Annex F ICRC Work Specifications

ICRC WORK SPECIFICATIONS
PHILIPPINES
WATER AND HABITAT DEPARTMENT
1. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
General Objective: PHILGENASSENG0 SO n°: 05 WPA n°: PH-ILI-19-1-0008
Reconstruction of Ragayan Construction
Location: GPS: N:
Elementary School, 7°44'52.44"N
Barangay Ragayan, Butig,
Lanao del Sur
E: 124°19'19.79"E
Program manager: Nicolas Laurent Project manager: Zulficar Pangato
This Technical Specification (TS) provides specifications for the common types of materials and
workmanship incorporated in building projects designed by the International Committee of the Red
Cross, hereinafter referred as the Client.
The TS presents information that can be used for many different types of buildings, and so, in
providing a uniform description of a given material or type of workmanship, make requirements
consistent for contractors who may be working on different types of projects designed by the
Client.
1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
All works, construction materials and equipment shall be according to the following work specifications, to the
instructions of the ICRC Engineer and in accordance with the National Building Code. These specifications are
considered as a supplemental commitment for both parties. They are also considered as a legal and technical document
integral to the Bill of Quantities (BoQs) and Drawings.
All information in the TS which is descriptive of the materials, assemblies and workmanship employed in construction
of a project and/or referred to in the project plans, is deemed applicable as an addition to the Bill of Quantities, notes
and specifications included on the project plans.
Whenever the TS refers to the BoQ, this shall be understood to refer to the Bill of Quantities, notes and specifications
included on the project plans and information concerning such materials, assemblies or workmanship is then to be
found on the project plans as applicable.
As the TS deals with general instructions only, there will always be additional information regarding aspects specifically
for the project in question in the Bill of Quantities, notes and specifications included on the project plans.
If instructions in the Bill of Quantities, notes and specifications included on the project plans differ from those given in
TS, it is always the Bill of Quantities, notes and specifications included on the project plans that have precedence.
By signing the Contract for Work and its Enclosures, the Contractor is deemed to have reviewed the relevant sections
of the Technical Specifications in preparing tenders for and in executing the works required for construction of any
Client's project.
1.1. Conditions of works

Tender and Contract are based on the following documents of which some are of general validity, others valid for the
specific work only. Where documents of general validity are concerned, the current edition must always be followed.
1.1.1 Construction codes

Building Rules, Regulations and Ordinances, etc. in force locally with the Client, however, being responsible
for the compliance of the plans and constructions therewith.
1.1.2 Bill of quantities

The separate Bill of Quantities made for each single work, hereinafter referred to as the BoQ and comprised
of notes regarding and related to the plans for the specific work, that may in many cases be comprised entirely
of notes and specifications placed on the project plans. The quantities listed in the BoQ are not fixed. They
are subject to change (increase or decrease) and the contractor will be paid for the executed quantities
only. All items should be done according to the instructions of the Client, even if not mentioned in the BoQ.
Any item that appears no more needed should be cancelled according to the instructions of the Client.
1.1.3 Technical specifications

Technical Specifications hereinafter referred to as TS.
1.1.4 Plans
Handed to tenderers or drawings and samples made available for inspection prior to tendering, - asspecified
in the BoQ Plans in larger scale have prevalence over drawings in smaller scale. Plans and Specifications are
complimentary, and every piece of work and goods indicated in either must be calculated.
1.1.5 Work schedule

In the Tender must be stated the number of weeks within which the work to be completed, or contractor
submission of a full work schedule. Otherwise, the Client may draw up a progress schedule together with the
Contractor.
1.2.
The Contractor must provide everything necessary for the proper execution of the works, according to the true
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Works Specifications for the construction of a new toilet block at Bualan Spring, Saguiaran
intent and meaning of the Plans, Bill of Quantities, and Client's Instructions taken together. The Contractor must
allow in his quotation for attendance upon all other trades.
The Contractor must provide all materials and workmanship necessary for the proper completion of the works,
according to the true intention of Plans, Bill of Quantities and Client's Instructions. The works shall be
executed throughout by skilled workmen well versed in their respective trades.
1.2.1 Intends for material

The Contractor shall have to prepare all orders and indents for materials as soon as possible after the signing
of the Contract, to ensure that all necessary materials are delivered on the site in due time.
1.2.2
The Contractor shall have to prepare all orders and indents for materials as soon as possible after the signing
of the Contract, to ensure that all necessary materials are delivered on the site in due time.
1.2.3 Transport
The Contractor shall include in his price the transport of all materials, workers, etc., to and from the site at
such hours and by such routes as are permitted by the Authorities.
1.2.4 Water
The Contractor shall provide at his own cost temporary connections and make such local arrangements
as may be necessary for the supply of water required for the work including that required for other trades and
payment of all fees and charges. He shall also provide a temporary storage tank, piping, etc., as he may
consider necessary, and clear away on completion.
1.2.5 Light and electrical power

The Contractor shall provide all artificial lighting and power for use on the works, including all Sub-
Contractors and Specialists requirements, all temporary connections, wiring, fittings, etc., and he shall clear
away on completion. The Contractor shall pay all fees and obtain all permits in connection herewith.
1.2.6 Protection works

The Contractor must cover-up and protect from damage of any cause at all time, including storms and
inclement weather, all new work. He must also supply all temporary covers, access, protection to windows
and any other requisite for all works, whether done by himself or by Specialists or Sub-Contractors, and any
damage caused must be repaired and made good by the Contractor at his own cost.
1.2.7 Shed (material)

If required, the Contractor is to provide all necessary sheds, to keep them in good sanitary condition and to
remove and make good any damage on completion. All workers are not authorized to stay within the ICRC
premises after working hours.
1.2.8 As built-plans / record drawings

The Contractor shall hand to the Client on prints to be supplied a dimensioned record of the position of all
hidden service runs showing all access points, junctions, bends, tees, valves, traps, outlets, etc. The
Provisional acceptance will not be issued until such record is furnished to the satisfaction of the Client.
1.3. Quality and evaluation of the work
1.3.1 Materials and workmanship

Unless specified otherwise, All the materials and tools have to be supplied by the contractor. In the offer, all
the new equipment and materials must be detailed with their specifications (origin, brand, type and technical
market, in line with the specifications for civil works and tested. For all materials that could be reused, the
contractor should submit a separate list with two prices: a price for new items (supply and install with all
accessories) and another price for reused items (maintain and re-install in its new location). After awarding the
contract, if any material is reused without informing the ICRC engineer, the ICRC has the right to refuse that
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item or reduce its submitted price. Referring to the BoQ, for any material that will be re-used, a reduction in the
price should be applied on the BoQ, in agreement between the Head of Project and the Contractor.
All workmanship provided by the Contractor must be the best, and the Contractor shall be entitled to and
entirely responsible for the proper execution of all work. The Contractor shall furnish the Client with vouchers
to prove that the materials are such as specified.
1.3.2 Proprietary materials

Where proprietary materials are specified, the Contractor may propose the use of materials of other
manufacture, but of equal quality, for approval by the Client. All materials and goods, where specified to be
obtained from a particular manufacturer or supplier, are to be used strictly in accordance with the instructions.
1.3.3 Measuring and testing equipment

The Contractor shall provide the following equipment for carrying out measuring and control tests on the site
and maintain in full working order:
Straight edges 2 meters and 4 meters long for testing the accuracy of the finished concrete
A glass graduated cylinder for use in the silt test of organic impurities in the sand
Slump test apparatus
150mm steel cube molds with base plates and tamping rod to BS 1881
One 8 meter and one 30-meter steel tape measures
meter long level
1 Micrometer
1.3.4 Rejected workmanship or materials

Any materials or workmanship not complying with the specific requirements or approved samples, or which
have been damaged, contaminated or have deteriorated, must be removed immediately from the site and be
replaced at the Contractors expense, as required.
1.3.5 Control of the finished works

The Contractor must amend all fault and omissions as quickly as possible after they have been realized, not
waiting for the expiry of the Warranty period unless expressly ordered to by the Client. The contractor is to
guarantee his work for all repair/rehabilitation works, for a period describe as warranty period in the work
contract, if not specified, two months period will apply.
1.4. Setting out of the works

The Contractor shall be responsible for the accurate setting out of works in accordance with the various plans
and details supplied and will be required to make good at his own expense all errors arising from inaccurate
setting out.
1.5. Disagreement between documents

All sizes mentioned in plans are to be the sizes of the finished work as fixed in the building, with the exception
of the allowance for working in carpentry and joinery.
All figured dimensions must be checked, before any work is started or shop drawings made; no claim for error
in this regard will be entertained. If the Contractor finds any discrepancy in drawings or between drawings and
specification, he shall immediately refer it to the Client, who shall decide which shall be followed in preference
to the scaled dimensions, and all dimensions and particulars are to be taken from the actual work.
1.6. Contractors personnel
1.6.1 Representation
The Contractor shall lead the work personally or through a person who can represent him in every respect.
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1.6.2 Misconduct of workmen
The Contractor shall, on the request of the Client, immediately dismiss from the works any person(s) employed
there by him who may be incompetent or unruly in the opinion of the Client, and such persons(s) shall not be
re-employed on the works without the permission of the Client. The above rules are also valid for Sub-
Contractors and their personnel
1.7. Materials purchased by client
1.7.1 Purchased by the Client

Should any materials or fittings be purchased or provided by the Client, they shall remain his property entirely.
When any such materials have been delivered on the site by the Client, or when the Contractor has received
instructions to take delivery of or collect any such materials or has otherwise received them, the Contractor
shall thereafter be entirely responsible for them and shall make good to the Client any loss or damage to them,
until the completion.
1.7.2 Purchased by the Contractor

The Contractor is fully responsible for the timeliness of their delivery, and in accordance to Work Schedule.
Any delay will which not justifiable will be accounted. Delivery point or Placement of such material will be
consulted with the Client.
In specific cases and as requested, the Contractor might need to supply extra materials for Maintenance
purposes (which requires the mentioned specific material); such as: tiles, paints, fittings, accessories, etc.
1.8. Order on site
1.8.1 Observation and security

The Contractor shall provide at his own risk and cost all watching and lighting as necessary to safeguard the
works, machine and materials against damage and theft. Workers shall be observed and paying attention to
he work area.
1.8.2 Material storage

Placing of sheds, materials, etc. on the site must be approved by the Client. No room of the building may be
used for storing without the permission of the Client. Any room used for storing must be cleared by the
Contractor without cost when so demanded by the Client.
1.8.3 Keep clean and green

It is the duty of Contractors and/or Sub-Contractors respectively to collect all debris and waste resulting from
their work and place it in the waste heap on the site. Cleaning up must be done whenever demanded by the
Client, though not more than once a week.
Upon completion of the works the Contractor shall remove and clear away all surplus excavated materials,
cuts, waste, rubbish and unused materials at his own expense and shall leave the whole site and the works
in a clean and tidy state to the satisfaction of the Client. All traces of temporary offices, sheds, camps, etc.
must be removed and made good. Particular care shall be taken to leave walls, floors, doors and windows
clean and that all paint, silicon and cement stains are removed from all surfaces.
All trees and green vegetation around the work area should be kept untouched and treasured. Any obstructing
trees or vegetation must be consulted with Client before handling.
1.8.4 Sanitation of the site

The Contractor shall provide the necessary latrines for his staff and workmen to the requirements and
satisfaction of the Health Authorities and maintain them in a thoroughly clean and sanitary condition, removing
and making good on completion.
It is strongly stressed that urination is only permitted in the above latrines; any lack of cleanliness in or around
the building may lead to immediate expulsion from work, and so may other improper behaviors (i.e.
drunkenness.)
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1.8.5 First Aid
During the progress of the work the Contractor shall provide and maintain in easily accessible positions on
the works adequate first aid outfits and shall comply with Government and Labor office requirements at all
times.
2 EARTHWORKS
The work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on drawings and in the BoQ and may be carried out by
the Contractor himself or a Sub-Contractor unless otherwise required in the BoQ.
2.1. Site observation and clearing

The Contractor is strongly advised to examine the site carefully and to ascertain for himself the nature thereof
and the kind of materials to be excavated. Inclusively, All obstacle (visible or not) shall be removed completely.
2.2. Excavations depth, width and slopes

Shall be to the widths and depths indicated on the drawings or to such lesser or greater depths as the Client
may deem necessary. The Contractor shall draw the Client's attention to any bad ground, which may be
encountered. If the Contractor excavates to any widths or depths greater than those shown on the drawings
or as instructed by the Client, he shall fill such excess with concrete at his own expense to the satisfaction of
the Client. Level and compact bottoms of all excavations to receive concrete, form steppings if necessary, or
directed to allow for sloping ground, and well water excavations before pouring concrete.
Excavate for all drains, channels, pipes, inspection chambers, soakage pit and septic tank to the depths and
widths and slope required.
The Contractor shall report to the Client as and when a secure (well compacted) bottom for the foundations
has been obtained, and the same is ready to receive blinding concrete. No concrete must be placed, until the
approval of the Client has been obtained.
To excavate the soft soil, Contractor shall install temporary retaining wall to avoid the soil falling into the
excavation hole
2.3. Protection from water

The Contractor is to allow in his price for the taking of every precaution to protect the works at all stages of
construction from damage by sudden rains. Excavations shall be kept clear of water and debris of all kinds.
Any water in trenches, may it be from rain or ground water etc. is to be pumped or drained away before any
filling is carried out.
2.4. Rock boulders or beds

Rock is defined as any material met within the excavations which is of such size or position that it can only be
removed by means of wedges, compressed air machine, or other special machine and the Client's opinion in
this regard shall be final. Excavation in any material such as compacted marram, soft tuff, stiff clay or similar
materials which in the opinion of the Client can reasonably be removed by pick, excavator or similar means
will be deemed to be included in the prices for normal excavation.
Should rock be met with, it must be removed with wedges and levers. Blasting will not be allowed without the
written consent of the Client, in which case the Contractor shall take full responsibility for any damage that
may be caused.
2.5. Vegetable soil

If required in the BoQ the Contractor is to remove the vegetable soil over the area of the site to the average
depth stated and is to be preserved on the site for later use in levelling the ground. Great care is to be taken
to ensure that this top soil is not contaminated or mixed with any inferior sub-soil or materials.
2.6. Earth filling

No filling shall be done, until the foundations and wall bases have been inspected and approved by the Client.
Levels specified (to be made up with surplus soil etc.) are to be filled in with selected soilfree from vegetable
growth to the approval of the Client, and to be laid in layers not exceeding 30 cm of thickness, each layer to
be watered, well compacted, consolidated and levelled. No borrow-pits will be allowed to be opened on the
site.
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2.7. Hard-core filling
Hardcore is to be formed of clean, hard, broken stone that will pass in all directions through a 15 cm diameter
ring or to be 75% of the finished thickness of the layers being compacted, whichever is the lesser. Only
sufficient smaller pieces and sand is to be mixed with the hardcore so as to fill all voids so that it can be
thoroughly compacted. Hardcore is to be well packed and compacted in layers not exceeded 225 mm. Before
pouring concrete, the hardcore shall be levelled and graded to falls as required, blinded with finely crushed
material, well rolled and thoroughly watered.
2.8. Levelling
Levelling and addition of filling or vegetable soil must be carried out in accordance with the BoQ and in a
manner so as to avoid unwanted settlement. Backfilling shall be done in 20 cm layers, compacted by hammers
or mechanical means (where possible, by a wheel compactor), with the addition of water to improve
compaction.
In case a weak spot(s) or area(s) is discovered during the removal of surface soil, backfilling or compacting,
the contractor will be responsible of replacing the soil under this spot (and/or) area for the appropriate level
without asking for reimbursement (even if the depth is more than that one required in the excavation
article).
2.9. Pipe laying

PVC sewage pipes should be laid after assuring the correct depth and slope on 100 mm thick compacted
selected material (usually sand), as bed layer for sewage pipe then back filling between the sides of the trench
and pipe with non-compacted layers of selected sand 75 mm in thickness. Tamp each layer firmly with a hand
tamper until the level of the crown of the pipe is reached, taking care to ensure that no voids are left under the
pipe. Displacement of the pipe should be prevented by the simultaneous filling and evening of compaction
materials on either side of the pipe. Then the selected sand material should be placed in an even and non-
compacted layer of 150 mm in thickness over the entire width of the trench to a height of 300 mm above the
crown of the pipe. All layers must be firmly tamped by hand. The remaining of the trench is filled in layers of
300 mm thickness; excavated trench materials can be used. Each layer must be firmly tamped, the first layer
by hand and then by mechanical means if ordered by the ICRC engineer.
2.10. Surplus and debris

All surplus excavated materials shall be deposited in positions to be decided on the site by the Client, or shall
be removed from the site as directed by the Client. Rubbish is to be removed from the site and the Contractor
is to find his own dump and to pay all charges in connection herewith.
All debris is to be carried off site to an area accepted by the municipality and the respective Directorate.
2.11. Insect proofing

If specified in the BoQ, insect proofing is to be done with chemical solution by a firm which is approved by the
Client.
2.12. Excavate ants / termites heaps

Excavate and entirely remove all white ants nests within the perimeter of the building and with 20 m of the
building externally; locate and destroy all Queen ants, impregnate holes and tunnels with approved insecticide
and fill with approved material, spread and compacted in layers not exceeding 20 cm thickness.
2.13. DPM / polythene sheeting

Polythene sheeting shall be 500 gauges obtained from an approved manufacturer. Joints are to be treble folded
with 15 cm fold and taped at 30 cm intervals with approved black plastic adhesive tape. The sheeting is not to
be stretched, but loose laid so as to permit shrinkage up to 15%.
2.14. Grassed areas

Area to be grassed shall be cleared of all debris and roots and dug up to a minimum 30 cm depth.
Where outcrops of rock or murram occur, such outcrops are to be covered with suitable soil to a minimum
depth of 15 cm.
3 CONCRETE WORKS
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The Work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on Plans and in the BoQ provided that they are not
expressly required to be carried out or delivered by others in the BoQ.
The ICRC engineer shall inspect all structural concrete components once all shuttering and steel reinforcement is
prepared, prior to casting of concrete. If concrete casting of any part is done without written permission from the Head
of Project (HoP), the HoP has the right to demolish that part and the contractor will be responsible of casting it again
without any additional price for demolishing and re-casting.
3.1. Materials
Materials, commodities, components and equipment are to be new and unused unless otherwise specified.
Handle, store, fix and protect all commodities with care to ensure that they are in perfect condition when
incorporated into the work and handed over on completion.
Where samples of commodities or specimens of finished work are specified, submit samples or specimens to
the Client and obtain his approval before confirming orders or carrying out the work. Retain approved samples
and specimens on Site for comparison with the finished work. Finished work must conform in all respects with
the samples or specimens approved. Remove samples and specimens when no longer required. The cost of
supplying samples and specimens must be borne by the Contractor, but specimens may form part of the
finished work where approved by the Client.
All materials, commodities, components and equipment must be suitable for use in tropical climates.
3.1.1 Cement
Sulfate-resisting Cement (SRC) meeting International Standards must be used in all parts under the water
proofing layer (water proofing layer is included).
Portland Cement (PC) must meet International Standards and it shall be used in all works over a water proofing
layer (unless otherwise mentioned).
The Contractor must if called upon to do so, have complete samples selected from the cement supplied and
tested at his own expense. At his own expense, the Contractor may use rapid hardening Portland cement in
order to speed up progress of the works. If rapid hardening Portland cement is used, the Client must be
informed in advance.
The cement shall be stored on site in such a manner as to afford adequate protection from weather and
moisture from any source.
3.1.2 Aggregates
Aggregates shall be obtained from an approved source. They must be chemically inert, strong, hard, durable,
and free from adhering coatings, salts, organic or other impurities and shall be washed or screened as
directed.
All aggregate shall be stored on the site in such a manner as to prevent deterioration and contamination. No
aggregate consisting of or containing limestone shall be used.
3.1.3 Fine aggregate (sand)

The fine aggregate or sand (below 0.5 cm [3/16"] in size) shall be clean, sharp, course, hard siliceous material
and equal at all times to the samples which shall be deposited with the Client.
Sand must be cleaned to be free from salts and abnormalities. Sand should have a Sulphate content not
exceeding 0.5%. Grading of sand shall be according to International Standards. The contractor is responsible
of performing the required tests for the sand on his expense.
3.1.4 Coarse aggregate (gravel)

The coarse aggregate shall be hard, clean gravel or broken stone from approved quarries and shall be free
from earth, decomposed stone, and extraneous matter and shall be sized as follows:
Size 1½" or 3.8 cm Nominal Size: The whole of the stone shall pass through a 1½" or 3.8 cm ring,
50% shall be retained on a 1" or 2.5 cm ring and the remainder on a ½" or 1.3 cm ring. It shall be
free from particles of smaller size and crushed dust.
Size ¾" or 1.9 cm Nominal Size: The whole of the stone shall pass through a ¾" or 1.9 cm ring, at
least, and 10% shall be retained on a ½" or 2.5 cm ring and the remainder on a 3/8" or 0.9 cm ring.
Size ½" or 1.3 cm Nominal Size: The whole of the stone shall pass through a ½" or 1.3 cm ring, 70%
retained on a 3/8" or 0.9 cm ring, and the remainder on a ¼" or 0.6 cm ring.
Size 3/8" or 0.9 cm Grit: The whole of the stone shall pass through a 3/8" or 0.9 cm ring and shall
be retained on a ¼" or 0.6 cm ring.
The contractor is responsible of performing the required tests for the gravel on his expense.
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3.1.5 Reinforcing steel
High tensile steel rod reinforcement shall be square section cold twisted steel or cold worked steel bars for
concrete reinforcement.
New reinforcing steel must comply with the following British Standards:
Milled steel and hot-rolled high yield bars and hard-drawn wire: BS 4449.
Cold worked steel bars: BS 4461.
Steel fabric reinforcement: BS 4483.
The reinforcement used shall be according to the reinforcement details provided in the project drawings. It
should be new and clean, free of any paint, rust or abnormalities. The steel shall be stored on racks above
ground so that it is kept clean and reasonably free from rust.
All metal for reinforcement is to be free from loose mill scale, loose rust, oil and grease, or other harmful matter
immediately before the placing of the concrete.
The columns and beams reinforcement should be interconnected together to provide the required stability.
This should be done under the supervision of the ICRC engineer.
3.1.6 Water
All water used on the works shall be clean, free from earthy, vegetable and organic matter and from acidand
alkaline substances in suspension or solution. It shall be obtained wherever possible from the water mains of
the Municipal Water System.
3.1.7 Expansion joint

