STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS PART 1 – ROADS

4.3.7 Aggregates for Cementitious Material Concrete

4.3.7.1 General
Aggregates shall consist of tough, hard, durable, and uncoated particles. All aggregates shall meet
the requirements as specified herein or in the project particular specifications.
To permit samples to be taken in the presence of an Engineer and Contractor representative, the
Contractor shall advise the Engineer of sources of aggregates sufficiently in advance of work.
Samples of the aggregates shall be tested and approved by the representative prior to delivery to
the site of the works. Approval of aggregate quality and gradation shall not waive the responsibility
of the Contractor to fabricate concrete to the strength specified.
Cementitious material concrete aggregates shall be manufactured from ledge rock, talus, or sand
and gravel in accordance with these Standard Specifications. Material from which concrete
aggregate is manufactured shall meet the Los Angeles wear requirements for 500 revolutions, 35 %
max per AASHTO T 96.
A certificate from an approved laboratory shall be submitted by the Contractor to show the shrinkage
characteristics of the aggregate. Drying shrinkage of concrete samples made from each of the
required three concrete mixtures for preparing the compressive- and flexural-strength samples shall
not exceed 0.04 %. Shrinkage per AASHTO T 160 shall not exceed shrinkage of the reference
aggregate by more than:
1. 130 % for prestressed concrete, concrete bridge decks, and slender columns;
2. 150 % for other reinforced concrete members; and

3. 200 % for mass concrete substructures, unreinforced concrete head walls, and wing walls.
Aggregates tested in accordance with AASHTO T 303 or ASTM C1260, with expansion greater than
0.20 % undergo an alkali silica reaction (ASR) and shall require mitigating measures described in
Article 4.3.7.7 below. Aggregates tested in accordance with ASTM C1293, with expansion greater
than 0.04 %, are ASR and shall require mitigating measures as described in Article 4.3.7.7. ASR is
an expansion mechanism that occurs over time in which the alkaline cement paste reacts with silica
in the aggregate or other concrete constituents causing spalling, loss of strength, and even failure of
the concrete.

4.3.7.2 Fine Aggregate

Fine aggregate shall consist of natural sand or other inert materials, or combinations thereof, having
hard, strong, durable particles and conforming to AASHTO M 6, except as otherwise indicated in
these Standard Specifications. Fine aggregates shall be washed with fresh potable water. They shall
be free from extraneous materials, clay balls, organic matter, or other deleterious material in
accordance with AASHTO M 6, Class B, including the reactive aggregate supplementary
requirement, and these additional limitations:
1. Quantity of clay lumps shall not exceed 1.0 % by weight
2. Combined chlorides and sulphates shall not exceed 1,000 ppm by weight
3. Organic matter shall not be darker than the reference standard colour (organic plate No. 3) per
AASHTO T 21, unless a darker colour is proved to be harmless per AASHTO T 71 and the
compressive strength of the mortar at 7 and 28 days is at least 90 % that of a mortar prepared
in the same manner with the same Type II cement and graded Ottawa sand having a fineness
modulus of 2.40 ± 0.10
Fine aggregate grading shall conform to the following requirements shown in Table 4-10:
Table 4-10: Fine aggregate gradation, percent passing by weight

Sieve size (square mm) Type 1 fine aggregate Type 2 fine aggregate

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Allowable range Allowable range

9.5 100a minimum 100 minimum
4.75 95 to 100a 95 to 100
2.36 68 to 86a -
1.18 47 to 65a 45 to 80
0.600 27 to 42a -
0.300 9 to 20b 10 to 30
0.150 0 to 7b 2 to 10
0.075 0 to 2.5b 0 to 2.5
a
Variation of 2 % under the minimum or over the maximum permitted on individual tests, provided the
average of three consecutive tests is within specified limits.
b
Variation of 0.5 % under the minimum or over the maximum permitted on individual tests, provided the
average of three consecutive tests is within specified limits.

