TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FOR
R.C.C. RESERVOIR (20000 m^3)

SUMMARY OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR R.C.C. RESERVOIR (20000 M^3)

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CONTENTS.
General.
Earth work in excavation and backfill.
Filling on reservoir bed with selected earth and CC blocks
Plain and Reinforced Cement concrete.
Reinforcement.
Form work.
Surface Finishes
Geotextile and Geosynthetics.
Grouting.
Hydrostatic test of concrete structure for leakage
Water proofing using protective coating chemical
Treatment to expansion joint

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Technical Specification
CLAUSE 1.0 : GENERAL
PREAMBLE
These Specifications cover the items of work in structural and non-structural parts of the
works coming under Preview of this document. All work shall be carried out in
conformation with this. In general, provisions of Indian Standards, and other national
standards have been followed. These specifications are not intended to cover the minute
details. All codes and standards referred to in these specifications shall be the latest
thereof.
These specifications shall be read in conjunction with the Particular Specifications for
various items of work. The Contractor shall carefully acquaint himself with the general
specifications, coordinate the same with any other specifications forming a part of the
Contract Document and determine his contractual obligations for the execution of various
items of work in accordance with good engineering practices.
REFERENCE TO THE STANDARD CODES OF PRACTICE
All standards, tentative specifications, specifications, code of practice referred to shall be
the latest editions including all applicable official amendments and revisions. The
contractor shall make available at site all relevant Indian Standard Codes of Practice as
applicable.
In case of discrepancy between standards, codes of practice, tentative specifications, and
specifications referred to, the specifications of Indian Standard Codes of practice shall
govern.
CONTRACTORS RATE TO INCLUDE
The Contractor shall provide and maintain at site throughout the period of Works the
following at his own cost and without extra charge, the cost being held to be included in
the Contract Rates.
All works undertaken under any such contract as described in the paragraph. It shall
unless otherwise distinctly stated in the contract, before the complete work and the rate
shall be inclusive of all de-watering, pumping, site clearing, scaffolding, shuttering,
watering, lighting, protection of work, people and the public, warning notices, barriers etc.
Where any class or item of work is referred to in any part of these specifications, it is to be
carried out in the manner laid down in detail for that particular type of work. For example,
wherever concrete is specified to be laid, such concrete shall confirm in all ways to the
materials, method of mixing, watering, curing, etc. for concrete and shall not vary except
in so far as the specification, of the work for which it is required, clearly indicates.
The contractor shall be entirely responsible for setting out the work and giving and
maintaining the necessary levels, etc. as construction continues and shall make good, at
his own cost, any errors omissions or mistakes due to his failure to set out the work
properly or failure to maintain suitable guides or levels as the work proceeds.
The quoted rate shall include the cost of carriage, transport, loading, unloading, stacking,
protection till incorporation in works and final completion of all materials required on the
work. When a separate rate for transport of materials is specified in the tender, it includes
for all loading, unloading, stacking on site in the proper manner as required and as
approved, protection of materials etc.

DIMENSIONS
Written dimensions on drawings shall supersede measurement by scale and drawings to a
large scale shall take precedence over those to a smaller scale. Special dimensions or
directions in the specifications shall supersede all others. All dimensions shall be checked
on site prior to execution.
The dimensions where stated do not allow for waste, laps, joints, etc. but the Contractor
shall provide at his own cost sufficient labour and materials to cover such waste, laps,
joints, etc. and the rate quoted is inclusive of such provision and no separate payment will
be made for the same.
The levels, measurements and other information concerning the existing site as shown on
the drawings are believed to be correct, but the Contractor should verify them for himself
and also examine the nature of the ground as no claim or allowance whatsoever will be
entertained on account of any errors or omissions in the levels or the description of the
ground levels or strata turning out different from what was expected or shown on the
drawings.
MATERIALS
Quality
All materials used in the Works shall be of the best quality of their respective kinds as
specified herein, obtained from sources and suppliers approved by the Engineer and
shall comply strictly with the tests prescribed hereafter, or where tests are not laid
down in the specifications, with the requirements of the latest issues of the relevant
Indian Standards.
Sampling and Testing
All materials used in the Works shall be subjected to inspection and tests in addition to
test certificates. Samples of all materials proposed to be employed in permanent Works
shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval before they are brought to the site.
Samples provided to the Engineer for their retention are to be labeled in boxes suitable for
storage. Materials or workmanship not corresponding in character and quality with
approved samples will be rejected by the Engineer.
Samples required for approval and testing must be supplied sufficiently in advance to
allow for testing and approval, due allowance being made for the fact that if the first
samples are rejected further samples may be required. Delay to the Works arising from the
late submission of samples will not be acceptable as a reason for delay in completion of
the Works.
Materials shall be tested before leaving the manufacturer's premises, quarry or source,
wherever possible. Materials shall also be tested on the site and they may be rejected if not
found suitable or in accordance with the specifications, notwithstanding the results of the
tests at the manufacturer's Works or elsewhere or test certificates or any approval given
earlier.
The contractor will bear all expenses for sampling and testing, whether at the
manufacturer's premises at source, at site or at any testing laboratory or institution as
directed by the Engineer. No extra payment shall be made on this account.

Dispatch of Materials
Materials shall not be dispatched from the manufacturer's Works to the site without
written authority from the Engineer.
Test Certificates
All manufacturer's certificates of test, proof sheets, etc. showing that the materials have
been tested in accordance with the requirement of this specifications and of the
appropriate Indian Standard are to be supplied free of charge on request to the Engineer.
Rejection
Any materials that have not been found to conform to the specifications will be rejected
forthwith and shall be removed from the site by the Contractor at his own cost.
The Engineer shall have power to cause the Contractors to purchase and use such
materials from any particular source, as may in his opinion be necessary for the proper
execution of the work.
Storing of Materials at Site
All materials used in the Works shall be stored on racks, supports, in bins, under cover etc.
as appropriate to prevent deterioration or damage from any cause whatsoever to the entire
satisfaction of the Engineer. The storage of materials shall be in accordance with IS 4082
"Recommendation on stacking and storage of construction materials on site" and as per IS
7969 " Safety code for handling and storage of building materials". This shall include the
safe custody of all materials until they are required on the works and till the completion of
the works. The same shall be applicable for the materials supplied by the Employer or
materials supplied by any specialized firms.
The materials shall be stored in a proper manner at places at site approved by the
Engineer. Should the place where material is stored by the Contractor be required by the
Employer for any other purpose, the Contractor shall forthwith remove the material from
that place at his own cost and clear the place for the use of the Employer.
Water
Water for Construction :
Clean fresh water only shall be used for the Works. The water shall be free from any
deleterious matter in solution or in suspension. The quality of water shall conform to IS
465.
Storage of water:
The Contractor shall make his own arrangements for storing water, if necessary, in drums
or tanks or cisterns, to the approval of the Engineer. Care shall be exercised to see that
water is not contaminated in any way.

WORKMANSHIP
All Works shall be true to level, plumb and square and the corners, edges and corners in
all cases shall be unbroken and neat.

Any work not to the satisfaction of the Engineer or his representative will be rejected and
the same shall be rectified, or removed and replaced with work of the required
workmanship at no extra cost.
INCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS
The provision of Special Conditions of Contract, General Conditions of Contract, those
specified on the tender as well as execution drawings and notes or other specifications
issued in writing by the Engineer-In-Charge shall from part of these specifications.
MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENTS
The methods of measurement and payment shall be as described under various items and
in the bill of quantity. Where specific definitions are not given, the methods described in
IS code will be followed. Should there be any detail of construction or materials which has
not been referred to in specification or in the bill of quantities and drawings but the
necessity for which may be implied or inferred wherefrom, or which are usual or essential
to the completion of the work in the trades, the same shall be deemed to be included in the
rates and prices quoted by the contractor in the bill of quantities.
UNACCEPTABLE WORK
All defective works are liable to be demolished, rebuilt and defective materials replaced
by the contractor at his own cost. In the event of such works being accepted by carrying
out repairs etc. as specified by the engineer, the cost of repairs will be borne by the
contractor.
In the event of the work being accepted by giving Design Concession, arising out of but
not limited to under-sizing, under-strength, shift in location and alignment, etc. and
accepting design stresses in members which are higher than those provided for in the
original design or by accepting materials not fully meeting the specifications etc. the
contractor will be paid for the works actually carried out by him at the suitable reduced
rate of the tendered rates for the portion of the work thus accepted.
PREPARATION OF SITE
The land described or shown on the site plan shall be cleared. After emptying the existing
reservoir, existing lining on base and sides of reservoir are need to remove. The top layer
of concrete blocks shall be removed unbroken with such a manner, that it can be re-use as
a top 2 or 3 layers of earth refilling on existing reservoir bed.
The products of the site clearing are the property of owner and unless the contractor is
ordered to dispose of them, at his own expense are to be stacked as directed by the
Engineer-in-charge.
All hollows or depressions, where existing or caused by grubbing up roots or through any
other cause, shall be carefully filled up with well-rammed earth and leveled up as
required.

CLAUSE 2.0 : EARTH WORK IN EXCAVATION & BACK FILLING

SCOPE
This part of the specification deals with general requirement for earth in excavation in
different materials, site grading, filling in areas shown in drawings, filling back around
foundations, plinths and approach ramps, conveyance and disposal of excess excavated
soil or stacking them properly as shown on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer in-charge and all operations covered within the intent and purpose of the specifications.
The excavation in rock by blasting etc. shall be as per relevant specifications.
APPLICABLE CODES
The provisions of the latest Indian Standards listed below, but not restricted to from part
of these specifications:
IS:783
Code of practice for lying concrete pipes.
IS:1200
Method of measurement of building and (Part I) Civil
Engineering Works - Part I Earth Work.
IS:1498
Classification and identification of soils for general
engineering purposes.
IS:2720
Methods of test for soils
(All Parts)
IS:2809
Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering.
IS:3764
Safety Code for excavation work
IS:4081
Safety Code for blasting and related drilling operations.
IS:4988
Glossary of terms and classifications of earth moving
(All Parts)
machinery
DRAWINGS
The Engineer-in-charge will furnish drawings wherever in his opinion such drawings are
required to show the areas to be excavated/filled, sequence of priorities etc. The contractor
shall follow such drawings strictly.
CLASSIFICATION OF EARTH
For purpose of earth work soil shall be classified as under:
Loose/ Soft Soil
Any soil which generally yields to the application of picks and shovels, phawras, rakes or
any such ordinary excavating implements or organic soil, gravel, silt, sand, turf loam,
clay, peat etc. fall under this category.
Dense/ Hard Soil:
Any soil, which generally requires the close application of picks, or jumpers or scarifies to
loosen it. Stiff clay gravel and cobble stone etc. fall under this category.
(Note: Cobble stones is the rock fragments usually rounded or semi-rounded having
maximum diameter in any one direction between 80 & 300mm)
Mud:
Mud is a mixture of ordinary soft soil and water in fluid or weak solid state.
Soft/ Disintegrated Rock : ( Not requiring Blasting)
This shall include the type of rock and boulder, which may be quarried or split with
crowbars. Laterite, hard conglomerate and amygdaloidal basalts also come under this
category.
Hard Rock :
Under this category shall fall rock in solid beds, which requires blasting chiseling,
wedging or other suitable method. A boulder or detached rock of volume exceeding one
cubic meter shall be treated as rock if the same cannot be removed without blasting,

chiseling/wedging. Where hard rock is met with and blasting operations are considered
necessary the contractor shall intimate about the same in advance to the Engineer-in
charge.
Blasting approval & safety precautions:
The contractor shall obtain the necessary license from the statutory authorities for carrying
out the blasting work as for obtaining, transporting and storing the explosives, as per the
Explosive Rules 1940 or as amended. He shall be responsible for safe custody and proper
accounting of explosive materials. The Engineer-in charge shall have access to check store
of explosives and accounts thereof.
The blasting operations shall be carried out under the supervision of a responsible
representative of the contractor during certain pre-notified hours as approved in writing by
the Engineerin-charge. The representative shall be experienced and well conversant
about the rules of blasting. Proper precautions for the safety of persons shall be taken. Red
flags shall be prominently displayed around the area to be blasted and all people on work
except those who actually light the fuses shall be withdrawn to a safe distance of not less
than 100 meters from the blast. Blasting shall not be done within 100 meters of an existing
masonry or any other kind of structure unless special precautions are taken by heavy
blanketing etc. with written approval of Engineer-in-Charge.
Hard Rock: (Requiring Blasting where blasting is prohibited)
Under this category shall fall hard rocks, which though normally requires blasting for their
removal but blasting is prohibited and excavation has to be done by chiseling, wedging or
other suitable method.
GENERAL
The contractor shall furnish all tools, plant, instruments, qualified supervisory staff, labor,
materials, any temporary works, consumable and everything necessary, whether or not
such items are specifically stated herein, for completion of the job in accordance with the
specification requirements.
The contractor shall carry out the surveys of the site before excavation and set out properly
all lines and establish levels for various works such as earth work in excavation for
grading, foundations, plinth filling, road drains, cable trenches, pipe lines, culverts,
retaining walls etc. Such surveys shall be carried out taking accurate cross sections of the
area perpendicular to the grid lines at intervals determined by the Engineer-in-Charge,
depending on the ground profiles. These will be checked by the Engineer-in-Charge or his
representative and thereafter properly recorded.
The excavation shall be done to correct lines and levels. This shall include where
required, proper shoring to maintain excavation and also the furnishing, erection and
maintaining of substantial barricades around excavations and warning lamps at night for
safety purposes.
The rates quoted shall include for dumping of excavated material in regular heaps, bunds,
rip rap with regular slopes as directed by the Engineer-in-charge within the lead specified
and leveling the same so as to provide natural drainage. Rock/ soil excavation shall be
properly stacked as directed by the Engineer-in-charge. As a rule all softer materials shall
be laid along the centre of the heaps, the harder and more resistant materials, forming the
casting on the sides and the top. Rock shall be stacked separately.
LEARING
The area to be excavated / filled shall be cleared of all fences, trees, plant logs, stumps,
bush, vegetation, rubbish, slush etc. and other objectionable matter. If any roots or stumps
of trees are met during excavation, they shall be removed. The material so removed shall
be disposed off as directed by the Engineer-in-charge. Where earth fill is intended, the