If required, or as indicated in the drawing, expansion joint shall be put in place for flat concrete works with
thickness to width/length ratio is bigger than 1:30. In addition, expansion joints should be placed to produce
panels that are as square as possible and never exceeding a length to width ratio of 1.5:1. Control joints
should be completed within the first six to 18 hours of casting the slab, less in high ambient temperatures.
Contraction joints may be tooled into the concrete surface at the time of placement. Joints may be tooled into
the surface (first pass) prior to the onset of bleeding or immediately with the first pass of the floating operation.
The longer the first pass for jointing is delayed the more difficult it will be to shape clean straight-line joints.
Tooled joints should be re-established with each successive pass of finishing operations.
The width of the sawn joint should ideally be 3 mm internally, and up to 4 mm externally. The saw blade
should normally not exceed 350 mm in diameter. Typically, the concrete will be cut 1/4 of the thickness of the
slab, although in the case of steel-fiber slabs the depth of cut may be increased to 1/3 of the slab thickness.
The maximum distance between saw cuts should be limited to 6 meters apart from in exceptional
circumstances. It is very important to remember that the distance between the control joints should be related
to the depth of the slab.
Sealers shall be either hot or cold applied. Cold mastics are to be applied by gun and where joints are more
than 12 mm deep shall include filling with loose packing yarn or filler board to within 2 mm from outer face. All
joint sealers and packing are to be approved by the Client.
Metal with vinyl and/or Neoprene joint cover assemblies are to be furnished and installed in floors as required
in the BoQ. Assemblies are to be approved by the Client.
3.1.8 Waterproof concrete

Where waterproof concrete is specified, certified products similar such as; Integral Waterproofing Compound
and Concrete Plasticizer or cement waterproofing powder, or equal products approved by the Client are to be
added to the mixing water in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Not more than 25 litres of
water are to be used per 50 kg of cement unless otherwise approved by the Client.
3.1.9 Waterbar / WaterStops

Waterbar certified products of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) waterbar, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Waterstops or
equal type approved by the Client.
Joints shall be heat welded in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and where the waterbar is to
be fixed vertically, metal clips as manufactured by the supplier of the waterbar or of other approved design
shall be provided to suspend the waterbar from the reinforcement.
Where waterproof concrete is used the Contractor shall adhere strictly to the position and type of construction
joints as detailed on the Plans. Any deviation from this procedure or the provision of additional construction
joints will require the prior approval of the Client and any additional waterbar so required will be at the
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Contractor's expense.
Formwork shall be designed with sufficient timber formers and blocking pieces to support the waterbar and to
ensure that it is not displaced during concreting. In the case of horizontal joints in vertical walling and similar
members the formwork shall be so constructed as to permit the starter or upstand of concrete surrounding the
lower half of the water bar to be poured in the same operation as the slab or other concrete from which it
springs. Formwork to walls or similar members where the waterbar is positioned at the base of the lift shall
have sufficient openings not less than 300 mm square at approximately 200 mm above the level of the
waterbar to permit checking that the waterbar is correctly positioned and not displaced during concreting. No
concreting will be permitted to portions where upstand starters form an integral part until the formwork to the
starter has been fixed and approved.
3.2. Mechanical machine
3.2.1 Concrete Mixers

The mixing of concrete shall be carried out in an approved mechanical batch mixer of capacity not less than
6 cu. ft. Alternate methods may be used only after approval of that specific method is given in writing by the
Client.
3.2.2 Concrete Vibrators

Surface concrete vibrators must be used for floors and reinforced slabs.
Immersion-type vibrators must be used for columns, walls and beams.
Power floats must be used for troweling screeds, monolithic finishes and the surfaces of large areas of
concrete.
3.3. Workmanship
3.3.1 Tolerances
On all setting out dimensions of 5 meters and over a maximum non-accumulative tolerance of plus or minus
5 millimeters will be allowed. On all setting out dimensions under 5 meters a maximum non-accumulative
tolerance of plus or minus 3 millimeters will be allowed. On the cross-sectional dimensions of structural
members, unless otherwise required by the Plans, a maximum tolerance of plus or minus 3 millimeters will be
permitted.
The top surface of concrete floor slabs and beams shall be within 6 millimeters of the normal level and line
shown on the Plans. Columns shall be truly plumb and non-accumulative tolerance of 3 millimeters in each
story and not more than 15 millimeters out of plumb in their full height will be permitted. The Contractor shall
be responsible for the cost of all corrective measures required by the Client to rectify work which is not
constructed within the tolerances set out above.
3.3.2 Shuttering / formwork

Formwork shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to resist the dead load of concrete and all temporary live
loads imposed during construction and shall be true to the shape and dimensions as indicated on the detail
drawings.
Formwork shall be sufficiently tight to prevent leakage or loss of grout or mortar. Connections shall be
constructed to permit easy removal of the shuttering and to secure against any distortion during consolidation
of concrete.
All rubbish, chippings, shavings and sawdust shall be removed from the interior of the forms before the
concrete is placed and suitable washout holes shall be provided. The formwork in contact with the concrete
shall be thoroughly wetted and treated with approved mould oil. Care shall be taken that such oil is kept out
of contact with the reinforcement and shall be used as sparingly as possible. All formwork is to be approved
by the Client before any concrete is filled into it.
3.3.3 Reinforcement works

All reinforcement is to be accurately cut and bent as shown on the drawings.
The bars shall be accurately placed and fixed as indicated. Adequate length of splices to bars shall be
provided. Sufficient wire ties or clips, saddles and sufficient concrete spacers shall be used to maintain the
reinforcement in its true position during placing and tamping of concrete. Such concrete spacers shall be made
of mortar not leaner than one-part cement to two parts sand.
The vertical distance required between successive layers of bars shall be maintained by mild steel spacer
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bars at intervals to prevent sag of main bars.
Reinforcement must not be bent or straightened in a manner that will injure the materials.
All bars are to be bent cold.
Bars must not be welded.
Starter bars are to be positioned accurately.
All crossings of bars are to be securely wired.
Binding wire shall be non-galvanized, soft iron binding wire No 16 Standard Wire Gauge (SWG)
The placing of all reinforcement shall be checked by the Client, and under no circumstances is concrete to be
deposited around any steel that has not been passed.
3.3.4 Wall ties

Where block walls abut columns or solid concrete walls two 0.6 cm (1/4") steel reinforcement bar ties are to
be cast into the concrete at vertical intervals of 45 cm or as stated in the BoQ Ties to be 30 cm long and
project 15 cm into block work.
3.3.5 Holes, pipes, etc.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the coordination with Sub-Contractors when incorporating any
electrical conduct, pipes, fixing blocks, chases, holes, etc. in concrete members as required. Details are to be
submitted to the Client for approval. All items to be left in concrete shall be accurately set out and cast with
the concrete.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Client all electrical conduit to be positioned within the reinforced concrete
shall be fixed inside the steel cages of beams and columns and between the top and bottom steel layers in
slabs and similar members. Conduit shall not pass below bottom reinforcement in slab.
The proposed position of all electrical conduits 25 mm and over in diameter which are to be enclosed in the
concrete shall be shown accurately on a plan to be submitted to the Client, whose approval shall be obtained
before any such conduit is placed.
No openings, chases, holes, or other voids shall be cut or formed in concrete without approval of the Client.
3.3.6 Concrete covers

The minimum cover to reinforcement, exclusive of plaster and other decorative finish, shall be asfollows and
shall be maintained within a tolerance of 0.3 cm under and over:
Slab reinforcement 2.0 cm
Main beam reinforcement 2.5 cm
Main column reinforcement 4.0 cm
Main foundation reinforcement 5.0 cm
3.3.7 Construction joints / cold joints

All vertical construction joints shall be made against stop boards in positions approved by the Client and shall
be rebated.
All horizontal construction joints shall be made in positions approved by the Client using stop forms with
battens nailed on or else be rebated. In general, joints shall be perpendicular to the lines of principal stress
and shall be located at points of minimum shear, which is, vertically at or near mid-spans of slabs, ribs and
beams.
Suspended concrete slabs are generally to be cast using alternate bay construction in bays not exceeding 20
meters in length. No two adjacent bays are to be cast within a minimum period of 48 hours of each other. The
joints between adjacent bays are to be in positions agreed with the Client.
Before placing new concrete against concrete already hardened, the face of the old concrete shall be
thoroughly hacked, roughened and cleaned, and laitance and loose material removed there from, and
immediately before placing the new concrete the surface shall be saturated with water and covered with a coat
of mortar at least 25 mm in thickness composed of cement and fine aggregate in the proportions used in the
concrete.
3.3.8 Concrete mixing

No concrete work is to be done without the prior consent of the Client, and not until the reinforcement has
been approved by the Client and the Local Authorities.
Only gauge boxes built to given dimensions shall be used to measure out the relevant portions. The cement
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shall be mixed by weight.
Mixing shall be carried out in an approved mechanical batch mixer of capacity not less than 1/6 m3. The fine
and coarse aggregates and the cement are to be mixed for at least four turns of the drum, after which the
required amount of water is to be added gradually, while the drum is in motion, and the concrete then mixed
for at least one and a half minutes and until of uniform colour and consistency.
The least quantity of water that will produce a workable concrete for good consolidation and surface finish
shall be used.
The entire contents of the mixed drum shall be discharged before recharging. The volume of mixed materials
shall not exceed the rated capacity of the mixer. Whenever the mixer is started, 10% extra cement shall be
added to the first batch and no extra payment will be made on this account.
As a check on concrete consistency slump tests may be carried out. The Contractor shall provide the
necessary apparatus and carry out such tests as are required. The slump of the concrete made with the
specified water content, using dry materials, shall be determined and the water to be added under wet
conditions shall be so reduced as to give approximately the same slump.
The concrete shall be mixed as close as is practicable to the spot where it is required, and in such a quantity
as required for a specific section of the work; such a section being commenced and completed without
intermediate delay, in one continuous operation.
3.3.9 Concrete Mix Design

By Volume
The following table is to be used:

Mix type Cement Sand Aggregates
Mix A 1: 4: 8: to 1.3cm (½") including stone dust if necessary for blocks and fillings,
etc.
Mix B 1: 3: 6: Graded 0.6cm (¼") to 3.8cm (1½") for mass concrete
Mix C 1: 2: 4: Graded 0.6cm (¼") to 1.9cm (¾") for reinforced concrete and 0.3cm
1.3cm (½") for precast concrete.
Graded 0.6cm (¼") to 1.9cm (¾") for reinforced concrete and 0.3cm
Mix D 1: 1½: 3:
3cm (½") for precast concrete
By Strength
The quantity of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate shall be measured separately by weight. Each batch of
concrete is to use one or more whole bags of cement. The weight of damp aggregate must be adjusted to
take into account the weight of water in the aggregates, and this, in turn, will affect the amount of water to be
added into the mix.
Concrete is required to have the proportions and give the strength in kg/cm2 (lbs/sq. inch) as set out in the
table below which is to be considered as the minimum standard that will be accepted in the finished work:
Concrete mixes shall have the following minimum strengths as given by Works Cube Tests:
Mix type A B C1 C D
Nominal Mix 1:4:8 1:3:6 1:2:4 1:2:4 1:1½:3
Maximum gauge of
38 mm 38 mm 13 mm 19 mm 19 mm
Coarse Aggregate
Maximum
Water/Cement ratio 0.6 0.6 0.58 0.58 0.5
by weight
Minimum Cement
--- --- 1:7 1:7 1:55
content by weight
Work Cubes minimum strength in N/mm2
at 7 days --- 10.5 14 14 16.5
at 28 days 11.0 15.4 21 21 25
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Vibrated no no yes yes yes
Mixes C1, C and D are design mixes

Mixes A and B may be volumetric mixes
Mix C1 to be used in members of thickness 75 mm or less.
The average strength obtained from cube tests shall be 10% higher than the minimum strengths shown above.
If the strengths required in the table are not attained the Contractor will be required to increase the proportion
of cement or use better aggregates at his own cost.
3.3.10 Placing concrete

All concrete must be efficiently handled and used in the works within twenty (20) minutes of mixing.
It shall be discharged from the mixer direct into receptacles or barrows and shall be distributed by approved
means which do not cause separation or otherwise impair the quality of the concrete. Approved mechanical
means of handling will be encouraged, but the use of chutes for placing concrete is subject to the prior approval
of the Client.
Concrete shall be placed from a height not exceeding 150 cm directly into its permanent position and shall not
be worked along the shutters to that position. Unless otherwise approved, concrete shall be placed in a single
operation to the full thickness of slabs, beams and similar members, and shall be placed in horizontal layers
not exceeding 150 cm deep in walls and similar members.
Concrete in columns may be placed to a height of 4 meters with careful placing and vibration and satisfactory
results. Where the height of the column exceeds 4 meters suitable openings must be left in the shutters so
that this maximum lift is not exceeded.
Concrete shall be placed continuously until completion of the part of the work between construction joints as
specified hereinafter or of a part of approved extent. At the completion of a specified or approved part a
construction joint of the form and in the positions herein specified shall be made. If stopping of concreting be
unavoidable elsewhere, a construction joint shall be made here the work is stopped. A record of all such joints
must be made by the Contractor and a copy supplied to the Client.
Any accumulation of set concrete in the reinforcement shall be removed by wire brushing before further
concrete is placed.
The Contractor shall provide runways for concreting to the satisfaction of the Client. Under no circumstances
will the runways be allowed to rest on the reinforcement.
Care shall be taken thatthe concrete is not disturbed or subjected to vibrations and shocks during the setting
period.
Mixing machines, platforms and barrows shall be clean before commencing mixing and be cleaned on every
cessation of work.
Where concrete is laid on hard-core or other absorbent materials, the base shall be suitable and sufficiently
wetted before the concrete is deposited.
3.3.11 Compaction
At all times during which concrete is being placed the Contractor shall provide adequate trained and
experienced labour to ensure that the concrete is compacted in the forms to the satisfaction of the Client.
Concrete shall not be placed at a rate greater than will permit satisfactory compaction nor, to a depth greater
than 400 mm before it is compacted.
During and immediately after placing, the concrete shall be thoroughly compacted by means of continuous
tamping, spading, slicing and vibration.
Care shall be taken to fill every part of the forms, to work the concrete under and around the reinforcement
without displacing it and to avoid disturbing recently placed concrete which has begun to set.
Any water accumulating on the surface of newly placed concrete shall be removed and no further concrete
shall be placed thereon until such water is removed.
The concrete is to be thoroughly rammed to ensure that it is homogeneous and free from interstices. The
whole of the concrete, not only the top layer, must be thoroughly rammed with wooden beaters, until the
laitance comes to the surface.
The surface in foundations is to be rammed with flat headed iron rammers. Concrete in beams and slabs is to
be worked thoroughly around and beneath all reinforcement.
3.3.12 Vibration
Mechanical vibration with an approved type insertion vibrator shall be carried out if required. Only experienced
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people must operate the vibrator.
Internal vibrators shall be a frequency of not less than 7,000 cycles per minute and shall have a rotating
eccentric weight of at least 0.50 kg., with an eccentricity of not more than 12 mm. Such vibrations shall visibly
affect the concrete within a radius of 250 mm from the vibrator.
Internal vibrators shall not be inserted between layers of reinforcement less than one and one half times the
diameter of the vibrators apart. Contact between vibrators and reinforcement and vibrators and formwork shall
be avoided.
Internal vibrators shall be inserted vertically into the concrete wherever possible at not more than 500 mm and
shall constantly be moved from place to place. No internal vibrator shall be permitted to remain in any one
position for more than ten seconds and it shall be withdrawn very slowly from theconcrete.
In consolidating each layer of concrete the vibrating head shall be allowed to penetrate and re-vibrate the
concrete in the upper portion of the underlying layer. In the area where newly placed concrete in each layer
joins previously placed concrete more than usual vibration shall be performed, the vibrator penetrating deeply
at close intervals along these contacts. Layers of concrete shall not be placed until layers previously placed
have been vibrated thoroughly as specified.
Vibrators shall not be used to move concrete from place to place in the formwork.
At least one internal vibrator shall be operated for every 1.5 cubic meters of concrete placed per hour and at
least one spare vibrator shall be maintained on site in case of break-down during concreting operations.
External formwork vibrators shall be of the high frequency low amplitude type applied with the principal
direction of vibration in the horizontal plane. They shall be attached directly to the forms at not more than
1,200 mm centers.
In addition to internal and external vibration, the upper surface of suspended floor slabs shall be leveled by
tamping or vibrating to receive finishes. Vibrating elements shall be of the low frequency, high amplitude type
operating at a speed of not less than 3000 rpm.
3.3.13 Curing
The curing of the concrete must receive particularly careful attention. Care must be taken that no concrete
is allowed to become prematurely dry and fresh concrete must be protected within two hours of placing from
rain, sun and wind. Protection of the concrete shall be a layer of sacking, canvas, hessian, or other suitable
absorbent material of the maximum width obtainable secured against wind. The concrete, formwork, and
covering shall be kept constantly wet for the first seven days after casting.
Concrete in foundations and other underground work shall be protected from admixture with falling earth
during and after placing.
3.3.14 Opening of formwork

No formwork shall be struck without the prior consent of the Client. Formwork shall be carefully removed
without such shock or vibrations as would damage the concrete.
The following minimum striking time shall be strictly adhered to when using ordinary Portland Cement:
Sides of beams and lintels, walls and columns 3 days
Slabs (props left under for 14 days) 7 days
Soffits of beams and lintels (props left under for 21 days) 10 days
Where slabs and beams are subject to load other than the dead load of the concrete alternative props shall
be placed. The Client reserves the right to delay the removal of the formwork.
3.3.15 Normal finish to structural concrete

After removal of shuttering, the face of exposed concrete is to be rubbed down immediately to remove fins or
other irregularities. In the event of parts of the concrete being honeycombed such portions are to be cut to a
depth and shape required by the Client and made up with finder concrete of equal quality in such a manner
as shall be directed. The face of concrete for which shuttering is not provided other than slabs, is to be
smoothed with a wooden float to give a finish equal to that of the rubbed-down surface where shuttering is
provided.
The top face of a slab which is not intended to be covered with other materials is to be leveled and floated
before setting to a smooth finish at the levels or falls shown on the drawings. The floating must be carried out
in such a way as will prevent an excess of mortar being brought to the surface of theconcrete.
The top face of a slab intended to be surfaced with mortar, granolithic, or similar material is to be brushed with
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a stiff broom while still green to remove any laitance and to provide a roughened surface.
3.3.16 Fairfaced concrete

Where indicated faces of concrete shall be finished fair by means of formwork lined with waterproof plywood,
hardboard, or other approved material, so as to produce a perfectly true surface, and shall have all
imperfections in the concrete face cut out, made good in cement mortar and rubbed down with carborundum
stones and finally bag rubbed with cement grout to finish to a high standard, without trace of shuttering marks,
joints or other disfigurements.
3.3.17 Tamped finish

Areas so specified shall be finished at the time of casting with a tamped finish to the Engineer's approval,
produced by an edge board. Board marks are to be made to a true pattern and will generally be at right angles
to the traffic flow. Haphazard or diagonal tamping will not be accepted.
3.3.18 Unsatisfactory concrete work finish

Should, in the opinion of the Client, any of the results of the tests of concrete or materials, as specified in TS,
be unsatisfactory, the work represented by the tests shall be liable for rejection and, if so directed by the Client
the work represented by the tests shall be cut and re-executed at the Contractors expense.
In the case of 7 days Work Cube Tests proving unsatisfactory the work may be stopped but shall not be liable
for rejection until the result of the 28-day test is known.
If the results of the 28-day test are unsatisfactory, the work represented shall be immediately liable to rejection.
Alternatively, the Client may instruct the Contractor to make a loading test as described later herein. The cost
of all such testing and making good of the structure affected shall be borne by the Contractor. The cost of all
delays on site due to unsatisfactory concrete work shall be entirely the Contractors responsibility.
3.4. Construction details
3.4.1 Ordinary foundations

The concrete in foundations to walls is to be composed of Mix "C". No walling is to be built on foundations for
at least 4 days after deposition. The sizes of foundations may be varied as required by the Client or the Local
Authorities and no allowance for extra work will be made in this respect.
3.4.2 Reinforced foundations

The concrete is to be of Mix "C". The excavations are to be inspected by the Client before 5 cm blinding is
cast or footing constructed. The bottom shall be dry and clean and the sub-soil removed as specified. Sliced
bars of columns are to be in position before casting of footings.
3.4.3 Concrete beds

All concrete beds shall be 20 cm thick of Mix "C", and shall continue through the full thickness of internal walls.
3.4.4 Ground concrete floors

Lay over ground floor area of the building a layer of concrete Mix "C". The layer is to be laid on the hardcore
filling previously described, and on top of a damp-proof plastic membrane (minimum gauge 500) if specified.
If ground floors are to be reinforced this is to be specified in the BoQ or on drawings. The concrete is to project
8 cm off the external face of the plinth walls to form an antguard unless otherwise indicated in Plans and the
BoQ.
For all parts that lie under WP layer (and will be backfilled) the used cement should be SRC. The columns
should be cast totally with SRC cement and must be painted with two layers of flint coat for the underground
parts.
3.4.5 Upper concrete floors

For in situ solid concrete floors, concrete should be used of Mix "C". Other types of concrete floors are
described in the BoQ.
3.4.6 Concrete roofs

For in situ solid concrete roofs, concrete should be used of Mix "C". Other types of concrete roofs are described
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in the BoQ.
3.4.7 Concrete stairs

For concrete stairs, concrete should be used of Mix "C". The stairs are to be made strictly in accordance with
the detail drawings or as specified in the BoQ.
3.4.8 Lintels and beams

Lintels and beams must be made of Mix "C". Unless otherwise specified, lintels and beams in all walls are to
be of the full thickness of the wall on which they rest and are to be cast here in formwork as already described.
All lintels over 90 cm span must have 25 cm bearing at each end, and those less than 90 cm span must have
15 cm bearing at each end.
All lintels are to be bedded on bituminized building paper.
Unless otherwise specified, lintels are to be made in accordance with the following table:
Span Thickness Depth Reinforcement
up to 1.0 m 15 cm - 25 cm 25 cm 2 no. 0.6 cm dia. (¼")
1.00 m to 1.7 25 cm - 30 cm 25 cm 4 no. 1.2 cm dia. (½")
All concrete screed floors shall have 10 cm high, coved wall skirting, projecting 5 mm from the face of plaster.
Form mitres at angles and return ends at openings.
3.4.9 Cast-in-situ concrete fixtures

Cast-in-situ concrete fixtures such as laundry basins, hand basins, countertops, benches, shelves, etc. shall
be made according to detail drawings and the BoQ Materials, mixing and compactions of concrete and
construction of formwork shall comply with requirements of this General Specification.
3.4.10 Precast concrete fixtures

