REF NO.CMC.

T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

B1 : TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR RCC WORKS

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

B1 : 1.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE WORKS

1.1 SPECIFICATION FOR MATERIALS

1.1.1 GENERAL

It is the intent of these specifications to ensure that all concrete placed at various
locations on the job should be durable and strong. It should wear well and be
practically impervious to water. It should be free from such defects as shrinkage,
cracking, and honey combing and spalling of the surface. All plain and reinforced
concrete shall conform to IS 456.

1.2 INTENT
1.2.1 The Contractor shall provide all materials (Other than those supplied by the
Owner), labour, operations, equipment, incidentals and everything necessary and
required for the completion of all concrete works called for.

1.3 MATERIALS
Materials covered under this section of specifications are:-
 Cement
 Aggregates (Coarse & Fine)
 Water
 Admixtures

1.3.1 Cement
1.3.1.1 Cement used in the works shall conform to only the following types:-
a) Ordinary Portland Cement of
 Grade 43 conforming to IS – 8112

 Grade 53 conforming to IS – 12269

b) Portland pozzolana cement (fly ash based) – grade 53 conforming to IS – 1489

(Part – I)

Compressive strength requirement of each type of cement for various grades, when
tested in accordance with IS 4031 (Part 6) shall be as under:-

Sample Age at testing Strength in N/mm2 not less than for

Grade 43 Grade 53

72 +/- 1 Hour 23 27
168 +/- 2 Hours 33 37
672 +/- 4 Hours 43 53

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1.3.1.2 Setting time of cement of any type or any grade specified in these specifications, when
tested by the vicat apparatus method described in IS – 4031 shall conform to the
following limits: -

a) Initial setting time : not less than 30 minutes

b) Final setting time : not more than 600 minutes

1.3.1.3 Cement to be used for the manufacture of concrete of different grades and for different
purposes shall be as specified by the user/purchaser of such concrete and as approved
by the Engineer.

1.3.2 Coarse Aggregate

1.3.2.1 Coarse aggregates for the manufacture of concrete shall conform to IS – 383

1.3.2.2 Coarse aggregates shall consist of naturally occurring stones and gravel's. They shall be
hard, strong, dense, durable clear and be free from veins and adherent coatings. These
should be free from injurious amounts of disintegrated pieces, alkali, vegetable matter
and other deleterious substances. Flaky and elongated pieces should be avoided as far
as practicable and shall not exceed the permissible limits specified in the Indian
Standard specifications.

1.3.2.3 Limits of deleterious materials permissible in coarse aggregates, when tested in

according with IS – 2386 shall be limited to the following:-

Maximum allowable
Deleterious substance percentage by weight of
aggregate
i) Coal and Lignite 1.0
ii) Clay 1.0
iii) Materials finer than 75 micron IS 3.0
Sieve
iv) Soft fragments Nil
v) Shale Nil
vi) Mica Nil
vii) Total of all items (i) to (vi) 5.0

1.3.2.4 Single sized coarse aggregates or graded coarse aggregates for manufacture of concrete
shall have grading as given in table above.

Table 2.4.1

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IS Sieve Percentage passing through for single sized coarse aggregates of nominal sizes:
40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm
63mm 100 - - - -
40mm 85 to 100 100 - - -
20mm 0 to 25 85 to 100 100 - -
16mm - - 85 to 100 100 -
12.50mm - - - 85 to 100 100
10mm 0 to 5 0 to 20 0 to 20 0 to 20 85 to 100
4.75mm - 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 20
2.36mm - - - - 0 to 5

1.3.3 Strength and other tests for coarse aggregates shall be done in accordance with IS 2386
as per instruction of Engineer and all such test reports shall be furnished to him for his
approval before any aggregate is used in manufacture of concrete for the works.

1.3.4 The Engineer shall approve maximum nominal size of coarse aggregates to be used for
the manufacture of concrete of different grades and different purposes.

Table 2.4.2

IS Sieve Percentage passing through for graded aggregates of nominal

sizes:
40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm
63mm 100 - - -
40mm 95 to 100 100 - -
20mm 30 to 70 95 to 100 100 -
16mm - - 95 to 100 100
12.50mm - - - 95 to 100
10mm 10 to 35 22 to 55 30 to 70 40 to 85
4.75mm 0 to 5 0 to 10 0 to 10 0 to 10

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1.4 FINE AGGREGATES

1.4.1 Fine aggregates for the manufacture of concrete shall conform to IS 383.

1.4.2 Fine aggregates shall comprise of either naturally occurring sand or crushed and milled
stone and gravels or a combination thereof. These shall be adherent coatings, and shall
be free from injurious amounts of alkali, vegetable matter and other deleterious
substances.

1.4.3 Limits of deleterious materials permissible in fine aggregates shall be as for coarse
aggregates as given in para, 1.3.2.3 above.

1.4.4 Grading of fine aggregates for manufacture of concrete shall be limited to zones I to III
of table 3.5.1, when determined as described in IS 2386 (part I)

1.4.5 Tolerance for a particular grading zone shall be +5% for all sizes of particles for that
zone. This tolerance limit shall not be applicable to the following:-
a) For all material passing 600-micron sieve for all zones.
b) For coarse limits of Zone – I
c) For finer limits of Zone – IV.

Table 3.5.1

IS Sieve Percentage passing for

Zone-I Zone-II Zone-III Zone-IV
10 mm 100 100 100 100
4.75 mm 90 – 100 90 - 100 90 - 100 95 - 100
2.36 mm 60 – 95 75 - 100 85 - 100 95 - 100
1.18 mm 30 – 70 55 - 90 75 - 100 90 - 100
600 micron 15 – 34 35 - 59 60 - 79 80 - 100
300 micron 5 – 20 8 - 30 12 - 40 15 - 50
150 micron 0 – 10 0 - 10 0 - 10 0 - 15

1.4.6 Strength and other tests for fine aggregates shall be done in accordance with IS – 2386
as per instruction of Engineer, and all such test reports shall be furnished to him for his
approval before any of the fine aggregates is used in the manufacture of concrete for
the works.

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1.5 WATER
1.5.1 Water used for mixing and curing shall be clean and shall be free from injurious
amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or other substances that
may be deleterious to concrete and steel.

1.5.2 Water proposed to be used for manufacture of concrete and curing of concrete shall be
tested as per recommendations of IS 3025. All such test reports shall be furnished to
the Engineer.

1.5.3 Water for manufacture of concrete, when tested in accordance with IS 3025 for
presence of solids shall have permissible limits as given in Table 4.3.1

Table 4.3.1

Materials Maximum permissible limit

Organic 200 mg/litre

Inorganic 3000 mg/litre
Sulphates (as SO4) 400 mg/litre
Chloride (as CL) 2000 mg/litre
Suspended matter 2000 mg/litre

1.5.4 The PH value of water to be used for manufacture of concrete shall not be less than 6.

1.5.5 Prior to testing of water sample, it shall not have any pre-treatment. Sample shall be
stored in a clean container previously rinsed out with the same water.

1.6 ADMIXTURE

1.6.1 Admixture may be used in concrete subject to prior approval of Engineer. All
admixtures shall conform to IS 9103.

1.6.2 Admixtures to be used may be one or more of the following classes for use in concrete:-
a) Water – reducing Admixtures
b) Retarding Admixtures
c) Accelerating Admixtures
d) Water reducing and retarding Admixtures
e) Water reducing and accelerating Admixtures
f) Permeability reducing (water proofing) admixtures.

1.6.3 Liquid Admixtures.

1.6.3.1 Admixtures introduced into the concrete as liquids generally fall into the following
categories:-
i) Air entraining
ii) Water reducing
iii) Water reducing retarders

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iv) Retarders
v) Water reducing accelerators
vi) Accelerators

1.6.3.2 Dosage of these admixtures may vary from 4 cm to 2000-cm cube or more per 50 kg of
cement. The dosing shall be done exactly as per specification of Admixture
manufacturer.

1.6.3.3 Two or more admixtures may not be compatible in the same solution. It is therefore
mandatory that when two admixtures manufactured by the same manufacturer are being
used simultaneously, the manufacturer shall certify their compatibility. In case the two
or more admixtures are produced by different manufacturers, then, before their use in
concrete, test shall be performed by the manufacturer to establish their compatibility, all
such test reports shall be furnished to the Engineer for his approval before their use in
concrete.

1.6.3.4 Some admixtures may be in the form of powder, particle or high concentration liquids,
which may require mixing with water prior to dosing. Under these conditions, water in
solution shall be considered as part of total water content in the batch in order to
maintain the water-cement ratio.

1.6.3.5 Admixture manufacturer recommendation shall be carefully followed so as to ensure

complete solution of the product or to prepare a standard solution of uniform strength
for easier use.

1.6.3.6 Certain admixtures may contain significant amounts of finely divided insoluble
materials or active ingredients, which may or may not be readily soluble. It is essential
for such admixtures that precautions be taken to ensure that these constituents be kept in
a state of uniform suspension before actual batching.

1.6.3.7 When relatively small amounts of powdered admixtures are to be used directly, these
shall be pre-blended with cement.

1.6.3.8 Admixtures are sold under various trade names and may be in the form of liquids or
powders. The proprietary name and the net quantity of content shall be clearly indicated
in each package or container of admixtures. The admixtures shall be uniform within
each batch and uniform between all batches.

1.6.3.9 No admixture shall not be accepted for use in concrete unless these are tested in
accordance with IS 9103 and the test results are approved by the Engineer.

1.7 MATERIALS – HANDLING AND STORAGE

1.7.1 Aggregates
Coarse and fine aggregates as delivered to weigh batchers shall be of good quality and
uniform grading. Moisture content shall also be controlled.

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1.7.1.1 Coarse Aggregates

Segregation in coarse aggregates shall be reduced to a minimum by separating the
material into several fractions and batching these fractions separately.

Range of sizes in each fraction shall be reduced, and the number of separations shall be
increased to control segregation. To maintain this ratio of maximum to minimum size
in each fraction shall be restricted to four for aggregates smaller than 25mm and the
ratio shall be reduced to two for aggregates larger than 25mm.

1.7.1.2 When specification limits for grading cannot be met consistently, special handling
methods shall be instituted, like re-screening of coarse aggregates at the batch plant to
eliminate objectionable undersized material. Undersize materials in the smaller
aggregate fractions shall be consistently reduced to 2% by re-screening immediately
before storing.

1.7.2 Fine aggregates

1.7.2.1.Fine aggregates shall be controlled and stored to minimise variations in grading by
keeping finer fractions uniform and exercising care to avoid excessive removal of fines
during processing.

1.7.2.2 Variations in grading during production of concrete shall be minimised. Variation in

fineness modulus of fine aggregate shall be maintained within +0.20 of design value.