area shall be cleared of all loose or soft patches, top soil containing objectionable matter/
materials before filling commences. No separate payment shall be made for such clearing
works.
PRECIOUS OBJECTS, RELICS, OBJECTS OF ANTIQUITIES ETC.
All gold, silver, oil, minerals, archaeological and other findings of importance or other
materials of any description and all precious stones, coins, treasures trove, relics,
antiquities and similar things which may be found in or upon the site shall be property of
the Employer and the contractor shall duly preserve the same to the satisfaction of the
Engineer-in-charge and from time to time deliver the same to him.
EXCAVATION FOR STRUCTURES
Description
Excavation for structures shall consist of removal of materials for the construction of the
foundations, retaining walls, pipe trenches, tunnels and other similar structures in
accordance with the requirements of this specification and the lines and dimensions shown
on the drawings or as indicated by the Engineer-in-charge. The work shall include
construction of shoring, bracing, draining and pumping; the removal of all logs, stumps,
grubs and other deleterious matter and obstruction necessary for placing the foundations,
trimming bottoms of excavation; backfilling, cleaning up the site and disposal of all
surplus materials.
Setting Out
After the site has been cleared as per clause 5 above, the limits of excavation shall be set
out true to lines, curves, slopes, grades and sections as shown on the drawings or as
directed by the Engineer-in-charge. The contractor shall provide all labour, survey
instruments and materials such string, pegs, nails, bamboo, stones, lime, mortar, concrete
etc. required in connection with the setting out of works and establishment of bench
marks. The contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance of bench marks and other
marks and stakes as long as they are required for the work in the opinion of the Engineerin-charge.
Excavation
Excavation shall be taken to the width of the lowest step of footing or the pile caps and the
sides shall be left plumb where the nature of the soil allows it. Where the nature of the soil
or the depth excavated trench/ pit does not permit vertical sides, the contractor at his own
expense shall put up the necessary shoring, strutting and planking or cut slopes to a safe
angle or both with due regard to the safety of personnel and the works and to the
satisfaction of the Engineer-in-Charge. the depth to which the excavation is to be carried
out shall be as shown on the drawings unless the type of material encountered is such as to
require changes, in which case the depth shall be as ordered by the Engineer-in-Charge.
Dewatering and Protection
Where water is met within excavation due to stream flow, seepage, springs, rain or other
reasons, the contractor shall take adequate measures such as bailing, pumping,
construction of diversion channels, drainage channels, bunds and other necessary works to
keep the foundation trenches/ pits dry when so required and to keep the green concrete/
masonry against damage by erosion or sudden rise of water level. The method to be
adopted in this regard and other details thereof shall be left to choice of the contractor but
subject to the approval of the Engineer-in-charge. Approval of the Engineer-in-charge
shall, however, not relieve the contractor of his responsibility for the adequacy of

dewatering and protection arrangements and the safety of the works. Pumping from inside
of any foundation enclosure shall be done in such a manner as to preclude the possibility
for the movement of water through any freshly placed concrete. No pumping shall be
permitted during the placing of concrete or any period of at least 24 hours thereafter,
unless it is done from a suitable sump separated from the concrete work by a watertight
wall or similar means. At the discretion of the contractor and at his cost, cement grouting
or other approved methods may be used to prevent or reduce seepage and to protect the
excavation area. The contractor shall take all precautions in diverting channels and in
discharging the drained water so as not to cause damage to the works or to adjoining
property.
Preparation of Foundation
The bottom of the foundation shall be leveled both longitudinally and transversally or
stepped as directed by the Engineer-in-charge. Before the footing is laid, the surface shall
be slightly watered and rammed. In the event of the excavation having been made deeper
than that shown on the drawing or as otherwise ordered by the Engineer-in-charge, the
extra depth shall be made up with concrete of the foundation grade at the cost of the
contractor. Ordinary filling shall not be used for the purpose to bring the foundation to
level.
When rock or other hard strata is encountered, it shall be freed of all loose and soft
materials, cleaned and cut to a firm surface either level, stepped, or serrated as directed by
the Engineer-in-charge. All seams shall be cleaned out and filled with cement mortar or
grout to the satisfaction of the Engineer-in-charge.
Slips & Blows:
If there are any slips or blows in the excavation, these shall be removed by the contractor
at his own cost.
Backfilling
To the extent available, selected surpluses soil from the excavation shall be used as
backfill. Fill material shall be free from clods, salts, sulphates, organic or other foreign
materials. All clods of earth shall be broken or removed. Where excavated material is
mostly rock, the boulders shall be broken into pieces not larger than 150 mm size mixed
with properly graded fine materials consisting of murrum or earth fill up the voids and the
mixture used for filling.
If any selected fill is required to be borrowed, the contractor shall make arrangement for
bringing the material from outside borrow pits. The material sources shall be subject to the
prior approval of the Engineer-in-Charge. The contractor shall make necessary access
roads to such borrow areas at his own cost, if such access roads do not exist.
Use of surplus selected soil from excavated stuff for backfilling can be permitted only up
to the original ground level. Above this level, only selected borrowed material shall be
used.
Backfilling of the foundation/ pits shall be done as soon as the foundation work has been
completed to the satisfaction of the Engineer-in-Charge and measured but not earlier than
the full setting of the concrete or masonry of the foundation. Backfilling shall be carried
out in such manner as to not cause undue thrust on any part of the structure. Backfilling
shall be done in space around the foundations after clearing it of all debris and in layers of
150mm. loose thickness, watered and compacted to the satisfaction of the Engineer-incharge and to the original surface level.

The earth filling shall be done in layers not exceeding 250mm watered and consolidated
with iron of wooden hammers weighing 8Kg and base 20Cm Square or dia. When the
filling reaches the finished level surface shall be flooded with water for 24 hours, allowed
to dry and then rammed and consolidated after making good the settlement to avoid
settlement at a later stage. Special care shall be taken to pack earth under plinth beams &
columns corners. Finish of filling shall be kept to a slope as required in flooring.
For embankments, initially the top width is to be increased by 600mm on either side for
enabling proper compaction up to the edge. The embankment shall be cut and sectioned
for correct profile. This additional earthwork on either side of 600mm width shall not be
paid for and shall be included in the respective item of road work quoted by the tenderer.
The slopes of embankment shall be compacted by using earth compactors wherever
necessary as directed by the Engineer-in-charge.
Disposal of Surplus Excavated materials.
All the excavated material shall be the property of the employer. All hard materials such
as murrum, earth suitable for filling, rubble etc. shall be stacked neatly for future within
the lead as specified. Unsuitable materials shall be disposed off outside the plot area as
directed by the Engineer-in-charge. The necessary permission for disposal of earth shall
be arranged by the contractor within the quoted rates.
MEASUREMENT AND RATES
The measurement shall be generally confirming to IS: 1200 Part-I unless otherwise
specified. Measurement for excavation of foundations and footings shall be as required for
the exact width, length and depth as shown or figured on the drawings or as may be
directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. If taken out to a greater width, length or depth than
shown or required, the extra work occasioned thereby shall be done at the contractors
expenses.
The dimensions of the trenches and pits shall be measured correct to the nearest cm. and
cubical contents worked out in cubic meters, correct to two places of decimal.
Measurements of filling excavated earth or sand in plinth or under floors:
Depth of consolidated earth filling, shall be measured for the purpose of payment. The
dimension of the filling shall be measured corrected to the nearest cm. and cubical
contents worked out in cubic meters correct to two places of decimal.
Rate for earthwork shall include the following:
a)
Excavation and disposing earth as specified.
b)
Setting out works, profiles etc.
c)
Site clearance such as cleaning of rank vegetation, shrubs, bush wood.
d)
Forming (or leaving) Deadmen or Tell Tales and their removal after
measurement.
e)
Bailing/ pumping out water in excavation from rains, sub-soil water etc.
f)
Protection, temporarily supporting of existing service, i.e. pipes, water mains, cables
etc. met within the course of excavation. Care shall be taken not to disturb electric
and communication cables, removal of such cables, if necessary, shall be arranged
by the Engineer-in-charge.
g)
Forming (or leaving) steps in sides of deep trenches and their removal:
h)
Removing slips or falls in excavation.
i)
Fencing and/or suitable measures for protection against risk of accidents as
approved by the Engineer-in-charge.
j)
Excavation for insertion of planking and strutting where required &
k)
Backfilling the trenches with selected excavated material.

10

MODE OF MEASUREMENT
The measurements shall be generally conforming to IS:1200 Part I unless and otherwise
specified. Measurements for excavation of foundations and footings shall be as per
drawing and dimensions of bed concrete net, without any allowance for increase in bulk.
Extra excavation for working space on account of slips or fall shall not be measured. Rate
to include cost of planking, strutting etc. and filling with soil after removal of planking.
All excavation shall be measured in successive stages of 1.5 meters depth stating the
commencing level unless otherwise specified in Bill of quantities.
Filling sides of foundations
The cubical contents of bed concrete leveling course and masonry/ concrete in foundations
up to the ground level shall be worked out and the same deducted from the cubical
contents of earthwork in excavation for foundations already measured under the respective
item of earth work to arrive at the quantity of filling sides of foundations. The quantity
shall be calculated correct to two places of decimal.
Measurement for Hard Rock:
The hard rock excavated shall be stacked and measured in stack. The net quantity of hard
rock shall be arrived at by applying the deductions for voids (stated as a percentage). The
percentage deduction for voids shall be normally 30% unless otherwise stated in the Bill
of quantities.
The rates quoted below shall include:
(a)

Excavation either straight, inclined or curved in trenches, footing etc. including

marketing out cutting and dressing sides and bottom to true dimensions and
depositing excavated stuff beyond three meters clear of the edge of trench or mass
excavation for basement or anywhere within the site as directed.

(b)

Clearing all shrubs, roots, raw vegetation and trees up to 300mm girth from
alignment of the buildings.

(c)

Bailing out, pumping out or otherwise removing all water which may accumulate
in the excavation from any or all causes whatsoever.

(d)

All labour and materials required for fencing in an protection against risk of
accident to open excavation etc. with necessary shoring, planking and strutting and
for providing gangways, with hand rails across open trenches etc. where necessary
during the progress of the work.

(e)

Watching and lighting arrangement wherever necessary whether ordered by the

Architects or otherwise.

(f)

Filling back available excavated earth in sides of foundations, sides of basement,

under floors and for ground formation in the premises of plot etc. wherever
required in 230mm thick layers, ramming, watering, consolidating, dressing the
filled up area, carting away and disposal all surplus materials from site to
contractor own dump.

(g)

Battering, benching, forming steps in the sides of foundations and mass

excavations where required and removed of slips and falls.

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CLAUSE 3.0 : EARTH FILLING ON RESERVOIR BED WITH SELECTED EARTH AND
CC BLOCK
EARTH
Normally excavated earth form same area shall be used for filling. Earth used for filling
shall be free from shrubs, rank vegetation, grass brushwood, stone shingle and boulders
(larger than 75mm in any direction) organic or any other foreign matter. Earth containing
deleterious materials, salt peter earth etc. shall not be used for filling. All clods and lumps
of earth exceeding 8 cm in any direction shall be broken or removed before the earth is
used for filling.
CC BLOCK
CC Blocks removed from existing reservoir lining shall be reused on the top of earth
filling. Top 2 to 3 layers of CC block shall be provided above 1.3m of earth filling.
FILLING
The space around the foundations and drains in trenches shall be cleared of all debris,
brick bats etc. The filing shall be done in layers not exceeding 20cm in depth. Each layer
shall be watered, rammed and consolidated. Ramming shall be done with iron rammers
where possible and with blunt end of crow bars where rammers cannot be used. Special
care shall be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to the pipes, columns or any
concrete work.
MEASUREMENT
Depth of filling shall be the consolidated depth. The dimensions of filling shall be on the
basis of pre-measurement correct to the nearest cm and cubical contents worked out in
cubic meters correct to two places of decimal.
RATE
The rates include cost of all the operations described above.