Precast concrete units shall be made in Mix type "D".
The maximum size of coarse aggregate in precast concrete shall not exceed 19 mm except for thicknesses
less than 75 mm here it shall not exceed 10 mm.
The compacting of precast concrete shall conform with requirements given elsewhere in the TS except for thin
slabs here use of immersion type vibrators is not practicable. The concrete in these slabs may be consolidated
on a vibrating table or by any other methods approved by the Client.
Steam curing of precast concrete will be permitted. The procedure for steam curing shall be subject to the
approval of the Client.
Precast concrete shall be cast in properly made and sufficiently strong moulds to form shapes required. For
work described as cast smooth the mold shall be lined with sheet iron or other approved material which will
produce a smooth dense fair face to the finished concrete suitable to receive a painted finish direct and free
from all shutter marks, holes, pittances, etc.
The precast units shall be installed to the lies, gradients and dimensions shown on the Plans or as directed
by the Client.
Repair of damage to the precast concrete units, except for minor abrasions of the edges which will not impair
the installation and/or appearance of the units will not be permitted and the damaged units shall be replaced
by the Contractor at his own expense.
The concrete shall be of the mixes described and shall be thoroughly tamped in the moulds and shall not be
removed until seven days after placing the concrete.
The precast work shall be under sheds and shall remain under same for seven days in the moulds and a
further seven days after removal from the moulds. During the whole of this period the concrete shall be
shielded by sacking or other approved material and kept wet. It shall then be removed from the sheds and
stacked in the open for at least seven days to season. Precast concrete paving slabs must be of size as
specified, concrete Mix "C" with rough finish. Paving slabs shall be properly bedded and laid true and level on
5 cm thick beds of sand.
3.5. Concrete tests
3.5.1 Testing equipment

The Contractor shall provide the following equipment for carrying out control tests on the site:
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1 Straight edges 3 meters and 1 meter long for testing the accuracy of the finished concrete
2 A glass graduated cylinder for use in the silt test for organic impurities in the sand.
3 Slump test apparatus.
4 Four 150 mm steel cube moulds with base plates and tamping rods.
3.5.2 Preliminary cube test

If required in the BoQ preliminary test cubes shall be made prior to the commencement of the works in good
manner from the cement and aggregates that are proposed to be used. The minimum ultimate crushing
strength at 7 days and 28 days shall be as specified in TS 8.3.9
Testing shall be carried out at the Public Works Department Materials Testing Laboratory or as directed by
the Client.
All costs of testing shall be borne by the Contractor.
3.5.3 Work cube test

Works test cubes shall be made, as and when instructed by the Client, from batches of such concrete as is
being placed or from concrete already newly placed in position, such a sample being as representative as
possible.
Test cubes shall be made and matured in good manner and shall be marked, and the position in the structure
of the batch from which the cube was made noted.
The minimum ultimate crushing strength at 7 days and 28 days shall be as specified in TS 8.9.3.
If the result of a test or tests is unsatisfactory, the Client, reserves the right to carry out a test loading and may
instruct that part of the works concerned be cut out and reconstructed or otherwise made secure to comply
with the Specifications and design.
Such test loading, taking down, cutting out, reconstruction or other measures for the security of the structure
ordered by the Client shall be carried out entirely at the Contractors expense.
3.5.4 Slump test

Whenever works test cubes are made the slump test shall be made from the same batch of concrete and shall
be recorded.
The slump tests shall be made in good manner and the maximum permissible slump shall be as follows:
Mass concrete foundations without vibration, and simple reinforced sections with vibration = Slump between
2.5 cm and 5 cm. Normal reinforced work without vibration and heavily reinforced sections with vibration =
Slump between 5 cm and 10 cm.
4 WALL WORKS
The work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on Plans and in the BoQ provided that they are not
expressly required to be carried out or delivered by others in the BoQ.
4.1. Materials
4.1.1 Mortar
Cement lime mortar shall be composed of one part lime to three parts sand, with the addition of 10% cement
by volume immediately before use. The ingredients shall be measured in proper gauge boxes and mixed on
a boarded platform or by means of an approved mechanical batch mixer. Only such mortar as is required for
immediate use shall be mixed at any one time. No mortar that has started to set shall be used in the works or
in making up fresh mortar. Cement mortar described as mortar 1:4 and to be used for concrete block
foundations shall consist of one part by volume of Portland cement to four parts by volume of sand, measured
and mixed all as above. Other mixes such as 1:3, 1:5 etc., shall be similarlyconstrued.
4.1.2 Solid concrete blocks

Shall be provided by the Contractor, and made in an approved block-making machine of a composition as
follows:
Portland cement 40.5 kg
Fine aggregate (up to 0.5 cm) 85.0 litres
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Coarse aggregate (up to 1.3 cm) 170.0 litres
Blocks shall be as specified and are to be made under sheds by the Contractor to the directions and approval
of the Client. Samples shall be approved by the Client before any walling is commenced.
The compressive strength at 28 days of type A blocks shall not be less than:
Average of 12 blocks 35 kg/cm²
Lowest individual block 26 kg/cm²
Testing of block is mandatory at random using drop test.

Cement and aggregates must be mixed well together dry until there is a uniform distribution of materials and
the whole is uniform in colour. The minimum amount of water which will cause the mixture to form in lumps
when squeezed in the hand is then to be added.
All concrete blocks must have smooth faces and sharp, straight edges. The blocks shall be carefully stored
on level surface under cover for 7 days and must be kept continuously damp during this period. Slow drying
of the blocks shall begin on the ninth day after manufacture.
In no case may the blocks be used within fourteen days of their production.
4.1.3 Hollow concrete blocks

Shall be made in the same way as solid blocks and in a pattern as specified or as sample submitted to the
Client for approval.
The blocks are to have a minimum resistance to crushing at 28 days of 45 kg/cm2 on their net area.
4.1.4 Concrete Louvre blocks

To be precast concrete mix 1:1½:3 (10 mm aggregate) finished fair on all exposed surfaces. Louvre blocks
shall be according to detail drawings and the BoQ.
4.1.5 Wall reinforcement

Where described walls and partitions shall be reinforced with a 25 mm wide strip of No 20 Standard Wire
Gauge (SWG) hoop iron built into alternate horizontal joints in the all center. The reinforcement shall be lapped
and hooked at running joints, angles and intersections and carried at least 115 mm into abutting walls at
junctions. In the event that hoop iron is not available then No 8 gauge high strain fencing wire may be used,
one strand to 10 cm walls, 2 strands to 15 cm walls.
4.2. Workmanship
4.2.1 General construction

Setting out of walls
The Contractor shall provide proper setting out rods and set out all work with the same for courses, openings,
heights, etc. and shall build the walls and piers, etc. for the widths, depths and heights indicated on the
drawings and as directed and approved by the Client.
Building in wood frames
Openings for doors, ventilators etc., are to be set out and left unbuilt until the wooden frames have been fixed
in position.
Building in metal windows and doors
Openings for metal frames are to be wide enough for the frames to fit without being forced into position and
so as to allow for expansion of frames without stressing or cracking of surrounding walling. Build the lugs into
the joints of the walling and fill in the space between the walling and frame with cement mortar well-tamped
into the channel of the frames and point all round externally.
All frames must be set plumb and level and free from twist.
Partition wall
the contractor will be paid just for the surface of the wall (from the elevation of the bottom of water proofing
layer up to the partition end elevation). The price of laying and compacting broken brick and that of laying lean
concrete (blinding) should be included in that price and will not be paid separately.
Damp-proof course
This should be laid on a level bed of cement mortar 1:4 and lapped 15 cm at joints and to the full width of all
intersections.
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Tolerances
All courses of walls shall be level with a maximum deviation of +/- 3 mm in any one metre length and a
maximum overall deviation of 10 mm for lengths of wall exceeding 3 metres. Walls shall be plumb with a
maximum deviation of +/- 10 mm in the total height of the wall or any storey.
All corners of walls which are shown as being at right angles shall be square with a maximum deviation of 3
in 1000. All walls shall be straight with a maximum deviation of +/- 3 mm in any one metre length and a
maximum overall deviation of 10 mm in any length exceeding 3 metres.
4.2.2 Block work

Building walls
Blockwork shall be built in half-bond, properly bonded at angles, intersections and around window and door
openings, each course well-flushed up with mortar and every joint properly filled and raked for key. Joints are
not to exceed 1.8 cm thickness and the Contractor shall provide gauge rods, properly marked with course
heights, to ensure the level raising of all walls.
Blockwork shall be in whole blocks as far as possible, portions of a block being used only where necessary
for bond. Wall ties are to be built according to drawings.
Mortar
Block work below damp-proof course level shall be built in cement mortar and above damp proof course shall
be built in cement-lime mortar.
Walling to be plastered
All faces of walling to receive plaster and similar finishes shall have joints raked out in 0.5 cm depth and have
all projections dressed off.
Walling to be finished with a fair face
Where walling is to be finished in a fair face, the concrete blocks are to be selected for freedom from defects
and the joints raked out in 0.5 cm depth as the work proceeds and painted with a neat joint in cement mortar.
Blocks to be wetted
All concrete blocks shall be well-wetted before being laid and the top of the walling where left shall be well-
wetted before building is resumed. Concrete block work shall be kept wet for five days after being laid up.
Filling of hollow block work
All cavities above ground, where specified and shown, and all cavities below ground level shall be filled in
solid with concrete of the mix described, placed and consolidated in sections not exceeding 1 metre in height.
Rough cutting
The Contractor shall allow in his price for all ordinary rough cutting, bonding, plumbing angles, forming reveals
and fitting up to underside of concrete beams and lintels.
Beam filling
Perform all necessary beam filling between timbers where shown or required.
Baking, cutting, chasing and making good
Cut and chase all holes as required for properly fixing doors, windows, partition walls, etc. and allow for ducts
of pipes as directed and for all other trades.
Cut mortices for dowels, plugs, etc. and grout in with neat cement for fixing screws provide rawl plugs.
Cut for and build in all pipes for water and gas where required and after make good.
4.2.3 Brick work

Building walls
The walls shall be solid or cavity brick walls as specified. The joints on the face shall not exceed 1.5 cm in
thickness. The bricks in each course shall break joint in the vertical, and every joint, whether horizontal or
vertical, shall be filled with mortar. Simple lipping at the edges of the joints shall not be permitted. All cross
walls shall be built out with the main walls. All brickwork shall be carried up evenly and no brickwork shall rise
more than 1 meter above any adjoining work being executed at the same time.
Bond shall consist of three courses of stretches to one course of headers with closers at each header course
and with vertical perpends throughout. In special work English or Double Flemish bond shall be used.
Below damp-proof course level brickwork shall be built in cement mortar and above in lime cement mortar.
Wall ties to be built in accordance to drawings.
Walling to be plastered
Where walls are to be plastered, joints shall be raked out in 0.5 cm depth as the work proceeds and walling
is to be brushed down immediately after completion.
Walling to be fair face
The best shaped and most uniformly coloured bricks/blocks should be picked out and shall be used for the
fair face. The bricks/blocks are to be selected for freedom from defects and the joints, as required, raked out
in 0.5 cm depth as the work proceeds and painted with a neat joint in cement mortar.
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All bricks on fair face surfaces are to be perfect. Cracked bricks with chipped edges will be rejected. Walls are
considered fair face on both sides. On both sides of the walls, it is not allowed to have a continuous joint in
any two successive rows.
When cleaning with hydrochloric acid, the wall shall first be watered thoroughly by hose. Then apply diluted
hydrochloric acid, in proportion of one-part acid to five parts water. Immediately rinse thoroughly.
Rough cutting
The Contractor shall allow in his price for all ordinary rough cutting, bonding, plumbing angles, forming reveals
and fitting up to underside of concrete beams and lintels.
Cutting, chasing and making good
As in blockwork
4.2.4 Stone work

Unless otherwise specified in the BoQ, stonework in foundation walls is to be "random rubble" as described
below laid in cement mortar. Face stones in such walls shall be firmly wedged in with spalls set in cement
mortar. All stone shall be laid in its natural bed.
Face stone shall have all exposed faces nearly squared off with a napping hammer and sides and beds are
to be squared off for at least 15 cm. All face stones are to be kept flush, no stone projecting beyond another.
All stones shall break joint in the vertical at least 10 cm and no face joint shall be greater than 2.5 cm.
Stonework shall be of types as follows where indicated in the drawings:
Fine Chisel Dressed - to an approved sample, laid to courses according to the BoQ.
Medium Chisel Dressed - to an approved sample, laid to courses according to the BoQ.
Quarry Dressed - to an approved sample, with coursing according to the BoQ.
Stonework (Rough or Medium) - to an approved sample with coursing according to the BoQ.
Random Rubble - Quarry waste, of random shapes, colors and sizes, having minimum 2 nos. stone
blocks carried through the full thickness of the wall for each square meter of walling.
Stones shall be bedded and pointed in one operation in cement mortar (1:4). All pointing shall be recessed to
show the full natural stone face. Where coping is required to be fixed to the top of any stone walling, the wall
shall be brought to a level and even finish throughout to form a proper bed for the coping.
The damp-proof course shall be laid over levelling bed composed of cement and sand (1:2) 4 cm thick to the
full width of the wall.
All joints in the stonework shall be wire-brushed while the mortar is still fresh to show the natural stone face
and left perfect on completion.
5 WOOD CARPENTRY / JOINERY
5.1. Materials
The work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on Plans and in the BoQ and may be carried
out by the Contractor himself or a Sub-Contractor, unless otherwise required in the BoQ.
5.1.1 Timber
The timber for carpentry and joinery shall be as specified and shall be obtained from an approved sawmill. All
timber shall be well-seasoned, straight grained, sound, free from cane hardening, splits, sapwood, shakes,
waney edges, wormholes, large or loose knots, and other defects.
The timber is to be of uniform thickness and width throughout.
The qualities of timber stated hereinafter are in accordance with the latest Grading Rules.
1 All timber described as Prime Grade is to be First Grade (Grade 1)
2 All timber described as Selected Grade is to be Second Grade (Grade 11)
3 All hardwood is to be Prime Grade (Grade 1)
The timber for carpentry shall be Selected Grade. The timber for joinery shall be Prime Grade.
All timber for permanent work in the building shall, before use, be approved by the Client for quality in
accordance with the foregoing specification for its respective grade. Any timber not so approved by the Client
shall be removed from the site forthwith.
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All timber for the structural works is to be purchased as soon as the Contract is signed, and when delivered
is to be open stacked for such further seasoning as may be necessary. Preparation of the timber is to be
commenced simultaneously with commencement of the works generally.
All timber and assembled woodwork is to be protected from the weather and stored in such a way as to prevent
attack by decay, fungi, termites or other insects.
5.1.2 Seasoning of timber (MC)

All timber shall be seasoned to a moisture content of not more than 22% for carpentry and 15% for joinery.
The Contract must include any kiln drying that may be necessary to achieve these figures.
5.1.3 Species of timber

The following species of timber may be used as specified in the BoQ:
Podocarpus
Loliondo
Zigba
Cypress
Mninga
Eucalyptus
Camphor
Mvule
Teakwood
Cedar
Mahogany
Only those timbers specified are to be used for the works, unless alternatives are authorized by the Client in
writing.
5.1.4 Wood preservatives

Pressure impregnated timber
All timber described as "pressure impregnated" shall be impregnated under vacuum and pressure with
approved equal wood preservative with an average absorption of not less than 6.7 kgs. of dry salt per cubic
meter. In case of resistant species where this retention cannot be obtained the timber shall be treated to
refusal point. All treated timber shall not be exposed to wet conditions for at least 14 days after treatment has
been carried out. All cut ends, drilling or fabrications on the site producing new surfaces shall be thoroughly
brushed or soaked with "Celcure B" salts applied in accordance with the manufacturer'sinstructions.
Any other method of pressure impregnation will only be allowed by approval.
Impregnated timber
Impregnated timber shall be done with certified product of Carbolineum, or the Client approval before framing
up. No ceiling timber shall be creosoted.
5.1.5 Inspection and testing

The Client shall be given facilities for inspection of all works in progress, whether at workshops or on site. All
timber as it arrives on site will be inspected any timber not approved must be removed. Notwithstanding
approval having been given as above, any timber incorporated in the works found to be in any way defective
before the expiry of the maintenance period shall be removed and renewed at the Contractors expense.
The Contractor is to allow for testing and the Client shall be free to select any samples for the purpose of
testing.
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5.1.6 Insect damage
All timber, whether graded or ungraded, and including shuttering, scaffolding and the like, shall be free from
insect attack when brought upon the site. The Contractor shall be responsible up to the end of the maintenance
period for executing at his own cost all work necessary for the eradication of insect attacks on timber which
become evident, including the replacement of timber attacked or suspected of being attacked, not withstanding
that the timber may have been inspected and passed as fit for use.
5.1.7 Press boards

Tempered hardboard
Shall be suitable for painting, prepared and fixed in accordance with the maker's instructions. Hardboard shall
be of thickness 3 specified.
Softboard, fibreboard
Shall be termite-proof, 1.3 cm (½")
5.2. Workmanship
5.2.1 Tolerances
The method of construction must accommodate tolerances as shown on the drawings and allow for ensuring
that repetitive units can be accurately located in relation to grid lines and that tolerances do not accumulate.
Reasonable tolerance shall be provided at all junctions between joinery and the building carcass, whether of
masonry or frame construction, so that any irregularities or movement may be adequately compensated.
5.2.2 Jointing
All joints must be made as specified or detailed and the execution of all jointing shall be to the satisfaction of
the Client.
Joining surfaces of all connections exposed to the weather are to be thickly primed except where gluing is
specified. Surfaces are to be in good contact over the whole area of the joint before fastenings are applied.
No nails, screws or bolts are to be placed in any end split. If splitting is likely or is encountered in the course
of the work, holes for nails are to be pre-bored at diameters not exceeding 4/5 of the diameter of the nails.
Clenched nails must be bent at right angles to the grain. Lead holes are to be bored for all screws.
Where the use of bolts and washers is specified the holes are to be bored from both sides of the timber and
to be a diameter D + D/16 where D is the diameter of the bolt. Nuts must be brought up tight but care is to be
taken to avoid crushing of the timber under the washers.
Joints in joinery must be as specified or detailed and so designed and secured as to resist or compensate for
any stresses to which they maybe subjected. All nails, sprigs etc., are to be punched and puttied.
Loose joints are to be made where provision must be made for shrinkage, glued joints where shrinkage need
not be considered and where sealed joints are required. All glued joints shall be cross-tongued or otherwise
reinforced.
Glues for load bearing joints or where conditions may be damp must be of the resin type. For non-load bearing
joints, or where dry conditions can be guaranteed, resin or organic glues may beused.
5.2.3 Framed work

The word "framed" shall mean and include all the best-known methods of jointing woodwork together by
mortice, tenon, dovetail or other methods, and for forming all necessary stops, mitres or mason's mitres in
members which are molded, rebated, etc.
5.3. Carpentry
5.3.1 General
All carpentry shall be executed with workmanship of the best quality. Scantlings and boards shall be accurately
sawn and shall be uniform in width and thickness throughout and shall be as long as possible and and
practicable in order to eliminate joints.
All work shall be left with a sawn surface except where specified to be wrought.
5.3.2 Setting out

All work shall be accurately set out and in strict accordance with the drawings, and shall be framed together
and securely fixed in the best possible manner with properly made joints. Provide all brads, nails, screws etc.,
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as necessary and as directed and approved.
Actual dimensions of scantlings for carpentry shall not vary from the specified dimensions by more than +3 mm
or - 1 mm and must be uniform throughout. Sizes and thicknesses of wrought carpentry timbers are nominal,
that is to say, a variation of 3 mm from the specified sizes will be allowed from each wrought surface unless
the thickness or size is described as "finished" in which case no variation from the stated thickness or size will
be permitted. Boards 2.5 cm (1") thick or less shall hold up for the specified sizes.
5.3.3 Framing
Shall be done in the best possible manner with properly made joints and securely fixed. Timbers which are
the longest that are available shall be used.
Where joints occur in roof timbers, except in plates which shall be halved, such joints shall be scarfed over
points of support and not between them.
The spacing and fixing of all timber roof members shall be such as to ensure complete stability of the roof
structure and security of an effective weather exclusion by the roof covering.
5.3.4 Defects
The Contractor will be responsible for all shrinkage, twisting or other defects that may develop in the timber
and he will be required to make good such defects to the reasonable satisfaction of the Client.
5.3.5 Smearing impregnation treatment

All structural timber is to be smeared with the specified wood preservative against pests before framing up
and after cutting. Sides of timber are to be treated twice. Ends of timber are to be treated four times.
5.3.6 Dipping impregnation treatment

All structural timber is to be treated by dipping in the specified wood preservatives against pests before framing
up and after cutting. The timber is to be submerged in the preservative for at least 5 minutes, depending upon
the sizes, the porosity and the dryness of the timber.
The timber is to be stacked after process in order to dry thoroughly.
5.3.7 Pressure impregnation treatment

All structural timber is to be pressure impregnated with the specified preservative to a dry salt net retention of
0.01 kg/l preservative and stacked until the moisture content returns to the prescribed percentage.
Cut ends and faces of timber sawn after treatment to be swabbed liberally with Wolmanol End Grain
Preservative or approved equal, and allowed to dry and then treated in a similar manner for a second time.
5.4. Joinery
5.4.1 General
All joinery shall be executed with workmanship of the best quality and in accordance with the detail drawings.
All joinery shall be cut out and framed together as soon after the commencement of the building is practicable,
but not to be wedged up or glued, until the building is ready for fixing same.
All exposed surfaces of joinery shall be wrought. All arrises shall be rounded and all mouldings shall be
accurately and truly run and all work planed, sand-papered and brought to an approved finish suitable to the
specified treatment.
5.4.2 Setting out

All joinery shall be accurately set out on boards to full size for the information and guidance of the artisans
before commencing the respective works, with all joints, iron work and other works connected therewith fully
delineated. Such setting out must be submitted to the Client for approval before commencing.
When natural finish is specified, the timber in adjacent pieces shall be matched and uniform or symmetrical in
colour and grain.
5.4.3 Dimensions
0.3 llowed for each wrought face except where described as finish sizes in
which case joinery shall hold up to the full dimensions. Dimensions of 2.5 cm less shall hold up the specified
sizes.
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5.4.4 Joints
All work shall be properly mortised, tendoned, housed, shouldered, dovetailed, notched, wedged, pinned,
bradded, etc. as directed and to the satisfaction of the Client and all properly glued up with the best quality
damp-resistant glue.
All nails, springs, etc. are to be punched and puttied. Loose joints are to be made where provision must be
made for shrinkage, glued joints where shrinkage need not be considered and where sealed joints are
required.
5.4.5 Fixing joinery

