SECTION 5 – CONCRETE

1.0 Concrete

To be read in conjunction with preliminaries, General Conditions and the Qatar Construction Specification
Section 5

1.1 General Requirements

1.1.1 Standards
Unless modified by this Specification the procedures to be used in producing, transporting,
sampling and testing of the concrete shall comply with BS 5328: Parts 3 and 4. References are
also made to individual clauses of BS 5328: Part 1 and the concrete mixes are specified in
accordance with the methods given in BS 5328: Part2 In cases of conflict, this Specification
takes precedence over BS 5328.

References in brackets in clause headings in this Specification are to clauses or sub-clauses of

BS 8110 “Structural use of concrete” Unless modified by this Specification, Concrete work shall
comply with the requirements and recommendations of these clauses or sub-clauses. In cases of
conflict, this Specification takes precedence over BS 8110.

A bracketed asterisk (*) indicates that this clause of the Specification modifies the provisions of
BS 8110 or BS 5328. This indication is included for convenience only; its absence does not
mean that the provisions of BS 8110 or BS 5328 have not been modified by this Specification.
The advice given in Ciria Guide 31 “Guide to Concrete Construction in the Gulf Region” Shall
also be followed.

1.1.2 Definitions

The definitions given in clause 2 of BS 5328: Part 1, apply.

1.2 Materials

1.2.1 Cement

1.2.1.1 General
Cement shall comply with the relevant British Standard BS12 (Table 1 of BS 5328: Part 1).
Permitted types are specified in Forms A and C.

All cement shall be delivered to the site in sealed containers “bags” 50 kg each.

Super sulfated cement shall be used for substructure works including slab on grade and ordinary
Portland cement for other works.

Any proprietary grouts or mortars used in the Works shall not contain high alumina cement.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.2.2 Aggregates

1.2.2.1 General
All aggregates shall comply with the relevant British Standard BS 882, (Table 2 of BS
532: Part 1). Permitted types are specified in Forms A and C.

1.2.2.2 Uniformity
The Contractor shall ensure that sufficient supplies of sand(s) and coarse aggregate(s) of
the quality and type specified are available to complete the Contract. Change of approved
aggregate source is not permitted unless new trial mix design is carried out

1.2.2.3 Absorption
Aggregates having a water absorption greater than 5.0% by weight, shall not be used in
grade C35X mixes 1 and 2 concrete as specified in From A.

1.2.2.4 Special Aggregates

1.2.2.5 Aggregate Shrinkage

Aggregates for use in grade C35X mix references 1 and 2 concrete as specified in Table 1
of the Specification shall have a maximum drying shrinkage of 0.075 when tested in
accordance with BS 812: part 120.

1.2.2.6 Contamination of Aggregates

Aggregates shall be sufficiently free from loose silt, clay and dust so that the strength
durability of other performance requirements will not be affected.

1.2.3 Admixtures
Where permitted by this Specification, concrete admixtures shall comply with the requirements
of 3.4 in BS 5328: part 1. Acceptance of admixtures into the Works will only be made upon
provision of satisfactory information relating to name, source, type, dosage and justification for
use.

1.2.3.1 Chloride Content

Any admixtures used in the Works shall not be substantially based upon calcium
chloride.

1.2.3.2 Corrosion Inhibitor

DCI corrosion inhibitor as supplied by Grace Concrete Products shall be added to mix
reference 1, or equally approved.

The dosages shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s literature, based on the

anticipated amount of chlorides in the concrete mix and from deposits from wind
blown salts on formwork and reinforcement during construction. The anticipated
chloride content and inhibitor dosages shall be determined by tests on the proposed
mix design and actual exposure conditions on site.

1.2.4 Additional Materials

PFA or GGBS shall comply with the requirements in 3.6 of BS5328: part 1.

1.2.5 Water
Water shall comply with the requirements in 3.7 of BS 5328: part1.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.2.6 Chlorides

The total chloride content of the concrete mix shall not exceed the limits in Table 4 of BS 5328:
part 1. The total chloride content shall be calculated from the mix proportions and measured
content of each of the constituents.

1.2.7 Sulfates

The total acid soluble sulfate content of the concrete mix, expressed as SO3, shall not exceed 4%
SO3 by mass of the cement in the mix. The sulfate content shall be calculated as the total from
the various constituents of the mix.

