Work Method Statement
Work Method Statement
JANUARY 2023
CONTRACTOR
SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD
REV - 01 Document Purpose ISSUED FOR TECHNICAL EVALUATION
SHROMB
CIVIL AND CONCRETE WORK PLAN
SUMMARY PAGE
This CIVIL AND CONCRETE WORK PLAN (CCWP) was prepared to address the issue relating to project
initiation, setting up, monitoring and control, progress tracking, communication and correspondences, interphase
and general management of the project.
The team shall adopt a very viable idea to ensure that engineering and construction work are delivered on time, at
the right quality and within schedule.
GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR CONCRETE WORKS
INDEX
1. GENERAL
1.1. Scope
1.2. Reference document
2. CONCRETE
2.1. Grades and use of concrete
2.2. Materials for concrete
3. CONCRETE TESTINGS
3.1. Preliminary tests on concrete
3.2. Slump checks – Abrams cone tests
3.3. Test cubes
4. REINFORCEMENT
4.1. Materials
4.2. Workmanship of reinforcement
5. FORMWORK
5.1 Materials
5.2 General provisions
5.3 Workmanship
6. CONCRETING PROCEDURES
6.1. Special provisions for concreting
6.2. Concrete mixing
6.3. Concrete transportation
6.4. Concrete pouring
6.5. Allowable tolerances
6.6. Blinding concrete
6.7. Protection of concrete below ground
7. JOINTS AND WATER STOPS
8. REINFORCED CONCRETE MANHOLES
8.1. Special provisions
9. TESTS OF MANHOLES AND BASINS
9.1. Special provisions for basins
9.2. Special provisions for manholes
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1. GENERAL
1.1. Scope
This specification defines the strength classes, materials and strength tests, mixing and concreting
procedures for concrete work as regard the Location Preparation and Access Road Call-Off
Contractor for CONSTRUCTION OF AFENO ROAD 665MX6M ASPHALT WORKS IN IRRI
COMMUNITY IN DELTA STATE –
Reference Documents
Mix A (1:4:8)
Cement 150 kg
Fine agg. 0.42 m3
Coarse aggr. 0.84 m3
Mix C (1:2:4)
Cement 300 kg
Fine agg. 0.42 m3
Coarse agg. 0.84 m3
For use in:
All general purpose reinforced concrete band and string coarse, beams and lintels, sills, copings,
suspended slabs, padstones and precast reinforced concrete.
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2.1.2.1. The materials, design and workmanship used to produce concrete shall comply with this
specification and with BS 5328 except for those clauses directly overridden by this specification.
2.1.2.2. We shall obtain CLIENT’s approval of all testing laboratories to be used.
2.1.2.3. Contractor shall be responsible for and shall bear the cost of all tests required to ensure compliance
with BS 5328 and this specification. The results of all tests shall be reported to CLIENT for
approval.
2.1.2.4. If after testing any material found to be defective CLIENT may require the material to be removed
from the site at the sole expense of SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD .
2.2. Materials for concrete
2.2.1. General provisions
Two copies of the certificates verifying that the materials have been tested and comply with this
specification shall be given by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD CLIENT at the following intervals
or as requested by CLIENT.
Aggregates: weekly or each 500 m3 for each size which ever is the more frequent.
Cement: each consignment within 4 days of delivery.
Water not supplied from a statutory undertaking at commencement of contract and then monthly
and shall be portable, clean and free from oil, acid, alkali, salts and all other organic matter.
2.2.2.1. Cement
Unless specified otherwise all cement shall be Portland cement produced in NIGERIA by an
approved manufacturer, or imported and delivered to work site in the marked sealed containers in a
fresh and not overheated condition.
Cement unless otherwise specified, shall be:
a) Ordinary Portland cement complying with the requirements of BS 12, for all works above ground
level, an
b) Sulphate – resisting cement complying with the requirements of BS 4027 for all works below
ground level.
Each separate batch of cement shall be tested by the manufacturer before delivery and certified
copies of such tests shall be supplied to the Project Engineer before any part of the consignment
shall be used for the works. The Engineer may cause samples, not exceeding 4kg in weight, to be
taken from any consignment for testing.
Bulk cement shall be stored in a silo or silos which shall be completely weatherproof and clean
internally. The cement shall be conveyed from the delivery container to the storage silo in such a
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manner that it will not be contaminated in anyway by dirt, grease etc. or by moisture. Weighing
devices on silos shall be verified at regular intervals.
Alternatively, cement shall be delivered to site in properly marked, sound and sealed bags in
quantities sufficient to ensure that there is no suspension or interruption of the work of during
concreting at any time.