All joinery is to be primed before fixing, but no work is to be primed until approved by the Client.
All beads, fillets and small members shall be fixed with round or oval brads or nails well punched in and
stopped. All large members shall be fixed with brass screws, the heads let in and pelleted to matched the
grain where natural finish timber is specified.
Caps and screws for fixing beads and fillets shall be spaced 150 mm apart and 25 mm from angles.
5.4.6 Defects
Any portion of the joinery work that warps, winds or develops shakes or other defects within six months after
completion of the work shall be removed and new replacements fixed in.
5.4.7 Protection
All joinery immediately upon delivery to the site is to be stored and protected from the weather.
Any fixed joinery which is, in the opinion of the Client, liable to become bruised or damaged in any way, shall
be properly cased and protected by the Contractor until the completion of the works.
5.4.8 Fittings and fixtures

The fittings, etc., are to be accurately constructed in accordance with the detailed drawings. The doors,
drawers, etc., are all to fit and open and close smoothly and all work next to walls, floors and ceilings is to be
soundly fixed and scribed to fit snugly against same.
5.4.9 Mouldings
Moulded work shall be accurately worked to details supplied by the Client. Mouldings shall be worked on the
solid unless otherwise stated.
5.4.10 Circular work

When circular work is specified it shall be built up with an appropriate number of pieces cut to the required
shapes.
The pieces shall be put together in two (or three) thicknesses so that they break joint, and shall be secured
with hardwood keys and wedges or with hardwood pins (whichever is more appropriate).
5.4.11 Scribing
irregular surface against which they will be required to form a close butt connection.
5.4.12 Finishing
All joinery which is to be oiled and painted shall be finished smooth and cleaned by rubbing down by hand
with fine sandpaper.
5.4.13 Defective work

All work judged to be defective must be removed and replaced as directed by the Client.
5.4.14 Completion of works

Protection of all joinery and ironmongery must be maintained until completion of the contract as a whole. All
joinery and glass is to be thoroughly cleaned before the building is handed over.
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5.4.15 Clearing up
The Contractor is to clear out and destroy or remove all cut ends, shavings and other wood waste from all
parts of the buildings and the site generally, as the work progresses and at the conclusion of the work.
5.5. Construction details
5.5.1 Shuttering and form work softwood

Provide all shuttering and casing for concrete lintels, beams, slabs etc. All timber used for centering, casing,
shuttering etc. is to be suitable and substantial material. No timber which has been used for centering,
scaffolding or any other form of plant shall be incorporated in the building.
5.5.2 Plywood
All plywood shall comply with the requirements, approved by the Client and be of the thicknesses shown on
the drawings.
Plywood shall be Exterior Grade except where otherwise stated. Plies shall be bonded together with
adhesives complying with the requirements of grade Water Boil Proof (WBP).
Plywood shall be free from end joints (including joints in veneers) overlaps in core veneers, dead knots,
patches and plugs, open defects, depressions due to defects in cure, insect attack (except isolated pinworm
holes through face veneers only), fungal attack and from discolouration differing from that normally associated
with species.
Face veneers shall be hard and durable and shall be capable of being finished to a smooth surface. Face
veneers shall closely match the general joinery timber supplied.
Plywood of the required thicknesses shall be used. The Contractor will not be allowed to make up thicknesses
by gluing together sheets of thinner plywood.
Where required, cutting shall be neatly and accurately performed with fine toothed saws so as to avoid splitting
the face veneers and intermediate plies.
5.5.3 Softwood
Softwood timber for encompass work shall be of species as approved by the Client and shall be to the
dimensions specified on the drawings.
Timber shall be classified in accordance with the Groups listed in this Section.
Timber shall be free from woolly texture, soft heart, sap wood, splits, shakes, pith showing on the surface,
sloping grain exceeding one in eight checks, knots exceeding 25 mm diameter, loose knot or knot holes and
any evidence of insect or fungi attack. There shall be no waney edges.
Fixing shall be by means of non-rusting screws with countersunk heads to proprietary plugs or grounds.
Nailing will not be permitted.
Sections shall be neatly and accurately cut so as to avoid splitting of the wood.
5.5.4 Hardwood
All hardwood shall show a straight and regular grain throughout. Hardwood shall be free from wooly texture,
soft heart, sap wood, splits, shakes, all evidence of insect or fungi attack and rot and all faults caused by
compression failure. There shall be no waney edges. Hardwood shall be free from knots on exposed faces.
Any hardwood showing visible imperfections will be rejected.
Hardwoods are as described.
In jointed panels each piece shall be of the same species. Joinery for oiling; staining and/or varnishing shall
have all surfaces of the same species and same character or grain.
Fixing shall be by means of brass screws with countersunk heads to proprietary plugs or grounds. Where work
is face screwed, heads of screws shall finish not less than 6 mm below the surface and be covered with round
pellets of matching hardwood in appropriate thickness. Pellets should be chosen and fixed so as to match
colour and pattern of grain as far as is practical. Nailing will not be permitted. Sections shall be neatly and
accurately cut with fine toothed saws.
Preservatives shall not be used without the Client's permission.
5.5.5 Partitioning walls

Where specified provide partitioning walls of timber frames with glass or plywood panels according to
drawings, details and the BoQ.
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5.5.6 Toilet cubicles
Provide where specified toilet cubicles of 5.0 x 5.0 cm (2" x 2") timber frames with 1.2 cm (½") waterproof
plywood glued to both sides. In W.C. of western-type, cubicle walls shall stand on 15 cm high stainless steel
legs. In W.C. of eastern-type, walls shall stand on 10 cm wide masonry sockets, 30 cm high.
5.5.7 Windows and window frames

Where external wooden windows are specified, they shall be wrought and framed, truly square and flat. The
surfaces exposed to view shall be true, smooth, free from machine marks and finished for paint or oil.
Casements shall be hung with one pair of 7.5 cm (3") wrought iron butts.
Wooden window frames shall be secured with 14 gauge galvanized hoop-iron fixing cramps, 30 cm long, bent,
holed and screwed to frame and built into joints of walling at maximum 60 cm between centres.
All frames are to be heavily back-primed with wood preservative before fixing. Where internal wooden windows
are specified they shall be made of timber frames with glass panels to details.
5.5.8 Doors and door frames

General
Unless otherwise specified, doors scheduled to receive a clear or veneered finish shall be lipped on all edges.
Where panels over doors are specified, such panels shall be constructed in the same way and with the same
materials as the doors above which they are situated, and the panels shall match the doors in every respect.
For doors specified as plywood faced, the plywood shall comply with the requirements of Water Boil Proof
(WBP) type. Face veneers shall be Grade 1 for painted doors.
All doors shall be provided with lock blocks of a minimum size 300 mm x 75 mm and to be fixed during
construction with not less than 3 pairs of hinges or other connectors to the walls.
Glass beading strips shall be approved wash leather self-adhesive tape turned up over both sides of the glass
and glazing surfaces and turned to the straight line.
All screws shall be countersunk, and screwed and pelleted in unpainted work.
Timber pellets shall be glued and tapped into the hole, making sure the grains line up, and carefully trimmed
back flush with joinery to give a clear, smooth overall surface.
Flush doors
Generally, the requirement for flush doors is that they have a minimum thickness of 40 mm. They shall be
faced both sides and there shall be hardwood lips at all edges. Hollow core and semi-solid types shall contain
adequate provision within the core for ironmongery (e.g. lock blocks etc.).
All hollow and semi-solid doors shall be faced with Water Boil Proof (WBP) bonded Exterior grade plywood.
Except where indicated doors shall have hardwood veneered faces.
Where required, vision panels shall be 150 mm wide x 900 mm deep.
Flush doors shall be obtained from a supplier to be approved by the Client. All edges shall be lipped with
hardwood tongued into the edge of the door.
The core of solid core flush doors shall be constructed of longitudinal laminations of precision planed timber,
butt jointed and glued with resin based adhesive under hydraulic pressure, the whole forming a rigid fire-
resistant raft.
Where doors are indicated as fire resistant they shall be constructed so as to exceed the requirements stated
when tested.
Internal flush doors
Flush doors must be of quality manufacture and of approved solid core construction finished with 0.4 cm
approved plywood, lipped all round with 1.3 cm (½") thick hardwood strips, sandpapered to receive varnish or
paint, fixed with 2-10 cm (4") butts. Thickness of doors shall be 4.5 cm (1 3/4") or as specified.
Internal paneled doors
Paneled doors shall be mortise and tendon construction with 12.5 cm (4 ½") stiles and top rail and 23 cm (9")
lock and bottom rails. Thickness shall be 4.5 cm (1 3/4") or as specified.
External flush doors
Flush doors must be faced with 0.6 cm (1/4") imported plywood to approval, glued together with water insoluble
adhesive and lipped all round with 1.3 cm (½") thick hardwood strips, sandpapered to receive varnish or paint,
fixed with 3-10 cm (4") butts and with cylinder mortise locks. Other types of external doors shall be according
to drawings, details and in the BoQ Thickness shall be 4.5 cm (1 3/4") or as specified.
All external doors not opening out to a covered veranda shall be fixed with weather boards.
Door frames
For doors in new walls, the frame should be of BROWN HARD WOOD of 3"x4" cross sectional dimensions.
Shall be wrought and secured with 14 gauge galvanized hoop-iron fixing cramps, 30 cm long, bent holed and
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screwed to frame and built into joints of walling at 60 cm centres. All frames to be heavily back-primed with
wood preservative before fixing.
Doors shall be properly fitted to give a uniform clearance of not more than 3 mm all round and hinges shall be
let into doors.
Door frames shall be properly framed at angles. Door stops shall be housed into grooves in frames. Architraves
shall be provided to conceal finishes. Fixing shall be by means of non-rusting screws with countersunk heads.
For hardwood frames screw heads shall be finished not less than 6 mm below surface of the wood and shall
be covered with matching round hardwood pellets of appropriate thickness. Pellets shall be chosen and fixed
so as to match colour and pattern of grain as far as is practical. Nailing will not be permitted.
Except as indicated, doors shall be kept clean for finish oiling, staining and/or clear polyurethane varnishing.
Door frames shall be treated to match doors. Old frames are to be treated with sand paper and then painted
as the new door frames.
Glazing shall be wired glass 6 mm thick with edges wrapped in wash leather and secured with hardwood
glazing beads size 10 mm x 15 mm mitered at angles secured with brass screws and cups.
5.5.9 Roof constructions

Framing and trusses
Main structural timber in roofs to be not less than 3.8 x 12.3 cm (1 ½" x 4 ½") or 10 x 5 cm (4" x 2") properly
strutted and braced, securely spiked at each junction with all nails clinched. Where trusses on trussed rafters
are used the main intersections shall be bolted with 16 mm (5/8") bolts.
The timber shall be in as long lengths as possible. Any lengthening joints required shall be at least four times
the depth of the timber, and in any case not less than 50 cm long. Whenever practicable the joints shall be
placed at points of support to obtain the maximum strength.
The spacing and fixing of all timber roof members shall be such as to ensure complete stability of the roof
structure and security of and effective weather exclusion by the roof covering. Unless otherwise specified, roof
timbers and wall plates shall be securely tied down to walls with No 8 gauge 2.5 cm (1") galvanized hoop-iron
ties, lapped around foot of each truss or jack rafter and built 75 cm deep into wall at minimum 1 m centres.
Eaves of pitched roofs are to project at least 40 cm over walls. All exposed woodwork at eaves is to be
wrought.
Wall plates
Wall plates to be 10 x 3.8 cm (4" x 1 ½") or 10 x 5 cm (4" x 2") or as specified. They shall be bedded in cement
mortar (1:4) and secured as above or as shown by details.
Purlins
Shall be as specified. They shall be in as long lengths as possible. Any joints necessary shall be formed over
trusses. No joining of purlins other than over a point of support shall be allowed. Purlins shall be spiked to
wood cleats at every bearing and principal rafter.
Hip rafters
Hip rafters shall be 20 x 5 cm (8" x 2") unless otherwise specified or shown. They shall be as long length as
possible, but where jointing is necessary scarfed joints shall be used.
Valleys
Valley rafters shall be as described for hip rafters. Two 2.5 cm valley boards 25 cm minimum width shall be
fixed to all valleys to take gutters.
Fascia boards
Provide and fix hardwood chamfered fascia boards as specified to all eaves spiked to end of rafters and
prepared for painting.
Barge boards
Provide and fix hardwood chamfered Barge boards as specified to end of purlins scribed to fascia and
prepared for painting.
Covers for eaves
Provide and fix 1.3 cm (½") plywood or other cover to eaves according to the BoQ and drawings.
6 METAL WORKS
The Contractor shall furnish all rough hardware of whatever kind necessary to secure good workmanship for all other
trades. All ironmongery and metalwork shall be executed with workmanship of the best quality and strictly as directed
by the Client. The materials in all stages of transportation, handling and storage shall be kept clean, and prevented
from injury by breaking, bending or distortion and weather action.
All screws shall be of the same metal as the fittings used and shall be of proper gauge and number, with flush smooth
heads where countersunk screws are used. All screws damaged during work must be replaced by new ones, whether
in a position visible or not.
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Before the woodwork is painted, handles shall be removed before the painting commences, carefully stored and re-
fixed after completion of painting.
All locks, springs and other items of ironmongery with moveable parts shall be properly tested, cleaned and adjusted
where necessary to ensure proper working order at the completion of the works and left in perfect working order by
the Contractor.
The keys of all locks shall have labels attached with door references marked on before handing to the Client.
6.1. Materials
6.1.1 Quality
The quality of all materials shall be the best of their respective kind, and shape, size and manufacture shall
be of a kind particularly made for the type of work for which it is to be used.
6.1.2 Rolled steel

Steel is to be from an approved rolling mill. All rolled sections must be perfectly straight, and true, free from
flaws, rust, scale and other defects.
Square and rectangular hollow section tubing shall be hot rolled mild steel.
6.1.3 Wrought iron

The iron for ironmongery is to be strong, accurately and soundly worked, free from every defect and is to be
approved by the Client before use.
6.1.4 Nails, spikes, bolts and screws

Shall be of best quality mild steel or wrought iron lengths and weights suitable for good workmanship
Other manufactured items shall each comply with the appropriate standard for that item.
6.1.5 Galvanized sheet steel

To be 24 Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) of approved manufacture of best quality mild steel sheets, cold rolled,
close annealed patent flattened and hot dip galvanized.
6.1.6 Steel windows and doors

Windows and glass doors shall be manufactured from sections of heavy duty sections of the metric W20 range
and shall be steel standard casements as indicated on drawings, complete with fixing lugs, screws, casement
handles, bransomes, mullions, holdfast, etc. Should any casement be found imperfect the same shall be
immediately replaced at the Contractor's expense. After manufacture and before delivery to site steel windows
are to be hot galvanized by dipping in a bath of molten zinc or painted with one coatprimer.
6.1.7 Hinges
For internal doors, hinges shall be one pair of 3.8 x 10 cm (1 ½" x 4") heavy duty steel butt hinges. For external
doors 1 ½ pairs of same type as above.
6.1.8 Locks and handles

Mortise locks shall be with numbers of levers as specified in the BoQ Rim locks shall be of best quality brass
brushed heavy-duty type, certified products or approved equal.
Dead locks or approved equal with handles shall be according to sample submitted to the Client.
Locks for Bath's and W.C.'s doors shall be with "Vacant/Occupied" or green/red locks. Latches shall be as
specified according to sample submitted by the Client.
The keys of all locks to external doors shall differ from any other door in a building or any other buildings that
are part of the same scheme or contract.
6.1.9 Door stoppers

To all doors provide and fix on the floor or the wall behind the door heavy-duty rubber door stoppers according
to sample submitted by the Client.
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6.1.10 Sliding door gear
Provide and fix where specified suitable sliding door gear complete with all fittings including overhead and/or
floor track and stops, all of certified manufacture equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
6.1.11 Fittings (wooden doors)

Fittings to all wooden doors such as hinges, locks, handles, stoppers etc. shall be certified products as
required, of the style, design and dimensions as selected from samples approved by the Client.
6.1.12 Fittings (wardrobes and cupboards)

Fittings for all doors and drawers such as hinges, locks, pulls, stoppers, drawer guides, hanging rails, etc.
shall be certified products as specified and required for the proper functioning of the wardrobes and cupboards
and to the style, design and dimensions as selected and equal to samples submitted to and approved by the
Client.
6.1.13 Steel windows and doors

Fixing of metal windows shall include for assembling and fixing, including screwing to sub-frames or cutting
mortises for lugs in concrete or walling and running with cement mortar (1:4), bedding frames in similar mortar,
pointing in mastic, bedding sills, transoms and mullions in mastic, making good finishing around both sides
and fixing, oiling and adjusting all fittings and frames.
The aluminium Windows should be installed just after rendering the walls (before plastering for internal walls).
After installing the windows, the walls have to be plastered to close all possible gaps between the window
frames and the adjacent walls.
The aluminium used should be of 1mm section thickness and of the best quality. The glass is normal glass
6mm thickness.
From outside, any gap should be filled by injecting a mixture of cement mortar and SBR according to the
manufacturer's specifications.
6.1.14 Louvre windows

All louvre-fittings shall be certified assemblies or approved manufacturer and installed according to the
mendations. They shall mounted in openings and close tightly to the
complete satisfaction of the Client.
6.1.15 Weld mesh

Weldmesh shall be with 2" x 2" (50 x 50 mm) squares, galvanized or un-galvanized, 8 or 10 gauge, certified
products as specified in the BoQ and equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
6.1.16 Metal junction strips

All Metal Junction Strips for Terrazzo and cement floors shall be 2.5 x 0.5 cm (1" x 3/16") aluminium junction
strips.
6.1.17 Wrought iron grills

Provide wrought iron grills for all windows and external glass doors according to details or of design approved
by the Client. Shall be fixed to the windows by welding if steel windows and by spikes or screws if wooden
windows. Any required Welding to windows shall be done built in and before any painting and glazing is done.
6.1.18 Copy for keys

All locks shall be provided with a minimum 5 copies of key sets and prices shall include for this as required by
the Client and as instructed by the Client. The client's requirements are to be obtained by the Contractor before
ordering. All keys shall be labelled with door references marked on approved labels before handing to the
Client on completion.
6.2. Welding
All welding is to be in accordance with the requirements of BS 499-1:2009, BS EN ISO 3834-4:2005 and BS
EN ISO 15614-12:2004.
Fusion faces shall be free from irregularities which could interfere with the welding material. These faces shall
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also be free from any deleterious material such as rust, grease and paint.
All welds shall be of the specified finished sizes and the sequence of the welding shall be carried out in a
manner that will give minimum distortion to the welded parts.
Edges of welding shall be prepared by planning or machine flame cutting.
During welding all parts will be maintained in their correct position.
Welds shall be carried out with each run closely following the one prior with sufficient time between to allow
for removal of slag.
Each run of weld is to be inspected and the sub-contractor shall ensure that unsatisfactory welds are cut out
or remade to the required standard. The minimum size of fillet weld shall be 6 mm. All completed welds shall
have a regular and smooth surface. The weld material shall be solid with complete fusion throughout the weld
and to the faircut metals. Any defects shall be cut out or made good to approval. External faces of butt welds
to be ground smooth.
6.3. Painting
All steel is to be wire brushed and any loose scale, dirt or grease shall be removed before any painting is
commenced. One coat of epoxy primer type A to BS 2523:1966 shall be applied at the shop.
Any damage to the priming paint shall be made good to the Client's satisfaction.
7 ROOFING
The work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on Plans and in the BoQ and may be carried out by the
Contractor himself or a Sub-Contractor, unless otherwise required in the BoQ. All roofing shall be executed with
workmanship of the best quality. If required in the BoQ the roofing shall be carried out completely by an approved
specialist Sub-Contractor.
7.1. Trusses
7.1.1 Metal RHS and CHS

All metal-based material need to be in good straight shape and smooth finish. No rust or defect is apparent.
All metal members should be painted with anti-rust coating before use. Connection of metal members can be
provided by fixed joint (welding) or point joints (screws or bolts) depending on design.
7.1.2 Round timber

All Timber members should be free from visual defects, cracks, and holes. Inspection of possible insect
nesting is required. Structural timber element should be provided in the most possible straight and round
shape, with dimension no less than 75mm.
7.1.3 Bamboo
All bamboo members should be free from visual defects, and meet the following requirements on the cross-
sectional dimensions: the nominal external diameter along the unlapped length should not be less than 75
mm with a nominal minimum thickness of 40 mm
Bamboo members should be 3 to 5 years old and air-dried in vertical positions under indoor condition for at
least 3 months before use
Connection from Bamboo to Bamboo is made by bolts and nuts joints. Connection from Bamboo to Concrete
member of the structure is made by anchor bolts.
7.2. Corrugated sheets
7.2.1 Galvanized mild steel corrugated sheets (GI)

Galvanized mild steel corrugated sheeting shall be not less than 0.56 mm (24 Standard Wire Gauge (SWG))
thick with sheets free from twist or buckle. Galvanizing must be clean, free from surface defects, and firmly
bonded to the steel. Ridges, valleys, flashings and the like, of the same profile and quality as the roofing
sheets, shall be provided.
Galvanized mild steel ridges and valleys shall be not less than 0.56 mm (24 SWG) thick, of a profile to suit the
specified construction, and not less than 450 mm wide.
The corrugated steel sheeting must have 25 cm end laps and one and a half corrugation side laps. Sheets
shall be laid with open joint of side lap to face away from the prevailing wind. Generally, corrugated steel
sheeting shall be secured to purlins with 6.3 cm (2 ½") galvanized iron drive screws and one metal and one
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felt or plastic washer suitable for the profile of the sheeting in use at 30 cm centres horizontally, but fixings
must be of a size and pattern to suit the roof members and the sheets being fixed, and must be approved by
the sheet manufacturer. Bolts, screws and nails must be supplied complete with plastic washers. Steel hook
bolts and nuts shall be cadmium or zinc plated and steel roofing screws shall be galvanized and gimlet pointed.
Roofing sheets and accessories shall be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to
make the whole sound and watertight
7.2.2 Corrugated aluminum sheets

Corrugated aluminium sheeting shall be 24 gauge aluminium sheeting. Ridging for corrugated aluminium roof
to be 45 cm (18") girth roll ridging 24 gauge aluminium.
Aluminium must be kept out of contact with other metals, except - after approval - from zinc and galvanized
iron. The sheeting must have 25 cm end laps and one and one half corrugation side laps. Aluminium to be
fixed galvanized steel drive screws to timber, hook bolts for steel, including aluminium diamond washers and
nuts at 30 cm centres horizontally.
7.2.3 Corrugated fibre-cement sheets

