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A3-10 Hardscape
A3-10 Hardscape
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CONTENTS Page
1. GENERAL 3
1.1 Scope 3
1.2 Related Sections 3
1.3 Standards 3
1.4 Trade Preambles 4
1.5 Definitions / Abbreviations 6
2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 7
2.1 Contractors Proposal Brief 7
3. MATERIALS / COMPONENTS 9
3.1 Types of Hardscape Finishes System 9
3.2 Bases and Sub-Bases 9
3.3 Waterproofing 9
3.4 Interlocking Blocks and Precast Pavings 9
3.5 In-situ Tiled or Screed Finish 10
3.6 Reinforced Turf and Grasscrete 12
3.7 Drainage 13
4. WORKMANSHIP 14
4.1 General 14
4.2 Interlocking Blocks and Precast Pavings 14
4.3 In situ External Finishing 15
4.4 Reinforced Turf 18
5. SUBMISSIONS / VERIFICATION 20
5.1 Submissions 20
5.2 Samples and Mock-ups 21
5.3 Tests 21
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1. GENERAL
Read with the General Requirements section, and all other contract documents.
1.1 Scope
This section covers the general requirements for finishes for hard surfaces in external
works for building projects. It covers finishes using:
Interlocking blocks and pre-cast paving,
In-situ tiled or screed finish, including:
Cement and sand screed
exposed aggregate
granolithic
terrazzo
homogeneous and ceramic tiles
stone tiles
Reinforced turf and grass-cretes.
For construction of sub-bases and bases, and concrete elements refer to structural
specifications.
For finishes applied to pools and water features refer to section A3-20 Pool
Finishes.
This section does not cover Ornamental hardscape such as grottoes and rock
formation.
1.3 Standards
1.3.1 Standards
Unless otherwise agreed by the SO, ensure all of the Works comply with the relevant
requirements of the Standards and Codes listed below or referenced in the body of
the Specification. Alternative Standards and Codes may be submitted to the SO,
provided it can be demonstrated that the alternative Standards and Codes comply
with the requirements of the standards specified. All Standards and Codes quoted
are the current version, unless specific year references are noted.
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Singapore Standards
SS 26 Ordinary Portland cement
SS 31 Aggregates from natural sources for concrete
SS 32 Welded steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete
SS 73 Method of Sampling and testing of mineral aggregates, sand and filters
SS 483 Ceramic Tiles Definitions, Classifications, Characteristics and Marking
SS CP 68 Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling
Other Standards
BS EN Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
459 - 1
BS EN 1338 Concrete paving blocks
BS EN 1339 Concrete Paving Flags - Requirements and test methods
BS EN Pavement construction with clay, natural stone and concrete paviers-
7533.2 Guide to structural design
BS EN 12878 Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement and /
or lime specifications and methods of test
BS EN 13139 Aggregates for mortar
BS 3690 Bitumen for building and civil engineering Parts 1-3
BS 4483 Steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete
BS 4551 Methods for Testing Mortars Screeds and Plaster
BS 5385 Code of Practice for the Design of Ceramic Floor Tiles
BS 5980 Specification for Adhesives for Use with Ceramic Tiles and Mosaics
BS 8000:Pt 9 Code of Practice for Cement and Sand Floor Screeds and Concrete
&11 Floor Toppings
BS 8204 Screeds, Bases and In situ Flooring
BS CP 204 In situ Floor Finishes
BS CP 202 Code of Practice for Tiled Flooring and Slab Flooring
ASTM C241 Standard test method for abrasion resistance of stone subjected to foot
traffic
Technical References
NTMA National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association written standards and
instructions
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1.4.5 Warranty
Refer to PSD for warranty requirements, if any.
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2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
2.1.1 Structural
2.1.1.1 Loading
Take into account, the schedule of imposed loads designed for the hardscape areas
as indicated in the engineers drawings, including loadings from maintenance and
traffic, where applicable. Also take cognisance and request from the engineer the
likely concentrated load, which will be imposed on the floors. Account for the dynamic
effects of the imposed loads where applicable.
