1.

Specifications
The works under this project shall be executed in accordance given in the following latest
revised documents issued by the Institute for Construction Training and Development(ICTAD),
‘Sawsiripaya’, 123, WijeramaMawatha, Colombo 7

Publication No Description

1.SCA/4 Building Works ( Volume I)

2. SCA/4/II Building works ( Volume II)

3. SCA/3/2 Water supply sewerage & storm water drainage

4. SCA/3/I Irrigation& Land Drainage Works

And Particular specifications described in this Document.

2. Pricing preambles
1. The Conditions of Contract, the Specifications and the Drawings are to be read in
conjunction with the Bill of Quantities .

2. The cost of complying with all conditions, obligations and liabilities described in the
Conditions of Contract, Specifications and the Bill of Quantities including all
overhead charges and profit in carrying out the work as shown on the Drawings shall
be deemed to be spread over and included in the prices of sums stated by the Employee
in the Bill of Quantities unless separately measured.

3. If the Employee fails to price any items in the Bill of Quantities then the cost of the
work under such items shall be held to be spread over and included in the prices given
against other items of work.

4. The quantities set out in the Bill of Quantities are provisional and cover the
approximate scope of the work anticipated to be performed by the Contractor. The
actual quantities used for final measurement purposes will be determined by the
Engineer by measurement of the work completed by the Contractor.

5. When trade names, brands and or Catalogue Numbers are referred to, sole preference
to any material or equipment is not intended. Any other material or equipment may be
used, provided that the characteristics of type, quality, appearance, finish, method of
construction and / or performance is superior than specified.

6. Whenever the method of measurement is not clear from the documents available, the
principles as given in the Sri Lanka Standard 573, 1982 Method of Measurement of
Building Works shall be applicable.
7. The Cost of Preliminary Items should also be built in to the Rate.
GENERALLY

The Contractor should allow against the items or in the prices for everything contained in these
Bills of Quantities which has a monetary value.

Lump sums shall not be given where unit rates are applicable.

Payment against any item in the Bill of Quantities will be made only if such item has actually
been carried out by the contractor. If the Contractor intends to execute any alternative method of
construction, the Engineer's prior approval thereof shall be obtained prior to execution of such
work in order to ensure payment against the relevant item.

Unit rates may be used reciprocally in the settlement of accounts unless conflict between them
occurs. The Contractor is, therefore, to ensure that identical items occurring in separate bills are
not priced at different rates unless this is his deliberate intention.

The Contractor shall check against the summaries that each copy of the Bills of Quantities is
complete in the number of pages and in the reproduction of each page.

The Contractor’s prices and extension shall be entered in waterproof ink.

Unit rates and extensions shall be given in Sri Lankan Rupees to a maximum of two significant
places of decimals.
The various documents collectively referred to herein as the Bills of Quantities jointly constitute
the Bill of Quantities referred to in the Conditions of Contract.
These Bills of Quantities have been measured generally in accordance with the principles laid
down in the Method of Measurement of Drainage Works and rates shall include for everything
required for complete sections of work in accordance with the specifications and drawings.
In the Bills of Quantities, if any materials/ fittings are described by using a trade name, it is only
for the purpose of indicating the minimum level of quality and standard required. The Bidder may
use any other material/ fittings, which are considered as equivalent in quality and standard to
those specified therein subject to the approval of the “ Engineer”

Items in the preambles section of these Bills of Quantities are deemed to qualify and to form part
of every description of measured work to which they refer including composite descriptions.
No amendment which has not been authorized in writing by the Engineer shall be made to these
Bills of Quantities.

The Contractor shall not use these Bills of Quantities as a construction programme or for the
purposes of ordering materials or arranging sub-contracts. The references for these activities shall
be the drawings, specification and instructions issued by the Engineer.

These pricing preambles are a standard and comprehensive set and hence may exceed the
requirements of this particular project.

1
Format for Descriptions

In addition to common abbreviations the following have been adopted:

M - metre m2 - square metre

m3 - cubic metre mm - milli meter
Nos - number Ton - tonne
Pro.Sum - Provisional sum BOQ - Bills of Quantities

Every description shall read as if the phrase “and the like” were incorporated into it.

Where specific classifications have been given but are deemed to include other categories of work
only the classified item shall be given in descriptions.

“Prices also to include”; items under this heading fall into two categories :

a) Those which are deemed to be included in descriptions and therefore, in prices.

b) Those for which the Contractor shall allow in his prices.