1.2.8 Alkali-Aggregate Reaction Resistant Concrete

The constituent materials in concrete mixes designated with suffix X in form A shall comply
with the following requirement.

The combination of concrete materials will not suffer deleterious alkali-aggregate reactions in
the environmental exposure to be experienced by the structural elements. This shall be certified
by an independent expert in concrete petrography and chemistry before any concrete is supplied
to the works.

1.2.9 Concrete

1.2.9.1 Concrete Mixes

Concrete mix requirements are scheduled in form A and C.

The design and method of placing shall be such as to give a maximum concrete
temperature of not greater than 70°C. The difference in temperature between points
shall not exceed 20°C.

Trial mixes and tests shall be carried out on concrete grades C35X mix references 1
and 2.

1.2.10 Evidence of Suitability

1.2.10.1 General

Before any concrete is supplied to the Works, evidence shall be provided for each
grade of concrete showing that, at the intended workability, the proposed mix
proportions and manufacturing method will produce concrete of the required quality.

Sampling and testing shall be in accordance with BS 1881.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.2.10.2 Strength
The evidence shall comprise either:

The results of trial mixes from three separate batched of concrete each made using the
proposed mix and constituent materials and under full scale production conditions.

The workability of each trial batch shall be determined and shall be within the
tolerances stated in BS 5328.

Three cubes shall be made from each batch, and shall be tested at 28 days. The
average strength of the nine 28 day cubes shall exceed the specified characteristic
strength by not less than 11.5N/mm 2. Alternatively, earlier tests on nine cubes shall
demonstrate that the specified characteristic strength will be exceeded by 11.5N/mm 2.

OR

The results of cube tests on at least 40 separate batches of concrete of nominally

similar proportions of similar proportions of similar materials and produced within the
preceding 12 months over a period not less than 5 day but not exceeding 5 months by
the same plant under similar supervision.

These results shall demonstrate that the mean strength of the concrete mix exceeds the
specified characteristic strength by more than 1.64 times the standard deviation of the
results.

1.2.11 Ready-Mixed Concrete

1.2.11.1 Approval of Plant

Ready mixed concrete shall be produced at an approved depot. Mixing, delivery,
supply and testing shall be in accordance with BS 5328: 1981.

1.2.11.2 Additional Water (*)

All the constituents for each mix shall be added at the manufacturer’s depot. No extra
water or other material shall be added after the concrete has left the depot.

1.2.11.3 Rejected Concrete

Rejected concrete shall be removed from the site. The delivery ticket shall be marked
“Rejected”

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

Form A – Designed Mixes:

The mixes below shall be supplied as designed mixes in accordance with the project
specification
1. Mix reference 1 2
2. Strength grade C35X C35X
3. Nominal maximum size of aggregate, mm 10 20
4. Type of aggregate Coarse (* = permitted) BS 882* BS 882*
Other BS 1047 BS 1047
Sand
Other BS 882* BS 882*
5. Sulfate class 2 2 See Bore hole test
6. Cement type(s) or combinations complying
with (* = = permitted) BS 12 PC PC
BS 146 PBFC* PBFC*
BS 6588 PPFAC PPFAC
BS 4027 SRPC SRPC
Others
7. Minimum cement content, kg/m3 350 330 See Drawings
8. Maximum free water / cement ratio 0.55 0.50
9. Quality assurance requirements See Spec. See Spec.
10.Rate pf sampling intended by the purchaser See Spec. See Spec.
for strength testing (for information)
11. Other requirements:
11.1 Maximum chloride content See Spec. See Spec.
11.2 ASR requirements (Mix X) See Spec. See Spec.
11.3 Temperature (max./min. C) See Spec. See Spec.
11.4 Density (max./min.kg/m3)
11.5 Admixtures See Spec. See Spec.
11.6 Air content
11.7 Max. cement content 450 450
11.8 Max drying shrinkage See Spec. See Spec.
11.9 Special cement
11.10 Special aggregates See Spec. See Spec.
11.11 (AR: Additional See Notes See Notes
Requirements Schedule) 1and 2 1and 2
Section to be completed by purchaser of fresh concrete
12. Workability
(* method and give target) Slump, mm -
Compacting
factor
Vebe,s
Flow, mm

13. Method of placing (for -

information)
14. Other requirements by -
purchaser of fresh concrete
(only if appropriate)

Note 1. See clauses 1.2.9 and 1.2.10

Note 2. See clauses 1.2.3.2

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

Form C – Standard Mixes:

1. Standard mix (* = ST1 ST2 ST3* ST4 ST5

required)
2. Class of concrete Unrein- Unrein- Unrein- Unrein- Unrein-
(for information) forced forced forced * forced forced
(* = class) reinforced reinforced reinforced reinforced
3. Cement type(s) or *
combinations
complying with
(* = permitted)
BS 12 PC PC PC PC PC
BS 146 PBFC PBFC PBFC PBFC PBFC
BS 6588 PPFAC PPFAC PPFAC PPFAC PPFAC
BS 4027
BS 4027
4. Nominal Maximum size
of aggregate, mm 20 20 20* 20 20
(*one)
5. Types of aggregate
( * = Permitted)
Course BS 882 BS 882 BS 882* BS 882 BS 880
BS 1047 BS 1047 BS 1047 BS 1047 BS 1047

Sand BS 882 BS 882 BS 882* BS 882 BS 882

All in (ST1, ST2, ST3 BS 882 BS 882 BS 882 - -
Only)
6. Workability Slump Very low 75mm* 75mm 75mm
(* One) 75 mm 125mm 125 125mm
(to be completed by 125mm 75mm
the purchaser of fresh 125 mm
Concrete)
7. Quality assurance See Spec. See Spec.
requirements
8. Other requirements
(only if appropriate)

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)
1.2.12 Reinforcement

1.2.12.1 Types of Reinforcement

The types of reinforcement bars will be identified on the schedules by prefixes to the
bar mark numbers.

The prefixes have the following meanings:

(i) R: Plain round hot rolled mild steel bars with a characteristic strength of
250N/mm2 and complying with BS 4449.

(ii) T: Type 2 deformed high yield steel bars complying with BS 4449
with a characteristic strength of 460N/mm2.

Steel fabric shall comply with BS 4483 and shall be delivered to site in flat sheets.

1.2.13 Miscellaneous Materials

1.2.13.1 Water – Bars in Basement Structure

(i) Horizontally in base slabs
(a) At construction joints above the existing ground water table: Extruded heavy duty grade
polyvinylcloride compound. Externally fixed with internal T headed ribs, minimum width
240mm.

(ii) Horizontally in slab/wall junctions:

(a) At construction joints above the existing ground water table: Extruded heavy duty grade
polyvinylcloride compound. Externally fixed with internal T headed ribs, minimum width
240mm.

(iii) Vertically in wall at construction joints:

(a) At construction joints above the existing ground water table: Extruded high grade
polyvinylcloride compound. Externally fixed with internal T headed ribs, minimum width
240mm.

Horizontal and vertical water bars shall be linked to form a continuous network.

They shall be jointed with purpose-made junction pieces and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s written instructions.

1.2.13.2 Water Bars in Water Features

(i) Horizontally in slabs :
(a) At construction joints in swimming pools: Hydrophillic swelling action
integral waterstop.
(ii) Horizontally in slab/wall junctions :
(a) At construction joints in swimming pools: Hydrophillic swelling action
integral waterstop.

(ii) Vertically in walls at construction Joints :

(b) At construction joints in swimming pools: Hydrophillic swelling action
integral waterstop.

Horizontal and vertical water bars shall be linked to form a continuous

network.

They shall be jointed with purpose-made junction pieces and in accordance

with the manufacturer’s written instructions.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.2.13.3 Tanking Protection Treatments

All concrete in contact with ground shall be protected from direct chemical attack or
physical disruption from crystallization by soil and ground water based salts.

The protection shall be by the provision of an impervious liquid applied or preformed

sheet membrane. The membrane shall be protected from damage due to backfilling.

1.2.14 Storage of Materials

1.2.14.1 Cement
Cement shall be used in the order that it is received on site.

1.2.14.2 Aggregates
Aggregates shall be stored on hard paved self-draining areas or in suitable hoppers or
containers with protection from wind blown salts and dust.

Different types of aggregate shall be kept separate.

1.2.14.3 Reinforcement
Reinforcement shall be stored clear of the ground and protected from mud, oil, salts,
and other substances which may adversely affect its use in the Works.
Steel fabric shall be delivered and stored flat.

1.3 Workmanship

1.3.1 Construction and Preparation of False work and Form work

1.3.1.1 General (6.9.1)

All false work and formwork shall comply with BS 5975, and take account of the
recommendations in “Formwork: A guide to good practice” (Concrete Society, 1986).