Pay particular attention to:
Use of high pressure water jet as part of maintenance procedure
Traffic loads imposed from normal usage including use of trolley and movement from
equipment replacement in the building.
Access by fire engine if the location is in a designated fire access
2.1.1.2 Thermal Stress and Structural Movement
Take into account, all thermal stress and ensure that the performance, appearance
and proper functioning of the Works are not affected by any movements, settlement
or deflection in the building structure, which can reasonably be expected to occur.
Also take into account the construction accuracy of works by others to which the
applied finishes works are attached.
2.1.1.3 Secondary Building Movements
Take into account, forces resulting from secondary support structure movements,
including vibration and thermal movement from M&E equipment and related works.
2.1.3 Environmental
2.1.3.1 Rainwater Drainage
Comply with the requirements of PUB (Drainage) pertaining to the provision of
surface drainage.
2.1.3.2 Weatherproofing
The entire hardscape system shall maintain the level of functional performance
requirement as specified when subject to the tropical weather exposure that are
expected over the design life of the hardscape system.
2.1.4 Appearance
Exposed areas shall achieve and maintain uniform colour and texture, with no cracks,
chips, spalls or other defects which would impair appearance.
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3. MATERIALS / COMPONENTS
The finishes system may be assembled on site with the individual components, or
supplied and installed as a composite system incorporating one or more components.
3.3 Waterproofing
Where required as indicated in clause 3.1 or the drawings, refer to work section A2-
30 Applied Finishes for Flat Roofs, clause 3.4 and 3.5.
3.4.5 Gravel
Pea gravel or crushed rock not less than 12.5-mm, nominal size graded as 'Single
sized aggregate for felt roofing', light coloured to approval.
Ensure that gravel guards are fitted to all outlets and the roof is clear of other trades.
Evenly pour a hot or cold application dressing compound to BS 3690: Part 1 at 1.5
kg/m and scatter chippings at approximately 16 kg/m.
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3.4.6 Aggregate
20-50 mm diameter rounded stone, weigh at least 49 kg/m2, clean, washed, free from
all fines and silt, and weather resistant. Flaky, sharp edged ballast shall not be
accepted.
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3.5.4 Terrazzo
Completed terrazzo finished to achieve compressive strength of 210 kgf / cm2 or
3000 psi minimum after 28 days and match colour properties of approved mock up
and samples.
3.5.4.1 Materials
Obtain all materials for terrazzo such as matrix, cement, pigments, aggregates and
other necessary materials from a single source / supplier.
Cement conforming to SS 26 to be used. Obtain SO approval for coloured cement.
Sand to be well graded, fine aggregate, clean & washed. Do not use sand in cement
terrazzo topping.
Reinforcement: Galvanised steel welded wire mesh, 50mm x 50mm, 16 or18 gauge
unless otherwise indicated.
3.5.4.2 Divider Strips
Divider strips units shall consist of a 6 mm wide, white Aluminium divider strip 38 mm
deep for 20 mm topping thickness.
Provide floor Isolation divider between terrazzo floor surface and adjoining walls or
other vertical surfaces. Divider shall consist of a 6 mm wide, white aluminium full
depth divider strip bonded to 9 mm wide compressible/resilient non-staining neoprene
filler.
Overall width of Floor Isolation Divider shall be 12 mm maximum.
Neoprene filler shall be recessed 6mm from top of cement terrazzo topping and shall
extend full depth of divider unit.
Provide 6 mm thick by 9 mm wide removable wood strip for later removal and sealant
installation on top of the neoprene filler.
3.5.4.3 Curing materials
By water, cover with Hessian cloth or polyethylene sheet.