“Approved” , “Directed”, “Selected” and similar expressions shall relate to the Engineer’s
decision.
Prices also deemed to include

Rates shall be comprehensive and include for the following:

a) All obligations imposed by the Contract.

b) Complying in every respect with the requirements and the considerations of the specifications
and drawings.

c) All considerations arising from the definitions incorporated into each preamble section.

d) Labor for fixing and all associated costs.

e) Materials and goods and all associated costs.

f) Fitting and / or fixing materials and goods in any position, hoisting to any height.

g) Use of Jacks, plant, equipment and tools.

h) Allow for protection of finished surfaces/fittings etc. of all work sections.

i) Any additional labours usually associated with measured items.

j) All overheads profits, local taxes, security and monitoring fees unless otherwise described
separately.

2
All measurements are net and the rates shall include for all laps (except for steel reinforcement
where the quantity of laps is included in the BOQ quantity), waste, working space and trade or
traditional allowances.

The pricing of materials shall take account of the following:

Pricing Preambles, Drawings and Specifications shall apply reciprocally between sections of the
works unless otherwise described.

a) Materials shall be of the best quality available unless otherwise described.

b) All materials shall be transported, handled, stored and fixed in accordance with the printed
instructions or recommendations of their manufacture or suppliers.

c) Protection of completed work, all casings and temporary coverings and making good and
clearing away upon completion.

Where the word “allow” is used the cost of the items shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

The Contractor shall obtain from all sub-contractors (weather nominated or otherwise) their
requirements for all recesses, chases, holes and the like in order that they may be built in or
formed as the work proceeds. No additional charges shall be allowed for cutting recesses, chases
and holes and the like after the construction of the works.

In the event of their being any discrepancies between details on drawings, descriptions in
specifications and descriptions in the Bills of Quantities then the rates and pricing shall be
deemed to relate to the documents order of precedence set out in the Form of Agreement.
The amounts set against any Provisional Sums for supply of materials shall be the net CIF
amount adjusted for all discounts and customs duty. The amounts set against any items of profit
shall include for all costs in connection with letters of credit, bank charges, interest charges and
insurance after the materials come under the control of the Contractor.

The Contractor should leave the whole of the works ready for immediate occupation to the
satisfaction of the Engineer including the following :

a) Cleaning and leveling the working areas for smooth rain water runoff.
b) Internal& external surface of the drain must in smooth finish.
c) All Expansion joints must fulfill by rigifoam

Prime Cost Sums in Unit Rates

Certain rates within the Bills of Quantities will include Prime Cost Sums. The material
specification and fixing details will be specified. The Contractor is to include against each
heading the necessary uplifts and additions required to give his final rate. This rate will then be
carried to the relative places within the Bills of Quantities.

3
These prime cost sums are subject to alteration and no additional claim will be allowed for the
varying of these items.

SECTION : DEMOLITION

Contractor is required to refer relevant ICTAD conditions on demolition work and also to inspect
the site, drawings and BOQ thoroughly to understand the nature of demolition involved.
Contractor is expected to use electrical and mechanical tools for demolition work and should
avoid excessive vibration and noise. Contractor should use maximum care as not to damage the
adjacent areas / structures / elements while demolition of the required members.

All re-usable items to be handover to the client and no material are allowed to take away from
site, unless approved by the engineer.

SECTION: EXCAVATION, AND EARTH WORK

Definitions

Rock is defined as any material met with which is of such size or position that, in the opinion of
the Engineer it can only be removed by means of wedges, special plants or explosives.

Method of Measurement

The method of measurement and re-measurement will be entirely at the discretion of the
Engineer but generally will be as follows:

a) Where there is no reduced level excavation, other excavations will be measured from
natural ground level.
b) In instances where there is excavation to reduce levels other excavations will be
measured from the reduced level.
c) Removal of all unacceptable material will measure as loose volume. Therefore
coordinate with Engineer.

Should the Contractor be able to use any excavated material arising from the works as general
filling then it shall be measured as material back filled in making up levels with a deduction of
items for filling and for material removed from site.

Prices also to include

Rates for excavation shall be deemed to include for the following.

a) Excavating by whatever means are necessary including machinery excavation in any kind of
ground, except rock.
b) Over-break including filling with mass concrete to the levels required by the Engineer.
c) Trimming or grading ground to produce level surfaces or surfaces to falls or slopes.

4
c) Ramming and compacting bottoms of excavations.
d) Additional excavation for working space arising out of any cause, as excavation measured
net unless otherwise specified in item description.
e) Compliance with relevant acts, by laws and regulations relating to excavations and earth
work supports.
f) Inspection of Site

Earth work support

a) A Item is given in the BOQ for earth support.
b) Payment for earth work & existing structure supports will only be considered if physically
carried out at the site.

The Contractor shall obtain the prior approval of the Engineer before carrying out any alternative
method of earth work supports than specified in the Contract.