12

CLAUSE 4.0 : PLAIN AND REINFORCED CEMENT CONCRETE

GENERAL
These specifications cover the requirement of plain, reinforced and pre stressed concrete
for use in various components of structures. For all items of concrete in any portion of the
structure or its associated works controlled concrete shall be used unless otherwise
specified. When ordinary concrete of the mix is shown on drawings or directed by the
Engineer, the same may be used.
The provision of the latest revision of the following IS Codes shall from a part of this
specification to the extent they are relevant.
IS 226
Specification for structural steel (standard quality)
IS 269
Specification for ordinary and low heat Portland cement
IS 280
Specification for mild steel wire for general engineering purpose
IS 303
Plywood for general purposes
IS 383
Specification for coarse and fine aggregate
IS 432
(All Parts) - Specifications for mild steel and medium tensile steel
bars and hard - drawn steel wire for concrete reinforcement.
Part I
Mild steel and medium tensile bars
Part II
Hard drawn steel wire
IS 455
Specification for Portland blast furnace slag cement
IS 456
Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete for general
building construction
IS 460
Specification for test sieves
IS 516
Methods of test for strength of concrete
IS 650
Standard sand for testing of cement
IS 1139
Hot rolled mild steel, medium tensile steel and HYSD bars for
concrete reinforcement
IS 1199
Sampling and analysis of concrete
IS 1200
Method of measurement of building works
Part II
IS 1343
Code of practice for pre stressed concrete
IS 1489
Specification for Portland pozzolana cement
IS 1542
Sand for plaster
IS 1566
Specification for hard - drawn steel wire fabric
IS 1732
Dimensions for round & square steel bars for structural & general
engineering purposes.
IS 1785
Plain hard drawn steel wire pre stressed concrete (Part I) Cold
drawn stress - relieved wire.
IS 1786
Specification for high strength deformed steel bars & wires for
concrete reinforcement
IS 1791
Batch type concrete mixers
IS 2062
Weldable structural steel
IS 2386
Method of test for aggregates for concrete
(8 Parts)
IS 2502
Code of practice for bending and fixing of bars for concrete
reinforcement.
IS 2505
Immersion type concrete vibrators
IS 2506
Screed board concrete vibrators
IS 2722
Specification for portable swing weigh batcher (Single and
double bucket type)
IS 2751
Code of practice for welding of MS bars
IS 2911
Code of practice for design and construction of pile foundation
IS 3366
Pan Vibrators
IS - 3370
Code of practice for concrete structure for the storage of liquids.
(All Parts)

13

IS 3558
IS 4926
IS 4656
IS 5525
IS 5640
IS 5816
IS 6006
IS 6461
IS 6925
IS 8041
IS 8043
IS 8112
IS 9103
IS 12269

Code of practice for the use of immersion vibrators for

consolidating concrete.
Ready Mixed Concrete
Form vibrators for concrete
Recommendation for detailing of reinforcement in reinforced
concrete works.
Method of test for determining aggregate impact value of soft,
coarse aggregate.
Methods of test for splitting strength of concrete cylinder
Uncoated stress relieved strand for pre stressed concrete.
Cement concrete : glossary of terms
Methods of tests for determination of water soluble chlorides in
concrete admixtures.
Specifications for rapid hardening Portland Cement
Specifications for hydrophobic Portland Cement
Specification for high strength ordinary Portland cement.
Admixtures for concrete.
Specification for high strength ordinary Portland Cement (53
grade OPC.)

Other codes and specifications

Other IS codes pertaining to the items of cement concrete work in structural work and not
listed above shall also be deemed to come under the preview of this clause. All Indian
Roads Congress Standards, Specifications and codes of practice also come under this
purview.
GRADE OF CONCRETE
Controlled concrete of minimum grade M-30 design mix shall only be used for all
reinforced & M-15 design mix shall only be used for all plain cement concrete works. In
the event if design mix cannot be used for any reason on the work, for grades M15 or
lower, nominal mix may be permitted at the discretion of the Engineer-In-Charge.
Controlled Concrete
For controlled concrete, design of the concrete mix shall be arrived at after preliminary
tests got done from approved laboratory considering the same material resources to be
used for concrete making and in its production all necessary precautions shall be taken to
ensure that the required works cube strength and workability is attained and maintained.
Use of plasticizer can be done as per approval of engineer in charge and as adopted in mix
design. The controlled concrete shall be in grades designated as M20, M25, M30, M35,
M40, M45 and M50.
Ordinary Concrete
In case of ordinary concrete, mix is not required to be designed by preliminary tests and
proportions of cement, fine aggregates and coarse aggregates are specified by volume. The
ordinary concrete shall be in grades designated as M10 and M 15 with the suffix
Ordinary added to it. It can also be specified by volume as given in Table 3 of this
specification.
In the designation of a concrete mix. letter M refers to the mix and the number to the
specified 28 days works cube compressive strength of that mix on 150 mm cubes,
expressed in N/sq.mm.

14

STRENGTH REQUIRMENT OF CONCRETE

Where Ordinary Portland Cement conforming to IS: 269 or Portland Blast Furnace
Cement conforming to IS : 456 is used, the compressive strength requirements for various
grades of concrete controlled as well as ordinary shall be as given in Table 1. Where rapid
hardening Portland cement is used, the 28 days compressive strength requirements
specified in Table 1 shall be met at 7 days.
For controlled concrete, the mix shall be so designed as to attain in preliminary tests a
strength at least 33 percent higher than that required on work tests, for concrete up to and
including M25 and 25 % higher for higher strengths. Preliminary tests need not be made
in case of ordinary concrete.
Table 1
Grade of Concrete

M10
M15
M20
M25
M30
M35
M40
M45
M50

Compressive works test strength in N/sq.m on 150mm

cubes after testing conducted in accordance with IS: 516
Min at 7 days
Min at 28 days
7
10
10
15
13.5
20
17
25
20
30
23.5
35
27
40
30
45
33.5
50

Note: In all cases, the 28 days compressive strength specified in Table 1 shall alone be the
criterion for acceptance or rejection of the concrete.
Where the strength of a concrete mix, as indicated by tests, lies between the strength for
any two grades specified in table 1, such concrete shall be classified for all purposes as a
concrete belonging to the lower of the two grades between which its strength lies.
MATERIALS
Cement
All types and brands of cement shall be subjected to the approval of the Engineer-incharge.
a) Following types of Cement shall be used.
i)

All cement used for the work shall be ordinary Portland cement or such other cement
as may be permitted by the Engineer-in-charge. Portland cement shall comply with
requirements of the latest issue of IS 269. High alumina cement, rapid hardening
cement and Portland Slag cement etc. can be used only when permitted by the
Engineer-in-charge. Such cements shall be in accordance with relevant IS codes.
Portland Pozzolana cement when permitted by the Engineer-in-charge shall conform
to IS 1489.

ii) Cement which has remained in bulk storage at the mill for more than 6 months, or
which has remained in bags at the dealers storage for over 3 months, or which has been
stored at project site for more than 3 months shall be re-rested before use. Cement shall
also be rejected if it fails to conform to any of the requirements of these specifications.

15

The Cement to be used in the work shall be of grade not less than Grade 43 which shall
be got approved by the Engineerin-charge.
Fine Aggregates
Fine aggregates shall consist of natural sand, manufactured sand, or an approved
combination thereof and shall conform to IS: 383. The grading zone of sand proposed for
use shall be supplied by the contractor and got approved by the Engineer-in-charge.
The sand shall be of siliceous material, sharp, hard, strong and durable and shall be free
from adherent coatings, clay, dust, alkali, organic material, deleterious matter, lumps, etc.
Either natural or manufactured sand shall be prepared for use by such screening or
washing, or both, as necessary, to remove all objectionable foreign matter. Natural sand
shall be washed, unless specific written authority is given by the Engineer-in-charge to use
sand that meets specifications and standards of cleanliness without washing. The cost of
screening and washing must be borne by the contractor. The fine aggregate shall be taken
from a source approved by the Engineer-in-charge.
Coarse Aggregates
Coarse aggregates shall consist of hard, strong, durable particles of crushed stone and
shall be free from thin elongated soft pieces, organic or other deleterious matter. It shall
not have adherent coatings. It will be from a source approved by the Engineer-in-charge.
Coarse aggregate shall conform to IS: 383
Coarse aggregate shall be washed if necessary to remove all vegetable and other
perishable substances and objectionable amounts of other foreign matter, the cost of
washing and screening being borne by the contractor.

i)

ii)

of Coarse Aggregates Following shall be the maximum

nominal
ItemSize
of Construction
Max. Nominal
Sizesize
of of coarse aggrega
Coarse Aggregate
RCC well staining concrete, RCC well curb &
RCC piles in plum concrete
63 mm
Well cap or pile cap, solid type piers, abutments
and wing walls, and pier caps and general items of
work in bridge and building construction
40 mm

iii)

iv)

v)

RCC works in girders, deck slab, wearing coat,

kerb, light posts, ballast walls, approach slab etc.
and hollow type piers, abutments, wing walls and
pier caps.
RCC bearings, shells and other thin walled
members and in zones of congestion

20mm

20mm

For any other item of construction not covered by

items (i) to (iv) shall be as specified in the
drawings or as desired by the Engineer-in-Charge
in case it is not specified on the drawing.

For heavily reinforced concrete members as in the case of ribs of main beams, the
nominal maximum size of aggregate shall usually be restricted to 5 mm less than the
minimum lateral clear distance between the main bars, or 5 mm less than the minimum

16

cover to the reinforcement, whichever is smaller. However, if required under special

circumstances, the Engineer-in-Charge may permit nominal maximum aggregate size of
25% more than this critical spacing/ cover, provided that proper vibrating is ensured.
Reinforcing Steel
Reinforcing steel shall be clean and free from loose mill scales, dust, loose rust and coats
of paints, oil, grease or other coating, which may impair or reduce bond.
Mild steel and medium tensile steel bars and hard drawn steel wire shall conform to the
latest edition of IS: 432.
Cold worked high strength steel deformed bars shall conform to IS: 1786
Hard drawn steel wire fabric shall conform to IS: 1566
Structural steel sections and plates shall conform IS: 226 and IS: 2062.
Hot rolled mild steel medium tensile steel and high yield strength steel deformed bars
shall conform to IS : 1139
Water
Water used for mixing and curing shall be free from injurious amounts of deleterious
materials. Potable waters are generally considered satisfactory for mixing and curing
concrete.
Admixtures
Special admixtures of approved mixtures confirming to IS: 6925 to be used as per
concrete mix design for imparting special characteristics to the concrete, on satisfactory
evidence that its use does not in any way adversely affect the properties of concrete
particularly its strength, volume changes, durability and has no deleterious effect on the
reinforcement. Admixtures where allowed will generally be conforming to relevant
ASTM standards and IS : 9103.
Material for Repair Work
The use of epoxy for bonding fresh concrete used for repairs will be permitted on written
approval of the Engineer-in Charge. Epoxies shall be applied in accordance with the
instructions of the Manufacturer. The cost of such repair when approved by the Engineerin-charge shall be borne by the contractor.
Storage of Materials
(i) Cement
The contractor shall make arrangements to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge for the
storage of cement to prevent deterioration due to moisture and/or intrusion of foreign
matter. Bulk cement shall be stored in approved waterproof bin or silo. Bagged cement
shall be stored in a suitable weather tight warehouse in a manner to provide easy access
for identification and inspection of each consignment. Stored cement shall meet the test
requirements as per IS - 269 at any time after storage, when a retest is ordered by
Engineer-in-charge. Each consignment shall be stacked separately with the date of receipt
of flagged on it, not more than 12 bags being stacked height, the bags being arranged with
header and stretchers. Normally consignments shall be used in the order of receipt at site
unless otherwise directed. In case of large concrete pours the Engineer-in-Charge will
decide on the batch of cement to be used taking into consideration the quantity of cement
with particular reference to the concerned concrete pours. Any additional work in
handling and storage of cement contingent upon this requirement shall be to the
contractors account and no extra claim will be entertained. Cement shall be protected
from exposure to moisture in transit, in storage at the works and until; it enters the

17

concrete mixes. The contractor shall keep accurate record of the deliveries of the cement
and of its use in the work.
(ii) Aggregates
Coarse and fine aggregates shall be stacked separately in such manner as to prevent
contamination by foreign materials. All aggregates shall be stored on concrete or masonry
platforms. Each size shall be kept separate with wooden, steel, concrete, or masonry bulk
heads, or shall be stored in separate stacks, taking care to prevent the materials at the
edges of the stock piles from getting intermixed. Stacks of fine and coarse aggregates shall
be kept sufficiently apart. The aggregates shall be stored in easily measurable stacks of
suitable heights as may be directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
(iii) Reinforcing Steel
Reinforcing steel shall not be stored directly on the ground. These shall be stored under
cover and shall be protected from rusting, oil, grease and distortions as directed by the
Engineer-in-Charge.
PROPORTIONING CONCRETE
CONTROLLED CONCRETE
Concrete mix shall be designed on the basis of preliminary tests. The proportions for
ingredients chosen shall be such that concrete has adequate workability for conditions
prevailing on the work in question and can be properly compacted with the means
available.
Except where it can be shown to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge that a supply of
properly graded aggregate of uniform quality can be maintained till the completion of
work, grading of aggregate should be controlled by obtaining the coarse aggregate in
different sizes and blending them in the right proportions as required. The different sizes,
shall be stocked in separate stock piles. Required quantity of material shall be stockpiled
several hours, preferably a day, before use. Grading of coarse and fine aggregate shall be
checked as frequently as possible, frequency for given job being determined by the
Engineer-in-Charge to ensure that the suppliers are maintaining the uniform grading as
approved for samples used in the preliminary tests.
In proportioning concrete, the quantity of both cement and aggregate shall be determined
by weight. Water shall either be measured by volume in calibrated tanks or weighed. All
measuring equipment shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. Their
accuracy shall be periodically checked.
It is most important to keep the specified water-cement ratio constant and at is correct
value. To this end, the moisture content in both fine and coarse aggregates shall be
determined by Engineer-in-Charge according to weather conditions. The amount of
mixing water shall than be adjusted to compensate for variations in the moisture content.
For the determination of moisture content in the aggregates, IS 2386 (Part III) shall be
referred to. Suitable adjustments shall also be made in the weights of aggregates to allow
for the variation in weights of aggregates due to variation in their moisture content.
The minimum quantity of cement to be used shall not less than 210 Kg/cum for plain
concrete and not less than 340 Kg/cum for reinforced concrete structural members subject
to a maximum limit of 540 Kg/cum.

18

ORDINARY CONCRETE
The ordinary concrete mix shall generally be specified by volume. For cement, which
normally comes in bags and used by weight, volume shall be worked out taking 50 kg. of
cement as 0.035 cubic meter in volume, shaking, ramming or hammering shall not be
done. Proportioning of sand shall be as per its dry volume and in case it is damp,
allowance for bulking shall be made as per IS : 2386 (Part III).
Ingredients required for ordinary concrete containing one (50kg.) bag of cement for
different proportions of mix shall be as given in Table 3.