1.7.2.3 Amount and nature of material finer than the 75-micron sieve shall be given special
attention. Excessive quantities of fines passing 75 micron sieve increases mixing water
requirement, rate of slump loss, increase of drying shrinkage and strength loss.
Arrangements shall be made to store coarse and fine fractions separately.

1.7.3 Storage
1.7.3.1Stock piling of aggregates if required shall be kept to a minimum and in no case the
height shall exceed 1.2m. Stockpiles shall be built up in horizontal layers with gently
sloping sides. Stockpiles shall not be created by dumping from trucks. Suitable
arrangements to slide the aggregates down from truck bodies shall be made. Vehicular
movement on stockpiles shall not be allowed.

Stockpiles shall be provided with a hard base (preferably concrete) with suitable
drainage to prevent contamination. Overlap of different fraction piles shall be
prevented by means of separator walls.
Wind shall not be permitted to blow on dry fine aggregate causing
separation/segregation.

1.7.4 Moisture Control

1.7.4.1Effort shall be made to ensure uniform and stable moisture content in aggregates as
batched. Use of aggregates having varying amounts of free water shall not be
permitted. Some times it may be necessary to wet the coarse aggregates in stockpiles.
Under such conditions the aggregates shall be dewatered on appropriate drying screens.
For fine aggregates, appropriate time shall be allowed for free water drainage before
the aggregate is stored.

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1.7.4.2 Moisture variation in fine aggregates shall be restricted to 0.5% per hour. To ensure
stable moisture content in fine aggregate before loading in batch plant bin, use of
moisture meter shall be made.

1.8 CEMENT

1.8.1 Handling
1.8.1.1As far as practicable, cement of each type shall be obtained from one constant source
throughout the works. Different brands of cements or cement of same brand from
different sources shall not be used for the works without the written approval of
Engineer.

1.8.1.2 Cement shall be received and stored packed in approved quality bags. Damaged bags
shall not be received in stores.

1.8.1.3 Every delivery of cement shall be accompanied by a producer’s certificate confirming

that the supplied cement conforms to relevant specifications. These certificates shall be
endorsed to the Engineer.

1.8.1.4 Every consignment of cement must have identification marks on packages indicating
date of manufacture and grade and type of cement. Cement brought to works shall not
be more than 6 weeks old from the date of manufacture as far as possible.

1.8.2 Storage
1.8.2.1 Package cement shall be stored in weather tight but properly ventilated structures to
prevent absorption of moisture.

These shall be stored on a raised floor/platform. Stacks shall be made with height not
exceeding 10 bags. Adequate alleyways shall be provided between each stack. Stacks
shall not be made against exterior walls.

1.8.2.2 Cement stored in bags during monsoon or cement in bags expected to be in storage for
more than 8 weeks shall be completely wrapped with 700 micron thick
polythene/polyethylene sheets so arranged that the flaps closes on the top of the stack
with at least one metre overlap. If during handling/use the covering sheets gets
damaged or ruptured, these shall be replaced.

1.8.2.3 Effective precautionary measures shall be taken to eliminate dust – nuisance during
loading or transferring cement.

1.8.2.4 Cement shall be used in the manufacture of concrete in order of the following
preferences:-
a) Date of manufacture or age of cement.
b) Date of storage at works.

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1.9 ADMIXTURES

1.9.1 Handling

1.9.1.1Admixtures, being manufactured ingredients for use in concrete, shall be handled as

packed by manufacturers, damaged packing shall not be acceptable and contents of
such packages shall not be used in the works.

1.9.2 Storage
1.9.2.1 Admixtures, being manufactured ingredients for use in concrete, shall be kept in
packages/containers as supplied by the manufacturer of the item.

1.9.2.2 When the seal of a package or container is broken for use care shall be taken that the
balance quantity is stored such that these are protected from dampness. For liquid
admixtures supplied in drums or cans, the lids shall be replaced tightly. For admixtures
supplied in packages, the opened packs shall be carefully wrapped in 700-micron thick
polythene sheets before putting these back in storage.

1.9.2.3 Admixtures of different types and usage's shall be stored in different groups (preferably
in separate racks).

1.9.2.4 All packing of admixtures shall have the date of manufacture and/or date of expiry
clearly stamped on them.

1.9.2.5 Admixtures of any type shall be used in order of the following preferences :-
a) Date of expiry
b) Date of manufacture

1.10 CONCRETE - PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

1.10.1 General
This section deals with the requirements of Portland cement concrete as
manufactured from:-
- Cement
- Coarse aggregates
- Fine aggregates
- Water
Concrete may or may not contain permissible admixtures.

1.10.2 Specifications for ingredients to be used in manufacture/production of concrete shall

be as stipulated in section-1 of these specifications.

1.11 MIX DESIGN AND PROPORTIONING

1.11.1 Mix proportions shall be designed to ensure that the workability of fresh concrete is
suitable for conditions of handling and placing, so that after compaction it surrounds
all reinforcements and completely fills the formwork. When concrete is hardened, it
shall have the stipulated strength, durability and impermeability

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1.11.2 Determination of the proportions by weight of cement, aggregates and water shall be
based on design of the mix.

1.11.3 As a trial the manufacturer of concrete may prepare a preliminary mix according to
provisions of S.P.23-1982. Reference may also be made to ACI 211.1-77 for
guidance.

1.11.4 Mix design shall be tried and the mix proportions checked on the basis of tests
conducted at a recognised laboratory approved by the Engineer.

1.11.5 All concrete proportions for various grades of concrete's shall be designed separately
and the mix proportions established keeping in view the workability for various
structural elements, methods of placing and compacting. Irrespective of the variables,
each grade of concrete being produced for works shall meet the characteristic
strength requirements as given in table 2.5.1, when tested in accordance with I.S.516.

Table 2.5.1
Concrete grade Specified Characteristic cube
Designation days. Compressive strength at 28
M - 20 20 N/mm2
M - 25 25 N/mm2
M - 30 30 N/mm2
M - 35 35 N/mm2
M - 40 40 N/mm2

Strength values given in table 2.5.1 shall alone be the criterion for acceptance or
rejection of the concrete.

1.11.6 In order to get a relatively quicker idea of the strengths gained by concrete, tests shall
be conducted in accordance with I.S.516, as per requirement and instructions of
Engineer, for tests to determine modulus of rupture and compressive strengths. For
such test results, with ordinary Portland cement, the guideline values shall be as
given in table 2.6.1.

Table 2.6.1

Concrete grade Cube compressive Modulus of rupture

Designation strength at by beam test (N/mm2)
7 days (N/mm2) at 72 +/- 2 hrs.7 days

M – 20 13.5 1.7 2.4

M – 25 17.0 1.9 2.7
M – 30 20.0 2.1 3.0
M – 35 23.5 2.3 3.2
M – 40 27.0 2.5 3.4

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1.11.7 Concrete compressive strength tests for preliminary works including trial mix design
conducted in accordance with I.S.516 under controlled laboratory conditions shall meet
the requirements of values stipulated in table 2.7.

Table 2.7.1

Concrete grade Compressive strength of cubes (N/mm2)

Designation at 7 days at 28 days

M – 20 17.5 26
M – 25 22.0 33
M – 30 26.0 39
M – 35 31.0 46
M – 40 35.0 52

1.12 TEST STRENGTH OF SAMPLES

1.12.1 Test Strength of a sample shall be the average of three specimens from the same
batch of concrete. Individual variations in strengths of the three specimens shall not
be more than +/- 15 percent of the average.

1.13 STANDARD DEVIATION

1.13.1 Standard deviation calculation of test results based on tests conducted on the same
mix design for a particular grade designation shall be done in accordance with clause
14.5 of I.S. 456.

1.14 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Acceptance criteria of any concrete shall be as stipulated in clause 15 of I.S.456.

1.15 CEMENT CONTENT IN CONCRETE

1.15.1 For all grades of concrete manufactured/produced, minimum cement content shall be
300 kg per cubic metre of concrete. Also, irrespective of the grade of concrete, the
maximum cement content shall not be more than 500 kg per cubic metre of concrete.
These limitations shall apply for all types of cements of all strengths.

1.15.2 Actual cement content in each grade of concrete for various conditions of variables
shall be established by design mixes within the limits specified above.

1.16 WATER CEMENT RATIO AND SLUMP

1.16.1 In proportioning a particular mix, the manufacturer/producer shall give due
consideration to the moisture content in the aggregates, and the mix shall be so
designed as to restrict the maximum free water to cement ratio to less than 0.5.

1.16.2 Due consideration shall be given to the workability of the concrete thus produced.
Slump shall be controlled on the basis of placement in different situations. For normal
methods of placing concrete, maximum slump shall be restricted to 100 mm when
measured in accordance with I.S.1199.

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1.17 APPROVAL OF DESIGN MIX

1.17.1 The producer/manufacturer of concrete shall submit details of each trial mix of each
grade of concrete designed for various workability conditions to the Engineer for his
comment and approval. Concrete of any particular design mix and grade shall be
produced /manufactured for works only on obtaining written approval of the
Engineer.

1.17.2 For any change in quality/quantity in the ingredients of a particular concrete, for
which mix has been designed earlier and approved by the Engineer, the mix has to be
redesigned and approval obtained again.

1.18 CONCRETE-MIXING AND TRANSPORTATION

1.18.1 Mixing

Applicable only to concrete to be mixed at site by the Contractor. This does not apply
to batching or mixing of concrete by the central batching plant.

1.18.2 Thorough mixing is essential for production of uniform concrete. Equipments and
methods used shall be capable of effectively mixing concrete materials to produce
uniform mixes of the lowest slump practical for the work.

1.18.3 All concrete, whether plain or reinforced, ordinary or controlled, shall be mixed in a
standard type batch mixer, having a minimum drum speed of 60 peripheral meters
per minute. The cement and aggregates shall be first mixed dry until all particles of
aggregates are coated with cement. Mixing water shall be added and to obtain mix of
in a uniform colour and consistency.

1.19 TRANSPORTATION OF CONCRETE PRODUCED AT SITE BY

CONTRACTOR

1.19.1 Concrete should be placed in its final position within 20 minutes of mixing. The
contractor shall arrange his mixer position and adopt a method of transportation so as
to ensure that this period is not exceeded under any circumstances. Transportation
should be smooth and free from jolting, so that there is no segregation or loss of any of
the ingredients.

1.20 PLACING OF READY MIX CONCRETE SUPPLIED BY RMC SUPPLIER

1.20.1 The manufacturer/supplier of ready mix concrete and the placing contractor shall
share responsibility of in-place quality of ready-mix concrete.

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1.20.2 They shall work in close co-ordination. This placing crew shall be in direct
radio/telecommunication contact with the batch plant to ensure: -

- avoidance of delay in dispatching concrete from batch plant.

