E10 General guidance

1 New concrete standards 1.1 BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500 1.2 Concepts and
terminology in BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500 1.2.1 Specifier 1.2.2 Exposure and
design chemical classes (X and DC) 1.2.3 Intended working life 1.2.4 Cover to
reinforcement 1.2.5 Constituent materials 1.2.6 Characteristics 1.2.7 Production
and conformity 1.2.8 Testing 2 Methods of specifying concrete 2.1 Designated
concrete (clause 105) 2.2 Standardized prescribed concrete (clauses 125 and
160) 2.3 Designed concrete (clause 132) 2.4 Prescribed concrete 2.5
Responsibility for concrete specification 3 Factors affecting durability of
concrete 4 Selecting concrete for durability 4.1 Exposure classes 4.2 Selection
of designated and designed concrete 4.2.1 Designated concrete 4.2.2
Designed concrete 4.3 Designated and designed concrete exposed to
chemical attack (AC exposure class) 4.3.1 Additional protective measures
(APMs) 4.3.2 Forms of chemical attack outside the scope of BS 8500 5
Cements (CEM) and Combinations (C) 5.1 Selection for designated and
designed concretes 5.2 Type II additions fly ash, pfa, ggbs, microsilica and
metakaolin 6 Consistence, compaction and curing 6.1 Consistence and
compaction 6.2 Curing 7 Environmental issues 7.1 Sources of information 7.2
Recycled and secondary aggregates 7.3 Recycling fresh concrete 8 Health and
safety
back to the top ^

1 New concrete standards
1.1 BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500
BS EN 206-1 and complementary Standard BS 8500 deal with the
specification of in situ concrete (including lightweight) and also concrete for
precast structures and products. The standards are quite complex and have to
be used together. To aid the specifier, BSI have produced a single derived
document BIP 2001 Standards for fresh concrete . This document includes
the requirements of both BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500 , but organizes them in a
more assimilable way and adds guidance and commentaries on the clauses,
but note the revision of the standards to which the guidance applies.
BS 8500 covers a wider range of aggressive ground conditions than BS EN
206-1 , based upon the recommendations of BRE Special Digest 1 .
For an introduction to the standards see Concrete Society Guide CS 149 , and
BCA Specifying concrete to BS EN 206-1/ BS 8500 consisting of ten parts,
but note the revision of the standards to which the guidance applies.
The 2006 revision of BS 8500 takes into account recent research and
introduces a number of changes in the way concrete quality is specified. For
concrete in aggressive ground, these changes include:

The concept of aggregate carbonate range has been deleted, together
with the starred and double-starred Design Chemical Classes and
designated concrete mixes have been deleted.

Amendments have been made in maximum water:cement ratio and
minimum cement/combination content to resist sulfate attack.

It is no longer necessary to adopt more than one additional protective
measure (APM), and the number of APMs has been reduced at higher
sulfate levels.

The concept of structural performance level has been replaced by
intended working life in harmony with Eurocodes and BS EN 206-1 .

DC class to cater for assessed ACEC conditions is only tabulated for
section widths of 140450 mm. Specifiers/ designers must make
adjustments for widths outside this range.
Relaxation for surface carbonation is restricted to precast concrete.
Strength class of FND designated concretes has been reduced to C25/30
Other changes affect:

Resistance to chloride-induced corrosion, and chloride class for post-
tensioned prestressed concrete.
Concrete quality in long life structures.
Designations for cement/ combinations.

