Formwork: The four classes are defined in ACI 347-04 based on the permitted abrupt or gradual irregularities in formed

surfaces as measured within a 5 ft (1.5 m) length with a straightedge. The document also states that: "Allowable irregularities are designated either abrupt or gradual. Offsets and fins resulting from displaced, mismatched, or misplaced forms, sheathing, or liners or from defects in forming materials are considered abrupt irregularities. Irregularities resulting from warping and similar uniform variations from planeness or true curvature are considered gradual irregularities. Gradual irregularities should be checked with a straightedge for plane surfaces or a shaped template for curved or warped surfaces. In measuring irregularities, the straightedge or template can be placed anywhere on the surface in any direction." Table 3.1 in ACI 347-04 includes the following irregularity limits:

Section 3.4 of ACI 347-04 states that: "Class A is suggested for surfaces prominently exposed to public view where appearance is of special importance. Class B is intended for coarse-textured, concrete-formed surfaces intended to receive plaster, stucco, or wainscoting. Class C is a general standard for permanently exposed surfaces where other finishes are not specified. Class D is a minimum-quality requirement for surfaces where roughness is not objectionable, usually applied where surfaces will be permanently concealed." Section 3.4 of ACI 347-04, however, also states that: "The engineer/architect should indicate which class is required for the work being specified or indicate other irregularity limits where needed, or the concrete surface tolerances as specified in ACI 301 should be followed." Section 2.3.1.2 of ACI 301-05 states that: "Unless otherwise specified in the Contract Documents, construct formwork so concrete surfaces conform to the tolerance limits of ACI 117 [Standard Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials]. The class of service for offset between adjacent pieces of formwork facing material shall be Class B for surfaces permanently exposed to public view and Class D for surfaces that will be permanently concealed, unless otherwise specified." The requirements in ACI 301-05 and ACI 117-90 refer only to abrupt irregularities such as offsets, so if either is referenced in the project specifications, the limits for gradual irregularities in ACI 347-04 wouldn't apply unless the architect/engineer specifically included them. Because ACI 301-05 and ACI 117-90 are both tolerance standards, they should be referenced in the project specification. A note on ACI 347-04 states that: "Reference to this document shall not be made in contract documents. If items found in this

document are desired by the Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the Architect/Engineer." A. The four classes are defined in ACI 347-04 based on the permitted abrupt or gradual irregularities in formed surfaces as measured within a 5 ft (1.5 m) length with a straightedge. The document also states that: "Allowable irregularities are designated either abrupt or gradual. Offsets and fins resulting from displaced, mismatched, or misplaced forms, sheathing, or liners or from defects in forming materials are considered abrupt irregularities. Irregularities resulting from warping and similar uniform variations from planeness or true curvature are considered gradual irregularities. Gradual irregularities should be checked with a straightedge for plane surfaces or a shaped template for curved or warped surfaces. In measuring irregularities, the straightedge or template can be placed anywhere on the surface in any direction." Table 3.1 in ACI 347-04 includes the following irregularity limits:

Section 3.4 of ACI 347-04 states that: "Class A is suggested for surfaces prominently exposed to public view where appearance is of special importance. Class B is intended for coarse-textured, concrete-formed surfaces intended to receive plaster, stucco, or wainscoting. Class C is a general standard for permanently exposed surfaces where other finishes are not specified. Class D is a minimum-quality requirement for surfaces where roughness is not objectionable, usually applied where surfaces will be permanently concealed." Section 3.4 of ACI 347-04, however, also states that: "The engineer/architect should indicate which class is required for the work being specified or indicate other irregularity limits where needed, or the concrete surface tolerances as specified in ACI 301 should be followed." Section 2.3.1.2 of ACI 301-05 states that: "Unless otherwise specified in the Contract Documents, construct formwork so concrete surfaces conform to the tolerance limits of ACI 117 [Standard Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials]. The class of service for offset between adjacent pieces of formwork facing material shall be Class B for surfaces permanently exposed to public view and Class D for surfaces that will be permanently concealed, unless otherwise specified." The requirements in ACI 301-05 and ACI 117-90 refer only to abrupt irregularities such as offsets, so if either is referenced in the project specifications, the limits for gradual irregularities in ACI 347-04 wouldn't apply unless the architect/engineer specifically included them. Because ACI 301-05 and ACI 117-90 are both tolerance standards, they should be referenced in the project specification. A note on ACI 347-04 states that: "Reference to this document shall not be made in contract documents. If items found in this

document are desired by the Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the Architect/Engineer."