between

the reinforcement and the bottom and sides of the forms to ensure correct
placing and cover of the bars. The strength of such concrete distance blocks
shall be not less than that of the main concrete. The greatest care shall be
taken to prevent any displacement or bending of the members of the
reinforcement adjusted and temporarily fixed in position before commencement
of the concreting. Reinforcement temporarily left projecting from the concrete
at construction of other joints shall be adequately protected against
displacement both during concreting and afterwards and shall not be bent out
of position unless agreed by the Engineer's Representative. During the
concreting competent steel fixer shall be in attendance to re-set any
reinforcement inadvertently displaced.

3/15.3.3 Approval of Reinforcement Before Concreting

The Contractor shall in all cases request the approval of the Steelwork by the
Engineer's Representative in sufficient time to allow an inspection to be made
and shall not commence concreting until such approval is obtained. The period
between the Contractor's request for approval and his intention to commence
concreting shall not be less than one clear normal working day and the
Engineer's Representative may require a longer period if, in his opinion, the
reinforcement is of such complexity as to require it.

Such approval shall not absolve the Contractor of his responsibilities under the
Contract.

3/16 PRECAST CONCRETE KERBS, EDGINGS & QUADRANTS

Precast concrete kerbs and edgings shall be hydraulically pressed and they
and precast concrete quadrants shall comply with the requirements of BS
7263: Part 1 and to the dimensions and shapes shown on the Drawings and/or
as directed by the Engineer. They shall be Class B concrete with sulphate
resisting cement as indicated in Clause 3/2.7 of this Specification. They shall
be uniform in colour free from cracks, flaws or other defects with well defined
arises.

The kerbstones shall be 900 mm long or as directed by the Engineer's

Representative. Samples of kerbstones proposed to be used shall be
submitted to the Engineer for his approval prior to order or manufacture.
Kerbstones shall not be used before they have been inspected and approved
by the Engineer. They shall be fully cured when delivered to site (28 days
min.).

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Kerbstones shall be laid on concrete Class C bedded on 1:3 sand cement

mortar as specified and/or as directed by the Engineer. All kerbstones shall be
well bedded and settled in place true to line and level with a suitable wooden
mould. Before kerbstones shall be approved it should be ensured that their top
surfaces are in a uniform plane and their front faces are in correct alignment.
Any kerbstones not satisfying these requirements or having cracked or broken
arises or faces shall be removed and replaced or reset as instructed by the
Engineer.

Joints between kerbstones shall be not less than 3 mm nor greater than 5 mm
in width and shall be uniform from top to bottom. Joints shall be left open.

Where precast kerbs of straight section are laid to form radii, joints should be
filled with non-shrinkage mortar, and expansion joints (using flexel or similar
joint filler) shall be provided at 3 m centres. For radii of 10 m or less quadrants
shall be used. Kerbs of a reduced size shall only be used for this condition
where approved by the Engineer.

Tolerance in top level of kerbstones and horizontal alignment shall be  3 mm.

All kerbstones shall be painted alternately black and white. The paint shall be
an approved concrete paint giving a nominal thickness 100 microns in two
applied coats.

Transverse strength and Water Absorption shall be in accordance with BS

7263: Part 1.

3/17 IN-SITU CONCRETE EDGING

In-Situ concrete edge strips shall be to the cross section shown on the
drawings and the class of concrete made with sulphate resisting cement
indicated thereon in accordance with Clause 3/2 of this Specification.

The edge strip shall be formed in as long lengths as possible and the form
work shall be set on the top surface of the sub-base, set to produce the line
and level in accordance with the requirements of this Specification. Care must
be taken to ensure that the top surface is carefully finished to achieve these
requirements and to provide the control of the wearing course. Expansion joints
will be provided with an approved joint filler at maximum 3 m centres as shown
on the drawing and/or as directed by the Engineer. The kerb shall be protected
against covering or splashing by bitumen or cement.

Volume 2, Part 2, General Specifications-Services Works March 2017 Page 27