Fine aggregate shall also be evaluated for the following:

• Fineness: per AASHTO M 6
• Soundness: per AASHTO M 6, using sodium sulphate
• Sand equivalency: per AASHTO T 176, shall be at least 75

4.3.7.3 Coarse Aggregate

Coarse aggregate shall be gravel, crushed stone, or other inert material or combinations thereof,
having hard, strong, durable pieces free from adherent coatings. Coarse aggregate shall be
homogeneous, clean, and free from organic matter, mesh, alkaline, and extraneous or detrimental
material. Mesh material often appears with natural occurring aggregates. Orders to wash the coarse
aggregate may be made by the Engineer to remove deleterious material; or the Engineer may reject
material that does not comply with these Standard Specifications.
Coarse aggregates shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M 80, Class A, including the
supplementary reactive aggregate requirement and except as otherwise indicated in these Standard
Specifications. Coarse aggregate for cementitious material concrete shall conform to one or more of
the standard size grading shown in Table 4-11, whose source is Table 1 in AASHTO M 43.
Table 4-11: Grading of coarse aggregate for cementitious material concrete, allowable
range, percent by mass

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (mm)

Sieve size
37.5 25 19 12.5 9.5
(square mm)
50 100 - - - -
37.5 95 to 100 100 - -
25.0 - 95 to 100 100 - -
19.0 35 to 70 - 90 to 100 100 -
12.5 - 25 to 60 - 90 to 100 -

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Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (mm)

Sieve size
37.5 25 19 12.5 9.5
(square mm)
9.5 10 to 30 - 20 to 55 40 to 70 85 to 100
4.75 0 to 5 0 to 10 0 to 10 0 to 15 10 to 30
2.36 - 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 10
1.18 - - - - 0 to 5
In individual tests, a variation of 4 percentage points under the minimum or over the maximum shall be
allowed if the average of 3 consecutive tests is within the required limits.

Coarse aggregate shall contain no piece greater than 2 times the maximum sieve size for the
specified grading measured along the line of greatest dimension.
If the Engineer approves, coarse aggregate may be blended from other sizes under the following
conditions:
a. Resulting aggregate meets all requirements for the approved grading
b. Each size used makes up at least 5 % of the blend
c. Contractor supplies to the Engineer grading and proportions for the proposed sizes
Amount of deleterious substances in coarse aggregate shall not exceed the limits given in AASHTO
M 80 for Class A, with the following modifications:
1. Clay lumps shall not exceed 0.25 % by mass
2. For coarse aggregate with a single-face fracture content of at least 25 % by mass, material
finer than the 0.075 mm sieve may increase to 1.5 % by mass. Fracture requirement shall be
at least one fractured face and shall apply to the combined aggregate retained on the 4.75 mm
sieve per AASHTO T 335
3. Pieces with specific gravity less than 1.95 shall not exceed 2.0 % by mass
With the approval of the Engineer, reclaimed concrete aggregate may be used as coarse aggregate
for hydraulic cement concrete in accordance with AASHTO MP 16.

4.3.7.4 Combined Aggregate Gradation for Cementitious Material

Concrete
As an option to using coarse- and fine-graded aggregates for cementitious material concrete, a
combined gradation may be used. Combined aggregates shall consist of sand, gravel, crushed
stone, or other inert material or combinations thereof, having hard, strong durable particles free from
adherent coatings. Aggregates shall be washed to remove clay, loam, alkali, organic matter, silt,
bark, sticks, or other deleterious matter.
Deleterious substances shall be limited to the amounts shown in Table 4-12.
Table 4-12: Allowable combined aggregate contamination

Substance Percent by mass

Clay lumps 0.3
Material finer than a 0.075 mm sieve 2.0
Pieces of specific gravity less than 1.95 2.0

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Shale 1.0
Organic matter, by colourimetric test, shall not be darker than the reference standard colour (organic
plate No. 3) AASHTO T 21 unless other tests prove a darker colour to be harmless.
Los Angeles wear for material retained on the 4.75 mm sieve shall not exceed 35% after 500 revolutions,
per AASHTO T 96.