- inform batching plant delays in formwork, reinforcement work, handling or placing.

1.20.3 The placement contractor shall give in writing his requirement of a particular batch
of concrete to the supplier. The proforma of this concrete order form shall be as given
in Annexure 1 to these specifications. The contractor shall give copies of all such
concrete order forms to the Engineer for his records. He shall get his duplicate order
forms duly stamped and signed from the supplier/manufacturer.
1.20.4 The ready-mix concrete manufacturer/supplier shall, along with each batch of concrete
delivered to the placement contractor, give him a concrete delivery ticket as per
Performa given in Annexure 2 to these specifications. The supplier shall give copies of
all such delivery tickets to the Engineer for his record and also shall get duplicate
copies of all such delivery tickets duly received and signed from the placement
contractor.

ANNEXURE - 1
FORMAT FOR CONCRETE ORDER FORM
Concrete order placement forms shall contain the following information in sequence:
1. Contract Number
2. Name of purchaser
3. Date of placement of order
4. Purchasers order number
5. Grade of concrete ordered for: M-20/M-25/M-30/M-35/M-40
6. Quantity of concrete ordered for (cum)
7. Intended location of placement of concrete
8. Slump required at placement location:
9. Type of cement to be used in concrete as per para, 1.2.1, part - I, section - I of
specifications
10. Date and time of discharge required at job site.
11. Time period required for placement of concrete at location by supplier of concrete.
12. Placement method: normal manual & mechanical/pumping.
13. Any other relevant information.
14. Signature and seal of purchaser.

Note: concrete order placement forms shall not be hand-written and shall be produced by
electronic printer.

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ANNEXURE – 2

FORMAT FOR CONCRETE DELIVERY TICKET

Concrete Delivery Tickets shall contain the following information in sequence:
1. Contract Number
2. Name of Purchaser
3. Date of placement of order
4. Purchasers order number
5. Grade of concrete ordered for: M-20/M-25/M-30/M-35/M-40
6. Quantity of concrete ordered for: (cum)
7. Slump at placement location as ordered: (mm)
8. Registration Number of Delivery Truck
9. Amount of concrete in truckload: (cum)
10. Type of cement used.
11. Total free water in batch: litres
12. Admixtures type and dosage:
13. Time mixing started (if dry, time cement added to aggregates)
14. Temperature of concrete when leaving the plant:
*15. Temperature of concrete when discharged at job site:
*16. Time of arrival at job site:
*17. Time of discharge at job site:
*18. Slump at discharge: (mm)
*19. Amount of retempering water added if any: litres
*20. Signature and seal of concrete manufacturer.
21. Any other relevant information

Note: Concrete delivery tickets shall not be hand-written and shall be produced by an
electronic printer. Only values at serial numbers 15 to 20 marked (*) shall be filled in
by hand.

1.21 CONCRETE-PLACING CONCRETE IN POSITION

1.21.1 General

1.21.1.1 This section of specifications covers transfer of concrete from transporting vehicle
discharge point to actual placement locations.

1.21.1.2 This may be accomplished by any of the usual methods like: -

- buckets, hoppers, manual or motor propelled buggies

- chutes and drop pipes
- use of conveyor belts or compressed air
- Tremie concreting
- Placement by pumps

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1.21.1.3 Use of compressed air and belts are not envisaged and are not specified. If however,
these methods are intended to be used by the contractors, they shall have to submit
complete detailed specifications and methods to the Engineer for his approval before
adopting these procedures. Tremie concreting is not anticipated in these works and
therefore not specified. Placement of concrete by pumping methods is dealt with
separately in these specifications.

1.22 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.22.1 Basic requirements for placing equipment and methods, as for all other handling
equipment's and methods shall be that the quality of concrete in terms of water-
cement ratio, slump, air content and homogeneity is not affected significantly.
Selection of all equipment and plant shall be based on their capability to handle
efficiently concrete of the most advantageous quantities that can be readily
consolidated in place with vibration. Equipment's, that require adjustments in mix-
proportions for placing of concrete, shall not be used.

1.22.2 Sufficient placing capacity shall be arranged for so that concrete can be kept plastic
and free of cold joints while placing.

1.22.3 Concrete shall be laid in layers not exceeding 300 mm, thick. Inclined layers and cold
joints shall be avoided. For monolithic construction, each layer shall be placed while
the underlying layer is still responsive to vibrations and compactions in shallow
layers permit knitting the layers together by proper vibration.

1.22.4 Concrete shall be deposited as near to the actual position of placement to prevent
segregation by lateral flow into place.

1.22.5 On sloping surfaces, concrete shall be placed on the lower end of the slope first and
progressing upward, thereby increasing natural compaction.

1.22.6 High velocity discharge/dumping of concrete, causing segregation, shall not be

permitted.

1.22.7 Finished surfaces of placed concrete shall be protected by planned walkways and the
surface kept covered till these are strong enough to resist damage from traffic to
which these may be exposed.

1.23 PLACING EQUIPMENT

1.23.1 Buckets: - Properly designed bottom dump buckets permits placement of concrete at
lowest practical slump values. Discharge gates for such buckets shall have a clear
opening size not less than one third of the interior horizontal area, not less than five
times the maximum aggregate size. The bottom shall be sloping and the slopes shall
not be less than 60 degree to the horizontal. Discharge gates of the buckets shall be
such that the placement crew can open and close them at any stage of discharge
without any difficulties.

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1.23.2 Discharge hoppers: These shall have provisions of discharge similar to those of the
buckets mentioned in above. These shall also have same side slopes as for the
buckets to prevent segregation during discharge.

1.23.3 Spilled concrete shall not be refilled into buckets/hoppers for reuse and these shall be
wasted.

1.23.4 Manual or motor propelled buggies- Rigid and smooth runways shall be laid if
concrete is intended to be carried to placement locations by these buggies. This is
essential to prevent segregation of concrete.

1.23.5 Recommended maximum delivery distance for power buggies shall be 120 meters
and for hand drawn buggies (wheelbarrows) the recommended maximum delivery
distance shall be 60 metres.

1.24 Chutes and Drop pipes

1.24.1 When chutes are intended to be used for transferring concrete of higher to lower
elevations, these shall be made of mild steel or be lined with mild steel plates. The
chutes shall have a rounded bottom and shall have sufficient capacity to avoid
overflow. The slope of the chute shall be constant and steep enough to permit
concrete of the slump required in place to flow continuously down the chute without
segregation. Chutes longer than 6 metres shall be covered to prevent drying and
slump loss.

1.24.2 Drop pipes shall be used for transferring concrete vertically downwards or near
vertical slopes, pipes shall be made of mild steel with seamless joints having circular
cross section. Pipes shall have diameters of at least 8 times the maximum aggregate
size for the top two-meter length. The size may be gradually reduced to not less than
6 times the maximum aggregated size. The pipe shall be positioned and secured in
place.

1.24.3 Arrangements shall be made at the bottom of the pipe to dissipate the free fall energy
of the concrete by providing a cushion. Suggestive methods is to use a reinforced
sack-type boot to receive the dropped concrete, discharge arrangements being made
just above the sack.

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1.25 CONCRETE – PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING

1.25.1 General
1.25.1.1 Concrete conveyed by pressure through either rigid pipes or flexible hoses and
discharged directly into the desired area is termed as pumped concrete. The method
of conveying the concrete through pipelines is dealt with in these specifications.

1.25.1.2 Method of applying pressure to concrete is by pumps. Pumps to be used shall be

either of the two types as mentioned below: -

a) Piston type pumps.

b) Squeeze pressure type pumps.

Compressed air pressure pumps shall not be used in the works.

1.26 PUMPING EQUIPMENT'S

1.26.1 Piston Pumps

1.26.1.1 Piston pump to be used in the works shall consist of a receiving hopper for
mixed concrete, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and the pump shall be a twin-
position pump.

The two pistons shall be so arranged that one piston retracts when the other is
moving forward and pushing concrete into the pipe line to maintain a reasonably
steady flow of concrete single-piston pumps shall not be acceptable.

Inlet and outlet valves shall be any one of the following types: -

- rotating plug type

- sliding plate type
- guided plunger type
- swing type
- flapper type
- or any combination of the above

The pistons shall be mechanically driven using a crank chain or hydraulically

driven using oil or water.

The receiving hopper shall have a minimum capacity of 1.0 cum and the hopper
shall be fitted with re-mixing rotating blades capable of maintaining consistency
and uniformity of concrete.

Primary power for pumps may be supplied by-gasoline, diesel, or electric

motors.

The primary power unit and the pump unit maybe truck, trailer or skid mounted.

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1.26.2 Squeeze pressure pumps

1.26.2.1 Squeeze pressure pumps shall consist of a receiving hopper fitted with remixing
blades. Remixing blades shall be such that these can push the concrete into the
flexible hose connected at the bottom of the hopper.

The flexible hose shall pass through a metal drum around the inside periphery of
the drum and come out through the top part of the drum.

The drum shall be maintained under a very high degree of vacuum during
operation. The drum shall be so fitted with hydraulically operated metal rollers,
which when rotating, create a squeeze pressure on the flexible hose carrying
concrete and forces the concrete out into the pipe line.

1.26.3 Effective Range and Discharge of pumps

1.26.3.1 Effective range of pumps to be used in the work shall be decided by the
contractors after studying the site conditions. However, the minimum horizontal
range shall not be less than 150 metres and minimum vertical range shall not be
less than 45 metres.

1.26.3.2 The contractors shall decide selection of pumps based on discharge capacity
after studying the requirements for the project. Discharge capacity shall be
worked out by the contractors and approval obtained from the Engineer. As a
guideline figure the contractors may assume a discharge capacity of 25 cubic
meter/hour/pump.

1.27 PIPE LINES

1.27.1 All concrete carrying pipelines shall generally be a rigid pipeline. Flexible
pipelines may only be used at bend curves in lines or at discharge ends if
required. Placements of flexible units shall be done judiciously and connected to
the pipelines only when it meets the approval of the Engineer.

1.27.2 Rigid Line/Hard Line/Slick Line

Such lines shall be made either of steel or plastic. Aluminium alloy pipes shall
not be used.

1.27.3 Minimum pipeline diameter shall be 100 millimetres and shall have normal
maximum length of 3 meter in each section connected through couplers.

1.27.4 Flexible pipe line

Flexible lines shall be made out of rubber or spiral wound flexible metal or
plastic. The pipe shall again be such that they are in sections of 3 meter length
each and connected through couplers. These pipes shall be such that they are
interchangeable with rigid line. While installing flexible units, care shall be
taken that there are no kinks in the pipeline, which is a normal tendency with
these pipes having diameters 100 mm and above.