Fibre cement roof sheeting and accessories shall be certified product or equally approved by the Client, and
shall be laid and fixed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's printed instructions.
Sheets shall be 43" (109 cm) wide in available lengths of 6', 7', 8', 9' and 10'.
Fibre cement sheeting with small corrugations shall be in size 5' x 20" and of colour as specified.
All fibre cement sheets are to be of an even colour, and free from cracks, ships and defects.
The sheets shall be mitred at the corners for proper fixing, laid with a minimum end lap of 15 cm for pitches
over 25°, and 25 cm for pitches less than 25°, a minimum side lap of ½ to 1½ corrugations dependent on the
height of the corrugation. In addition, for roof pitches less than 25° the sheets shall be bedded in mastic for
the full width of the lap.
Side laps shall be made on the side away from the prevailing wind.
The sheets shall be fixed with 8 mm diameter galvanized bolts of the required length and profile to suit the
location and approved nuts with integral plastic washers.
All fixing holes shall be drilled and not punched through the ridges of corrugations and not in the hollows.
Where four sheets meet, two sheets shall be cut and mitred for the full length of the end lap and the full width
of the side lap at the appropriate corners to ensure three thicknesses of sheeting at this point.
Each sheet shall be supported on at least three purlins throughout its length, and secured at the corners; also,
at least once in its breadth and to each purlin along its length.
Ridges and other accessories shall be supplied as shown on the drawings and shall be fixed to timber or steel
purlins as described above.
Unloading, storing, moving and erecting sheets shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions to avoid breakage and damage. All damaged and broken sheets are to be replaced, at the direction
of the Client and at the Contractor's expense.
7.2.4 Translucent corrugated sheets

Fiberglass or plastic translucent corrugated sheeting shall be of type incorporating Ultraviolet (UV) light
resistant resins and shall be in lengths 6' to 10' as specified.
7.3. Aluminium flashings

Aluminium flashings shall be formed out of 22 gauge super purity aluminium with natural mill finish to BS EN
485-2:2007. Where flashings are built into joints or tucked into grooves the minimum depth is to be 25 mm and
they are to be secured by folded aluminium wedges at 450 mm centres and pointed in cement mortar (1:3).
7.4. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rainwater pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rainwater pipes and fittings are to compete with rubber ring seal joints.
Pipes are to be fixed to the structure with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) holderbats or brackets to built-in or plugged
and screwed at maximum 2 meter centers.
Bends, swan necks, discharge chutes and fittings generally are to be fixed where necessary to facilitate the
flow of water.
Rainwater outlets shall be Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) suitable for the roof finish in which they occur with domical
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) grating.
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7.5. Protection of roofing
om excessive heat,
abrasion, impact, the action of acids, alkalis, oils or solvents, and is to deliver up the roof in a sound and clean
condition.
8 PLASTERWORK / FINISHING
The work comprises all materials and workmanship indicated on Plans and in the BoQ - provided that they are not
expressly required to be carried out or delivered by others. All other specifications of this contract where applicable
are deemed to apply equally to the finishing specifications.
8.1. Generally
8.1.1 Samples
The Contractor shall prepare at his own cost sample areas of the paving, tiling, plastering and rendering as
directed until the quality, texture and finish required is obtained and approved by the Client after which all work
executed shall conform with the respective approved samples.
8.1.2 Finished thicknesses

Suspended floors shall have a constant structural thickness and have level top surfaces. The finished floor
surface will equally have a constant level and any adjustment needed to achieve this effect with the varying
floor finish materials is to be made in the screeds beneath the same.
Slabs bearing on the ground may be cast to varying levels, and of constant thickness with varying formation
levels, or have varying thicknesses at the option of the Contractor. This stipulation in no way relieves the
Contractor of the requirements of the specification for structural work.
8.1.3 Chases, opening and holes

All chases, holes and the like which were not formed in the concrete or walling shall be cut, and all service
pipes shall be fixed and all holes and chases filled with mortar before paving and plaster work is commenced.
In no circumstances will the Contractor be permitted to cut chases, holes and the like in finished paving or
plasterwork.
8.1.4 Protection
All finishing on completion is to be adequately protected against damage by following trades or any other
cause, to the satisfaction of the Client until the Works are handed over to the Employer.
8.2. Materials
8.2.1 Lime
For plastering shall be hydrated lime of approved quality. The hydrated lime shall be slaked and run with water
to form a putty and shall stand for at least 2 weeks before being used. Lime sufficient for all works should be
slaked and run at one time.
8.2.2 Sand
Shall be according to TS 5.1.3, but shall be graded to a suitable fineness in accordance with the nature of the
plaster, etc. in order to obtain the finish required.
8.2.3 Wall tiles

Unless otherwise specified, wall tiles for bathrooms, toilets, etc., shall be 30 x 30 x 0.6 cm (12" x 12" x 1/4")
cushion edged eggshell finish, white, glazed, earthenware wall tiles to BS EN 14411:2003. Colored tile shall
be chosen from the standard colour range. Color of tiles shall be approved by the client.
8.2.4 Granolith
For in-situ Granolithic Floors shall be hard stone chippings from an approved local quarry, graded from 0.3 to
0.45 cm, free from dust and impurities and washed to give the approved colour.
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8.2.5 Terazzo
For in-situ Terrazzo Floors shall be of best quality marble chippings, rounded granular and clean, graded from
0.3 to 0.45 cm in equal proportions, and free from dust and impurities.
8.2.6 Floor tiles

Unless otherwise specified, floor tiles shall be 30 x 30 cm (12" x 12") quarry tiles to the Client's approval.
8.2.7 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl composition and vinyl Asbestos tiles
Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl composition and vinyl asbestos tiles must be of a minimum thickness of 0.2 cm and
samples are to be submitted to the Client for approval and for choice of colours.
8.3. Workmanship
8.3.1 Preparation work

All joints in walling are to be checked over for raking out as described under TS 6.2.2 and faces of all concrete
to receive plaster are to be racked to form key. Dubbing out where required shall be composed of similar
material to that following. Surfaces to be paved or plastered must be brushed clean and well wetted before
each coat is applied.
8.3.2 Plastering
All work must be done in a workmanlike manner, to the satisfaction of the Client. Any work rejected because
of non-compliance with the specification shall be redone at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor shall
ensure that freshly completed work can neither "dry out" nor "sweat out" to the detriment of the surface.
Materials used for plastering shall be proportioned by volume by means of a gauge box, and mixed on a
platform or in a batch mixer to a uniform consistency. Mixes containing cement must be used within 2 hours
of the first contact of cement with water; after this period all remains must be discarded.
All plaster to be finished to even surfaces. All arises shall be clean and sharp or slightly rounded as directed
including neatly formed mitres. Plaster is to be returned into reveals and soffits of openings with salient angles
true. Where more than one coat is specified the base coat shall be allowed to dry and harden before the
application of the next coat. No plastering will be allowed to take place until all chases for services have been
cut, services installed and chases made good. On no account may finished plaster surfaces be chased and
made good.
All screeds and paving shall be finished smooth, even and truly level (unless specially required for circular
work, falls and currents, etc.) and paving shall be steel trowelled.
8.3.3 Making good

All making good shall be cut out to a rectangular shape. The edges undercut to form dovetail key and finished
flush with face of surrounding plaster. All cracks, blisters and other defects must be cut out and made good
and the whole of the paving and plastering work left perfect on completion.
8.3.4 External rendering

The entire external face of the building where indicated on the drawings is to be rendered with cement and
sand (Mix 1:4) with one part of lime added to ten parts of the Mix and applied in one coat and finished with a
wooden float. The rendering is to be carried into all reveals and dressed around all reinforced concrete corbels
previously described. Average finish thickness shall be 1.0 cm.
8.3.5 Waterproof external rendering

The entire external face of the building where indicated on the drawings is to be rendered with cement and
sand (Mix 1:4) with "Scalocrete" Double Strength Promix, or equal approved by the Client, added to the
gauging water at the rate of (½ gallon to 90 lbs of cement), 2.3 lt to 40.5 kg of cement, all in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions and finished perfectly true and even with a wooden float. Average finish
thickness shall be 1.5 cm. The rendering is to be carried into all reveals and dressed around all reinforced
concrete corbels previously described.
8.3.6 Internal plaster

Render and set all internal plaster walls, concrete ceilings, soffits of concrete slabs, sides and soffits of beams.
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The first coat, 1.2 cm thick, is to consist of one part cement and four parts sand and the finishing coat of one
part lime and three parts fine sand with 10% cement added, trowelled hard and perfectly smooth with a steel
float. The base coat shall be well scratched to form key and wetted before the finishing coat is applied.
Finishing coat is to be applied, while base coat is still green. The plaster must be carried into all reveals and
interiors of cupboards, etc. Total thickness of plaster must not exceed 1.5 cm.
To all ceilings form plaster cornices of 5 cm girth including all internal and external mitres; all of the Client's
approval. All salient angles to internal plastering except those formed by windows and vents, shall, if specified
in the BoQ, be protected for a height of 1.5 m measured from the top of the skirting. The protection shall be in
the form of approved patent metal angle beads complying with BS 6452-1:1984 and these shall be fixed,
strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8.3.7 Wall screeds

Where waterproof walls are wanted render and set walls, the first coat 1 cm thick, to consist of one part cement
and four parts sand well scratched to form key, and the finishing coat consisting of one part cement to 2 ½
parts well graded sand together with a waterproofing compound and trowel hard to a smooth true and even
surface. After 1 - 2 hours the surface must be trowelled twice with a steel float with interval of one hour between
trowellings to make a very smooth and tight surface. All corners should be rounded with a 3 cm radius curve.
Walls must be protected against the sun during processing. As soon as the surface can stand it, and not later
than 24 hours after processing the walls must be watered and kept wet for at least 7 days.
8.3.8 Wall tiles

Glazed wall tiles wherever specified, whether in form of dados, skirting, panels etc. are to be of the best quality
glazed porcelain tiles, true and regular in shape, of even color, and glazing, free from chips, cracks and other
defects. Unless otherwise specified, tiles are to be laid with straight joints of equal uniform width and not to
exceed 3 mm. If the joints do not line through vertically and horizontally, the whole will have to be stripped off
and re-laid, at the Contractor's expense if so directed by the Client.
Tiles are to be well soaked in water and are then immediately to be set on a 1:3 cement screed with tight
joints. Alternately, at the discretion of the Contractor, but at no extra cost to the owner, tiling may be applied
using Pilkington's or equal and approved mastic on a base of steel trowelled plaster. On completion of painting
works in the rooms concerned, tiles are to be washed down and the joints pointed with white cement. Include
for tiling into window reveals and sills where necessary and for all the necessary bull-nosed tiles to caps,
external arises, etc. Allow also for building in soap dishes, toilet paper holders, sink tiling keys and other
fittings: do all cutting, scribing, notching, trimming, perforating, fitting, etc., and all work necessary for the
proper completion of the work.
Provide one recessed soap tray at each shower tray and bathtub as directed by the Client.
8.3.9 Floor screeds

The concrete sub-floor must be hacked, brushed down and cleaned for all grease and paint spots, before
screeds are laid. Furthermore, the concrete surface must be kept constantly wet for at least 3 days before the
screed is laid.
Immediately before the screed is laid, a mixture of water and cement as thick as heavy cream must be brushed
into the surface; the layer must be about 0.15 cm thick and 12 kgs of cement must be used per m2.
This paste must not dry out before the screed is spread.
Lay 2 ½ cm screed in ordinary cement, consisting of 1 part of cement to 3 parts well-graded sand, and trowel
to a smooth, true and even surface. After 1 - 2 hours the surface must be trowelled twice with a steel float with
an interval of one hour between.
All screeds must be protected against the sun during processing.
As soon as the surface can stand it, but not later than 24 hours after spreading, the screeds must be covered
with sand and watered, and must be kept wet for at least 6 days. Any screed that is found to be dry before the
end of this period shall be removed and replaced without extra cost at the discretion of theClient.
Large areas of floor shall be divided into panels not more than 14 sq. meters in area, and where possible,
shall include the full width of the room except that the width of no panel shall be less than one-half the length
of the panel.
Colours are to be according to specification.
Where changes of floor finish occur, floors shall be divided by strips as specified.
If specified in the BoQ an approved waterproofing compound is to be incorporated.
At the junction of floors with walls, run cement skirting 10 cm high and projecting 2 cm from the finished wall
surface. Cove to a 3 cm radius, form mitres at angles and return ends at openings. Where specified, cement
wainscots are to be similarly formed with height(s) according to the drawings and the BoQ.
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ntil the specified curing has been completed.
8.3.10 Surface hardening

All screed floors and granolithic floors shall be thoroughly cleaned and treated with three coats of a solution
of Silicate of Soda mixed in the ratio of 1 part by volume of Silicate of Soda, stirred well into four parts by
volume of clean water. The solution shall be applied by an approved type spraying machine or a watering can
fitted with a rose and spread evenly with a mop or soft brush.
A minimum interval of twenty four hours shall elapse between applications of each coat.
Any solution remaining on the floor shall be removed before applying succeeding coats.
8.3.11 Non-slip finish

Screed floors and Granolithic floors shall be sprinkled with coarse carborundum, average 1.1 kg/m2, and
lightly trowelled in before final trowelling, where a non-slip finish is specified.
9 PAINTING
Contractor himself or a Sub-Contractor unless otherwise required in the BoQ.
9.1. Materials
9.1.1 Manufacturers
Except were stated all paint materials shall be obtained from approved manufacturers. The Contractor shall
state the name and address of the manufacturer whose materials he proposes to use. Once approval has
been given the Contractor shall not obtain materials from other sources without the prior written agreement of
the Client.
9.1.2 General
Each succeeding coat of priming, undercoating and finishing (pigment) or clear coating shall be sufficiently
different in colour as to be readily distinguishable.
All primers and paints in one system upon a particular surface shall be obtained from the same manufacturer.
The mixing of paints, etc., of different brands before or during application will not be permitted.
Only Thinners and Driers which are recommended by the manufacturer must be used
The use of lead based paints will not be permitted.
Unless otherwise specified by the paint manufacturer all paint materials shall be thoroughly mixed and/or
stirred before and during use, and suitably strained as and when necessary.
Unless otherwise specified, all primers and paints shall be brush applied. Written permission must be obtained
from the Client if an alternative method of application is to be used.
Each coat of paint shall be so applied as to produce a film of uniform thickness. All paint shall be applied in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Special attention shall be given to ensure that all surfaces
including edges, corners, crevices, welds and rivets receive a film thickness equivalent to that of adjacent
painted surfaces.
All coats shall be thoroughly dried before succeeding coats are applied. Allow a minimum of 24 hours between
applications on any one surface, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
No priming coats shall be applied until the surfaces have been inspected and the preparatory work has been
approved by the Client. No undercoats or finishing coats shall be applied until the previous coat has been
similarly inspected and approved.
9.1.3 Plastic emulsion paints

Emulsion paints shall be certified product, matt or satin finish vinyl emulsion paint of one of the following
Davies Enamel Paints

Boysen Enamel Paints
Other manufacturer's products may be used only after approval obtained as stated herein. The first (mist) coat
shall be thinned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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9.1.4 Gloss paint
Gloss paint shall be certified product, hard gloss or eggshell finish oil paint of one of the following
manufacturer's products or according to the BoQ:
Davies Gloss-It Paint

Davies Aqua Gloss-It
Davies Liquid Tile Paint
Boysen Quick Drying Enamel
9.1.5 Primers and undercoats

Unless otherwise specified, primers and undercoats shall be certified product of the type recommended by
the manufacturer of the finishing coats specified for a particular surface. Primer for external bare metalwork
surfaces. The following types of primers are to be used on appropriate surfaces.
Davies Epoxy Primer
A combination of chemically resistant epoxy-polyamide resin and rust inhibitive pigments. It is highly
recommended as a protective primer in extremely corrosive atmosphere.
Davies Liquid Tile Penetrating Sealer
An acrylic solvent based sealer specially formulated for concrete surface, It helps seal poroud masonry
substrate thus protect the finish coat from moisture, efflorescence and alkalinity.
Davies Megacryl Primer and Sealer
A water-based primer for concrete and masonry surfaces. It seals porous surfaces and prepares the substrate
for subsequent latex topcoats. It has excellent adhesion, water and alkali resistance on concrete surfaces
Boysen Epoxy Primer
A high quality, two-component, epoxy-polyamide system that has exceptional adhesion to practically any
surface including steel tanks, coastal installations, galvanized iron, pipelines, aluminum, structural steel, etc.
Has excellent corrosion resistance and sealing properties. Highly alkali-resistant so there is no need for
neutralization of new concrete.
9.1.6 Timber stain

Timber stain shall be certified, oil based, pigmented stain. The application of this material shall be strictly in
accordance with the manufacturers written instructions. Tint and degree of application shall be to the approval
of the Client.
9.1.7 Water-based paints

Davies Megacryl Paint
A premium 100% acrylic water based interior and exterior paint recommended for stucco, masonry, plaster,
bricks, hollow blocks, cement boards, gypsum boards, acoustic boards, bagasse boards and properly primed
wood & metal.
Boysen Permacoat Paint
A 100% acrylic latex paint with excellent hiding, durability and dirt pick-up resistance.
9.1.8 Cement paints

Certified product are cement, white or pigmented with additives in a form suitable for mixing with water and
applying by brush.
9.1.9 Roofing paints

Certified product aluminium paint or approved equal product for roofs.
9.1.10 Stopping / filler

Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer all primers and undercoats shall be stopped flush and rubbed
down to a smooth surface with an abrasive paper and all dust removed before each succeeding coat is applied.
Care shall be taken to prevent burnishing of the surface. The filler shall be as follows:
Plasterwork shall be plaster based filler.
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Concrete and brickwork shall be similar material to the background and finished in a similar
texture.
Internal woodwork, plywood and block board shall be putty.
External woodwork shall be white lead paste.
Internal clear wood finishes: the stopping shall be that recommended by the clear lacquer
manufacturer.
The fillers for internal joinery shall be the type recommended by the paint manufacturer for use with this type
of paint or lacquer.
Stoppers and fillers hall be tinted to match the undercoat, and shall be compatible with both undercoats and
primers.
All materials shall be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
9.1.11 Textured coating

Textured coating is to be of proprietary manufacture approved by the Client of an approved colour.
Technical information concerning the coating is to be submitted to the Client before ordering, but the minimum
qualities of the coating are to be as follows:
Suitable for application internally and externally to plastered, rendered, concrete, block, stone,
brick, asbestos and timber surfaces.
Minimum durability of 10 years even in exposed conditions.
Maintenance free.
Built-in mold resistant fungicide.
9.1.12 Wax polish

Shall be a liquid or paste polish product approved by the Client appropriate to the application specified and
applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations and as specified herein.
9.1.13 Floor sealer

To parquetry and wood block floors together with the skirtings of these floors, after sanding (by others), sweep,
then wipe over with a damp cloth to remove all dust BEFORE applying the first coat of single pack
polyurethane, or other certified product. When dry rub down with fine Steel Wool, sweep and once more wipe
over with a damp cloth BEFORE applying the second coat. Once again steel wool, sweep and wipe over with
a damp cloth BEFORE applying the third coat of Floor Seal.
Leave smooth and even.
9.1.14 Chlorinated rubber paint

Where Chlorinated Rubber Paint is specified a minimum of two coats should be applied to give good protection
against water, chemicals, oil, grease and mild acids. Chlorinated Rubber Paint should not be applied to bare
metal or exterior surfaces. (More detailed information is available from the suppliers).
This special finish should not be applied without consulting the manufacturers for application details.
9.1.15 Epoxy finishes

Where Epoxy finishes are specified for areas subject to attack by strong acids a minimum of two coats of
certified product or approved equal should be applied.
Where Epoxy finishes are specified for areas subject to heavy wear and where excellent water resistance is
required a minimum of two coats of certified product or approved equal should be applied.
This special finish should not be applied without first consulting the manufacturers for application details. The
priming, undercoats and finishing coats shall each be of different tints. Priming and undercoat shall be of the
specified types, and tints to suit the respective finishing coats.
All finishing coats shall be of colours selected by the Client. Cards of all paints, etc. shall be submitted to and
samples prepared for approval of the Client. The work includes the provisions of all necessary scaffolding,
plants and tools. Cover up all floors, etc with sheets during all painting and decorating work.
The final coat of paint and distemper both internally and externally is not to be given until two weeks
before the expiration of the maintenance period.
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9.2. Workmanship
9.2.1 General
All materials shall be delivered on site intact in the original drums or tins and shall be mixed and applied strictly
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and to the approval of the Client.
Before painting is commenced floors shall be swept and washed over; surfaces to be painted shall be cleaned
before applying paint as specified, and all precautions taken to keep down dust whilst work is in progress.
No paint shall be applied to surfaces structurally or superficially damp and all surfaces must be ascertained
to be free from condensation, efflorescence, etc., before the application of each coat.
No painting shall be carried out externally during humid, rainy, damp, foggy or freezing conditions, or
conditions where surfaces have attained excessively high temperatures or during dust storms. No new, primed
or undercoated woodwork and metalwork shall be left in an exposed or unsuitable situation for an undue period
before completing the process.
No dilution of paint materials shall be allowed except strictly as detailed by the manufacturer's own direction,
either on the containers or their literature, or with the special permission of the Client. For external work dilution
of paints will not be allowed whatsoever.
For internal work, where permitted by the Client, undercoats may be thinned by the addition of not more than
5% thinners. Gloss finish shall not be thinned at all.
Metal fittings such as ironmongery etc., not required to be painted shall first be fitted and then removed before
the preparatory processes are commenced. When all painting is completed the fittings shall be cleaned as
necessary and re-fixed in position.
9.2.2 Wood painting