Back filling

Back filling is attended using excavated suitable materials & imported materials. Watering layer
by layer & compete each layers using suitable rammers.

Backfilling around the structures shall be carried out using suitable material and compacted
properly to rain water runoff. Care shall be taken to see that no damage is done to the structure
by these operations.

SECTION : CONCRETE WORKS

Prices also to include

The Contractor should ascertain from the Engineer the total number of locations of items to be
formed in and cast into in-situ and pre-cast concrete including those which are not specifically
shown on the drawings. No cutting away of concrete shall be carried out without the approval of
the Engineer. All remedial works shall be carried out at the Contractor’s expense.

The mixing shall be based on specified Grade concrete.

Concrete shall be composed of Portland cement , sand, coarse aggregate and water proportioned
by volume according to nominal mixes.
Aggregate shall be free from iron pyrites, iron oxides, carbon, organic matter, lumps of clay or
other deleterious substances, and shall be screened and / or washed if necessary.
All cement used shall be Portland cement.
Preferred grading for coarse aggregate for concrete,

5
 Sieve Percentage Passing
size Nominal size of graded aggregate Nominal size of Single sized aggregate
mm mm mm
37.5 to 19.0 to 12.5 to 37.5 19.0 12.5
4.75 4.75 4.75
75.0 100 - - -
63.0 - - - 100
37.5 95-100 100 - 85-100 100
19.0 35-70 95-100 100 0-25 85-100 100
12.5 - - 90-100 - - 85—100
9.5 10-40 30-60 50-85 0-5 0-25 0-50
4.75 0-5 0-10 0-10 - 0-5 0-10
2.36 - - - - - -

Preferred gradings for fine aggregate for concrete

(Zone 1,2,3 of PS 882, 1201: Part 2, 1973)

Sieve size Percentage Passing

Mm m Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
9.5 100 100 100
4.75 90-100 90-100 90-100
2.36 60-95 75-100 85-100
1.18 30-70 55-90 75-100
600 15-34 35-59 60-79
300 5-20 8-30 12-40
150 0-10 0-10 0-10

Water used for concrete shall be free from objectionable quantities of suspended solids, organic
matter, alkalis salts and other impurities. Water taken from excavations shall not be used.

Proportioning of Concrete Materials and Strength

Mix Proportions and Strengths

The mix proportions and compressive strengths are given below. The mix proportions are
indicated by the volumetric ratios of cement; fine aggregate’; coarse aggregate. The concrete to
be used in any locations in specified on the Drawings by the mix proportions followed by the
nominal maximum size of coarse aggregate in brackets.

Mix Proportions Nominal Maximum Mean Cube Minimum Cube

Size of Coarese Strength at 28 Strength at 7
Aggregate (mm) daysN/mm2 daysN/mm2
1:4:8 37.5 12 8
1:3:6 37.5 17 13
1:2:4 37.5 23 17

6
 1:2:4 20 28 20
1:1.5:3 20 29 21
1:1.5:3 10 29 21

An additional 1o percent of cement over and above the specified mix proportion shall be used
when hand nixing is done. The water / cement ratio by weight shall not exceed 0.55.

Workability of concrete

The workability or consistency of fresh concrete shall be such that the concrete is suitable for the
conditions of handing and placing so that after compaction it surrounds and grips all
reinforcements and completely fills the form work.
The degree of workability shall depended on the nature of work and the method of placement;
whether with vibration or without vibration.
For purposes of these specifications the degree of workability shall be classified as low, medium
and high and shall normally be assessed by means of the slump test.
Generally accepted values of slump, in relation to the degree or workability and the aggregate
used, are given in table below.

Degree of Workability Nominal max. size of Slump (mm)

aggregate (mm)
Low 12.5 0-12
20 12-25
37.5 25-50
Medium 12.5 12-25
20 25-50
37.5 50-100
High 12.5 25-75
20 50-125
37.5 100-150

Testing of Concrete for Acceptance

General

Concrete shall be tested by determining the crushing strength of 150 mm cubes at 28 days.
Where so required, an early assessment of the 28 days strength shall be made by carrying out
tests at 7 days on the assumption that 65% of the 28 days strength is achieved in 7 days.

Hand Mixing

Hand Mixing where permitted, shall be carried out on a smooth watertight platform large enough
to allow efficient turning over of the constituents of concrete before and after adding the water.

7
Mixing platform shall be so formed that no foreign material gets mixed up with the concrete and
the mixing water does not flow out of the mixing area.

Placing and compaction of concrete

Prior to placing of concrete all formwork and reinforcement therein shall be cleaned of all
extraneous material and dust and made fee of any standing water. It shall be ensured that all
formwork is made leak proof and that there is no loss of mixing water or grout from the concrete.