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1.28 COUPLERS

1.28.1 Couplers to be used for connecting pipeline sections (either hard or flexible)
shall have adequate strength to withstand stresses due to handling,
misalignments, poor support to pipe lines etc.,

For horizontal runs of pipe and for vertical run up to 30-meter height the
couplers shall be rated for a minimum pressure of 35 kg/cm square. Couplers
used for rising runs between 30 meter and 50 meter heights shall have a
minimum pressure rating of 50 kg/cm square. Couplers shall be designed to
allow for replacement of any pipe section without displacing other sections.
These shall provide for the full internal cross section with no constructions or
crevices, which may disrupt the smooth flow of concrete. For pipelines of size
150 mm and above, double toggle type coupler with a thick rubber gasket and
secondary wedge-take-up is recommended. Types of coupler that may be used
shall be any of the following: -

- grooved end couplers

- one piece extended lever swing type couplers
- and full flow oil line type couplers

1.29 OTHER ACCESSORIES

1.29.1 Other accessories which shall be catered for are standards as under:-

- Rigid and flexible pipe of varying lengths

- Curved sections of rigid pipes
- Swivel joints and rotary distributors
- Pin and gate valves to prevent back flow in pipe lines
- Switch valves to direct the flow into another pipeline
- Connection devices to fill forms from the bottom up.
- Splints, rollers, and other devices for protection of conduit over rock, concrete
reinforcing steel and forms and to provide lifting and lashing points in the
pipe line.
- Transitions for connecting different sizes of pipe sections.
- Air vents for downward pumping.
- Clean out equipment.

1.29.2 For concreting of columns, walls and scattered small placements,

recommendation is made for special cranes or power controlled booms carrying
pipelines with a pendant type concrete delivery hose.

1.30 LUBRICATION OF PIPE LINE

1.30.1 Before pumping concrete into the pipeline, the line shall be lubricated with a
properly designed mortar/grout lubricant. This shall be ensured by starting the
pumping operation with a properly designed mortar, or with a batch of regular
concrete with the coarse aggregate omitted. The quantity of mortar required as
lubricant is dependent on the smoothness and cleanliness of the pipeline. As a

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guide line, for a 100 mm diameter pipe line of 100 meter length, 0.08 cum to
0.10 cum of mortar should normally be adequate, but this shall not be taken as
specified, and the contractor shall establish his requirement.

The quantity of mortar that comes out of the delivery end of the pipeline shall
not be used in place of the concrete work. However, with approval of the
Engineer this mortar may be used as bedding mortar against construction joints.
The rest of the mortar shall be wasted.

Lubrication shall be maintained as long as the pumping of concrete continues.

1.31 GUIDE LINES OF FIELD PRACTICE

1.31.1 Proper planning of concrete supply, pump locations, line layout, placing
sequence and the entire pumping operation will result in savings of times and
expense.

1.31.2 The pump shall be placed as near the placement area as practicable. The
surrounding area of the pump shall be free of obstructions to allow for
movement of concrete delivery trucks. The surface must be strong enough to
withstand the loaded trucks operating on it. If the surface is a suspended slab, the
truck route shall be adequately supported in consultation with the Engineer.

1.31.3 Pipelines from the pump to the placing area shall be laid with minimum number
of bends. For large placement areas, alternate lines shall be installed for rapid
connection when required. A flexible pipe at the discharge end will permit
placing over a large area directly without rehandling of pipelines. The pipeline
shall be firmly supported.

If more than one size of pipe must be used, the smaller diameter pipe shall be
placed at the pump end and the larger diameter at the discharge end.

1.31.4 When pumping downwards, an air release valve shall be provided at the middle
of the top bend to prevent vacuum or air built-up. Similarly, while pumping
upwards, a no-return valve shall be provided near the pump to prevent the
reverse flow of concrete during the fitting or clean up of equipment's or when
working on the pump.

1.31.5 It is essential that direct radio/telecommunication be maintained between the

pump operator and the concrete placing crew. Good communication between the
pump operator and the batching-plant is also essential. The pump operator shall
estimate the placing rate so that concrete can be ordered at an appropriate
delivery rate.
1.31.6 The pump shall be started for a check run and operated without concrete to
ensure that all moving parts are operating properly. Before placing concrete, the
pump shall be run with some grout/mortar for lubricating the line.

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1.31.7 When concrete is received in the hopper, the pump shall be run slowly until the
lines are completely full and the concrete is steadily moving. A continuous
pumping must be ensured, because, if the pump is stopped, concrete in the line
may be difficult to move again.

1.31.8 When a delay occurs because of concrete delivery or some form repair works or
for any other reason, the pump shall be slowed down to maintain some
movement of concrete in the pipeline. For longer delays, concrete in the
receiving hopper shall be made to last as long as possible by moving the concrete
in the lines occasionally with intermittent strokes of the pump. It is sometimes
essential to run a return line back to the pump so that concrete can be re-
circulated during long delays.

1.31.9 If after a long delay, concrete cannot be moved in the line, it may be necessary to
clean out the entire line. However, quite often only a small section of pipeline
may be plugged and require cleaning. The pump operator who knows such
details as the length of line, age of concrete in the line etc., should be depended
upon to aid in deciding the appropriate section to be cleaned.

1.31.10 When the form is nearly full, and there is enough concrete in the line to complete
the placement, the pump shall be stopped and a "go-devil" inserted at the
appropriate time so that concrete ahead of the go-devil is adequate for the
completion of the work. The go-devil shall be forced through the pipeline to clean
it out. Use of water pressure is a safer method. The go-devil shall be stopped
about from the discharge end to ensure that water does not spill on the placement
area. If air pressure is used, extreme care shall be taken and the pressure must be
very carefully regulated. A trap shall be installed at the end of the line to prevent
the go-devil being ejected as a dangerous projectile. An air release valve shall
also be installed in the line to prevent air pressure build up.

1.31.11 It is essential to clean the line after concrete placing operation is complete.
Cleaning shall be done in the reverse direction from the formwork end to the
pump-end where the concrete in the line can be dumped in a bucket. After
removal of all concrete, all pipe lines and other equipment shall be cleaned
thoroughly and made ready for the next use.

1.32 SUBMITTALS

1.32.1 Along with their bid the contractors shall be required to submit the following
information regarding the equipment proposed to be used by them: -

- Type, number, capacity, range, mounting, nature of primary power used and
the operating weights of pump and mounting.
- Manufacturer's specifications for pipe lines giving pressure ratings, sizes
and material for straight and curved sections.
- Manufacturer's certificates.

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1.33 CONCRETE-VIBRATING, COMPACTING AND CURING

1.33.1 Compacting Concrete

1.33.1.1 Concrete shall be thoroughly compacted and fully worked around all the
reinforcements, around embedded fixtures and into corners of the formwork so as not
be leave any voids/air spaces.

1.33.1.2 Internal vibration when properly applied is the most effective method of
consolidating/compacting plastic concrete and is generally best suited for normal
construction.

1.33.1.3 Use of mechanical vibrators complying with relevant specifications shall be made as
under:-

- Immersion type vibrators (I.S. 2505)

- Screed board concrete vibrators (I.S. 2506)
- Concrete vibrating tables (I.S. 2514)
- Concrete form vibrators (I.S. 4656)

1.33.1.4 Vibrators shall not be used for moving concrete laterally, and shall be inserted
into concrete vertically at close intervals.

1.33.1.5 The largest and most powerful vibrator that can be used effectively shall be
used to ensure that all concrete is adequately consolidated. Care shall be taken
to prevent over vibration resulting in segregation and bleeding.

1.33.1.6 A systematic and patterned vibration shall be used to ensure proper

consolidation of the full mass of concrete deposited.

1.33.1.7 Re-vibration of concrete may be done provided that the running vibrator sinks
into the concrete by its own weight. Till such time it is not too late for the
concrete to be benefited from re-vibration. However, re-vibration shall not be
done to concrete where initial set has taken place.

1.33.1.8 In unusually difficult and obstructed places supplemental form vibrators shall
be used. However, care shall be taken to avoid over vibration, causing
segregation, bleeding, and paste formation on the surface.

1.33.1.9 For unusually thin and repetitive pre-cast units, table vibrators shall be used for
compaction of concrete.

1.33.1.10 Use of vacuum dewatering processes and use of absorptive form liners have
shown successful results in preventing formation of air void holes in concrete.
Specialist agencies and technicians shall be employed when such processes are
proposed to be used.

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1.33.1.11 Experienced and competent vibrator operators shall be used for compaction of
concrete.

Adequate number of stand by vibrators shall be kept ready while placement and
compaction of concrete is in progress.

1.34 CURING CONCRETE

1.34.1 Curing of concrete shall commence from the day of placing concrete and as soon as
the surface is finished, and shall continue for a minimum period of 10 days.

1.34.2 Exposed surfaces of concrete shall be continuously kept in state of damp or wet
condition through out the period of curing specified.

1.34.2.1 Moist curing shall be done either by pounding (overcharge horizontal areas) or by
spraying of water at intervals so that the surface is never dry.

1.34.2.2 For vertical faces and softies of slabs and beams, moist curing shall be done either by
spraying or sprinkling water at intervals directly on the surfaces to keep them wet
continuously, or, by covering the surfaces with suitable absorbent membrane
(Hessian Cloth) completely hugging the surfaces and keeping the membrane wet and
covering the membrane with polyethylene sheet to keep the membrane wet.

1.35 In addition to methods of curing specified above, when the relative humidity is less
than 50 % and the wind speed exceeds 4 meters per second, sheltering of concrete
during casting and for a period of 24 hours after casting shall be provided. Such
sheltering shall be in the form of heavy-duty polythene sheets forming an enclosure
for the area under operation keeping adequate headroom clearances operations.

1.35.1 Similar protective cover to freshly-laid concrete shall be provided during inclement
weather conditions, so that rain water does not come in contact with freshly laid
concrete for a period of 10 hours.

1.36 Cost of all works specified in this section including tools, plants, equipment's and
accessories required to carry out the works shall be borne by the contractors.

1.37 HOT WEATHER CONCRETING

1.37.1 Hot Weather Concreting

When the shade temperature is 40°C or above, the contractor shall employ all
necessary precautions for proper concrete placement and curing as laid down below,
or else make arrangements for concreting during evening and night hours, subject to
approval of Engineer.

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1.37.2 Adequate advance preparation shall be made to meet requirements of hot weather
concreting in terms of equipment and material as under:-
 Ensure ample supply of curing water and cooling surfaces of formwork,
reinforcing steel and aggregates.
 Ensure provisions of adequate quantities of canvas or heavy-duty polythene
sheets and lumber for erecting temporary sheds and windbreaks.

