REGULATION: 2013 YEAR: 2018

UNIT II
SPECIFICATION WRITING

AR 6701 SPECIFICATION AND ESITMATION FACULTY IN-CHARGE:

SEMESTER: IX Prof. M.PRASATH
SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

TOPICS:

 Brief Specification For 1st Class, 2nd Class,

3rd Class Building. --------------- 02

 Detailed specification for earthwork & excavation ---------------- 06

 Plain cement concrete ---------------- 07

 Reinforced concrete --------------- 08

 First class and second class brickwork ---------------- 10

 Damp proof course ----------------- 11

 Ceramic tiles/marble flooring and dadoo ----------------- 12

 Woodwork for doors, windows ----------------- 13

 Frames and shutters, ----------------- 15

 Cement plastering, ---------------- 17

 Painting ---------------- 18

 Weathering course in terrace. ---------------- 20

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR FIRST CLASS BUILDINGS:

 Foundation and plinth: Brick work in foundation and plinth shall be of

first class bricks in lime mortar or cement mortar 1:6 mix over lime or
cement concrete 1:4:8mix.
 Filling in foundation and plinth: foundation trenches and plinth or
basement should be filled with coarse sand and well-watered to
consolidate.
 Damp proof course: D P C shall be 2.5cm or 1” thick in cement concrete
1; 1-1/2: 3 mixed with 1kg of Impervo per bag of cement or other
standard water proofing compound as specified.
 Super structure: Superstructure shall be of 1st class brickwork with lime
or cement mortar in 1: 6 mix and lintels over doors and windows will be
of R.C.C.
 Roofing: Roof shall be of RCC slab supported over RCC beams as
required of average 10cm thick in 1:2:4mix height of rooms must be
average 10 ft and above.
 Weathering course: Over RCC roof slab an insulation layer and lime
concrete terracing of average 10 cm thickness shall be done.
 Flooring: Mosaic flooring shall be provided in all rooms and floors, for
bathrooms and W.C floors and dadoo shall be of mosaic (terrazzo), other
common areas 2.5cm thick cement floor over 7.5cm lime concrete and
cement finished smooth.
 Finishing: Inside and outside shall be plastered with 12mm thick cement
or lime 1:6mix.
 The inside walls of drawing, dining and bed room shall be distempered
and rest portion white washed –three coats. Outside wall surface colour
washed over 3 coats of white wash.Wall surface of toilets shall be glazed
tiles up to door top height.
 Doors and windows: Doors and windows frames should be seasoned teak
wood, shutters shall be of seasoned teakwood 4.3cm thick panelled
glazed or partly panelled and partly glazed as required. All fittings shall
be of brass. Doors and windows shall be varnished or painted two coats
with high class enamel paint over one coat of primer. Windows shall be
provided with iron grills.
 Miscellaneous: Rain water pipe of cast iron or asbestos cement shall be
provided and finished with paint. Building shall be provided with 1st class
sanitary and water fittings and electrical installations. 1metre wide 7.5cm
thick c.c in 1:3:6mix to be provided all round building for protection from
seepage.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR SECOND CLASS BUILDING:

 Foundation and Plinth: The brick work in foundation will be of 1stclass

 Brick in lime mortar over lime concrete.
 Filling: Foundation trenches and plinth shall be filled earth.
 Damp proof course: D.P.C shall be in cement mortar of 2cm thick 1:2
mix with 1kg of standard water proofing material for one bag of cement.
 Super structure: Super structure shall be of 2nd class brick work in lime
mortar, Lintels over doors And windows shall be of R.B
 Roofing: Roof shall be of R.B slab (reinforced brick) with 7.5cm thick
lime concrete terracing above or flat terraced roof supported over wooden
battens and beams, or Jack arch roof, Verandah roof may be of A.C.Sheet
or tiled roof.
 Flooring: Flooring shall be 2.5cm thick cement concrete over 7.5 cm lime
concrete finished cement painted.
 Finishing: Inside and outside shall be cement plastered in cement mortar
1:6 mix and ceiling in 1:3mix, inside walls shall be white washed three
coats, outside walls colour washed two coats over one coat of white wash.
 Doors and windows: Doors and windows frames shall be of well-
seasoned Sal wood and shutters of 4.5cm thick shisham or deodar wood
fitted with iron fittings and pained with two coats over one coat of primer.
 Miscellaneous: Rain water pipe cast iron, sanitary, water and electrical
fittings shall be of B class type.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION OF THIRD CLASS BUILDINGS:

 Foundation and Plinth: Foundation and plinth shall be of second class

brick work in lime mortar over lime concrete.
 Damp proof course: D.P.C shall be 2cm thick in cement mortar 1:2
mixed with standard water proofing compound.
 Super structure: Shall be of second class brick work in mud mortar, doors
and windows opening shall be provided with arches of second class brick
work in lime mortar or with wooden planks.
 Roofing: Roof shall be of mud over tiles or bricks or planks over wooden
beams or tile or G.I or A.C sheet sloping roof.
 Flooring: Floor shall be of brick on edge floor over well rammed earth.
 Finishing: inside and outside walls shall be plastered with lime mortar
and white washed three coats.
Doors and windows: Frames of Sal wood and shutters of country wood shutters
shall be painted with ordinary paint two coats over one coat of primer.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR A FOURTH CLASS BUILDING:

 Foundation and superstructure: shall be of sundried or kutcha bricks in

mud mortar doors and windows opening shall be provided with arches of
second class brick work in lime mortar or with wooden planks.
 Roofing: roof shall be of tiled roof over bamboo and wooden supports.
 Finishing: Inside and outside walls plastered in mud mixed with water
proof compound.
 Floor finish: kutcha flooring or earthen floor finished with cow
dunglepping.
 Doors and windows: shall be of chir-mango wood or country wood.

DETAIL SPECIFICATION FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS OF WORKS:

The detail specification is a description and expresses the requirements

in detail. The detail specification for different items of work are prepared
separately, it specifies quality, quantity of materials proportion of mortar,
workmanship, method of preparation and execution and methods of
measurements.

Detail specification of following items – First class bricks, sand, cement,

coarse aggregate, water, reinforcement:

BRICKS:

 a) All bricks shall be of first class of standard specifications made of

good brick earth thoroughly burnt and shall be of deep cherry or
copper colour.
 b) They should be hard sound and of uniform size and shape having
each two adjacent plane surfaces at true right angles and emit clear
ringing sound on being stuck.
 c) Bricks should be free from cracks, chips , flaws or humps of any
kind and should not show signs of efflorescence either in dry state or
when soaked in water.
 d) Dry bricks should not absorb more than one sixth of its weight
when soaked in water for one hour.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 e) Bricks should have crushing strength of 105kg per sq.cm (1500lbs

per sq. Inch) that is should not break when two bricks in two hands
are struck together or when dropped from breast height on the ground.
 f) Bricks should be standard dimension as per I.S.I (19cm x 9cm
x9cm) or as prescribed by department.
SAND:

 The fine aggregate (sand) shall conform to I.S 383 or I.S 515. It should be
clean, sharp, hard, and free from large pebbles, salt, shells earth, dust or
other impurities.
 River and pit sand must be used as this does not contain common salt in
large. Sea sand should not be used.
 Sand should be perfectly dry before it is used otherwise bulking effect of
sand must be taken into account.
 Sand for all cement concrete works must be coarse, it should not pass
through I.S sieve No. 480 (approx. 4.75mm).
 Medium sand may be used for cement mortar for masonry, plastering,
pointing etc.
 Sand filling in plinth where specified may be done with fine sand.

CEMENT:

 The cement used for reinforced cement concrete shall be ordinary

Portland cement or rapid- hardening Portland cement confirming to I.S.
specifications or high alumina cement of approved specifications.
 The minimum compressive strength of ordinary Portland cement as per
I.S should be 175kg per sq. cm after 7days and the minimum tensile
strength after 7 days should be 25kg per sq.cm.
 The hydraulicity should be such as to leave it perfect after six days
immersion in water.
 The initial setting time should not be less than 30 mts and the final setting
time should not be more than 10 hrs.
 Coarse Aggregate: as per I.S 383:
 Coarse aggregate shall be of hard broken stone or similar stone, free from
dust dirt and other foreign matters.
 The stone ballat shall be of 20mm (3/4”) size and down and all shall be
retained in a 5mm square mesh (1/4” square) and well graded such that
voids do not exceed 42percent.
 The gauge of stone ballat should be specified depending upon thickness
of concrete and nature of work.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 For architectural building works 20mm gauge and for other road and
mass works 40 to 60mm may be used.

WATER:

 In concrete works the used for mixing and curing should be clean and
free from alkaline and acid materials and deleterious materials. Potable
water are generally considered satisfactory.

REINFORCEMENT:

 The reinforcement shall be of mild steel and medium tensile steel

confirming to I.S 432 or cold twisted steel bars I.S 1139 with up-to-date
modification.
 All reinforcement steel shall be clean and free from corrosion, loose rust
scales, dust and coats of paints, oil, grease and other coatings which may
destroy or reduce bond.
 The steel bar shall be ribbed tar steel and capable of being bent (double
over) without fracture.
 Bars shall be able to bent, cranked accurately and placed in position as
per design and drawing and bound together tight with 20 SWG annealed
steel wire at their point of intersection.
 Welded joints in reinforcement may be used but in all cases important
connections test may be made to prove that joints are of full strength of
bars connected and must be done as per Indian standards .