No Metal part of any device for maintaining formwork in the correct location shall remain
permanently within the specified concrete cover to the reinforcement.

In watertight construction, methods of fixing formwork which result in holes through the
concrete section when the formwork is removed shall not be used. In addition all wall ties
shall have water baffles and wall kickers shall be cast monolithically with the base slab.

1.3.1.2 Release Agents (6.9.2)

Release agents shall be materials marketed as such and shall be of one of the following
types:
(i) Cream emulsion, which shall not be used in conditions where it may be subjected to
freezing.

(ii) Neat oil with surfactant added.

(iii) Chemical release agent.

Release agents shall be stored and used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.3.2 Construction Joints (6.12)

1.3.2.1 Protection of Formwork

All formwork shall be protected from the effects of both wind blown contaminants and
thermal effects.

Where masonry units such as rubble stone walls or hollow blocks are to be used as
permanent formwork they shall be thoroughly washed to remove salt contamination before
being placed. Once in place they shall be protected from wind blown salts and other
contaminants until all reinforcement and concrete are placed.

1.3.2.2 Protection of Construction Joints

The position of construction joints shall be such as to avoid distress or damage to the
Works particularly from thermal movement or shrinkage effects.

The spacing of Construction joints shall be such that the areas of concrete to be poured can
be properly resourced, placed compacted, finished and cured properly.
(i) The position and spacing of joints which will be acceptable will vary from place to
place but Table 1 gives an indication of acceptable limits.

Table1 : Maximum areas and dimensions for different types of

construction
Construction Maximum Area Maximum
(m2) Dimension (m)
Watertight walls 25 5
Watertight slabs 100 10
Slabs with major restraint at both 100 13
ends
Slab with major restraint at one 250 20
end only
Slabs with little restraint in any 500 30
direction
Walls 40 10

1.3.2.3 Starter Sections

Where used, starter sections (kickers) for walls, columns, etc, shall generally be 75mm
high Starter sections in watertight construction shall be 150mm high and cast integrally
with the slab or footing.

1.3.3 Movement Joints (6.13)

Concrete shall not be placed on both sides of a movement joint at the same time.

1.3.4 Reinforcement

1.3.4.1 Cutting and Bending (7.2)

Reinforcement shall not be cut or bent except as show in the Bending Schedules.

Each bundle of bars shall be clearly tagged with their schedule and mark numbers

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.3.4.2 Fixing (7.3)

Unless shown otherwise on the drawings, nominal concrete cover to meet durability
requirements to all steel shall be:
Mild exposure 20mm
Moderate exposure 35mm
Nominal concrete cover to all steel to meet specified periods of fire resistance shall
comply with BS 8110 table 3.5.

All reinforcement shall be positively held in its correct position before concreting starts.
Spacers between reinforcement and formwork shall be of either concrete or plastic.

Galvanized reinforcement shall not be welded.

Where concrete spacer blocks are required in exposed concrete they shall be made from
the materials that will be used in the surrounding concrete.

1.3.4.3 Rust Staining

Concrete surfaces which will be exposed to view in the finished Works shall be protected
from staining due to rusting of projecting reinforcement by coating the reinforcement with
cement grout. Reinforcement within formwork shall also be prevented from causing rust
staining on the concrete soffit surface.

1.3.4.4 Down Conductor Provision

For reinforced concrete columns the laps of the bars shall not be less than 300mm.
Additionally, the bars shall be double wrapped with tying wire at the overlaps to ensure
good contact and low electrical resistance.

Any reading which indicate poor electrical connection ie, resistance readings in excess of
1 ohm, shall have attention of the Owner’s authorized representative and remedial works
implemented.

Prior to concreting the Contractor shall ensure that a satisfactory test for electrical
continuity has been carried out.

On completion of the superstructure works the Contractor shall measure the resistance to
earth of the earth termination network and record the results. These tests shall be carried
out in accordance with the method recommended in BS CP 1013, clause 401, at each down
conductor column position.

1.3.4.5 Protection of Reinforcement

Reinforcement shall be protected from contamination with wind blown salts and other
contaminants both where being stored and during and after being fixed.

1.3.5 Concreting

1.3.5.1 Transporting (6.5.1)

Runs or gangways for concrete transporters, and main runs for foot traffic, shall not be
supported or allowed to bear on the fixed reinforcement.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.3.5.2 Placing (6.5.2)

Concrete shall be placed continuously within a pour up to construction joints while the
recently placed concrete is still sufficiently plastic for adequate compaction.