Grade of
Concrete

1
M10
M15
M20
M25

Table - 3
Total qty. of dry Proportion
of
fine
aggregates
by aggregate
to
coarse
volume per 50 kg. aggregate.
cement to be taken
as the sum of
individual vol. of
fine
&
coarse
aggregate (max.)
2
3
300 Ltrs.
Generally 1:2 for fine
aggregate
to
coarse
220 Ltrs
aggregate
by
volume
but
160 Ltrs
subject
to
upper
limit
of
100 Ltrs
1:1.5 and lower limit of
1:2.5 *

Quantity of water
per 50 Kg of
cement max.**

4
34 Ltrs.
32 Ltrs.
30 Ltrs
27 Ltrs

* The proportions of the aggregate shall be adjusted from upper limit to lower
limit
progressively as the grading of the fine aggregates becomes finer and the
maximum
size of coarse aggregate becomes larger.
** The amount of water should be kept minimum required for proper workability. The
quantity given in col. 4 is not to be exceeded.
Example
For an average grading of the fine aggregate (that is Zone II of IS:383-1963) the
proportions shall be 1:1.5, 1:2 and 1:3, for maximum size of aggregates 10mm, 20 mm
and 40 mm respectively.
Note: A mix leaner than M10 (1:3:6) may be used for non-structural parts if specified on
the drawing or provided in the contract. In such case grading of aggregate shall be as
specified in the contract or on the drawings. Other requirements for mixing, placing and
curing shall be the same as specified in this section.
QUANTITY OF WATER
The quantity of water shall be just sufficient to produce a dense concrete of required
workability and strength for the job. An accurate and strict control shall be kept on the
quantity of mixing water.
In the case of reinforced concrete work, workability shall be such that the concrete
surrounds and properly grips, all reinforcement. The degree of consistency, which shall
depend upon the nature of work and the methods of vibration of concrete, shall be
determined by regular slump tests. The following slumps shall be adopted for different
types of works.

19

Type of Work

2
3

Slumps
Where Vibrators
Where Vibrators are
are used
not used.
Mass
concrete
in
RCC 10mm to 25mm
80mm
foundations, footings & retaining
walls.
Beams, slabs & columns simply 25mm to 40mm
100mm to 120mm
reinforced
Thin RCC section or section with 40mm to 50mm
125mm to 150mm
congested steel

Note: With use of ordinary concrete the slump requirement specified above would not be
applicable.
MIXING CONCRETE
For all works concrete shall be mixed in a mechanical mixer which along with other
accessories shall be kept in first class working condition and so maintained throughout the
construction. Mixing shall be continued till materials are uniformly distributed and a
uniform color of the entire mass is obtained and each individual particle of the coarse
aggregate shows a complete coating of mortar containing its proportionate amount of
cement. In no case shall the mixing be done for less than 2 minutes after all ingredients
have been put into the mixer. In hand mixing quantity of cement shall be increased by
10% above that specified in clause 5.2 above, the cost of increased cement being borne by
the Contractor. Hand mixing will be permitted only under exceptional conditions and the
contractor must take the permission of the Engineer-in-charge in advance. Mixers, which
have been out of use more than 30 minutes, shall be thoroughly cleaned before putting in a
new batch. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Engineer-in-charge, the first batch of
concrete from the mixer shall contain only two thirds of the normal quantity of coarse
aggregate. The mixing plant shall be thoroughly cleaned before changing from one type of
cement to another.
All structural concrete shall be weigh batched. All ingredients for concrete shall be
batched by weight using a weigh batcher of approved make conforming to IS: 2722.
Batching shall be to an accuracy of 0.50kg and the weigh batcher shall be tested for
accuracy of calibration before commencement of the works and at least once a week
thereafter or more frequently if so required by the Engineer.
Use of Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) may be permitted at the discretion of the EngineerIn-Charge without any extra cost.
TRANSPORT, PLACING AND COMPACTION OF CONCRETE
The method of transporting and placing concrete shall be approved by the Engineer-incharge. Concrete shall be transported and placed such that no contamination, segregation
or loss of its constitute materials takes place.
All formwork and reinforcement contained in it shall be cleaned and made free from
standing water or dust, immediately before placing of concrete.
No concrete shall be placed in any part of the structure until the approval of the Engineerin-charge has been obtained in writing.
If concreting is not started within 24 hours of the approval being given, it shall have to be
obtained again from the Engineer-in-charge. Concreting shall then proceed continuously
over the area between construction joints. Fresh concrete shall not be placed against

20

concrete, which has been in position for more than 30 minutes unless a proper
construction joint is formed.
Concrete when deposited shall have a temperature of not less than 4.5 deg. C and not more
than 38 deg. C unless otherwise specified. It shall be compacted in its final position within
30 minutes of its discharge from the mixer unless carried on properly designed agitators,
operating continuously, in which case this time shall be within 2 hours of the addition of
cement to the mix and within 30 minutes of its discharge from the agitator.
Except where otherwise agreed to by the Engineer-in-Charge, concrete shall be deposited
in horizontal layers to a compacted depth of not more than 0.45 m when internal vibrators
are used and not exceeding 0.30m in all other cases.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the Engineer-in-charge, concrete shall not be dropped into
place from a height exceeding 2 meters. When trunking or chutes are used, they shall be
kept clean and used in such a way as to avoid segregation.
When concrete is conveyed by chute, the plant shall be of such size and design as to
ensure practically continuous flow. Slope of the chute shall be so adjusted that the
concrete flows without the use of an excessive quantity of water and without any
segregation of its ingredients. The delivery end of the chute shall be as close as possible to
the point of deposit. The chute shall be thoroughly flushed with water before and after
each working period and the water used for this purpose shall be discharged outside the
formwork.
When concreting has to be resumed on a surface which has hardened, it shall be
roughened, swept clean, thoroughly wetted and covered with 15 mm thick layer of mortar
composed of cement and sand in the same ratio as in the concrete mix itself. This 15mm
layer of mortar shall be freshly mixed and placed immediately before placing of new
concrete.
Where concrete has not fully hardened, all laitance shall be removed by scrubbing the wet
surface with wire or bristle brushes, care being taken to avoid dislodgement of any
particles of coarse aggregate. The surface shall then be thoroughly wetted, all free water
removed, and then coated with neat cement grout. The first layer of concrete to be placed
on this surface shall not exceed 150mm in thickness, and shall be well rammed against old
work, particular attention being given to corners and close spots.
All concrete shall be compacted to produce a dense homogeneous mass with the
assistance of vibrator. For exceptional cases, where vibrators can not be used an alternate
scheme of compaction shall be approved by the Engineer-in-charge. Sufficient vibrators
in serviceable condition shall be kept at site so that spare equipment is always available in
the event of break down.
The performance requirements of vibrators shall conform to relevant IS codes. Vibration
shall not be applied through reinforcement, and where vibrators of the immersion type are
used, contact with reinforcement and all inserts shall be avoided as far as practicable.
CONCRETING UNDER WATER
When it is necessary to deposit concrete under water, the methods, equipment, materials
and proportions of the mix to be used shall be got approved from the Engineer-in-charge
before any work is started. Such concrete shall not be considered as Controlled
Concrete.

21

Concrete shall not be placed in water having temperature below

4.50C. The temperature of the concrete, when deposited, shall be not less than 16 0C., nor
more than 380 C.
Concrete shall contain 10 percent more cement than that required for the same mix placed
in the dry. The materials shall be so proportioned as to produce a concrete having a slump
of not less than 100 mm. and not more than 180mm. The slump shall be tested as per IS :
516.
Coffer-dams or forms shall be sufficiently tight to ensure still water conditions if
practicable, and in any case to reduce the flow of water to less than 3 meters per minute
through the space into which concrete is to be deposited. Coffer-dams or forms in still
water shall be sufficiently tight to prevent loss of mortar through the joints in the wells.
Dewatering by Pumping shall not be done while concrete is being placed, or until 24 hours
thereafter.
Concrete shall be deposited continuously until it has been brought to the required height.
While depositing, the top surface shall always be kept as nearly level as possible and
formation of seams avoided. For depositing concrete any one of the following method
may be used:
(a) Tremie - When concrete is to be deposited under water by means of tremie, the top
section of the tremie shall be a hopper large enough to hold one full batch of the mix
or the entire contents of the transporting bucket if any. The tremie pipe shall not be
less than 200 mm in diameter, and shall be large enough to allow a free flow of
concrete and strong enough to withstand the external pressure of the water in which it
is suspended, even if a partial vacuum develops inside the pipe. Preferably, flanged
steel pipe of adequate strength for the job shall be used. A separate lifting device shall
be provided for each tremie pipe with its hopper at the upper end. Unless the lower
end of the pipe is equipped with an approved automatic check valve, the upper end of
the pipe shall be plugged with a wadding of gunny sacking or other approved material
before delivering the concrete to the tremie pipe through the hopper, so that when the
concrete is forced down from the hopper to the pipe it will force the plug (and along
with it any water in the pipe) down the pipe and out of the bottom end, thus
establishing a continuous stream of concrete. It will be necessary to raise slowly the
tremie in order to allow a uniform flow of concrete, but it shall not be emptied so that
water enters above the concrete in the pipe. At all times after the placing of concrete is
started and until all the required quantity has been placed, the lower end of the tremie
pipe shall be kept below the top surface of the placed concrete. This will cause the
concrete to build up from below instead of flowing out over the surface, and thus
avoid formation of layers of laitance. If the charge in the tremie is lost while
depositing, the tremie shall be raised above the concrete surface, and unless sealed by
a check valve it shall be re-plugged at the top end, as at the beginning, before refilling
for depositing further concrete.
(b) Drop Bottom Bucket -The top of the bucket shall be closed. The bottom doors shall
move freely downward and outward when tripped. The bucket shall be filled
completely and lowered slowly to avoid backwash. It shall not be dumped until it rests
on the surface upon which the concrete is to be deposited and when discharged shall
be withdrawn slowly until above the concrete.
To minimize the formation of laitance, great care shall be exercised not to disturb the
concrete as far as possible while it is being deposited.

22

CURING OF CONCRETE
Protection and Water Curing
Immediately after compaction, concrete shall be protected against harmful effect of
weather, including rain, running water, shocks, vibration, traffic, rapid temperature
changes and premature dying out. It shall be covered with wet sacking, Hessian or other
similar absorbent material approved by the Engineer-in-charge soon after the initial set,
and shall be kept continuously wet for a period of not less than 21 days from the date of
placement. Masonry work over the foundation concrete may be started after 48 hours of
its laying but the curing of concrete shall be continued for a minimum period of 21 days.
Steam Curing
When steam curing is adopted it shall be ensured that it is done in a suitable enclosure to
contain the live steam in order to minimize moisture and heat losses. The initial
application of the steam shall be from two to four hours after the final placement of
concrete to allow the initial set of the concrete to take place.
Where retarders are used, the waiting period before application of the steam shall be
increased from four to six hours. The steam shall be at 100% relative humidity to prevent
loss of moisture and to provide excess moisture for proper hydration of the cement. The
application of steam shall not be directly on the concrete, and the ambient air temperature
shall increase at a rate not exceeding 5 deg. cent per hour until a maximum temperature of
60 deg. cent to 70 deg. cent is reached. The maximum temperature shall be maintained
until the concrete has reached the desired strength.
When steam curing is discontinued the ambient air temperature shall not drop at a rate
exceeding 5 deg. cent per hour until a temperature of about 10 deg. cent above the
temperature of the air to which the concrete will be exposed, has been reached.
WORKING IN EXTREME WEATHER
When depositing concrete in very hot weather, precaution shall be taken so that the
temperature of wet concrete does not exceed 38 deg. C. while placing. This shall be
achieved by stacking aggregate under sheds and keeping it moist using cold water or
crushed or flaked ice if specified and permitted by the Engineer, reducing the time
between mixing and placing to the minimum, cooling formwork by sprinkling water on
the exterior, starting curing before the concrete dries out and restricting concreting, as far
as possible, to mornings and evenings.
During hot weather and rains the concrete shall be covered with tarpaulin and transported
and placed in the forms and consolidated to final state in as short a time as possible.
Commencement of concrete pours shall be avoided during heavy rains, storms and high
winds.
FINISHING
General
Immediately after the removal of forms, all exposed bars or bolts passing through the
reinforced cement concrete member and used for shuttering or any other purpose shall be
cut inside the reinforced cement concrete member to a depth of at least 25 mm below the
surface of the concrete and the resulting holes be closed by cement mortar 1:2. All fins
caused by form joints shall be broken. All cavities produced by the removal of form ties,
all holes and depressions, honeycomb spots, broken edges or corners and all other defects