Cement bags shall be protected from the weather whilst in transit and shall be stored in waterproof
ventilated buildings or containers on raised timber floorboards. Each consignment shall be kept
separate and distinct and used in the same order as delivered to site. Broken bags of cement and
cement that has deteriorated shall not be used and shall be removed from site.
Cement of different types shall not be used in combination.
The Project Engineer may require test to be carried out if any cement is stored on the site for a
longer period than 2 months. The failure of any sample to satisfy the requirements of BS 12 after
such tests shall entitle the Project Engineer to reject the entire consignment from which it was
taken.
Cement which deteriorated from any cause shall be marked for identification and removed from site
without delay unless CLIENT’s representative at his discretion allows such condemned or
substandard cement to be used in less important work or varies the composition of the mixes and
site technique to suit the properties of substandard cement available.
CLIENT’s decision shall be final and any extra cost involved in such removal or changes shall be
borne by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD . The type of cement, which must be used, shall be as
specified in the contract documents.
2.2.3. Aggregates
2.2.3.1. General
Aggregate shall be obtained from approved sources and shall be washed if considered necessary
by CLIENT. Aggregate shall be dense, strong, durable clean and free from sulphate or other
materials injurious to either the hardening or strength of the finished concrete.
The quantity of clay, silt and fine dust in aggregate for any use in combination with cement shall not
exceed the following proportions:
1. Sand 5% by volume
2. Coarse Aggregate 2% by volume
Site testing of aggregate samples for this requirement in a glass measuring cylinder will be
accepted for standard concrete and mortar aggregate. The height of the column of aggregate for
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this test shall be 56% of the total height of the column of aggregate plus water. The depth of silt
analysing the clean the aggregate after shaking the mixture and allowing to settle for 3 hours shall
not exceed the above proportions when the depth of the silt layer is expressed as a percentage of
the total column height of aggregate and silt.
The flakiness index when determined by the sieve method described in BS 812 shall neither exceed
40 for 38mm aggregate nor shall it exceed 35 for 19mm aggregates.
All aggregates supplied shall be subject to the approval of the Project Engineer but SHROMB
GEOTECHNICAL before deliveries to site shall provide certificates to show compliance with the
relevant BS. Sample loads of each grade of aggregate from each supplier shall be delivered to the
site in sufficient time in advance of the commencement of concreting activities to allow for the
examination and testing and preparation and testing of the trial concrete mixes.
Sample quantities of each grade of aggregate from each supplier thus approved will be retained for
comparison with subsequent deliveries. Any rejected sample or subsequent non-standard delivery
of material shall be removed from the site forthwith at the expense of SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL.
SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall supply all equipment, materials and attendance required
in the preparation and carrying out of the tests .
Aggregates delivered to the site during the course of the construction shall conform to the sample
loads and the source of supply shall preferably remain the same throughout
the Contract. If for any reason during the course of the contract SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD
wishes to change the source of supply, he shall deliver a sample load of the proposed new
aggregate and allow sufficient time for the preparation of trial mixes and other tests as described
herein before for the initial supply.
The overall grading of the aggregates shall be such as to produce concrete of specified quality,
which can be readily worked into position without segregation and without the use of excessive
water.
To ensure that no significant variation in the grading of the aggregate occurs during the Contract,
sieve analysis shall be carried out on site at fortnightly intervals. The results of these analyses shall
be recorded on a chart to be handed to the Project Engineer on completion of the structural
concrete works.
2.2.3.2. Fine aggregate
Fine aggregate for concrete shall comply with the requirements of BS 882
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Table 2, zone 1, 2 or 3 only and the amount of silt, loam, clay and other impurities in the fine
aggregate shall not exceed two percent by weight. The fine aggregate used in making the
preliminary concrete cubes shall not be changed without the prior agreement of the Project
Engineer.
Fine aggregate shall be natural sand mainly passing a 3/16” (4.8 mm) B.S. test sieve and graded by
screening as necessary to comply with the limits specified in the following table.
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2.2.3.4. All-in-Aggregate
This shall be material composed of both fine and coarse aggregate.
The granting of all-in-aggregate shall be within the limits specified in the following table.
B.S. Sieve Percentage by Wt.(by sizes of aggregate)
The nominal size of aggregate used shall be as specified in the following table:
The values may be adjusted in order to comply with the overriding requirement of Clause 2.2.3.5.2.