1.37.3 For hot weather concreting, detailed schedule shall be drawn up such that concrete is
placed in position and compacted properly with the least delay in operation.

1.37.4 Temperature of fresh concrete shall not be allowed to go above the specified limit of
35°C. This may be achieved by:-
 Use of ice in mixing water keeping the water – cement ratio to design value.
 Cooling of aggregates by wetting with proper control of free water content.

1.37.5 As necessary, formwork and reinforcing steel shall be sprayed with cold water to
bring down the temperature taking adequate precaution that there is no standing
water in the formwork.

1.37.6 During hot weather due to rapid loss in slump, strain and demand on vibrating
equipment is larger. Therefore adequate number of stand by vibrators shall be kept
ready for use as required.

1.37.7 The area under concreting operation shall be enclosed with heavy-duty polythene
sheet or canvas sheets to protect direct sun and to bring down the temperature to
below 40°C in the area. Immediately after the concrete is placed, it shall be covered
with material such as burlap, which shall be kept, wet continuously. When ready for
floating/final finish, the cover shall be removed in parts, work completed and once
again covered.

1.37.8 All equipment's, tools plants, mixtures, transport trucks, etc., shall be kept under
shade and their temperature shall not be allowed to rise above 40°C.

1.37.9 Special care shall be taken for curing in hot weather conditions. Curing shall be done
with water having temperature less than 30°C. Where curing by ponding is to be
done, checks shall be made on the temperature of the ponding water such that the
temperature does not rise above 35°C.

1.38 SAMPLING AND TESTING MATERIALS

1.38.1 Aggregates

Supplier of aggregates shall furnish the following information before the material is
delivered to site: -
- Precise location of source from where the material is to be supplied
- Trade group of principal rock type as per table 1.1.1
- Physical characteristics as per I.S.383
- Presence of reactive minerals

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Table - 1.1.1

Trade group names of aggregates : Granite, Gabbro, Dolerite

to be used for concrete Rhyolite, Basalt, Quartzite Gneiss

1.38.2 The supplier shall also furnish reports on test results giving the following information
for approval to Engineer before delivery of material at site: -
- Specific gravity
- Bulk density
- Moisture content
- Absorption value
- Aggregate crushing strength
- Aggregate impact value
- Abrasion value
- Flakiness index
- Elongation index
- Limits of deleterious substances in the aggregate
- Soundness of aggregate
- Potential reactivity of aggregates
All tests shall be conducted in accordance with I.S.2386 (part-I to VIII)

1.38.3 Change in quality of aggregates as per trade group name shall not be acceptable in
the work. Change in source of aggregates shall also not be acceptable under normal
circumstances, even if the aggregates belong to the same trade group Engineer, may
with his discretion allow a change in the source. But, in that case, all tests mentioned
above shall have to be repeated for aggregates from the changed source and the test
results submitted to Engineer for his approval before the delivery of material at site.

1.38.4 In addition to provisions in above, the following tests have to be performed on

representative samples from every lot of aggregates after delivery at site. These test
results are to be submitted to the Engineer for his approval. Acceptance criteria for
aggregates shall be based on the results of this set of tests only. If the opinion of the
Engineer, the test results are not within permissible limits, the lot of aggregates from
which the samples have been obtained for testing shall stand rejected and the material
shall be removed from the site.

Mandatory test on Aggregates at Site

Tests No. of tests on each 10 cum of

material or part there of
1. Specific gravity 3
2. Bulk density 3
3. Aggregate Crushing Strength 3
4. Limits of deleterious substances 3
5. Aggregate impact value 3

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Mean value of the results from above tests shall be taken as the representative value
and the acceptance criteria shall be based on these. All test procedures and
computations for test results shall be as per I.S.2386.

1.38.5 All other tests in being in compliance with requirements set in specifications, if only
the limits of deleterious substances do not meet the requirements attempt may be
made to wash the aggregates to bring the limits within permissible values. Under
such circumstances, moisture content check shall be made and allowance made
before batching as per stipulations given in Section-2 of these specifications.

1.38.6 Apart from mandatory test specified in above, the Engineer may at his discretion, call
for any additional tests that he may consider necessary, sampling, procedure and
Computations for such tests shall be done in accordance with I.S.2430 and I.S.2386
as applicable.

1.39 WATER

1.39.1 Water to be used in manufacturing and caring of concrete shall be treated before use.
All such test results shall be submitted to the Engineer for his approval before water
is used.

1.39.2 Manufacturer/Contractor responsible for curing concrete shall identify and inform the
Engineer, precisely the location of source of water intended to be used. Each such
source of water shall be separately tested. In the event of a change in the source of
water, all tests specified herein shall have to be repeated.

1.39.3 In the event water is drawn from tube wells or open wells water samples shall be
tested for seasonal fluctuations in water table or at intervals to be directed by the
Engineer.

1.39.4 Water samples from each source shall be tested as under: -

Test Number of tests each source

Acidity 3
Alkalinity 3
Presence of Solids 3

Mean values of the above test shall be taken as the representative value and the
acceptance criteria shall be based on these test results. All testing procedures and
computation of test results shall conform to I.S.3025.

1.40 ADMIXTURES

1.40.1 Suppliers of Admixtures for concrete shall supply the following before the Engineer
for their use approves any admixture: -

a) Certificate confirming that the use of a particular brand of mixture shall not be
harmful to concrete in any way.

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b) Certificate confirming the exact dosage of admixture of a particular brand.

c) Certificate stating the specific purpose for which the admixture is to be used.

d) Special precautionary measures to be taken in the manufacture of concrete when

were using the particular of admixture.

e) Certificate confirming that the admixture conforms to specifications of I.S.9103

or to ASTM - C 260, ASTM - C 10, ASTM - C 141, ASTM - C 595 or to ASTM
- C 618.

1.40.2 Engineer at his discretion may require tests to be performed to re-confirm the
characteristic properties of any admixture. All such tests shall be done in accordance
with I.S.9103.

1.41 All tests described in above shall be done at site laboratory or at a laboratory to be
identified by the Engineer depending on the test to be conducted.

1.41.1 All tests shall be done in the presence of a representative nominated by the Engineer
and representative of the concrete Manufacturer when tests are performed at the site
laboratory. The two representatives shall jointly sign all observation and reports of
tests before the test results are submitted to the Engineer for his approval.

1.41.2 Expenses for all materials used for testing, sampling procedures and testing including
preparing reports shall be borne by the Concrete Manufacturer.

1.42 CONCRETE SAMPLING AND TESTING FOR QUALITY CONTROL

1.42.1 Fresh Concrete

1.42.1.1 Fresh concrete shall be tested for

- Slump
- Compacting Factor/Workability
- Consistency
- Weight per cubic meter, cement factor and air content

1.42.2 Slump

1.42.2.1 For concrete totally mixed in a central plant, slump shall be checked at: -
a) Immediately during loading of trucks.
b) Point of discharge from the delivery truck.

Manufacturer of concrete shall adjust for loss of slump in transit and establish the
requirements of design mix. All slump measurements shall be done within a period
of 20 minutes from the time cement is added to the mixer. Placement contractor
shall transport concrete from truck discharge point to actual placement location

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within the time limit laid down below, before the final slump reading is taken at
placement location.

1.42.2.2 For concrete entirely mixed in transit or for shrink mix concrete, slump readings
shall be taken at: -

a) Point of discharge from delivery trucks

b) Final placement location

In this case, the slump measured at the final placement location shall conform to
the design slump.

The Contractor shall receive, unload, convey to final points of placing (by pumping
or other means) and complete placing of concrete in its final position within 45
minutes of the arrival of the concrete in transit mixer at pre-designated point.
Concrete from the transit mixer shall be unloaded into contractor's pump/hopper or
other receptacle within 30 (thirty) minutes of the arrival of the transit mixer at the
pre-designated point.

Pumpable concrete will be supplied as per Contractor's requirements with a

maximum slump of 125 mm. Alternatively, concrete with lesser slump and higher
workability achieved by adding plasticizers can also be considered depending upon
the particular situation.

Slump shall be measured at point of discharge immediately on delivery.

Manufacturer of concrete shall ensure that the slump measurement corresponds to
the ordered slump.

1.42.2.3 For measuring concrete slump at point of discharge from delivery trucks, samples
shall be taken from concrete omitting the first and the last 15 % of the load. For
concrete delivered or placed by pumping, sampling shall be similar to those
specified for delivery trucks.

1.42.2.4 For all slump checks in the field at least two recordings shall be made and the
average value taken as the recorded slump.

1.42.2.5 Slump checks for concrete in the laboratory shall be carried out as and when
required by the manufacturer of concrete during the mix design stage and during
the progress of work for control on field results.

1.42.2.6 Slump shall only be a guideline for concrete consistency and shall not be taken as
the acceptability criteria for concrete placed at location. All slump tests shall be
carried out in accordance with I.S.1199.
1.43.3 Compacting factor

1.43.3.1 For concrete whose ordered slump is 50 mm or less, compacting factor check shall
be conducted at central batch plant if concrete is totally mixed in plant.

1.43.3.2 Compacting factor check shall be done in field only at placement location, and
shall also be conducted at central batch plant if concrete is totally mixed in plant.

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1.4 3.3.3 For this, test sampling shall be done as for slump measurements in field and within
the same time frame as for slump test.

1.43.3.4 Compaction factor tests shall be conducted on concrete placed at location for each
type of concrete. Since the test is sensitive, every care shall be taken to conduct this
test totally in compliance with procedure mentioned in I.S.1199.

1.43.3.5 Laboratory tests for determining compacting factor of concrete shall be done as per
manufacturer's requirement for establishing and controlling the design mix of
concrete.

1.43.3.6 Compacting factor test shall not be taken as acceptance criteria and shall be treated
only as a guideline to workability of concrete.

1.43.4 The Engineer may at his discretion require further tests over and above those
specified above to be conducted on fresh concrete. The manufacturer and the
placement contractor shall have to comply with all such requirements.

1.44 HARDENED CONCRETE

1.44.1 For quality control a strict check on the strength of concrete shall be maintained
along with other field requirements, slump etc., mentioned in above.

1.44.2 Tests on cube crushing strength of concrete in accordance and compliance with
I.S.456 and I.S.516 shall be done as under: -

1.44.2.1 Samples of fresh concrete shall be taken from concrete at central batch plant mixer
while loading delivery trucks or other transport and also from concrete transported to
placement location.

1.44.2.2 Tests on specimens made from samples collected at placement location shall be
considered as field test specimens and results there from shall be the criterion of
concrete strength. Test on specimens made from samples at the batch plant shall
only be taken as guideline tests. Only in the case of doubtful results, the Engineer
may refer to such guideline results for deciding on the quality of concrete.