23

shall be thoroughly cleaned, saturated with water and carefully pointed and rendered true
with mortar of cement and fine aggregate mixed in the proportions used in the grade of
concrete that is being finished and of as dry a consistency as is possible to use.
Considerable pressure shall be applied in filling and pointing to ensure thorough filling in
all voids. Surfaces which have been filled/ pointed shall be kept moist for period of
twenty-four hours. Any repair and rectification of defective work is to be undertaken and
carried out as directed by the Engineer-in-charge and the cost is to be borne by the
contractor.
If rock pockets/ honeycombs, in the opinion of the Engineer-in-charge, are of such an
extent or character as to affect the strength of the structure materially or to endanger the
life of the steel reinforcement, he may declare the concrete defective and require the
removal and replacement of the affected portion of the structure.
All construction and expansion joints in the completed work shall be left carefully tooled
and free from any mortar and concrete. Expansion joint filler shall be left exposed for its
full length with clean and true edges.
Curing of the surface shall be continued for a period of 21 days.
Classes of Finishing
The surface finish for formed and unformed surfaces are classified and defined as below.
Surface irregularities permitted for the various classes of finishes are termed either
abrupt or gradual. Fins or offsets caused by displaced or misplaced from sheeting,
lining or form sections, by loose knots in form timber or by otherwise defective form
timber are considered abrupt irregularities. All other cases are described as gradual
irregularities. Gradual irregularities will be measured with a template consisting of a
straight edge for plane surfaces or its equivalent for curved surfaces. The length of
template for testing gradual irregularities on formed surfaces shall be 1.5 m in length, the
permissible gradual irregularities being measured over this length of the template.
Special surfaces, finishes and treatments falling outside the classes described here but
defined elsewhere by the Engineer-in-charge shall also form part of these specifications.
Finish F1, F2 and F3 shall describe formed surfaces.
Finish U1, U2 and U3 shall describe unformed surfaces.
Class F1 Finish
This class of finish shall apply to all formed surfaces for which class F2 or F3 is not
specified. It shall generally be formed by sawn timber formwork so constructed that there
shall be no loss of material from the concrete during placement and compaction. After
hardening, the concrete shall be in the position required and shall have the shape and
dimensions called for in the drawings. Any abrupt irregularities shall not exceed 8 mm
and gradual irregularities shall not exceed 16mm. All fins and drifts in excess of the above
limits shall be made good by chipping and grinding if required by the Engineer-in-charge.
Small blemishes caused by entrapped air or water may be expected but the surface shall be
free from voids, honeycombing or other large blemishes. Class F1 finish shall be generally
specified for all surfaces buried in ground or not visible during service or for surfaces that
are to receive further rendering treatment such as plastering etc. Unless otherwise
specified in the Bill of Quantities the surface finish shall be understood to be Class F1.
Class F2 Finish
Class F2 finish shall be obtained by the use of properly designed forms, either close
jointed wrought timber forms or with forms having plywood or steel sheet lining. The
abrupt irregularities shall not exceed 5 mm and gradual irregularities shall be less than
8mm. Small blemishes caused by entrapped air or water may be permitted but the surface

24

shall be generally free from honeycombing, voids and large blemishes. Surface
irregularities in excess of those stipulated shall be removed by chipping or rubbing with
abrasive stone.
Class F3 Finish
Class F3 finish shall be formed by specially designed close jointed rigid forms having
lining of high quality form plywood. The surface irregularities shall be limited to nil for
abrupt irregularities and 3 mm for gradual irregularities. Class F3 finish may be obtained
from class F2 finish by carefully removing all abrupt irregularities including fins and
projections by rubbing/ grinding. If steel forms are used they shall be subjected to
Engineer-in-charge s approval.
In addition, finish F3 shall include filling air holes with mortar and treatment of the entire
surface with sack rubbed finish. It shall also include clean up of loose and adhering debris.
For a sack rubbed finish, the surface shall be prepared within two days after of removal of
the forms. The surface shall be wetted and allowed to dry slightly before mortar is applied
by sack rubbing. The mortar used shall consist of one part cement to one and one half
parts by volume of fine (IS No. 16 mesh) sand. Only sufficient mixing water to give the
mortar a workable consistency shall be used. The mortar shall then be rubbed over the
surface with a fine burlap or linen cloth so as to fill the surface voids. The mortar in the
voids shall be allowed to stiffen and solidify after which the whole surface shall be wiped
clean with clean burlap such that all air holes etc. are filled and the entire surface presents
a uniform appearance without air holes, irregularities etc.
Class U1 Finish
This is the screeded finish used on surfaces over which other finishes such as wearing
coats etc. are to be placed. It is also the first step in the formation of U2 and U3 finishes.
The finishing operation consists of leveling and screeding the concrete to produce an even
and uniform surface so that the gradual irregularities are not greater than 6 mm. Surplus
concrete should be removed immediately after consolidation by striking it off with a
sawing motion of a straight edge or template across a wooden or metal strip that has been
set as guide. Unless the drawings specify a horizontal surface or show the slope required,
the tops of narrow surfaces, such as stair treads, walls, curbs and parapets shall be sloped
approximately 10 mm per 300 mm width. Surfaces to be covered with concrete topping,
terrazzo, and similar surfaces shall be smooth and leveled to produce even surfaces,
irregularities not exceeding 6 mm.
Class U2 Finish
This is a floated finish used on all outdoor unformed surfaces not prominently exposed to
view such as tops of piers etc. The floating may be done by hand or power driven
equipment. It should not however be started until some stiffening has taken place in the
surface concrete and the moisture film or shine has disappeared. The floating should
work the concrete no more than is necessary to produce a surface that is free from screed
marks. All joints and edges should be finished with edging tools. It shall include the repair
of gradual irregularities exceeding 6 mm. All abrupt irregularities shall also be repaired
unless a roughened texture is specified.
Class U3 Finish
This is a trovelled finish used on all surfaces exposed to view at close quarters such as
tops of parapets and kerbs etc. Steel trovelling should not be started after the moisture film
and shine have completely disappeared from the floated surface and the concrete has
hardened enough to prevent an excess of fine material and water from being worked to the
surface. Excessive trovelling, especially if started too soon, tends to produce crazing and

25

lack of durability. Too long a delay will result in a surface too hard for proper finishing.
Steel trovelling should be performed with a firm pressure that will flatten and smooth the
sandy surface left by floating. Toweling should produce a dense, uniform surface free of
blemishes, ripples and towel marks. It shall include the repair of all abrupt irregularities
and the repair of gradual irregularities exceeding 6 mm. It shall also include finishing the
joints and the edges of concrete with edging tools.
CONSTRUCTION JOINTS
Concreting shall be carried out continuously up to the construction joints, the position and
details of which shall be as shown on approved drawings or as directed by the Engineerin-Charge. Such joints shall, however, be kept to the minimum. The groove or kicker as
shown in drawing shall be provided accurately and maintained during concreting
operation
For a vertical construction joint, a stopping board shall be fixed previously at the predetermined position and shall be properly stayed for sufficient lateral rigidity to prevent its
displacement or bulging when concrete is compacted against it. Concreting shall be
continued right up to the board. The board shall not be removed before the expiry of the
specified period for removal of vertical forms.
Before resuming work at a construction joint where the concrete has not yet fully
hardened, all laitance shall be removed thoroughly, using air jet and/ or water jet to get the
desired surface ,care being taken to avoid dislodgement of coarse aggregates. When work
has to be resumed on a surface, which has hardened, the surface shall be thoroughly
hacked, swept clean, using air jet and/ or water jet to get the desired surface,wetted and
covered with a layer of neat cement grout. The neat cement grout shall be followed by 15
mm thick layer of mortar mixed in the same proportion as in the concrete and concreting
resumed immediately thereafter.
The first batch of concrete shall be rammed against the old work to avoid formation of any
stone pockets, particular attention being paid to corners and close spots.
In all cases, the position and detailed arrangement of all construction joints shall be
predetermined and got approved by the Engineer-in-Charge.
TESTS AND STANDARDS OF ACCEPTANCE
Preliminary Tests for Controlled Concrete
For controlled concrete preliminary tests referred to in Paras 2.1 & 3.0 shall consist of
three sets of separate tests, and in each set tests shall be conducted on six specimens. Not
more than one set of six specimens shall be made on any particular day. Of the six
specimens in each set, three shall be tested at seven days and the remaining three at 28
days. The preliminary tests of 7 days are intended only to indicate the strength likely to be
attained at 28 days.
Work Strength Tests for Controlled and Ordinary Concrete
Works strength tests shall be made in accordance with IS 516. Each test shall be
conducted on ten specimens, five of which shall be tested at seven days and the remaining
five at 28 days. The cubes shall be made at the rate of one set for every 50 cubic meter of
concrete or a part thereof for each grade. However, if in each grade concreting done in a
days less than 15 cubic meter, the number of cubes can be reduced to 6 with the specific
permission of the Engineer-in-Charge.
Similar works tests shall be carried out whenever the quality and grading of materials is
changed irrespective of the quantity of concrete poured. The number of specimens may be

26

suitably increased as deemed necessary by the Engineer-in-Charge, when procedure of

tests given above reveals a poor quality of concrete and in other special cases.
All work shall be carried out under the supervision of a qualified and competent Engineer
who will supervise proportioning, placing and compacting of concrete at all stages.
All necessary labor, materials, equipment, etc. for sampling, preparing test cubes, curing,
etc., shall be provided by the Contractor. Testing of materials and concrete may be
arranged by the Engineer-in-Charge in an approved laboratory at the cost of the
contractor.
Standard of Acceptance
The strength of concrete shall conform to clause 16.0, Acceptance Criteria, as specified in
IS : 456 2000.
Manufactures Certification / Testing Results etc.
For all materials required for concrete construction including cement, aggregate, water,
reinforcing and pre stressing steel the original copies of test certificates, test results etc.
either carried out by the manufacturer or any other agency, the mix design
recommendations etc. shall be submitted to the Engineer-in-Charge for his approval and
record. It shall remain the property of the Employer.
Chloride Contents
Since the chloride contents of the constituent materials of the concrete would be additive,
it is desirable to keep a check on the overall chloride content of the concrete to keep it
minimal. Specially, for pre stressed concrete, the total chloride content of the concrete
when manufactured according to the requirements of workability and strength shall not
exceed 500 ppm. By weight of cement. The costs of testing for the chloride content of the
ingredients of concrete and of undertaking remedial measures if the chloride content is
more than the permissible limit shall be borne by the contractor.
Loading Tests :
The Engineer shall during the progress of the Works or during the period of maintenance,
instruct the Contractor that a loading test or any other non-destructive test such as
ultrasonic test or Smidth Hammer Test be made on the Works or any part thereof if, in his
opinion such a test or tests be deemed necessary for one or more of the reasons herein
below specified.
The site made concrete test cubes failing to attain the specified strength.
The shuttering for concrete Works being prematurely removed.
Overloading during construction of the Works or part thereof;
Concrete improperly cured;
If any portion of the work is carried out without prior approval in writing of the Engineer
or his representative to proceed with such work;
If concrete is honeycombed or damaged or in the opinion of the Engineer particularly
weak in important or critical areas of the structure where weakened concrete will affect
the ability of the structure to carry design loads;

27

Any other circumstances attributed to alleged negligence on the part of the Contractor
which, in the opinion of the Engineer, results in the Works or any part thereof being of
less than the expected strength;
The tests shall be made at the Contractor's own cost whether the results of such tests be
satisfactory or otherwise.
All the loading tests and other tests like N.D. Test will be carried out strictly in accordance
with the instructions of the Engineer. Load testing will follow the procedure set out in
Indian Standard Codes of Practice.
If in the opinion of the Engineer the result of the loading tests and other tests like N.D.
Tests is not satisfactory, the Engineer shall instruct that such parts of the Works as he
specifies shall be taken down or cut out and reconstructed to comply with the
specifications, or other remedial measures shall be taken to make Works secure to the
satisfaction of the Engineer. The Contractor shall take down, or cut out and reconstruct the
defective work or shall take the remedial measures instructed at his own cost.
REPAIR WORK
Concrete, which is unsatisfactory, shall be repaired by cutting out the unsatisfactory
material and by replacing it with new concrete. Voids to be so filled shall be provided
with anchors, keys or dovetail slots wherever necessary to attach the new material
securely in place. Surface of prepared voids shall be wetted for 24 hours immediately
before the patching material is placed. Repair of concrete shall be made by skilled
workmen. Repairs shall be made as soon as practicable after removal of forms and in a
manner to meet the requirements for the finish specified for the particular location.
Repairing leakage in liquid retaining structures, which become apparent during leak
testing will also have to be repaired by the contractor at his own cost following methods &
specifications as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge
For repair of the concrete works, the contractor may use epoxy as a bonding agent prior to
placing fresh concrete. The use or otherwise of epoxy for the repair work will be at the
discretion of the Engineer-in-charge. Epoxies shall be applied in strict accordance with the
instructions of the manufacturer.
Epoxy is a two packed or three packed system containing base and hardener/s. The shelf
life of the unmixed cans is about one year or more when stored in a place where ambient
temperature does not increase beyond 75 deg. F. The base and hardener/s shall be mixed
in the correct proportions recommended by the manufacturer. The blend, after mixing
intimately, shall have a pot life of one hour and the material shall be applied over the old
concrete to form a thin film. Fresh concrete shall be deposited immediately prior to the
film drying up so as to ensure proper bonding between both concrete.
Where the dry pack method is used, holes shall be sharp and square at the surface edges,
but corners within holes shall be rounded. The perimeter of the hole shall be under-cut in
several places. Holes for dry pack shall have a minimum depth of 25 mm. The holes to be
repaired shall be scrupulously clean and slightly wet with no free water on the surface.
The surface shall then be dusted lightly with cement by means of dry brush. Under no
conditions shall the holes be painted with neat cement grout.
The dry pack mix shall be proportioned by weight: 1 part cement to 2.5 parts of sand that
will pass a No. 16 screen. Only enough water shall be used to produce a mortar, which
will stick together when moulded into a ball by a slight pressure of the hands and will not
extrude water but will leave the hands just damp.