1.3.5.3 Placing For Formed Finishes

The concrete shall be placed in one continuous operation rising uniformly in the formwork
at a rate not less than 2m per hour. The concrete shall not be handled in any manner that
may cause segregation.

The concrete shall not be placed directly against a vertical form face but shall be caused to
flow to this surface during the compaction process. Care shall be taken to avoid the form
face being splashed with mortar during the placing operation.

1.3.5.4 Compacting (6.5.2)

Unless otherwise specified all concrete shall be compacted by mechanical vibrators of
appropriate type.

Compaction shall start as soon as casting starts and shall continue during the placing
operation so that at no time shall there be a large volume of uncompacted concrete in the
formwork.

Starter sections (kickers or plinths) or walls, columns, etc, shall be cast and compacted in
such a way that their strength and other characteristics are at lest equal to those specified
for the whole member.

1.3.5.5 Cleaning
All equipment used for mixing, transporting, placing and compacting concrete shall be
thoroughly cleaned before changing from one type of aggregate or cement to another and
whenever mixing ceases.

1.3.6 Curing and Protection

1.3.6.1 Curing Methods

(i) Concrete in horizontal slab surfaces shall be cured by the use of polythene sheet
immediately after finishing. Sheets shall overlap and be fixed down at ends and
edges to prevent circulation over the concrete. Within 24 hours the sheeting shall be
replaced with wet hessian with polythene sheeting over. After not less than 7 days
the sheeting and hessian shall be removed and a curing membrane applied. Large
horizontal surfaces and swimming pools with their surrounding concrete shall be
insulated from the effects of direct solar radiation until finishes are applied.

(ii) Concrete in walls, columns and beams shall have formwork left in place for a
minimum 24 hours. Metal formwork shall be insulated. On removal of formwork the
concrete shall be closely wrapped with wet hessian and enclosed with polythene
sheeting. The hessian should be kept wet and retained in position for 7 days. On
removal of the hessian and sheeting the concrete shall be sprayed with a curing
membrane.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.3.6.2 Protection
Any formwork made of metal, concrete or other material of high thermal capacity shall be
cooled with water before concrete is placed against it.

To prevent plastic shrinkage cracking curing shall commence immediately after

compaction. Protection from direct radiation shall be in place within 30 minutes after final
tamping or other finishing.

1.3.7 Striking of Formwork (6.9.3)

1.3.7.1 General
Before any formwork is removed the Contractor shall ensure that the concrete has attained
sufficient strength for striking to proceed.

The structure shall not be distorted, damaged or overloaded in any way by the removal of
the formwork.

1.3.8 Treatment of Cast Concrete

No treatment of any kind, other than that required for curing the concrete, shall be applied to the
concrete after removal of the forms.

1.3.9 Formed Concrete Finishes (*)

1.3.9.1 General
Unless shown otherwise on the drawings, formed concrete finished shall be type A.
Unformed concrete surfaces shall be type 2U.

1.3.9.2 Formed Concrete Finishes (*)

Where a particular type of finish is required on the concrete surface it is indicated on the
drawings.

Finish Types A, B and C shall comply with BS 8110.

1.3.9.3 Unformed Concrete Finishes

(i) Type1U: the concrete shall be uniformly leveled and screeded to produce a plain
surface. No further work shall be carried out to the surface unless it is used as a first
stage for a Type 2U or 3U finish.

(ii) Type 2U: after the concrete has stiffened sufficiently, the Type 1U finish shall be
floated by hand or machine sufficiently just to produce a uniform surface free from
screed marks.

(iii) Type 3U: when the surface moisture has disappeared and the concrete has stiffened
sufficiently to prevent laitance from being worked to the surface, a type 1U finish to
be steel-trowelled under firm pressure to produce a dense, smooth uniform surface
free from trowel marks.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.3.10 Testing of Aggregates

1.3.10.1 General
All sampling and testing of sands and aggregates shall be carried out in accordance with
BS 812.

1.3.10.2 Works Tests

The Contractor shall carry out such tests on the sands and aggregates are necessary for the
production of the specified concrete.