1.45 TESTING OF CONCRETE BY CONTRACTOR

The concrete produced by the RMC supplier will be placed in position consolidated
and cured by the contractor who has to guarantee that the concrete finally placed by
him in various locations confirms to the strength and other requirements laid down in
these specifications.

The RMC supplier will conduct his own tests periodically to ensure that the concrete
produced by him and delivered at the pre-designated points at the site meets the
strength, slump and other requirements called for. It shall be the responsibility of the
contractor to conduct independent tests on his own to guarantee that the concrete
placed by him in position conforms to the strength and other requirements. Towards

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

meeting this requirement the contractor shall conduct his own tests on the concrete
received at pre-designated points as well as in its final position.

The contractor shall conduct accelerated tests on the test specimens besides 7 day and
28 day tests as called for.

1.46 TESTING FACILITY

To facilitate such tests in a proper manner and to avoid disputes likely to arise out of
improper testing by other test houses, it is proposed to get tests on samples of
concrete collected from points of delivery and placing, conducted at the RMC
supplier's TESTING LABORATORY itself in the presence of the Engineer, RMC
supplier and the Contractor. Such tests conducted in RMC Supplier's laboratory in
the presence of all concerned shall be acceptable to all and the test results shall be
binding on all concerned.

The cubes made for testing shall be properly labelled and stored in curing tanks
controlled by the Engineer.

Tests on concrete at delivery points shall be carried out by the RMC supplier and
tests on concrete at final point of placing shall be carried out by the contractor.

The RMC supplier will provide adequate facilities for the contractor to inspect the
materials and the processes used in the manufacture, and the methods of delivery of
the concrete.

Samples of the concrete for test purposes shall be obtained in the manner described in
the appropriate part of IS:456 relevant to sampling concrete at a mixer and shall be
taken at the point and time of discharge. On the sample so obtained, slump tests, or
compacting factor tests and compressive strength tests shall be carried out. These
tests and any others within the scope of IS:456 shall be carried out in accordance
with that standard; and the methods of any tests outside its scope shall be agreed
upon, prior to testing.

1.46.1 Frequency of sampling shall be as given in table below for each grade of concrete
of different workability's for conducting crushing strength tests and other tests.

Quantity of concrete Number of Samples

(cum) Delivered

Less than 5 1
6 to 15 2
16 to 30 3
31 to 50 4
51 and above 4 plus one additional
sample for each additional
50 cum or part there of
_____________________________________________________________________

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The contractor preferably in the presence of the RMC supplier should take samples
as frequently as required. In order to make full use of the tolerances stipulated
elsewhere, it is necessary to have test results from at least six samples taken from
different loads. All test specimens shall be cast, compacted, cured and tested in
compliance with I.S.516, and the test results interpreted in accordance with I.S.456.
The strength test shall be carried out on three specimens tested at the same age
(7days and 28 days) from any one sample. The specimens shall be cured under
laboratory conditions. The average strength of the three specimens shall be the test
result.

1.46.2 Acceptance Criterion

Acceptance criterion of any concrete shall be as stipulated in Clause 15 of IS 456.

1.46.2.1 The range, i.e., the highest minus the lowest individual specimen strength within the
group of three, should not be more than +/- 15 percent of the average result.

1.46.2.2 Standard Deviation:

Standard deviation calculations test results based on tests conducted on same mix
design for a particular grade designation shall be done in accordance with clause
14.5 of IS 456.

1.47 FAILURE OF FIELD TEST CUBES

If tests of field cubes i.e. from the final points of placing indicate likelihood of low-
strength concrete in the structure thereby implying that the load carrying capacity of
the structure may have been significantly reduced, then, at the direction of the
Engineer, the contractor shall conduct non-destructive tests on the structure as
detailed below.

When the 28 days crushing strength values on field specimens and/or specimens
made for guideline tests fall short of specified values or in case of doubtful placement
of concrete, the Engineer shall call for non-destructive tests on the structure. Such
tests may be any one or a combination of the following.
- Rebound hammer test
- Windsor penetration probe test
- Pulse Velocity (Sonic or Ultrasonic) tests
- Core test
- Load test

Interpretation of rebound hammer, Windsor probes and pulse velocity test results
shall rest with the Engineer.

Core tests, if ordered by the Engineer, shall be done in accordance with I.S.516.
Samples for such test shall be taken from locations to be identified by the Engineer
and such samples shall be collected in compliance with I.S.1199.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

If felt necessary, the Engineer may instruct load testing for any part of the structure
based on doubtful concrete strengths. Such tests shall be carried out as per details/to
be provided by the Engineer in consultation with the structural consultants.

Three cores shall be taken for each affected area and the cores shall be air dried for 7
days and shall be tested dry if the concrete in the structure will be dry under service
conditions. The cores shall be immersed in water for 48 hours and tested wet if the
concrete in the structure will be more than superficially wet under service conditions.
Concrete in the area represented by the core tests shall be considered structurally
adequate if the average of the three core test results is equal to at least 85 % of the
specified strength and if no single core test result is less than 75 % of the specified
strength. To check testing accuracy, locations represented by the erratic core
strengths may be retested. If these strength acceptance criteria are not met by the core
tests, the Engineer will decide upon

i) Rejection of the affected work and total replacement to acceptable standards or

ii) Measures to strengthen the affected work. The decision, either way, shall be
solely that of the Engineer and all expenses relating to replacement of defective
work or strengthening measures shall be borne by the Contractor along with
responsibility for the consequence of delay.

The Engineer decision in this regard shall be final and shall be binding on all
concerned.

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B1: 2.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: FORMWORK

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 Description

This section covers the requirements for providing, fabricating and erecting of
formwork including propping, bracing, shoring, strutting, tying, bolting, wedging and
all other temporary supports to the concrete during the process of setting and
subsequent striking and removal of forms.

2.2 RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

a) Cast-in-place reinforced concrete

b) Precast concrete

2.3 APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

The codes and standards generally applicable to the work of this section are:

IS: 456 code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete

IS: 4990 plywood for concrete shuttering work.
IS: 2750 Steel scaffolding
IS: 4014 Part I & II code of practice for steel tubular scaffolding

2.4 SUBMITTALS

2.4.1 Type of formwork

Prior to start of delivery of materials for formwork, the Contractor shall prepare
samples of different types of formwork for slabs, columns, etc., as instructed by the
Engineer and obtain approval before procuring and proceeding with further
fabrication work.

2.4.2 Design of forms

Before fabricating of forms, the contractor shall submit design calculations for
proposed formwork for transfer girders & other important members identified by the
Engineer for his approval. However, the approval of the formwork design in no way
will relieve the contractor of his responsibility for adequately constructing and
maintaining the forms so that they will function properly as required.

2.4.3 Tie bolts/spacer blocks

The contractor shall use spacer blocks and removable ties for walls as far as possible.
In case the contractor proposes to use tie bolts running through the concrete, the
location and size of such tie bolts shall be submitted to the Engineer for his approval.

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2.5 MATERIALS

2.5.1 Formwork shall be fabricated out of plywood, steel or approved timber planks,
capable of retaining the size and profile and resisting damage to the contact faces
under all conditions of erecting forms, fixing steel reinforcement and placing
concrete. The selection of materials suitable for formwork shall be made by the
Contractor subject to approval of the Engineer, based on the adequacy of quality,
consistent with the specified finishes and safety. The essential requirement shall be
that the formwork shall retain its dimensions and shape without bulging, buckling or
sagging and produce and finish to concrete surface as envisaged by the Engineer and
within the limits specified in Indian Standards.

2.5.2 Plywood
Plywood used for formwork shall be 12mm thick or more where required. Shuttering
quality plywood shall comply with IS:4990 and of make approved by the Engineer.

2.5.3 Steel
Steel formwork shall be made of 1.5 to 2mm thick M.S.Sheets, adequately stiffened
with angle iron frame and M.S.flats.

2.6 DESIGN CRITERIA

2.6.1 Formwork shall be designed for the loads and lateral pressures due to dead weight of
concrete, superimposed live loads of workmen, materials and plants and for other
loads as indicated on the drawings or as instructed by the engineer.
2.6.2 Forms shall be designed to have sufficient strength to carry the hydrostatic head of
concrete as a liquid without deflection tolerances exceeding the acceptable limits.
2.6.3 Where necessary, to maintain the tolerances indicated on the drawings, the formwork
should be cambered to compensate for anticipated deflections due to the weight and
pressure of the fresh concrete, and also due to any other construction loads. Unless
otherwise shown or specified, the camber shall be provided as below: -
Types of member Compression Steel Camber
as % of tensile steel Co-efficient

Simple Span 0% 0.066

50% 0.037
Continuous span 0% 0.032
Restrained span 50% 0.020
Cantilever 0% 0.086
50% 0.046

Camber in cms = K x L x 2.54/D

Where K = Camber co-efficient
L = Length of member in meter
D = Depth of member in meter

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.7 CENTERING / FALSEWORK

2.7.1 Formwork supports or centring or False-work shall be of multi-legged prefabricated

steel tubular frames, in modular sizes suitably designed for easy assembly and quick
dismantling.

2.7.2 Formwork supports, centering and scaffolding shall be only in steel and not in
timber/bally or other materials. Whatever may be the systems, it shall consist of
adjustable steel props and scaffolds with special arrangement for drop heads,
specially designed bases, heads, clamps and accessories, and shall be adequately
strong and safe in respect of the loads coming on it and the height of the centering
and shall ensure fast erection and dismantling.

2.7.3 Prefabricated modular steel tubular centering and scaffolding system shall conform to
relevant Indian Standards IS: 2750 and IS:4014 Part I and II and shall be specially
designed and manufactured by Acrow India Ltd. or other approved specialist firms
engaged in design and manufacture of formwork and scaffold systems.

2.7.4 The contractor shall keep the ENGINEER posted of the Contractor's proposal and
programme for centering/scaffolding for important concrete elements such as transfer
girders, double height (and more) floor slabs, bridge support columns, etc.,

2.7.5 In view of the large area of the floor slabs and the repetitive nature of the slab, the
contractor shall devise suitable system for ensuring quick easy erection and
dismantling of the formwork. Similar designs shall be worked out for the upper floor
slabs to achieve an expedition pouring cycle.

2.8 ERECTION OF FORMWORK

2.8.1 Forms shall be used wherever necessary to confine the concrete during vibration and
to shape it to the required profile. The formwork shall conform to shapes, lines,
levels and dimensions of the concrete shown on the drawings.

2.8.2 Forms shall have sufficient strength to withstand the pressures resulting from
placement and vibration of concrete and shall be maintained rigidly in position.
Formwork shall be supported by centering/falsework with adequate number and size
of struts, braces, ties and props to ensure complete rigidity of forms during
concreting. Where props rest on natural or filled up ground, to avoid any settlement,
the soil shall be thoroughly compacted and wooden/steel bases provided to
distribute the load. Bases of props shall be of sufficient size so as to restrict the
bearing pressure on the ground to 5T/sqm.