3.5.4.4 Marble chips shall be:
Granular
hard
durable in colour
free from salt content
abrasion resistant of Ha 10 minimum per ASTM C241
absorption rate not to exceed 0.75%
No deleterious or foreign matter
Dust content to be less than 1%
Sizes, gradation standards and proportions to be selected and approved by SO after
submission of agreed sample and mock-ups
3.5.4.5 Mixes
Proportion, charge, and mix terrazzo in accordance with NTMA written standards and
instructions and the following:
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Under bed (for floors): By dry weight, one part Portland cement to 4-1/2 ( ) parts
sand. Plus add sufficient water to provide workability at as low a slump as possible.
Setting bed): By dry weight, one part Portland cement to 3-1/2 ( ) parts sand. Plus
add sufficient water to provide workability.
Terrazzo topping: By dry weight, one part Portland cement to approximately 2-1/3
parts (2 to 2-1/2) of marble chips, plus colour pigment as required to achieve terrazzo
selections. Plus add approximately 19 litres of water, sufficient to provide workable
mix.
3.6.1 Material
Cellular modules normally high density polyethylene or high impact thermoplastic or
PP copolymer or HDPE with UV inhibitors for tropical application.
3.6.4 Connections
Snap on flexible interlocking connections sufficient for loading capacity with provision
for edge treatment.
3.6.5 Anchorage
System or devices such as peg holes to allow anchorage to substrate where required
according to manufacturers instruction.
3.6.6 Colour
Normally dark green or black.
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3.7 Drainage
For surface and subsoil drainage, refer to structural specifications.
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4. WORKMANSHIP
4.1 General
4.1.1 Preparation
Before starting work ensure that:
Bases are sufficiently level and inclined to the falls as agreed in setting up drawings,
take into account permissible minimum and maximum thickness of the
screed/topping. Account for drainage solutions to external surfaces to be paved.
Bases are clean and free from plaster, dirt, dust and oil.
4.1.2 Conduits
Haunch up in cement: sand 1:4 on both sides of conduits before laying screeds.
Conduits which are to be cast into screeds shall be overlaid with 500 mm wide strip of
metal lathing.
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4.3.1 General
4.3.1.1 Bonded Construction
Before laying screed/topping completely remove mortar matrix from surface to
expose coarse aggregate over entire area of hardened base slab using abrasive
blasting or, for in situ slabs only, pneumatic scabbling. Remove all dust and debris.
Keep base slab well wetted for several hours before laying screed/topping. Remove
free water then brush in recommended bonding agent: cement slurry.
Lay screed/topping while slurry is still wet to ensure a good bond.
Avoid cement pollution to adjacent when washing down concrete surfaces areas and
downstream watercourses.
No panel size to exceed 9 square meters. 12 mm grooves to be used to segregate
panels.
4.3.1.2 Partially Bonded Construction
Brush off all surface laitance with a stiff broom before surface of base slab has
completely hardened
Thoroughly clean base slab and keep well wetted for several hours before laying
screed. Remove free water then brush in recommended bonding agent: cement
slurry.
Lay screed/topping while slurry is still wet to ensure a good bond.
4.3.1.3 Unbonded Construction
Lay separating sheet of polythene not less than 65 microns thick (250 gauge) on
base and lap all joints not less than 50 mm.
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4.3.2.5 Curing
Unless otherwise agreed:
Keep finished surfaces damp until cured to prevent shrinkage and cracks.
As soon as screed/topping has set, closely cover with polythene sheeting and keep in
position for not less than 3 days.
Keep completed finished screed free of traffic for a minimum period of 3 days.
4.3.4 Terrazzo
Comply with National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) for proportioning
mixes, installation of strips, and for placing, curing, grinding, grouting and finishing of
poured in-place sand and cushion terrazzo floor systems.
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Use mortar within two hours of mixing at normal temperatures. Do not use after the
initial set has taken place and do not re-temper.
4.3.5.3 Crack control reinforcement
Type: galvanised 25mm mesh centre, wire no less than 1mm diameter to SS 32 or
BS 4483.
Place centrally in depth of bed, lap edges not less than 100 mm and tie together with
steel wire.
4.3.5.4 Porous tiles
If to be bedded in cement: sand, soak in clean water or approved water repellent for
at least 30 minutes, and fix as soon as surface water has drained.