EARTH WORK EXCAVATION IN FOUNDATION:

 The site where excavation is to be done is first cleared of grass, trees,

debris, organic waste etc.
 The excavation of trenches should be of exact dimensions as shown in
drawing or plan, work done in excess to be made good without any extra
charges.
 Sides of trenches should be vertical bottom should be levelled and be kept
horizontal or stepped as required when the soil is soft, lose or slushy.
 Trenches should be properly rammed to be free from water during
construction, if the sides are loose and feel may fall arrangements should
be made for adequate timber shoring.
 Excavated earth shall be used for filling in side of trenches and extra
materials should be carted away and deposited at a distance.
 Old masonry or boulders in foundation must be removed free of charges.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 Trenches should not be filled without permission of site supervisor.

 The cost or rate quoted should include for all pumping, dredging, bailing
out water if necessary, removing extra earth and other unforeseen all
inclusive.
 Payment shall be made for length, breadth, depth shown as per plans or
drawings.

SPECIFICATION OF P.C.C OR PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE:

For foundation and for concrete over river sand filling in basement
P.C.C 1:4:8 or 1:5:10 mix is used and the coarse aggregate is 40mm of size
one part of cement 4 parts of sand and 8 parts of aggregate or as specified.

SPECIFICATION FOR R.C.C (REINFORCED CEMENT CONCRETE)

FOR RCC WORK IN ROOF SLAB AND BEAM:

Reinforced concrete definition: Concrete in which have been embedded,

preliminary to pouring concrete steel bars or mesh to give tensional strength.

 Form work: shall include all forms or moulds required for forming the
concrete which is cast-in-situ together with all temporary construction
required for their support.
 Form work shall be of plywood or steel approved deodar or deal planks 1
to 1-1/2 inch thick, stiff and strong enough to avoid undue deflection when
loaded and liable to wrap when exposed to sun, rain or when wetted
during casting of concrete. Suitable camber shall be provided in the form
work.
 For beams, slabs columns etc. proper centring should be prepared and
should be in shape exactly with the lines of finished work. The pattern to
be built rigid and to be thoroughly braced and strutted, so as to bear the
weight of wet concrete which is taken as 2300kg/cum and live load due
to men working, impact effect of ramming or vibrating- which may be
taken at 400kg /sqm. Without deflection. Allowing bending stress in soft
timbers taken at 80kg/sqm.
 All form work shall be so constructed as to be removable in sections in the
desire sequence without damaging the surface of the concrete or
disturbing other sections.
 Propping and centring: props used for centring shall be of steel timber,
posts are any other material approved by clerk of works at site. In case of
span exceeds 4.5mts and height exceeds 3,5mts suitable horizontal as well
as diagonal bracings shall be provided. Post over 2.4mts in height should

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

be braced both ways at centres. Spans of beam bottom should be

supported at 1 to 1.2 MT according to depth of beam.
 Surface treatment: for shuttering, if timber it should be thoroughly cleaned
and well wetted and coated with soap solution, coated with raw linseed oil
or form oil of approved quality, if steel shuttering cleaned and coated with
crude oil to prevent adhesion of concrete to form work.
 Removal of form work: The form work shall be removed without
damaging the surface of concrete.
 Reinforcement: RTS (Roll tor steel with TMT) or TMT (thermos
mechanized treated rods) rods shall confirm to the I.S specifications free
from corrosion, rust etc. Bending of overlapping- rods shall be bent cold
correctly and accurately to the size and shape as shown detail drawing,
preferably rods of full length shall be used. Overlapping of rods where
ever necessary shall be done by instruction of clerk of works at site. The
overlap shall be staggered for different rods and located at points along the
spans. Overlapping of rods can be kept apart by 25mm or 1-1/4 tines of
maximum size of aggregate whichever is greater, with concrete between
them.
a) Placing in position: Reinforcement rods shall be placed in position as
shown in the drawing. Rods at the points of intersection shall be securely
tied together with two strands of annealed steel wire 0.90 to 1.6mm thick
twisted tight to make the skeleton of the steel work rigid so that
reinforcement does not get displaced during the deposition of concrete.
b) The rods shall be kept in position for beams and slabs as specified by the
architect in the drawing for cover blocks in cement mortar 1:2 mix about
4cmx4cm section and of thickness equal to specified cover for sides and
bottom of beams and slabs to enable to receive the concrete.