External Enamel painted surfaces
Rub down with medium or fine sandpaper, then dust off to produce a clean flat surface. Care shall be taken
to prevent "burnishing" of the surface. All knots and resinous areas shall be coated with two coats of knotting.
Pitch on large, open unseasoned knots and all other beads or streaks of pitch shall be scraped off, or if still
soft, shall be removed with white spirit before applying the knotting. Large or loose knots should be cut out
and the hole plugged with sound wood.
Apply one coat of priming to all surfaces, two coats to all end grains, to be subsequently painted. Backs of all
wood frames in contact with concrete, brickwork, blockwork and metalwork or similar materials shall be primed
before fixing. After priming all joints, holes, cracks shall be stopped and filled, rubbed down and dusted off.
Woodwork delivered primed shall be lightly rubbed down with abrasive paper, and dusted off. Touch up bare
areas with similar priming including open grained ends. After touch priming all joints, holes, cracks and open
grained ends shall be stopped and filled, rubbed down and dusted off.
Two coats of the specified undercoating are to be applied; it is essential that the undercoats be applied evenly.
The work is to be lightly rubbed down with fine sand paper then dusted off between coats.
Finally, the enamel paint is to be supplied in two coats or as specified.
Finished work which is considered by the Client to be unsatisfactory and that necessitates re-decoration shall
again under coated before the final finish coats are applied.
Clear finished woodwork
Rub down with medium or fine sand paper, then dust off to produce a clean, flat surface. Care shall be taken
to prevent "burnishing" of the surface. All knots and resinous areas shall be coated with two coats of knotting.
Pitch on large, open unseasoned knots and all other beads or streaks of pitch shall be scraped off, or if still
soft, shall be removed with white spirit before applying the knotting. Large or loose knots should be cut out
and the hole plugged with sound wood. Split or end grain shall be filled with suitable filler recommended by
the clear lacquer manufacturer, in accordance with their instructions, and of the appropriate shade. Afterwards,
the primer, which is boiled linseed oil, is applied in full coat; ½ hour later the surplus oil is soaked up with a
piece of cloth and left for one day to dry. After sand papering, two coats of clear lacquer aregiven.
If required by the Client, the woodwork is to be stained with oil stain before beginning the work.
Internal Enamel painted surfaces
as TS 17.2.2. Joinery built in contact with cement or lime plaster shall have the areas of contact of first
prepared and primed irrespective of the visible decoration.
Internal varnished surfaces
as TS 17.2.2.
Internal oiled surfaces
The best quality raw linseed oil must be used. Rub to a smooth finish in the direction of the grain using a fine
sand paper. Apply thin coats of boiled linseed oil by means of a cloth pad, rubbing well into the surface of the
wood and allowing adequate drying time between coats. Continue until a rich, high polish is obtained.
Internal wax polished surfaces
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All hard wood is to be polished with furniture polish. Rub to a smooth finish in the direction of the grain using
a fine sandpaper. Apply a liberal coat of an approved brand wax polish and work well into the wood. Allow to
dry, wipe off any surplus polish and rub with a soft cloth. Repeat until the desired glazed finish is obtained.
9.2.3 Soft Boards

Distempered surfaces
Apply two coats of distemper as specified; the first coat to be diluted as a primer.
Plastic painted surfaces
Apply two coats of plastic emulsion paint in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
9.2.4 Hard boards

As the surface is so smooth that it may repel the paint, the surface should be rubbed down with fine sandpaper
and dusted off before continuing the work according to TS 17.2.1 or TS 17.2.2.
9.2.5 Plywood and boards

Edges of exterior plywood and block-board shall be sealed with two coats of aluminium primer and the backs
treated with a lead primer.
9.2.6 Metalwork
Metalwork delivered to the site un-primed shall be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, grease, and scale by means
of chipping, scraping and wire brushing; particular attention should be given to the cleaning of welded, brazed
and soldered joints. Wash down with white spirit and wipe dry with clean rags. Apply a coat of metal primer
immediately the cleaned surfaces have been approved by the Client and work well into the surface of the
metal.
If the priming coat of pre-primed metalwork has suffered damage in transit, or during erection on site, the
affected areas shall be cleaned off by wire brushing, abrading and dusting off, the bared patches touched up
with a primer of a similar type to that already applied.
After proper drying of the primer two coats of synthetic undercoating is applied, and finally two coats of enamel
paint or as specified.
On steel windows and steel doors remove all loose and defective putty, prime the rebate with Lead primer
and make good with sound putty before commencing painting with undercoat and two finishing coats to
enamel paint.
On bituminized cast iron pipes apply two coats of Shellac knotting before painting with metal primer.
9.2.7 Galvanized metalwork

Galvanized metalwork schedule for painting shall be thoroughly weathered, cleaned of dirt, grease, dusted
and washed down with white spirit, then wiped dry with clean rags. Any minor areas of rust shall be removed
by wire brushing and spot primed with a zinc rich primer. Apply at least one coat of zinc chromate primate
applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction. Additional paint shall be according to the
BoQ.
9.2.8 Copper and aluminium

Copper and aluminium shall, if specified, be etched with fine emerypaper and white spirit, washed down and
given one coat of zinc chromate primer immediately as cleaned surfaces have been approved. Additional paint
shall be as specified.
9.2.9 Concrete and plaster walls

All concrete, brickwork, blockwork, cement rendered and lime plastered surfaces shall be perfectly smooth
and free from all defects and shall be allowed to dry for a minimum period of four weeks. Surfaces shall be
stopped with plaster compound, rubbed down flush, thoroughly brushed down and left free from all
efflorescence, dirt and dust. All traces of mould oil shall be removed form concrete surfaces by scrubbing with
water, detergent and rinsing with clean water. All these surfaces shall be thoroughly dry before any primer or
paints are applied. Apply a coat of alkali resisting primer where surfaces are to be finished with oil paints or
alkyd resin type emulsion.
External water-paint painted surfaces
Walls as specified to be twice painted with water paint; the first coat is to be diluted as primer.
External cement painted surfaces
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Walls as specified to be given two coats strictly in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Cement paint
shall be mixed only in quantities required for use within one hour of mixing.
External plastic painted surfaces
Walls as specified to be given three coats of plastic emulsion paint; the first coat is to be thinned in accordance
with manufacturer's instructions.
External bituminized surfaces
To plinth walling apply two coats of certified product or other approved waterproof bituminous compound;
ensure that the paint is applied to the wall from at least 9" below ground level, to the underside of the floor
projection.
Internal distempered surfaces
Walls as specified to be distempered twice with soft or oil-bound distemper as specified. The first coat is to be
diluted as a primer.
Internal plastic painted surfaces
Walls as specified to be given three coats of plastic emulsion paint, the first coat to be thinned in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
Internal Enamel painted surfaces
Walls as specified to be given two coats of alkali resisting primer. Undercoat to be oil paint diluted with clean
linseed oil. Finally 2 coats of enamel paint are given.
Internal epoxy Enamel painted surfaces
Walls as specified to be given three coats of Epoxy Based Enamel certified product or approved equal mixed
with hardener. Allow 24 hours drying time between coats. The first coat should be thinned with about 10% of
recommended thinner. Do not mix more enamel with hardener than will be used in 8 hours.
Internal wall papered surfaces
The paper is to be truly matched and when finished is to be well pressed into angles and free from blisters
and hung with an insecticide paste.
9.2.10 Concrete floors

Concrete floors are to be twice painted with floor paint as specified. Floors should be carefully cleaned and
absolutely dry before application. Prime with floor paint diluted with 25% Methylated Spirit. After 3 hours apply
second coat and leave overnight.
Concrete floors are to be twice polished with clear liquid wax floor polish product approved by the Client.
Terrazzo floors are to be ground smooth and polished twice.
9.2.11 Corrugated iron roofs

As for galvanized metalwork. The final coat to be a weather-proof aluminium paint or as specified.
9.2.12 Asbestos cement surfaces

Asbestos cement surfaces such as asbestos cement flat or corrugated sheets, asbestos wall board, etc.
scheduled for painting shall be brushed down to remove powdery deposits, and a coat of alkali resisting primer
applied where such surfaces are to be finished with oil paints or alkyd resin typeemulsion.
9.2.13 Colors
The colours will be selected by the Client from the paint manufacturer's standard colour range.
9.2.14 Toxic wash

Concrete, block work, plaster and timber surfaces which are to be painted shall be washed down prior to
painting with a toxic wash applied by brush or spray. A second wash shall be applied two days after the first
wash. The surfaces shall then be allowed to dry out completely before application of paint.
9.2.15 Protection
Proper care must be taken to protect surfaces while still wet by use of screens and "Wet Paint" signs where
necessary.
9.2.16 Damage
Care must be taken when preparing surfaces, or painting etc., not to stain or damage other work. Dust sheets
and covers to the satisfaction of the Client shall be used to protect adjacent work. Any such stains or damage
shall be removed and made good at the Contractor's expense.
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9.2.17 Cleanliness
All brushes, tools, pails, kettles and equipment shall be clean and free from foreign matter. They shall be
thoroughly cleaned after use and before being used for different colours, types or classes of material. Painting
shall not be carried out in the vicinity of other operations that maycause dust. Waste liquids, oil soaked rags,
etc., shall be removed from the building each day. Waste liquids shall not be thrown down in any sanitary
fittings or drains.
9.2.18 Performance
If, while the work is in progress, the paint appears to be faulty, such as consistency of colour, drying time, or
quality of finish, the work shall be stopped at once and the manufacturer consulted.
The manufacturers of the materials shall be given every facility for inspecting the work during progress in order
to ascertain that the materials are being used in accordance to their directions, and to take samples of their
products from the site if they so desire for tests.
The finishing coats of the various paints or surface finishes shall be free from sags, brush marks, runs,
wrinkling, dust, bare or "starved" patches, variations in colour and texture, and other blemishes.
When the work has been completed, the finished surfaces shall not be inferior in quality, colour and finish to
the samples approved by the Client, and imperfections in manufacture shall not be apparent through these
finished surfaces.
In the event that the Client is not satisfied that the quality of finish does not comply with the required standards
and/or the sample panel the Contractor will be required to repaint at his own expense, such work to the
satisfaction of the Client. If in the opinion of the Client it is necessary to remove completely the unsatisfactory
paintwork this shall also be done under the direction of the Client at the expense of the Contractor.
9.2.19 Packaging, delivery and storage

All paints and surface coatings shall be delivered in sound sealed containers, labelled clearly by the
manufacturers, the label or decorated container must state the following:
The type of product

The brand name and colour
The use for which it is intended
The manufacturer's batch number
The BS number if applicable
All labels shall be original printed labels
Materials shall be stored under cover in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and with local fire
and safety regulations. The store itself must be maintained at a temperature of not less than 50 degrees F (10
degrees C) and must not be subjected to extreme changes of temperature.
The batch deliveries are to be dated and used strictly in order of delivery.
9.2.20 Completion
On completion remove all rubbish, clear site and leave premises clean and fit for occupation.
10 PLUMBING
Contractor, if he is a licensed Plumber and Drain Layer, otherwise by a so-licensed Sub-Contractor unless otherwise
required in the BoQ.
10.1. General
10.1.1 Working plans

For all work within buildings the contractor shall produce drawings showing details of his proposals. The
drawings shall be submitted to the Client for his approval and no work shall commence until the drawings have
been approved.
10.1.2 As built plans

On completion of the works, as required by the contract, the contractor shall prepare drawings showing the
work as constructed. The drawings shall be submitted to the Client for his approval. When the drawings have
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been approved, copy negatives shall be provided by the contractor to the Client for his retention.
10.2. Material
10.2.1 Galvanized mild steel pipework

All galvanized mild steel pipework up to 65 mm nominal bore shall be medium grade with tapered pipe threads.
All fittings shall be of malleable iron and.
All galvanized mild steel pipework for 80 mm nominal bore up to 150 mm nominal bore shall be manufactured
in medium grade with screwed and bolted flanges for the jointing of pipes to valves and other items of plant.
10.2.2 Copper tubing

-oxidized Non-Arsenical
Copper.
10.2.3 Cast-iron pipework above ground

Joints in pipework and connections to equipment shall be made with soldered capillary fittings and
connections.
For internal pipework used above ground, cast-iron pipework and fittings shall be medium grade with spigot
and socket joints. Inspection covers on branches, trees, elbows etc.
10.2.4 Fiber cement soil waste and ventilation pipes

Fibre cement pipes for soil waste and ventilation pipe. Spigot and socket joints shall be jointed with a
cement/sand mortar or fibrous cement jointing compound.
Fibre cement sewerage pipes and fittings shall with asbestos cement sleeve joints with rubber rings.
10.2.5 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipework

All PVC pipes for cold water services and all fittings shall be solvent welded using the pipe manufacturers
approved cement.
10.2.6 Cisterns
All cisterns shall be complete with cover, overflow pipe, ball tap or float-operated valve.
10.2.7 Sanitary equipment

Quality of vitreous china in all Sanitary Equipment is to be according to BS3402:1969. The contractor is to
provide samples of all required types of sanitary equipment before purchasing.
Seated water closet pans (Western)
They are to be ceramic wash down WC pans with seat and cover. Water closet, seat and cover must be equal
to samples submitted to and approved by the Client.
Squatting (Eastern) water closet pans
They are to be vitreous china pans equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
WC flushing cisterns
They are to be certified quality and are to be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
WC pan and cistern suites
They are to be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client and are to include seat and cover.
Bowl urinals
They are to be vitreous china bowl urinals and must be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the
Client.
Slab urinals
Must be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
Stall urinals
Must be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
Bathtubs
They are to be porcelain enamelled cast iron bathtubs to BS EN 232:2003 and must be equal to a sample
approved by the Client.
Bidets
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They are to be vitreous china pedestal bidets according to BS EN 35:2000 and must be equal to a sample
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submitted to and approved by the Client.
Ceramic lavatories hand washbasins
They are to be certified quality and must be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
Metal lavatories hand washbasins
They are to be certified quality and must be equal to a sample submitted to and approved by the Client.
10.2.8 Accessories
All penstocks, headstocks, brackets, spindles and other fittings shall be to the pattern specified and from an
approved manufacturer.
Stop-cocks for underground use shall be plug-cock pattern or screw-down pattern.
Taps and stop valves shall be screw down pattern and shall be with washers. Hose taps and hose connections
shall have outlet noses screwed.
Check valves of 65 mm diameter and under with cast iron body and cover, gun metal doors, bronze facing
rings and flanged connections
All gate valves 75 mm nominal bore and above, other than for buried water mains shall be of cast iron
construction. All gate valves up to 65 mm nominal bore shall be of bronze construction and shall be certified
products.
All ball valves for use in connection with hot and cold water services shall be constructed of bronze or other
non-corrosive material.
Mixing valves for shower fittings and other appliances shall be of bronze or other corrosive resistant material.
Where standard or deep seal traps are specified they shall be of non-ferrous material or Polyvinyl Chloride
(PVC).
10.3. Workmanship
10.3.1 Water Works

All work shall be carried out in accordance with Code of Practice followed in the country and to the approval
of the Client.
The pipes shall be supported in their final position and adjusted before any joints are made. Pipes in buildings
shall be positioned as close as practicable to walls, ceilings and columns.
Sufficient drain points and automatic air vents shall be provided to ensure the system functions correctly.
Valves and other user equipment shall be installed with adequate access for operation and maintenance.
Where valves and other operational equipment are unavoidably installed beyond normal provided.
Screwed piping shall be installed with sufficient number of unions to facilitate easy removal of valves and
fittings and to enable alterations of pipework to be carried out without the need to cut the pipe
Allowance shall be made for expansion and contraction of pipework, precautions being taken to ensure that
any forces produced by pipe movements are not transmitted to valves, equipment of plant. All screwed joints
to piping and fittings shall be made with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene / Teflon) tape.
To avoid being unsightly, pipe work should be arranged in or adjacent to cupboards, recesses, etc., provided
there is sufficient space to work on the piping with usual tools. Piping should not be buried in walls or solid
floors. In suitable cases piping may be buried for short distances. No valves or taps must be half or partly
buried in walls.
Water tubing in roof spaces shall be supported on lay boards and be screwed there at 2 m centers.
Water tubing to walls shall be secured at maximum 1.5 m centers with approved pattern galvanized iron,
copper or alloy holder bats with the toils built into the blockwork, 1.5 cm clear of finished surface to permit the
painting of the pipes. Water tubing for hot water shall be 4 cm clear of finished surface to allow for insulation
of tubing.
Valves shall be provided in mains and branch supplies at positions such that individual fittings or appliances
may be disconnected without disrupting the remainder of the system.
All planned pipe work must be approved by the Client before commencement of work.
Horizontal running pipes should incline continuously up to an outlet so as to avoid air-locks. No galvanized
pipes must be bent; appropriate fittings must be used. Where pipes pass through walls, sleeves of pipe should
be provided. Provide overflow pipes to cisterns in every case of a diameter largely than inlet. Discharge into
open air with bent and splay cut, mosquito proofed.
All pipes connected to cisterns, tanks or cylinder shall be connected by means of Plumber's Unions or Flange
joints for easy removal.
All cisterns, tanks or cylinders must have a bottom cock for emptying.
All pipes to be laid to falls so as to be readily drained through taps of sanitary fittings or through drain taps
(bushed).
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The Contractor and the Sub-Contractor shall jointly make all necessary holes, recesses, etc. in walls and
concrete work, where after the Contractor makes these. When all pipes are laid the Contractor shall cast
sleeves into walls and concrete work.
Internal cold water
Pipes will be galvanized steel pipes or copper pipes as specified in the BoQ Unless otherwise specified in the
BoQ, the system will have supply pipe to rising main(s) supplying the storage cistern(s). Water that is to be
potable, such as cold water supply to kitchen sinks, is to be taken from the rising main. Hot water cylinders,
hand wash basins, WC's, bathtubs, showers, laundry tubs and the like are supplied from storage cistern.
Internal hot water
Pipes will be galvanized steel pipes or copper pipes as specified in the BoQ Water is to be heated by gas,
electricity or solar power source as specified in the BoQ.
Hot water shall be circulated near to all fittings or other draw offs points specified in the BoQ as having hot
water, a system of secondary circulation, so that there are no long "dead legs". All hot water circulating pipes
are to have insulation as specified.
Hot water storage tanks are to have expansion/overflow pipes discharging as specified in the BoQ.
10.3.2 Sanitary Works

Soil, waste and vent pipe systems shall be installed in accordance with approved standard and to the approval
of the Client. All sanitary appliances shall be installed in accordance with approved standard. All waste fittings
shall discharge into a gulley trap before passing to a sewer by way of a manhole.
Rodding and inspection facilities shall be provided within the drainage system in positions where they are
easily accessible. Where rodding facility is not in a position such that access is not easily available, a branch
shall be extended so as to provide a suitable rodding eye. Rodding eyes shall be provided at the bottom of
stacks.
Vent stacks shall be terminated above roof level or at least 100 cm above any window head within 3 meters
of the stack and shall have a plastic or galvanized steel mosquito gauze balloon at the top.
Branches from water closets and urinals are to be in cast iron. Joint to pan is to be made with red lead and
lamp
Sanitary fittings such as sinks, hand basins and laundry basins shall be supplied with deep seal trap of
appropriate size, having union connection for copper or medium grade galvanized steel tube on outlet.
All branches to be turned in the direction of flow and bends used in lieu of elbow fittings.
Main contractor shall prepare all supports and deposit the fittings where required adjacent to the positions
shown on the drawings for final erection and fixing by the plumber.
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10.3.3 Pipe Support for suspended pipework
Pipe runs shall be secured by pipe clips, connected to pipe hangers, wall brackets, or trapeze type supports.
U-bolts shall not be used as a substitute for pipe clips without the approval of the Client.
The maximum permissible horizontal spacing of supports in metres for steel and copper pipe and tube is given
in the following table: The maximum permissible vertical spacing of supports in metres shall not exceed one
and a half times the distance given for horizontal runs.
For cast iron and asbestos cement spigot and socket jointed pipes, the pipes shall be generally supported at
every socket joint by means of either holders secured rigidly to the structure, or straps purposely made for the
attachment to rigid steel support brackets. Where holders are used, they shall comply with the requirements
of approved standard.
Size nominal bore Copper Tube to Steel Tube to BS EN 10255:2004

BS EN 1057:2006
15 mm 1.25 m 2.0 m
20 mm 2.0 m 2.5 m
25 mm 2.0 m 2.5 m
32 mm 2.5 m 3.0 m
40 mm 2.5 m 3.0 m
50 mm 2.5 m 3.0 m
65 mm 3.0 m 35m
80 mm 3.0 m 3.5 m
100 mm 3.5 m 4.0 m
125 mm 3.5 m 4.5 m
150 mm 4.5 m 5.5 m
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10.3.4 Underground pipeline works
The Contractor shall construct the pipelines using the designs of pipe, bed, haunch and surround detailed on
the drawings.
'Rigid pipes' shall mean pipes of cast or spun iron concrete, asbestos cement, clay or similar materials.
'Flexible pipes' shall mean pipes of steel, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or other plastic, pitch fibre, ductile iron or
similar materials.
Rigid joints
'Rigid joints' shall mean joints made by bolting together flanges integral with the barrels of the pipes, by welding
together the barrels of the pipes by caulking sockets with non-deformable material, such as cement mortar,
run lead or by similar techniques.
Flexible joints
'Flexible joints' shall mean joints made with factory-made jointing materials, loose collars, rubber rings, etc.,
and which allow some degree of flexing, however small, between adjacent pipes.
Excavation, bedding materials for and laying of pipelines are to be constructed as described in the Drainage
specifications.
10.3.5 Pipe joints works

Joints shall be made strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The Contractor shall make
use of the technical advisory services offered by manufacturers for instructing pipe jointers in the methods of
assembling joints.
Where manufacturers recommend the use of special jointing tackles, the Contractor shall use these for the
assembly of all joints to pipes. Sockets shall be laid looking uphill unless otherwise approved.
Before making any joints, all jointing surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried and maintained in such
condition until the joints have been completely made or assembled.
Notwithstanding any flexibility provided in the pipe joints, pipes must be securely positioned to prevent
avoidable movement during and after the making of the joint.
The space between the end of the spigot and the shoulder of thesocket of flexibly jointed pipes when jointed
shall be as recommended by the manufacturer or ordered by the Client.
After flexibility jointed pipes, other than Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes have been jointed the gaps between
the barrel of the pipes and the internal face of the socket shall be sealed with puddle clay, uncaulked rope
yarn or other approved material. The rope yarn or other material must have been treated so as not to support
bacterial growth.
Where loose collars are used to join pipes cut for closers, special tools shall be employed to keep the inside
of the pipes flush and the collar concentric with the pipe while the joint is being made.
Pipes provided with spigot and socket joints of the self-centering, instantaneous joint type, such as the rubber
ring push fit joint, shall be laid and join
joint ring shall be cleaned and inspected for cuts and defects, and socket and spigot examined to ensure
freedom from oil, grease, tar and grit. The makers recommended lubricant will be used.
Cast-iron joint fittings
Cast-iron detachable joint collars and flanges shall be tested by striking lightly with a spanner immediately
before they are placed and if they fail to ring true shall be set aside and not incorporated in the work until
proven sound.
The flanges shall be correctly positioned and the component parts including any insertion ring cleaned and
dried. Insertion rings shall be fitted smoothly to the flange without folds or wrinkles. The face and bolt holes
shall be brought fairly together and the joints shall be made by gradually and evenly tightening bolts in
diametrically opposed positions. Only standard length spanners shall be used to tighten the bolts. The
protective coating, if any, of the flange shall be made good when the joint is completed.
Bolt threads shall be wrapped with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene / Teflon) tape where directed before use.
No washers shall be used on flanged pipework to be laid below ground. Bolts shall be as specified and shall
be of the correct length, leaving a maximum of two threads exposed.
Solvent welded joints
Only the solvent cement recommended by the manufacturer for his pipe joint system shall be used and his
instructions on the making of the joint shall be closely followed.
Excess solvent cement shall not be applied to the inside of the pipe socket and all surplus solvent shall be
removed from the joint and the pipe. Any solvent falling on the trench formation shall be removed by excavating
the contaminated soil.
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Solvent welded pipes jointed outside the trench shall not be lowered into the place until the elapse of time
recommended by the manufacturer. The time allowed for curing shall be increased with lower temperatures.
10.3.6 Connections to tanks and sanitary fittings