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2.2.3.5.2. In all concretes
The concentration of sulphate ions (expresses as SO3) in all concrete shall be less than 4.0% by
weight of cement. The concentration of chloride ions (expressed as NaCl) in reinforced concretes
shall be less than 0.5% by weight of cement. CLIENT may require tests to be undertaken to
demonstrate that these limits are met.
2.2.4. Water
2.2.4.1. General
All waters shall be clean and fresh with a percentage of salt, in order to observe the requirements of
para. 2.2.3.5.2.
2.2.4.2. Water Cement ratio
Sufficient water only shall be added to the cement and aggregate during mixing to produce a
concrete having sufficient workability to enable it to be well consolidated, to be worked into the
corners of the shuttering and around the reinforcement, to give the specified surface finish, and to
have the specified strength. Due allowance shall be made for the moisture content of the aggregate
used. Water cement ratio shall be such that the resulting workability shall comply with the values
specified in the following table unless otherwise directed by CLIENT. For external work and
foundations, the w/c shall not exceed 0.55.
3. CONCRETE TESTINGS
3.1. Preliminary test on concrete
(In accordance with BS 1881 Part 3 and 4)
3.1.1. Special provisions
Preliminary test shall he carried out by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD prior to concreting,
according to a schedule submitted to and approved by CLIENT.
For each concrete class and where the concrete consistency or workability changes even within a
class, SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall submit materials of preliminary tests to ascertain
their suitability and the proportions required to obtain an optimum mix.
These tests shall establish the strength characteristics specified for the project, as well as the
workability features by the required by Client. In particular, the following factors shall be
investigated and tested:
- aggregates with different physical properties
- aggregates with different particles size distribution
- water content
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- cement content
For identical concrete grades and cement, the highest strength within any given class, is attained
by a concrete where:
- total water (including aggregate water) to cement ratio is 0.55 or lower
- the hardest aggregates are incorporated
- the highest density is attained by a good aggregate distribution, reducing voids to a minimum.
Concrete workability may be improved by the use of fluidifying additives, in which case
the Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be followed, provided that in no case shall the use of
such additives impair the strength properties of the concrete. In this case a preliminary strength test
shall be carried out. Once a concrete class optimum mix has been determined by preliminary tests
30 days prior to concreting, such a mix shall always be used and checked throughout the concrete
works.
Preliminary determination of each class of concrete strength is exclusively meant to determine the
corresponding optimum mix. Concrete acceptability shall however depend upon its “characteristic
strength”, the later being determined on test samples obtained during concreting.
Preliminary tests shall be performed on sets of 4 sample cubes after 7 and 28 days curing. Cube
dimensions, as well as concreting, curing and testing methods, shall be as
specified in para 1.2.2. above applicable to “characteristic strength” determination. Test result shall
evidence the high quality of the concrete in terms of both particle sizes distribution and of
workability, with a satisfactory guarantee that the concrete will actually attain its specified
“characteristic strength”.
3.1.2. Slump checks – Abrams cone test
3.1.3. Special provisions
An adequate amount of concrete shall be sampled at the mixer outlet for slump tests. The sample
shall be poured into a 30cm high-truncated cone-shaped metal mould, equipped with side handles,
having 10cm dia. open top and 20cm dia. open base.
The mould shall rest on metal plate, and the representative sample shall be poured into the mould
in four approximately identical layers, which shall be evenly tamped using a piece of round bar.
The top surface shall be trowel-level. Consistency of mixes shall be controlled by means of slump
tests and compacting factor tests, the result of which shall fall within the limits lay down in the
following table.
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Purpose Slump (cm) Compacting factor
Paving and mass concrete, where vibrating 0-2.5 0.78-0.85
plant is used. Vibrated concrete work where
high strength is specified.
Hand-compacted concrete. Normally 2.5-5.00 0.85-0.92
reinforced members with vibration.
Hand-compacted concrete in ordinary 5.0-10.0 0.92-0.95
reinforced slabs, beams, columns and walls.
Heavy reinforced members.
Heavily reinforced sections without vibration 10.0-15.0 Over 0.95
and work where compaction is difficult.
Water content shall be checked before concrete mixing is undertaken and when the aggregate’s
original water content varies.
Total water content shall always be within the limits determined in the preliminary tests.
3.2. Test Cubes
The method of preparing and testing concrete shall be according to B.S. 1881 unless otherwise
specified.
Test cubes shall be made weekly as directed by the CLIENT and at each major pour in batches of
six (6). Three (3) shall be tested at seven (7) days and three (3) at twenty-eight (28) days.
These cubes shall be composed of concrete taken from the actual mixes for the work.