For the grades of concrete other than 7, 10 and 15, the grading of each size of sand and
aggregate from each pit, quarry or other source of supply shall be determined at least once
weekly. The results of such tests shall be used to check whether the gradings are similar to
those of the samples used in the establishment of the batch weights. The results of routine
control tests carried out by the aggregate producer will be accepted for this purpose.

1.3.11 Sampling and Testing

1.3.11.1 General
The results of all tests shall be provided weekly.

1.3.11.2 Strength (*)

Samples shall be taken at point of discharge from the mixer or delivery vehicle, or at the
point of placing the concrete, as directed.

The rate of sampling shall be in accordance with clause 8.2 and Table 15 of BS 5328: Part
1.

In addition, for each sample, one cube shall be made for testing at 7 days.
In addition, test of the crushed cubes for chloride content by weight of cement in the
concrete.

1.3.11.3 Workability (*)

Tests shall be made at point of discharge from the mixer or delivery vehicle, or at the point
of placing the concrete, as directed.

One test shall be made from each delivery, or each batch, whichever is the lesser volume.

1.3.11.4 Prescribed, Standard and Designated Mixes (*)

Workability shall be sampled and tested as specified above.

1.3.12 Compliance (*)

Any concrete which does not comply with the requirements of BS 5328 and this Specification
will not be accepted.

1.3.13 Batching Plant

1.3.13.1 Recalibration
Ensure that recalibration of the measuring equipment by the manufacturer or his agent is
undertaken at intervals of not more than 3 months.

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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)
1.3.14 Defective Work

1.3.14.1 Watertight Construction

In construction specified in the drawings as watertight, any leaks or damp patches shall be
repaired in accordance with clause 9 of CP 102.

1.3.15 Load Tests

Clause 9.5 of BS 8110 is excluded from this Specification.

1.4 Accuracy of Construction

1.4.1 Setting-Out Grid

The requirements for, and accuracy of a setting-out grid are given in the Preliminaries Section of
this Specification. The permitted deviations given below are deemed to include deviations of the
grid.

1.4.2 Formed Surfaces

The permitted deviations (PDs) relating to formed surfaces from their positions shown on, or
calculable from the drawings are set out below:

1.4.2.1 General Limit

Dimension PD
General PD of Concrete surfaces, unless ±15mm
modified by the following clauses
1.4.2.2 Cross-Section of Elements
Dimension PD
PD of cross-sectional dimensions of columns, ≤1m ±5mm
walls, beams, opening etc, >1m ±15mm

1.4.2.3 Vertical and Raking Elements

Dimension PD
PD of element centroid in each storey height ±10mm

1.4.2.4 Rotation of Elements

Dimension PD
PD plan ± 2°
1.4.2.5 Flatness and Square ness of Exposed Surfaces
Dimension PD
(a) PD at the center, or equally under both
ends of a straight edge in contact with the
surface.

(b) PD of a corner from a plane defined by

three corners on the surface Reference
dimension related to maximum distance
between corners.

(c) PD of one surface at a corner from a plane

at right angles to the other. Reference
dimension related to the distance from the
corner.

For (a) (b) and (c) Up to 0.3m ±3mm

0.3 m to 3m ± 5mm
3m to 5m ± 10mm
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SECTION 5 – CONCRETE (CONT’D)

1.4.2.6 Curved Exposed Surfaces

Dimension PD
The PDs specified for flat surfaces shall apply
in principle to curved surfaces

1.4.2.7 Concrete Surfaces in Foundations

Dimension PD
PD of surfaces in foundations from the position
show on, or calculable from, the drawings ± 25mm

1.4.3 Unformed Surfaces

The PDs of unformed surfaces from the levels shown on, or calculable from, the drawings are
set out below.

Compliance with the following requirements adjusted as necessary by any specified pre-camber
shall be established before de-propping.

1.4.3.1 General Limit

Table 4 : Floors and Roofs – Level of Finished Surface
PD of level (mm) for specified finish: 1U 2U 3U
(a) at any point on the surface ± 20 ± 15 ± 10
(b) between any two points 6m apart ± 15 ± 10 ±5
(c) under a 3m straight edge 10 6 3
(d) abrupt change in level 5 3 1

1.4.3.2 Element Thickness

Dimension PD
PD of dimension (T) between formed and T≤180 ± 10
unformed surfaces e.g. slab thickness T>180 ± 20

1.4.4 Lift Shaft Tolerances

(i) For lift shafts the tolerances of BS 5655: Part 6 shall apply.

End of Section

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