Nominal maximum aggregate size is defined as the largest sieve size to retain between zero and 10
% of the aggregate by mass. If a nominal maximum aggregate size is not specified, the Contractor
shall determine the nominal maximum aggregate size. In no case shall the maximum aggregate size
exceed:
1. One-fifth of the narrowest dimension between sides of the forms
2. One-third the depth of slabs
3. Three-fourths of the minimum clear spacing between individual reinforcing bars, bundles of
bars, or pre-tensioning strands.
Combined aggregate shall conform to the requirements of Table 4-13, based upon the nominal
maximum aggregate size.
Table 4-13: Combined aggregate gradation based on nominal maximum aggregate size,
percent by mass passing

Sieve size Nominal maximum aggregate size (mm)

(square mm) 37.5 25.0 19.0 12.5 9.5 4.75
50 100 - - - - -
87 to
37.5 100 - - - -
100*
25.0 - 82 to 100* 100 - - -
19.0 62 to 88 - 87 to 100* 100 - -
12.5 - 57 to 83 - 81 to 100* 100 -
9.5 43 to 64 - 60 to 88 - 86 to 100* 100
4.75 29 to 47 34 to 54 41 to 64 48 to 73 - 68 to 100*
2.36 19 to 34 22 to 39 27 to 47 31 to 54 39 to 73 -
1.18 12 to 25 14 to 29 17 to 34 20 to 39 24 to 54 28 to 73
600 µm 7 to 18 8 to 21 9 to 25 11 to 29 13 to 39 16 to 54
300 µm 3 to 14 3 to 15 4 to 18 5 to 21 6 to 29 7 to 39
150 µm 0 to 10 0 to 11 0 to 14 0 to 15 0 to 21 0 to 29
75 µm 0 to 2.0 0 to 2.0 0 to 2.0 0 to 2.0 0 to 2.0 0 to 2.0
* = Nominal maximum size

Each component aggregate may be sampled by the Engineer prior to introduction to the weigh
batcher. Each component shall be sieve analysed alone per AASHTO T 27. All material components
shall be mathematically re-combined by proportions in a weighted average and supplied by the
Contractor.
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4.3.7.5 Lightweight Aggregate

Lightweight aggregate shall conform to AASHTO M 195.

4.3.7.6 Aggregate for Kerb and Barrier

Fine aggregates for kerb and barrier shall be uniformly graded up to a maximum size of 9.5 mm and
shall contain sufficient fines to create the required surface finish. Coarse aggregates shall meet the
requirements for Size 67 in Table 4-11.

4.3.7.7 Mitigation for Alkali Silica Reactive (ASR) Aggregate

Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is an expansion mechanism that occurs over time in which the alkaline
cement paste reacts with silica in the aggregate or other concrete constituents causing spalling, loss
of strength, and even failure of the concrete. Mitigating measures for aggregates with expansions
from 0.21 % to 0.45 %, when tested in accordance with AASHTO T 303 or ASTM C1260, may be
accomplished by using low-alkali cement as per Article 4.3.1.1 above or by using 25 % Class F fly
ash by total weight of the cementitious materials. Alternative mitigating measures may be submitted
by the Contractor to the Engineer for approval test results per ASTM C1567 that demonstrate the
mitigation, when used with the proposed aggregate, controls expansion to 0.20 % or less. To verify
its effectiveness, the Engineer may test the proposed ASR mitigation measure. In the event of a
dispute, the Engineer’s results shall prevail.
Mitigating measures for aggregates with expansions greater than 0.45 % when tested in accordance
with AASHTO T 303 or ASTM C1260 shall include the use of low-alkali cement per Article 4.3.1.1
and may include the use of fly ash, lithium compound admixtures, ground granulated blast-furnace
slag, or other material, as approved by the Engineer. Contractor shall submit evidence in the form of
test results from ASTM C1567 to the Engineer that demonstrate the proposed mitigation, when used
with the aggregates proposed, will control the potential expansion to 0.20 % or less before the
aggregate source may be used in concrete. Engineer may test the proposed ASR mitigation measure
to verify its effectiveness. In the event of a dispute, the Engineer’s results shall prevail.
ASTM C1293 sampling and testing must be coordinated through the Engineer. Cost of sampling,
testing, and processing shall be borne by the Contractor.