Use of recycled aggregate (RA) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA),
and test methods for demonstrating their compliance.
1.2 Concepts and terminology in BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500
1.2.1 Specifier
The term specifier refers to the organization in the specification chain that
passes the specification for the type of concrete to the concrete producer. This
is usually the contractor or the purchaser of fresh concrete. Specifications
produced by the designer should utilise the skills of the contractor and
concrete producer by not being unnecessarily prescriptive.
1.2.2 Exposure and design chemical classes (X and DC)
Conditions to which each concrete element and surface is exposed are
classified and also related to a specific deterioration process.
1.2.3 Intended working life
The concept of intended working life for structures is one of the criteria fed
into the design process for selecting the type of concrete. See 4.
1.2.4 Cover to reinforcement
Nominal cover is expressed as: Minimum cover (basis for design for durability)
+c (a tolerance for fixing). c is typically 515 mm and is selected according
to the type of construction and standard of quality control available on site.
BS 8110-1 , clause 3.3.1 and BS EN 1992-1-1 , clause 4.4.1.3 recommend that
c be 10 mm unless special steps are taken to assure cover. For concrete in
ground containing chlorides, BS 8500 , table A.9 requires c of at least 25 mm
for concrete cast against blinding and 50 mm for concrete cast directly against
soil.
1.2.5 Constituent materials
Established suitability: This concept allows materials to be used that are not
covered currently by European standards, but have a satisfactory history of
use by concrete producers.
Cement additions: Type I additions are inert materials (e.g. pigment; filler
aggregate). Type II additions have pozzolanic or latent hydraulic properties
(e.g. pulverized-fuel ash, silica fume, ground granulated blastfurnace slag,
metakaolin).
Cements/ Combinations: See 5.
Recycled aggregates: See 7.
Normal and heavyweight aggregates: These have an oven dried density
greater than 2000 kg/m and are required to conform to BS EN 12620 .
Lightweight aggregates: These are of mineral origin with particle densities
not exceeding 2000 kg/m, or loose bulk densities not exceeding 1200 kg/m,
and are required to conform to BS EN 13055-1 .
Additional aggregate requirements: These are requirements for special
circumstances. Requirements may include:

Freeze thaw resistant aggregate is recommended for exposure classes
XF3 and XF4.

Rounded aggregate: May be preferred when concrete is to be pumped or
tremied.

Aggregates for wearing surfaces: Use of special classes of coarse
aggregates for wearing surfaces is rarely necessary, because the default
set for normal and heavyweight aggregate by BS 8500-2 , clause 4.3, is
regarded as suitable for most industrial floors (see Concrete Society
Report 34 ).

Fire resistance of concrete: Can be improved by use of aggregates with
lower thermal expansion, e.g. limestone.

Aggregate drying shrinkage: The vast majority of UK aggregates produce
concrete with a drying shrinkage well below the default limit of 0.075%
set in BS 8500-2 , clause 4.3. However, in a few areas of the UK (notably
central Scotland), it is possible that aggregates conforming to this limit
may not be readily available.
1.2.6 Characteristics
Consistence: Formerly known as workability. A consistence class system is
used.
Compressive strength class: This is a dual classification system using the
minimum characteristic strengths derived from the cylinder strength (300 x
150 mm diameter used in some European countries) and the cube strength
(150 mm used in the UK). For example, in a C25/30 concrete, 25 is the
minimum characteristic cylinder strength and 30 the minimum characteristic
cube strength.
Chloride content class: This classification describes the maximum chloride
content of fresh concrete. For example, Cl 0.40 means that the concrete has a
maximum chloride ion content of 0.40% by mass of cement/ combination.
Density class: This applies to lightweight concrete. A target density is used for
heavyweight concrete. For lightweight concrete there are six density classes.
1.2.7 Production and conformity
Detailed requirements for production control and conformity control are
provided in the Standards. Significantly, the concrete producer is required to
determine conformity of all concretes produced during an assessment period,
and must declare any nonconformity that is not obvious at the time of
delivery these will include strength, maximum water:cement ratio and
minimum cement content. See clause 215.
1.2.8 Testing
Identity testing is acceptance testing in all but name. It is carried out on site
either on a regular basis when included in the specification or as spot checks
where there is doubt about quality. Regular identity testing for quality control
is usually only necessary for designed concrete without third party
certification, but may be necessary to justify design assumptions when using
prescribed or proprietary concrete (see 2.4 and 2.5). It is quite separate from
initial testing (conformity testing) which is part of the producers conformity
control procedure for designated and designed concrete.
back to the top ^

2 Methods of specifying concrete
2.1 Designated concrete (clause 105)
Specifying designated concrete is the most straightforward method of
procuring concrete. Designated concretes are in essence a range of products
of certified quality, stated to be suitable for defined purposes, and specifier
selects a product suitable for purpose under the known conditions of
exposure and chemical attack. Designated concretes are suitable for a wide
range of applications see table 4. Situations where designated concretes are
not suitable include:

Reinforced concrete exposed to chlorides (exposure classes XD1, XD2 and
XD3) or sea water (exposure classes XS1, XS2 and XS3), or de-icing salts
containing chlorides (exposure classes XF2 and XF4). See 4.
Lightweight or heavyweight concrete.

Required strength classes not within the range for designated concrete
see BS 8500-1 , table A.14. There is no option of selecting a higher
strength class.