2.8.3 Forms shall be tight enough to prevent loss of slurry from the concrete and to
produce dense, homogeneous and uniformly coloured concrete completely free from
honeycombing or surface roughness. Joints in formwork shall be designed to prevent
leakage, not only between individual elements forming the panels but also from the
horizontal and vertical junction between the panels themselves.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.8.4 If a formwork is held together by bolts or other steel members these shall be so fixed
so that no steel shall be exposed on surface against which concrete is to be laid.
Engineer may at his discretion allow the contractor to use tie bolts running through
the concrete. Holes left in the concrete by these tie-bolts shall be at the contractor's
expense.

2.8.5 Formwork shall be constructed so as to facilitate loosening and permit removal

without jarring the concrete; wedges, clamps and bolts shall be used wherever
practicable instead of nails. All formwork shall be erected true to line and levels and
shall have approval from the ENGINEER before concreting is started.

2.8.6 Concrete receiving formwork shall be independent of the formwork and load shall
not be transferred on to forms.

2.8.7 Chamfer strips shall be placed in the corners of forms for exposed exterior corners so
as to produce 20mm bevelled edges except where otherwise shown in the drawings.
Interior corners and edges at formed joints shall not be bevelled unless shown on the
drawings.

2.9 CLEANING AND OILING OF FORMS

2.9.1 The surface of the forms to come in contact with the concrete shall be free from
incrustations of mortar, grout or other foreign material. Temporary opening shall be
left at the bottom of formwork to enable sawdust, shavings, wire cutting and other
foreign material to be removed from the interior of the forms before the concrete is
placed. Compressed Air shall be used to clean the completed formwork and remove
all traces of dust and debris before pouring concrete.

2.9.2 The surface of the forms to be in contact with the concrete shall be coated with an
approved coating that will effectively prevent adherence of concrete and will not
stain the concrete surfaces. After each use the surfaces of forms in contact with
concrete shall be cleaned, of mortar etc., well wetted and treated with form oil
approved by the ENGINEER. Lubricating (machine) oils shall not be used. Mould
release-agents manufactured by Fosroc chemicals, MC Bauchemie or Roffe
Chemicals shall be used for applying on the form faces. They shall be used only
strictly as recommended by the manufacturers.

2.9.3 Immediately before concreting is commenced the formwork shall be carefully

examined to see that all dirt, shavings, sawdust and other refuse have been removed
and the formwork shall be wetted thoroughly to prevent absorption of water from
concrete. The formwork of timber shall be kept wet during concreting and for the
whole time that it is left in place.

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2.10 REMOVAL OF FORMWORK

2.10.1 Formwork shall be removed carefully so as to prevent damage to the concrete.

Wooden wedges only shall be used between the concrete surface and the form where
force is necessary to separate the form from the concrete. Metal wedges bars or tools
shall not be used for this purpose.

Any concrete damaged in the process of removing the forms shall be repaired in
accordance with the provision of concrete specifications.

2.10.2 All non-supporting forms shall be loosened and removed during regular working
hours, and as soon as the concrete has hardened sufficiently to prevent damage from
the removal of the forms. All falsework and forms supporting concrete beams and
slabs, or other members subject to direct bending stress, shall not be removed or
released until the concrete has attained sufficient strength to ensure structural
stability and to carry both the dead and live loads including any construction loads
which may be placed upon it.

2.10.3 Unless otherwise permitted in writing by the ENGINEER the forms shall not be
stripped in less than the minimum periods specified in IS: 456. However the
ENGINEER may insist on retaining the formwork for longer periods, necessary for
structural stability for particular locations.

2.10.4 No construction loads exceeding the combination of superimposed dead load plus
specified live load shall be imposed on any unshored portion of the structure under
construction, unless analysis indicates adequate strength to support such additional
loads.

2.10.5 Formwork shall be removed in such a manner as not to impair safety and
serviceability of the structure. It shall be removed gradually and in sequence where
called for to prevent sudden application of loads to the concrete. All concrete to be
exposed by form removal shall have sufficient strength so as not to be damaged there
by. The mode of removal of formwork for important structural elements shall be
discussed and got approved by the ENGINEER.

2.11 REUSE OF FORMS

2.11.1 Immediately after the forms are removed; they shall be cleaned with jet of water and
a soft brush before they are reused.

2.11.2 The contractor shall not be permitted reuse of any forms which in the opinion of the
Engineer has worn out and has become unfit for reuse. The ENGINEER may in his
absolute discretion order rejection of any forms he considers unfit for use in the
works, and order their removal from the site.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.12 MEASUREMENTS

2.12.1 Where it is stipulated that the formwork shall be paid for separately, measurement
shall be taken of the area of shuttering in contact with the concrete surface.

2.12.2 No deductions from the shuttering due to the openings or pockets shall be made if
area of such openings or pockets does not exceed 0.1 sqm. Nothing extra will be paid
for forming such openings.

2.12.3 No payments will be made for temporary formwork used in neither concreting, nor
form works required for joints in floor or elsewhere where such joints are to be
covered later with concrete or mastic or other materials. Bulkhead areas in expansion
joints will be paid.

2.12.4 No payment will be made for holes to be made in the formwork for inserting electrical
conduits, fan hooks and all other inserts, unless specifically provided for otherwise.
Pockets, openings, etc as shown and as called for shall be formed to correct dimensions
by suitable formwork.
2.12.5 If the contractor is required to retain the formwork in position for a longer period than
what is normally required such as for virendeels, members hung from above, or any
other reason whatsoever, nothing extra will be paid on this account.

2.13 FORMWORK FOR SLOPED SURFACES

2.13.1 Forms for sloped surfaces shall be built so that the formwork can be placed board-by-
board immediately ahead of concrete placement so as to enable ready access for
placement, vibration, inspection and repair of the concrete.

2.13.2 Requirements laid down in Indian Standards shall be followed in this regard.

2.13.3 The formwork shall also be built so that the boards can be removed one by one from
the bottom up as soon as the concrete has attained sufficient stiffness to prevent
sagging. Surfaces of construction joints and finished surfaces with slopes steeper than
4 horizontal: 1 vertical shall be formed as required herein.

2.14 FORMWORK FOR CURVED SURFACES

2.14.1 The contractor shall interpolate intermediate sections as necessary and shall construct
the forms so that the curvature is continuous between sections. Where necessary to
meet requirements for curvature, the formwork shall be built up of laminated
plywood strips cut to make tight, smooth form surfaces. Fabricated steel moulds for
circular columns may be used, if approved by the Engineer.

2.14.2 After the forms have been constructed, all surface irregularities at matching faces of
form material shall be dressed to the specified.

Moulding for grooves, drip courses and bands shall be made in the form itself

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

B1: 3.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: REINFORCEMENT STEEL

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 This section covers the requirements for providing fabricating, delivering and placing
in position and securing at location by binding or welding, of reinforcements for in
situ and Precast non-pretressed reinforced concrete work.

3.1.2 Reinforcements for concrete may be from any of the "Grades" of steel indicated
below, conforming to the latest relevant Indian standards mentioned against each: -

Grade Description Conforming to

Fe 250 Mild Steel IS 432 (Part I)

Fe 490 Hard drawn steel wire IS 432 (Part II)
Fe 415 High strength Deformed/Ribbed steel IS 1786
Fe 500 High strength Deformed/ Ribbed steel IS 1786
Fe 550 High strength Deformed/ Ribbed steel IS 1786

3.1.3 Reinforcing steel may be any of the following types: -

Type - I: Plain Round Bars (PR)

Type - II: Welded wire Fabrics (WWF)
Type - III: Cold Twisted Deformed Bars (CTD)
Type - IV: Thermo Mechanically Treated Ribbed Bars (TMT)
Type - V: Thermo Mechanically Treated Ribbed Corrosion
Resistant bars (Copper Bearing) TMT-CR)
Type - VI: Corrosion resistant CTD bars (CTD-CR)

3.1.4 Unless specifically shown in drawings or instructions issued in writing by the

Engineer, Steel of any Grade or Type other than those specified in clauses 3.1.2 and
3.1.3 above shall not be used for the purpose of concrete reinforcements.

3.1.5 Type and grade of steel to be used in the work shall be verified from the Engineer
and relevant contract Documents before procuring such steel.

3.1.6 All steel shall be procured only from original producers. Rerolled steel shall not be
procured for the purpose of using these as reinforcement in concrete work.

3.1.7 Every consignment of steel brought to the site of works for use in reinforced concrete
work, shall be accompanied by a certificate from the manufacturer giving the
following details: -

a) Process of Manufacture
b) Grade and Type of Steel
c) Chemical composition of steel

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

d) Results of tests giving yield strength, ultimate Tensile strength, Elongation

percentage on gauge length of five times the diameter of bar, bend and rebend on
minimum mandrel diameter, bond strength values, corrosion test results and fatigue
test results. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Engineer for his record
and reference.

3.1.8 Steels of grade Fe 415, Fe 500 and Fe 550 may be of Type III (CTD bars), or Type
IV (TMT bars), or Type V (TMT-CR bars), or Type VI (CTD-CR) depending on the
process employed by the manufacturer. Depending on the process the chemical
composition of steel may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the
manufacturer shall give a guarantee that when combinations of different grades and
different types of steel are used in conjunction and are placed in contact, there is no
bimetallic action-causing enhancement of the process of corrosion.

3.1.9 Some tests to reconfirm the mechanical properties of steel shall have to be conducted
on every consignment of steel received at site. Frequency of such tests shall be as
under:-

For every consignment of steel up to 100 tones or part there of:-

Tests to be conducted Number of tests

i) Tensile strength test 1 No. for each size with

a min. of 2 tests
ii) Bend test for: -
Bars smaller than and 1 No. for each size with
including 20 mm dia. a min. of 3 tests
Bars larger than 20 mm dia 1 No. for each size with
a min. of 5 tests

iii) Elongation test Minimum of 2 Nos. choosing

One number from any two
different sizes if applicable

iv) Mass tolerance test Minimum 3 test with one

number from different
sizes if applicable

All such field tests shall be conducted at a laboratory to be decided by the Engineer-
in-charge. Contractors shall be obliged to conduct all such tests and costs of such
tests have to be borne by the Contractors.

3.1.10 Steel brought to site shall be free from mill scales, rust. grease, oil, paint or any other
coatings, which have deleterious effects on the performance. Bars and wires shall be
cleanly rolled and shall be free from all surface defects detrimental to its use.