Each connection of tubing to cold water storage tanks shall be made by drilling a hole in the tank side and
using a long screw, union and two back nuts all well screwed up in non-toxic approved jointing compound
(red-lead shall not be used). Joints of tubing to flanged and bossed connections of hot water cylinders shall
be made with a boiler screw, union and back nut screwed up in jointing compound.
Connections to sanitary fittings shall be made with 450 mm lengths of copper tubing bent to shape as required
with copper to iron couplings at each end, and joint to union of fittings and tubing.
10.3.7 Fixing sanitary-ware and fittings

All sanitary-ware and fittings shall be left in a clean and good condition to the satisfaction of the Client.
All fittings shall be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Lavatory basin brackets shall be cut and pinned to walls in cement mortar including making good rendering,
tiling or plastering, etc.
10.3.8 Cutting pipes

Iron pipes shall be cut by a method and with apparatus which provides a clean square cut of the pipe and of
the lining, if any, without damage to pipe or lining.
All cut or trimmed ends, and the parts of any pipe on which the coating may have suffered damage shall be
recoated with bitumen before the pipes are laid. The external area at cut spigot ends of ductile iron pipes shall
be ground for a distance of at least 125 mm. Asbestos-cement pipes shall be cut by hacksaw or other approved
means to a square and even finish without splitting or fracturing the wall of the pipe. A percentage of the pipes
ordered shall be supplied with fully turned barrels and these pipes will be set aside for use in cutting specific
lengths. When no fully turned pipes are available a hand-operated turning machine shall be used to prepare
the ends of cut pipes for Johnson Couplings, barrel joints or collar joints.
Pitch-impregnated fibre pipes shall be cut by saw and where necessary the end shall be filed or machined to
the required 2 degrees taper.
Concrete pipes shall be cut to a square and even finish without splitting or fracturing the wall of the pipe.
Reinforcement shall be cut back flush with the concrete and bare metal protected with bituminous paint or
cement grout as directed.
Only steel pipes supplied rounded throughout their length shall be used as cut pipes to form closures. The
cutting shall be done by an approved method and apparatus which provides a clean square cut, without
separation of the lining from the pipe wall. Minor damage to the lining may, if permitted, be repaired on site in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Where, in the opinion of the Client, the damage is serious
the pipe or special shall be returned to the manufacturer for reconditioning.
10.3.9 Pipe built into structures

The outside surface of all pipes and special castings to be built into structures shall be thoroughly cleaned
immediately before installation. Where ordered protective coatings to metal pipes shall be removed from the
sections to be built in, while the external surfaces of fireclay and concrete pipes shall be roughened to form a
key for concrete or mortar. Sheathing to steel pipes shall be cut away from the sections to be built-in and after
erection the protection shall be completed by applying approved bituminous material around the barrels of
pipes at the junctions with structures.
Pipes passing through water retaining walls and floors shall, where possible, be built into the structure in-situ.
Shuttering shall be formed closely to the outside of the pipes, and concrete shall be placed and compacted
thoroughly round pipe and puddle flange, if any.
Where fixing in the course of construction is not possible, temporary openings in structures, formed to the
dimensions shown by the Client shall be left where indicated or directed to accommodate the subsequent
erection of pipes and special castings. In water retaining structures, they shall taper to a smaller dimension
towards the external faces of structures and shall include where indicated a waterstop. In basements, dry
chambers at pumping stations etc., temporary openings shall taper to a smaller dimension towards the internal
faces of structures and shall also include, where indicated a waterstop.
Prior to in-filling, all surfaces against which fresh concrete is to be placed shall be prepared as specified, while
the external surfaces of pipework shall be prepared as described in this clause.
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10.3.10 Insulation
Minimum thickness of insulation for hot water storage tanks is to be 5 cm. Insulation is to be linen wrapping
finished with two coats of enamel paint, fiberglass batting, foam insulation or equal approved by the Client.
Insulation for hot water pipes is to be minimum 25 cm thick of types as specified for hot water storage tanks.
Hot water pipes should be installed with sufficient distance from walls, other pipes or other obstructions to
permit installation of full 25 cm thickness of insulation along entire length of pipe.
10.3.11 Setting valves

Care must be taken to prevent damage to all valves, fire hydrants and the like, and their ancillary equipment.
Valves, etc., and ancillary apparatus shall be stored in clean conditions and in a manner that excludes all
water. Where directed, head-stocks, motors, gearing or indicators shall be removed, adequately labeled for
identification, stored carefully in weather-proof premises and be reconnected after erection of the valves.
Electrical equipment shall be protected from damp and the damp-proofing seals shall remain intact until the
electrician is ready to connect up the equipment.
The gunmetal faces and seats of all valves must be kept clean. No valve shall be closed without first wiping
the faces with a clean cloth. The cavity beneath the valve door shall be thoroughly cleaned by hand. In the
event of accident, fouling matter shall be either dissolved or carefully removed by methods that do not involve
scraping of gunmetal faces.
All valves shall be set so that operating spindles are truly vertical unless otherwise detailed or directed.
Every stuffing box shall be examined when the main is charged with water and leaking boxes shall be adjusted
or repacked with square plaited lubricated hemp packing of approved manufacture. The stuffing box shall not
be so tightly packed as to materially affect the friction of the packing on the spindle.
No air valve shall be stored before erection in the open in sunlight, or upside down to expose the balls and air
cavities. Air valves shall be checked before the main is charged to ensure that the balls and faces are not
scored or split and that there is not dirt or other deleterious materials in the cavities of the body. All air nozzles
shall be probed to see that they are clean.
Fire hydrants, frost plugs and similar fittings shall be checked before incorporated in the line and before the
main is charged to ensure that all passageways are clean.
The installation of special types of valve and metering equipment must be strictly in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
The direction of opening of the valve shall be indicated on the headstock and on the underside of hydrant
covers.
10.3.12 Testing of pipelines

The Contractor shall provide all water, fittings, pipe stoppers, test pumps, pressure gauges and the necessary
labour and tools for the hydraulic testing of pressure pipelines and pipework and air testing of drains and
sewers.
The equipment must be maintained in good order and the gauges shall be tested to the satisfaction of the
Client.
The cost of providing all equipment and labour required shall be included in the price quoted by the Contractor
for pipe laying.
Trenches must be kept dry until the pipes have been passed by the Client.
Water for all testing must be obtained from an approved source.
Testing pressure pipelines

Pipelines shall be tested hydraulically in sections during the course of construction.
Testing shall be applied to prove the structural soundness of the various units in the line, including pipes,
valves and anchorages, and to prove the water tightness of the line.
Tests shall be applied to sections of pipeline not exceeding 1000 meters in lengths, or such lesser lengths as
may be required, and pipe joints shall be left uncovered.
The Contractor shall provide for transmitting the unsupported end thrusts to solid ground at the ends or into
the sides of the trenches.
Before testing, the Contractor shall ensure that the anchorage of bends is complete and that all branch outlets
taking end thrust are properly stayed. All anchor blocks must be fully cured before testing the pipeline.
The test pressure unless otherwise directed in the Contract will be 1.5 x the working pressure with a minimum
of 50 meters head.
The specified test pressure must be achieved at all points along the section of pipeline under test.
The ends of the section to be tested must be blanked off by means of end pieces, blank flanges or discs
provided and temporarily fitted by the Contractor at his own expense together with any anchorage that may
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be required. Valves shall not be used to isolate test sections forming the pipeline.
The pipeline or pipework shall be filled with water in such a manner as to prevent any shock or water hammer
and allow for the complete evacuation of air, and kept under observation for leakage at the static head for 24
hours. If there are no leakages, the pressure shall be raised slowly to the required test pressure for that pipeline
and maintained at that pressure for a period long enough for the Client to examine the whole section under
test, or not less than 4 hours whichever is the longer period. Thereafter, for a period of 2 hours the leakage of
water, as measured by the amount drawn into the pump to maintain the pressure must not exceed a rate of 0.1
litre per mm nominal internal diameter per kilometre length of main per 30 meters head for each 24 hours.
All pipes or joints which are proved to be in any way defective shall be cut out, remade and retested as often
as may be necessary until a satisfactory test is obtained and any work which fails or is proved by test to be
unsatisfactory in any way shall be cut out and re-done by the Contractor at his own expense.
In addition to the tests in separate sections, on completion the main shall be tested in whole or in parts to the
same pressure and by the same procedure as that outlines for individual sections.
During pipe laying the gauge shall remain in the pipeline and shall be pulled by a stout rope or chain which
shall be threaded through each successive pipe or tube so that the gauge is never more than one pipe length
behind laying. Any debris collected in front of the gauge shall be regularly cleaned out before the next pipe is
placed in position.
Sterilization of water mains
The pipelines after testing shall be thoroughly flushed out and cleaned.
After the Client has approved the cleaning the Contractor shall completely fill the pipelines with water to which
he shall have added chloride of lime or other approved chemical to give a concentration of free chlorine of 50
mg. per litre.
Chlorine gas must not be injected direct to the main from a cylinder otherwise than through an approved
chlorinator and care must be taken to ensure that there is no flow back in to the preceding sections of main.
The method used for sterilization shall be approved by the Client and the solution is to remain in the pipelines
for not less than 6 hours, nor more than 24 hours. Chlorine residual tests shall then be taken at the end of the
main furthest from the dosing point. The sterilization process shall be repeated until the free chlorine residual
shall be carried out on site in order to obtain an accurate reading of the free chlorine present.
11 DRAINAGE
Contractor, if he is a licensed Plumber and Drain Layer, otherwise by a so-licensed Sub-Contractor unless otherwise
required in the BoQ.
11.1. General
11.1.1 Regulations
The whole of the drainage is to be executed by a registered plumber and drain layer strictly in accordance
with the Regulations of Local Authorities and to the satisfaction of the Client
11.1.2 Tests
All soil and waste drains will be tested to 120 cm head of water. No drains are to be covered in or further
proceeded with until such test has been made, repeated as necessary, and passed by the Client and Local
Authority.
After passing the test the head of water is to be maintained until the concrete bed, haunching or covering is
complete. Immediately prior to completion of the Contract the main and branch drains are to be tested by
passing through them a ball or disc 0.5 cm less in diameter than the bore of the pipe, and the water test
repeated, as required by the Client.
The Main Contractor is to provide all appliances and necessary assistance for testing the work, including,
where necessary, the provision of a temporary water supply.
11.1.3 As built plans

On completion of the works, as required by the contract, the Contractor shall prepare drawings showing the
work as constructed. The drawings shall be submitted to the Client for his approval. When the drawings have
been approved, copy negatives shall be provided by the Contractor to the Client for his retention.
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11.2. Materials
All materials shall comply with the relevant and current British Standard Specification for the materials or
articles to which reference is made.
11.2.1 Concrete
Concrete used in drainage work for support and protection of pipes should be a mix of proportions of 1:2½:5.
Concrete mix of 1:4:8 is permissible for filling elsewhere in trenches and headings generally.
11.2.2 Precast concrete pipes

Precast concrete pipes for surface water and sewage shall comply with the approved standards. Where
flexible spigot and socket type or flexible rebated type joints are specified, rubber gaskets complying with the
approved standards shall be used.
Where ordinary spigot and socket type or ordinary rebated type joints are specified, the joints shall be made
with a cement mortar mix.
11.2.3 Precast concrete open channels

Precast concrete invert and side blocks shall be of dense precast concrete free from cracks and spalls. The
concrete used shall be nominal 1:2:4 mix.
Precast concrete invert and side blocks shall be cast in steel moulds. All arises shall be true and well defined.
11.2.4 Other pipes

Pitch fibre pipes
All pitch fibre pipes and fittings for external services shall be certified product. Pipes shall be connected by
means of purpose made tapered joints manufactured in accordance with the approved standards.
Fibre cement pipes
Fibre cement sewerage pipes and fittings shall comply with the requirements of the approved standards with
fibre cement sleeve joints with rubber rings complying with the requirements of the approved standards
Cast iron pipes
Cast iron drain pipes for building drainage shall comply with the requirements of the approved standards.
Fittings for cast iron pipes shall comply with the requirements of the approved standards. Pipes and fittings
will be coated internally and externally with an approved bituminous composition, except those parts to be
encased in concrete which shall be coated internally only in the concreted area.
Clay pipes
Clay pipes and fittings for sewerage or surface water shall comply with the requirements of the approved
standards with Type 1 sockets and supplied complete with the manufacturer's flexible joint. Clay pipes for use
in the construction of French drains shall be British Surface Water pipes glazed or unglazed with Type 2
sockets or plain ended and supplied with sleeve couplings. Type 1 socketed and sleeve coupled pipes shall
be perforated.
11.2.5 Inspection chambers / manhole covers / frames

Covers and frames for Inspection Chambers and Manholes shall be of cast iron.
Precast concrete covers may be substituted for cast iron covers only with the written permission of the Client.
Precast concrete covers must be equal to a sample approved by the Client.
Manhole ladders
Manhole ladders and fixings shall be of galvanized mild steel. The steel shall be mild steel and shall be
galvanized after manufacture has been completed.
Manhole safety chains
Manhole safety chains shall be of 10 mm galvanized mild steel short link chain.
One end of the chain shall be securely attached to 16 mm diameter galvanized mild steel eyebolt and the
other end shall have a galvanized hook for attaching to a similar eyebolt.
Manhole Step Irons
For brick or block manholes, step irons shall be certified products of galvanized malleable cast iron general
purpose pattern with 230 mm long tails.
Precast concrete manholes
Concrete manhole ring sections shall be certified unreinforced ogee jointed. Shaft and chamber slabs shall
be either mild steel reinforced heavy or light duty type, as specified.
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11.2.6 Filter backfill material
Filter backfill material for field or French drains shall consist of hard clean crushed rock, crushed slag or gravel
having a grading within the limits given below for Type 'D' or 'E'. The aggregate crushing value of the material
as determined by the tests, shall not exceed 30%.
The material passing 420 micron sieve shall be non-plastic when tested.
Sieve Size Percentage by passing; type D Weight : type E
63.00 mm - 100
37.50 mm 100 85 100
20.00 mm - 0 20
10.00 mm 45 100 0-5
3.35 mm 25 80 -
600 microns 8 45 -
75 microns 0 10 -
11.3. Workmanship
11.3.1 Underground Pipelines

The Contractor shall construct the pipelines using the designs of pipe, bed, haunch and surround detailed on
the drawings.
'Rigid pipes' shall mean pipes of steel, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or other plastic, pitch fibre, ductile iron or
similar materials.
'Rigid joints' shall mean joints made by bolting together flanges integral with the barrels of the pipes, by welding
together the barrels of the pipes by caulking sockets with non-deformable material, such as cement mortar,
run lead or by similar techniques.
'Flexible joints' shall mean joints made with factory-made jointing materials, loose collars, rubber rings etc.,
and which allow some degree of flexing, however small, between adjacent pipes.
11.3.2 Trench excavation

Trenches for pipes other than those forming part of a field or French drain shall be excavated to a sufficient
depth and width, subject to the following restrictions, to enable the pipe, joints, bed, haunch and surround to
be accommodated.
From the bottom of the trench to a level 300 mm above the crown of the pipe trench widths shall not be less
than the minimum nor greater than the maximum figures shown in the Table A.
Battering the sides of trenches shall only be permitted above this level where approved.
The minimum width of trench shall be used for measurement purposes.
Table A - pipe trench widths

Nominal internal diameter Minimum trench width Maximum trench width
(mm) (mm) (mm)
100 430 630
150 500 700
200 550 750
225 580 780
300 680 880
375 950 1150
400 1000 1200
450 1030 1230
525 1120 1320
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Works Specification for the construction of a new toilet block in Bualan Spring, Saguiaran
600 1240 1440
675 1330 1530
750 1400 1600
825 1490 1690
900 1920 2120
1050 2100 2300
1200 2290 1490
Outside diameter of pipe plus Outside diameter of pipe plus
Above 1200
800 mm 1000 mm
All sheeting and supports are to be out with the minimum width stated.
The Contractor shall provide whatever additional pipe protection as directed should the specified maximum
width be exceed due to his method of working.
The Contractor shall fill up with well compacted granular bedding material or with mix 1:2½:5 concrete where
ordered by the Client, any excessive depth of trench arising from his method of working.
Where the trench formation is in ground that, in the opinion of the Client, is too soft to afford proper support to
the pipes, either:
The trench shall be excavated down to solid ground and the extra shall be refilled with lean mix
1 concrete, granular bedding material, gravel or broken stone, as the Client directs, well compacted
to form an even bed;
2 The pipe shall be supported by piles or such other means as the Client may direct.
The Contractor shall avoid unduly disturbing the finished trench formation and shall make good disturbed
areas and excavate any wet or puddled material which might result from his failure to do so. Voids shall be
made good as the previous clause.
Where directed trenches close to existing structures are to be opened in short lengths and refilled or partly
filled with lean mix concrete or other approved material.
The material excavated in forming pipelines shall if unsuitable be run to spoil and replaced with suitable
material as so defined. Suitable material shall be set aside for use as backfill. Unsuitable material shall
comprise all material such as material from bogs, marshes, swamps, peat, logs, stumps, perishable material,
clays having a liquid limit exceeding 80 or a plasticity index exceeding 55, or materials having moisture content
greater than 30% of the dry weight.
All surplus excavated material is to be disposed of to spoil tips provided by the Contractor.
11.3.3 Pipe laying

On arrival at the site, pipes shall be carefully inspected for damaged ends, cracks or other defects and any
found to be faulty shall be marked and set aside for a decision, from the Client as to their acceptability.
Pipes with damaged ends shall be either completely replaced or have the ends cut off to the extent, and
trimmed, as directed by the Client.
The Contractor shall ensure that all pipes are properly handled both by his staff and by any cartage contractor
employed by him. During transport, pipes shall not be allowed to rest on narrow cross members of vehicles
or anything else that might give concentrated loads due to the weight of the pipe or bumping of the vehicle
but must be properly supported on soft material. Sufficient labour and equipment must be on hand before
unloading is commenced and under no circumstances must any pipes be dropped or thrown from a vehicle.
The Client shall have the right to reject consignments or stocks of piping from which failed pipes have been
drawn, or order them to be pressure tested outside the pipelines at the Contractors expense even though no
defects are, apparent, if there is reason to believe that mishandling has taken place.
Flat braided wire slings or band slings shall be used for slinging all pipes except externally coated pipes and
plastic pipes for which only special band slings not less than 300 mm wide shall be used. Chain or rope slings,
hooks or other devices working on scissor or grab principles must not be used.
Subject to the requirements of inspection before acceptance protective bolsters, caps or discs on the ends of
flanges of pipes, specials or fittings shall not be removed until the pipes, specials or fittings are about to be
lowered into the trench.
Before a pipe is lowered into the trench it shall be thoroughly examined to ensure that the internal coating or
Page 51 of 58
lining and the outer coating or sheathing are undamaged. Where necessary the interiors of pipes, specials
and fittings shall be carefully brushed clean.
Any damaged parts of the coatings or linings shall, before a pipe is used, be made good as directed.
Pipelaying shall not commence until the bottom of the trench and the pipe bed are approved.
Flexible pipes, rigidly jointed, may be joined on the ground surface before lowering into the trench. All joints
shall be supported by slings as the pipes are lowered and the pipe-line must not be deformed to a greater
extent than recommended by the manufacturer.
Pipes must be brought to the correct alignment and inclination, concentric with the pipes already laid.
All pipes less than 600 mm in diameter with flexible joints must be accurately marked prior to laying to ensure
that the correct gap is left in the joint. An indelible mark shall be made on the spigot end on top of the pipe
barrel to the depth of the socket less the detailed or specified joint gap. After correct jointing the mark should
be flush with the face of the socket.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes must be stored and handled carefully and must not be subjected to stresses
which shall induce permanent set or ovality.
PVC pipes must be protected from the effects of temperature in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.
11.3.4 Removal of supports

During the placing of bedding, haunching, surrounding or anchoring material, temporary side supports and
sheeting shall be removed except where directed to be left in and the full width of the trench will be filled with
bedding, haunching, surrounding or anchoring materials.
11.3.5 Bedding / Pipes protection

Bedding, haunching, surrounding and anchoring pipes shall be to the arrangement and dimensions shown on
the drawings.
A cavity of adequate size shall be excavated in the sides and bottom of the trench or left in the pipes bed at
each joint and at each sling position.
The bottom of the trench or surface of the bed shall be finished to a smooth even surface at the correct levels
to permit the barrel of the pipe to be solidly and evenly bedded throughout its whole length between joint and
sling holes.
The preparation of the trench bottom or surface of the bed shall be completed for at least one full pipe length
in advance of the pipe laying, except where in exception circumstances another arrangement is approved.
No bedding material shall be placed in trenches containing water.
Where granular bedding is to be used, stones, bricks or similar materials shall not be used below or against
the pipe to locate them in position in the trench or to level the pipes. Sufficient of infill materials shall be placed
around the barrels of pipes to prevent movement.
Where directed, puddle clay dams 500 mm thick shall be constructed around the pipe and across the trench
as haunching and surrounding proceeds. The dams shall be at intervals not exceeding 30 metres or as
directed and their height shall be determined by the Client.
Where directed by the requirements for testing pipelines the method of haunching and surrounding pipes shall
be modified to leave pipe joints exposed.
Where there is a high ground-water table all pipes shall be surrounded by an approved free draining material.
11.3.6 Concrete bedding, haunching, surrounding and anchoring

