DESCRIPTION OF WORKMANSHIP AND MATERIALS

A. Equivalent of Standards and Codes

Wherever reference is made in the Contract to specific standards and codes to be met by the goods
and materials to be furnished, and work performed or tested, the provisions of the latest current
edition or revision of the relevant standards and codes in effect shall apply, unless otherwise
expressly stated in the Contract. Where such standards and codes are national, or relate to a
particular country or region, other authoritative standards which ensure an equal or higher quality
than the standards and codes specified will be accepted subject to the Engineer’s prior review and
written approval.

Differences between the standards specified and the proposed alternative standards must be fully
described in writing by the Contractor and submitted to the Architect at least 28 days prior to the
date when the Contractor desires the Architect’s approval. In the event the Architect determines
that such proposed deviations do not ensure equal or higher quality, the contractor shall comply
with the standards specified in the document.

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B. EXCAVATION AND EARTHWORK

B.1 Inspection of Excavations

The Contractor is required to visit the site and ascertain the nature of the ground to be excavated
and work to be done and must accept all responsibility for the cost of excavations.

The Contractor shall report to the Engineer when excavations are ready to receive concrete
foundations and shall not proceed with concreting until they have been passed and approved. Any
concrete or other work put in before this has been done, shall if so required by the Engineer, be
removed at the Contractor’s expense.

The Contractor shall not fill in over any work until it has been approved by the Engineer. The
earth shall then be brought back from the place where it was temporarily deposited and the
trenches or other excavations, which so require it, shall be filled up to the required level with earth
in layers of not more than 225mm in thickness. Each layer shall be carefully rammed and further
consolidated by the addition of water. All filling to raise the level of the site shall be done in
similar layers, carefully rammed and consolidated in like manner. No sand or ballast found on the
site may be used in the work without the prior approval of the Engineer.

Should the presence of rock make the excavation for foundation or concrete foundations
themselves unnecessary to the extent shown on the drawings, the Engineer shall be consulted
before omitting such excavations or foundations.

B.2 Rock Excavation

Should rock be encountered in the course of excavating, it must be removed with pneumatic drills,
wedges, and levers. Blasting will not be permitted except with the written permission of the
Engineer who will require to be satisfied as to the precautions taken by the Contractor to ensure
the safety of persons and surrounding property.

B.3 Supports to sides of Excavations

The sides of excavations shall be supported in such a manner as may be sufficient to secure them
from falling in and also to prevent seepage of water and such supports shall be maintained as long
as necessary.

B.4 Excavations beyond true line

Should the Contractor excavate to a greater depth or width than shown on the drawings or
instructed by the Engineer, he shall, at his own expense, fill in such extra depth or width of
excavation with concrete as described for foundations.

B.5 Protection of Excavation

The Contractor shall provide all necessary boards for covering and lay same to protect the
trenches and excavations from the effect of inclement weather if so required by the Engineer.

All excavations shall at all times be kept free from water by pumping or bailing as required.

B.6 Excavations measured net

The quantities of excavations shall be ascertained by taking the net dimensions to the line and
levels shown on the drawings and no allowance for increase in bulk after excavation or for sloping
sides or timbering shall be made.

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B.7 Termite nest, etc.

All termite nests on the site shall be opened up, the Queen extracted and destroyed with suitable
insecticide. The nest and surrounds 3 days after treatment shall be totally excavated 300mm in
each direction clear of the fungus gardens and filled with approved material.

During building operations the Contractor is to make careful inspection daily and all runaways
traced and treated as above until all termite life is exterminated.

B.8 Hardcore

The hardcore shall be selected granular laterite stone or concrete free from rubbish and dust and
broken to pass 75mm ring with sufficient smaller materials to fill interstices and shall be approved
by the Engineer.

Hardcore beds and filling are to be deposited in layers of not more than 225mm in thickness.
Each layer shall be thoroughly consolidated by tamping and rolling with a heavy roller.

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C. CONCRETE WORKS

C.1 GENERAL

1. This section covers the supply by the Contractor of all the materials, labour and equipment
necessary for the construction of all works in concrete: unreinforced, reinforced and precast.
The reinforced concrete shall comply with the requirements of the British Standard Code of
practice (CP.8110) or equivalent standard.

2.Concrete shall consist of cement; graded aggregate and water thoroughly mixed, placed and
compacted as specified in the following clauses.

C.2 CEMENT

General

1.The cement used shall be Portland cement or Portland Blast-Furnace Cement of approved
manufacture. Portland cement shall comply with the requirement of B.S 12 or equivalent
standard for ‘Ordinary Portland and Rapid- Hardening Portland Cement’. Portland Blast-
Furnace Cement shall comply with the requirements of B.S. 146 for Portland-Blast-Furnace
Cement not exceeding 65 per cent blast furnace slag. Manufacturer’s certificates of test will
in general be accepted as proof of soundness, but the Engineer may require additional test to
be carried out on any cement which appears to him to have deteriorated through age, damage
to containers, improper storage or for any other reason. The Engineer may without tests being
made, order that any bag of cement, a portion of the contents of which as hardened, or which
appears to be defective in any other way, be removed from the Site forthwith.. The Contractor
may elect to use either ordinary Portland, Portland-Blast-Furnace or Rapid-Hardening cement,
but no extra amount will be paid on account of using a cement priced higher than the price
entered for normal Portland Cement in the Schedule of Basic Prices under the Contract, unless
work using such cement is ordered in writing by the Engineer.

2.The cement shall be transported to the site in covered vehicles adequately protected against
water. It shall be stored in a weatherproof cement store to the approval of the Engineer and
shall be taken for use in the Works in the order of its delivery into the store. Cement required
for use within 24 hours may be stored in the open on a floor raised 30cm. above ground if
covered by tarpaulins.

C.2.2. Cement Testing

1.All cement shall be certified by the manufactures as complying with the requirements of the
appropriate Specification. Before orders are placed, the Contractor shall submit details on the
proposed supplier(s) together with such information that the Engineer may need to satisfy
himself that the quantity and quality required can be supplied and maintained throughout the
construction period. Where necessary, the Engineer may require further representative
samples of the proposed cement to be taken and forwarded to a nominated laboratory for
analysis and testing before the source is approved.

2.Having obtained the Engineer’s approval of the source(s) of supply, transport, storage and
certification of the cement, the Contractor shall not modify or change the agreed arrangements
without first having obtained the Engineer’s permission.

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 3.In addition to routine test certificates which are to be supplied by the manufacturer to show the
average results of sample tests made on batches of cement produced at the Works, the
Engineer may also make further tests which he shall consider necessary or advisable to satisfy
himself that the cement on site complies with the Specification and has not suffered
deterioration in any manner during transit or storage.

4.The Contractor shall ensure that the arrangements for the storage of the cement on Site as
hereinafter specified are sufficient for the segregation and identification of each consignment
until the results of the sampling and testing referred to in sub-clause (3) above are available.

5.No cement shall be used in the Works until it has been passed as satisfactory by the Engineer.

C.2.3 Storage of Cement

1. The cement shall be delivered to the site of the Works in bulk or in sound and properly sealed
bags and while being loaded or unloaded and during transit to the concrete mixer whether
conveyed in vehicles or by mechanical means, must be protected from the weather by
effective coverings. Where directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall supply and erect
efficient screens at his own expense to prevent wastage of cement during strong winds.

2.If the cement is delivered in bulk, the Contractor shall provide at his own cost approved silos of
adequate size and numbers to store sufficient cement to ensure continuity of work and the
cement shall be placed in these silos immediately it has been delivered on the Site. Approved
precautions must be taken during unloading to ensure that the resulting dust does not
constitute a nuisance.

3.If the cement is delivered in bags, the Contractor shall provide at his own cost, perfectly
weatherproof and well-ventilated sheds having a floor of wood or concrete raised at least
500mm above the ground. The sheds shall be large enough to store sufficient cement to
ensure continuity of work and each consignment must be stacked separately therein to permit
easy access for inspection, testing and approval. On delivery at the Site, the cement shall at
once be placed in these sheds and shall be used in the order in which it has been delivered.

4.Cement which has been damaged in transit to the Site or has become stale or otherwise
unsuitable, and hardened lumps or cakes of cement which cannot be crumbled into fine
powder in the hand shall not be used in the Permanent Works expect with the specific
approval of the Engineer.

C.3 AGGREGATES GENERAL

C.3.1. General

The fine and coarse aggregates shall be naturally occurring sand, gravel or stone, crushed or
uncrushed, and shall comply with the requirements of BS 882 ‘Concrete Aggregate from Natural
Source’. They shall be obtained from a source approved by the Engineer, and shall be hard,
strong, durable, clean and free from adherent coatings, or harmful organic impurities and shall not
contain any harmful material in such a form or sufficient quantity as to affect adversely the
strength, durability or permeability of the concrete or to attack the steel reinforcement. They shall
not contain water-soluble sulphur trioxide (So3) in excess of 0.1 per cent.

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C.3.2 Fine Aggregate

1. The fine aggregate shall not contain silt or other fine material exceeding 6 per cent by volume
when tested according to the Standard Method given in B.S. 812 Clause 15; neither shall it
contain organic material in sufficient quantity to show a darker colour than the Standard depth
of colour No. 3 when tested according to the method in B.S. 812 Clause 28 ‘Organic
Impurities’.

2.Fine aggregate shall be clean sand complying with B.S. 882 “Aggregates from natural sources
for concrete”. The sand shall be from approved sources and sand which in the opinion of the
Engineer is not clean shall be washed before use.

3.Crushed sand up to a maximum of 50% may be added to natural sand in order to achieve the
required grading. Crushed sand alone may only be used with approval of the Engineer.

4.Sand for use in mortar and rendering shall conform in all respects with B.S. 1198-1200.
“Building sands from natural sources”.

5.Fine aggregate subjected to five cycles of the soundness test, specified in ASTM C88 shall not
show a loss exceeding 10% when magnesium sulphate solution is used where otherwise
approved.

C.3.3 Grading of Fine Aggregates

The grading of fine aggregate shall be within the limits given in the following Table 5-1.

TABLE 6-1

GRADING OF FINE AGGREGATES

B.S. Sieve Percentage by Weight Passing B.S. Sieve

Natural Sand or
Crushed Gravel Crushed Stone Sand

5mm 95 – 100 90 – 100

No. 7 70 - 95 60 - 90
No. 14 45 - 85 40 – 80
No. 25 25 - 60 20 – 50
No. 52 5 - 30 5 – 30
No. 1000 0 – 10 0 – 15

C.3.4 Coarse Aggregate

1. The coarse aggregate shall be granite or other hard stone from a source approved by the
Engineer. The aggregate shall not contain clay lumps exceeding 1% by weight. A
representative dry sample shall not show an increase in weight exceeding 8% after immersion
in water when tested as laid down in B.S. 812 Clause 19-21. It shall be well shaped and not
flaky. The nominal size of coarse aggregate shall be as stipulated below.

2.Coarse aggregate shall comply with B.S. 882 “Aggregates from natural sources for concrete”.
Subject to sub-clause (4) hereof, it may be either natural gravel crushed or part crushed gravel
or crushed rock and shall be obtained from quarries, puts or other sources approved by the
Engineer.

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 3.Gravel or ballast shall be free from clay, earth, loam or other organic or similar material and
shall be approved by the Engineer. Gravel or ballast which in the opinion of the Engineer is
not clean shall be thoroughly washed before use.

4.The grading of coarse aggregate by analysis shall be within the limits laid down in B.S. 882,
Table 4, and “Coarse Aggregate”. The material shall when mixed with sand produce a well
graded mixture from the largest to the smallest size specified to ensure that concrete of high
density shall be produced.

5.The “flakiness index” for coarse aggregate as determined by the sieve method described in B.S.
812 “Methods for sampling and testing of mineral aggregates, sands and fillers”, shall not
exceed 40 for 40mm aggregate nor 35 for 20mm and 10mm aggregate.

6.The “elongation index” for coarse aggregate determined in accordance with B.S. 812 shall not
exceed 36.

7.The coarse aggregate shall have a “ten per cent fines” value of not less than 100 kN. The value
shall be determined as described in BS 812.

8.Coarse aggregate subjected to five cycles of the soundness test, specified in ASTM C88 shall
not show a loss exceeding 10% when magnesium sulphate is used except where otherwise
approved.

9.Coarse aggregate shall be tested for drying shrinkage characteristics in accordance with BRE
digest No. 36.

C.3.5. Grading of Coarse Aggregate

The grading of coarse aggregate shall be within the limits given in the following Table 5-2.

Percentage by Weight Passing B.S. Sieve

BS Sieve
Nominal Size of Graded Aggregate

38mm to 5mm 1.9mm to 5mm

75mm 100 -
38mm 95 - 100 -
19mm 30 - 70 95 - 100
10mm 10 – 35 25 - 35
5mm 0-5 0 – 10

C.3.6 Alkali Aggregate Reactivity

Aggregate shall not contain any matter which in the opinion of the Engineer is likely to undergo
disruptive expansive reactions with alkali in the concrete mix or which is likely to otherwise affect
the long-term durability of the concrete.

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C.3.7 Acceptability

Notwithstanding that the coarse and fine aggregates may each separately comply with the
requirements stated above, they will not be accepted unless when mixed together in suitable
proportions the combined aggregates produce uniformly graded and compacted dense concrete of
the strength required with adequate workability for the position.

C.3.8 Samples of Aggregates

the fine and coarse aggregates approved by the Engineer shall be kept on Site, and shall give a
fair indication of the general quality of the aggregates for comparison with the aggregates
delivered during the course of the work. Tests shall be carried out on samples of the latter taken at
intervals as required by the Engineer. The method of sampling and the amount of aggregates to be
provided for the tests shall be in accordance with BS 812 Section One “Sampling and
Aggregates”. The tests shall be those laid down in BS 812 Sections Two to six inclusive. The
tests will be carried out by the Engineer or his representative. Should a sample fail to comply with
any of the tests, the Engineer may, at his discretion, either reject the batch from which the sample
was taken, order it to be washed and/or screened or permit it to be used with variations in
proportions of the concrete mixes specified. Any batch of aggregates rejected by the Engineer
shall be removed from the Works site forthwith.

C.3.9. Storage of Aggregates

1.The fine and coarse aggregates shall be stored in properly constructed open bins with hard, clean
drained floors or in such a manner that they shall not become contaminated with any
deleterious and extraneous matter.

2.All sand and coarse aggregate for concrete shall be stored in close fitting timber, steel or
concrete stages of approved design with drainage slopes or in bins of substantial construction
in such a manner as to prevent segregation of sizes and to avoid the inclusion of dirt and other
foreign materials in the concrete. All such bins shall be emptied and cleaned at intervals as
instructed by the Engineer. Each size of aggregate shall be stored separately unless otherwise
approved by the Engineer. When aggregates of different grading are stockpiled close
together, the stockpiles shall be separated by bulkheads.

C.3.10 Water

The water shall be clean and free from harmful matter and shall be from a source approved by the
Engineer. The Contractor shall make adequate arrangements to deliver and store sufficient water
at the Works Site for use in mixing and curing the concrete. Water shall comply with the
requirements of the latest edition of BS 3148 or equivalent standard.

C.4 CONCRETE TRAIL MIXES

C.4.1 General

1. The concrete for structural works shall be designated mixes which will comply with the
minimum requirements specified. The Contractor shall design the mixes to comply with the
Specifications and shall submit to the Engineer or his representative his proposed designs for
provisional agreement. Following tentative approval of the mix design of each class of
concrete by the Engineer, the Contractor shall prepare a trial mix of each class of concrete in
the presence of the Engineer’s Representative. The preliminary or trial mixes should
generally give a strength 25% higher than the specified “Works” strength. Each trial mix shall

8
 comprise not less than half a cubic meter of concrete and shall be mixed in a mechanical
mixer of a type approved by the Engineer or his representative.

2.The quantities of all the ingredients of each trial mix including water shall be carefully
determined by weight according to the approved mix design and sieve analysis and shall be
made by his method described in BS 812.

3.Six 150mm test cubes shall be made by the Contractor in the presence of the Engineer’s
Representative from each trial mix. The cubes shall be made, cured, stored and tested for their
compressive strength three at 7 days and the other three at 28 days after manufacture, all
according to the method described in BS 1881. The Contractor shall redesign the mix and
make a further trail mix and test cubes.

(a) if the value of the ultimate compressive strengths of any of the cubes is less than the
appropriate design strength, or;

(b) If the difference between the greatest and least compressive strengths of any of the
six cubes of a set is greater than 15% of the average compressive strength of the six
cubes.

4.The Contractor shall allow ample time in his programme for designing and making trial mixes
and the preparation and testing of compressive strength test cubes obtained therefrom.

5.The batches are to be gauged appropriately to obtain the strengths specified in the table below:

TABLE 5-3

MINIMUM REQUIRED STRENGTH OF TRIAL CONCRETE MIXES

Maximum Cube Strength N/sq.mm

Concrete Permissible Maximum
Class Size of Permissible
Aggregates 7 Days after 28 Days after Slump (mm)
(mm) mixing mixing
Minimum Prelim. Specified Prelim.
Expected Cube Works Cube Cube
Works Strength Strength Strength Strength

40/10 10 32 40 40 50 25
40/20 20 32 40 40 50 25
35/10 10 28 35 35 44 25
35/20 20 28 35 35 44 25
30/10 10 24 30 30 38 25
30/20 20 24 30 30 38 25
25/20 20 20 25 25 32 25
25/40 38 20 25 25 32 40
10/40 38 8 10 10 12.5 75

6.The Engineer may require allowance to be made in the gauging of the aggregate to counteract
the increase in volume (often termed “bulking”) due to moisture content.

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 7.The Classes of concrete to be used in the Works shall be as shown on the Drawings, Bills of
Quantities or as directed by the Engineer. For each class of concrete the characteristic 28-day
crushing strengths are obtained when tested in accordance with the following clauses.

8.The term characteristic strength means the value of the strength of concrete below, which not
more than 5 per cent of the test results fall.

9.The characteristic strengths specified above are for concrete cured at a mean temperature
between 25oC and 30 oC and at relative humidity of 70% to 90%. Should the curing
temperature and humidity be less than or higher than the above ranges, the acceptable cube
strength shall be modified by an amount acceptable to the Engineer.

10. Concrete for paving or precast units shall be tested in accordance with BS 1881 Part 4 and
shall have a minimum flexural beam strength of 3.5N/mm2 at 28 days. Where concrete has a
specified characteristic strength of 40 N/mm2 or greater, then the minimum flexural strength
shall be 4 N/mm2.

11. The actual cement contents and aggregate/cement ratios will depend on the closeness of
control, which the Contractor is prepared to exercise in production and upon the quality of
materials used. Where necessary, the Engineer may impose an upper or lower
aggregate/cement ratio, which shall not be exceeded for any class of concrete.

12. Before any concrete is placed in the Works, the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer for his
approval, full details of the mixes he proposed to use for each class of concrete together with
their expected average strengths. These mixes shall be based on the results of trial mixes as
specified hereafter.

C.4.2 Additional Cube Tests

In addition to the Works test cubes described above the Engineer may order additional cubes to be
made for the following purposes:- to determine the strength of concrete at the time of stripping
moulds; to determine the duration of curing or to check testing errors.

C.4.3 Test Failure

1. If three or more results in forty are below the characteristic strength or where one result in
forty is less than 85% of the characteristic strength, an immediate examination shall be made
to find the cause of the failure and a report sent to the Engineer’s Representative who will take
suitable action which may be one of the following:

(i) The adjustment of the mix and/or improvement to the standard of quality control.

(ii) The concrete corresponding to the cubes be cut out and replaced.

(iii) The affected structural member be load tested in accordance with his instructions.
If cracking or any other sign of failure appears, the concrete shall be cut out to the
extent ordered by the Engineer and replaced with sound material. Otherwise, the
member may be accepted as satisfactory.

(iv) When the failure, in the opinion of the Engineer’s Representative, is slight and
occurs in a continuing concreting operation for a large mass of concrete, the next
Works test result may be awaited and, if the failure then persists, the Engineer’s
Representative may order that concreting shall cease forthwith and not be resumed
until further preliminary tests indicate that the mix has been corrected. Otherwise
the concreting may be allowed to continue with the same mix.

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 (v) When the failure is serous and relates to a concrete mass which lends itself to its,
the Engineer’s Representative may order one or more test cylinders to be drilled out
and tested in accordance with B.S. 1881 as modified by the general
recommendations of the Concrete Society Report TRII. According to the result of
these tests, the Engineer may order the suspect concrete to be cut out and replaced.
2. If the range of individual cube strengths made from the same sample exceeds 15% of the
mean, then the method of making, curing and testing cubes shall be thoroughly examined. In
the event of a result having a range exceeding 20% the result shall be unacceptable and the
Engineer may order any of the actions outlined in sub clauses (a) and (e) above.

C.4.4 Cost of Testing

Prices for concrete are to include for supplying all test cubes, slump, and cones and for carrying
out all the tests specified as and when required to the satisfaction of the Engineer and for making
curing and sending test cubes carriage paid to the Nominated Testing Authority and for the cost of
the testing of unsatisfactory cubes and specimens, etc. The cost of Laboratory Testing satisfactory
cubes and specimens shall be allowed by Contractor in his pricing.