Special cements/ combinations are required (e.g. to control heat of
hydration).
Required proportions/ attributes differ from those given in BS 8500-2 ,
table 5 (e.g. maximum water:cement ratio and cement content for water
resistant concrete).
Designated concrete can only be produced by plants having accredited
production control and product conformity certification. Identity testing (see
1.2) is not normally necessary. For selection procedures for designated
concrete see 4.2.
2.2 Standardized prescribed concrete (clauses 125 and 160)
Standardized prescribed concretes are site mixed alternatives for ready-mixed
designated concretes that can be:

Specified when a project contains very small quantities of concrete, e.g.
for padstones (clause 160).
Used in lieu of specified designated concrete (clause 125).
Standardized prescribed concrete can be produced by plants without
accredited production control and product conformity certification, and hence
can be site mixed. Clause 218 can be used to control maximum pour size for
site mixed concrete.
2.3 Designed concrete (clause 132)
Designed concrete can be used for all exposure classes. As with designated
concrete, the concrete producer must determine conformity of the concrete to
the specification (see 1.2.7).
For selection procedures for designed concrete see 4.2.
2.4 Prescribed concrete
It is generally preferable to specify designated concrete or designed concrete.
With prescribed concrete, it is the designer who is responsible for determining
the mix proportions and ensuring that the concrete meets the intended
performance. However, producers can be made responsible for ensuring that
the specified mix proportions will not promote damaging alkali-silica reaction
(ASR). Either trial mixes or experience based upon previous examples are used
to verify the finish and constituent materials and other mix characteristics (e.g.
strength and water/ cement ratio).
2.5 Responsibility for concrete specification
BS 8500-1 , clause 4.1 lists items that the specifier is required to take into
account. Some of these are the responsibility of, or should be readily apparent
to the contractor, and unless the designer has special requirements in these
respects, it is preferable to leave them to be considered by the Contractor.
When types and classes of constituent materials and environmental conditions
are not detailed, BS 8500-2 , clause 4.1 states that producer will select
constituent materials for specified requirements only.
For each method of specifying concrete there are:
Basic requirements that must be stated.
Additional requirements that may be deemed necessary.
These latter include some items that are again better left to the decision of the
contractor, unless the designer has special requirements.
back to the top ^

3 Factors affecting durability of
concrete
Durability is determined by specification of appropriate quality concrete, cover
to reinforcement and the implementation on site of correct compaction and
curing procedures. The appropriate quality of concrete for an element
depends upon:

The intended working life of the structure and required structural
performance. See 1.2.3.

The environment to which concrete will be exposed and the mechanisms
of deterioration (e.g. carbonates, chlorides, freeze/ thaw). See 4.1.

The type of reinforcement material, e.g. carbon or corrosion resistant
stainless steel and the minimum cover to reinforcement. The provisions
for durability in BS 8500 are based on carbon steel reinforcement.

Limiting the quantity of reactive ingredients and chemicals in aggregates,
cement and admixtures (e.g. chlorides).

Limiting the penetrability of concrete to carbon dioxide, chloride ions,
oxygen and water.
The degree of penetrability, determined by the pore structure and the binding
capacity of the concrete, has the greatest influence on the durability of
concrete. Low penetrability of the surface zone of concrete is necessary to
resist the entry of harmful liquids, vapours and gases into the body of the
concrete and to the reinforcing steel.
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) between alkaline elements in the concrete and
some types of reactive silica contained in aggregate, is the only form of alkali-
aggregate reaction known to have affected structures in the UK. The reaction
can cause cracking of concrete. Guidance on minimizing the risk is given in
BRE Digest 330 and Special digest 1 . BS 8500-1 requires the producer to
minimise risk for designated, designed, and standardized prescribed concrete.
back to the top ^