All mixed concrete shall be placed and compacted in the formwork, using approved vibrators of
the internal, external or screed types, or combinations they are depending on the type of job.
Where approved steel rods may also be used for the purpose in addition to the vibrators. The
adequacy of the compacting equipment or the suitability of the compacting method shall be
determined depending on the requirements. Use of steel roads only for compaction shall be
restored to only in small jobs and in low strength concretes.

The rates for all In-situ concrete work shall include for the following :

a) Mixing, hoisting (local) and placing and compacting on the surfaces of any material or on
formwork.
b) Forming any construction joints or the like.
c) Vibrating, Curing and protecting concrete surfaces from harmful weather conditions.
d) All necessary keys to concrete surfaces to receive in-situ finishes.

The rates for plain concrete foundations and concrete blinding shall include for the
following.

a) All necessary shuttering to edges or extra volume of concrete used in lieu of shuttering.
b) Forming sloping upper surfaces where required.

The rates for reinforced concrete shall include for working concrete around reinforcement.

The rates for bar reinforcement shall include for the following :

a) Positioning and protecting starter bars.

b) Straightening (if required) cutting to length and bending reinforcement to required shapes.
c) Waste and rolling margin of steel reinforcement.
d) Cleaning and wire brushing.
e) Additional cutting and bonding in connection with holes, mortises, packets, grooves, chases
and the like.
f) Preparation of detailed reinforcement drawings and bar bending schedules for all steel work
to be submitted to the Engineer or his representative for approval before starting the work.
The rates for reinforcement shall include for the following :

a) Straight raking curved and circular cutting and waste, bending to profiles, laps of one full
square / rectangular module or as noted.

8
b) Supporting in position during concreting: provision of supports (excluding special chairs)
steel binding wire and approved / proprietary distance pieces.
c) Cutting, bending and notching around all obstructions.

The rates for Form work as appropriate shall include for the following.

a) The final product must be smooth & clear to runoff water.

b) All cutting and waste including raking curved or circular cutting and cutting and notching
around pipes, ducting and fittings.
c) Setting up, strutting and supporting at ground level the structure subject to any limitations
imposed by the Employer’s representative including all props, stays struts, wedges and bolts
etc.
d) Carefully coating with shutter oil ensuring that no shutter oil is applied to surfaces of
reinforcement.
e) Easing, striking, removing and cleaning and preparing for re-use and removal when no
longer required.
f) Shortening struts or shapes and re-strutting or re-shoring where required.

Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcement bars should comply with specifications in BS 4449: 1988 and mesh reinforcement
with BS 4483: 1985. Steel reinforcing bars considered in the design are high yield strength bars
for diameters 10, 12, 16,20,25; the characteristic strength should be 460 N/mm2.
Detailing is prepared on the assumption of the use of 6m bar lengths.
6mm diameter bars shown in reinforcement details are mild steel. (fy=250 N/mm2)
Mill certificates of composition and strengths of steel, and certificates of strength tests on
samples of steel purchased for use on this project and tested in an independent approved local
laboratory should be furnished.

Spacers for achieving Cover to Reinforcement

Specified concrete cover to reinforcement bars should be provided using cover blocks. Chairs
should be used to support top horizontal reinforcement and to separate vertical reinforcement in
walls.

Curing of Concrete

Concrete shall be continuously cured for a minimum of 4 days commencing 24 hours after
placing concrete. Concrete surface must be kept covered with hessian or other means to prevent
direct exposure to the sun and wind, and kept damp by spraying water.

Sampling for strength testing:

4 sample for each 100m3 of Grade 15 concrete and each 40m3 for Grade 20 & 25 concrete.

9
At least one sample should be taken of each grade of concrete on each day that concrete is
placed.

From each sample 4 test cubes shall be made, using standard cast steel moulds.

1 cube shall be tested for compressive strength at 7 days and 3 cubes at 28 days. Sampling,
casting, curing and testing shall comply with BS 1881.

The contractor is to provide a water bath of adequate volume and ensure sufficient stocks of
standard 150mm cube moulds and slump cones on site, for regular and frequent testing.

Testing shall be done in an approved laboratory.

The casting, curing and testing of cubes should comply with BS 1881 (1970) and interpretation
of results for compliance should comply with BS 5328 Part 4 (1990).

Compliance with specification will be checked as per BS 5328: Part 4: 1990.

SECTION : WEEPING HOLES ARRANGEMNT WORKS

Weep hole arrangements are depending on width of drain walls.

Take care on the slopping of the weep holes.
Use 600 Type PVC pipes for this arrangement.

SECTION : PRECAST WORKS

The precast cover slabs & guard stones will be smooth, level & clean surface. The uneven
surfaces cover slab or guard stone will not allow using at site.

10