C.4.5 Testing of Works Concrete

1. The consistency of the Works concrete shall be determined at all times by means of the
standard slump test. For normal concrete, the slump shall not exceed 75 mm; for
mechanically vibrated concrete, the slump shall not exceed 25 mm.

2.The strength of the Works concrete shall be determined by the testing of 150 mm specimen test
cubes taken from the concrete at random during the progress of the work. Six such cubes
shall be taken from each day’s concreting or for each 15 m 3 of concrete placed, whichever is
less. Three cubes shall be tested at 7 days age and three at 228 days age. The method of
making, marking, recording, curing and testing the cubes is to be agreed with the Engineer
before commencement of concreting work.

3.The test cubes referred to above, made, cured and tested in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, shall show, to the satisfaction of the Engineer, that the concrete complies with the
following minimum requirements. The Slump and Cube tests shall be carried out in
accordance with B.S. 1881.
TABLE 6-4

REQUIREMENTS OF WORKS CONCRETE MIXES

Maximum Cube Strength N/sq.mm

Concret Permissible Maximum
e Class Size of Permissible
Aggregates 7 Days after 28 Days after Slump (mm)
(mm) mixing mixing
Minimum Specified Prelim.
Expected Preliminary Works Cube Cube
Works Cube Strength Strength
Strength Strength
40/10 10 32 40 40 50 25
40/20 20 32 40 40 50 25
35/10 10 28 35 35 44 25
35/20 20 28 35 35 44 25
30/10 10 24 30 30 38 25
30/20 20 24 30 30 38 25
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 30/40 40 24 30 30 38 25
25/20 20 20 25 25 32 25
25/40 40 20 25 25 32 40
20/40 40 16 20 20 25 40
16/40 40 13 16 16 20 40
C.5 WATER/CEMENT RATIO

1. The Maximum Water/Cement Ratio for all the concrete mixes unless otherwise specified shall
be 0.45 except for Concrete Classes 20/40 and 16/40 which shall be 0.50 and 0.60
respectively. They shall be determined by the trial mixes and shall not exceed the values
given above.

2.Efficient means shall be provided for determining the moisture content and absorption values of
the sand and coarse aggregate at all times.

3.The Contractor shall be required to have a fairly accurate knowledge of the moisture content of
all sand and coarse aggregate as they reach the mixer and he shall make such adjustments to
the mix as are necessitated by change in the moisture content of all aggregates.

C.6 WORKABILITY

1. The concrete shall be of such consistency and composition that when vibration is used, the
surface of the wet concrete should shimmer, the concrete sliding about, engulfing bars,
wrapping them without difficulty and yet at the same time the mix should appear to hang
together and no water scum appear on the surface. When rodding or spading is used, the
workability should be such that it is quite easy to produce a full flush surface against the sides
of the forms which when stripped, shows a clean surface, formed almost entirely of fine
aggregate and cement with only sprinkling of air holes visible.

2.Where concrete starts jamming between reinforcement or between reinforcement and shuttering,
great care shall be taken to ensure that these lumps are dislodged and a more workable and
flowing mixture introduced.

3.A special care needs to be taken in the concreting of columns, where stirrups may easily hang up
he concrete preventing it from flowing under the stirrup and around the face of the shuttering.
The water/cement ratio must be kept minimum compatible with strength and workability.

C.7 DEFECTIVE CONCRETE

1. Should cubes fail before the specified strength is obtained, the Contractor shall, if so ordered
by the Engineer, cut out and replace at his own expense all the work represented by these
cubes.

2. Wherever practicable, concrete for test cubes shall be taken immediately after it had been
deposited in the Works. Where this is not practicable, samples shall be taken as the concrete
is being delivered at the point of deposit.

C.8 MIXING AND PLACING OF CONCRETE

C.8.1 General

1. The aggregate are to be measured by weight; the weight of aggregates per batch must be
accurately determined and agreed with the Engineer.

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 2.The quantity of cement in a concrete mix is always to be measured by weight and the mixer is to
be of sufficient size to ensure that a batch of the specified mix may be made using whole bags
of cement to achieve this. The 50 Kg. Bag is to be considered to be of a volume of 0.4 m3 in
calculating volumetric proportions. The amount of water used is to be the minimum
consistent with practical workability and is to be varied as required to suit the moisture
content of the aggregates.

3.When the amount of water per batch has been determined by trial, the water is to be measured at
this fixed amount throughout the concreting by means of the water gauge on the batch mixer
or by a marked measuring can. In no circumstances is water to be added to the mix after it has
left the batch mixer.

4.All concrete is to be mechanically mixed in batch mixer of approved type. The dry concrete
materials are to be mixed for at least three turns in the mixer, after which the gauge amount of
water is to be generally added while the mixer is turning. When the water has been added, the
concrete is to be mixed for two minutes in the mixer and such further time as may be
necessary to achieve a uniform mix. On the cessation of work, the mixer and all handling
plant are to be washed.

C.8.2 Consistency

The Contractor shall carry out slump, compaction factor or other workability tests as required
during concreting of permanent works in order to relate the degree of workability of the mix with
the numerical value obtained during the trial mixes.

C.8.3 Concrete Return and Records

1. The Contractor shall send weekly to the Engineer a return showing the quantities of cement
and the number of mixings of each class of concrete used in each section of the Works.

2. Records shall be kept by the Contractor of the positions in the works of all batches of
concrete, of their class and of all test cubes or other specimens taken from them. Copies of
these records shall be supplied to the Engineer.

C.8.4 Transport of Concrete

The concrete shall be discharged from the mixers and transported to the Works by means which
shall be approved by the Engineer and which shall prevent contamination, (by dust, rain or other
causes) segregation or loss of ingredients. The means of transportation shall ensure that the
concrete is of the required workability at the point and time of placing.

C.8.5 Inspection before Placing of Concrete

At the end of each day, the Contractor shall give the Engineer’s Representative a realistic
concreting programme for the next day. Also notice shall be given to the Engineer’s
Representative when formwork and reinforcement are complete and ready for inspection to
receive concrete at least 24 hours before concrete is to be placed.

C.8.6 Depositing Concrete under Water

1. The arrangements for placing concrete under water are to be such that there shall at all times
be a minimum of disturbance of the water. Running water crossing or entering areas where
concrete is to be deposited must be brought under control before concreting commences.
Protection against possible wave wash must be provided. The concrete to be deposited under
water shall be grade 40/20 as specified in the Table of Concrete Mixes. The concrete mix
design shall be such that the concrete shall be sufficiently fluid to flow freely. Concrete shall

13
 be deposited under water by means of tremie pipes or bottom dump skips, or other method
approved by the Engineer. The method and rate of deposition shall ensure that no segregation
shall occur. Concreting shall be carried out in sections previously ordered or approved by the
Engineer and shall proceed continuously in each section until completed.

2.If concreting under water is done by tremie pipe, the bottom of the tremie pipe must always be
buried in the concrete and care must be taken not to allow the pipe to be emptied as it is
moved over the area. If concreting under water is carried out by bottom dump skip, canvas or
other approved covering shall be used to cover the surface of the concrete in the skip before it
is lowered into the water. The doors of the skip shall only be opened when the skip is resting
on the bottom with tension in the support cable. After opening, the skip shall be lifted
gradually so that the concrete flows out steadily.

C.8.7 No Partially Set Material to be used

All concrete and mortar must be placed and compacted within 30 minutes of water being added to
the mix unless admixtures are in use. If a plasticizer /admixture is used, tests shall be carried out
to determine the initial setting time. No partially set material shall be used in the Works.

C.8.8 Concreting in Adverse Weather

No concreting will be allowed to take place in the open during storms or heavy rains. Where
strong winds are likely to be experienced additional precautions to ensure protection from driving
rain and dust shall also be taken. The Engineer may withhold approval of commencement of
concreting until he is satisfied that full and adequate arrangements have been made.

C.8.9 Concreting at Night or in the Dark

Where approval has been given to carry out concreting operations at night or in places where day-
light is excluded, the Contractor is to provide adequate lighting at all points where mixing,
transportation and placing of concrete are in progress.

C.9 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

1. Construction joins shall be located in the position directed by the Engineer, and as shown in
the Drawings. Such joints shall be in a plane at a right angle to the axis of the member
concerned or, when forming the upper surface of lifts in curtain walls or beams, shall be
horizontal. At joints other than those occurring in a horizontal plane the concrete shall be
prevented from flowing laterally by the use of rigid stopping-off forms to produce rebates in
the face of the joints; these rebates shall be formed centrally in the case of piers and slabs and
shall run the full length of the joint.

2. Horizontal joints shall have all excess water and laitance removed from the surface after the
concrete has been compacted and before it has set.

3. Construction joints in floors shall be located near the middle of spans of slabs, beams or
girders, unless a beam intersects a girder at the middle location, in which case joints in girders
shall be offset a distance equal to twice the width of the beam or with the approval of the
Engineer. Provision shall be made for transfer of shear and other forces through construction
joints.

4. Beams, girders or slabs supported by columns or walls shall not be cast or erected until
concrete in the vertical support members is no longer plastic.

14
 5. Beams, girders, column capitals and haunches shall be considered as part of a slab system and
shall be placed monolithically therewith

6. Before concreting is resumed, the face of the joint already formed shall have all laitance
removed, shall be well roughened, scrubbed clean and thoroughly saturated with water. The
face shall then be rendered with a 12 mm thick layer of mortar composed of equal parts of
Portland cement and sand against which the freshly mixed concrete shall be immediately
deposited and thoroughly ramped into the cement mortar.
C.10 EXPANSION JOINTS

Expansion Joints shall be formed where indicated on the Drawings. The Contractor shall ensure
that any space designed to be filled with a compressible material, or which is shown on the
Drawings as a void, is kept clean of any rubbish or other material likely to impair the efficiency of
the joint, and shall provide such means as is approved by the Engineer of sealing the joint until
such time as a permanent seal can be made.

C.11 CURING AND PROTECTION OF CONCRETE

1. Exposed surfaces, immediately after final set, shall be protected from the sun in a manner
approved by the Engineer. All concrete shall be well watered after it has set and shall be kept
continuously damp until thoroughly cured. Provision shall be made for adequate water
distribution to all parts of the Work, so that, if required, this treatment can be continued
efficiently throughout the whole period of construction. In order to keep the concrete
continuously damp, all exposed surfaces shall be covered with continuously damped gunny
sacks or shall have water impounded on them, for the full period of curing, which shall not be
less than 10 days.

2. All work shall be protected from damage by shock, overloading, etc.

C.12 SURFACE TREATMENT

1. As soon as the formwork has been removed and after inspection by the Engineer, honey-
combing or small holes in surfaces shall be cut out to a depth and shape required by the
Engineer and made up with fine concrete of equal quality. Where the honey combing, in the
opinion of the Engineer, is of such an extent or character as to affect the strength of the
structure materially or to endanger the life of the steel reinforcement, he may declare the
concrete defective and require the removal and replacement of the portions of the structure
affected. No further treatment shall be given to concealed surfaces. Permanently visible
surfaces shall then be treated as follows:

2. All projecting imperfections shall be rubbed down with carborundum stone or other means
approved by the Engineer, the grit or dirt therefrom, thoroughly washed off with clean water.

3. As a separate operation, after completion as described above, surfaces shall be brushed over
with a coating of Portland cement wash which shall be rubbed into the pores and smoothed off
with carborundum blocks. The finish surfaces shall be protected against drying too rapidly by
use of damp sacking or other approved means.

4. Top surfaces of slabs and other surfaces for which formwork is not provided shall be floated
to a smooth finish with a wooden float after compaction of the concrete.

5. The concrete surface finish on upward facing horizontal or sloping faces shall be, except for
blinding concrete or otherwise started on the Drawings, a “fair” surface. A “fair” surface shall
be obtained by screeding and trowelling with a wood float.

15
 6. Screeding shall be carried out, following compaction of the concrete, by the slicing and
tamping action of a screed board running on the top edges of the formwork or screeding
guides to give a dense concrete skin true to line and level.

7. Wood float trowelling shall be carried out after the concrete has stiffened and the film
moisture has disappeared. Working should be kept to a minimum compatible with a good
finish and the surface shall be true to the required profile to fine tolerance. Whenever
necessary, the Contractor shall provide and erect overhead covers to prevent the finished
surface from being marked by raindrops or dripping water.

8. The surface of blinding concrete shall be that obtained by screeding as described above.

9. Where a “fine” surface is indicated upon the Drawings, this shall be obtained in a similar
manner to “fair” surface save that a steel float shall be used in lieu of the wood float.

C.13 ADDITIVES

The use of additives in the concrete, for the purpose of promoting rapid hardening, for
waterproofing, for increasing workability or for other reasons, may be permitted in special
circumstances. Such additives shall be of a brand and type approved in writing by the Engineer
and shall be used strictly in accordance with the maker’s instructions, and to be used only subject
to such preliminary tests as the Engineer may require before permission is given to use the
additives, in any part of the structure.

C.14 PRECAST CONCRETE

C.14.1 1. Concrete members specified to be fabricated as precast concrete units shall be fabricated with
concrete of the specified class placed into a grout-tight mould. If so required, the mould shall be
laid on a vibrating table and vibrating applied while the concrete is placed.

2. Permanently exposed surfaces shall have a finish obtained by casting the unit in properly
designed mould of closely-jointed wrought boards or steel or other suitable material. The
surface shall be improved by carefully removing all fine and other projections, thoroughly
washing down and filling the most noticeable surface blemishes with cement and fine
aggregate past matching the colour of the concrete.

3. Surfaces which will subsequently receive grout or concrete to complete a structural

connection or other composite structural component of which the precast unit forms a part,
shall be as early as possible after casting. This preparation shall be carried out preferably
when the concrete has set but not hardened by jetting with a fine spray of water or brushing
with a steel brush, just sufficient to remove the outer mortar skin and to expose the larger
aggregate without it being disturbed. Where this treatment is impracticable, sand blasting or a
needle gun should be used to remove the surface skin and laitance. Hacking is to be avoided.

4. With the approval of the Engineer, the Contractor may be permitted to precast members which
were specified to be constructed insitu; in such cases, the Contractor shall carry out the work
as described above but payment shall be made in the manner appropriate to the method of
construction originally specified. Generally, members which are structurally dependent on a
rigid fixing with the adjoining structures will not be permitted to be constructed by precasting.

C.14.2 Supply of Precast Concrete Units

The Contractor will be permitted to obtain precast concrete units from outside suppliers provided
that they comply with the Specification and that the Contractor obtains the Engineer’s approval to
each supplier.

16
C.14.3 Handling and Stacking of Precast Units

The Contractor shall give the Engineer full details of his proposed methods of handling and
stacking precast concrete beams and units. The Engineer will examine these details and will either
approve the methods or order modifications designed to ensure that no excessive stresses are stet
up in the beams or units. The finally approved methods shall be adhered to at all time and the
Contractor shall be deemed to have included in his rates for all measures required to handle and
stack beams and units safely and without undue stressing.

C.14.4 Placing of Precast Units

Precasting units shall be jointed with cement mortar as specified in Clause 6.16 hereof or other
cement-sand proportions as shown on the Drawings, or as may be directed by the Engineer, but
mixed as dry as possible so that it is only “earth moist”. The mortar shall be packed in layers
between the units with steel tools until the whole of the joint is solidly filled and the exposed
surfaces of the joint shall be raked out to a depth of 5 mm, and flush pointed with similar mortar
but of pointing consistency.

C.14.5 Tolerances

The acceptable tolerances of concrete surfaces shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Precast Concrete Members

BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.11.3

2. Foundations and other cast insitu buried concrete

British Standard Institute Document PD 6440, Clause 4.6.3.1, Grade II.

3.Exposed Concrete (including internal surfaces of sewer culverts)

British Standard 5606 Code of Practice for accuracy in Building.

C.14.6 Payment for Precast Concrete

1. The contract unit price paid for precast concrete members shall include full compensation for
furnishing all labour, materials, tools, equipment, and incidentals for the fabrication and for
doing all the work involved in transportation and erecting precast members in place as shown
on the plans and as specified in these Specifications and the special provisions and as directed
by the Engineer.

2. Diaphragm dowels or bolts, whether or not embedded in the precast members, shall be paid
for as bar reinforcing steel.

C.15 CEMENT GROUT

Cement grout for general purposes shall consist of Portland cement and water mixed in the
proportion of one part by volume of cement and one and a half parts by volume of water. The
grout shall be used within one hour of mixing.

C.16 CEMENT MORTAR

Cement mortar shall, unless otherwise specified, consist of three parts of sand to one part of
Ordinary Portland cement mixed and thoroughly incorporated together. Cement lime mortar shall,
unless otherwise specified, consist of three parts of sand to one part of a mixture comprising one

17
 part of cement to one part of hydrated lime. In each mortar, just enough water shall be added to
give workability appropriate to its use. The above proportions are by volume. Mortar shall be
used whilst freshly mixed and no softening shall be allowed.

C.17 DRY MIX CONCRETE

Should the Contractor wish to use dry mix concrete for nay sections of the work, he shall submit
his proposals to the Engineer for his approval. The Contractor must satisfy the Engineer that the
method he proposes to use will produce a finished concrete of the specified strength and density.

C.18 BREAKING OUT OF EXISTING CONCRETE FOR REPAIR WORKS

1.Where existing concrete is to be broken out prior to carrying out repair works the precise extent
of such breaking out shall be agreed by the Engineer’s Representative.

2.The edge of broken out sections shall be formed square to provide a neat finish.

3.Concrete shall be broken back carefully to expose a sound surface.

4.Where existing steel reinforcement is to be retained breaking out of concrete shall be carried out
carefully to cause no damage to reinforcement.

REINFORCEMENT
C.20 GENERAL

This Section covers the furnishing and placing of the reinforcement of the shape and dimensions
shown on the drawings and plans and as specified in these Specifications and other special provisions.

C.21 MATERIALS

C.21.1 Reinforcing Bars

1.Reinforcing steel bars for concrete shall be either deformed billet-steel bars, hot-rolled or cold
worked; low alloy steel deformed bars; or hard drawn mild steel bars.

2.Bar reinforcement, welded wire fabric and reinforcing wire shall conform to the following
requirements.

i. Deformed billet-steel bars to the specifications of ASTM Designation A 615 Grade 60

or equivalent;

ii. Low alloy steel deformed bars to the specifications of ASTM Designation A 706 or
equivalent;

iii. Hot-rolled steel bars to B.S. 4449 or equivalent;

iv. Cold worked steel bars to B.S. 4461 or equivalent;

v. Hard drawn mild steel wire to B.S. 4482 or equivalent;

vi. Steel welded fabric to B.S. 4483 or ASTM Designation: A 185 or equivalent;

18
 vii. The structural use of Concrete to B.S. 8110 Part 1

3.Welded wire fabric may be substituted for reinforcing bars in the following cases:

i. Slope paving and lined ditches;

ii. Retaining walls;
iii. Concrete barriers;
iv. Side Walks, Kerbs and Gutters in Structures;
v. Non-structural aesthetic additions;
vi. Deck Overlaps;
vii. Air-blown mortar

4 Substituted welded wire fabric shall be on an equivalent area basis and shall be placed as
directed by the Engineer. Welded wire fabric shall be supplemented with reinforcing bars
when the said fabric does not provide the required area of steel. The substitution of welded
wire fabric for bar reinforcing steel as provided above shall not apply to epoxy-coated
reinforcing bars.

C.21.2 Epoxy-coated Bar Reinforcement

Bar reinforcement to be epoxy-coated when required shall be covered by the special provisions

C.22 BENDING SCHEDULES

1. The Engineer will provide the Contractor with bending schedules showing the location, types,
sizes, bending dimensions and cut lengths of the reinforcement required to be fixed in the
Works, designed by the Engineer.

2. The Contractor shall check each bending schedule against the relevant drawing and shall
notify the Engineer that the bending schedule is correct, or inform him of any discrepancies.
In particular the Contractor may be required to modify the schedules with respect to any
reinforcement starting bars he may consider necessary after obtaining the Engineer’s
Representative’s approval.

3. The Contractor shall however produce bending schedules for reinforcement designed by him.

4. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing additional bending schedules and all details
and lists of reinforcing bars which may be required in addition to those shown on the
Drawings, and for providing bar bending schedules in accordance with B.S. 4466. The
provision of these shall not relieve the Contractor from his responsibilities for providing the
materials as detailed on the Drawings in accordance with the contract.

C.23 INSPECTION OF FABRICATION

1. Except when otherwise ordered by the Engineer, reinforcing steel will be inspected at the
fabrication site. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer in sufficient time to permit this
inspection before shipment is made. The said inspection may be carried out on behalf of the
Engineer by a nominated Inspector. The inspection reinforcing steel by the Engineer at the
fabrication site shall not preclude the subsequent rejection of the said steel if either the
materials or fabrication are found defective.

19
 2. The fabricator shall furnish a Certificate of Compliance to the Engineer in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.19 “Certificate of Compliance”. The fabricator shall also make
available for review, when requested by the Engineer, a copy of the certified mill test report
for each heat and size of reinforcing steel, showing physical and chemical analysis.