4.3.5.5 Thick bed adhesive
Apply floated coat of adhesive to dry base and comb the surface with the
recommended solid bed trowel. Apply adhesive to backs of tiles as necessary to fill
any depressions or keys. Press tiles firmly into position to give finished bed thickness
within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
4.3.5.6 Cement/Sand bed
Mortar for bed: 1:3-4 cement: sand and of a stiff plastic consistency.
Lay suitably small working areas of screeded bed and thoroughly compact to level
with a finished thickness not less than 15 mm, not more than 25 mm.
Within two hours and before bedding sets, evenly coat the entire back of each tile
with the specified adhesive. Press tiles firmly into position to give a finished adhesive
thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
4.3.5.7 Semidry Cement/Sand bed
Mortar for bed: 1:3.5~4 cement: sand with a water content such that a sample
squeezed in the hand will retain its shape and not crumble, and such that a film of
water does not form on the surface of the bed when compacted.
Dampen the base then lay suitably small working areas of screed bed and compact
thoroughly to the required level.
When a separating layer is specified dispense with dampening the base.
Within two hours and before bedding sets, evenly coat the entire back of each tile
with the specified adhesive and beat firmly into position to give a finished adhesive
thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
Grout tiles, where required if indicated in clause 3.1.
4.3.5.8 Checking tile adhesion
As work proceeds and before the bedding has set, carefully remove tiles randomly to
verify that there is the specified adhesion. Remove the initial adhesive, butter the
removed tiles with fresh adhesive and re-fix.
4.4.1 Preparation
Adequately drain the sub-grade and protect against inundation. Level the sub-grade
and consolidate with allowance for natural drainage.
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Provide adequate edge restraint along the perimeter of all paving in the form of
concrete kerb or edge strip to prohibit lateral movement.
4.4.2 Installation
Lay on 25 mm thick planting base of sand or porous soil. Level and lightly firm this
layer before laying reinforcement cells. Firmly press reinforcement cells into sand /
soil bed to required finished grade.
Cut and match cell reinforcement to manufacturers instruction to suit curve or
irregular profiles.
Fill all cells with suitable or approved planting medium.
Scrape or back rake the surface to expose the top wall pattern of the reinforcement
cell system, lay cow grass turf in a staggered pattern over the cell system.
Compress the turf and root system using hand water roller or power driven roller.
Keep new turf moist until completion.
Deny or limit access to finished turf area until turf has established.
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5. SUBMISSIONS / VERIFICATION
5.1 Submissions
5.1.1 Submissions
Include in construction program, event for submission of the following information:
Name(s) of the manufacturer and supplier of material including copies of relevant
technical data.
Samples, certifications, test reports and any other information deem pertinent to
verify compliance to the specification of materials and products.
Name of applicator.
Information of current or similar jobs completed during the previous 5 years and
details of Quality Control Procedures adopted.
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Sealant
5.1.6 Warranty
Submit the warranty for the SO upon completion of the works, if required under
clause 1.4.5.
5.2.1 Samples
5.2.1.1 Terrazzo
Submit trade brochures, technical information, certifications, test reports for the
materials to be used in the manufacture of the terrazzo. Submit 500x 500mm sample
of terrazzo paving including the specified mix.
5.2.1.2 Tiles
Submit three samples of each type of tile specified.
The SO may request samples at any time for testing.
5.2.1.3 Stone
Refer to section A1-60 Stone Cladding clause 5.2 for sample requirement.
5.2.2 Mock-ups
Provide initial mock up panel of sufficient size to permit approval of:
material quality, colours, patterns, thickness, finishes
intended construction including profile, support systems, bedding, jointing, grouting,
expansion joints and the like.
Normally provide 3 m2 showing all junction conditions.
5.3 Tests
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5.3.3 Levelling
In finishes which are level without natural undulations a levelling test shall be
conducted using 3.5m steel straight edge at one randomly selected locations per 5
square meter of area. Levelling tolerance over the straight edge shall not exceed 5
mm or as agreed by SO.
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