Cubes so tested shall comply with the strength specified in the following table:
Cube Strength at 7 days (kg/cm2) Cube Strength at 28 days (kg/cm2)
1:1½:3 200 300
1:2:4 165 250
The appropriate strength requirements shall be considered to be satisfied if none of the strengths of
the cubes is below the specified cube strength, or if the average strength of the three cubes is not
less than the specified cube strength and the difference between the greatest and least strength is
not more than twenty percent (20%) of that average.
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4. REINFORCEMENT
4.1. Materials
4.1.1. Mild steel reinforcement shall be plain bars, which comply with B.S. 4449.
4.1.2. High yield steel reinforcement shall be hot rolled high bond bars which comply with BS 4449 or cold
worked high bond bars which comply with BS 4461.
4.1.3. Fabric reinforcement shall comply with BS 4483.
4.1.4. Tying wire shall be 1.6mm diameter black annealed mild steel approved or any other type approved
by the CLIENT.
4.1.5. Spacer shall be of dense cement mortar or any other manufacture approved by CLIENT. In
choosing the type of spacer to be used regard should be taken of the type of surface finish
required.
4.1.6. Two copies of the reinforcement manufacture’s routine test records (covering each assignment)
shall be given by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD to the CLIENT and in addition SHROMB
GEOTECHNICAL LTD is required to certify that each consignment of reinforcement complies
with the appropriate British Standard (BS 4449, BS 4461 or BS 4483).
4.2. Workmanship of reinforcement
4.2.1. Bars shall be cut and bent as indicated on the Bending Schedules or in reinforcement drawings and
in accordance with BS 4466. Bars shall be bent at ambient temperature. Bars bending will not be
permitted when the ambient temperature is below 50c without approved precautions being taken.
4.2.2. Temporary binding and subsequent straightening of reinforcement shall be avoided where possible.
When permitted by the CLIENT bars shall be bent at the ambient temperature and the internal
radius or the bends in mild steel shall not be less than 4 diameters of 6 diameters for either bot
rolled or cold worked high yield steel.
4.2.3. Reinforcement may be welded only when specified or approved. Details of the proposed techniques
must be submitted to the CLIENT for approval and trials made to establish their suitability. When
approved, bars shall be welded in accordance with BS 5135 and the recommendations of the
reinforcement manufacturer.
4.2.4. All bars and fabric shall be fixed in the positions shown on the drawings.
4.2.5. Spacers, chairs, supports etc. required to position the reinforcement and maintain cover shall be
provided by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD .These shall be of sufficient quality and number
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and shall be so positioned to hold the reinforcement firmly in position before and during concreting.
The maximum tolerance for cover to reinforcement shall be +5mm.
4.2.6. No steel shall be surrounded by concrete unless it is in its correct position and free from mud, oil,
paint, retarders, loose rust, or other foreign matter.
4.2.7. Laps shall only be made in the reinforcement where shown in the drawings or where approved by
the CLIENT.
5. FORMWORK
5.1. Materials
5.1.1. Temporary formwork shall be constructed of timber, sheet metal or any other material approved by
the Company.
5.2. General provisions
5.2.1. Formwork shall be constructed that concrete can be properly placed and thoroughly compacted.
5.2.2. Formwork shall be firmly supported and adequately strutted, braced or tied. It shall be capable of
adjustment to the lines, levels and dimensions of the finished concrete, and it shall be sufficiently
strong to resist, without excessive distortion, the pressure of concrete during its may be subjected.
It shall not be liable to suffer distortion under the influence of the weather.
5.2.3. The formwork must remain stable and joints tight when the concrete is being vibrated.
5.2.4. Formwork shall be provided to the top surface of the concrete where the scope or nature of the
work requires it.
5.2.5. Provision shall be made for forming holes and chases for services and for building in pipes,
conduits and other fixings, shown on the drawings.
5.2.6. The material and position and type of any ties passing through the concrete shall be to the
CLIENT’s approval. Should it be necessary permanently to embed part of a metal tie, then it shall
not have less cover than the reinforcement. Any holes left after the removal of ties shall be filled
with concrete or mortar or approved composition.
5.2.7. SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall make allowance for any settlement or deflection of
formwork that may occur during construction so that the hardened concrete conforms to the
specified lines and levels.
5.2.8. In order to allow for elastic and creep deflection, SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall cast all
beams and slabs (excluding pre-stressed) to the camber specified by the CLIENT. In the absence
of any specified camber it shall be taken as
Camber = (Span)2 / 7200 x depth (all mm) For beams of more than 5 metres span.