C.24 TESTING REINFORCEMENT

1. The Contractor shall furnish the Engineer with copies of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of
Compliance for the steel reinforcement to be supplied in accordance with 7.4 above. The
Engineer may however order independent tests to be made on any steel delivered to the site,
notwithstanding the existence of the Manufacturer’s test certificate showing compliance with
the Specifications.

2. For such ordered test, specimens from the steel reinforcement delivered to the Site shall be
taken by the contractor from any consignment as required by the Engineer and sent carriage
paid to the Nominated Testing Authority for testing. No steel shall be used before such testing
for the steel has been approved in writing by the Engineer.

3. Any consignment not complying in all respects with the appropriate foregoing Specifications
shall be removed from Site at the Contractor’s expense within 24 hours upon notification to do
so by the Engineer.

4. Not less than one such specimen shall be taken from every diameter of each cast. Where one
cast exceeds 25 tones, a second specimen shall be taken from each diameter cast. The
Contractor shall make arrangements with steel suppliers so that the cast number shall be
clearly given on a label attached to each consignment and if one consignment shall include
steel from more than one cast, the steel from each cast shall be bundled separately from any
other cast.

C.25 BENDING REINFORCEMENT

1. Reinforcement shall be cut and bent to the shapes and dimensions shown on the finally agreed
bending schedules. All reinforcement shall be carefully bent to the correct dimension in a
manner which will not injure the material. In particular, no reinforcement shall be heated
before bending.

2. Bends, cranks and other labors on reinforcement bars shall be carefully formed in accordance
with the Drawings, B.S. 4466 “Bending dimensions and scheduling of bars for the
reinforcement of concrete” and B.S. 8110, part 1 “The Structural use of concrete”. The bars
shall not be bent or straightened in a manner which will injure the material. Bending hot at
cherry red heat (i.e. not exceeding 840 oC) may be allowed except for bars which depend for
their strength on cold working. Bars bent hot shall not be cooled by quenching. Bends shall
be made round a former having a diameter of at least four times the diameter of the bar except
for bends in cold twisted steel bars and deformed bars of high tensile steel for which a former
or at least six times the diameter of the bar shall be used. Where splices of overlapping in
reinforcement are required, the bars shall, unless otherwise shown on the Drawings, have an
overlap of not less than thirty diameter where a U-hook is employed in each of the
overlapping bars and forty-five diameters for bars without hooks.

3. Fabric reinforcement sheets shall overlap by two meshes, or 300 mm whichever is greater.

C.26 FIXING REINFORCEMENT

20
 1. The number, size, form, and position of all steel reinforcing bars, ties, links, stirrups and other
parts of the reinforcement shall be in exact accordance with the Drawings and they shall be
kept in the correct position and with the required cover without displacement during the
process of compacting the concrete in place in a manner approved by the Engineer. The
Contractor shall provide all necessary distance pieces and spacer bars at his own cost to
maintain the reinforcement in the correct position. The type of distance pieces shall be subject
to the approval of the Engineer. Timber blocks for wedging the steel off the formwork shall
not be taut so that the bars are properly braced and the inside of hooks and bends shall be in
actual contact with the bars around which they are intended to fit. Bars shall be bound
together with best black annealed mild steel wire and the binding shall be twisted tight with
piers. The free ends of binding wire shall be bent onwards.

2. Before any steel reinforcement is embedded in the concrete any loose mill scale, loose rust
and any oil, grease or other deleterious matter shall be removed, by grit blasting, mechanical
wire brushing and/or washing. Partially set concrete which may adhere to the exposed bars
during concreting operations shall likewise be removed.

3. Concrete Spacer Blocks may be used to ensure that the concrete is correctly positioned in the
Works and shall be as small as possible consistent with their purpose. Such blocks shall not
exceed 50 mm in length and their thickness shall be exactly that required to give the cover
specified on the Drawings. Each spacer block shall be made on concrete Class 40/10 and
binding wire shall be securely embedded into each block to permit adequate fastening to the
reinforcement bars.

C.27 WELDING OF REINFORCEMENT

Welding of reinforcement by electric arc may be permitted by the Engineer under suitable
conditions and with suitable safeguards. Welding shall be carried out in accordance with B.S.
1856 – General Requirements for the Metal Arc Welding of Mild Steel. Butt welds shall be of the
double V type and two butt weld bend tests shall be carried out on a specimen prepared to
represent each form of buss-welded joint used in welding the reinforcement and for each position
of welding. The method of making butt weld tests shall be that laid down in B.S. 709. The
specimen shall pass the tests to the satisfaction of the Engineer before approval is accorded to use
the joint which the specimen represents. Tack welds between reinforcing bars used merely to fix
them in position shall not be subjected to tests.

D BLOCK WALLING

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

D.1 SANDCRETE COMMON BLOCKWORK Generally

Blocks Dense Aggregate Solid core to BS 6073: Part 1.
Manufacturer and reference: As African Concrete Products or similar
Minimum average compressive strength: refer Structural Engineers Specifications

Work size(s): 450 x 225 x 200, 450 x 225 x150,

Special shapes: None
 Mortar: As section Z21.
Mix: refer Structural Engineers Specifications
 Bond: _Stretching Half Lap

WORKMANSHIP GENERALLY

D.2 RELATED WORK is specified in the following sections:

F30 Accessories/Sundry items for brick/block/stone walling.
21
 F31 Precast concrete sills/lintels/copings/features.

D.3 SITE STORAGE:

 Store bricks/blocks in stable stacks clear of the ground and clearly identified by type,
strength, grade, etc. Protect from adverse weather and keep clean and dry.
.

D.4 CONDITIONING OF CONCRETE BRICKS/BLOCKS:

 Do not use non-autoclaved concrete bricks/blocks until at least four weeks after casting.
 Do not wet concrete bricks or blocks before laying.

D.5 MORTAR GROUPS: Where mortar is specified by group number, select any mortar in that
group as set out below. Mix proportions are by volume.

Masonry cement:
Sand - 1:2.5-3.5 1:4-5 1:5.5-6.5
______________________________________________________________

D.6 TESTING - CEMENT CONTENT OF MORTAR:

 Ensure cement meets standards as determined by The Ghana Standards Board.

D.7 LAYING GENERALLY:

 Lay bricks/blocks on a full bed of mortar; do not furrow. Fill all cross-joints and collar
joints; do not tip and tail.
 Build walls in stretching half lap bond when not specified otherwise.
 Plumb perpends of face work every third or fifth cross joint along a course and even out
the joint widths in between.

D.8 ACCURACY: Keep courses level and true to line. Accurately plumb all wall faces, angles and
features. Unless otherwise specified, build brickwork/blockwork within the following permissible
deviations:
_________________________________________________
Dimension Permissible
Deviation (mm)
_________________________________________________
Position in plan of any point or
Specified fair face in relation
To the nearest building grid line
At the same level +/-10
_________________________________________________
Length (unless otherwise defined
By adjacent construction):
Up to 5 m +/-15
5 to 10 m +/-20
10 to 20 m +/-25
Over 20 m +/-30
_________________________________________________
Height:
Up to 3 m +/-15
3 to 6 m +/-20
22
 Over 6 m +/-25
_________________________________________________
Level of bed joints:
Up to 5 m long +/-10
5 to 10 m long +/-15
Over 10 m long +/-25
_________________________________________________
Straightness in any 5 m length +/-10
_________________________________________________
Vertically:
In any 3 m height +/-10
In o/a height of building
Exceeding 6 m +/-20
_________________________________________________
Thickness:
Overall thickness of walls or
Width of piers (subject to the
Following) +/-15
Difference in thickness of a
Wall or width of a pier at any
Two points 3 m apart +/-10
_________________________________________________

D.9 ACCURACY: Notwithstanding clause 520, comply with any critical dimensions given in
Preliminaries clause A33 or on the drawings.

D.10 HEIGHT OF LIFTS:

 Rack back when raising quoins and other advance work.
Do not use tooting.
 Raise no portion of the work more than 2.1 m above another at any time.
 In face work, complete each lift in one period of operation.
 Do not carry up any one leaf more than 1.5 m in one day unless permitted by the CA.

D.11 COURSING: Gauge block courses four to approximately 900 mm including joints.

D.12 JOINTING: When not specified otherwise, finish joints neatly to the specified profile(s) as the
work proceeds.

D.13 UNEXPOSED JOINTS: As the work proceeds, strike off joints that will not be exposed to view in
the finished work.

D.14 JOINTS IN MASONRY TO BE PLASTERED OR RENDERED: Unless keyed units or metal

lathing are used, rake out joints as work proceeds, to a depth of approximately 15 mm.

D.15 FIRE STOPPING: Ensure a tight fit between blockwork and cavity barriers to prevent fire and
smoke penetration.

D.16 ADVERSE WEATHER:

 Protect newly erected walling against rain by covering when precipitation occurs, and
for up to 7 days if work is suspended.

ACCESSORIES/SUNDRY ITEMS FOR BLOCK/STONE WALLING

23
 To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

CAVITIES- NOT APPLICABLE

D.17 CONCRETE FILL: Fill cavities with concrete up to grade level. Concrete mix to BS 5328,
Designated mix Class 25/20, high workability.

D.18 CLEANLINESS: Clean off surplus mortar from joints on cavity faces as the work proceeds. Keep
cavities, ties and dpcs free from mortar and debris with laths or other suitable means.

REINFORCING/FIXING ACCESSORIES

D.19 WALL TIES FOR Structural Concrete /Blockwork and Blockwork / Blockwork junctions
Type: Galvanised fishtail ties
Material/finish: Mild Steel

INSTALLATION OF DPCS/CAVITY TRAYS

D.20 GROUND LEVEL DPCS: Ensure continuity of dpc with damp proof membrane.

D.21 SILL DPCS to be in one piece and turned up at the back if the sill is in contact with any part of the
inner leaf.

D.22 COPING/CAPPING DPCS:

 Bed dpcs and copings/capping in one operation to ensure maximum bond between
masonry units, mortar and dpc.
 Provide rigid support for dpcs in cavity walls.

E CARPENTRY/TIMBER FRAMING/FIRST FIXING

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION/REQUIREMENTS
E.1 DRAWINGS, ETC. must show:
 Geometry of structure
 Timber species sizes
 Target/finished sizes of all structural timber sections
 All joints not detailed on Engineer's drawings, their locations, and evidence as to their
structural adequacy.

TYPE (S) OF TIMBER

E.2 GRADED HARDWOOD: GENERAL
Strength graded to BS 5756 and so marked.
Strength class to BS EN 338: D
Surface finish: Planed
 Preservative treatment: As section Z12 and Ensure protection against wood borer and
termite infestation
Type/desired service life: 50years
 Moisture content at time of erection: As clause 450.

WORKMANSHIP GENERALLY

E.3 CROSS SECTION DIMENSIONS OF STRUCTURAL AND NONSTRUCTURAL

HARDWOOD TIMBER:
 Dimensions on drawings are finished sizes.
 Maximum permitted deviations from finished sizes to be as stated in BS 5450:

24
 Clause 6.1 for sawn sections, Clause 8.3 for further processed sections.

E.4 WARPING OF TIMBER: The amount of bow, spring, twist and cup in a piece of timber of
specified grade must not exceed the limits set down in BS 4978 or BS EN 519 for softwood, or BS
5766 for hardwood.

E.5 SELECTION AND USE OF TIMBER:

 Do not use timber members, which are damaged, crushed or split beyond the limits
permitted by their grading.
 Ensure that notches and holes are not so positioned in relation to knots or other defects
that the strength of members will be reduced.
 Do not use scarf joints, finger joints or splice plates without approval.

E.6 PROCESSING TREATED TIMBER:

 Carry out as much cutting and machining as possible before treatment.
 Retreat all treated timber, which is sawn along the length, ploughed, thicknesses, planed
or otherwise extensively processed.
 Treat timber surfaces exposed by minor cutting and drilling with two flood coats of a
solution recommended for the purpose by main treatment solution manufacturer.

E.7 MOISTURE CONTENT of timber at time of erection to be not more than:

Covered in generally unheated spaces: 24%
Covered in generally heated spaces: 20%
Internal in continuously heated spaces: 20%

E.8 MOISTURE CONTENT: When instructed by CA, test timber sections with an approved electrical
moisture meter used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Test 5% but not less
than 10 lengths of each cross-section in the center of the length. 90% of values obtained to be
within the specified range. Provide CA with records of all tests.
E.9 PROTECTION:
 Keep timber dry and do not overstress, distort or disfigure sections or components
during transit, storage, lifting, erection or fixing.
 Store timber and components under cover, clear of the ground and with good
ventilation. Support on regularly spaced, level bearers on a dry, firm base. Open pile to
ensure free movement of air through the stack.
 Arrange sequence of construction and cover timber as necessary during and after
erection to ensure that specified moisture content is not exceeded.
 Keep trussed rafters vertical during handling and storage.

JOINTING TIMBER

E.10 JOINTING/FIXING GENERALLY: Where not specified otherwise, select fixing and jointing
methods and types, sizes and spacing of fasteners in compliance with section Z20. Fasteners to
comply with relevant British Standards.

E.11 STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS, NUTS AND WASHERS:

 Bolts and nuts: To BS 6105, with washers of matching material.
 Washer dimensions: Not less than 3 times bolt dimension
Diameter: To match application

E.12 BOLTED JOINTS:

 Locate holes accurately and drill to diameters as close as practical to the nominal bolt
diameter and not more than 2 mm larger.
 Place washers under all bolt heads and nuts that would otherwise bear directly on
timber. Use spring washers in locations, which will be hidden or inaccessible in the

25
 completed building.
 Tighten bolts so that washers just bite the surface of the timber. Ensure that at least one
complete thread protrudes from the nut.
 Check at agreed regular intervals up to Practical Completion and tighten as necessary to
prevent slackening of joints.

F. ROOFING

F.1 Aluminium Sheet Roofing

General
The sheeting to be 0.6mm thick “0.60mm Long Span Tiled or Plain Aluzinc Roofing with
oven baked polyester/acrylic paint finish.
Fixing Details for Sheeting
a) Steelwork
The sheeting to be fixed squarely to supporting steelwork by means of aluminum
bolts or by alternative means of approved patent design, as approved by the
Architect and in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. All
steelwork surfaces which contact the sheeting or flashings to be separated by means
of a continuous strip of non-absorbent bitumen felt, PVC tape, etc. or alternatively
painted with zinc chromate or aluminium paint.
b) Timber of Similar
The sheeting to be fixed securely to timber or similar roofs by means of drive
screws, or aluminum nails in the case of thinner gauges of sheet in agricultural
applications. All timber surfaces, which contact the sheeting, shall be painted with
aluminium paint of creosote, or in severe conditions overlaid with a heavy-grade
inodorous roofing felt. All exposed nail heads in timber to be hammered and
punched well below the surface of the timber.

Fixing Accessories
All fixings to be in accordance with the recommendations laid down in CP143, Part
1, 1958, and manufactured to standards laid down by B. S. 1494: 1951 (Fixing
Accessories for Building Purposes) and by B. S. 2465; 1954 (Aluminium Fixing
Accessories for Building Purposes). All fixings to be spaced at a maximum of
375mm centres to every purlin or side rail, allowing at least one fastening in
addition to those of side laps and edges. Patent plastic washers of approved design
may be used instead of the metal and bitumen felt wasters recommended by Clause
405 of B.S. CP 143 of 1958. All holes for fixing shall be 8mm diameter larger than
the thread of the bolt, care being taken to avoid burrs or dishing of the sheet.

TILING GENERALLY

F.2 EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS: Where the specification permits use of an equivalent roof tile of
different manufacture to that specified, Preliminaries clause A31/200 applies. Any proposal for use
26
 of an alternative type of tile must also include fixing calculations, proposals for substitution of
compatible accessory products and variation of details as necessary, with evidence of equivalent
durability, fitness for purpose and appearance of the roof as a whole. If such substitution is
approved, and before ordering products, provide revised drawings, specification and
manufacturer's guarantees as required by CA.

F.3 BASIC WORKMANSHIP:

 Set out to give true lines and regular appearance, fitting neatly at all edges, junctions
and features.
 Fix tile roofing to make the whole sound and weather tight at the earliest opportunity.
 Repair any defects as quickly as practicable to minimize damage and nuisance.
 Keep gutters and pipes free of debris and clean out at completion.

F.4 SUITABILITY OF STRUCTURE/BASE: Before commencement of tiling, survey supporting

structure/base, checking line, level and fixing points. Report immediately to the CA if the
structure/base is unsuitable to receive tiling.

F.5 BATTENS/COUNTERBATTENS:
Sawn hardwood, species type; Odum or similar,
 Preservative treatment: Clear Solignum or similar

F.6 BATTEN FIXING:

 In straight horizontal lines, aligned on adjacent areas, with no batten less than 1200 mm
long.
 Joints to be square cut, butted centrally on supports and must not occur more than once
in any group of four battens on any one support.
 Provide an additional batten where an unsupported lap in the underlay occurs between
battens.
 Fix each batten to each support, with splay fixings at joints.

F.7 TILE FIXING:

 Lay each course to a half lap bond with tails aligned and joints slightly open.
 Use tile and a half tiles at ends of courses to maintain bond and ensure that cut tiles are
as large as possible.
 Fix tiles as specified in the Type(s) of Tiling clause(s). In all cases fix perimeter tiles. At
verges, abutments and each side of valleys and hips twice nail the end tile in every
course. At eaves and top edges, twice nail two courses of tiles or clip as appropriate.
 Nail tiles where specified using tile manufacturer's recommended nails or, if none,
aluminium nails to BS 1202: Part 3, size as recommended by tile manufacturer.

F.8 MORTAR BEDDING/POINTING:

 Mortar: As section Z21, 1:3 cement: sand, with plasticizing admixtures permitted. Bond
strength providing resistance to uplift must be to BS 5534: Part 1.
 Do not use in wet or weather or when imminent.
 Tiles to be bedded must be wetted and surface water allowed to drain before fixing.
 Finish neatly as work proceeds and remove any residue.

ROOF TILING EDGES/JUNCTIONS/FEATURES

F.9 GENERALLY:
 Form details using the specified and manufacturer's recommended fittings and
accessories; do not improvise without approval.
 Exposed fittings and accessories must match tile colour and finish unless specified
27
 otherwise.
 Cut tiles only where necessary, with an appropriate tool, to give straight, clean edges.
 Fix edge tiles and fittings securely to neat, true lines.
 Ensure that all flashings (specified in another section) are fixed with or immediately
after the tiling, and are neatly dressed down.

F.10 VENTILATED EAVES:

 Eaves fascia grilles/ventilator trays to support underlay: As Architects Drawings.

F.11 METAL VALLEY:

 Ensure full support for metal valley is provided (specified in another section).
 Cut tile and a half tiles neatly and fix with a gap 100mm mm wide centred on valley.
Bed on mortar as clause 290 on roof felt/bituminous coating under cloaks laid loose on
each side of valley.

F.12 MORTAR BEDDED RIDGE:

 Lay top course of underlay from one side of ridge over apex to overlap top course of
underlay at other side by not less than 150 mm.
 Lay eaves/top tiles and clip or nail fix as recommended by manufacturer.
 Ridge tiles: Ventilated Ridge Tiles
Make required joints weather tight with edges continuously bedded and joints solidly
bedded in mortar as clause 290.
 Where rigid masonry walls support or abut ridge, all ridge tiles within 900 mm of such
walls must be mechanically secured. Fix to supplementary ridge tile fixing batten with
nails/wire ties recommended by tile manufacturer.
 Fill ends of ridges at gables with mortar and slips of tiles finished flush.

F.13 JUNCTIONS: Cut tiles and fix closely to enable a weather tight junction to be formed by metal
flashing (specified in another section)

F.14 ROOFING GENERALLY

Set out to give true lines and regular appearance, filling neatly at edges, junctions and features.
Fix roofing to make the whole, sound and weather tight at the earliest opportunity.

F.15 PROTECTIVE COATING FOR CONCRETE ROOFS

Protective coating for concrete roofs shall be “Elastomer DECADEX’’ Protective Coating for
Concrete Roofs or Approved equal .Elastomer Decadex shall be applied in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
All areas indicated shall be treated, and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Application
Ensure that concrete surface is structurally sound. All surfaces must be clean and dust free. Moss
or fungus must be removed and if present the roof must be treated with Feb Fungicide and allowed
to dry before proceeding. Dusty or porous surface should be primed with Aquaseal Primer and
allowed to dry.

28
G FLEXIBLE SHEET TANKING/DAMP PROOF MEMBRANES
To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

G.1 POLYETHYLENE DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE:

 Manufacturer and reference: As described by Architect
Thickness/gauge: 375 micron
 Lay sheets neatly and tuck well into angles to prevent bridging.
 Joint sheets with continuous strips of mastic between overlaps of not less than 150 mm
and seal with tape along the edge of the upper sheet, leaving no gaps. Ensure that sheets
are clean and dry at time of jointing. Use mastic and tape recommended for the purpose
by sheet manufacturer.
 If sheets cannot be kept dry, double welted joints may be used provided they are
temporarily weighted to hold the folds in position prior to laying concrete.
 Form folded welts at corners in upstands.