CEMENT CONCRETE:

 Materials for general 1:2:4 mix are cement, sand (fine aggregate) and
coarse aggregate (crushed broken hard stone obtained from approved
quarry) and water.
 Cement must be of best and fresh Portland cement and confirm to I.S 269
up to date modification.
 For other concrete items columns , beams and slabs M 150- 1:2:4 mix or
M200 1:1-1/2:3 mix is used one part of port land cement , 2parts of river
sand and 4 parts of coarse aggregate of size 20mm are used.
 M150 based on I.S 456 with a compressive strength of 150kg/sqcmM200
strength 200kg / sqcm.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 Water used must be clean and free from acid alkaline and other impurities,
generally potable water is used.
 Proportion of cement, sand and coarse aggregate shall be measured by
measuring box 30cmx30cmx38cm or of suitable size equivalent to content
of one bag of cement of 1/30cum or0.035cum, cement shall be measured
by bag weighing 50kg. Sand shall be measured on the basis of its dry
volume, while measuring aggregate shaking, ramming or hammering shall
not be done.
 All materials including cement to be mixed in dry state, water to be slowly
added by hose until the mixture is thoroughly wet. The quantity of water
for 1:2:4 mix for one bag of cement to get required consistency is 30
litters.
 Mixing – hand mixing and machine mixing can be done depending upon
the work. All structural work shall be mixed in mixture machine.
 Mixing time in machine –the mixture shall be mixed in the drum for a
period of not less than 2minutes and until uniform colour and consistency
are obtained. The time counted from the time all materials are put in drum.
Concrete to be immediately used and thoroughly rammed before
setting commences .concrete shall be laid gently in layers not
exceeding 15cm and shall be thoroughly vibrated by means of
mechanical vibrator till a dense concrete is obtained.

 Now a days for larger quantity of concrete it is mixed in a batcher plant in

a ready mixed form transported in container lorry with larger revolving
drum, the concrete is transferred from the drum to the roof top by means
of pump and the concrete is poured at required place by means of hose.
Architects can specify this concrete also.
 In case of rainy season freshly laid concrete should be protected from rain
by suitable covering.
 Measurement should be of exact dimension as shown in the drawing.
 Curing: Freshly laid concrete shall be protected from rain by suitable
covering. After 24hrs of laying concrete the surface shall be cured by
flooding with water about 25mm depth and curing shall be done for a
minimum period of 14 days.
 Removing form work :In a slab and beam construction sides of beam shall
be stripped first after three days and the rest after 21 days curing after
attaining the maximum strength- the under sides of slabs and lastly under
side of beam can be removed after attaining full strength.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

SPECIFICATION OF FIRST CLASS BRICK WORK IN CEMENT

MORTAR:

 Materials needed brick, cement, sand and water, scaffolding materials for
super structure.
 Bricks- shall be of first class of standard specification thoroughly
burnt regular in shape size and with sharp edges in corners.
They shall be of uniform red and emit ringing sound when struck, free from
cracks, chips, lumps and efflorescence. Dry bricks shall not absorb more
than 1/6th of their wt. when immersed in water for 1hr, shall have
compressive or crushing strength not less than 100kg/sqcm and not more
than 125kg/sqcm.

 Soaking of bricks: All bricks shall be thoroughly soaked in water by

submerging them in clean water for 4hrs just before use. The wetted bricks
stacked on clean platform.
 Cement fresh Portland cement of standard quality, sand medium coarse,
clean, sharp and free from dirt’s etc. And water generally potable water.
 Cement mortar- a bag of cement shall be taken as 0.035cum-one bag weighs
50kg sand in specified proportion shall be measured in boxes of suitable
size 35cmx25cmx40cm, sand is measured on basis of dry volume. In case of
damp sand the quantity shall be increased suitably for bulk age. Mortar may
be of 1:3 to 1:6 mix as specified
 Mixing of mortar shall be done on a solid clean water tight platform, cement
and sand mixed dry till of uniform colour and then water added gradually
mixed wet at least three times evenly to have a workable consistency .The
prepared mortar shall be used within 30 minutes.
 Laying of bricks: The brick laying shall be of English bond unless
specially specified. Every course shall be truly horizontal and wall shall be
true to plumb. A layer of mortar shall be spread of full width over a suitable
length of the lower course. Each brick shall be properly bedded with frog
upward except in top course where shall be placed downward and set in
position by tapping with handle of towel or wooden mallet. Its inside faces
shall be buttered with mortar before next brick is laid and pressed against it.

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

Vertical joints of consecutive course shall not come directly under one
another, vertical joints in alternate course shall cone directly over one
another. Mortar joints shall not exceed 6mm (¼”) thickness and joints shall
be fully filled with mortar. Half or cut brick shall not be used except where
necessary. Brick work shall be carried not more than 1mt. (3ft) height at a
time. When one part of the wall has to be delayed stepping shall be left at an
angle of 45 degrees. Corbelling or projection made shall not be more than ¼
brick projections in one course. All joints shall be raked and face of wall
cleaned at end of each day’s work.
 Curing- the brick work shall be kept wet for a period of at least 10 days
after laying.
 Protection – the brickwork shall be protected from effect of sun, rain, frost
etc during construction.
 Scaffolding: Necessary and suitable scaffolding shall be provided to
facilitate the construction of brick wall for heights. The scaffolding shall be
sound and strong to with stand the load, in single scaffolding the inner end
of horizontal scaffolding pole shall rest in a hole provided in the header
course for the purpose. Only one header for each pole shall be left out. Such
holes shall be filled and made good before plastering.