4 Selecting concrete for durability
4.1 Exposure classes
The environmental and ground conditions to which concrete is exposed are
described in terms of exposure classes see BS 8500-1 , table A1 for class and
sub class descriptions and examples, and table 1 in this section for a summary
of exposure classes.
Exposure classes are a critical part of the design procedure for selecting
concrete with a durability that is appropriate for its location and conditions of
exposure.
Table 1 Summary of exposure classes
Main class Exposure and risk
X0 No risk of corrosion or attack from aggressive conditions
or chemicals (unreinforced concrete in non-aggressive
conditions, reinforced concrete in very dry conditions).
XC Reinforced concrete exposed to air and moisture leading
to carbonation of concrete and subsequent corrosion of
reinforcement
XD Corrosion of reinforcement induced by chlorides other
than from seawater. (This class cannot exist on its own and
must be combined with an XC class).
XS Corrosion of reinforcement induced by chlorides from
seawater. This class cannot exist on its own and must be
combined with an XC class).
XF Freeze-thaw attack, with or without de-icing agents.
Chemical attack
(XA classes in BS
EN 206-1 )
BS 8500-1 does not follow BS EN 206-1
recommendations for class XA but substitutes a
classification of aggressive chemical environments (ACEC)
see BS 8500-1 , table A.2.
4.2 Selection of designated and designed concrete
The procedures for selecting designated concrete are more straightforward
than for designed concrete. Where aggressive ground conditions apply,
procedures for both designated and designed concrete are more involved,
particularly where more than one exposure class applies to a concrete
element. For detailed guidance on procedures see:
BSI document BIP 2001 .

BCA Specifying concrete to BS EN 206-1/ BS 8500 publications 45.313
and 45.314 these include worked examples.
BRE special digest 1 for concrete in aggressive ground.
4.2.1 Designated concrete
For surfaces not exposed to chemical attack, identify exposure classes from BS
8500-1 , table A.1, and select designated concrete and nominal cover from BS
8500-1 , table A.3, A.8 or A.14.
See 4.3 for surfaces exposed to chemical attack.
For the characteristic values associated with each concrete designation
(minimum strength class, minimum cement content, maximum water/ cement
ratio) and associated cement/ combination groups see BS 8500-1 , table A14
generally, and BS 8500-2 , table 5 for variations with alternative aggregate
sizes.
4.2.2 Designed concrete
BS 8500 does not permit concrete to be specified by exposure class but
requires limiting values or DC-class to be specified (see BS 8500-1 , clause
4.3.2, note 1).
Combinations of exposure classes can make the procedure more involved (e.g.
the different surfaces of a concrete element may be exposed to different
conditions and exposure classes). The selection procedure may involve several
stages and iterations in order to arrive at an optimum solution (e.g. changes
to initial design strength and, when acceptable, depth of cover to
reinforcement to provide a more economic solution).
For surfaces not exposed to chemical attack, identify exposure classes from BS
8500-1 , table A.1, and specify a suitable strength class, maximum
water:cement ratio and minimum cement/ combination content for from BS
8500-1 , tables A.4, A.5 or A.8, taking into account the intended working life of
the structure and the nominal cover to the reinforcement.
For unreinforced concrete containing no embedded metal, durability is only
affected by frosting, chemical attack and abrasion, but see BS 8500-1 , table
A.4, A.5 and A.11 for recommendations.
See 4.3 for surfaces exposed to chemical attack.
4.3 Designated and designed concrete exposed to chemical attack (AC
exposure class)
Chemical attack on concrete can be in the form of gases or solutions.
In the ground, chemicals in soil or groundwater that can cause deterioration
of concrete are solutions of sulfate salts and acidic solutions. Sulfates can
cause expansion and cracking of concrete. The commonest form of sulfate
attack involves the formation of the reaction products ettringite (a calcium
aluminate sulfate hydrate) and gypsum. Another less frequently found form of
sulfate attack which weakens concrete is that involving the formation of
thaumasite (a calcium silicate carbonate sulfate hydrate).
Acids in the ground are commonly derived from naturally occurring sulfides or
sulfides from industrial wastes (e.g. iron sulfide), and acids found in moorland
waters or peaty soils.
The exposure classes in BS 8500 for concrete exposed to aggressive ground
conditions (acid and sulfate attack) are based upon BRE Special Digest 1 . See
also BRE IP 11/01 and BRE IP 4/03 .
The suffix symbols to the ACEC class numbers have the following meanings:

s indicates that the ground water has been classified as static. Such a
classification will generally only be possible if the ground is permanently
dry and has a permeability less than 10
-6
m/s.
z indicates that concrete will primarily need to resist acid conditions.
m indicates higher levels of magnesium in Design Sulfate Classes 4 and 5.
The aggressive chemical environment (ACEC) and design sulfate (DS) classes
are identified from BS 8500-1 , table A.2, adjusting, as necessary for acid on
brownfield sites (see BRE special digest 1 ). Suitable values for the design
chemical (DC) class and the additional protective measures (APMs) are
determined from BS 8500-1 , table A.9, adjusting parameters as necessary for
hydraulic gradient across element and thickness of element then:

For designated concrete:
Using the DC-class, select designation from BS 8500-1 , table A.9 or A.13,
or from table 4 in this section or by replacing DC- with FND, e.g. DC-
3s becomes FND3s.
Take account of other exposure classes that apply to the concrete, e.g.
XC2 (see 4.2.1). For reinforced concrete, if XF2 , XF4 or classes XD or XS
apply use designed concrete.
Check that strength class C25/30 is adequate for structural purpose (see
structural design codes, e.g. BS EN 1992-1-1 or BS 8110-1 ), otherwise
use designed concrete.