G.2 POLYETHYLENE OVERSITE MEMBRANE:

 Manufacturer and reference: As described by Architect
Thickness/gauge: 1200g
 Lay sheets neatly with edges lapped not less than 300 mm. Fit closely against
surrounding and intermediate walls and around service entries.
 Immediately after laying, cover with weak mix concrete to BS 5328, Designated mix
GEN1 or Standard mix ST1/ST2, not less than 50 mm thick.

G.3 HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE STUDDED DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE:

Manufacturer and reference: TO BE APPROVED

G.4 WORKMANSHIP GENERALLY:

 Apply materials carefully to provide a completely impervious, continuous membrane.
 Ensure that surfaces to be covered are clean, dry, smooth and free from voids, sharp
protrusions and frost.
 Protect finished sheeting adequately to prevent puncturing during following work.
 Cover sheeting with permanent overlying construction as soon as possible. Immediately
prior to covering check for damage and repair as necessary.

G.5 INSPECTION: Inform CA a reasonable length of time before covering any part of membrane with
overlying construction, to allow inspection.

G.6 PRIMER(S): Type(s) recommended for the purpose by the sheet manufacturer. Apply by mopping,
brushing or spraying to achieve an even and full cover of the surface. Allow to dry thoroughly
before covering.

G.7 BONDING COMPOUND(S):

 Hot applied oxidized bitumen to BS 3690: Part 2, grade as recommended by the sheet
manufacturer for the conditions and type of surface.
 Lay at a temperature sufficient to ensure full bonding over the whole surface. Do not
29
 overheat.
 Cold applied bonding compound of a type recommended by the sheet manufacturer may
be used for small areas and repair work.

G.8 ANGLES IN FULLY BONDED SHEETING:

 Fit internal angles with a preformed rot proof fillet, not less than 40 x 40 mm, bedded in
bitumen mastic or bonding compound.
 Reinforce all angles with a strip of the specified damp proofing material, not less than
300 mm wide, applied before the main sheeting.
 Continue main sheeting around angles, extending not less than 100 mm on to adjacent
surfaces.

G.9 JUNCTIONS WITH DPCS/CAVITY TRAYS:

 Identify position of adjoining damp proof courses and expose to view where concealed.
 Thoroughly clean away all mortar, debris and dirt from vicinity of dpcs, including any
projecting portions of dpcs.
 Dpcs which project from the wall: Fully lap and fully bond/seal sheeting to dpc
projection using [see detail]
 Dpcs which do not project from the wall: Extend sheeting 50 mm past dpc and fully
bond to wall using [see detail]

G.10 PIPES, DUCTS, CABLES, ETC: Where these pass through sheeting, make junctions completely
watertight using preformed collars fully bonded/sealed to both pipes and sheeting.

G.11 PROTECTION OF EXTERNAL VERTICAL TANKING:

 Cover tanking against which backfill material will be placed with 12mm thick bitumen
impregnated fibreboard.
 Provide support as necessary to ensure protection remains fully in contact with tanking
and does not move during backfilling operations.

30
H MINERAL FIBRE CEILINGS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

H.1 SUSPENDED CEILING ON METAL FRAMING: Mineral Fibre

 Drawing reference(s):
 Structural soffit(s): Suspended concrete slab, Structural roof frame
 Frame configuration: As specified by manufacturer
 Structural integrity: The complete suspended ceiling assembly including hangers and
top fixings must safely support all loads including services fittings.
 Maximum deflection of framework between hangers: 3 mm when tested to BS 8290:
Part 2, Appendix A.
 Finishing: Plasterboard ceiling finish.

FIXING/FINISHING

H.2 DRY LINING GENERALLY:

 Fixing, jointing and finishing materials and accessories, where not specified otherwise,
to be as recommended by the board manufacturer.
 Handle and store materials in accordance with BS 8212, section 5. Do not use damaged
boards.
 Use operatives properly trained for dry lining work and who have attended a recognized
training scheme.
 Fix boards only in areas, which have been made weather-tight.
 Cut boards neatly and accurately without damage to core or tearing of paper facing.
Keep cut edges to a minimum and position at internal angles wherever possible. Mask
with bound edges of adjacent boards at external corners.
 Fix boards securely and firmly to suitably prepared and accurately leveled backgrounds.
Set heads of fastenings in a depression; do not break paper or gypsum core. Finish
neatly to give flush, smooth, flat surfaces free from bowing and abrupt changes of level.

H.3 CEILINGS: Fix boards with bound edges at right angles to supports and with ends staggered in
adjacent rows.

H.4 METAL SUSPENDED CEILING FRAMING:

 Install using components, accessories and methods recommended by the board
manufacturer.
 Set out perimeter channels, hangers and sections to give a framework, which is
accurately aligned and level. Fix securely with additional framing and stiffening at up-
stands, partition heads, access hatches, etc. to give a stable ceiling.

H.5 FIRE STOPPING: Seal any gaps at junctions of linings and cavity barriers with perimeter
abutments, service penetrations, etc. using tightly packed mineral wool or approved in tumescent
sealant, to prevent penetration of smoke and flame.

H.6 JOINTS BETWEEN BOARDS:

 Tapered edged plasterboards: Lightly butted. Leave a 3 mm gap where cut/unbound
edges occur.
 Square edged plasterboards to be finished with textured plastic compound: 3 mm gap.
 Square edged Fibre reinforced gypsum boards: 5 mm gap.

31
H.7 FIXING PLASTERBOARD TO METAL SUPPORTS:
 Fix securely to all supports, working from the center of each board using proprietary
drywall screws at the following maximum centres:
- Ceilings: 230 mm centres (reduced to 150 mm at board ends and at lining perimeters
where recommended by the board manufacturer).
 Position screws not less than 10 mm from the edge of the board. Set heads in a
depression; do not break paper or gypsum core.
 Type and length of screws as recommended in BS 8212, section 2.2.3, unless specified
otherwise.

H.8 SKIM COAT PLASTER FINISH:

Thickness: 2 - 3 mm.
 Fill and tape all joints except where coincident with metal beads.
 Trowel/float to a tight, matt, smooth surface with no hollows, abrupt changes of level or
trowel marks

H.9 BEADS/STOPS GENERALLY:

 Cut neatly using miters at return angles. Fix securely using longest possible lengths,
plumb, square and true to line and level, ensuring full contact of wings with
background.
 After joint compounds/plasters have been applied, remove surplus material while still
wet from surfaces of beads, which are exposed to view.

32
J CEMENT: SAND/CONCRETE SCREEDS/TOPPINGS
To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

TYPE(S) OF SCREED/TOPPING
J.1 CEMENT: SAND SCREED TO areas to receive Porcelain floor tiles
 Base: Reinforced concrete floor
 Construction:
Minimum thickness at any point: 45 mm
Maximum thickness at any point: 65 mm
 Mix:1:3
Cement: Ordinary Portland cement
Sand: With not more than 10% passing sieve size 150 micrometers.
Proportions: 1:3-4.5
 Other requirements:
Admixture: N/A.
 Finish: Floated to receive Porcelain Floor tile
 Soundness: Ensure full compaction and absence of all voids
Maximum depth of indentation: 5 mm

J.2 FINE CONCRETE SCREED: granolithic- Bullion Van Hold

 Base: Reinforced concrete floor
 Construction: Partially bonded as clause M10/270
Minimum thickness: 50mm
Maximum thickness: 50mm
 Mix: 1:3
Cement: Ordinary Portland cement
Sand: With not more than 10% passing sieve size 150 micrometers.
Coarse aggregate: To BS 882, 10 mm single sized.
Proportions: 1:3-41/2 total aggregate, proportion of sand to coarse aggregate bet,
adjusted to facilitate trowelling.
Admixture: N/A
 Finish: Troweled smooth
 Soundness: Ensure full compaction and action of all voids.
 Maximum depth of indentation: 3 mm.

GENERALLY/PREPARATION
J.3 SUITABILITY OF BASES: Before starting work ensure that:
 Bases are such as to permit specified levels and flatness/regularity of finished surfaces,
bearing in mind the permissible minimum and maximum thicknesses of the
screed/topping.
 Bases are sound and free from significant cracks and gaps.
 Bases are clean and free from plaster, dirt, dust and oil.
 Concrete slabs to receive fully or partially bonded construction have been allowed to
dry out by exposure to the air for not less than 6 weeks.
J.4 CONDUITS UNDER FLOATING SCREEDS: Haunch up in 1:4 cement: sand on both sides of
conduits before laying insulation for floating screeds.

J.5 CONDUITS which are to be cast into or under screeds:

 Overlay with 500 mm wide strip of steel fabric, reference D49, or
Welded mesh manufactured in rolls from mild steel wire not less than 1.5 mm diameter
to BS 1052, mesh size 50 x 50 mm.
 Place the reinforcement at mid depth between the top of the conduit and the screed.
33
J.6 PIPE DUCTS/TRUNKING: Before laying screed, ensure that preformed access ducts are securely
fixed to the base and accurately levelled in relation to the finished floor surface.

J.7 FULLY BONDED CONSTRUCTION:

 Shortly before laying screed/topping completely remove mortar matrix from surface to
expose coarse aggregate over entire area of hardened base using abrasive blasting or, for
in situ slabs only, pneumatic scrabbling or approved method. Remove all dust and
debris and wash clean.
 Keep surface well wetted for several hours before laying screed/topping. Remove free
water then brush in a slurry-bonding coat of creamy consistency.
Slurry:
 As an alternative to wetting and slurring, prepare, prime as necessary and apply a
bonding agent to manufacturer's recommendations.
Bonding agent:
 Lay screed/topping while slurry or bonding agent is still wet to ensure a good bond.

J.8 PARTIALLY BONDED CONSTRUCTION:

 The surface of the base must have a brushed finish with no surface laitance.
 Shortly before laying screed, thoroughly wash clean the surface and keep well wetted
for several hours. Remove free water then brush in a slurry-bonding coat of creamy
consistency.
Slurry:
 As an alternative to wetting and slurring, prepare, prime as necessary and apply a
bonding agent to manufacturer's recommendations.
Bonding agent:]
 Lay screed/topping while slurry or bonding agent is still wet to ensure a good bond.

BATCHING/MIXING/LAYING

J.9 BATCHING: Proportions of mixes made with dense aggregates are specified by weight and, where
practicable, should be batched by weight. Volume batching will be permitted on the basis of the
previously established weight: volume relationship(s) of the particular materials and using accurate
gauge boxes. Allow for bulking of damp sand.

J.10 BATCHING: Proportions of mixes made with lightweight aggregates are specified by volume and
should be batched using accurate gauge boxes.

J.11 MIXING:
 Do not use admixtures containing calcium chloride.
 Water content of mixes to be the minimum necessary to achieve full compaction, low
enough to prevent excessive water being brought to the surface during compaction.
 Mix materials thoroughly to a uniform consistence. Mixes other than no-fines must be
mixed in a suitable forced action mechanical mixer. Do not use a free fall type (drum)
mixer.
 Use while sufficiently plastic for full compaction.
 Use ready-mixed retarded screed mortar within the working time and site temperatures
recommended by the manufacturer. Do not retemper.

J.12 ADVERSE WEATHER:

 In hot weather reduce the time between operations or use other measures to prevent
premature setting or drying out.

34
J.13 JOINTS IN SCREEDS: Unless otherwise specified:
 Cast screeds continuously, as far as possible without defined joints, using 'wet screeds'
between strips or bays. Obtain approval for positions of bay joints.
 Form day joints with a vertical edge.

J.14 LEVELS OF FLOOR SCREEDS/TOPPINGS: Permissible deviation in level of surface of screeds

(allowing for thickness of coverings) and toppings from datum: +/-2 -5 mm.refer Schedule of
Building Tolerances

J.15 FLATNESS/REGULARITY OF FLOOR SCREEDS: Sudden irregularities are not permitted.

When measured with a slip gauge to BS 8204: Part 1, Figure 3 or equivalent, the variation in gap
under a straightedge (with feet) placed anywhere on the surface to be not more than the following:
 Screeds to receive toppings or beds 15-30 mm thick: 10 mm under a 3 m straightedge
 Screeds to receive mastic asphalt flooring/underlays:
5 mm under a 3 m straightedge
 Screeds to receive sheet or tile finishes bedded in adhesive:
5 mm under a 3 m straightedge
2 mm under a 1 m straightedge

J.16 COMPACTION OF SCREEDS: Compact proprietary screeds using methods recommended by the
manufacturer. Compact other screeds as follows:
 Compact screed layer(s) thoroughly by mechanical means (e.g. plate vibrator) or, where
this is not practicable, by hand using a handrammer or weighted roller.
 Lay screeds over 50 mm thick in two layers of approximately equal thickness. Roughen
the surface of the compacted lower layer and immediately lay the upper layer.

J.17 STAIR SCREEDS/TOPPINGS:

 Construction: Bonded as clause 260 to treads, risers and landings.
 Form risers with fine finish formwork.
 Make good surfaces of toppings with cement: fine aggregate and a wood float, and
when hardened rub to remove laitance.

FINISHING/CURING

J.18 TIMING: Carry out all finishing operations at optimum times in relation to the setting and
hardening of the material. Do not wet surfaces to assist surface working. Do not sprinkle cement
onto surface.

J.19 WOOD FLOATED FINISH: Use a wood float to give an even slightly coarse texture with no
ridges or steps.

J.20 SMOOTH FLOATED FINISH: Use a hand float; skip float or power float to give an even surface
with no ridges or steps.

J.21 TROWELLED FINISH to receive applied floor finishes:

 Float to an even surface with no ridges or steps.
 Hand or power trowel to give a uniform smooth but not polished surface free from
trowel marks and other blemishes, and suitable to receive the specified flooring
material.
 If, because of inadequate finishing or protection, the surface of the screed is not suitable
to receive the specified flooring material, it must be made good by application of a
smoothing compound by and to the satisfaction of the flooring subcontractor. Allow for
the cost of any such making good.

35
J.22 TROWELLED FINISH for wearing surfaces:
 Float to an even surface with no ridge or steps.
 As soon as the surface is sufficiently hard, steel trowel by hand or machine. Retrowel at
least twice at intervals until a hard closed finish is obtained and there is little or no
effect from further trowelling.
 Finished surfaces must be uniform, smooth and free from trowel marks and other
blemishes.

J.23 CURING: Unless otherwise specified:

 Immediately after laying, protect surface from wind, draughts and strong sunlight.
 As soon as screed/topping has set, keep damp for 3-4 days.

J.24 PROTECTION: Adequately protect screeds/toppings from damage and contamination by

subsequent building operations.

36
K PLASTERED/RENDERED/ROUGHCAST COATINGS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

TYPE(S) OF COATING

K.1 CEMENT: SAND RENDER:

 Location: Internal rendering on surfaces of walls
 Background: Concrete/ Masonry Blockwork
Preparation:
Cement: Ordinary Portland
Mix proportions: 1:4
Thickness (excluding dubbing out): 15 mm
 Finish: as required

K.2 SKIMCOAT PLASTER:

 Location: Gypsum Ceiling, Internal walls
 Background: 1:4 Cement/ Sand render Gypsum Ceiling
Skim coat: Premixed lightweight finish plaster to BS 1191: Part 2
 Undercoat(s): As specified by manufacturer
Proprietary reference: Thistle Multi Finish Plaster
Thickness: 2 mm
Finish: Smooth

K.3 CEMENT: SAND PLASTER:

 Location: Internal rendering on surfaces of walls
 Background: Concrete/ Masonry Blockwork
Preparation:
Cement: Ordinary Portland
Mix proportions: 1:4
Thickness (excluding dubbing out): 15 mm
 Finish: as required

K.4 CEMENT: SAND PLASTER:

 Location: Internal rendering Concrete soffit
 Background: Concrete/ Masonry Blockwork
Preparation: as required by finishes manufacturer
Cement: Ordinary Portland
Mix proportions: 1:3
Thickness (excluding dubbing out): 12 mm

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKMANSHIP

K.5 CONTROL SAMPLE(S): Prepare sample as required in Preliminaries.

K.6 UNIFORMITY OF COLOUR AND TEXTURE: Once samples of coatings have been approved do
not change type or proportion of constituent materials. Ensure that supplies of materials are
sufficient to give consistent and uniform colour and texture. Obtain each material from one source
and mix different loads if necessary.

37
K.7 PROPORTIONS FOR CEMENT GAUGED MORTARS: Except where specified otherwise, mix
proportions for cement gauged plaster/render undercoat mortars are to be in accordance with the
following designations:

____________________________________________________________

Masonry - 1:2½ 1:4 1:5½ -

Cement: sand to to to
1:3½ 1:5 1:6½
____________________________________________________________

K.8 CEMENT: As specified in the type of coating clause(s).

 Where Portland cement is specified use Ordinary Portland rapid Hardening Portland or
blast furnace cement or Portland pulverized-fuel ash cement may be used as an
alternative.
 All cements must comply with the appropriate British Standard

K.9 ADMIXTURES:
 Do not use admixtures unless specified or approved.
 Do not use admixtures of any type with proprietary mixes.
 Do not use calcium chloride or any admixtures containing calcium chloride.

K.10 MIXING:
 Measure materials accurately by volume using clean gauge boxes. Proportions of
specified mortar mixes are for damp sand. Adjust proportions if dry sand is used.
 Mix materials thoroughly to a uniform consistency and appearance using suitable
mechanical or manual means or, for proprietary mixes, as recommended by the
manufacturer.
 Do not overmix gypsum plasters or cement gauged mixes containing air entraining
admixtures.

K.11 CONTAMINATION: Do not allow contamination of one type of material by another, or by any set
material.

K.12 INITIAL SET: Do not use mixes after initial set has taken place. Do not retemper or reconstitute
mixes, unless permitted by the manufacturer of proprietary mixes.

K.13 SCAFFOLDING: Use independent scaffolding to avoid putlog holes and other breaks in coatings.

K.14 CLEANLINESS: Protect thoroughly all existing work and approaches using suitable boards,
sheets, etc. clean off all droppings on to finished work immediately.

38
 PREPARING BACKGROUNDS

K.15 ACCEPTANCE OF BACKGROUNDS: Before preparation or application of coatings ensure that:

 Backgrounds are secure, adequately true and level to achieve specified tolerances, free
from contamination and loose areas, reasonably dry and in a suitable condition to
receive specified coatings.
 All cutting, chasing, fixing of concealed conduits, service outlets and the like, and
making good of the background, is completed.

K.16 PREPARATION GENERALLY:

 Remove efflorescence, dust and other loose material by thoroughly dry brushing.
 Remove all traces of paint, grease, dirt and other materials incompatible with coating by
scrubbing with water containing detergent and washing off with plenty of clean water.
Allow to dry before applying coatings unless specified otherwise.

K.17 KEYING/BONDING: Prepare backgrounds as specified for the type of coating to be applied.
Methods other than those specified may be submitted for approval.

K.12 IN SITU CONCRETE SURFACES: Scrub with water containing detergent to ensure complete
removal of mould oil, surface retarders and other materials incompatible with coating. Rinse with
clean water and allow to dry unless specified otherwise.

K.13 SMOOTH CONCRETE SURFACES: Where no keying mix or bonding agent is specified, wet
smooth concrete surfaces immediately before plastering

K.14 BEADS/STOPS FOR INTERNAL USE:

Galvanized steel to BS 6452: Part 1.

K.15 DISSIMILAR SOLID BACKGROUNDS FOR PLASTERING: Where plaster is to be continued

without break and without change of plane across the face of a column/beam/lintel which is not
wider than 450 mm and is rigidly bonded or tied to the surrounding background:
 Cover the face of the column/beam/lintel with building paper to BS 1521 extending not
less than 25 mm on to the adjacent background.
 Overlay with expanded diamond steel lathing extending not less than 100 mm beyond
the edges of the paper. Orientate lathing in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations and fix securely at 300 mm staggered centres along both edges.

K.16 DISSIMILAR SOLID BACKGROUNDS FOR PLASTERING/RENDERING: Where coating is to

be continued without break across joints between dissimilar solid backgrounds which are in the
same plane and rigidly bonded or tied together, cover joints with a 150 mm wide strip of building
paper to BS 1521 and overlay with 300 mm wide expanded diamond steel lathing. Orientate
lathing in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and fix securely at 300 mm staggered
centres along both edges.

K.17 CONDUITS bedded in undercoat to be covered with 100 mm wide joint tape bedded in finishing
coat mix, pressed flat and troweled in. Do not lap ends of tape.

K.18 SERVICE CHASES: Cover with galvanized steel mesh strip fixed securely at 300 mm staggered
centres along both edges.

39
 PLASTERING

K.19 APPLICATION GENERALLY:

 Apply each coating firmly to achieve good adhesion and in one continuous operation
between angles and joints.
 All coatings to be not less than the thickness specified, firmly bonded, of even and
consistent appearance, free from rippling, hollows, ridges, cracks and crazing.
 Finish surfaces to a true plane, to correct line and level, with all angles and corners to a
right angle unless specified otherwise, and with walls and reveals plumb and square.
 Prevent excessively rapid or localized drying out.