HALF BRICK THICK PARTITION IN CEMENT MORTAR:

 Bricks shall be first class bricks’) the proportion of cement mortar shall be
1:3 mix (cement 1 and sand 3).
 The brick work shall be done in the same manner as brick in cement mortar,
here all course shall be laid with stretches and between the min and the
partition walls there shall be T junction at each end. For T junction alternate
layers of bricks of partition wall shall be entered by half brick depth in
adjoining walls. Curing shall be done as for regular brick work.

REINFORCED BRICK WORK:

 Reinforced brick work –is done under architect’s specification where in half
brick work (4-1/2”) has been laid for a length of more than 3 mts and for a
height of 3mts.
 laying of well soaked bricks in water laid in cement mortar 1:3 mix for a ht.
of 90cm, then over which reinforcement rod 12mm diameter 2nos or as
specified for a length of 3mt. are placed in a screed of mortar allowed to dry

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

for three days and cured well over which again brick work shall be laid for a
height of 90cm, and then reinforcement laid again this process shall be
carried out till it reaches 3mt height.
 Similar reinforcement brick work shall be carried out for lintels where in a
temporary shuttering is laid for the bottom of the lintel then reinforcement
as specified 3 or 4 rods are laid on the shuttering with the bearing of width
of the wall, then a screed of 1:3 mix c.m is laid on the reinforcement to
cover the thickness of the rods over which immediately a well soaked brick
on edge laid in c.m 1:3 mix, and next course of brick is laid as usual after
curing for three days the props are removed and shuttering is removed and
soffit is plastered.

DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC):

 Damp course – A layer of water impervious material insulating the wall or

floor above it.
 Materials: Damp proof course shall consist of cement, coarse sand, and
stone aggregate in proportion 1:1-1/2: 3 with 2% of water proof compound
of standard specification (1kg per bag of cement). The damp proof course
shall be applied at plinth level in a horizontal layer of 2.5cm thick. The
cement fresh port land cement, sand coarse 5mmth stone aggregate 20mm
and CICO water proof compound.
 Mixing: Done in masonry platform in the proportion o 1:1-1/2: 3 by
measuring with measuring boxes. The cement is first mixed thoroughly with
water proofing compound to the required quantity, then mixed with sand dry
in the proportion 1:1-1/2, then mixed cement and sand is with stone
aggregate in the proportion 1:1-1/2:3, clean water shall then be added slowly
and gradually while being mixed to give a plastic mix of workable
consistency. The mixing done by turning at least three times to give uniform
homogeneous concrete.
 Laying- damp proof course may be laid to the full width of plinth or the
super structure as specified in the drawing, to a thickness of 2.5 cm to 4c.m
as specified. In case of plinth surface shall not be laid on doorways or any
openings. DPC shall then be consolidated by tamping and levelled both
longitudinally and transversely. Before laying surface shall be cleaned and
wetted by watering before concrete is laid. Laying shall be completed on

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

same day without any joints. Where ever sides shuttering needed to confine
the concrete is provided and shall be removed after three days.
 Curing: DPC shall be cured by watering and kept wet for seven days and
the construction of wall above may be started after seven days, no brick
work shall be commenced on freshly laid damp proof coursed minimum 48
hrs curing is needed.
 Alternatively damp proof course of cement mortar 1:2 of 2cm thick with
water proof compound is also laid no aggregate rest all specifications are the
same.

SPECIFICATION OF PLASTERING IN CEMENT MORTAR:

 Materials: fresh Portland cement, sand shall be of medium quality cleaned

from dirt etc. and water all of standard specification.
 Preparation of surface: The joints of brick work shall be raked out to depth
of 18mm and surface of wall brushed, cleaned, and wetted with water before
plastering, in case of concrete walls the face shall be roughened lightly.
 Mixing of mortar: proportion 1: 3 mix or 1:4mix of cement and sand or as
specified. Cement and sand in measured quantity to be mixed first dry
thoroughly till of uniform colour and wetted by adding water slowly and
gradually mixing for at least four times to get uniform workable consistency.
 For ceiling plastering 6 to 10mm thick stage scaffolding shall be provided as
per need of the work and this shall be independent of walls plastering. The
mortar mix is 1: 3, to ensure even thickness gauges of plaster 15cmx15cm as
not more than 1.5mt intervals in both direction as guides. Ceiling plastering
shall be completed first before starting wall plastering.
 Plastering of walls- 12mm thick in c.m 1:4 mix applied in two or three
coats.to ensure uniform thickness of plastering patches of 15cmx15cm
(6”)strip 1m (3ft) apart shall be applied to act as guide. First mortar shall be
dashed and pressed over the surface and then brought to a smooth and
uniform surface by means of float and trowel. The plastering shall be started
from the top and worked towards bottom. External plastering the same
method is worked.
 Curing -The plastered surface shall be kept wet by sprinkling water after 12
hrs for 7 days.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 Cement pointing: The joints of the brick work is raked to a depth of at least
12mm shall be done with long nails, then the wall shall be brushed , cleaned
and washed with water and kept wet 2hours before pointing. Mortar in c.m
1; 2 or 1:3 mix, for flush pointing- both horizontal and vertical joints shall be
filled with mortar and pressed with a pointing trowel and finished of flush
with the edges of bricks so as to produce an even appearance to the brick
work.