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5.3 Workmanship
5.1.1. Props and supports shall be arranged to allow the formwork to be adjusted accurately to line and
level and to be removed in any approved sequence without injury to concrete.
5.1.2. Supports shall be carried to construction, which is sufficiently strong to afford the necessary support
without injury to any portion or the structure. This may mean in some cases that it must be carried
down to the foundations or other suitable base.
5.1.3. All joints in formwork shall be close fitting to prevent leakage of grout from the concrete.
5.1.4. At construction joints formwork shall be tightly secured against preciously cast or hardened
concrete to prevent the formation of stepping or ridges in the concrete.
5.1.5. Formwork shall be constructed to provide straight and true angles, arrises or edges. Where
chamfers are indicated in the drawings, the fillets shall he accurately cut to size to provide a smooth
and continuous chamfer.
5.1.6. Formwork panels shall have true edges to permit accurate alignment of their sides and provide a
clean line at construction joints in the concrete.
5.3.7. The formwork for concrete shall be removed only under the supervision of the CLIENT and not until
the concrete is sufficiently strong to carry all dead and live loads. Minimum times (in days) fir
stripping formwork to normal structural concrete, assuming that the member concerned sill only be
carrying its own weight, shall be as follows:
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5.3.8. The formwork used for concrete that is to be left exposed shall produce a type A,B,C or S finish as
indicated in the drawings and defined in specification.
Type A finish shall be produced from sawn boards, metal panels, or other suitable materials. Type
B finish shall be produced from either wrought boards of uniform width and grooved of metal
panels, which shall be true to shape and free from defects likely to detract from the general
appearance of the finished concrete surface. Type C finish shall be produced from plywood or other
suitable materials in large sheets so that joints are as few as practicable. The sheets shall be
arranged in an approved uniform pattern and wherever possible joints between sheets shall be
arranged to coincide with architectural features, sills or heads of windows or changes in direction of
the surface. At all joints between sheets rebated connections shall be provided to maintain accurate
alignment in the plane of the sheets. Unfaced wrought boarding or standard steel panels shall not
be permitted for this work.
Type S finish shall be produced by formwork the type, quality, treatment and arrangement of which
shall be as specified in the drawings. If special techniques are to be used these must be approved
by the CLIENT who may require representative tests to be undertaken. Should SHROMB
GEOTECHNICAL LTD so desire he may use higher grade of formwork than that specified.
4) Prior to placing concrete, all formwork, reinforcement and areas in the immediate vicinity of
the work shall be sprayed with cool water. All subgrade, formation, blinding, etc. which is to receive
concrete shall be soaked with water immediately before concreting, preferably during the night for
early morning concreting.
5) All concrete surfaces shall be kept moist during concreting, of necessary by fog spraying.
Care shall be taken not to wash the concrete surface or cause water to stand on the surface during
finishing.
6) Concrete surface shall be water sprayed continuously for 24 hours after finishing and then
cured for a further period in accordance with B.S.S. until unformed surfaces have hardened
sufficiently to withstand direct water spraying only the judicious use of fog spray will be permitted.
7) Formwork surfaces shall be water sprayed continuously for 24 hours after concreting. During
loosening of the forms prior to removal, water shall be applied to top surfaces such that it will pass
down between the loosened formwork and the concrete.
8) The temperature difference between the curing/cooling water and the concrete shall be
limited to150c.
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]
6. CONCRETING PROCEDURES
6.1. Special provisions for concreting
6.1.1. Construction joints
The position and form of construction joints and stop-ends shall be predetermined and approved by
the CLIENT. Reinforcement shall be continuous through construction joints unless shown otherwise
on the drawings.
At all construction joints the first placed concrete shall be roughened and cleaned of any loose
material before further concrete is placed. The method of surface roughening requires the approval
of the CLIENT.
Wall and column kickers shall be as shown on the drawings and shall be cast with slab or
foundation.
6.1.2. Walls and floors panels
Wall and floor panels shall be placed sequentially with a minimum interval of 3 days unless
specified otherwise.
6.1.3. Walls and columns
Walls and columns shall be cast to full story height in one continuous pour unless specified
otherwise. When the lift height exceeds 2 meters the methods to be used for placing the concrete
require the prior approval of the CLIENT.
Lift heights of more than 6 metres will not be permitted.
6.1.4. Unreinforced slab
Neither the length nor width of an unreinforced concrete ground slab shall exceed 5m.