28

Dry pack material shall be placed and packed in layers having a compacted thickness of
about 10 mm. Each layer shall be solidly compacted over its entire surface by use of
hardwood stick and hammer. The stick is normally about 300 mm to 460 mm long and not
over 30 mm in diameter. Most of the tamping should be directed at a slight angle and
towards the side of the hole to assure maximum compaction and bond. Water shall not be
used to facilitate finishing.
Filling material used in repair of surfaces which will be exposed after completion of the
project shall be made with cement from the same sources as the used in concrete and
blended with a sufficient amount of white Portland cement to produce the same color as in
the adjoining concrete. Parched surfaced shall be given a final treatment as required to
make the texture of the parch match that of the surrounding material.
Immediately after patching is completed, the patched area shall be covered with an
approved non-staining, water-saturated material, which shall be kept wet and protected
against sun and wind for a period of 12 hours. Thereafter, the patched area shall be kept
continuously wet by a fine spray or sprinkling of water for not less than 10 days as
required under section 9.1 and 11.1 of this specification. The layers of gunite may be
reinforced with steel mesh if directed by the Engineer- in Charge.
All materials, procedures and operations used in the repair of concrete and also the
finished work shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in-charge. All fillings shall
be tightly bonded to the concrete and shall be sound, free from shrinkage cracks or
dummy areas after the fillings have been cured and dried.
The extent of repair shall be decided upon by Engineer-in-charge. The cost of repairs of
defective areas shall be borne by the contractor. The engineer-in-charge may adopt at his
discretion any other method of repairing like grouting with cement grout, epoxy grouts or
guniting etc., which will be carried out by the contractor at his cost as per the
specifications supplied by the Engineer-in-charge.
USE OF PLUMS IN ORDINARY / PLAIN CONCRETE
Stone plums shall not be used unless specified on the drawings. When used the size of
stone plums may be from 160 to 300 mm. The maximum dimension of these stones or
plums shall not exceed 1/3rd the least dimension of the members.
All plums shall be hard, durable, clean and free from soft materials or loose piece or
deleterious substance in them and shall not have sharp corners.
During concreting the first layer of concrete of the specified mix shall be laid to a
thickness of at least two and a half times the thickness of the maximum size of plums to be
used. The plums shall then be laid while the top portion of this concrete is still green but
sufficiently stiff to prevent complete submergence of the plums under their own weight.
These plums shall be about half embedded in the concrete and the remaining part exposed
so as to form a key with the next layer of concrete. Plums shall NOT be used for concrete
laid under water.
While placing the plums, care shall be taken to see that the clear distance between any two
plums is not less than either the width or thickness of either of the plums. The distance
from plums to the outer surface or from any steel reinforcement shall be equal to greatest
width of the plum.
If plums of stratified stone are used, they shall be laid on their natural bed. Stones with
concave faces shall be laid with the concave upwards.

29

The thickness of the next and successive layers of concrete shall be at least twice that of
the largest plums.
The total volume of plums shall not exceed 20% of the volume of the finished concrete.
MEASUREMENT FOR PAYMENT
i)

The cement concrete shall be measured in cubic meters. In reinforced concrete the
volume occupied by reinforcement shall not be deducted.
ii) Any concrete used in excess of the theoretical dimensions as shown on the drawings
will not be paid for.
iii) Unacceptable work: All defective concreting work, including but not limited to
defects arising out of honey-combing, under-sizing, under-strength, etc. are liable to
be demolished and rebuilt by the Contractor at his own cost. In the event of such
works being accepted by carrying out repairs etc. as specified by the Engineer-incharge, the cost of repair will be borne by the Contractor. In the event of the works
being accepted by giving a design concession arising out of but not limited to undersizing, under-strength accepting higher than design stresses in members or accepting
materials not fully meeting the specifications etc. the contractor will be paid for the
work actually carried out by him at the reduced rate of 75% of the tendered rate or as
decided by the Engineer-in-Charge for portion of the work thus accepted. The
decision of the Engineer-in-Charge shall be final and binding.
RATE
The unit rate for concrete shall include the cost of all materials, labor, tools and plant
required for mixing, placing in position, vibrating and compacting, finishing as per
directions of the Engineer-in-Charge, curing and all other incidental expenses for
producing concrete of specified strength to complete the structure or its components as
shown on the drawings and according to these specifications. The rate shall also include
the cost of making, fixing and removing of all centers and forms required for the work
unless otherwise specified in the contract.
All expenses likely to be incurred by the contractor in transporting materials supplied to
him to the site of works, the expenses incurred in improving the quality of materials to
acceptable levels (such as screening, washing, etc.) and expenses incurred in proper
storage of materials as directed by the Engineer-in-charge etc. are to be including in the
unit rate.
The rates quoted below shall include:
(a)

Providing concrete mix having required workability and strength including all
required tests on aggregates, cement, water, wet concrete and all preliminary tests,
works tests etc.

(b)

Providing all equipments required for concrete work such as concrete mixers,
weigh batchers, measuring equipments, etc.

(c)

Forming all expansion and / or construction joints in RCC as directed.

(d)

All projections, toothings, ornamental work etc. and finishing to shape as directed.

(e)

Embedding all electric pipes, boxes, fan hooks, false ceiling suspensions and
inserts of any description etc. in RCC slab, beam, walls etc. as directed.

(f)

Installing a caliberated cubs testing machine at site, getting it calibrated every

month and submitting test report to Architects / Employer.

(g)

Preparing test cubs, testing them at site and /or getting tested in an approved
laboratory and any fees, costs etc. relating to them.

(h)

Working up or hacking of concrete surface for providing keys for further concrete
work including applying thick cement slurry or mortar as directed.

30

(i)

Providing 12mm thick cement plaster 1:6 )1 cement :6 fine sand) and a layer of
bitumen craft paper on all brick or stone surfaces serving as bearing for RCC work.

(j)

Machine, mixing of all concretes and hoisting to all lifts, carrying to all leads,
consolidating by rodding, vibrating, tamping and curing.

(k)

Sinking of floors in specified areas.

(l)

Providing dowel bars wherever necessary (cost of bars to be paid as

reinforcement).

(m)

Maintaining of POUR CARDS showing approval of engineer to concrete various

components of RCC work.

(n)

Work in arrow widths, small quantities etc.

31

CLAUSE 5.0 : REINFORCEMENT

BENDING OF REINFORCEMENT
Reinforcing steel shall conform accurately to the dimensions shown on relevant drawings
and conforming to IS: 2502.
The contractor shall make bar bending schedules, based on the drawings furnished to him
and submit the same for the Engineers approval at no extra cost. Approval by the
Engineer does not relieve the contractor of his responsibility to ensure correctness in
respect of details / placing.
Bars shall be bent cold to the specified shape and dimensions or as directed by the
Engineer-in-Charge using a proper bar bender, operated by hand or power to attain proper
radii of bends.
Bars shall not be bent or straightened in a manner that will injure the material.
Bars bent during transport or handling shall be straightened before being used on work;
they shall not be heated to facilitate bending.
Unless otherwise specified, a U type hook at the end of each bar shall invariably be
provided. The radius of the bend shall not be less than twice the diameter of the round bar
for mild steel plain bars and not less than four times the diameter for high strength
deformed bars. In case of bars with diameters greater than 25mm, the minimum radius
should be three times the diameter for mild steel bars and six times the diameter for high
strength deformed bars the length of the straight part of the bar beyond the end of the
curve shall be at least four times the diameter of the bar. In the case of bars, which are not
round, and in the case of deformed bars, the diameter shall be taken as the diameter of a
circle having an equivalent effective area.
The hook shall be suitably encased to prevent any splitting of the concrete.
PLACING OF REINFORCEMENT
All reinforcing bars shall be accurately placed in the exact position shown on the
drawings, and shall be securely held in position during placing of concrete by annealed
binding wire not less than 1 mm in size and conforming to IS: 280, and by using stays,
blocks or metal chairs, spacers, metal hangers, supporting wires or other approved devices
at sufficiently close intervals. Bars will not be allowed to sag between supports nor
displaced during concreting or any other operation over the work. All devices used for
positioning shall be of non-corrodible material. Wooden and metal supports will not
extend to the surface of concrete, except where shown on the drawings. Placing bars on
layers of freshly laid concrete as the work progresses for adjusting bar spacing will not be
allowed. Pieces of broken stone, brick or wooden blocks shall not be used. Layers of bars
shall be separated by spacer bars, pre cast mortar blocks or other approved devices.
Reinforcement after being placed in position shall be maintained in a clear condition until
completely imbedded in concrete. Special care shall be exercised to prevent any
displacement of reinforcement in concrete already placed.
To protect reinforcement from corrosion, concrete cover shall be provided as indicated on
the drawings. All bars protruding from concrete to which other bars are to be spliced and
which are likely to be exposed for an indefinite period shall be protected by a thick coat of
neat cement grout.

32

In the case of columns and walls, vertical bars shall be kept in normal position with timber
templates having slots accurately cut in for bar position. Such templates shall be removed
after the concreting has progressed up to a level just below them.
Bars crossing each other, where required, shall be secured by 18 gauge galvanized iron
binding wire in such a manner that they do not slip over each other at the time of fixing
and concreting
As far as possible, bars of full length shall be used. In case this is not possible,
overlapping of bars shall be done as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. When
practicable, overlapping bars shall not touch each other, but be kept apart by 25 mm or
1.25 times the maximum size of the coarse aggregate in the concrete between them,
whichever is greater, where this is not feasible, overlapping bars shall be bound with
annealed steel wire, not less than 1 mm thickness twisted tight. The overlaps shall be
staggered for different bars and located at points along the span where neither shear nor
bending moment is maximum.
Bars of less than 3.0 M length shall not be used as main reinforcement.
WELDING OF BARS
When permitted or specified on the drawings, joints of reinforcement bars shall be buttwelded so as to transmit their full strength. Welded joints shall preferably be located at
points where the reinforcement steel will not be subject to more than 75 percent of the
maximum permissible stresses and the welded joints should be staggered such that at any
one section, not more than 33 percent of the bars are welded. Only electric arc welding
using a process which excludes air from the molten metal and conforms to any or all other
special provisions for the work will be accepted. Suitable means shall be provided for
holding the bars securely in position during welding. It must be ensured that no voids are
left in welding and when welding is done in 2 or 3 stages, the previous surfaces shall be
cleaned properly. Ends of the bars shall be cleaned of all loose scale, rust, grease, paint
and other foreign matter before welding. Only competent welders shall be employed on
the work.
The M. S. Electrodes used for welding shall conform to IS: 814. Welded pieces of
reinforcement shall be tested. Specimens shall be taken from the actual site and their
number and the frequency of tests shall be as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
MEASUREMENT
Reinforcement shall be measured in length, separately for different diameters, as actually
used in the work including authorized overlaps, special chairs / separators specified in the
drawings and due to limitations of available bar length. From the length so measured the
weight of reinforcement shall be calculated in tonne on the basis of standard weights
specified in IS: 1732. Lengths shall also include hooks at ends. Wastage, avoidable
overlaps, coupling, welded joints and annealed steel wire for binding and cover blocks
shall not be measured and cost of these items shall be deemed to be included in the rates
for reinforcement.
RATE
Rate for reinforcement shall include cost of all steel, its bending, binding and fixing in
position as shown on the drawings and as directed by the Engineer-in-charge. It shall also
include cost of all devices for keeping reinforcement in approved position, cost of jointing
as per approved method, and all wastage, overlaps and spacer bars etc.

33

CLAUSE 6.0 : FORM WORK

DESCRIPTION
Formwork shall include all temporary or permanent forms required for forming the
concrete of the shape, dimensions and surface finish as shown on the drawing or as
directed by the Engineer, together with all props, staging, centering, scaffolding and
temporary construction required for their support. The design, erection and removal of
formwork shall conform to IRC : 87 Guidelines for Design and Erection of False work
for Road Bridges and these specifications.
MATERIALS
All materials shall comply with the requirements of IRC : 87. Materials and components
used for formwork shall be examined for damage or excessive deterioration before use/reuse and shall be used only if found suitable after necessary repairs. In case of timber
formwork, the inspection shall not only cover physical damages but also signs of attacks
by decay, rot or insect attack or the development of splits.
Forms shall be constructed with metal or timber. The metal used for forms shall be of such
thickness that the forms remain true to shape. All bolts should be countersunk. The use of
approved internal steel ties or steel or plastic spacers shall be permitted. Structural steel
tubes used as support for forms shall have a minimum wall thickness of 4 mm. Other
materials conforming to the requirements of IRC : 87 may also be used if approved by the
Engineer.
DESIGN OF FORMWORK
The Contractor shall furnish the design and drawing of complete formwork (i.e. the forms
as well as their supports) for approval of the Engineer before any erection is taken up. If
proprietary system of formwork is used, the Contractor shall furnish detailed information
as per Appendix 1500/I to the Engineer for approval.
Notwithstanding any approval or review of drawing and design by the Engineer, the
Contractor shall be entirely responsible for the adequacy and safety for formwork.
The design of the formwork shall conform to provisions of IRC : 87. It shall ensure that
the forms can be conveniently removed without disturbing the concrete. The design shall
facilitate proper and safe access to all parts of formwork for inspection.
In the case of pre stressed concrete superstructure, careful consideration shall be given to
redistribution of loads on props due to pre stressing.
WORKMANSHIP
The formwork shall be robust and strong and the joints shall be leak-proof.
Balli shall not be used as staging. Staging must have cross bracings and diagonal bracings
in both directions. Staging shall be provided with an appropriately designed base plate
resting on firm strata.
The number of joints in the formwork shall be kept to a minimum by using large size
panels. The design shall provide for proper soldiers to facilitate alignment. All joints
shall be leak proof and must be properly sealed. Use of PVC JOINT sealing tapes, foam
rubber or PVC T-section is essential to prevent leakage of grout.