K.20 ACCURACY of plaster 13 mm thick or more: The variation in gap under 1.8 m straight edge
(with feet) placed anywhere on the surface to be not more than 3 mm.

K.21 DUBBING OUT: If necessary to correct background inaccuracies, dub out in thicknesses of not
more than10 mm in same mix as first coat. Allow each coat to set sufficiently before the next is
applied. Cross scratch surface of each dubbing out coat.

K.22 DUBBING OUT will not be permitted on smooth dense concrete surfaces except as recommended
by the plaster manufacturer.

K.23 METAL MESH LATHING: Work undercoat well into interstices to obtain maximum key.
K.24 UNDERCOATS GENERALLY: Apply firmly, rule to an even surface and cross scratch each coat
to provide a key for the next coat.

K.25 CEMENT GAUGED UNDERCOATS: Allow to dry out thoroughly, but not too rapidly, to ensure
that drying shrinkage is substantially complete before applying next coat.

K.26 SMOOTH FINISH: Trowel or float to produce a tight, matt, smooth surface with no hollows,
abrupt changes of level or trowel marks. Do not use water brush and avoid excessive trowelling
and over polishing.

K.27 WOOD FLOAT FINISH: Finish with a dry wood float as soon as wet sheen has disappeared from
surface to give an even overall texture.

RENDERING

K.28 APPLICATION GENERALLY:

 Apply each coating firmly to achieve good adhesion and in one continuous operation
between angles and joints.
 All coatings to be not less than the thickness specified, firmly bonded, of even and
consistent appearance, free from rippling, hollows and ridges.
 Finish surfaces to a true plane, to correct line and level, with all angles and corners to a
right angle unless specified otherwise, and with walls and reveals plumb and square.
 Prevent excessively rapid or localized drying out.

K.29 ACCURACY of rendering to receive tiles fixed with adhesive. The variation in gap under a 1.8 m
straight edge (with feet) placed anywhere on the surface to be not more than 3 mm.

40
K.30 DUBBING OUT:
 If necessary to correct background inaccuracies dub out in thicknesses of not more than
13 mm in same mix as undercoat. Total thickness of dubbing must not exceed 25 mm
unless approved otherwise.
 In areas where thickness of dubbing will exceed 20 mm, first apply an approved
keying/bonding treatment.
 Comb surface of each dubbing out coat. Allow each coat to set but not dry before the
next is applied.

K.31 ANCHORED MESH REINFORCEMENT: The first undercoat must be applied through and round
the mesh to fully bond with the solid background.

K.32 UNDERCOATS GENERALLY:

 Apply first undercoat or dubbing out coat by throwing from a trowel.
 Allow to stiffen and comb to provide a key for the next coat. Comb to produce evenly
spaced wavy horizontal lines, approximately 20 mm apart and 5 mm deep. Do not
penetrate through the coat.
 Brush down each undercoat to remove dust and loose particles and dampen to control
suction before applying next coat.

K.33 DRYING: Work in the shade and out of drying winds whenever possible.
 Keep each undercoat and final coat damp for the first 3-4 days by covering with
polyethylene sheet and/or spraying with water. Hang sheeting clear of the final coat
where it is the final finish. Thereafter prevent from drying out too rapidly.
 Allow each coat to dry out thoroughly to ensure that drying shrinkage is substantially
complete before applying next coat.

K.34 PROTECTION: Adequately protect newly applied external coatings against rain for the first 48
hours using polyethylene sheet hung clear of the face, or other approved method.

41
L METAL MESH LATHING/ANCHORED REINFORCEMENT FOR PLASTERED
COATINGS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

TYPE(S) OF LATHING/REINFORCEMENT

L.1 PLAIN EXPANDED METAL LATHING:

 Stretch lathing and fix securely as specified to give a taut, firm base for
plaster/rendering.
 Fix with the long way of the mesh at right angles to supports and with all strands
sloping in the same direction.
 Fix vertical lathing with strands sloping downwards away from outer face.
 Lap side edges not less than 25 mm. Lap ends 50 mm at supports and 75 mm between
supports. Laps must not occur within 100 mm of angles or bends.
 Tie all edges and ends together with 1.2 mm wire ties at not more than 150 mm centres.

L.2 WELDED MESH AND PAPER LATHING:

 Stretch lathing and fix securely as specified to give a taut, firm base for plaster/
rendering.
 Fix with long dimension of sheets at right angles to supports and cross joints staggered.
 Commence fixing to walls at bottom right hand corner, working upwards and from right
to left.
 Lap edges and ends a minimum of one full mesh. Laps must not occur between
supports, at angles, or in line with edges of openings.

42
M CERAMIC TILING

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

TYPE(S) OF TILING/MOSAIC

M.1 TILING TO WALLS of ALL UTILITY AREAS AND BATHROOMS

 Tiles: Glazed ceramic tiles
Size: To Architects approval
 Background/Base: Sand Cement Render
 Bedding: Thin bed adhesive ribbed
Adhesive: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Joint width: to be approved
 Grout: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Movement joints: as required
 Accessories: Skirting Tiles, Internal and external angle tiles, Edge Trims

M.2 TILING TO FLOORS: ALL TILED AREAS

Drawing reference(s): Tiles: Porcelain tiles

Size: As Approved
 Background/Base: Sand cement screed to R.C Floor
 Bedding: Approved tile adhesive to sand cement screed
Adhesive: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Joint width: To be approved
 Grout: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Movement joints: as required
 Accessories: Skirting Tiles, Internal and external angle Skirting tiles

M.3 TILING TO FLOORS OF STAIRS

Drawing reference(s): Tiles: Semi-Polished Porcelain tiles
Size and thickness:
 Background/Base: Sand cement screed to R.C Stairs
Preparation:
 Bedding: Approved tile adhesive to sand cement screed
Adhesive: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Joint width: To be approved
 Grout: As recommended by tile manufacturer
 Movement joints: as required
 Accessories: Bullnose Tread Tile with nosing to approval/ Riser Tiles

GENERALLY

M.4 SUITABILITY OF BACKGROUNDS/BASES: Before starting work ensure that

backgrounds/bases:
 Are such as to permit specified flatness/regularity of finished surfaces, bearing in mind
the permissible minimum and maximum thicknesses of the bedding material.
 Have been allowed to dry out by exposure to the air for not less than the following:
Concrete slabs: As per Engineers specifications.
Concrete walls: As per Engineers specifications.
Brick/block walls: As recommended by manufacturers
Cement: sand screeds: As recommended by manufacturers
Rendering: As recommended by manufacturers
Gypsum plaster: As recommended by manufacturer

43
M.5 FALLS IN THE BASE: Before starting work, check that where required, falls have been
provided in the base. Inform the CA if the falls are inadequate. Do not attempt to provide falls by
increasing or decreasing the specified thickness of the bedding material.

PREPARATION

M.6 NEW IN SITU CONCRETE: Scrub with water containing detergent to ensure complete removal
of mould, oil, surface retarders and other materials incompatible with the bedding. Rinse with
clean water and allow to dry unless specified otherwise.

M.7 NEW RENDER: Ensure render is dry, solidly bedded, and free from dust and friable matter.

M.8 NEW PLASTER: Ensure plaster is dry, solidly bedded, and free from dust and friable matter.
Apply plaster primer if recommended by the adhesive manufacturer and allow to dry before tiling.

M.9 HACKING FOR KEY: Roughen specified backgrounds thoroughly and evenly by removing the
entire surface to a depth of 3 mm by pneumatic scrabbling, bush hammering or abrasive blasting.
Remove all dust and debris and wash clean before commencing tiling.

M.10 RAKING OUT FOR KEY: Rake out soft joints in existing brickwork to a depth of not less
than 13 mm. Brush out joints to remove dust.

FIXING

M.11 FIXING GENERALLY:

 Check that there are no unintended colour/shade variations within the tiles for use in
each area/room. Thoroughly mix variegated tiles.
 Check that adhesive is compatible with background/base. Use a primer where
recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
 Cut tiles neatly and accurately.
 Unless specified otherwise, fix tiles so that there is adhesion over the whole of the
background/base and tile backs.
 Before bedding material sets make adjustments necessary to give true, regular
appearance to tiles and joints when viewed under final lighting conditions.
 Clean surplus bedding material from joints and face of tiles without disturbing tiles.

M.12 SETTING OUT:

 Joints to be true to line, continuous and without steps.
 Joints on walls to be truly horizontal, vertical and in alignment round corners.
 Joints in floors to be parallel to the main axis of the space or specified features.
 Cut tiles/slabs to be kept to the minimum, as large as possible and in unobtrusive
locations.
 Joints in walls and floors to be in alignment.
 Where positions of movement joints are not specified they are to be agreed with the CA.
 Before laying tiles obtain approval of setting out.

M.13 LEVEL OF FLOOR TILING: Permissible deviation in level from datum for all as per schedule of
building tolerances

M.14 FLATNESS/REGULARITY OF TILING: Sudden irregularities not permitted. When checked

with a 2 m straightedge with 3 mm thick feet at each end, placed anywhere on the surface, the
straightedge should not be obstructed by the tiles and no gaps should be greater than 6 mm.

44
M.15 LEVEL OF TILING ACROSS JOINTS:
Maximum deviation between tile or slab surfaces either side of a joint, including movement joints
to be:
1 mm for joints less than 6 mm wide.
2 mm for joints 6 mm or greater in width.

M.16 MORTAR FOR BEDDING: Unless specified otherwise:

 Cement: Ordinary Portland cement
Sand for walls: Not more than 10% passing a 100 micrometer sieve and not more than
3% passing a 50micrometre sieve
Sand for floors: Not more than 10% passing a 150 micrometer sieve and not more than
3% passing a 75 micrometer sieve.
Batch proportions of mixes by weight or by using accurate gauge boxes on the basis of
previously established weight: volume relationship(s). Allow for bulking of damp sand.
 Mix materials thoroughly to a uniform consistence in a suitable forced action
mechanical mixer. Do not use a free fall type (tilting drum) mixer. Use the minimum
amount of water necessary to give required workability.
 Use mortar within two hours of mixing at normal temperatures. Do not use after the
initial set has taken place and do not retemper.

M.17 COVED TILE SKIRTINGS: Bed solid to wall before laying floor tiles. Ensure joints in skirting
match and align with joints in floor tiling.

M.18 THIN BED ADHESIVE - RIBBED (WALLS): Apply 3 mm floated coat of adhesive to dry
background in areas of approximately 1 sq. m, then trowel to a ribbed profile using the
recommended notched trowel. Press tiles firmly into adhesive with a twisting/sliding action.

M.19 THICK BED ADHESIVE - SOLID (WALLS): Apply floated coat of adhesive to dry background
and comb the surface with the recommended solid bed trowel. Fill any keys and apply thin even
coat of adhesive over the entire back of each tile. Press tiles onto bedding with twisting/sliding
action to give finished bed thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.

M.20 CEMENT: SAND - (WALLS):

 Dampen background and apply float coat of 1:3-4 cement: sand mortar as clause 570 to
an even thickness of not more than 10 mm. Finish with a wood float and allow to stiffen
slightly before applying tiles.
 Without delay, and using 1:2 cement: fine sand mortar, fill any keys and apply 2 mm
thick coat to the entire back of each tile. Press tiles onto float coat and tap firmly into
position.

M.21 THICK BED ADHESIVE - SOLID (FLOORS): Apply floated coat of adhesive to dry base and
comb the surface with the recommended solid bed trowel. Apply adhesive to backs of tiles as
necessary to fill any depressions or keys. Press tiles firmly into position to give finished bed
thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.

M.22 CEMENT: SAND BED (FLOORS):

 Mortar for bed: 1:3-4 cement: sand as clause 570 and of a stiff plastic consistency.
 Lay suitably small working areas of screeded bed and thoroughly compact to level with
a finished thickness not less than 15 mm, not more than 25 mm.
 Within two hours and before bedding sets, evenly coat the entire back of each tile with
the specified adhesive. Press tiles firmly into position to give a finished adhesive
thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.

M.23 CHECKING TILE ADHESION: As work proceeds and before the bedding has set, carefully check
45
 randomly to ensure full adhesion all round.

GROUTING/COMPLETION

M.24 SEALANT MOVEMENT JOINTS: GENERALLY

Locations: AS indicated on Structural Engineers drawings
Colour: To match adjacent grout.
- Joints must extend through tiles and bedding to substrate. Ensure that joints coincide with
any movement joints left for the purpose in the substrate. Joints size as clause M40/869. `
- Prepare joints and apply sealant as section Z22.
- Accessories: Polythene backer chord as clause M40/869 or bond breaker tape as clause
M40/869.

M.25 GROUTING:
 Grout tiles after allowing bedding to set sufficiently to prevent disturbance of tiles.
 Ensure that joints are 6 mm deep (or the depth of the tile if less), and are free from dust
and debris.
 Fill joints completely, tool to an approved profile, clean off surface and leave free from
blemishes.
 Polish wall tiling with a dry cloth when joints are hard.

M.26 PROTECTION GENERALLY: Adequately protect and keep clean all completed areas. Clean off
any droppings immediately.

M.27 PROTECTION IN WET AREAS: Tiles to be kept dry and not brought into service for at least
three weeks after grouting/jointing.

M.28 PROTECTION EXTERNALLY: Keep tiling dry and adequately protect from adverse weather,
frost and premature drying until the bedding has fully set.

M.29 PROTECTION OF FLOORS: Keep completed floors clear of traffic for at least four days and permit only
light traffic for the next 4 days or as specified by adhesive manufacturer.

46
P PAINTING/CLEAR FINISHING

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

COATING SYSTEMS

P.1 POP SKIM COAT- Internal walls

Manufacturer: As approved by Architect
 Surface(s): Sand /cement plaster to blockwork/ concrete
 Preparation: To Manufacturers Specification
 Initial coat(s): To Manufacturers Specification
 Finishing coats: Dirt Repellent emulsion To Manufacturers Specification
 Colour: TO BE APPROVED

P.2 PAINT: Internal Walls

Manufacturer: DULUX or Approved Equal
 Surface(s): Sand / Cement Render
 Preparation: To Manufacturers Specification
 Initial coat(s): To Manufacturers Specification
 Finishing coats: Acrylic emulsion
 Colour: To be approved

P.3 PAINT: External Walls

 Manufacturer: DULUX or Approved Equal
 Surface(s): Sand- cement plaster
 Preparation: Prepared to receive 3 coats
 Initial coat(s): To Manufacturers Specification
 Finishing coats: Acrylic emulsion
 Colour: White and Coffee Brown

P.4 PAINT: Suspended Plasterboard ceilings

 Manufacturer: DULUX or Approved Equal
 Surface(s): Skimmed
 Preparation: To Manufacturers Specification
 Initial coat(s): To Manufacturers Specification
 Finishing coats: Acrylic emulsion
 Colour: White

47
 GENERALLY

P.5 COATING MATERIALS to be obtained from one only of the following manufacturers unless
specified otherwise: Inform the CA of selected manufacturer before commencement of any coating
work.

P.6 HANDLING AND STORAGE:

 Coating materials must be delivered in sealed containers, each clearly labelled with the
brand name, type of material and manufacturer's batch number.
 Wherever possible materials must be from one manufacturing batch. Inform the CA if
materials from more than one batch are to be used, store separately and allocate to
distinct parts or areas of the work.
 Store materials in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Use in order of
delivery and before expiry of any shelf life date.

P.7 COMPATIBILITY:
 Check that all materials to be used are recommended by their manufacturers for the
particular surface and conditions of exposure, and that they are compatible with each
other.
 Where surfaces have been treated with preservatives or fire retardants, check with
treatment manufacturer that coating materials are compatible with the treatment and do
not inhibit its performance.
 Inform the CA of any discrepancy in specification of coatings and obtain instructions
before proceeding with application.

P.8 ANCILLARY SURFACES: The descriptions of areas to be coated given in schedules, etc. are of
necessity simplified. All ancillary exposed surfaces and features are to be coated to match similar
or adjacent materials or areas except where a fair faced natural finish is required or items are
completely prefinished. In cases of doubt obtain instructions before proceeding.

P.9 SURFACES NOT TO BE COATED:

Timber /Joinery works
Metal Claddings
Floor Finishes

P.10 PROTECTION:
 Adequately protect internal and external surfaces, fixtures and fittings which are not to
be coated, by covering with dust sheets, masking or other suitable materials.
 Exhibit 'Wet paint' signs and provide barriers where necessary to protect other
operatives and the general public, and to prevent damage to freshly applied coatings.

P.11 CONTROL SAMPLE(S): Prepare sample areas of the finished work, including preparation, in
advance of the remainder as set out below. Obtain approval of appearance before proceeding.

P.12 INSPECTION OF WORK: Permit coating manufacturers to inspect the work in progress and take
samples of their products from site if requested.

48
 PREPARATION

P.13 PREPARATION GENERALLY:

 Materials used in preparation must be types recommended by their manufacturers and the
coating manufacturer for the situation and surfaces being prepared.
 Substrates must be sufficiently dry in depth to suit the coating to be applied.
 Remove efflorescence salts from surfaces. Repeat removal if efflorescence recurs.
 Clean off dirt, grease and oil from surfaces. If contamination of surfaces/substrates has
occurred, obtain instructions before proceeding.
 Smooth surface irregularities. Fill joints, cracks, holes and other depressions with
stoppers/fillers worked well in and finished off flush with surface. Abrade to a smooth
finish.
 Apply oil based stoppers/fillers after priming. Apply water based stoppers/fillers before priming
unless recommended otherwise by manufacturer. Patch prime water based
stoppers/fillers when applied after priming.
 Remove dust and particles from dry abrasive preparation of surfaces.
 Remove residues from wet preparation of surfaces by rinsing with clean water, wiping and
allowing to dry.
 Ensure that doors, opening windows, etc., are 'eased' as necessary before coating. Prime
any resulting bare areas.

P.14 SUITABILITY OF SURFACES AND CONDITIONS: Application of coatings will be taken as

joint acceptance by the Main Contractor and the Painting Contractor of the suitability of surfaces
and conditions within any given area to receive the specified coatings.

APPLICATION

P.15 UNSUITABLE CONDITIONS:

 Take all necessary precautions including restrictions on working hours, providing
temporary protection and allowing extra drying time, to ensure that coatings are not
adversely affected by climatic conditions during and after application
Prevent or control exposure of operatives to solvent vapor levels exceeding
occupational exposure standards set in the current Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
document EH40
 Unless it is specifically permitted by the coating manufacturer, do not apply coatings:
 To surfaces affected by moisture, frost or airborne dust.
 When the relative humidity is above 80%.

P.16 COATING GENERALLY:

 To BS 6150, Section 5.
 Do not use materials which show any bittiness or other defects when applied. Do not
thin or intermix unless specified or recommended otherwise.
 Apply priming coats as soon as possible on the same day as preparation is completed.
They must be of adequate thickness and suit surface porosity.
 Apply coatings by brush or roller unless otherwise specified or approved.
 Keep brushes and equipment in a clean condition. Dispose safely of cleaning and waste
materials; do not pour into sanitary appliances or drains.
Subsequent coats of the same pigmented material must be of a different tint to ensure
that each coat provides complete coverage.
 Apply coatings to clean, dry surfaces in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended intervals between coats.
 Apply coatings evenly to give a smooth finish of uniform colour, free from brush marks,
sags, runs and other defects. Cut in neatly and cleanly. Do not splash or mark adjacent
surfaces.
49
  Adequately protect drying and completed work from damage.

Q SUNDRY INSULATION/PROOFING WORK/FIRE STOPS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

Q.1 FIRE STOPPING: Ensure that any imperfections of fit between building elements which are
required to have fire resistance and/or resist the passage of smoke, are completely sealed. Where
not specified otherwise, tightly pack gaps with mineral wool.

50
R UNFRAMED ISOLATED TRIMS/SKIRTINGS/SUNDRY ITEMS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

R.1 SKIRTINGS
Manufacturer and Reference: To be approved
 Fixing: As specified by Manufacturer

R.2 INSTALLATION GENERALLY:

 Joinery workmanship to be as section Z10 unless specified otherwise.
 Methods of fixing and fastenings to be as section Z20 unless specified otherwise.
 Straight runs to be formed in single lengths wherever possible. Location and method of
forming running joints to be approved by the CA where not detailed.
 All joints at angles to be mitred unless specified otherwise.
 Moisture content of timber and wood based boards to be maintained during storage and
installation within the range specified for the component.

S PRESERVATIVE/FIRE RETARDANT TREATMENT

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

S.1 GENERALLY:
 Application to be carried out after cutting and machining, but before assembly, by a
processor licensed by the treatment solution manufacturer for the specified treatment.

S.2 FOREST PRODUCT DEPARTMENT / CSIR PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT:

 Preservative solution manufacturer and reference: As Advised

S.3 SOLIGNUM PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT:

 Moisture content of timber at time of treatment to be not more than 28%. Allow timber
to dry before use.
 Application: High pressure or immersion.
 Preservative solution manufacturer and
Reference: ICI or similar

51
T FIXINGS/ADHESIVES

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

T.1 FIXING GENERALLY: Use fixing and jointing methods and types, sizes, quantities and spacing
of fasteners, which are suitable having regard to:
 Nature of and compatibility with product/material being fixed and fixed to,
 Recommendations of manufacturers of fasteners and manufacturers of components,
products or materials being fixed and fixed to,
 Materials and loads to be supported,
 Conditions expected in use,
 Appearance, this being subject to approval.