6.1.5. Finish of formed surfaces
The finish of formed surfaces shall be class F1, F2 or F3 as shown on the drawings and shall be as
follows:
Class F1
This finish is for surfaces against which backfill or further concrete will be placed. Formwork shall
consist of swan boards, sheet metal or any other suitable material that will prevent the loss of grout
when concrete is vibrated.
Class F2
This finish is for surfaces that are permanently exposed to view but where the highest standard of
finish is not required.
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Forms to provide a Class F2 finish shall be faced with wrought and thicknesses boards with square
edges arranged in a uniform pattern.
Alternatively, plywood or metal panels may be used, if they are free from defects likely to detract
from general appearance of the finished surface. Joints between boards and panels shall be
horizontal and vertical unless otherwise directed.
Class F3
This finish is for surfaces prominently exposed to view where good appearance and alignment are
of special importance. To achieve this finish, which shall be free or boardmarks, the formwork shall
be faced with plywood or equivalent material in large sheets. The sheets shall be arranged in an
approved uniform pattern, Wherever possible, joint between sheets shall be arranged to coincide
with architectural features, window-heads or changes in direction of surfaces All joints between
panels shall be vertical and horizontal unless otherwise directed. Suitable joints shall be provided
between sheets to maintain accurate alignment in the plane of the sheets. Unfaced wrought
boarding or standard steel panel will not be permitted for Class F3 finish.
In general, Class F1 shall be used for formed concealed surfaces and Class F2 shall be used for
formed exposed surfaces.
6.1.6. Finish of unformed surfaces
The finish of unformed surfaces shall be Class U1, U2 or U3 (screeded, floated or trowelled) as
shown on the drawings and as defined below.
Class U1
This is a screed finish for surfaces of roads or of foundations, beds, slabs and structural members
to be covered by backfill, subsequent stages of construction, bonded concrete topping or cement
mortar beds to receive pavings, and on exposed surfaces or paving where a superior finish is not
required. It is also the first stage for finishes U2 and U3.
The finishing operations shall consist of levelling and sreeding the concrete to produce a uniform,
plain or ridged surface, surplus concrete being struck off by a straight edge immediately after
compaction.
Class U2
This is a floated finish for surfaces of beds and slabs to receive mastic pavings or block or tile
paving bedded in mastic, and for exposed surfaces of paving where a hard,
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smooth steel-trowelled surface is not required. Floating shall be done only after the concrete has
hardened sufficiently, and may be by hand or machine. Care shall be taken
that the concrete is worked no more than is necessary to produce a uniform surface free from
screed marks.
Class U3
This is a hard smooth steel-trowelled finish for surfaces of concrete pavings, tops of walls, copings
and other members exposed to weathering surfaces of beds and slabs to receive thin flexible sheet,
and tile pavings bedded in adhesive, and seating for bearing plates and the like where the metal is
in direct contact with the concrete. Trowelling shall not commence until the moisture film has
disappeared and the concrete bas hardened sufficiently to prevent excess laitence from being
worked to the surface. The surfaces shall be trowelled under firm pressure and left free from trowel
marks. Unless otherwise ordered by the Engineer, all extended angles in exposed work shall be
given chamfers 20mm x 20.
6.1.7. Concreting in Hot Weather (Non-massive sections):
Cement shall not be subjected to a temperature greater than 770c. Nn concreting shall take place
when the air temperature exceeds 430c.
If concrete temperatures as placed are expected to exceed 240c preparation must be made to
transport, place, compact, finish and initiate curing of the concreting without any period of delay.
Procedures undertaken to prevent delay require the prior approval of the CLIENT. If concrete
temperatures as placed are expected exceed 320c then the following additional steps must be taken
to seep the concrete temperature below 320c.
1) Every offert shall be made to use water from a cool source and to keep it cool by protecting
pipes and tanks: Pipelines for conveying mixing water shall be buried, insulated shaded or
painted white. Water storage tanks shall be treated in a similar manner.
Water may be cooled by adding ice provided it is completely melted by the time the water is
introduced into the mix.
2) Coarse aggregates shall be heavily sprayed with water immediately before mixing.
3) Mixing time shall be kept to the minimum that ensures adequate quality. Under no
circumstances shall mixing time exceed 15 minutes.
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6.2. Concrete mixing
6.2.1 General provisions
No water shall be added after mixing is complete. The mixer shall be thoroughly cleaned prior to
changing the concrete type or cement type to be mixed.
Ready mixed concrete may be used, with the prior approval of the CLIENT. The Supplier shall be
made award of the contents of this specification but SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall retain
responsibility for compliance.