However, rust, seams, mill scales or minor surface irregularities shall not be the
cause for rejection. Such bars shall be properly cleaned and retested as directed by

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

the Engineer. Tests shall be conducted in accordance with relevant Indian Standard
specifications.

3.1.11 Based on test results of field tests specified in clauses 3.1.9 and 3.1.10 above, the
Engineer-in-charge will be the sole authority to accept or reject the consignment of
steel, and such decision shall not be influenced by the results of tests as per
manufacturer's certificate mentioned in clause 3.1.7 above.

3.1.12 For acceptability of steel, test results shall comply with the values given below.

Steel Grade (Clause 1.2) Fe250 Fe490 Fe415 Fe500 Fe550

1. Yield Strength/ 0.2% Proof stress (Min) 250 490 415 500 550

2. Ultimate Tensile Strength (Min) 410 580 485 550 585

3. Elongation on gauge length 5 Dia (Min) 23% 10% 14.5% 14% 12%

4. Mandrel dia. for Bend test (Max)

a) For bars upto & including 20mm 2 Dia 2 Dia 3 Dia 4 Dia 5 Dia

b) For bars above20mm 3 Dia 2 Dia 4 Dia 5 Dia 6 Dia

5. Mandrel dia. For Rebend test (Max.)

a) For bars up to &including 20mm (Not Applicable) 5 Dia 5 Dia 7 Dia

b) For bars above 20mm (Not Applicable) 7 Dia 7 Dia 8 Dia

6. Tolerance on Nominal mass of 7.85 gms/cc +/- 2% +/- 2% +/- 2% +/- 2% +/- 2%

3.1.13 Steels of all grades and all types shall have minimum Carbon content of less than
0.25% by mass for guaranteed weld ability.

3.1.14 Steels of Type V shall have a minimum Copper content of 0.30% by mass.

3.1.15 Steel if Type II shall be manufactured in conformity with provisions of I.S. 1566 and
shall be certified by the manufacturer as such.

3.2 BINDING WIRES

3.2.1 Binding wire for steels of all grades and types shall normally be black annealed steel
wire conforming to I.S.280.

3.2.2 When reinforcing bars are galvanized for corrosion protection, the binding wires to
be used in conjunction with such steel shall also be galvanized as per relevant
specifications given elsewhere.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.2.3 Binding wires to be used in conjunction with fusion bonded epoxy-coated reinforcing
bars shall be plastic coated as per specifications given elsewhere.

3.2.4 Nominal size of binding wires shall be as under:-

b) For bars of size over 20mm : 18 Gauge

3.3 COVER BLOCKS

3.3.1 Cover blocks for reinforcements shall be made out of cement mortar. Crushing
strength of such cover blocks shall be one grade richer than the concrete in the
member where such cover blocks are to be used.

3.3.2 Cover to reinforcements may also be provided with reinforcing bars forming "Chairs"
for seating of bars. Such chairs shall be fabricated out of scrap-steel of lengths, which
cannot be efficiently used as reinforcements. Unless specifically shown on drawings
or permitted by Engineer, Type V bars or bars treated for corrosion resistance shall
not be used for fabricating such "Chairs".

3.3.3 Cover blocks made out of Neoprene or High strength plastic may be used subject to
written approval being obtained from the Engineer-in-charge.

3.4 STORAGE OF STEEL

3.4.1 Reinforcing steel shall be handled and stored in a manner such that bending and
distortion of the bars is avoided.

3.4.2 All reinforcing steel shall be stored horizontally above ground level on platforms or
other approved supports, clear of any running or standing water. Contact with soil
shall be avoided. Proper drainage and protection from elements shall be provided.

3.4.3 Bars of different grades, types and sizes shall be stored separately.

3.4.4 Reinforcing bars treated with a corrosion resistant protective coating of any kind
shall be handled and stored with utmost care so as not be cause any damage to the
protective coating. Such bars shall be stored separately from others.

3.4.5 Every stack of reinforcement stored shall be provided with a distinctively displayed
identification board carrying the following information: -
a) Grade of Steel as per Clause 1.2
b) Type of Steel as per Clause 1.3
c) Nominal size of steel
d) Type of corrosion treatment to steel - if provided
e) Delivery batch number and date

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3.5 FABRICATION

3.5.1 Contractor shall prepare Bar bending schedules for all structural components based
on drawings issued for construction. Such schedules shall be submitted to the
Engineer for his approval. Fabrication of reinforcements shall be commenced only on
receiving approval on bar bending schedule from the Engineer.

3.5.2 Reinforcement steel shall be carefully cut, bent and formed to the dimensions and
configurations shown on drawings and bar bending schedules.

3.5.3 All cutting, bending, fixing, binding etc., shall be done generally in accordance with
I.S. 2502 unless otherwise specified herein.

3.5.4 Bending dimension tolerances shall be as specified in I.S. 2502. However, cutting
tolerance for all sizes of bars and for lengths shall be limited +/- 10mm.

3.5.5 All bars shall be bent cold using appropriate mandrel sizes. Dimensions of bends and
hooks shall be as indicated in schedules.

3.5.6 It shall be ensured that bars are not bent or straightened in any manner that will injure
the material. Any incorrectly bent bar shall be used only when the bends are set right,
provided that during straightening and rebending the bars is not damaged in any way
including formation of twisted necks.

3.5.7 No bar shall be bent or straightened when in position on the works without approval
of the Engineer-in-charge, whether or not such bar is partially embedded in hardened
concrete.

3.5.8 Reinforcing steel having a reduced section, visible cracks, peels or any other defects
shall not be used for the purpose of reinforcing of concrete.

3.6 PLACEMENT

3.6.1 All reinforcements shall be placed accurately and secured in position as indicated on
drawings.

3.6.2 Tolerance on placing of reinforcements shall be as under:-

(i) Overall thickness of member Tolerance in spacing of bars

a) Members of thickness
300 mm or less +/- 5 mm

b) Members of thickness
more than 300 mm +/- 10mm

c) Beams and column elements +/- 2 mm

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

(ii) Tolerance to clear concrete

cover dimensions shall be
+/- one third the specified
cover or 5 mm whichever is
less.

3.6.3 Contractor shall provide approved type of supports to reinforcing bars for
maintaining the bars in position and to ensure required spacing and correct cover as
called for in the drawings. Precast cement mortar cover blocks, chairs and spacer bars
shall be used as appropriate for this purpose. For fair faced concrete work, temporary
spacers shall only be used and these shall be removed or withdrawn as compaction of
concrete proceeds. Spacers shall not be permitted to be left in fair faces of concrete.

3.6.4 All intersections of reinforcements shall be securely tied with strands of binding wire
as required, and twisted tight to make the skeleton or net-work of steel a rigid frame
so that the bars do not get displaced during transportation, placement or vibration of
concrete.

Tack welding of reinforcements in place of binding with wire may be permitted by

the Engineer ensuring the weld ability of steel.

3.6.5 Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that during handling and
erecting of steel, no damage is done to the finished concrete.

3.6.6 Temporary walk ways and galleries shall be placed across reinforcements laid in
position for purpose of movement of men and material. Such walkways and galleries
shall be independent of the reinforcements. No movements of men and material shall
be permitted on reinforcements laid and secured in position.

3.6.7 Without relieving the contractor of the responsibilities for the correctness of placing
of reinforcements in accordance with drawings, the reinforcements as placed and
secured in position shall be got inspected and approval obtained from the Engineer-
in-charge in writing before any concrete is placed in the form. Contractor shall allow
for sufficient time to get the reinforcement work inspected and any subsequent
remedial measures to be carried out.

3.7 COVER TO REINFORCEMENTS

3.7.1 Unless shown on drawings or otherwise specified or instructed, minimum clear

concrete cover to reinforcements shall be maintained as per I.S. 456 for normal
structures, and as per I.S. 3370 for water retaining structures.

3.7.2 Care shall be taken to maintain the covers to tolerance limits specified earlier in clause
3.6.2 above.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.8 SPLICING

3.8.1 As far as practicable, bars of maximum available lengths shall be used. All bars shall
preferably be in single lengths. Where such arrangements are not possible, bars shall
be spliced together.

3.8.2 Splices may be lapped splices or welded splices, unless specifically shown on
drawings or conveyed in writing by the Engineer, welded splice shall not be
provided.

3.8.3 Where welded splices are indicated on drawings or instructed by the Engineer, such
welding shall be provided as specified by the Engineer.

3.8.4 Where details and specific locations of splicing are not shown on drawings, lap
splices shall be so provided that:-

3.8.4.1 At any section not more than 50% of total numbers of bars are spliced together at any
face of the member.

3.8.4.2 From the end of one splice to the beginning of the next splice in two contiguous bars,
there is a clear distance of 300 mm or 12 times b bar diameter whichever is greater.

3.8.5 Lengths of such lap splices shall be as given in table 6.5.1 below:-

Table 6.5.1

Steel Steel Splice Lengths for grades of concrete in

Grade Type multiples of nominal bar diameter.

M-20 M-25 M-30 M-35 M-40

Fe250 I 45 40 36 32 30
Fe490 II 89 76 71 63 56
Fe415 III/IV/V 47 40 38 33 30
Fe500 III/IV/V 57 50 45 40 36
Fe550 III/IV/V 62 53 50 44 40

3.8.6 Splice lengths given in Table 6.5.1 are for steels, which do not have any coating on
the surface affecting its bond strength.

3.8.7 Irrespective of values obtained from Table 6.5.1, minimum splice length shall be 300
mm.

3.8.8 When bars of two different diameters are spliced, the splice length shall be based on
the smaller of the two diameters, unless otherwise shown in drawings.

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REF NO.CMC.T210018 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.9 WELDED SPLICE

3.9.1 Wherever specified on drawings or instructed by Engineer welded laps shall be

provided and such welding shall be paid for separately unless specifically included in
the item of work described in Bill of Quantities.

3.9.2 Welding of reinforcements shall be done in accordance with:-

I.S. 2751: for Mild steel bars of grade Fe250

I.S. 9417: for Type III (CTD bars) steel conforming to grades Fe415, Fe500 and
Fe550.

For types IV and V (TMT-CR bars) of grades FE415, Fe500 and Fe550, welding
procedures shall be confirmed from Manufacturer of such steel and shall be strictly
followed as recommended by manufacturer.

3.9.3 Size of weld, throat thickness, length of lap welds and details of butt-welds shall be
as per details shown in relevant drawings.

3.9.4 In all cases of welded splice, at least 2% of the welded connections made shall be
tested to ensure the joints are of full strength of the bars connected. Also 100% of all
such welds shall be subjected to radiographic tests to ensure proper welding. Cost of
all such tests to be conducted on welded joints shall have to be borne by the
contractor and all such tests shall be conducted at a laboratory to be identified by the
Engineer.

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