4.3.7.8 Tests and Acceptance

Aggregates for use in hydraulic cement concrete shall be tested per the following standards:
Table 4-14: Acceptance tests for coarse and fine aggregate

Material attribute Standard

Compressive strength ASTM C39M or AASHTO T 22
Organic impurities ASTM C40M or AASHTO T 21
Mortar strength ASTM C87M or AASHTO T 71
Soundness ASTM C88 or AASHTO T 104 1
Coal and lignite ASTM C123M or AASHTO T 113
Sieve analysis ASTM C136 or AASHTO T 27
Coarse aggregate shall withstand at least five cycles of immersion and drying in both sodium sulfate and
magnesium sulfate solutions, as prescribed in the soundness test, and shall show an average weight loss
of not more than 12 %.

Previously approved materials may be rejected if subsequent tests do not reflect compliance with
the requirements of the specified standards.
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4.3.7.9 Storage on the Site of the Works

Aggregates of different nominal sizes shall be stored separately and in such a manner as to prevent
segregation, contamination, and intermixing of different materials. Aggregates from different sources
shall not be mixed nor stored in the same pile.
Aggregate stockpiles shall be on hard, clean surfaces with not more than 5 % slope. Stockpiles shall
be built and removed in layers not exceeding 1 m in thickness and the centre of the storage area
shall be free of excess moisture. Aggregate that has become segregated or contaminated with
foreign matter during storage or handling shall be rejected, removed, and reprocessed or replaced
with material of acceptable quality. Aggregates shall be stored in sufficient quantity to ensure that
no interruption of concreting work occurs.
Aggregates exposed in coastal regions with marine salty air shall be covered to protect them from
salt contamination.

4.3.8 Water for Concrete Mixing and Curing

Unless otherwise authorised in writing by the Engineer, only water from a municipal potable water
supply system shall be used for mixing concrete and other products containing cementitious material.
Similarly, only potable water may be used for curing concrete and cementitious material products
during the first 24 hours after pouring. Later, fresh water, Sulaibiyah, including recycled sanitary-
effluent water, or other water containing not more than 4,000 ppm dissolved solids, of which not
more than 1,200 ppm may be chlorides, may be used for curing. All water for use with cementitious
material shall be free from detrimental concentrations of acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, and other organic
or chemical substances that could impair the durability and strength of the concrete or the imbedded
steel.
Water shall enter the mixers at as low a temperature as possible. Every effort shall be made to
protect water pipes and tanks from the sun, such as burying, shading, insulating, or painting pipes
white.

4.3.8.1 Tests and Acceptance

Water used shall be sampled, tested, and in compliance with AASHTO T 26. If the water contains
substances that cause discolouration, unusual or objectionable smell or taste, or other suspicious
content, the Engineer may require that the Contractor provide test results that document the
acceptability of the water per these Standard Specifications and requirements of Table 4-15.
Water used in concrete works shall have a pH between 5.0 and 8.0.
Table 4-15: Chemical limits for mix water
Maximum concentration
Contaminant Test method
(ppm)
Chloride (Cl) ASTM D512
Prestressed concrete 500
Bridge decks and superstructure 500
All other concrete 1,000
Sulfate (SO4) ASTM D516 1,000
Alkalis (Na2O + 0.658K2O) ASTM D4191 and 600
ASTM D4192
Total solids AASHTO T 26 50,000

Water used to mix and cure white hydraulic cement shall be free of iron and impurities that may
cause staining or discolouration.

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4.3.9 Classification of Concrete

Concrete classes used shall be as noted in the Contract plans, the particular specifications, and as
described in these Standard Specifications. Concrete classifications shall be per BS EN 206-1 and
BS 8500-1 and as modified by the following definitions.
a. Compressive strength class of a concrete mix will be designated as ”Xyy/zz” on the Contract
plans and in these Standard Specifications, where:
1. Prefix: ‘X’ = ‘C’ for normal-weight and heavyweight concrete or ‘LC’ for lightweight concrete
2. ‘yy’ = Minimum 28-day cube strength in N/mm2
3. ’zz’ = nominal maximum size of aggregate in mm
b. Class of concrete may be abbreviated by omitting the aggregate size, e.g. C20 in place of
C20/20.
The compressive strength classes are in N/mm2 (MPa). Typical concrete classes include:
• Normal Concretes: C15, C20, C25, C30, C35, C40, C45, C50, C60
• Lightweight Concretes: LC15, LC20, LC25, LC30, LC35, LC40, LC45, LC50, LC60
Table 4-16: Typical concrete classes