For designed concrete: Preferably specify required DC-class, but when this
is not possible because of e.g. complex combined exposure conditions or
type of chemical attack outside the scope of BS 8500 , specify limiting
values necessary to assure adequate concrete durability (i.e. maximum
water:cement ratio, minimum cement/ combination content and permitted
types of cement/ cement combination, see BS 8500-1 , table A.11).
Check that these values satisfy the requirements for other exposure
classes that apply to the concrete, e.g. XD2 (see BS 8500-1 , table A.4, A.5
or A.8).
Check that strength class is adequate for structural purpose (see structural
design codes, e.g. BS EN 1992-1-1 or BS 8110-1 ).
4.3.1 Additional protective measures (APMs)
As some of the APMs have implications for the overall design (e.g. site
drainage) the designer should normally make a choice but allow the
contractor to propose alternatives. For the types of APMs that may be
selected to suit project requirements see table 2. For further guidance see BRE
Special Digest 1 , part D6.
Table 2 Additional protective measures
Reference Description of APM
APM1 Enhance concrete quality by selecting next higher DC-class with
the same suffix (if present), e.g. by increasing concrete quality from
DC-2z to DC-3z. This measure is not available when the identified
DC-class from BS 8500-1 , table A.9 is DC-4, DC-4z or DC-4m.
APM2 Use controlled permeability formwork. Specify in NBS section E20 .
APM3 Use surface coatings or water resisting barriers, for example:

Liquid applied waterproof coatings (specify in NBS section
J30 ).
Mastic asphalt tanking (specify in NBS section J20 ).
Flexible waterproof membranes (specify in NBS section J40 ).
APM4 Provide sacrificial layer to element in addition to nominal cover
for reinforced concrete (see 1.2.4). Describe on drawings.
APM5 Use drainage system to, e.g. divert aggressive ground water away
from building. Specify in section R12 or R13 .
4.3.2 Forms of chemical attack outside the scope of BS 8500
For guidance see BRE Special Digest 1 .
back to the top ^

5 Cements (CEM) and Combinations
(C)
5.1 Selection for designated and designed concretes
See BS 8500-1 , table A.6 for broad designations and compositions of
available cements and combinations.
For suitable types of cements and combinations for different categories and of
exposure and concrete see:

Designated concrete: BS 8500-2 , table 5 and 7 for designated concretes
lists permitted types for each designation of concrete, but the specifier is
permitted to further restrict cement type.

Standardized prescribed concrete: BS 8500-2 , clause 9.2 lists permitted
types, but the specifier is permitted to further restrict cement type.