FLOORING SPECIFICATION AND WHAT ARE DIFFERENT KIND

OF FLOORINGS:

 After ceiling and wall plastering over generally flooring is laid. Before
laying ordinary cement flooring or any other flooring for that matter a
levelling course of p.c.c. 1:5:10 is laid for a thickness of 4-
1/2”.Thenthickness gauges of plaster 15cmx15cm as not more than 1.5mt
intervals in both direction as guides. Then flooring is laid with c.m 1:3 mix
and trowel finish. Alternatively red oxide powder mixed in mortar in 1:1-/12
mix laid to give a uniform finish. Curing shall be done for seven days after
the setting of floor finish. Then when floor is thoroughly dry mansion floor
wax polish is given to give a shining finish.

 The other different kind of floorings are mosaic or terrazzo flooring consists
of two layers the under layer usually of 20mm thick cement mortar 1:2:4 or
as specified and the top layer usually 6mm thick terrazzo consisting of
marble powder, marble chips in specified proportion and water.

 The other flooring tiles, Granite, Marble, Ceramic, virtuous tiles are
available in various colours and thickness are laid in cement mortar as per
design and specification.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

SPECIFICATIONS OF GLAZED TILES IN SKIRTING AND

DADOO:

 The glazed tile shall be of approved make confirming to IS 777 updated.

They shall be flat and true to shape and free from cracks, crazing spots,
chipped edges and corners. Glazing shall be uniform shade.
 The tiles shall be of 150x150mm or of specified sizes, thickness 5mm or
6mm as specified. The back and edge of the tile shall be completely free
from glaze so that tile may adhere properly to the base.
 Preparation of surface –while the masonry is being laid joint shall be raked
out to a depth of 15mm in masonry walls., washed with water and kept wet
before fixing of glazed tiles.
 Laying: 12mm thick plaster of cement mortar 1:3 or as specified shall be
applied and allowed to harden. The plaster shall be roughened with wire
brush by scratching diagonally at close intervals.
 Fixing of tiles – The tiles should be soaked in water washed clean, and a
coat of cement slurry applied liberally at the back of tiles and set in the
bedding mortar. The tiles shall be tamped and corrected to proper plane and
line. The tiles shall be set in required pattern and butt jointed. The joints
shall be as fine as possible. Skirting and dadoo tiles rest on the top of
Flooring. Where full size ties cannot be fixed, shall be cut to required shape
and their edges rubbed smooth.
 Curing and finish: The joints shall be cleaned of the grey cement grout with
wire brush to a depth of 2to 3mm and all dust and loose mortar removed.
Joints shall then be flush pointed with white cement and pigments of
required colour of tiles. The surface shall be kept wet for 7 days. After
curing the surface should not sound hollow when tapped with wooden
mallet.

JOINERIES IN WOOD, STEEL AND ALUMINUM:

SPECIFICATION OF WOODWORK FRAMES OF DOORS AND

WINDOWS:

 Timber shall be as specified, teak , shisham ,sal , or deodar etc., shall be

seasoned timbers free from saps ,knots, cracks, and other defects and neatly
finished to exact dimension as per drawing may be of size 7.5x10cm
10cmx10cm, 8x12cm or similar section

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

 Joints shall be of mortise and Tenon type simple, neat and strong. Mortise
and Tenon joints shall fit in fully and accurately without wedging or filling.
The joints shall be glued framed, put together with hard wood or bamboo
pins not less than 10mm dia, concealed faces of frames shall be painted
with two coats of solingnum and other faces two coats of primer before
fixing.
 The frames shall be placed in position truly vertical before the masonry
half the height of the opening with iron clamps as specified. In case of
doors frames without sills the vertical member shall be embedded in the
flooring to a depth of 40mm or as specified by architect. For doors frames
without sills while placing in position shall be strutted (a brace or member
under compression in a frame work) and wedged (a section inserted
between adjacent members to apply pressure) in order to prevent damage to
frame.