T.2 FASTENERS for materials and components forming part of external construction to be of
corrosion resistant material or have a corrosion resistant finish.

T.3 FASTENERS for materials and components:

 Forming part of external construction but not directly exposed to the weather to be of
corrosion resistant material or have a corrosion resistant finish.
 Directly exposed to the weather to be of corrosion resistant material.

T.4 FIXING THROUGH FINISHES: Ensure that fasteners and plugs (if used) have ample penetration
into the backing.

T.5 PACKINGS:
 Provide suitable, tight packing at fixing points to take up tolerances and prevent
distortion.
 Use non-compressible, rot-proof, non-corrodible materials positioned adjacent to fixing
points.
 Ensure that packing do not intrude into zones that are to be filled with sealant.

T.6 CRAMP FIXING:

 When not specified otherwise position cramps not more than 150 mm from each end of
frame sections and at 600 mm maximum centres.
 Secure cramps to frames with matching screws as masonry work proceeds, and fully
bed in mortar.

T.7 NAILING:

 In joints, use not less than two nails and opposed skew nailing unless specified
otherwise.
 Drive nails fully in without splitting or crushing the material being fixed.
 Punch nail heads below surfaces that will be visible in the completed work.

T.8 PLUGS:
 Proprietary types selected to suit the background, loads to be supported and conditions
expected in use.
 Locate plugs accurately in correctly sized holes in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations.

52
T.9 SCREW FIXING:
 Screws: To BS 1210.
 All screws to have clearance holes. Screws of 8 gauge or more and all screws into
hardwood to have pilot holes about half the diameter of the shank.
 Before using brass, aluminium or other soft metal wood screws precut the thread with a
matching steel wood screw.
 Do not hammer screws unless specifically designed to be hammered.
 Drive countersunk heads flush with timber surface, or not less than 2 mm below it if
they are to be stopped.
 Washers and screw cups, where specified, to be of the same material as the screw.

T.10 PELLETING: Countersink screw heads 6 mm below timber surface and glue in grain-matched
pellets not less than 6 mm thick, cut from matching timber. Pellets to occupy the whole depth of
the holes and be finished off flush with surface.

T.11 PLUGGING: Countersunk screw heads 6 mm below timber surface and glue in plugs. Plugs to
occupy the whole depth of the holes and project from the surface.

T.12 POWDER ACTUATED FIXING SYSTEMS:

 Do not use without approval.
 Tools to be to BS 4078: Part 2 and Kitemark certified, and used in accordance with BS
4078: Part 1. Operatives to be trained and certified as competent by tool manufacturer.
 Fasteners, accessories and consumables to be types recommended by the tool
manufacturer.
 Ensure that operatives take full precautions against injury to themselves and others.
 Remove all unspent cartridges from the site when no longer required.
 Apply zinc rich primer to heads of fasteners used externally, in external walls or in other
locations subject to dampness.
 Use top hat section plastics washers to isolate cartridge fired nails from stainless steel
components fixed externally, in external walls or in other locations subject to dampness.

T.13 ADHESIVES:
 Adhesive types: As specified in the relevant section.
 Surfaces to receive adhesive to be sound, unfrozen, free from dust, grease and any other
contamination likely to affect bond. Where necessary, clean surfaces using methods and
materials recommended by adhesive manufacturer.
 Adjust surface regularity and texture as necessary to suit bonding and gap filling
characteristics of adhesive.
 Ensure that operatives observe manufacturers and statutory requirements for storage and
safe usage of adhesives.
 Do not use adhesives in unsuitable environmental conditions or beyond the storage
period recommended by the manufacturer.
 Apply adhesives using recommended spreaders/applicators to ensure correct coverage.
Bring surfaces together within recommended time period and apply pressure evenly
over full area of contact to ensure full bonding.
Remove surplus adhesive using methods and materials recommended by adhesive
manufacturer and without damaging surfaces.

53
U SEALANTS

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

U.1 SEALANT TYPES: As recommended by manufacturer of adjacent material.

U.2 SUITABILITY OF JOINTS: Before commencing, check that:

- Joint dimensions are within limits specified for the sealant.
- Surfaces are smooth and undamaged.
- Preparatory work which must be done before assembly of the joint has been carried out.
Inform CA if joints are not suitable to receive sealant and submit proposals for rectification.

U.3 PREPARING JOINTS:

 Clean surfaces to which sealant must adhere using methods and materials recommended by sealant
manufacturer.
 Remove all temporary coatings, tapes, loosely adhering material, dust, oil, grease and other
contaminants which may affect bond.
 Keep joints clean and protect from damage until sealant is applied.
 Backing strip, bond breaker, primer: Types recommended for the purpose by sealant manufacturer.
 Insert backing strips and/or bond breaker tape into joint leaving no gaps.
 Cover adjacent surfaces with masking tape to prevent staining and protect surfaces which would be
difficult to clean if smeared with primer or sealant.

U.4 APPLYING SEALANTS:

 Ensure that operatives observe manufacturers and statutory requirements for storage and safe
usage of sealants.
 Use equipment and methods recommended by sealant manufacturer and apply within the
recommended application life of primer and sealant, and the recommended air and substrate
temperature ranges.
 Do not apply to damp surfaces (unless recommended otherwise), to surfaces affected by ice or
snow or during inclement weather. Do not heat joints to dry them or raise the temperature.
 Fill joints completely, leaving no gaps, excluding all air and ensuring firm adhesion of sealant to
required joint surfaces. Tool the sealant to a neat, slightly concave profile unless specified
otherwise.
 Protect until cured.

54
APT APPENDIX T: SCHEDULE OF BUILDING TOLERANCES

To be read with Preliminaries/General conditions.

1 The tolerances set out in this schedule take precedence

Over any tolerances set out on other drawings or specifications.

2 Tolerances are shown as a deviation from the specified location, and the subsequent tolerance or
flatness of
Any constructed surface.

3 These tolerances are not cumulative.

4 STANDARDS: Unless otherwise stated, tolerances should

Conform to those set out in BS 5606.

5 CONVENTION: For the purposes of this section the

Following convention applies for the direction of
Dimensions;
+ Away from building construction or Grid Line.
- Towards building construction or Grid Line.

6 BLOCKWORK - ACCURACY OF FACEWORK:

Build block work within the following
Permissible deviations
- Position in plan of any point in relation
To the nearest grid line at the same level ±10mm.
- Length (unless defined by adjacent
Construction) ±10mm.
- Height (up to 4 metres) overall deviation +0-10mm.
- Height (up to 6 metres) overall deviation +0-10mm.
- Unless adjacent to face work +5-10mm.
- Bearing surface into steel, or at
Bearing points for pre-cast work +7.5-0mm.
- Level of bed joints ±5mm.
- Flatness of wall under a 2000 long
Straight edge 6mm.
- Size of window and door openings -5+10mm.
- Difference between diagonals of openings 15mm.
- Thickness of wall/cavity walls ±5mm.

INTERNAL FINISHES.

7 FLOOR SCREEDS:
Level of Finished Floors:
- Vertical deviation from specified levels -0+6mm.
- Local deviation from flatness under a 3000 mm
Straight edge ±3mm.
- Local deviation from flatness under a 1000 mm
Straight edge ±1mm.
(NB: blemishes, ridges or steps will not be
Allowed in smooth trowel/floated finish work).

55
8 PLASTER, RENDER AND INTERNAL LININGS:
Accuracy of plaster
- Permissible gap between a 2 m straight
Edge and any point on the surface to be
less than 3mm.
Accuracy of render
- Permissible gap between a 2 m straight
edge and any point on the surface to be
less than 3mm.
(NB: blemishes, ridge or steps will not be
allowed in smooth trowel/floated finish
work).
Accuracy of plasterboard sub-strait:
- Generally: as accuracy of supporting frame
construction.

9 FLOOR AND WALL TILING:

Flatness of wall tiling
- Sudden irregularities not permitted. When
measured with a slip gauge to BS 8204:
Part 1, figure 3 or equivalent, the variation
in gap under a 2 m straight edge (with feet)
placed anywhere on the surface to be not
more than 3mm.
Flatness of floor tiling
- Sudden irregularities not permitted. When
measured with a slip gauge to BS 8204:
Part 1, figure 3 or equivalent, the variation
in gap under a straight edge (with feet)
placed anywhere on the surface to be not
more than
- For a 3m straight edge 5mm.
- For a 1m straight edge 2mm.
- Permissible deviation from datum level ±5

- Variation across a joint

- Up to 6 mm wide 1mm.
- Over 6 mm wide 2mm.

56
 METALWORK

MATERIALS

A. Metalwork: Wrought metalwork shall consist of providing and fixing the required metal plates, bars,
rods, sections and tubes which may be rolled, drawn or extruded at the Contractor’s option unless
particular method is specifically stated.

B. Louvred Windows: Louvred window frames shall be ‘Naco’ extruded aluminum anodized louver
carriers obtainable from Pasico Limited, P. O. Box 480, Accra. Weather strips shall be ‘Naco’ type
S.I.

C. Aluminium Doors and Windows: The supply and installation of aluminium doors and windows,
shall be carried out be a Sub-Contractor who shall be responsible to the Main Contractor in all
respect.

D. Ferrous Metals: Steel shall be best British manufacture, well and cleanly rolled, uniform in quality
and section, free from blisters, mill-scale, cracks, laminations and defects of any sort. It shall be
obtained from an approved manufacturer and comply with BS. 16.
Mild steel shall be of the best quality free from all obtained and shall be obtained from an approved
manufacturer.

E. Steel Burglar Metals: Steel Burglar Proofing shall be obtained from Intel Industries Limited, No,
12 , North Industrial Area, P./ O. Box 2772, Kaneshie-Accra, Tel. No. 0249674509 and shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed instructions.

F. Non-ferrous Metals: Aluminum alloy sections shall comply with B.S. 1161.

G. Nails: Wire cut nails shall comply with B.S. 1220.

H. Screws: Screws shall be solid brass and comply with BS 1210.
J. Bolts and Nuts: Bolts and nuts shall comply with BS. 916

WORKMANSHIP
K. Storage of Materials: All metalwork shall be adequately protected from corrosion until fixed.
L. Smithing: All smithing and bending shall be soundly and neatly executed, care taken not to over-
heat the iron or steel.
M. Welding: Welding generally shall be carried out in accordance with BS. 449.
N. Galvanizing: Iron and steel, where galvanized, is to be entirely coated with zinc and all excess
carefully remove.
The finished surfaces are to be perfectly smooth and uniform.
O. Priming and Protection: All metalwork to be painted shall be thoroughly cleaned free,
from mill-scale and rust and painted one coat of ferric oxide or red lead paint before delivery to site
and shall thereafter and until fixing be adequately protected from corrosion.

57
PLUMBING AND ENGINEERING INSTALLATION

Generally: The whole of the plumbing work shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the
requirements of the Area Local Authority and to the approval of the Architect and shall conform to
the relevant British Standards.

A. P.V.C. Pipes and Fittings P.V.C. Pipes and fittings shall be manufactured red by Interplast
Limited, P. O. Box 1609, Accra or other equal and approved manufacturer.
U.P.V.C. Rainwater, soil and ventilating pipes waste and overflow shall comply with B.S. 3505
CLASS “B’”.
U.P.V.C. Pressure pipes shall comply with B.S. 3505 Class “C”.

B. Mild Steel Pipes and Fittings: The mild steel tubing shall be galvanized screwed and socketed and
to comply with B.S. 1387 or other equal and approved and shall be “Heavy” Grade for services laid
on the ground “Medium” Grade for other services, all jointed in red lead cement and fine spun yarn.
The fittings shall be malleable iron plain fittings to B.S. 143 and 1256.

C. Copper Pipes and Fittings: Copper pipes shall be fixed with brass pipe brackets in accordance
with B.S. 659 Table “A”.

D. Cast Iron Drain Pipes and Fittings: The cast iron pipes shall be spigot and socket type to B.S. 437
made from a suitable pig iron with a mixture of clean scrape with fittings to B.S. 1130. The pipes
shall ring clearly when struck with a light hammer and protected by being coated with a composition
having a tar base. Joints shall be made in caulked lead yarn.

E. Fitting of Pipes ad Tubing: All pipes and tubing shall be fixed 25mm clear of wall faces and
75mm clear of floors or ceilings. Joints shall not be made in the thickness of any wall or floor.
Holder bats, pipe clips, brackets, straps and hangers, etc., shall be provided as required and as
directed by the Architect.

F. Valves and Fittings: All valves and bib cocks shall be of best quality and equal to the samples
to be submitted and approved by the Architect.

G. Copper Pipes and Fittings: Copper pipes shall be solid drawn seamless copper and shall
comply with B.S. 659. Fittings for use with copper tubing shall be of compression type conforming
to B.S. 864.
H. Sanitary Fittings: Sanitary fittings shall be of approved pattern and obtained from a supplier
approved by the Architect.

J. Testing: The whole of the plumbing system shall be tested in the presence of and to the
satisfaction of the Architect. The method of testing shall be at the discretion of the Architect and the
Contractor shall allow for providing all necessary equipment, labour and the like. Any fittings
working unsatisfactory shall be removed and replaced at the Contractor’s own expense and to the
satisfaction of the Architect.

58
 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF MATERIALS, WORKMANSHIP AND EQUIPMENT

A. General: All internal plumbing work shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard
Code of Practice C.P. 304 and 310 and all materials shall be in accordance with the relevant British
Standard of Specifications or with the approval of the Mechanical Engineer with other National
Cod/Specification giving equivalent standards.
All work shall in accordance with local regulations shall comply with any tests required by
the Acts Local Authority. Unless otherwise stated all materials shall be ‘Best Quality’.

B. Materials: Whenever possible all materials shall be to the relevant current British Standard
(B.S.) and shall be supplied by the Manufacturer giving in the details of specification or if no name
is given by the approved Manufacturer, materials to B.S. shall be as follows:

(inclusion below does not indicate alternatives, the actual material to use is to be taken from the
detailed specification and /or contract drawings).

Cast Iron Pipes and Fittings B.S. 416

Cast Iron Pipes and Fittings B.S.659/864/3931
Pitch Fibre Pipes & Fittings B.S.2760
P.V.C. Water Pipes & Fittings B.S. 3505/6143/582
Pipes Backets B.S.3974
Traps B.S.1184
Cisterns B.S.2777
Cylinders Copper B.S.1564
Valves Ball B.S.1212
Cost Iron Gate B.S.3464
Copper Gate B.S.1952
Stop Cork B.S.1010
Drain Corks B.S.2879
Sluice B.S.1218

C. Pipework and Fittings: Pipework, fittings, flanges and union shall be supplied and installed
generally as shown on the tender drawings to provide a complete working installation and in
accordance with the following:]
Cold Water - PVC to B.S. 3505/6
Copper to B.S. 659, 3931, 864
Galvanized iron to B.S. 1387, 143

59
 Pipework and Fittings (cont’d)
All Pipes, fittings, etc. shall be cleaned of any foreign matter, open ends plugged during erection and
the complete system flushed out or blown through before putting into service.

A. Soil Drains and Vents: Soil drains and vents shall be rigid pipes and fittings to B. S. 3505/6 as
manufactured by Interplast Limited, Accra or other approved manufacturer. Joints shall be made
from standard fittings. Pipe ends and sockets of fittings shall be thoroughly cleaned of sand, oil,
dust and stains and joined in an approved manner. All pipes buried at less than 1.30mm from
the surface and/or under a building shall be surround with Plain Concrete (1:3:6 38mm
aggregate).

B. Pipe Hangers: All pipework shall be adequately supported by means of standard or purpose
made clips so that no Movement or distortion of the pipe take place except that necessary to take
place up expansion of pipe work. Support shall be constructed in accordance with B.S. 3974.
Straight pipe work shall be supported at centres not less than those given in the Table below:-

SIZES CENTRES OR BRACKET

VERTICAL HORIZONTAL
UP – 25mm 10 8
STEEL 32 – 5mm 10 10
65 – 100mm 15 12
28mm 8 6
COPPER 35 – 42mm 10 8
54 – 108mm 12 10
Up to 32mm 4.9 3.3
P.V.C. 38 – 50mm 6.6 4.9
75 – 100mm 8.2 6.6
Over 125mm 9.8 8.2
Up to 25mm 24 times the OD 12 times the OD
POLYTHENE 32m & Over 8 times the OD

At changes of direction, valves or similar pipe lines equipment and supplementary supports are to be
provide.
Pipework shall be supported as indicated on the tender drawings or if not specifically detailed in
accordance with the following.
Horizontal Mains: Shall be supported in standard hangers and clips from lengths of channel iron
raw bolted to the structure of patent insert channel
Vertical Mains: shall be supported from anchor points fixed rigidly to once intermediate floor slab
with guide supports at the remaining floor slabs.

60
 Branch Mains: Shall be supported a above or by means of standard munzing ring clips built in
or screwed to the adjacent structure or by means of standards double saddle clips.

A. Testing of Pipe: All sections of pipe work shall be tested during installation of the works
of the works to avoid the necessarily for disturbing the building programme at the later
stages. No pipe work must disturb the building programme at the later stages. No pipe must be
lagged, covered in or otherwise made inaccessible before they have been tested. All tests are to be
recorded and signed by the Contractor’s Senior Representative on site and so far as possible
witnessed by Mechanical Engineer’s/Architect’s representative. Copies of all tests certificates are to
be forwarded to the Architect.
All pipe work except open ended vents and drains pipes shall be tested at 150 p.s.i.g. or at twice the
working pressure whichever the greater is for a period of at least three hours and during the test,
welds are to be well hammered.
It is the Contractor’s responsibility to see that tests are correctly carried out and that any remedial
measures necessary are effected and re-test carried out so that on completion of the works each and
every section has been satisfactory tested and a completed certificate forwarded to the Mechanical
Engineer.

B. Expansion of Pipework: All pipe work shall be installed in such a manner that expansion
and construction is taken up without excessive stress on the pipe or the building structure and where
this cannot be achieved with normal run of pipework, special expansion loops should be of the “off-
set run” type, (i.e. the pipe alternatively set at regular intervals of approximately 10m). Expansion
loops shall be made from pipe of the same quality as the main with either welded elbows or
fabricated from a single length of pipe with pulled or fire set bends. Anchors are to be provided at
intervals to ensure that expansion is absorbed at the determined places and shall consist of a short
length of pipe, flanged at each end and positively fixed to the building structure.

C. Pipe Sleeves: All pipes passing through any structure are to be provided with some materials
sleeves suitably packed. In ground floor areas, sleeves through floor shall be extended 37mm above
finished floors.

D. Valve: Stack sleeves for all vent pipes passing through the roofs shall be cast iron as B.S. 416 or
PVC piping, the standard fitting suitable for the roof construction. The vent shall terminate with a
copper wire balloon. Vales shall be provided as follows and also as indicated on the tender
drawings.
(a) To allow an isolation and regulation of all main branches.
(b) To isolate (stop cocks) all water draw off points.

E. Labels: Labels shall be fitted to valves, stop cocks, etc., except for local valves and stop cocks
fixed adjacent to the fitting. All labels shall be colored as given for pipe work identification and
where not obvious from the value position, the room/equipment shall be noted on the label. So far
as possible labels shall consist of a disc held under the hand wheel nut.

F. Valve Keys: In general, all valves shall be hand wheel type but where valves or cocks are
installed, two LS keys of the appropriate size shall be handed to the Employer.

61
G. Access Panels: Where valves or stop cocks are to be fixed in ducts or trenches, the exact position
of access panels are to be terminated so that on completion the valves are easily accessible.

H. Dezincification: Copper alloy used in valves shall be capable of withstanding dezincification.

J. Water Board Regulations: All water valves shall conform to Ghana Water Company’s
Regulations.
K. Water Valves: Water valves shall be as manufactured by Messrs. Hattersley, or equal and
approved Flanged B. S. T ‘E’’ or screwed according to size. Underground – C.I. flanged sluice
valves 65mm or over Cast Iron Flanged Full way 50mm or under – Gunmetal screwed full way.

62
A. Stop Cocks: Stop cocks shall be as manufactured to B.S. 1010 with ends appropriate to pipe
work and with easy clean cover – C.I. type A with Standard hand wheel flanged B.S.T. ‘E’.
B. Ball Valves: 25mm Ball valve and over shall be as manufactured by Messrs. Hattersley, or equal
and approved. Flanged equilibrium ball valve. 12mm and 19mm shall be B.S. 1212 – 1958,
Portsmouth type with plastic float high or low pressure according to water supply pressure.
C. Waters and Traps: Traps shall be as manufactured to the requirements of B.S. 1184 and shall be
provided.
Wash hand basins 30 – 75mm seal, tabular trap.
Sinks & Baths 37 – 83mm seal tubular trap.
Urinals 65 – 75mm seal, tabular trap.
In general, the systems shall comply with British Standard Code of Practice cup 402, 101. The
hydrants themselves, hydrant boxes and hydrant plates used for their indication should comply with
BS 750.