6.2.2. Special provision for mixing by machine
Mixing shall be done by machine unless otherwise authorised by the CLIENT. Adequate batching,
mixing and handling equipment shall be provided. Where pour exceeds seventy-five (75) cubic
metres, reserve mixing and batching equipment shall be provided to ensure monolithic placing of
concrete. Batching equipment shall be such that accurate control of the mix is maintained.
The measure quantities of cement and aggregate, shall be placed in the mechanical mixer, the
correct quantity of clean water shall be added and the whole mixed until there is a uniform
distribution of the materials and the mass is uniform in colour and, in any case, for not less than two
minutes. Concrete shall be deposited as soon as possible and not later than thirty (30) minutes
after mixing.
6.2.3. Special provision for mixing by hand
When mixing concrete in small quantities by hand, the proportion of cement shall be increased by
50kg per cub.m. The measured quantities or cement and the aggregate shall be placed on a clean
boarded platform, turned over three times whilst dry in such a manner as to cause the mixture to
have a uniform colour, have the correct quantity of clean water added through a spray or rose, and
at the same time be turned over an additional three times.
The concrete shall be deposited in its final position not later than twenty (20) minutes after mixing.
Hand mixing shall only be allowed with the CLIENT’s approval.
6.3. Concrete transportation
6.3.1. General provisions
Concrete shall be transported in a manner, which ensures that at the point of deposition it is of the
specified quality and consistency. Containers used for transporting concretes shall be cleaned prior
to changing the concrete type or cement type to be transported.
6.4. Concrete pouring
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6.4.1 General provisions
Concrete shall not be place until the formwork and reinforcement are as specified and have the
approval of the CLIENT spaces to be occupied by concrete shall be clean and free or standing
water. SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall give CLIENT 24 hours notice in writing to enable
him to give approval and to be present whilst concrete is being placed.
Where concrete is to be placed on or against soil, it shall be placed immediately following the final
preparation of the formation.
Concrete shall not be placed by any method, which causes segregation, undesirable finish of
defective structural quality. The use of vibrators to move concrete is forbidden. Implements used to
place concrete shall be kept free from coatings of hardened concrete.
Concrete shall be vibrated using compressed air, electrical or mechanical equipment working at
frequencies ranging between 8,000 and 12,000 vibrations per minute.
Account shall be taken that vibrating frequency is a function of aggregate particle size and
reinforcement density. Vibrators shall be inserted and removed slowly, at a speed not exceeding 8
to 10 cm per second, to prevent the formation of voids inside the concrete.
Contact between vibrators and any reinforcing rods shall be avoided.
Depth of each layer to be vibrated shall not exceed 40 cm, which shall include 10 cm of the
previous layer. Vibration shall be carried out so that the whole mass is homogeneously vibrated and
shall case as soon as cement grout appears on the surface.
Any further vibration may result in the segregation of the concrete constituents.
Where closely spaced reinforcing rods occur lade vibrators shall be used, the blade length being 20
cm or less.
Prior to the commencement of the work, CLIENT may require SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD
to construct, for approval, nominally reinforced samples of agreed size. These samples shall show
each type of surface finish (both formed and informed) to be used on the contract.
The approved samples shall be retained to display the minimum standards of finish required
throughout the contract.
Concrete shall be compacted in its final position within 30 minutes from the time when the agitation
of the mix has ceased. When ready mixed concrete is supplied in purpose
made agitators, the total time between the introduction of cement to the mix and compaction shall
not exceed 2 hours.
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Concrete shall be placed continuously up to all joints. Breaks in continuous concreting (e.g. at the
end of the day’s work) shall be made with the approval of Client’s representative.
For reinforced concrete work, breaks shall be at points of minimum bending moments. The concrete
shall be left to a level and square but roughened face, and before depositing recommences the
surface shall be wire brushed to remove laitance, well wetted and brushed with a slurry of neat
cement.
All surfaces shall be free from voids, honeycombing or other large blemishes.
Curing: All concrete shall be cured by being kept moist for at least seven (7) days after laying by
covering with damp sacks, hessian or sand or by bundling and flooding. No traffic shall be allowed
on the finished surface of concrete for at least seven days after its completion.
Concrete shall be cured for a period in accordance with B.S. SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD
shall submit to the CLIENT for approval details or the proposed methods of curing to be used for
each section of the works. Concrete shall be protected to prevent damage from any cause.
Finally exposed surfaces shall receive special attention to prevent being disfigured from rust or
grout splashes and damage by falling objects or any other cause.