Proportions of
GGBS or Fly Ash
Characteristic* Max Free Water Max. by Weight of
Minimum Weight of
Concrete 28-day cube to Cementitious Agg. Total
Cementitious
Class Strength** Material Ratio Size Cementitious
Material (kg/m3)
(N/mm2) (kg per kg) (mm) Content (%)
GGBS Fly ash
C60/20 60 0.4 450 20 65 30
C50/20 50 0.4 445 20 65 30
C45/20 45 0.4 435 20 65 30
C40/20 40 0.4 425 20 65 30
C40/20W*** 40 0.4 425 20 65 30
C35/20 35 0.4 400 20 65 30
C30/20 30 0.4 350 20 65 30
C25/20 25 0.4 300 20 65 30
C20/20 20 0.5 250 20 65 30
C15/20 15 0.5 220 20 65 30
*The Preliminary (Design Target) Cube Strength shall be 33.3% higher than the characteristic strength
and in accordance with BS 8500-1- 2006+A1:2012.
**Refer to Article 4.3.12.3** C40/20W: Concrete to be placed under water and concrete for piles.

c. Letter designations following the class of concrete may sometimes be used to identify the
following specific uses:
1. P for piling applications
2. W for underwater applications
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3. D for deck applications

4. A for bridge approach slab applications
d. Letter designations following the use of concrete may sometimes be used to identify the
following specific slumps (for workability) as shown in Table 4-17:
Table 4-17: Concrete slump classifications

Slump classification Slump (mm)a Tolerance (mm)

X > 180 -
Y 180 ± 40
Z 120 ± 40
a
Maximum slump should not exceed the requirements of Article 4.3.12.6 unless otherwise approved
by the Engineer.

Design of the concrete mix and the proportions of the constituent materials necessary to produce
concrete that complies with these specifications shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
Typically, classes of concrete C10, C15, and C20 are used for mass concrete or non-structural
applications, while classes C25, C30, C35, C40, and higher strength concretes are used for
structural applications. All concrete classes shall be used as shown in the Contract plans and the
Particular Specifications.
Requests may be made by the Contractor, in writing, for permission to use a different class of
concrete than specified in the Contract plans or these Standard Specifications or the Particular
Specifications with either the same or a higher compressive strength than specified. Substitute
concrete shall be evaluated for acceptance based on the specified class of concrete. Responses
shall be received from the Engineer in writing. Added costs that result from the change shall be borne
by the Contractor.
Testing for acceptance of concrete shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.3.12.
Before starting any concrete work, the Contractor shall submit the following for approval by the
Engineer:
• Samples of the constituent materials of the concrete
• Statement of the mix proportions proposed for each class of concrete
• Evidence establishing that concrete made from the materials in the proposed proportions shall
have the required properties established in these standard specifications, the project particular
specifications, and the drawing
• Evidence that the mix designs and the concrete comply with these standard specifications
Any change in material source, aggregate size, or any component of the concrete requires
resubmittal of the above items and approval by the Engineer. Approval of mix design shall not relieve
the Contractor’s responsibility to produce concrete with the specified properties.

4.3.10 Contractor’s Proposed Concrete Mix Design

Before batching concrete, the Contractor shall submit, in writing, the proposed concrete mix design,
including all admixtures and all ingredient properties as confirmed with a Lab trial, for approval by
the Engineer. No concrete shall be placed until the Engineer has reviewed it and provided written
approval of the mix design based on a Plant trial to the Contractor. Arrangements for obtaining
approval of the mix design shall be made by the Contractor as early as possible. No Claims for delay
or compensation shall be considered on account of waiting for the Engineer's written approval or
instructions. Mix design submittals from the Contractor shall include the information in Table 4-18.