D. Water Tanks & Cisterns: Provide and install water tank and/or cisterns in the position of the
type and size indicated on the tender drawings and given hereafter. Each tank shall be completed
with air tight cover either totally removable or with access panel cover ball and isolating valves,
valve outflow connection, and mosquito nettled overflow connection,
If not galvanized, tanks shall be painted internally with two coats nontoxic bituminous paint and
externally, prime, under coat and finish coat to approved color of oil paint. Type of tank shall be
Braithwaite Pressed steel sectional tank with Water Proof (Cam-board) covers.
Sizes as indicated on the contract drawings:
No/Capacity - -do-
Ball Valve - -do-
Outflow - -do-
E. Sanitary Fittings: All sanitary fixtures shall be of the highest quality and subject to the approval of
the mechanical
Engineer as follows:
a) Wash down water closet of approved quality in white vitreous China with ‘P’ or ‘S’ trap,
hinged seats and lids plastic. 11 Liters Cistern in white vitreous China, valueless siphon on fittings
s15mm ball valve in black.
b) Approved quality wash hand basin white vitreous in China size 550 x 420mm, 15mm
Cold & Hot water trap, 32mm plug and chain, bottle waste trip, chromium plated, painted iron
concealed wall brackets.

F. Additional Pricing Information: The prices for copper tubing are included for short running
lengths are cutting waste. The prices of asbestos cement pipe are to include for short lengths, cutting
and waste; the pipes for fittings are to include for exact joints, cutting and waste. The prices for
pipes, tubing and sanitary fittings are to include for fixing either to concrete work, blockwork and
for making good all finishes. This method of measurement expressly excludes the measurement of
these item in accordance with the principles of the Standard Method of Measurement.

63
 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

A. Applicable regulations: All the electrical installation shall be carried out in accordance
with BS 7671; 1992 Requirements for Electrical Installations otherwise known as IEE Wiring
Regulations Sixteenth Edition including Amendment No. 1. 1994 and Amendment No. 2. 1997,
BS 7671 refers to other standards, all of which it requires compliance with. It also requires
compliance with the requirement of all agencies to those infrastructure the proposed installation will
be connected. These agencies includes Electricity Company of Ghana (E.C.G.), the Ghana
Water Company and the provider of telecommunications services (e.g. Ghana Telecom or
Westel etc.). It will also be necessary to comply with regulations of relevant insurance companies
and licensing agencies e.g. Ghana Tourist Board, Fire Services etc.

Direction on works comprising instructions, drawings and specification are provided by the
Electrical Engineer and are intended to comply with the above referenced edition of BS. 7671.
The Contractor shall seek permission from the Electrical Engineer prior to any work that is contrary
to the provision to B.S. 7671 or the Electrical Engineer’s instructions.

B. Scope of Work: Work required includes but is not limited to the following:

 Pre-construction survey to ascertain full scope of work and to identify and potential obstructions,
hindrance or dangers.
 Installation of 11KV cable from ECG’S network to proposed local substation site but including
jointing and termination.
 Installation of 11KV substation equipment including 11KV ring main unit. 11KV meeting unit and
distribution transformer
As wells as laying 11KV cable to interconnect these equipment.

 Obtaining the services ECG authorized personnel to carry out jointing and termination of 11KV
Cable.
 Obtaining the services of the ECG commission 11KV equipment and distribution transformer.
 Liaising with ECG in relation to ECG’s customer metering activities.
 Installation of cable management systems including brackets, ladder, tray and conduit.
 Sub-main and distribution circuit cabling.
 Final circuit cabling.
 Control cabling.
 Installation of wiring accessories and electrical control panels of current using equipment.
 Implementation of settings for electrical equipment as directed by the Electrical Engineer.
 Lighting both main and emergency.
 Earthling.
 Lighting protection.
 Cable works related to distribution of television and sound, fire alarm and protection control
systems, telephone, security
And other electrical related services.

 Provision of durable labels, notices and drawings for identification, information and warning
purpose for all parts of installation

64
  Preparation of as-built documentation.

Scope of Work (cont’d)

 Keeping adequate construction records and preparation-built documentation.
 Testing and commissioning.
 All activates required to provide a safe and fully functional installation to the Electrical Engineer’s
specification and/or
Satisfaction.
A. Materials and Equipment: Materials and equipment’s shall be in accordance with the specified
version of BS 7671
Except where permitted by the Electrical Engineer. Outline technical specifications will be
made available to the Contractor for procurement of all major materials and equipment’s. The
Electrical Engineer’s approval shall be obtained prior to procurement of electrical installation items.
In order to eliminate delays and costs associated with factory testing of project items and witnessing
of tests.
The Contractor shall provide documentary evidence to the satisfaction of the Electrical Engineer that
the required certification has been carried out. This formal documentary evidence may be waived
where in the opinion of the Electrical Engineer the reputation of the manufacturer so warrants.

B. Contractor’s Competence: The Contractor shall satisfy the Electrical Engineer of his/her qualification
to carry out each component of the required works. This shall include but shall not be limited to the
following:
 Certification by Electricity Company of Ghana no other licensing bodies.
 Experience of the Company in works of similar nature.
 Including on his/ her implantation team of personnel component both technically and
managerially. A key
Component of technical competence in knowledge of BS 7671.
 Ability to source required tools and equipment.
 Submission of an adequate programmer showing all tasks, their duration and resources required for
implementation.
The plan ought to identify critical tasks.

C. Sub-Contracting: The Contractor shall obtain the permission of the Electrical Engineer prior to Sub-
letting any part of the electrical works. The Contractor shall remain responsible for all electrical works
and activities of his/her Sub-Contractors.
D. Workmanship: All works shall be executed in a safe, neat and workmanlike manner. All unused
openings and Penetrations in enclosures shall be closed to provide the same degree of protection as the
enclosure is specified to specify to provide. All fixings shall be mechanically sound. Wood wall plugs
are not acceptable. Cable shall be arranged as specified by the electrical Engineer.
The proper tools shall be used for electrical activities. All works shall facilitate future extension and
maintenances activities. Internal parts of electrical equipment’s shall not be damaged and /or
contaminated by foreign material such as cement dust, paint and the like.
The Contractor shall protect all equipment’s, whether stored to installed from exposure to cement dust,
paint and like. The Contractor shall protect equipment, whether stored or installed, to the satisfaction of
the Electrical Engineer/Architect.

65
 Any damage including those to the outside of enclosures or to the surface of material shall be
brought to the attention of the Electrical Engineer who will, where feasible, approve remedial
actions. To this end, where protective coatings are removed as a necessary part of
installation work, these coatings shall be replaced by a suitable treatment. Where galvanized
material is cut, exposed surfaces shall be protected with cold galvanizing paint.
All burrs shall be removed from equipment by vacuum and NOT by blower.
Height of all wiring accessories shall be to the Electrical Engineer’s specifications and /or
instructions. Within any one room or corridor, heights of accessories shall be coordinated with a
dumpy level and chalk line. Particular attention shall be paid to the appearance of each and every
visible electrical component. Accounts shall be taken of thickness of finished when boxes and
enclosures are being installed.

A. Cable Cutting Schedule: A cable cutting schedule shall be prepared by the Contractor and
approved by the Electrical Engineer for all cables with a cross sectional equal to or greater than
10mm². The Electrical Engineer’s approval shall be obtained for this schedule before the
commencement of any cable installation activities involving the use of large cables.

B. Joints and Terminations: No joint shall be accepted within distribution or sub-mains

circuits. No joint shall be accepted within final circuits except at suitability accessories that are
readily accessible for inspection. Dies and crimping tools shall be inspected by the Electrical
Engineer prior to crimping of lugs to be installed as part of connections to the distribution
transformer, generator and at the incoming terminals to the main low voltage switchboard.
The Electricity Company of Ghana shall be responsible for 11KV termination and joining.
C. Records: The Contractor shall inform the Electrical Engineer immediately of potential shortage
of any material for any part of the works. The Contractor shall also maintain records which
shall comply with the following specifications.

1. A marked up copy of the Electrical Engineer’s instructions showing any approved changes.
2. Contractor’s overall and short term programmer.
3. Orders, receipt and usage of all material.
4. Details of cable remaining on each drum for cables with cross-sectional area equal to and/or greater
than 10mm².
5. Details of workers responsible for major cabling and concealed works.
6. Testing and commissioning procedures and results including name and signature of the
Electrical Engineer’s
Representative.
7. A work permit.
8. Status of all parts of the installation (i.e. whether energized, under construction, testing and the like).

D. Programmed, Inspections and Tests: The Contractor’s Programme shall make provision for
inspection and tests to the satisfaction of the Electrical Engineer. It shall take account of the
activities of other trades including activities relating to excavation, installation steel reinforcement,
pouring of concrete and installation and testing of current using plant. The electrical Engineer
shall be given adequate time to inspect any electrical work before it is covered up.

66
 Short - term programs shall also brawn up from time to time, to show activities for the
following month. These
programs shall be updated on a monthly basis and shall be received by the Electrical
engineer at least three (3)working days prior to start of the month. The programs shall explicitly
identify inspections and test carried out.

Programme, Inspections and Tests (cont’d)

The Contractor shall provide the Electrical Engineer at least seven (7) working days notices of all
changes in the short- term programs that affect inspections of tests. Where Electrical Engineer is
unable to witness any tests as a result of the Contractor not providing adequate notice of the said
test, the onus shall be on the Contractors to satisfy
The electrical Engineer of the validity of such tests. The electrical Engineer may without any stated
justification, reject such test.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs related to all activities that, in the Electrical
Engineer’s opinion, are necessary as a result of rejected tests or deficient work.

A. Safety: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the electrical installation, both temporary
and permanent,
Is maintained in a safe state and that all work is done in a safe manner. To this end, the
Contractor is required to obtain the Electrical Engineer’s permission prior to switching on any
part of the electrical installation. This shall be done under permit to work system with permits
issued by the Electrical Engineer.
All sources of electricity and all parts of the installation shall be maintained in a manner as to
prevent inadvertent energizing of any part of the installation. This shall include locking out and
other standard approved practices.

A record shall be kept of all electrical incidents including accidents. Where an electrical accident
occurs, the Contractor shall within twenty-four (24) hours submit to the Electrical
Engineer/Architect, a written account of details of the accident stating causes, personnel involved
and procedures instituted to prevent recurrence. The Electrical Engineer shall review, may
investigate and shall approved or request modification of remedial procedures.

The Contractor may not continue to utilize for this project, and personnel who in the
opinion of the Electrical
Engineer/Architect are involved in unsafe practices.

67
 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION TO BUILDINGS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

B. Scope: This specification covers the supply, assembly, installations, connecting up, testing and
setting to work of new modified or additional electrical installation to buildings.

C. Related Documents : The Specification shall be read in conjunction with the conditions of
contract, the ‘Particular Clauses and any supplementary specifications (s) schedule (s) and
drawing (s) issued with it and enumerated in the invitation to tender. In the event of a discrepancy
between this specification and any drawings, the drawings shall
Be followed.
D. Regulations: The installation (s) shall comply with all relevant statutory instrument and
regulations current of the date of tender (unless otherwise indicated) an in particular with the
following:-
i. The I.E.E. Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings.
ii. Regulations under the Electricity Arts.
iii. Any special regulations issued by the Electricity Company of Ghana.

E. Compliance with British Standards: The apparatus and /or installation (s) shall comply with all
relevant British Standard and Codes of Practice except as these are modified by the current code of
practice for Electrical Installation
(s) Issued by the Electricity Company of Ghana.

68
A. Electricity Supply: Unless otherwise indicated all apparatus and wiring shall be suitable for use
with a 3-phase 4-wire 415/240 volts 50Hz earthed neutral system.
B. Definitions: for the purpose of this specification.
I) the definition given the I.E.E. Regulation for Electrical Equipment of Buildings apply.
ii) The words “weatherproof and ‘dust protecting’ shall have the meanings ascribed to the in
BS 2617 definitions 13 and 17 respectively.
ii) As applied to steel conduit and fittings the words ‘protection against corrosion in
accordance with Clause 2. (Or with class 4) shall have the meaning Class 2 –
iv) As applied to cable trunking the words protection against corrosion in accordance with
Clause 3 shall have the meaning: Class 3 – Head protection both inside and outside.
C. Extent of Work: The work shall comprise the whole of the labour and unless otherwise
indicated, all materials
Necessary to form a complete installation and such tests adjustment and commissioning as
prescribed in subsequent clauses and as may otherwise require to give an effective work installation
to the satisfaction of the Electrical Engineer.
D. Drawings: Unless otherwise indicated or directed by the Electrical Engineer, the Contractor
shall provide the following drawings:-
I. Four sets of builders work drawings.
ii. Four sets of diagram and dimensioned drawings of main distribution switch gear and large
items of equipment.
iii. Four compete sets of purpose-made diagrams detailing separately all the composite
electrical circuit and wiring layouts which is applicable within the installation.
E. Builder’s Work Drawings: Builder’s work drawings shall show, fully dimensioned in metric units, all
foundations, bases, plinths, sumps, holes required and the overall size and mass of the plant concerned.
However, with the agreement of the Engineer, holes fixing etc. other than in plant rooms may be marked
out on side instead of on drawings.

F. “As installed” Drawings: If called for by the Electrical Engineer the Contractor shall provide “as
installed” drawings. Each drawing shall be a process negative on translucent material of a standard size
A.O. to A.4 of BS 3429.
The following details shall be included:
- The position of all apparatus; the size and type of all cable; the size of conduits and trunking
should indicate the number of cables enclosed therein; circuit identification loading; routes of
All cables run in ducts and positions of any joints; schematic and wiring diagrams of systems
Not covered by the main installation drawings.
G. Conduits: Wiring shall be carried out in PVC insulated cables drawn into conduit and /or laid
in trunking.

69
H. Steel Conduit and Conduit Fittings: Conduit and conduit fittings shall comply with VBS 31,
Class B welded and screwed (imperial sizes) unless otherwise indicated in directed by the
Electrical Engineer. No conduit having an outside diameter less than 16, m, (38in) shall be used.

A. Rigid PVC Conduit and Conduit Fittings: Conduit and conduit fittings shall comply with BS
4607 Part 1 or Part 2. Conduit shall be type “A” (metric sizes/or type A light gauge (imperial size)
unless otherwise indicated or directed by the Electrical Engineer.

B. Protection against Corrosion: The protective coatings on conduit and associated conduit fitting
shall be of the same class.

Conduit mounted outside a building, run in floor trenches subjected to continued dampness, or
accidental flooding or buried in the ground where indicated or as directed by the Electrical Engineer,
shall have protection against corrosion in accordance with class 4. In all other situations, conduit
shall have protection against corrosion in accordance with class 2.

Conduit boxes mounted outside a building shall have external fixing lugs. boxes be of malleable
cast iron. Boxes covers shall have machined surface around the perimeter mating with a similar
machined surface on the box. The cover fixing screws shall be of brass.

C. Installation: Conduit shall be run neatly on the surface or buried within the carcass of the
buildings or in the ground as indicated. Conduit runs shall be determined by the Contractor and
agreed by the Electrical Engineer before any work is stated. Conduit shall be run at least 150mm
clear of plumbing mechanical services.
Conduit run on the surface shall be run truly vertical horizontal and parallel with features’ of the
building.
Conduit buried in concrete shall have at least 35mm depth of cover over its entire length. Conduit
buried in plaster shall have at least 5mm depth of cover over its entire length.
Where conduit buried in concrete crosses an expansion joint in the concrete, is shall be wrapped
with waterproof building paper for a distance of 300mm on each side of the joint. Any alternative
method of protecting the conduit against stress due to expansion shall be approved by the Electrical
Engineer.
Conduit shall be bent or set on site to suit local conditions.
The length of thread on the ends of steel conduit shall suit the length of internal thread in the
end of the fitting or
Accessory. Excess length of thread will not be permitted.
Where conduits connect to distribution boards, loop-in boxes and similar drilled entries, the
connection shall be made with sockets and hexagonal make brass brushes. Connection between
conduit and boxes shall be screwed metal to metal.
Spanners and purpose-made tools shall be used to tighten hexagonal bushes. Pliers and toothed
wenches shall not
Be used.

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D. Metal Cable Trunking and Fittings: Trunking and connectors shall comply with BS 6478
trunking. Trunking systems mounted with a building shall have protection against corrosion
according to class 2. Trunking system mounted outside a building or run in floor trenches subject
of continued dampness or accidental flooding shall have protection against corrosion according to
class 3. The whole of the trunking system shall be weatherproof and as such
All fixings shall be external to the trunking or fittings.

Metal partitions in trunking and fittings shall be provided as indicated or as directed by the
Electrical Engineer or as required by I.E.E. Regulations.
Trunking shall be run neatly on the surface of the building and truly vertical, horizontal or parallel
with features of the building.

Metal Cable Trunking and Fittings (cont’d)

Trunking runs shall be determined by the Contractor and agreed by the Electrical Engineer before
any work is started. Trunking shall be run at least 150mm clear of plumbing and mechanical
services.
Standard flanged couplings shall be used to terminate at apparatus, at adaptable boxes and at points
where it is desired to connect one section of trunking to another where a standard fitting is obviously
unwarranted. The practice of cutting and bending the material of the trunking to form flanged
attachments will not be accepted.
The connection made between trunking and a distribution boards, the cable or entry entries shall be
sized to accept all
Cables from all used and ‘spare’ ways. Holes in trunking shall be drilled punched or out by ring
saw.
Individual pieces of trunking shall be independently supported. On straight runs, fixing shall be at
regular intervals not exceeding 0.8m and fixing screws shall be of steel. Where weatherproof
trunking is used, fixing screws shall be zinc plated
Complying with BS 1706 class B COATING.
Trunking system erected outside a building shall be weatherproof.

A. Wiring of Points: The wiring of points shall be PVC insulated single core cables of 250V
grade and shall comply with BS 2004. The colour identification of the cable insulation shall comply
with Table B4 of the I.E.E. regulations. Final Sub circuit wiring for lights and fans shall be of
loop-in system with the loop connections made at the lighting points for at local switches.
Lighting and fan point’s conductors shall be not less than 1.5mm² in size. Final sub-circuit wiring
for 13A switch socket outlet shall be carried out with conductors not less than 2.5mm² in size and
shall have up to 30A rating. Final sub-circuit wiring for cooker control unit shall be carried out with
PVC insulated single conductor not less than 4mm² in size and shall have one outlet per 30A
fuseway.
Final sub-circuit wiring for 15a-switch socket outlet shall be carried out with PVC insulated single
conductor not less than 2.5mm² is size and shall have one outlet per 15A fuseway.
B. Joint in Conductor: joints in conductors shall be made insulated terminal blocks. The terminal
blocks shall be 415V between terminals (240 Volts to earth). The terminal blocks shall be contained
in metal enclosure.
C. Adhesive Tape for Electrical Purposes: Insulation tape shall comply with BS 392A group 31/80
type TP (Electric PVC) and have a thickness of 0.009 in (0.2mm).
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 SWITCHGEARS, DISTRIBUTION BOARDS, CIRCUIT BREAKERS, BUSBAR AND
CONDUCTORS

D. Rate Voltage: The rated voltage of switchgear and distribution boards shall be not less than 415
volts A.C. between poles (240 volts to earth).

E. Enclosures: The type of enclosure as indicated or as directed by the Electrical Engineer shall have
dust protecting for all apparatus mounted inside a building; waterproof for all apparatus
mounted outside a building. The enclosure of all apparatus shall be of metal.

F. Fuses: Semi-enclosed fuse or cartridge fuse-links shall be provided as indicated or as

directed by the Electrical Engineer. Semi-enclosed fuses shall comply with BS 3036 category or
duty SIA OR SID and shall only be used up to a maximums current rating of 30 amperes. Cartridge
fuse-links shall comply with BB 88 or BS 1361 cartridge fuse-links complying with 88 s hall have
category or duty AC 46 and fusing factor as for class Q1.

A. Switchgear: Air-break switches and isolators for rated currents not exceeding 300 Amps shall
comply with BS 361 Part 1 and for rated currents in excess of 200 Amps but not exceeding 800
Amps shall comply with BS Part 2 class 1 switches. Composite units of switches and fuses for rated
currents up to 200 Amps shall comply with BS 2510 and for rated currents in excess of 200 Amps
but not exceeding 800 amps shall comply with BS 3185.

B. Distribution Boards: Distribution boards shall be metal clad surface or flushes mounted with
hinges door, and with gaskets fitted to the doors to prevent the ingress of moisture, dust and vermin.
Each neutral busbar shall have an outgoing terminal for each neutral conduction connected to it.
Fuse carriers associated with outgoing circuits designated “SPARE” on the drawings (s) shall not be
provided with fuse elements or cartridge fuse-links.
Distribution boards incorporating semi-enclosed fuses or cartridge fuse-linked shall comply with
BS 2214. Distribution boards incorporating miniature circuit breakers shall comply with BS 4549.
Miniature circuit breakers shall have a category or duty M3 unless otherwise indicated or as directed
by the Electrical Engineer.
Provisions shall be made to enable the operating mechanism to be padlocked or otherwise held
mechanically in the OFF position.