Designed concrete: BS 8500-1 , tables A.11 lists permitted types for each
DC-class concrete. Guidance on permitted types for other exposure
classes are listed in BS 8500-1 , tables A.4 and A.5, but specification must
state the permitted types.
Cements are factory produced and preblended. The most commonly used
cement is Portland cement CEM I. Cements are also manufactured using
cementitious additions fly ash, pfa or ggbs. Combinations are manufactured
in the producers mixer from CEM I cement plus additions of fly ash or pfa or
ggbs or limestone fines.
Combinations are designed to achieve an equivalent performance to cements
they count fully towards the cement content and water:cement ratio in
concrete. The concrete producer can choose to use either a cement or the
equivalent combination. The full range of cements and combinations which
the producer is permitted to use are specified in BS 8500-2 , table 1. In reality,
the range of cements and combinations currently used by UK concrete
producers is relatively small see table 3.
Table 3 Cements (CEM) and combinations (C) commonly used in the uk
Designation Description
CEM I Portland cement
SRPC Sulfate resisting Portland cement
IIA Cement or combination with 6 to 20% of a second material such
as pfa, ggbs or limestone
IIB Cement or combination with 21 to 35% fly ash, pfa or ggbs
IIB+SR Cement or combination with 25 to 35% pfa
IIIA Cement or combination with 36 to 65% ggbs
IIIB Cement or combination with 66 to 80% ggbs
IIIB+SR Cement or combination with 66 to 80% ggbs suitable for sulfate
resisting concrete
IVB Cement or combination with 36 to 55% fly ash or pfa
IVB+SR Cement or combination with 36 to 40% pfa
Notes:
1. +SR denotes sulfate resisting proportions achieved by control of
additions and other technical requirements specified in BS 8500-
2 .
2. Special cements are also available, e.g. White Portland cement.
5.2 Type II additions fly ash, pfa, ggbs, microsilica and metakaolin
The incorporation of pfa, fly ash or ggbs can benefit hardened concrete by, for
example:
Increasing resistance to sulfate attack and chloride induced corrosion.
Reducing risk of thermal cracking in large concrete sections.
For further guidance on the use of pfa, fly ash or ggbs additions and
implications for fresh and hardened concrete see BCA Publication 48.037 .
Microsilica (condensed silica fume), a by-product from the smelting process
for ferrosilicon alloy, and metakaolin obtained from kaolin (china clay) can be
used to produce concrete with low permeability, high strength, chemical
resistance, sulfate resistance, high wear resistance and ease of finishing. These
properties mean that its greatest potential use is in the construction of
industrial floors.
back to the top ^

6 Consistence, compaction and
curing
6.1 Consistence and compaction
Full compaction is generally taken to mean the virtual exclusion (typically less
than 11.5%) of air voids from the concrete. For each 1% of entrapped air
there will be a 5 to 6% loss of strength; thus if there is 5% air left in the
concrete, there will be a loss of strength of 20% or more. The ability of such
concrete to protect reinforcement and resist freeze-thaw and sulfate attack
will be severely reduced. It should be noted that concrete containing an air
entraining admixture is a quite separate consideration in this case the air is
in the form of minute bubbles introduced to give resistance to freeze-thaw
damage, and it will not be expelled by vibration. The effect of an air entraining
admixture will be taken into account when designing the concrete to achieve
the specified compressive strength class. Thorough vibration of the placed
concrete and adequate consistence are both necessary.
6.2 Curing
Low permeability depends, among other things, on effective hydration of the
cement to fill interstices in the concrete originally occupied by water. This is
particularly important for the surface layer of the concrete which provides
protection to the reinforcement and resistance to the penetration of
aggressive agents. Curing is the process of keeping the concrete moist and at
a favourable temperature for several days after casting, to ensure proper
hydration.
Curing is also a vital operation in the production of self-finished concrete
floors it increases wear resistance and reduces dusting. Effective early curing
will also significantly reduce the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking.
BS 8110-1 , table 6.1 gives recommended minimum curing periods related to
type of cement, weather conditions and temperature, but makes no distinction
between the different end uses of the concrete. Many experts consider the
curing periods required by BS 8110-1 to be insufficient for surfaces exposed
to the elements and wear. NBS clause 820 permits the specification of longer
periods for such surfaces.
back to the top ^