34

As far as practicable, clamps shall be used to hold the forms together. Where use of nails
is unavoidable minimum number of nails shall be used and these shall be left projecting so
that they can be withdrawn easily. Use of double headed nails shall be preferred.
Use of ties shall be restricted, as far as practicable. Wherever ties are used shall be used
with HDPE sheathing so that the ties can easily be removed. No parts prone to corrosion
shall be left projecting or near the surface. The sheathing shall be grouted with cement
mortar of the same strength as that of the structure.
Unless otherwise specified, or directed, chamfers or fillets of sizes 25 mm x 25 mm shall
be provided at all angles of the formwork to avoid sharp corners. The chamfers, leveled
edges and moldings shall be made in the formwork itself. Opening for fixtures and other
fittings shall be provided in the shuttering as directed by the Engineer.
Shuttering for walls, sloping members and thin sections of considerable height shall be
provided with temporary openings to permit inspection and cleaning out before placing of
concrete.
The formwork shall be constructed with pre camber to the soffit to allow for deflection of
the formwork. Pre-camber to allow for deflection of formwork shall be in addition to that
indicated for the permanent structure in the drawings.
Where centering trusses or launching trusses are adopted for casting of superstructure, the
joints of the centering trusses, whether welded, riveted or bolted should be thoroughly
checked periodically. Also, various members of the centering trusses should be
periodically examined for proper alignment and unintended deformation before
proceeding with the concreting. They shall also be periodically checked for any
deterioration in quality due to steel corrosion.
The formwork shall be so made as to produce a finished concrete true to shape, line and
levels and dimensions as shown on the drawings, subject to the tolerances specified in
respective sections of these specifications, or as directed by the Engineer.
Where metal forms are used, all bolts and rivets shall be countersunk and well ground to
provide a smooth, plane surface. Where timber is used it shall be well seasoned, free from
loose knots, projecting nails, splits or other defects that may mar the surface of concrete.
Forms shall be made sufficiently rigid by the use of ties and bracings to prevent any
displacement or sagging between supports. They shall be strong enough to withstand all
pressure, ramming and vibration during and after placing the concrete. Screw jacks or
hard wood wedges where required shall be provided to make up any settlement in the
formwork either before or during the placing of concrete.
The formwork shall take due account of the calculated amount of positive or negative
camber so as to ensure the correct final shape of the structures, having regard to the
deformation of false work, scaffolding or propping and the instantaneous or deferred
deformation due to various causes affecting pre stressed structures.
Suitable camber shall be provided to horizontal members of structure, specially in long
spans to counteract the effects of deflection. The formwork shall be so fixed as to provide
for such camber.
The formwork shall be coated with an approved release agent that will effectively prevent
sticking and will not stain the concrete surface. Lubricating (machine oils) shall be
prohibited for use as coating.

35

FORMED SURFACE AND FINISH

The formwork shall be lined with material approved by the Engineer so as to provided a
smooth finish of uniform texture and appearance. This material shall leave no stain on the
concrete and so fixed to its backing as not to impart any blemishes. It shall be of the same
type and obtained from only one source throughout for the construction of any one
structure. The contractor shall make good any imperfections in the resulting finish as
required by the Engineer. Internal ties and embedded metals parts shall be carefully
detailed and their use shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer.
PRECAUTIONS
(i)

Special measures in the design of formwork shall be taken to ensure that it does
not hinder the shrinkage of concrete. The soffit of the formwork shall be so
designed as to ensure that the formwork does not restrain the shortening and/or
hogging of beams during pre stressing. The forms may be removed at the earliest
opportunity to the min. time for removal of forms with props retained in position.

(ii)

Where necessary, formwork shall be so arranged that the soffit form, properly
supported on props only can be retained in position for such period as may be
required by maturing conditions.

(iii)

Any cut-outs or openings provided in any structural member to facilitate erection

of formwork shall be closed with the same grade of concrete as the adjoining
structure immediately after removal of formwork ensuring watertight joints.

(iv)

Provision shall be made for safe access on, to and about the formwork at the
levels as required.

(v)

Close watch shall be maintained to check for settlement of formwork during

concreting. Any settlement of formwork during concreting shall be promptly
rectified.

(v)

Water used for curing should not be allowed to stagnate near the base plates
supporting the staging and should be properly drained.

PREPARATION OF FORMWORK BEFORE CONCRETING

The inside surfaces of forms shall, except in the case of permanent form work or where
otherwise agreed to by Engineer be coated with a release agent supplied by approved
manufacturer or of an approved material to prevent adhesion of concrete to the formwork.
Release agents shall be applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
and shall not allowed to come into contract with any reinforcement or pre stressing
tendons and anchorages. Different release agents shall not be used in formwork for
exposed concrete.
Before re-use of forms, the following actions shall be taken:
(i)

The contact surfaces of the forms shall be cleaned carefully and dried before
applying a release agent.
(ii) It should be ensured that the release agent is appropriate to the surface to be coated.
The same type and make of release agent shall be used throughout on similar
formwork materials and different types should not be mixed.
(iii) The form surfaces shall be evenly and thinly coated with release agent. The
vertical surface shall be treated before horizontal surface and any excess wiped out.
(iv) The release agent shall not come in contact with reinforcement or the hardened
concrete.

36

All forms shall be thoroughly cleaned immediately before concreting.

The Contractor shall give the Engineer due notice before placing any concrete in the forms
to permit him to inspect and approve the formwork, but such inspection shall not relieve
the contractor of his responsibility for safety of formwork, men, machinery, materials and
finish or tolerances of concrete.
REMOVAL OF FORMWORK
The scheme for removal of formwork (i.e. de-shuttering and de-centering) shall be
planned in advance and furnished to the Engineer for scrutiny and approval. No formwork
or any part thereof shall be removed without prior approval of the Engineer.
The formwork shall be so removed as not to cause any damage to concrete. Centering
shall be gradually uniformly lowered in such a manner as to permit the concrete to take
stresses due to its own weight uniformly and gradually to avoid any shock or vibration.
Where not specifically approved, the time of removal of formwork (when ordinary
Portland Cement is used without any admixtures at an ambient temperatures exceeding 10
degrees Celsius) shall be as under:
a)

Walls, piers, abutments,

columns and vertical faces
of structural members

12 to 48 hours as may be
decided by the Engineer

b)

Soffits of Slabs
(with props left under)

3 days

c)
d)

Props (left under slabs)

Soffit of Girders
(with props left under)

:
:

14 days
7 days

e)

Props (left under girders)

21 days

Where there are re-entrant angles in the concrete sections, the formwork should be
removed at these sections as soon as possible after the concrete has set, in order to avoid
cracking due to shrinkage of concrete.
RE-USE OF FORMWORK
When formwork is dismantled, its individual components shall be examined for damage
and damaged pieces shall be removed for rectification. Such examination shall always be
carried out before being used again. Before re-use all components shall be cleaned of
deposits of soil, concrete or other unwanted materials. Threaded parts shall be oiled after
cleaning.
All bent steel props shall be straightened before re-use. The maximum deviation from
straightness is 1/600 of the length. The maximum permissible axial loads in used props
shall be suitably reduced depending upon their condition. The condition of the timber
components, plywood and steel shuttering plates shall be examined closely for distortion
and defects before re-use.
SPECIALIZED FORMWORK
Specialized formwork may be required in the case of slip form work, underwater
concreting, segmental construction etc. Such specialized formwork shall be designed and
detailed by competent agencies and a set of complete working drawings and installation

37

instructions shall be supplied to the Engineer. The site personnel shall be trained in the
erection and dismantling as well as operation of such specialized formwork. In case
proprietary equipment is used, the supplier shall supply drawings, details, installation
instructions, etc., in the form of manuals along with the formwork. Where specialized
formwork is used, close co-ordination with the design of permanent structure is necessary.
For slip form the rate of slipping the formwork shall be designed for each individual case
taking into account various parameters including the grade of concrete, concrete strength,
concrete temperature, ambient temperature, concrete admixtures, etc. In the case of
segmental construction, the concrete mix shall be normally designed for developing high
early strength so the formwork is released as early as possible.
In order to verify the time and sequence of striking/removal of specialized formwork,
routine field tests for the consistency of concrete and strength development are mandatory
and shall be carried out before adoption.
For specialized formwork, the form lining material may be either plywood or steel sheet
of appropriate thickness. Plywood is preferred where superior quality of surface is desired,
whereas steel sheeting is normally used where large number of repetitions are involved.
TEST AND STANDARDS OF ACCEPTANCE
The materials shall be tested in accordance with these Specifications and shall meet the
prescribed criteria.
The work shall conform to these Specifications and shall meet the prescribed standards of
acceptance.
MISCELLANEOUS INSERTS, BOLTS ETC.
All the miscellaneous inserts such as bolts, pipes, plate embedment etc. shall be accurately
installed in the building works at the correct location and levels, all the detailed in the
construction drawing to be prepared by contractor. All pipe inserts are with providing and
fixing of flanges on both side.
MEASUREMENTS FOR PAYMENT
Unless stated otherwise the rate for concrete in Plain Concrete or Reinforced Concrete or
Pre stressed Concrete shall be deemed to include all formwork required in accordance
with this section and shall not be measured separately.
Where it is specifically stipulated in the Contract that the formwork shall be paid for
separately, measurement of formwork shall be taken in square meters of the surface area
of concrete which is in contact with formwork.
RATE
The unit rate of the Plain Concrete or Reinforced Concrete or Pre stressed Concrete as
defined in respective sections shall be deemed to cover the costs of all formwork,
including cost of all materials, labour, tools and plant required for design, construction and
removal of formwork and supervision as described in this section including properly
supporting the members until the concrete is cured, set and hardened as required.
Where the contract unit rate for formwork is specifically provided as a separate item, it
shall include the cost of all materials, labour and plant required for design, construction
and removal of formwork and supervision as described in this Section including properly
supporting the members until the concrete is cured, set and hardened as required.

38

The rates quoted below shall include:

(a)

Design and installing approved plywood or steel water tight shuttering and form
work with centering, struts, bracings, props etc. to all RCC works at all level and
including providing single or multiple staging as required. Shuttering for various
items shall be below:

(1)

Footings and all beam bottom: Straight wooden planks

(2)

Pedestals all beam sides. Columns, chajjas, pardis, walls etc. : Marine plywood.

(3)

All floor slabs including staircase: steel plates of good quality free from
undulations and cleared of deposits of cement mortar etc.

Beams above to include all the tie beams, floor beams, lintels, rib beams etc.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)

Forming all grooves, moulds, chamfers etc.

Forming all expansion and construction joints.
Form work to all projection, footing, ornamental work, cantilevers, etc.
Receiving and or fixing of electric pipes, boxes, fan hooks, false ceiling
suspensions and inserts of any description.
Use of shuttering oil as specified or as directed.
Forming cut outs and openings as directed.
Formwork in narrow width and small quantities.
Renewal of shuttering and formwork with centerings struts, pipes etc. as specified
or as directed.

39

CLAUSE 7.0 : Surface Finishes

General
This section includes plastering, cement rendering, and tiling to reservoir walls as
indicated on the finishes schedule or shown on drawings.
Specialist finishes are not included.
All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the latest edition and
supplements of the relevant Indian Standards and Codes of Practice.
Materials
Cement render 20 mm thickness (in two coats) shall be applied to external walls
as specified in the finishes schedule.
Internal blockwork walls shall have a plastering thickness of 12 mm as specified
in the finishes schedule.
Walls to wet areas shall be tiled to heights specified in finishes schedule.
Wall tiles shall be ceramic tiles 5.5 mm thick.
The tiles and fittings shall be supplied free from cracks and crazing and be
uniform in size and colour.
Grout shall be approved proprietary waterproof tiling grout as recommended by
tile manufacturer.
Recommended Manufacturers:

- H & R Johnson

- Kajaria Ceramics
- Spartex Ceramic India Ltd
- Comet Ceramics Ltd.
- Angel Ceramics Ltd.
-Varmora
Workmanship
The design drawings shall state the finish required for each internal wall surface i.e.
a)
b)

sand cement sealed

gypsum plaster

Rendering shall not commence until the background has been suitably prepared.
Blockwork joints shall be deeply raked out, efflorescence brushed off and all dust
and foreign matter removed. On all external surfaces and on all smooth internal
surfaces a spatterdash of cement and sand which shall contain 500 kg's of cement
per one cubic metre of sand shall be applied after the surfaces have been
thoroughly wetted and allowed to dry before rendering is commenced.
Alternatively, an approved bonding agent may be used. All surfaces of walls
shall be wetted immediately prior to applying the rendering.

40

Vertical guide screeds 50 mm wide shall be used on walls. The spacing shall not
exceed 1.50 metres. The screeds shall be plumb and shall all be in the same
plane. The sides of the screed shall be left rough to bond with plaster. The
finished surface shall be true to shape and angle, in all directions, with straight
arises free from cracks and trowel marks. All surfaces to receive screeds shall be
clean and free from projections, dust, grease and other deleterious matter. Free
water shall be allowed to dry out before screeding commences. The surfaces to
be screeded shall provide a good bond for the screed.
The first coat to the base material shall be applied with sufficient material and
pressure to form a coat at least 9 mm thick. Scratch coat shall be well keyed to
the lath. First coat shall be scratched horizontally to provide mechanical key, and
left to cure. If second coat is delayed, first coat shall be kept moist for a
minimum period of 48 hours after application.
As soon as scratch coat has set up enough to carry two coats, the second coat
shall be applied to the depth of the screed in two applications by doubling back.
It shall be brought to a true, even plane by floating, applying additional plaster as
required, and scratching with wire brush. The first coat shall be dampened to
provide uniform suction before applying brown coat. Second coat shall be left to
dry a minimum of 5 days after moist curing for 48 hours.
Where thickness of plaster is indicated to be greater than 25 mm, apply levelling
coat on top of brown coat using the same materials and methods as for the brown
coat. For such thickness, the use of chicken wire mesh shall be considered.
Before application of finishing coat, the preceding coat shall be fog sprayed. The
finishing coat shall be scratched-in thoroughly, laid on well, doubled-back and
filled out to a true, even surface. Thickness of internal finish coat shall be
approximately 3 mm but not less than 1.5 mm at the thinnest point. Internal
plaster shall be trowelled well to a smooth finish, free of surface blemishes.
External plaster shall be sand float finished to a stippled texture with a minimum
thickness of 3 mm. The finished work shall be laid out to permit completion of
an entire surface in one operation.
A V shaped cut or quirk at the junction of plaster and door frames shall be made.
The cut shall be neat and consistent in depth and width throughout its entire
length. The plaster shall not fillet into the frame.
The render material shall be applied by a trained operative experienced in the
mixing and application of the material to obtain the required depth and uniform
texture.
Premature drying shall be prevented by suitable shading. Previous work and
approaches shall be protected with boards, dust sheets etc. All droppings on
finished work shall be cleaned off immediately.
To avoid putlog holes and other breaks in the coating an independent scaffolding
shall be used.
A sample of the depth of texture shall be prepared and agreed before work is
started.
Chicken wire mesh shall be used before plastering at the junction of RCC units
and masonry at horizontal and vertical joints.
Generally, spacer lugs shall be used when fixing tiles to achieve 1.5 mm wide
joints.