All defective work (that is work that in the opinion or the CLIENT does not comply with this
specification) shall be made good by remedial measures or replacement shall be done without the
prior consent of the CLIENT and his approval of the methods to be used. Approval of remedial
measures to formed surfaces will only be given if the repair can be made within 2 days of striking
the formwork and concrete or mortar of the same proportions is to be used.
A thermometer indicating maximum and minimum air temperatures must be kept on the site and
temperatures shown recorded daily. Where possible air and ground temperature forecast should be
obtained and concreting programmed accordingly.
Casts should be obtained and concreting programmed accordingly.
6.5. Allowable tolerances
6.5.1. General
SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall ensure that all constructed concrete work are in line with
accuracy, which shall permit the proper assembly of components and installations. The accuracy of
the work shall be within any tolerances quoted on the drawings and shall be compatible with the
type of finish specified.
In the absence of other requirements the following shall be assumed to be the maximum tolerances
allowable:
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Position of centre lines + 5 mm
Sections or concrete members + 5 mm
Levels + 5 mm
Plumb of columns: per story height + 5 mm
Per full building height + 20 mm
Bolts cast in sleeves: position + 10 mm
Plumb 1 in 100
Bolt cast in concrete: position + 3 mm
Plumb 1 in 200
(Where it is necessary to cast bolts in concrete they shall be fixed using a template to the CLIENT's
approval).
6.5.2. Blinding Concrete
All foundations normally have a bed of blinding concrete. Minimum thickness of concrete blinding
shall be 7.5 cm and it shall be vibrated and laid to the specified levels.
It shall extend 7.5 cm beyond the edge of foundation perimeter unless otherwise specified on the
construction drawings.
6.6. Protection of Concrete Below Ground
The cement for all concrete below ground will be of sulphate resistant type.
7. JOINTS AND WATER STOPS
The details and positions of all movement joints and any special requirements relating to
construction joints shall be as shown on the drawings.
7.1. Plain Joints for Paving
Joints shall be 1.5 cm wide and shall extend the full depth of the concrete paving. Polystyrene foam
shall be used to fill the joint up to 2.5cm below the upper concrete surface, the remaining 2.5cm
being primed and then sealed with hydrocarbon-proof cement (Thiomastic or equivalent, approved
by CLIENT). All shall be in accordance with the construction drawings.
SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD shall, before commencing any concreting inform the Engineer
or the extent and height of concreting he intends to carry out in one continuous operation. His
proposals will be subject to the approval of the Engineer who may, if with good reason he thinks it
desirable, modify SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL LTD proposals.
7.2. Construction Joints
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All construction joints in concrete shall be either horizontal joints occurring at the top of a thoroughly
compacted lift or vertical joints formed by compaction against a properly fixed and braced shutter,
suitably holed or abutted for reinforcement where necessary.
No vertical construction joints shall be made in any reservoir wall or other liquid retaining structure
without the express approval of the Engineer, and concreting shall be carried out in one continuous
operation between joints. Where fresh concrete is to be placed in set concrete, suitable key-ways
shall be formed in the surface of the earlier placed concrete, In order to obtain a firm straight joint in
exposed faces, a timber fillet approximately 2 cm deep and 2 cm thick shall be fixed rectangular to
the shuttering, and the concrete shall be wire brushed if still green, or hacked by picks and wire
brushed if hardened so as to remove all laitence and surface deposits and expose clean
aggregates. The surface shall then be thoroughly cleaned with water and air jets and all dust,
chipping, particles of wood and wire and laitence and scum removed. Alternatively, the old surface
may be cut away and cleaned with an approved water/air blast and subsequently cleaned with
water.
The cleaned surface shall be thoroughly soaked immediately prior to concreting and a
1 cm thick layer of cement mortar mixed in the same proportions as in the concrete shall then be
applied.
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Where a seal of liquid is required (es. On water tanks, traps, etc.) P.V.C vertical plates shall be
used to absorb the expansion and contraction of the structure. Gaps shall not be allowed in water
bats along any joint. If non-aggressive fluids ate involved, joints shall be filled with an approved soft
material up to 2.5cm below the concrete surface inside the tank, trap or such like, and shall be
subsequently sealed with either plastic cement or sand-cement mortar.
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- Tests shall be commenced after the water level has been brought to the original level to offset
soaking.
- All water retaining walls inlets and outlets shall be accurately inspected for leaks.
- Water shall not be added to restore the original level until the test is completed.
- All defects that are shown up by the tests shall be made good by SHROMB GEOTECHNICAL
even though this may require demolishing, remarking, re-plastering or treatment using special
materials.
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