7 Environmental issues
7.1 Sources of information
For applications and sourcing of recycled and secondary aggregates see the
sustainable aggregates information service AggRegain at
www.aggregain.org.uk. See also CIRIA Publication C513 , sections 10 and 11
and BRE Information Papers 5/94 and 3/97 .
For a UK cement and concrete industry view of environmental issues see
www.ConCemSus.info.
7.2 Recycled and secondary aggregates
Recycled aggregates can be used as an alternative or partial replacement to
primary quarried aggregates. In addition to grading, the degree of processing
depends on the source of the material and the amount of contamination.
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) consists of crushed concrete. For RCA
most reinforcement is removed before crushing; the scrap value of the steel
alone can often justify the recycling of reinforced concrete.
Recycled aggregate (RA) is obtained from reprocessing inorganic materials
previously used in construction (e.g. fired clay and concrete).
Recycled secondary coarse aggregates (RSA) are by-products from other
industrial processes and not previously used in construction, e.g. air-cooled
blast furnace slag, china clay waste and, glass, or may be manufactured from
industrial by-products, e.g. lightweight aggregates based on pfa and
blastfurnace slag.
BS 8500-2 allows the use of coarse recycled concrete aggregates for certain
exposure and strength classes and specifies limitations on contaminants and
foreign matter (see BS 8500-2 , clause 4.3 and tables 2 and 3), and restricts its
use in designated concrete (see BS 8500-2 , clause 6.6.2). Subject to these
limitations, the concrete producer can use coarse recycled concrete aggregate
(RCA) providing the specification does not prohibit its use.
BS 8500-2 permits the use of RA but requires the specifier to establish quality
requirements (see BS 8500-2 , clause 4.3 and tables 2 and 3) and to name the
methods by which compliance will be determined. For this reason, the use of
RA is not covered in this section, but the use of coarse RCA should be
encouraged.
The use of fine recycled aggregates is not prohibited in BS 8500-2 but its use
is left to the project specification and a warning is given concerning the risk of
excessively high levels of sulfates (from gypsum plaster) in RCA and some fine
RA. The inclusion of gypsum plaster can lead to delayed ettringite formation.
Sourcing recycled aggregates of the right quality and quantity is a key issue.
For applications and sourcing of recycled and secondary aggregates see the
sustainable aggregates information service AggRegain at
www.aggregain.org.uk.
WRAP publication ASR Testing on recycled aggregates-guidance on alkali
limits and reactivity , reports tests of the alkali content and reactivity of
recycled aggregates, and WRAP papers Conglasscrete I and Conglasscrete
II report tests on glass used as pozzolan and aggregate.
7.3 Recycling fresh concrete
Increasingly returned concrete is being recycled. Aggregates are recovered
and returned to the stockpile after the cement is washed from the concrete.
The wash water and fines (hydrated cement particles) are added in small
quantities to other batches of concrete so that there is no waste. An
alternative technique is to add water and let the weak concrete harden. When
sufficient stock is available, a crusher is brought in and the stockpile turned
into recycled concrete aggregate (RCA).
back to the top ^

8 Health and safety
See section E05 general guidance 2.
back to the top ^

Table 4 Designated and standardized
prescribed concrete in housing and
other applications intended
working life 50 years(1)
Application
(Concrete
containing any
form of
embedded
metal is
treated as
reinforced)
Minimum
designate
d concrete
Standardize
d prescribed
concrete
(2)

Assume
d
strength
class
cylinder
/ cube
(3)

Nomina
l cover
(mm)
Recommende
d
Consistence
class for
designated
concrete
(4)

Unreinforced foundations and associated works requiring DC-1
concrete(see 4.2.1)
Blinding and
mass concrete
fill
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S3
Strip footings GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S3
Mass concrete
foundations
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S3
Trench fill
foundations
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S4
(5)

Drainage works
to give
immediate
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S1
(5)

support
Other drainage
works
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S3
Oversite below
suspended
slabs
GEN 1 ST2 C8/10 S3
Unreinforced foundations requiring DC-2 to DC-4 concrete (See 4.2.1 and
4.3)
DC2 FND2 C25/30 Default S3 is
recommended
for
mechanically
compacted
concrete.
S4 is
recommended
for trench fill
and other self
compacting
uses.
DC2z FND2Z C25/30
DC3 FND3 C25/30
DC3z FND3Z C25/30
DC4 FND4 C25/30
DC4z FND4Z C25/30
DC4m FND4M C25/30
Reinforced foundations (See 4.2.1 and 4.3)
ACEC class AC-
1 and hydraulic
gradient not
greater than 5
RC25/30 C25/30
(6)
50 when
cast
against
blinding,
75 when
cast
directly
against
soil

DC2 FND2 C25/30

(7)


DC2z FND2Z C25/30


(7)

DC3 FND3 C25/30

(7)


DC3z FND3Z C25/30

(7)


DC4 FND4 C25/30

(7)


DC4z FND4Z C25/30

(7)


DC4m FND4M C25/30

(7)


General
applications

Kerb bedding
and backing
(see NBS
section Q10 )
GEN0 ST1 C6/8 S1
(5)

Floors
House floors
with no
embedded
metal

Permanen
t finish to
be added,
e.g.
screed or
floating
floor

No
permanen
t finish to
be added
e.g.
carpeted

Bonded
or
monolithi
c screed
GEN1
(8)

GEN2
(8)

RC28/35
ST2
ST3

C8/10
C12/15
C28/35



S2
recommended.
Default is S3.
(see NBS
sections
M10 and
E41 )
Garage floors
with no
embedded
metal
GEN3
(8)
ST4 C16/20
Wearing
surface: light
foot and trolley
traffic
RC25/30 ST5 C25/30
(9)