41

CLAUSE - 8.0 : GEOTEXTILE AND GEOSYNTHETICS

SCOPE
This specification covers the various applications of Geosynthetic materials in road and
bridge works including supplying and laying as per special provisions.
Geosynthetic is a general classification for all synthetic materials used in geotechnical
engineering application. It includes geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, geomembranes and
geocomposites.
(i)

Geotextile: Any permeable textile natural or Synthetic, used with foundation, soil,
rock, earth, or any other geotechnical engineering related material. In the present
chapter, it is related to synthetic material only.

(ii)

Geogrid: A deformed or non-deformed grid of polymeric used primarily for

reinforcement purposes with foundation, soil, rock, earth, or any other geotechnical
engineering related material.

(iii) Geonets: These are net made of polymeric material used for drainage of foundation,
soil, rock, earth or other geotechnical engineering related material.
(iv)

Geomembrane: An essentially impermeable membrane of polymeric material used

with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other geotechnical engineering related
material, to control fluid migration.

(v)

Geocomposite: A manufactured material using geotextiles, geogrids, geonets

and/or geomembrane in laminated or composite form.

MATERIAL TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE

Unless otherwise stated, these Geosynthetic materials shall conform to the requirements as
under:
Geotextile: Geotextile shall be made of polyethylene or polypropylene or polyester or similar
fibers, either woven or nonwoven in variety, through machine made process of
heatbonding or needle punching or weaving techniques. These fabrics are required to pass
water through but retain the soil particles, which require specific cross-plane permeability
or permittivity and apparent opening size or equivalent opening size or 095. The above
two requirements alongwith the requirement of strength and durability denote general
characteristics of geotextiles to be used.
The type of geotextile to be used in a particular application shall be decided on the basis
of design.
Geogrid: Geogrid shall be made from integrally jointed, mono or bi-directionally orientated
or stretched meshes made from polyethylene or polypropylene or polyester or similar
polymer, with high secant modulus, in square, rectangular, hexagonal or oval mesh form.
Their junction strength shall be high with high creep resistance, and dimensional stability.
Their open structure shall permit effective interlocking with soil, aggregates, rock etc.,
they shall be used as a tensile member or reinforcement. Characteristics strength of such
Geogrids varies from 40 kN/m to 200 kN/m peak strength at a maximum elongation of 15
per cent in the direction of the length of the roll.
Geonet: Geonet shall be made from a single extruded unoriented process from polyethylene
or polypropylene or similar polymer. It shall have square or rectangular net shape aperture
when used for protective works like gabions and mattresses. While in polygonal aperture

42

it shall be used as a separator. It shall not be used as soil reinforcement due to its high
creep characteristics, neither as a slope reinforcement or soil retaining wall or asphaltic
reinforcement. Geonets used in protective works for highway structures shall be atleast
650gm/sq.m. in unit weight. It shall be black in color, available in roll form in suitable
width.
Geomembrane: Geomembrane shall be made from PVC or polyethylene sheets of atleast 0.8
mm thickness, duly protected from ultraviolet exposure with 2.5 per cent carbon black, in
black color, supplied in roll form with 3 m or above width. The joints of these sheets shall
be heatbonded or seamed for effective permeation cut off, at site using standard equipment
as part of the laying process. While fixing on to a slope, they shall not be punctured or
stapled to impair their use.
Geocomposite: Gecomposites shall be made from combination of geonets, geogrids or
geomembranes of above description using heat bonded, seamed stitched or wrap
techniques. Their principal use shall be to regulate drainage in cross-plane or in-plane
directions. Minimum unit weight of such material shall conform to the special provisions
or as per Contract drawing.
Testing and acceptance: Geosynthetics shall be tested in accordance with tests prescribed by
BIS. In absence of IS Codes, tests prescribed either by ASTM or British Standards or
International Standards Organisation, shall be conducted.

GEOTEXTILES IN SUB-SURFACE DRAINS

Scope
The work covers the use of geotextiles in subsurface drains, such as fin drains or narrow
filter drains. The fin drain shall mean a planar geocomposite structure designed to perform
the same function as a narrow filter drain. The work shall be carried out as per design
drawings.
Materials
The geotextile fabric shall be a woven or non-woven fabric consisting of long-chain polymeric
filaments or yarns such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester or any combination
thereof, formed into a stable network such that the filaments or yarns retain their relative
position to each other.
The geosynthetic material of which the drain is made shall be treated with carbon black so that
they are protected from the deleterious effects of short term exposure to ultraviolet light,
and shall be resistant to degradation by acid, alkalis, common chemicals, bacteria, fungi
and moulds occurring in soils and highway construction materials. In case of exposure to
ultraviolet light, the Engineer may require evidence that the geosynthetic material still
complies with the requirements of this Clause. Where necessary, the side intended for
entry of water and direction of in-plane flow shall be identified.
The geotextile shall
(a)

Sustain a load of not less than 10 kN/m at break and have a minimum failure strain
of 10 per cent when determined in accordance with BS : 6906 (Part 1) or shall have
a grab tensile strength more than 0.4kN/m and grab elongation corresponding to this
limit in accordance with ASTM D 4632.

(b)

The Apparent opening size, shall satisfy the following:

43

(i)

Soil with 50 percent or less particles by weight passing IS sieve 75

microns, apparent opening size less than 0.6 mm.

(ii)

Soil more than 50 per cent particles by weight passing IS sieve 75 microns, apparent
opening size less than 0.927 mm.
The test should be as per TF 25 # 6

(c)

allow water to flow through it at right angles to its principal plane, in either
direction at a rate of not less than 10 litres/m2/sec. under a constant head of water of
100mm, determined in accordance with BS : 6906 (Part 3) or ASTM D 4491 or as
stated in the design drawing. The flow rate determined in the test shall be corrected
to that applicable to a temperature of 15oC using published data on variation in
viscosity of water with temperature.

(d)

have a minimum puncture resistance of 200N when determined in accordance with

BS : 6906 (Part 4) or ASTM D 4833.

(e)

have a minimum tear resistance of 150 N when determined in accordance with

ASTM Standard D 4533.

The composite drain shall have a flow rate through each face of the drain of more than 75
per cent of the value specified in sub-Clause 45.2.2.3 (c), determined by direct
measurement of the composite drain using BS : 6906 (Part 3). The composite drain shall
have values of long-term in-plane flow rates as stated in the design drawing.
Installation
The installation of fin drains shall be as per the design drawings. Where fin drains are
assembled on site, the assembly area shall be clean and dry and free of any wind-borne
pollutants. No geotextile or core material shall be exposed to daylight (or any source of
ultraviolet radiation) for a period exceeding a cumulative total of 50 hours. Where fin
drains are laid in trench, the bottom of the trench shall be free of irregularities and shall be
brought to the required level. Rock and other hard protrusions shall be removed and any
excess cut in the trench bottom filled and compacted back to the required grade with
suitable excavated or imported material as directed by the Engineer. Fin drains shall be
capable of being jointed longitudinally or laterally into pipe systems or chambers for
inflow and outflow purposes. Joints parallel to the direction of flow and any exposed
edged shall be protected from the ingress of soil by a geotextile wrapping with a minimum
overlap of 150 mm or other measures as agreed by the Engineer.
Narrow filter drains consisting of a porous or perforated pipe laid in a narrow trench
surrounded by a layer of geotextile filter shall have the same properties of geotextile as
specified in Clause 45.2.2. The spicing of lengths of geotextile and minimum overlap shall
be as per the design drawing or as approved by the Engineer. Such drains shall be installed
as per the design drawing to Clause 45.2.3 and 309.3.5.
Measurements for Payment
Measurement for fin drain/narrow filter drains shall be per running metre length of the
drain. Disposal of surplus material beyond 1000 m shall be measured in cu.m.
Rates
The Contract unit rates for substance drains shall be payment in full for all items such as
excavation, dressing the sides and bottom, providing geotextile composites, laying and
jointing pipes etc. including full compensation for all materials, labour, tools, equipment

44

incidental to complete the work as shown on drawings with all leads and lifts except for
removal of unsuitable material for which the lead shall be 1000 m. Provision of inlets,
outlet pipes, bedding etc., wherever required shall be incidental to construction of drain.
The Contract unit for disposal of surplus and unsuitable material beyond the initial 1000 m
lead.

45

CLAUSE 9.0 : GROUTING

Grout shall be provided as specified on the drawings. The proportion of standard Grout
shall be such as to produce a flowable mixture consistent with minimum water content and
shrinkage. Surface to be grouted shall be thoroughly roughened and cleaned. All structural
steel elements to be grouted, shall be cleaned of oil, grease, dirt etc. The use of hot, strong
caustic solution for this purpose will be permitted. Prior to grouting, the hardened concrete
shall be saturated with water and just before grouting water in all pockets shall be
removed. Grouting once started shall be done quickly and continuously. Variation in grout
mixes and procedures shall be permitted if approved by ENGINEER. The grout
proportions shall be limited as follows:
Use

Grout Thickness

Mix Proportions

W/C Ratio
(max.)

a) Fluid mix

Under 25 mm

One part Portland

cement to one part
sand.

0.44

b) General mix

25 mm and over but

One part Portland
less than 50 mmcement to 2 part
sand.

0.53

c) Stiff mix

50 mm and over

0.53

One part Portland

cement to 3 part
sand.

Non Shrink Grout

Non-shrink grout where called for in the Schedule of Quantities or specified on the
drawings shall be provided in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions/
specifications on the drawings.

46

CLAUSE 10.0 : HYSROSTATIC TEST OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE FOR LEAKAGE

Hydro-static test for water tightness shall be done at full storage level, as may be directed by the
EMPLOYER, as described below:
In case of structures whose external faces are exposed, such as elevated tanks, the requirements of the
test shall be deemed to be satisfied if the external faces show no sign of leakage or sweating and
remain completely dry during the period of observation of seven days after allowing a seven day
period for absorption after filling with water.
In the case of structures whose external faces are buried and/or are not accessible for inspection, the
structures shall be filled with water and after the expiry of seven days after the filling; the level of the
surface of the water shall be recorded. The level of water shall be recorded again at subsequent
intervals of 24 hrs. over a period of seven days. Backfilling shall be withheld till the tanks are tested.
The total drop in surface level over a period for seven days shall be taken as an indication of the water
tightness of the structure. The EMPLOYER shall decide on the actual permissible nature of this drop
in the surface level, taking into account whether the structures are open or closed and the
corresponding effect it has on evaporation losses. Unless specified otherwise, a structure whose top is
covered shall be deemed to be water tight if the total drop in the surface level over a period of seven
days does not exceed 40 mm.
Each compartment/segment of the structure shall be tested individually and then all together.
For structures such as pipes, tunnels etc. the hydrostatic test shall be carried out by filling with water,
after curing as specified, and subjecting to the specified test pressure for specified period. If during
this period the loss of water does not exceed the equivalent of the specified rate, the structure shall be
considered to have successfully passed the test.

CLAUSE 11.0 WATER PROOFING USING PROTECTIVE COATING CHEMICAL

Surface Preparation:
The surface to be coated must comply with the principles of building construction and should full fill
the structural requirements including properly designed sloped to avoid stagnation of water in case of
roofs. Any cracks pot holes expansion joints etc should be firm, clean, free from fats, oil grease, dust
or any other contaminations. Water proof coating is suitable for smooth concrete, screed, mastic,
asphalt, plasters gypsum boards and masonry.
Application of Coating chemical:
Coating chemical generally consists of a powder/liquid component. The liquid component of approx
2/3 should be emptied into a clean mixing vessel, add slowly the powder to it. While mixing with a
slow speed mixing paddle (approx 300 rpm) until a consistent, homogeneous, lump free mass is
produced. After that, add the remaining liquid component, and stir until the uniform consistency is
achieved. The surface has to be pre-wetted with water (SSD condition) at the moment of application of
the product. Coating chemical can be applied by brush, trowel or appropriate spray equipment. At least
two layers of Coating chemical are necessary. Every part of the waterproofing must have the minimum
layer for the expected moisture quantity. The application of the second layer is done when the first
layer cannot be damaged by the further application (at +30oC 4 hrs at the earliest). When the coating
is hardening, it must not be influenced by water, negative water can lead to ruptures under frost
condition. In areas of high humidity, extended curing time has to be taken into account.

47

CLAUSE 12.0 TREATMENT TO EXPANSION JOINT

In case of long structures or components where stress could result from the effect of heat and
shrinkage, expansion joints shall be provided to limit the formation of cracks. In the same way,
structures and parts of structures located closely next to each other and having a different foundation
shall be separated by expansion joints. Permanent expansion joints in structure shall be formed in the
positions and to the shapes shown in the relevant drawings. Details of expansion joints shall be as
shown in the drawing and all materials like bitumen impregnated fibre board, PVC water bar,
aluminium foil etc. shall be of approved make and quality. All expansion joints shall be fully
watertight. To avoid any transmission of vibrations, structures and parts of structures subject to a
dynamic load shall also be separated from adjacent components by expansion joints.
Water stoppers shall be of PVC, which shall be of ribbed type with a central bulb and of minimum
thickness 6 mm. Water stops shall be accurately cut, fitted and integrally joined to provide a
continuous, water tight diaphragm at all points. The water stops shall be located and embedded at
expansion / all construction joints in water retaining structures. Adequate provision shall be made for
the support and protection of water stops during the progress of the work. Damaged water stops shall
be replaced or repaired.

48