SPECIFICATION OF WOODEN DOORS AND WINDOWS

SHUTTERS:

 The shutters may be panelled, glazed, part panelled, part glazed, battened,
Venetian or as specified.
 The thickness of shutters shall be 3cm to 5cm (1-1/2” to 2”) or as specified.
All pieces shall be accurately cut and planned smooth to full dimension.
All members of shutters shall be straight without any warp bow etc. In case
of panelled shutters corners and edges shall be finished as in drawings and
these shall be feather tongued into styles and rails. The panel shall be framed
into grooves to the full depth groove leaving an air space of 1.5mm and the
faces shall be tightly fitted to the sides of groove. In case of glazed shutter
sash bar shall have metered joints (the junction of two members at an angle)
with styles. The styles and rails shall be framed properly and accurately with
mortise and Tenon. The Tenon shall pass through styles at least 3/4 th of
width of style. The styles and rails should have 12mm groove in panel
portion for panel to fit in. Glazed shutters glasses shall be fixed with nails
and putty or wooden beading s over as specified.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

SPECIFICATION OF STEEL DOORS AND WINDOWS:

 The steel doors and windows shall be according to specified sizes and
design shall be made of rolled steel sections of specified IS. Actual size
shall not vary by more than 1.5mm as per drawing dimension, the sizes
shall be calculated to allow 1.25cm clearance on all four sides of opening
to allow easy fitting of doors, windows and ventilators. It shall be fixed top
hung, bottom hung, centre hung or composite hung as specified.
 Fabrication-Both the fixed and opening frames shall be constructed of
sections which have been cut to length and metered. The corners fixed and
opening frames shall be welded to form a solid fused welded joint
confirming to requirement and specifications. All frames shall be square
and flat of specified size.
 Door fixing – the hinge pin shall be electro-galvanized of suitable thickness
and size, the first closing leaf shall be the left hand leaf locking at the door
from push side. The first closing shutter shall have concealed steel bolt at
top and bottom. Single and double shutter door shall be provided with three
way bolting device.
 Windows – for fixing steel hinges slots shall be cut in the fixed frame and
hinges inserted inside and welded to the fixed frame, handles stay are all
welded as per size and specification.

ALUMINUM DOORS AND WINDOWS:

 Anodized aluminium glazed doors and windows are used in the modern
buildings. They are light weight and preferred for easy and fast fixing. All
are prefabricated and assembled at site. The frames are of square section
size as specified in drawings and shutter frames flat. Glass is fixed with
rubber beadings minimum of 5mm thick glass for doors and 4mm thick for
windows are used. They can be sliding, openable fixed according to
specifications. All hinges, stays bolts locks shall be provided in aluminium
or brass and screwed or embedded .Needs no finish saving on paint varnish
etc. and easily maintainable.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

PAINTING OF WALLS:

SPECIFICATION OF CEMENT PAINT IN WALLS:

 Cement paint for walls is a decorative waterproof cement coating also

known as snowcem, supercem, durocem etc. This is made with base of
white Portland cement with finely powdered colouring pigment to have
desired colour and comes in powered form in 50kg, 25kg, and 5kg
packing in various colours.
 Preparation of surface: for new work the surface shall be thoroughly
cleaned of mortar droppings and other foreign matters by use of stiff wire
brush and washed. The surface shall be thoroughly wetted with clean
water shall be allowed to run off before the cement paint is applied.
 Mixing- the cement paint of desired colour shall be mixed in sufficient
quantity and shall be used within one hour of mixing. The full pack before
opening must be rolled and then the desired quantity is taken mixed with
water as per manufacturer’s instructions. Normally for snowcem equal
volume of cement powder and water is mixed thoroughly in clean
container and well stirred to get uniform consistency. The lids of the drum
containing remaining paint shall be kept tightly closed or cement paint
rapidly becomes air set.
 The mixture shall be applied on the prepared wet surface with good
quality broad brush or spraying machine. The mixture shall be stirred
during application. For hand brush horizontal strokes shall be done first
and vertical strokes shall be applied immediately. The surface shall be
finished as uniformly as possible leaving no brush marks second or
subsequent coat shall be applied after the previous coat has set at least 24
hrs. For each coat surface shall be well wetted.
 At the end of day’s work each coat shall be wetted with a fine water spray.
Any painted surface shall be wetted after an interval of at least 6 to 8 hrs
after the application of the paint.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

SPECIFICATION OF DISTEMPERING AND OIL-BOUND

DISTEMPER ON WALLS:

 The distemper paint is ready mix powder comes in various colours. It is

thoroughly mixed in quantity of water as prescribed by the manufacturer.
Oil bound distemper –oil is mixed in dry powder form by the manufacturer
while manufacturing. It is also mixed with water as specified by the
manufacturer, applying method for both are same.
 b) Mixing - first distemper powder is mixed in sufficient quantity of water
mixed well uniformly and then water is added for thinning. Only required
quantity shall be taken 12kg per 100sqm for 1st coat and 7.5 kg /100 sq.m
for subsequent coats, shall be mixed at a time required for the day’s work,
shall be well stirred before and during use for uniform and even
consistency.
 Preparation of surface – new surface shall be thoroughly brushed free from
mortar droppings and other foreign matters and any efflorescence shall be
wiped out clean with cloth. Surface shall be dry before painting with
distemper.
 Applying- distemper shall be applied with proper distemper brushes and
not with white wash brush, and not in wet weather. First applied
horizontally and immediately crossed of vertically which together
constitute a coat.
 The consequent coat shall be applied only when the previous coat is dried
and finish shall not show any brush marks, shall be even and uniform. The
application of one coat shall be finished for one room in one operation
.After day’s work brush shall be washed with hot water and kept dry.
ACRYLIC EMULSION PAINT:

Acrylic emulsion or plastic emulsion is a ready mixed paint with methylated

Spirt base ready mixed paints are available in all shades of colour can be
applied on wood or cement plastering or any other surface. It dries very
quickly .Hence preferred. The application method is as same as for
distemper, cleaning. Putty. Then emulsion paint 3 coats or as specified.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

PAINTING OF WOOD WORK AND STEEL FRAMES GRILLS:

Specification of painting of steel works:

 All dirt’s, rust scales, delivery marks oil, grease etc. shall be removed by
rubbing with sand paper, special care shall be taken for cleaning corners.
All steel joineries shall be painted with red led primer before erection. Two
or three coats of ready mixed enamel paint of suitable colour as specified
shall be painted to the surfaces covering well. After each coat it should be
allowed to dry before the next coat
METHOD OF PAINTING OF WOOD WORK:

 The wood surface to be painted is rubbed down to smooth with medium

size sand paper and thoroughly cleaned. Nile holes and other cracks shall
be filled with putty made of two parts of mineral whiting, one part of white
lead mixed together in linseed oil(putty is also readily available in market)
and roughed down to smooth by medium size sand paper. Now the surface
is ready for painting.
 first a coat of wood primer consists one part of white lead to 8 parts of
chalk ground and mixed together 4 parts of double boiled linseed oil
(readily available in market) is painted and allowed to dry, then two coats
of enamel paint or readymade moist paint as specified of the desired colour
of good quality as per specification shall be painted without any brush
mark.
Each coat shall be allowed to dry up before the other successive coat is
painted. Final coat shall be applied in the perpendicular direction to that of
first coat. The paint shall be stirred occasionally with a stick so that paint
does not settle down.

DETAIL SPECIFICATION OF VARNISHING:

 Varnishing of wood work – the surface shall be cleaned beforehand.

 Two coats of boiled linseed oil or two thin coats of glue as specified shall
be applied and each such coat allowed to dry and rubbed down smooth
with fine sand paper. Specified quality of Gopal varnish shall then be laid
on the surface.
 The varnish shall be applied freely well in using strong free firm strokes
with brushes and spread evenly. The brushed surface shall be well

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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SIGMA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
MOODODU, ANDUCODE POST
KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT - 629 168

wormed and perfectly cleaned, sand paper shall not be rubbed across the
grain, which may cause finest marks on the finished surface. For new
wood work two coats of varnish shall be applied allowed to dry after each
coat. Varnish work shall be under taken on bright sunny days.

DESCRIPTION OF FRENCH POLISHING:

 French polishing normally done on teak wood entrance doors, teak wood
furniture’s. The surface shall be rubbed down to smooth with sand paper
and well dusted, visible knots etc. if any shall be covered with preparation
of red lead glue size laid on while hot. Holes and indentations spots shall
be stopped with glazier putty. The surface then be given a coat of wood
filler made with mixing whiting (ground chalk in methylated spirit
combination 1.5kg of whiting with 1litre of spirit, rubbed down again
with sand paper and wiped clean.
 For polishing pure shellac varying from pale orange to lemon colour free
from resin or dirt shall be dissolved in methylated spirit at 1.5 to 1litre of
spirit suitable pigment shall be added to get required shade. The prepared
polish shall then be applied by a pad of woollen cloth covered by fine
cotton cloth.
The pad shall be moistened in polish and rubbed hard on the prepared wood
surface in series of overlapping circle applying the mixture sparingly but
uniform ally (the step of moistening the pad shall be done when needed)
over the entire area to give an even level surface. For finish the surface
should be allowed to dryagainapply. To finish pad shall be covered with
fresh piece of clean fine cotton cloth damped with methylated spirit and
rubbed lightly and quickly with circular motions.

UNIT 2 – specification writing

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