Concrete for bedding, haunching or surrounding pipes shall be 1:2½:5 for nominal mix concrete and no
backfilling of the trench shall be done until the concrete has reached the strength of 15 N/mm2. Before placing
concrete, pipes shall be supported near each joint on a precast concrete block or on engineering bricks with
a padding of two layers of hessian based damp proof course or material of similar yield between the barrelof
the pipe and the supporting block. The surface of the support shall be perfectly smooth for at least 75mm by
75mm under the pipe, and the size of the block shall be as directed.
Concreting of bedding, haunching or surrounding shall not be done until the pipes have been jointed and
inspected. The concrete shall be vibrated into place under the pipe and concrete shall be in full contact with
the underside of the pipe throughout its length. The concrete shall be placed in one operation and shall be
well worked to form a homogeneous mass. There shall be no horizontal construction joint in the concrete
below the level of the half pipe. The pipe shall be carefully anchored against flotation. Concrete beds,
haunches and surrounds for pipes with rigid joints shall be formed in lengths not exceeding 10.0 metres which
shall be separated by a soft wood joint filter 25 mm thick.
Concrete bedding, haunching pipes shall be discontinuous at flexible pipe joints. Shaped formwork made from
fibreboard or other equally compressible material of the thickness stated in the Contract and of size and shape
Page 52 of 58
equal to the net section of the concrete protection to the pipes shall be used and left at the pipe joints as shown
on the drawings. The formwork shall be neatly cut and properly supported by temporary struts and rails where
necessary.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes shall be wrapped in polythene sheet or roofing felt about 2mm thick before
being haunched or anchored in concrete.
Nominal 1:2½:5 mix concrete shall be placed at all bends, tees, junctions, changes of direction and gradients
to prevent movement of pipelines due to thrust from water pressure, in such positions and quantities as
directed.
Concrete pipe anchorages and thrust blocks in trench shall be placed against undisturbed ground. Any loose
or disturbed material shall be removed immediately before the concrete is placed.
Concrete anchorages to Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes shall be placed to support half the circumference of
the pipe. The pipe must not be encased. Where compliance with the requirement would result in concrete
above the pipe, the anchorage concrete shall be placed beneath the pipe and the pipe will be restrained by
straps as shown on the drawings.
11.3.7 Plugs
Immediately after laying, the open end of a pipe shall be sealed with a wooden plug or approved stopper of
appropriate size to prevent the entry of material which might contaminate the pipeline, damage the linings,
obstruct the waterway or affect the working of valves, meters etc. Plugs shall not be perforated and shall be
shaped to fit exactly so that water from the trench excavations shall not be allowed to gain access to the
pipeline.
The plugs in sewers may, with the Clients approval, be provided with small holes for drainage purposes, but
water from the trench excavation which is heavily charged with silt shall not be allowed to gain access to the
pipe.
Where work is interrupted for a period, the plugs left in position shall be regularly inspected for their fixing to
ensure that there has been no tampering by unauthorized persons. Whenever any plug is removed, the
immediate length of pipe shall be examined for dirt or obstructions and shall be cleaned as required.
Adequate precautions must be taken by way of backfilling or other means to anchor each pipe securely to
prevent flotation of the pipeline in the event of the trench being flooded.
No equipment, clothing or apparel must be left or stored inside pipelines.
11.3.8 Pipe joint work

Joints shall be made strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The Contractor shall make
use of the technical advisory services offered by manufacturers for instructing pipe jointers in the methods of
assembling joints. Where manufacturers recommend the use of special jointing tackles, the Contractor shall
use these for the assembly of all joints to pipes. Sockets shall be laid looking uphill unless otherwise approved.
Before making any joints, all jointing surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried and maintained in such
condition until the joints have been completely made or assembled.
Notwithstanding any flexibility provided in the pipe joints, pipes must be securely positioned to prevent
avoidable movement during and after the making of the joint.
The space between the end of the spigot and the shoulder of thesocket of flexibly jointed pipes when jointed
shall be as recommended by the manufacturer or ordered by the Client.
After flexibly jointed pipes (other than Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes) have been jointed, the gaps between
the barrel of the pipes and the internal face of the socket shall be sealed with puddle clay, uncaulked rope
yarn or other approved material. The rope yarn or other material must have been treated so as not to support
bacterial growth.
Where loose collars are used to join pipes cut for closers, special tools shall be employed to keep the inside
of the pipes flush and the collar concentric with the pipe while the joint is being made.
Pipes provided with spigot and socket joints of the self-centring, instantaneous joint type, such as the rubber
ring push fit joint, shall be laid and jointed strictly in accordance with the makers instructions. Generally, the
joint ring shall be cleaned and inspected for cuts and defects, and socket spigot examined to ensure freedom
from oil, grease, tar and grit. The makers recommended lubricant will be used.
Cast Iron joint fittings
Cast iron detachable joint collars and flanges shall be tested by striking lightly with a spanner immediately
before they are placed and if they fail to ring true shall be set aside and not incorporated in the work until
proven sound.
The flanges shall be correctly positioned and the component parts including any insertion ring cleaned and
dried.
Insertion rings shall be fitted smoothly to the flange without folds or wrinkles. The face and bolt holes shall be
brought fairly together and the joints shall be made by gradually and evenly tightening bolts in diametrically
Page 53 of 58
opposed positions. Only standard length spanners shall be used to tighten the bolts. The protective coating,
if any, of the flange shall be made good when the joint is completed.
Bolt threads shall be rapped with PTFE tape where directed before use.
No washers shall be used on flanged pipework to be laid below ground. Bolts shall be as specified and shall
be of the correct length, leaving a maximum of two threads exposed.
Cement mortar joints
The spigots and sockets of concrete pipes shall be thoroughly moistened before cement mortar joints are
made.
In making Ogee joints to concrete pipes a thick layer of cement mortar shall be applied to the butting faces,
the pipe being laid shall be well driven against the other, and the joint finished off inside, flush with the pipe
wall. The outside of the joint shall be pointed up with a 75 mm wide x 25 mm thick mortar fillet all round and
central about the joint.
In making yarn and mortar joints for concrete and clay pipes, the spigot shall be entered into the socket of the
last pipe laid until it bears on the back face of the socket and shall be centred in the socket. Two turns of tarred
yarn shall then be firmly caulked into the back of the socket with a proper caulking tool. Mortar consisting of 2
parts of sand to 1 part of cement shall then be pressed firmly into the joint to fill the socket completed and
shall be neatly levelled at 45 degrees from the outside edge of the socket.
Joints made with cement mortar shall remain exposed for at least 3 hours to allow for the initial set of the
cement. All joints shall be examined and approved before the refilling of the trench is commenced.
11.3.9 Backfilling trenches

If the Contractor allows material to become unsuitable, which when excavated was suitable for re-use, and it
is unsuitable when required for backfilling, he shall run it to spoil and make good by replacing with suitable
material.
Where required to meet the specification for testing pipelines, trenches shall be partially backfilled to provide
anchorage, but joints shall be left exposed.
Backfilling shall, wherever practicable, be undertaken immediately after the specified preceding operations
have been completed.
No backfill material shall be placed in trenches containing water.
In trenches in roads, verges and where shown on the drawings above 300 mm over the crown of the pipe
backfill, material shall be deposited in layers each not exceeding 225 mm thickness and each compacted to
100%. Power rammers or vibrating plate compactors shall be used to compact the backfilling from one metre
above the crown level of the pipe to the surface.
In trenches in fields or open country backfill material above 300 mm over the crown of the pipe may be placed
by machine provided the method of operation ensures that the material slides or rolls into position and does
not drop from a height.
The backfill material must not include any stones or boulder of dimensions exceeding 10 mm in any position.
Sufficient space shall be left to receive the original thickness of soil, turf or other materials removed from the
surface. The surfaces shall be restored by replacing the materials in their proper order and form, and by
compacting them to such a level as shall ensure that after settlement is complete the surface level of refilled
trenches shall be within 30 mm of that of the adjacent undisturbed ground.
Where directed, trenches shall be backfilled with lean mix concrete made with 1 kg cement to 12 kg aggregate.
The aggregate will be ash, clinker, gravel, stone, or other hard material, approved by the Client, and free from
sulphates, dust and other deleterious material.
11.3.10 Field or French drains

Trenches for drains up to 150 mm in diameter shall be excavated to a width of at least four times the normal
diameter of the pipe; above 150 mm diameter the width shall be the diameter plus 450 mm.
Where shown on the drawings pipes for drains shall be bedded on a 75 mm thickness of lean mix concrete
which shall also be brought up until at least one-third of the depth of the pipe is supported and in the case of
perforated pipes, no line of perforations is thereby blocked. Non-circular pipes shall be bedded as shown on
the drawings.
Socketed pipes shall be laid with a space of about 12 mm between the spigot and the inner end of the socket.
Ogee jointed porous concrete pipes and perforated clay pipes with rebated joints shall be dry jointed.
Perforated pitch fiber pipes may be jointed with any of the joints specified.
Trenches for drains shall be backfilled with material approved by the Client.
The pipes, the filter material and the surface over drains shall at all times be kept free of obstructions.
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11.3.11 Gulley traps
These are ready made in stone ware or cast iron to be built into concrete with 20 x 20 cm loose grating and
10 cm "S" outlets. Grease Separators will be made According to the BoQ.
11.3.12 Open surface after channels

Excavation shall be carried out generally as described for pipework. The invert shall be finished to a true line
and fall and sides shall be trimmed to the slopes indicated.
Invert blocks and side slabs shall be laid on a 100 mm thick bed of suitable approved granular material formed
and well compacted. They shall be joined by thickly covering the joint face with mortar and driving the next
unit firmly against that previously laid. The excess mortar squeezed out of the joint shall be neatly troweled
off. Channels ends shall be saturated with water and newly completed joints shall be protected and cured as
for concrete pipes.
11.3.13 Connection to sewer

All connections to sewers are to be made with angle junctions set at the correct angle to minimize the use of
bends. All angles shall not exceed 45 degrees.
The open ends of all house connections and other pipes not required for immediate use shall be sealed up
with purpose-made stoppers secured in position. The ends of connections and all junction positions will be
clearly marked by posts and painted boards of a type and size to be approved by the Client and the boards
shall be plainly marked with the letter 'S' and the size and depth below kerb level or ground level. A length of
4.5 mm galvanized iron wire shall be fixed to the faucet of the last pipe and the marking post.
Every care shall be taken to prevent the marking boards being disturbed and the Contractor shall take the
responsibility for their safety. The information shall also be painted on the Curbs in an approved manner when
all works are complete, and the Contractor shall record the position of all branches giving distances from the
manhole immediately downstream of the branch.
11.3.14 Manholes / Inspection chambers

Manholes and chambers shall be constructed in accordance with the drawings and specification and in the
positions as detailed on the drawings or directed by the Client.
Every inspection chamber shall be of such internal dimensions as the Local Authority shall require with
minimum size as follows:
Depth to invert Size
Chambers are to have 15 cm thick reinforced concrete slab base with walls built up in 23 cm thick concrete
blocks rendered internally 2 cm thick with cement and sand (1:3) trowelled smooth with requisite channels of
the full width of the drains with easy curves and junctions in concrete 1:1½:3.
Oven-backed clay bricks may also be used for the walls of the manholes, with cement mortar (1:3) mix as
binding material. The thickness of binding material should be 1-1.5 cm; the bricks should be soaked in water
for a period not less than 6 hours before being used. The manhole walls should be rendered on both sides
with cement mortar (SRC 1:3 mixing ratio) to result in a smooth surface.
Branch channels are to be formed 5 cm higher than main drain and the whole is to be benched up to side of
chamber with steep falls to channels and all surfaces polished with a steel trowel.
Pipes in and out of manholes are to be as short as practicable, shall be built in monolithically with the manhole,
and the manhole made watertight. Where line, level and pipe diameter permit and where approved by the
Client, the pipeline may be laid unbroken through the manhole position subject to the pipe joints external to
the manhole not exceeding 600 mm from the inner face of the manhole wall.
The depth of the main channel must not be less than the diameter of the largest pipe. Where pipes have been
laid unbroken through the manhole position the crown of the pipe shall be broken out to the half diameter over
the full length of the manhole and the benching completed as directed by the Client. Branch bends shall be
curved in the direction of flow and will be trowelled smooth with a steel float finish. Spaces between branch
bends shall be completely filled with concrete and the faces above the main and branch channel inverts shall
Page 55 of 58
be trowelled smooth with a steel float finish.
Bases and benching shall be formed in 1:2:4 nominal mix concrete trowelled smooth with a steel float finish.
Manholes inside buildings and elsewhere as shown in the Contract shall have cast iron pipes with access
openings and bolted cover plates with the requisite branches in lieu of open channels and branch bends. The
bottom of the manhole shall be brought up in concrete to the underside of the cast iron cover plate of the
access pipe and benched up at a slope of 1:12 and trowelled smooth.
Manhole covers and frames shall be fixed in the positions shown, the frames shall be solidly bedded in cement
mortar so that generally the covers when in position are fair and even with the adjacent surfaces except where
directed by the Client when they shall be kept 75 mm above the adjacent surfaces. Where shown or as
directed, frames shall be bedded on one or two courses of blockwork in cement mortar.
All covers and frames should be made of cast iron and should be manufactured in accordance with standards
or equivalent specifications accepted by the ICRC engineer. Medium duty covers and frames should be used
and coated with bituminous paint after manufacture.
Step irons are not required where the depth to benching is less than 900 mm and the diameter of the largest
pipe is less than 450 mm. Channels more than 900 mm in depth shall have one or more step irons in a recess,
or toe holes and handrail or post within easy reach.
A manhole shaft (excluding the 1-2 courses of blockwork under the cast iron cover) shall not be constructed
unless the complete length shall exceed 1.0 metre.
Where depth from ground level to top of benching exceeds 4.5 metres a ladder may be used instead of step
irons where directed. Manhole ladders shall have brackets (not less than two pairs per ladder) of material
equal to the stringers built into the blockwork or concrete at intervals of not more than 2.0 metres.
In deep manholes suitable rest chambers shall be provided at about 6 metre intervals, each with a landing
platform incorporating a hinged trap door immediately under the ladder.
Cover slabs of manholes shall be reinforced as shown on the drawings, minimum coverto steel 40 mm, and
the concrete shall be as detailed in the Contract.
All manholes on sewers of 600 mm diameter and over shall be provided with safety chains across the mouth
of the sewer on the downstream side and handholds or a 25mm solid bar handrail shall be provided on the
edges of all benchings, platforms etc., as directed.
The Contractor shall supply two sets of lifting keys for each pattern of manhole cover incorporated in the
works.
All manholes and chambers when completed must be watertight and to the satisfaction of the Client.
11.3.15 Concrete block manholes

Concrete blockwork manholes for sewers up to 750 mm diameter shall be constructed as detailed on the
drawings, using concrete blocks as specified laid in English bond beds and vertical joints shall be completely
filled with mortar as the blocks are laid. External joints shall be flush pointed and internal joints shall be raked
out to receive rendering as work proceeds. Cut blocks shall only be incorporated when necessary for closures.
Where built into manhole walls, pipes of 375 mm diameter and above shall have 150 mm thick concrete
relieving arches turned over to the full thickness of the blockwork. Where the depth of the invert exceeds 5.0
meters below finished ground level the arch shall be 300 mm thick. Walls of manholes up to 2.0 meters deep
and up to 4.0 meters shall be increased in thickness to 400 mm blockwork. Walls over 4.0 meters deep and
up to 7.0 meters shall be 600 mm blockwork and over 7.0 meters deep manholes shall be precast concrete or
in-situ concrete as directed by the Client. Overall manhole dimensions may be adjusted to the nearest half
block size with the approval of the Client.
Manhole shafts shall be 750 mm by 675 mm and where ladders are used this size shall be increased to 825
mm by 675 mm with the shaft top corbelled as necessary.
Step irons having a tail 230 mm long shall be built in at 300 mm vertical intervals as shown with the uppermost
step iron from 600 mm to 900 mm from the top of the manhole cover as detailed.
11.3.16 Manholes in-situ concrete

Manholes of in-situ concrete will be formed as for blockwork manholes, the blockwork being replaced by in-
situ mass 1:2:4 nominal mix concrete.
Precast concrete manholes for sewers of up to 1200 mm diameter shall be constructed as detailed on the
drawings using precast concrete components set on bases formed from in-situ concrete. The lowest chamber
ring shall be bedded on with cement mortar and likewise the precast concrete cover slab shall be bedded on
the topmost ring on cement mortar. The remaining faces of the joints of chamber rings, taper pieces and shaft
rings shall be liberally coated with approved bituminous material of troweling grade prior to being fixed in
position; any surplus bituminous compound shall be neatly struck off. Precast concrete ring units shall be
unreinforced and lifting holes in precast units shall be cleaned and filled with cement mortar. Step irons must
not be used for hoisting or lowering components.
Page 56 of 58
Manhole cover slabs may be cast in-situ using reinforced nominal 1:2:4 mix concrete or precast using
reinforced nominal 1:1½:3 mix concrete.
Unreinforced precast concrete chamber rings shall be surrounded with a minimum thickness of 150 mm
nominal 1:2:4 mix mass concrete as detailed on the drawings.
Step irons 230 mm long shall be set into the external concrete surround to the manhole and the slots through
the chamber rings filled with cement mortar.
11.3.17 Sewer testing

Wherever possible, testing shall be carried out from manhole to manhole. Short branch drains connected to a
main sewer between manholes shall be tested as one system with the main sewer. Long branches shall be
tested separately.
Pipes not exceeding 150 mm nominal diameter shall be tested using water; A test pressure of 1.2 meters head
of water above the soffit of the sewer shall be applied at the high end but not more than 66 meters at the low
end by means of a stand-pipe. Steeply graded sewers shall be tested in stages where the above maximum
head shall be exceeded if the whole section is tested at once. A period of one hour shall be allowed for
absorption. The loss of water over a period of 30 minutes shall be measured by adding water from a measuring
vessel at regular intervals of 10 minutes and noting the quantity required to maintain the original water level in
the standpipe. The average quantity of water added for sewers up to 300 mm nominal bore must not exceed
0.06 litre per hour per 100 linear meters per mm of nominal bore of the sewer. For sewers exceeding 300 mm
nominal bore, the average quantity of water added must not exceed 0.12 litre per hour per 100 linear meters
per mm of nominal bore of the sewer.
Sewers will be tested:
After laying and placing concrete if any but before backfilling over joints
After backfilling has been completed
Pipes exceeding 750 mm nominal diameter shall be tested as required by the BoQ. Where required by the
Contract the sewer shall be tested for obstruction by the insertion and pulling through of twin-coupled rubber
plunges of the same diameter as the sewer.
Sewers shall be tested for infiltration after backfilling. All inlets to the system shall be effectively closed and
the residual flow shall be deemed to be infiltration.
The following limits of infiltration must not be exceeded:
For sewers not exceeding 750 mm nominal internal diameter, 0.08 litre per hour per 100 linear
meters per mm of nominal bore of the sewer;
For sewers exceeding 750 mm nominal internal diameter, 0.16 litre per hour per 100 linear meters
per mm of nominal bore of the sewer
Infiltration to manholes must not exceed 5 litres per hour per manhole.
11.3.18 Septic tanks

Tanks are to be constructed with a main chamber of a size as specified on drawings or in the BoQ Foundations
are to be not less than 15 cm thick in concrete 1:2:4. External walls are to be 23 cm thick concrete block wall
in cement mortar. Tanks are to be constructed with 45 x 60 cm inspection chamber at inlet and 45 x 60 cm
distribution chamber at outlet. Main chamber is to be separated with 8 cm concrete partitions cast in situ. Tee
pieces are to be cast into walls at inlet and outlet. All walls and bottom inside and outside are to be rendered
in 1.5 cm waterproof rendering, troweled smooth. Cover for tanks is to be 15 cm concrete slab (1:2:4)
reinforced according to the BoQ or drawings. Inspection chamber, distribution chamber and main chamberat
inlet and outlet are to be supplied with cast iron manhole cover, size 60 x 45 cm (24" x 18") with frames bedded
in cement mortar (1:2) and covers bedded in heavy grease. The tanks in every respect are to comply with the
requirements of the Local Health Authority.
Testing of septic tanks
Septic tanks and other chambers shall be tested by filling with water after completion of backfilling.
The first 1.0 meter of depth may be filled as quickly as the supply permits. Between this and top water level
the rate of filling must not exceed 1.0 meter in 24 hours. After filling to top water level no further water shall be
introduced for 2 days. At the end of this period the tanks shall be topped up to top water level and allowed to
stand for 24 hours. The test shall be considered satisfactory if the fall in water level in 24 hours does not
Page 57 of 58
exceed 15 mm.
In the event of a fall exceeding the above the tank will be emptied and any defects made good.
11.3.19 Soak-away pits

Soakaway pits are to be constructed to the dimensions and general arrangement detailed in the project
drawings and the BoQ with a minimum dimension of 250 cm diameter and 5.50 m deep from inlet pipe. The
soakaway pit is to be lined from the top to a minimum depth of 120 cm with stones, rendered in 1 cm cement
plaster. Cover to pits is to be 15 cm concrete slab (1:2:4) reinforced according to the BoQ or drawings. Cast
iron manhole cover is to be supplied, size 60 x 45 cm (24" x 18") complying with BS 497 with frame bedded in
cement mortar (1:2) and covers bedded in heavy grease. The pits are in every respect to comply with the
requirements of the Local Health Authority.
12 ABBREVIATIONS
Following are the abbreviations used in this document:
Abbreviation Description
TS Technical Specification
BoQ Bill of Quantities
BS British Standards
HoP Head of Project (i.e. responsible ICRC engineer)
ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
M.D.B. Main Distribution Board
R.C. Reinforced Concrete
SRC Sulphate Resistant Cement
STD Standards
WP Water Proofing
Page 58 of 58

Annex F ICRC Work Specifications

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ICRC WORK SPECIFICATIONS

WATER AND HABITAT DEPARTMENT

1.1. Conditions of works

1.1.1 Construction codes

1.1.2 Bill of quantities

1.1.3 Technical specifications

1.1.5 Work schedule

1.2.1 Intends for material

1.2.5 Light and electrical power

1.2.6 Protection works

1.2.7 Shed (material)

1.2.8 As built-plans / record drawings

1.3. Quality and evaluation of the work

1.3.1 Materials and workmanship

1.3.2 Proprietary materials

1.3.3 Measuring and testing equipment

1.3.4 Rejected workmanship or materials

1.3.5 Control of the finished works

1.4. Setting out of the works

1.5. Disagreement between documents

1.6. Contractors personnel

1.7. Materials purchased by client

1.7.1 Purchased by the Client

1.7.2 Purchased by the Contractor

1.8. Order on site

1.8.1 Observation and security

1.8.2 Material storage

1.8.3 Keep clean and green

1.8.4 Sanitation of the site

2.1. Site observation and clearing

2.2. Excavations depth, width and slopes

2.3. Protection from water

2.4. Rock boulders or beds

2.5. Vegetable soil

2.6. Earth filling

2.9. Pipe laying

2.10. Surplus and debris

2.11. Insect proofing

2.12. Excavate ants / termites heaps

2.13. DPM / polythene sheeting

2.14. Grassed areas

3.1.3 Fine aggregate (sand)

3.1.4 Coarse aggregate (gravel)

3.1.7 Expansion joint

3.1.8 Waterproof concrete

3.1.9 Waterbar / WaterStops

3.2. Mechanical machine

3.2.1 Concrete Mixers

3.2.2 Concrete Vibrators

3.3.2 Shuttering / formwork

3.3.3 Reinforcement works

3.3.4 Wall ties

3.3.5 Holes, pipes, etc.

3.3.6 Concrete covers

3.3.7 Construction joints / cold joints

3.3.8 Concrete mixing

3.3.9 Concrete Mix Design

The following table is to be used:

Mixes C1, C and D are design mixes

3.3.10 Placing concrete