Wearing
surface: general
industrial
RC32/40 C32/40
Wearing
surface: heavy
industrial
RC40/50 C40/50
Paving (See
NBS section
Q21 )
(10)


House drives
and domestic
parking
PAV1 C25/30 S2
(12)

Heavy duty
external paving
with rubber
tyre vehicles
(11)

PAV2 C28/35 S2
(12)

Reinforced
concrete not
subject to
chemical
attack
(13)


Exposure class
XC1 (inside
enclosed
buildings
except poorly
ventilated
rooms with
RC20/25 C20/25 (15 +
c)
Default S3 is
recommended
for mechanical
compaction
(see BS 8500-
1 , Table A.16).
high humidity)
Exposure class
XC3/XC4 + XF1
(External
elements of
buildings
sheltered from,
or exposed to,
rain)
RC40/50 C40/50 (20 +
c)
(15)


RC32/40 C32/40 (25 +
c)
(15)


RC28/35 C28/35 (30 +
c)
(15)


Exposure class
XC4 + XF3
(Horizontal
elements with
high saturation
without de-
icing agent and
subject to
freezing while
wet)
(14)

RC40/50XF C40/50 (20 +
c)
(15)


PAV2 C28/35 (30 +
c)
(15)

(16)

PAV1 C25/30 (35 +
c)
(15)

(16)

Concrete to resist freezing and thawing
(17)

Exposure class
XF1
RC28/35 C28/35 To suit
application
(see BS 8500-
1 , Table A.16).
Default for RC
series is S3 and
for PAV series
S2.
PAV1 C25/30
Exposure class
XF2
unreinforced
RC32/40 C32/40
concrete
(18)

PAV1 C25/30
Exposure class
XF3
(14)

RC40/50XF C40/50
PAV1 C25/30
Exposure class
XF4
unreinforced
concrete
(18) (14)

RC40/50XF C40/50
PAV2 C28/35
Notes:
1. See BS 8500-1 , tables A.3, A.8 and A.13 and associated clauses for full
requirements. When not indicated otherwise, recommended concrete
qualities are for at least 50 years intended working life.
2. When strength or durability is important specify designated or designed
concrete. ST1 and ST2 concrete should not be specified for concrete
containing reinforcement or embedded metal, as chloride class for these
concretes is Cl 1.0.
3. For strength class classification system see 1.2.6. For minimum strength
class of designated concrete and strength class assumed for structural
design purposes for standardized prescribed concrete see BS 8500-1 ,
tables A.14 and A.15 respectively. Except as otherwise indicated, minimum
strength class for designated concrete and assumed strength for the
alternative standardized prescribed concrete are the same.
4. For default consistence class see BS 8500-1 , table A.14. For
recommended consistence class suitable for different uses see BS 8500-1 ,
tables A.13 and A.16. Specify consistence class when required value differs
from default.
5. Default consistence is S3.
6. Use higher grade if necessary for structural purposes.
7. Use designed concrete when compressive strength class of C25/30 is
insufficient for structural purposes.
8. GEN concrete with relatively low cement contents may not be suitable for
obtaining satisfactory cast and direct finished surfaces nor for methods of
placing such as pumping.
9. Strength class for ST5 is C20/25, i.e. less than that for RC25/30
10. Cast in-situ concrete for house drives and similar external areas is liable to
attack by freezing and thawing, which is made worse by the use of de-
icing salts. PAV series concrete contains entrained air to counteract this
effect. Designated concretes are not recommended for reinforced
concrete to resist corrosion induced by chloride de-icing salts (XD
exposure class).
11. For extreme applications, e.g. heavy industrial floors, seek specialist advice.
12. This is default consistence class for this concrete. Consistence class may
need to be changed to suit method of placing.
13. If grade for application is higher than grade for exposure, use grade for
application.
14. Freeze thaw resistant aggregate is recommended for exposure classes XF3
and XF4
15. Increase the minimum cover by 5 mm if IVB-V cements and combinations
are to be permitted.
16. Default consistence class is S2. See BS 8500-1 , table A.16 for
recommended consistence class.
17. Recommended concrete qualities are suitable for both at least 50 years
and at least 100 years intended working life. see BS 8500-1 , clause A.4.3.
18. Class assumes application of de-icing agent. Hence, for reinforced
concrete an XD class will also apply for which designated concrete is not
suitable, and a designed concrete should be specified.