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Table 4-18: Contractor’s mix design submittal requirements

Names of Contract, Contractor, and the individual submitting mix For each cementitious material:
design • Mass per cubic metre
Date of submittal • Proposed source
• Type, class, or grade
Contract number • Specific gravity
Unique identification for each mix design • Material certification
Description of use for the particular mix design on the specific project
Concrete class For each admixture:
Concrete supplier, plant location, and plant number • Manufacturer
• Product name
Gradation of aggregate • Type
Maximum water-to-cement ratio • Estimated range (ml/m3)
• Material certification
Mass of mixing water per cubic metre of concrete
Indication of use of recycled or reclaimed water
Mix design density (kg/m3) For each aggregate component:
• Pit number
Test results and the calculated average for 28-day compressive
strength (MPa) • ASR results
• Grading
Test results and the calculated average for 14-day flexural strength • Percent of total aggregate
(MPa) • Specific gravity
Fineness modulus • Saturated surface dry
mass per cubic metre
Proposed ASR mitigation method • Material certification
Required average 28-day compressive strength shall be selected per the American Concrete
Institute (ACI) 318M, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.2. In addition to the requirements set out in these
specifications, ACI 211.1 and ACI 318M shall be consulted to determine proportions. Fine, coarse,
and combined aggregate shall conform to the applicable requirements of Section 4.3.7.
All preliminary trial batches and testing necessary to substantiate the proposed mix designs and
demonstrate that the mix design conforms to specification requirements shall be performed by the
Contractor. All trial batches and testing shall incorporate admixtures per the concrete mix design.
Concrete place-ability, workability, and strength shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
Contractor shall notify the Engineer in writing of any proposed mix design modifications. No concrete
of the revised mix design shall be placed until the Engineer has reviewed and provided written
approval of the revised mix design to the Contractor. Any delay due to such changes shall be entirely
the responsibility of the Contractor and no Claims for delay or compensation shall be considered,
except as follows:
1. When coloured concrete is required, the Contractor shall submit preliminary samples of the
coloured concrete.
2. Samples shall be a 1 m by 1 m by 100 mm panel for each mix to be coloured.
3. Panels shall be finished and cured in the same manner as the concrete in the works.
Concrete may be sampled at any time during the work by the Engineer to check compliance with the
approved mix design.

4.3.10.1 Proportioning of Materials

Proportioning of materials in the concrete mix shall be selected by the Contractor based on the
specified performance criteria. Cementitious material and other additive quantities used in the
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mixing shall be approved by the Engineer on the basis of preliminary tests and trial mixes. Mix
guidelines for specific classes of concrete are included in Table 4-16.
Proportioning of materials for concrete shall produce a plastic mixture that shall work readily into all
angles and corners of the forms, around all reinforcing steel, prestressing steel, and items that must
be built into the concrete, without segregation of materials or excess water collecting on the surface.
Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall use Type I, II, or V Portland cement in all concrete
as defined in Section 4.3.1. Type of cement shall be as shown on the Contract plans, as may be
included in the Particular Specifications and as otherwise required in these Standard Specifications.
In general, Types I and II shall be used for superstructure only and Type V for substructures in
contact with the earth.
Use of fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) shall be used if required in the
Particular Specifications, shown on the Contract plans or approved by the Engineer for all classes
of concrete. Class C fly ash shall not be used in sulfate-resistant concrete.
Fly ash, if used, shall not exceed 30% by weight of the total cementitious material and shall conform
to Section 4.3.2. GGBS, if used, shall be 65% by weight of the total cementitious material, and shall
conform to Section 4.3.3. When both ground GGBS and fly ash are included in the concrete mix, the
total weight of both these materials is limited to 35% by weight of the total cementitious material.
As an alternative to the use of fly ash, GGBS and cement as separate components, a blended
hydraulic cement that meets the requirements of Article 4.3.1.2 may be used if specifically approved
by the Engineer.
Supplementary cementing materials shall not be used when white hydraulic cement is specified.
Light-coloured aggregates shall be used when white hydraulic cement is required.
Use of recycled crushed hydraulic cement concrete as a coarse or fine aggregate shall be limited to
Classes C15 and C25 concrete. Recycled crushed concrete as a fine aggregate shall not exceed
20% of the fine aggregate. Use of recycled crushed hydraulic cement concrete shall only be used if
specifically approved by the Engineer.
Prior to starting concrete work, the Contractor shall submit approval samples of all concrete work
materials to the Engineer for testing. No materials forming any part of the concrete mix shall be
delivered to the site of the works before the Contractor receives written approval of such material by
the Engineer.

4.3.10.2 Water-to-cement Ratio

Water-to-cement ratios used in the concrete mix shall be selected by the Contractor based on the
specified performance criteria. Water quantities used in the mixing shall be approved by the
Engineer on the basis of preliminary tests and trial mixes. Water-to-cement ratios shall be calculated
on the total weight of cementitious material. Cementitious materials are Portland cement, fly ash,
ground granulated blast-furnace slag, and microsilica.
Approved mixes shall be the least amount that shall produce a workable homogeneous plastic
mixture that can be worked into the forms and around the reinforcement. In no circumstances shall
the consistency of the concrete be such as to permit a separation of the aggregate from the mortar
during handling. Excess water shall not be permitted and any batch containing such excess shall be
rejected.
In measuring water for each batch of concrete, an allowance shall be made for the water contained
in the aggregates and the water contained in any admixtures. Total water in the batch shall be
deemed to consist of the water carried by the aggregates plus the fluid content of admixtures plus
the water added.
Maximum water-to-cement ratios should not exceed the general mix requirements of Table 4-16 and
if not otherwise specified, the applicable requirements of Table 4.3.1 of ACI 318M, unless otherwise
approved by the Engineer.

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4.3.10.3 Controlled Density Fill (CDF) Concrete

Controlled density fill (CDF) concrete is a self-compacting, cementitious, flowable material requiring
no subsequent vibration or tamping to achieve consolidation. Mix designs shall be provided, in
writing, by the Contractor to the Engineer for approval with ACI 229 used as a guide to develop the
CDF mix design. No CDF shall be placed until the Engineer has approved the mix design. CDF shall
be designed to have a minimum 28-day strength of 0.35 MPa and a maximum 28-day strength of
not more than 2.0 MPa. CDF consistency shall be flow-able with an approximate slump of 70 mm to
250 mm.
To develop the CDF mix design, the Contractor shall use the following test methods:
1. For 28-day compressive strength – ASTM D4832
2. For unit weight, yield, and air content – ASTM D6023
3. For slump – AASHTO T 119M.
Water-to-cement ratios shall be calculated on the total weight of cementitious material. Cementitious
materials are Portland cement, fly ash, GGBS, and slurried microsilica fume. Water calculation shall
account for the moisture content of the microsilica fume slurry.
Admixtures used in CDF shall meet the requirements of Section 4.3.6. Foaming agents, if used, shall
meet the requirements of ASTM C869M. Admixtures shall be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations and non-chloride accelerating admixtures may be used to
accelerate the hardening of CDF.
CDF shall meet the requirements of Article 4.3.12.2 and shall be accepted based on a certificate of
compliance provided by the Contractor for each truckload of CDF, in accordance with Article
4.3.12.1.

4.3.10.4 Mortar and Grout

Grout shall be a pumpable mixture of cement, sand, admixtures, and water, with constituent
materials that meet the following requirements:
1. Portland cement, water, and admixtures shall meet the requirements of their respective
subsections of Section 4.3
2. Ground granulated blast furnace slag shall not be used
3. Sand shall conform to ASTM C144 and have a gradation and colouring suitable for the
intended use
4. Minimum compressive strengths shall meet the requirements of Table 4-19, as determined per
AASHTO T 106M
5. Grout for masonry shall conform to the requirements of ASTM C476. Aggregate for masonry
grout shall meet the requirements of ASTM C404 with a maximum coarse aggregate size of
9.5 mm
Grout shall be a workable mix with flowability suitable for the intended application. Grout cube testing
shall be required for permanent ground anchor installations if admixtures are used or irregularities
occur in anchor testing.
Table 4-19: Minimum required grout strengths

Minimum Required Strength (MPa) per AASHTO T 106

Application
3 days 7 days 28 days
Soil nails 10.5 21
Ground anchors 27.6
Masonry grout* 17.5

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CHAPTER 4: CONCRETE WORKS Second Edition -SEP 2020