C. Consumer’s Electricity Supply Units: Consumers electricity supply units shall comply with BS
1454. The number of outgoing circuits and their respective current rating (s) together with the
current rating of the main switch and form of protective device(s) required and the form of
enclosure shall be as indicated. Where miniature circuit breakers are incorporated, units with a
current rating of 5Amps shall have a category of duty in accordance with class N1 of BS 3971 part

72
 1 for units having current rating in excess of 3 Amps strong the category of duty shall be at least
M1.5.

D. Molded Case Circuit Breakers and Enclosures: Molded case circuit breakers shall comply with BS
3871 part 2. Unless otherwise indicated, the standard A.C. rated short circuit capacity shall
be 10MA for standard rated currents up to and including 100Amps. 22KA for standard rated
currents above 100Amps up to and including 1200Amps.

E. Busbar Chambers: Busbar chamber shall be fabricated from steel sheet and related with a
rust protective iron phosphate and finished stone-enamel grey to BS 381C. The busbar chamber
shall have removable ends, top and bottom plates, to assist easy busbar connections shall comply
with BS 159. The arrangement of busbar within the enclosure shall comply with BS 158 Clause 3.

F. Identification Switchgear and Distribution Boards: Switchgear and distribution boards shall be
permanently identified. Labels shall be of a laminated plastics material. White on block, unless
otherwise indicated or as directed by the Electrical Engineer, attached to the apparatus by adhesive
or with screws. The main control switch of circuit breaker shall be labeled ISOLATOR number 1, 2,
3 etc., if there are two or more incoming suppliers. The character shall be at least 10mm high and
1.5mm thick.
On all switchgear, the inscription should read designating number and circuit controlled. On all
other labels the character shall be at least 4mm high and 0.5mm thick.
In distribution fuse boards, inscription should read designating read number voltage and phase
of supply. In P.T.N. distribution fuse boards and switchgear and additional label reading
DANAGE 415 VOLTS written in red shall be fixed.

G. Apparatus Including Wiring Accessories: Accessories shall be of the surface flush

mounting pattern as indicated or as directed by the Electrical Engineer.

H. Apparatus Including Wiring: Accessories mounted within a building shall be of the dust
protecting type. Boxes shall have protection against corrosion in accordance with class 2.
Accessories mounted outside a building shall be of the weatherproof type.

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A. Switch Boxes and Socket-Outlet Boxes: Switch boxes, socket-outlet boxes and similar items shall
comply with BS 4662.
B. Switch Plates and Socket-Outlet Plates: Switch plate, socket-outlet plates and similar items
shall be either metal or plastic material as indicated. Decorative finishes of metal plates shall
comply with BS 1448.
C. Switches: Switches shall comply with BS 3676 and shall be suitable for use on inductive or
resistive loads. They shall be single pole, unless otherwise indicated, and where mounted adjacent
one another, they shall be grouped in single to ensure (multi-age box) and share a common switch
plate
D. Cord Operated Switches: A minimum length of 1.5m operating cord as required by BS 3676 shall
be provided unless otherwise indicated. The colour of the operating cord shall be either white
or natural colour and free and shall be terminated in a building on rubber or plastic material.
E. Switch with Pilot Lamp: The pilot lamp shall be a neon lamp with resistor and a red coloured lens
unless otherwise indicated.
F. Plugs: Plugs shall not be provided unless indicated or directed by the Electrical Engineer.
G. Cooker Control Unit: Cooker control units shall be of Form a complying with BS 4177. The
control unit must not be more than two metres away from the cooker.
H. Time Switches: The switches shall be of the self-starting, self-winding synchronous-motor-driven
type. The rate of voltage shall be 250 volts and the rated current shall be 20Amps unless otherwise
indicated. Times switch shall unless otherwise indicated, incorporate the following: A 30-hour
spring reserve to drive the mechanism during the electricity supply interruptions; and easily
replaceable cartridge fuse-link complying with BS 646 or BS 2959, inserted in the motor circuit; a
day omitting device to render the switch in operative, and ON-OFF manual
Switch to enable the circuit to be controlled at will without affecting the normal dial operation a 24
hours dial with ON and one OFF lever and a single pole single throw.
J. Conductors: Conductors shall comply with BS 775. They shall be rated in accordance with
‘Uninterrupted Duty’ and Utilization category ACI unless otherwise indicated or directed by the
Electrical Engineer. Conductor coils shall be D.C. or rectified A.C. operated. They shall be wound
for 240 Volts unless otherwise indicated and shall be protected by a cartridge fuse-link complying
with BS 646 or BS 2950.
K. Socket Outlets: Sockets outlets shall be 13Amps, two pole and earthing pin complying with BS
1363 or indicated or directed by the Electrical Engineer.
L. Switch Socket Outlets: Unless otherwise indicated or directed by the Electrical Engineer, switch
socket outlets shall
Be 13Amps, two-pole and earth pin complying with 1963. They shall have single pole switches.
M. Fused Connection Boxes for Electric Clocks: Fused connector boxes for electric clocks shall be
provide in one pole
With a 3-Ampere cartridge fuse link complying with BS 1363. They shall have single pole
switches.

74
 N. Installation of Switchgear and Accessories: Where individual items of switchgear are shown on the
drawing (s) to be grouped together; or where it is reasonable to do so, they shall be formed into
a composite switchgear pane. All apparatus (including associated equipment and accessories)
shall be fixed independently of the system of ring. All fixing screws and bolts shall be of steel ad
where the apparatus has a protective coating of zinc or is amounted outside
A building, the bolts or screws shall be zinc-plated complying with BS 1706.
O. Lighting Fittings Lamps: Lighting fittings for use with tungsten filament lamps shall comply
with BS 3820 and vitreous enameled steel reflectors shall comply with BS 232. Lighting fittings for
use with mercury electric discharge lamps shall comply with BS 1950. Lighting fittings for use with
tubular fluorescent lamps shall comply with BS 3820.

A. Lamp Holders: Lamp holders for use with tungsten filament lamps shall be suitable for use with the
type of lamps cap specified. Lamp holders for use with tabular fluorescent lamp shall be bi-pin
complying with BS 1975. Lamp holders for use with flexible cords shall be the cord-grip type with
shade carrier ring. Lamp holders incorporated in weatherproof fittings shall be of porcelain or
brass.
B. Pendants: Plain pendants shall comprise a ceiling rose complying with BS 67.
C. Bell and Audible Warning Systems: The warning system shall be PVC insulated core, non-
sheathed cables drawn into conduit or laid in cable trunking. The conductors of PVC insulated cable
shall be plain or timed annealed copper complying with BS 3660 and having a nominal cross
sectional area of not less than 0.35mm².
D. Transformers: Transformers shall comply with BS 3235 section E. The rated output voltage shall
be 4 volts and the rated output current shall be 1 or unless otherwise indicated.
E. Buzzers: Buzzers shall be provided with contact less movements and base and cover shall be
plastic materials.
F. Pushes: Pushes shall be of the surface or flush pattern as indicated or directed by the Electrical
Engineer. Pushes shall have current rating of 1 Amp unless otherwise indicated. In all places other
industrial areas, pushes mounted inside a building shall be of plastic material. In industrial area e.g.
workshops, the case and the front plates shall be of metal. Where mounted outside a building,
the case and front plate shall be of metal and the unit shall be weatherproof.
G. Indicators: Indicators shall be either wood-case or metal-case. Conduit entries shall be
provided in all metal-cased indicator. The number of signals shall be as indicated or directed by the
Electrical Engineer.
H. Telephone: The Ghana Telecom will provide and install the telephone system.
The Electrical Contractor shall provide and install a 25mm heavy gauge conduit in concealed system
and telephone cord outlet points as specified in the schedule and in accordance with the instructions
from Ghana Telecom. The conduits shall terminated in an adaptable flush mounting box complying
with BS 4662 in the wall.
J. Lighting Protection System: Installation of lighting protection system shall comply with CP 326.
It shall incorporate air-terminal mounted on suitable brackets and run of hard drawn copper
tape fixed with suitable metal saddles at 4.0m intervals. At a position (0.9m) above ground level, a
test connector shall be fitted to connect each down conducted to its earth electrodes.
K. Earthing: All electrical equipment such as metal clad switchgear, busbar chamber, distribution
fuse boards, conduits and cable sheaths shall form a continuous bonded earthing system.
Any part not solidly connected to the system shall be boned with appropriate hard drawn copper
tapes having its ends bolted to the frame of the equipment and the termination of the local conduits.
The metal work of all lighting fittings shall be solidly bonded to the conduit system. The earth
terminal of all sockets shall be solidly earth.

75
 The copper plate or copper rod shall be connected either to the main switchboard or the test
clamp of lighting protection system by hard drawn copper tape. The tape shall be taken to ground
and tuned out with an easy sweep at about 0.3m below ground and continued to a distance of about
5 metres from the building and bounded to the earth electrode.

L. Mounting Heights: The mounting height of fittings, apparatus an accessories shall be as given
in on the chart for schedule of points.

GLAZING
MATERIALS
A. Glazing in openings: Glazing in openings shall consist of providing and glazing the required
glass.

B. Glass: Glass for glazing shall comply with B.S. 952 of any approved manufacturer and free from
all defects. All glass shall be delivered in proper containers with manufacturer’s name;
guarantee; type; thickness and weight of glass attached to the outside of the containers.

C. Louvre Blades: The glass louvre blades shall be carefully cut to the exact lengths, long edges end
corners shall
Be slightly rounded, edges shall be set in louver clips which shall then be carefully adjusted to hold
the glass without rattling. Nails shall be made from steel and comply with B.S. 12.2 Part 1 Table 2
and shall be galvanized to B.S. 2989.

D. Sheets Glass: Unless otherwise specified, sheet glass shall be ordinary quality “OQ” glazing.

E. Obscure Glass: Obscure glass shall be 5mm cast of approved and pattern.

F. Plate Glass: Plates glass shall be 6mm ordinary glazing quality.

G. Mirrors: Mirrors shall consist of providing and fixing silvered, polished plated glass mirrors and
accessories.

H. Putty: Putty for glazing to wood shall be linseed oil putty complying with the requirements of B.S.
544.

WORKMANSHIP
J. Glazing Generally: The glass shall have a clean cut to fit the rebates with at least 2.5mm
clearance all round and bedded in putty or mastic, back puttied and sprigged in position as
necessary.
K. Edges of Glass: The glass shall have a clean cut and the edges of leaves shall be rounded and
polished.

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L. Putty Glazing: Glazing in putty shall be executed with proper bed and putties, springs, clips and
splayed with mitered front putties. The back putties shall be trimmed off level with the tops of the
rebates and the splayed form putties shall
Be finished 3mm back from sight line to allow sealing between glass and putty with paint.
M. Bead Glazing: Glazing fixed with beads shall have both glass and beads bedded and back
putties and the putty
Trimmed off flush.

DRAINAGE

MATERIALS

A. Drainage Installation: The drainage installation shall consist of excavating pipe trenches,
providing and laying the required beds, drain pipe work, ancillaries and all necessary accessories.
Generally, the whole of the drainage works
Shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Area Local Authority and to the
entire satisfaction of the Architect.

B. Excavations and Earthworks: Excavation and Earthworks shall be as specified in “Excavation

and Earthworks”.

C. Concrete: Ingredients for concrete in beds, benching and the like shall be as specified in
“Concrete Works”.

D. Blockwork: Blockwork shall be as specified in “Blockwork”.

E. Manholes Step Irons: Manholes step iron shall comply with B.S. 1247 Type “A” for general
purposes and type “B” for concrete manholes.

F. Drainage Pipes and Fittings: Pipes and fittings shall be obtained from Interplast Limited, P. O.
Box 1069, Accra and they shall be laid in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed
recommendations.

WORKMANSHIP
G. Excavation for Drain Trenches: The ground shall be excavated to the lines and depths shown
on the drawings. Trenches shall be parallel sided to the widths specified or, alternatively, shall
have a sub-trench extending at least 300mm above the outside diameter of the pipe. However, if,
due to limitations of excavating equipment or for other reasons, excessive deep trenches cannot
be dug parallel sides, the subject to the approval of the Architect, trench sides may be battered

77
 to safe angles of repose, but no variation of the Contractors’ rate for this item will be allowed if this
alternative is approved and adopted.

H. Sides support to Drain Trenches and Pits: The sides of pits, trenches and other excavations shall,
where necessary, Be adequately supported to the satisfaction of the Architect by timber or by
any other approved means. All such excavations shall be of sizes enabling pipes and concrete to be
laid accurately and for proper refilling and consolidating to be carried out.

J. Protecting Trenches, Structures etc.: Pipe trenches shall be kept free from water until, in the
opinion of the Architect, any concrete or other works therein are sufficiently mature. The
Contractor shall construct any sumps or temporary drains that the Architect may deem necessary for
wet conditions in trenches.

While the trenches are open, the Contractor shall take all precautions necessary for the safety of
adjoining structures and buildings by shoring, supporting in short lengths or otherwise.

K. Bedding and Casting: Bedding and Casting to pipes shall be in concrete as specified in
“concrete work”. Beds shall be 150mm wider than the outside diameter of the pipe and carefully
worked under the pipe so as to be in contact with and give support to the bottom 6mm (i.e. 120
degrees) of the pipe. The concrete or selected fill must extend the full width of the trench as
excavated and the Contractor will only be paid for the width of concrete described above.

L. Laying Drains: Pipes shall be laid true line and level, each pipe being separately boned
between sight rails. Concrete shall be packed under and around the pipes to ensure even bedding.
Where approved by the Architect, large diameter pipes shall be laid ion 75mm thick layer of
concrete support on concrete blocks of a height to suit the eventual thickness of bed.

M. Jointing Concrete Pipes: concrete pipes shall be dry jointed with the rubber ring supplied (by the
manufacturer) with the pipes and fittings.

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A. Manholes and Inspection Chambers: Manholes and inspection chambers which shall be
watertight, shall be constructed at the position and to size as shown on the drawings. Special
manholes shall be constructed in accordance with detailed drawings. Ordinary manhole shall
be constructed as follows.
Beds shall be from 150 to 450mm thick consisting of concrete; the walls shall be of sandcrete
blocks laid in (1:3) cement mortar and fair faced and flush pointed or rendered internally. They
shall be brought up vertically to receive a reinforced concrete slab rebated to receive a manhole
frame as per manhole schedule. Manholes shall be provided with step irons at 300mm centres
complying with B.S. 1247 type ‘A’. The ends of the pipes shall be neatly built in with the
blockwork finished flush with cement and mortar (1:2)

B. Inspection: All drains shall be left exposed until inspected by the Architect and shall not be
covered up until tested to his/her approval. After covering up trenches and the like, the drains shall
be re-tested.

C. Testing: The Contractor shall provide all necessary testing apparatus for water, air and smokes
tests, together with any other materials and labour that may be required for the complete and proper
testing of the methods as Architect may direct but, generally, the drain must be capable of
withstanding hydrostatic test equivalent to not less than 1.5 metres head of water.

D. Making Good: Failure of any part of the drainage system under test or any defect thereby
revealed, shall be made good by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the Architect. Defective
sections shall not be patched up but shall be cut out and renewed for final re-testing.

E. Additional Pricing Information: The prices for drain trenches are to include for forming trial
holes, earthwork support, grading and consolidating bottoms, backfilling and consolidating
excavated material and disposal of excavated material off site. The prices of concrete beds and
surrounds are to include for formwork, finishing to falls, cross falls, slopes and cross slopes.
The prices for pipes are to include for all lengths, cutting and waste. The prices for fittings are too
includes for extra joints, cutting and waste; assembling component parts of filling and jointing
together.

This method of measurement expressly excludes the measurement of these items in accordance with
the principles of the Standard Method of Measurement.

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 EXTERNAL WORKS

GENERALLY

All materials workmanship shall be as described in the foregoing work sections and shall be read in
conjunction with the following specifications:-

MATERIALS

A. Granular Sub-Base Materials: Materials for Sub-base and Base course shall be approved laterite
gravel free from organic matter and the content of silt and clay shall be less than 15% passing sieve
B.S. 200.

B. Bituminous Surfacing: Materials for the surfacing of the access road and parking areas shall be
as follows:
(i) Bitumen grade M.C. 2 or similar approved cutback bitumen for priming.
(ii) Bitumen cutback, Shelmac S. 125 or similar approved cutback bitumen for sealing coat.
(iii) Approved sand or quarry dust shall be for blinding the surface of the bitumen priming coats.
(iv) Approved chippings shall be used to blind the surface of the bitumen sealing coat to form
hard wearing surface
`for traffic.

C. Precast Concrete Kerbs and Channels: Precast concrete kerbs and channels shall comply
with B.S. 340 and
shall be obtained from African Concrete Product (ACP) Limited, P. O. Box 6357, Accra or other
approved equal. They shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s printed recommendations.

D. Precast Concrete Paving Slabs: Precast concrete paving slabs shall comply with B.S.340 and shall
be obtained from African Concrete Product (ACP) Limited, P. O. Box 6357, Accra or other
approved equal. They shall be laid in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed
recommendations.
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 WORKMANSHIP

E. Site Clearance: The site shall be cleared in accordance with the requirements of the Architect who
will arrange, in conjunction with the Contractor, the detailed programme for such clearance. The
Contractor shall grub out all bushes, braches, samplings and scrub including roots except those
scheduled for preservation. All material grubbed out shall be disposed offsite. However, the site
must not be cleared by bulldozing the scrub into the ground.

F. Topsoil Stripping, Storage and Care: The Contractor shall strip and store by tracked vehicles but
care must be taken to avoid:-
(i) Compaction resulting in loss of structure.
(ii) Mixing topsoil with subsoil
(iii) Contamination with rubbish or injurious material such as lime, cement, petrol, oil and any
other chemicals.

G. Sub-grade: The sub-grade of paved areas shall be grabbed and consolidated to the required falls
and levels. No consolidation shall be carried out until the base has been inspected and approved by
the Architect.

H. Paved Areas and Access Road: Paved areas shall be constructed to the levels, thickness and falls
as shown on the drawings. Thickness of fill stated are after consolidation and the Contractor shall
allow his/her prices of loss in bulk due to consolidation.

J. Consolidation of formation for Paths and Paving: After completion of excavation and
consolidation of earth filling, the formation for paths and paving for pedestrian traffic shall be
consolidated to the required levels and contours with a light roller, vibrating roller or mechanical
panner to a compaction equivalent to that obtained with 2½ to 3 tonne roller
But care taken that no damage is done to adjoining work. Formation for paving subject to vehicular
traffic shall be similarly consolidated to a compaction equivalent to that obtained with a 6 to 10
tonne roller.

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A. Consolidation of Granular Sub-base Material: Sub-base and base course materials shall be spread
and consolidated
in layers not exceeding 150mm thickness to the required levels and contours with a roller, vibrating
a roller or mechanical punner to a compaction equivalent to the obtained with a 6 to 10 tonne
roller but care taken that no damage to the foundations, walls or adjoining work.

B. Bituminous Surfacing: Bituminous surfacing shall be carried out to the extent as shown on the
drawings. The work shall be carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s “General Utility
Surfaces Dressing specification” as follows:

(i) Apply one coat of bitumen MC. 1 or 2 at a rate of 1.36 liters per square meter at the
temperature of 83º - 142ºC
(ii) Cover with sharp clean sand of mineral aggregate.
(iii) Apply one coat of bitumen S.125 at a rate of 1.36 liters per square meter.
(iv) Cover with 13-19mm chippings and lightly roll.

C. Landscaping Works: The landscape work shall consist of only “soft” landscape with (i.e.
cultivation, fertilization and horticultural preparation for the soils and the supply and plating of
trees, shrubs, climbing plants and bulbs plus the maintenance of the whole for twelve (12/months).

The Contractor shall be responsible for all other external works items including sub-soiling
and top soiling of the cultivated areas and the like.

D. Imported Topsoil for Landscaping Work: Imported topsoil must be inspected by the Architect at
source.

E. Top soiling and Finished Levels: Before any top soiling is began, formation levels must be
inspected and approved by the Architect. Any area that becomes consolidated while being graded
shall be loosened by forking or harrowing. If in the opinion of the Architect, any topsoil has
become unsuitable due to contamination or consolidation during site operations, the Contractor
shall remove and dispose offsite at his/her own expense. Finished levels shall be 40mm above
adjoining kerbs, paving, making margins or retaining walls.

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F. Condition of Topsoil Areas: The Contractor shall carry out a final site clearance operation after top
soiling. All weeds, mattered grass, roots and large stones shall be removed from the area covered by
landscape work and /or private gardens.

G. landscaping Protection: Allowing for the time of year, weather or other causes, where there is
a period of waiting between the completion of topsoil operation and commencement of the
landscape works, then the Contractor shall provide and maintain adequate protection remove
weeds to the satisfaction of the Architect.
If the building operations are still in progress after the completion of the landscaping woks, the
Contractor must0 protect the plated areas against damage, disturbance, spillage of paint, deposition
of rubbish, removal of damage of plants or the wearing of footpaths across planted areas or from
compaction. If compaction occurs, the Contractor shall cultivate the areas so compacted to leave the
topsoil in a workable condition.

H. Additional Pricings Instructions: The prices for clearing the site is to include for cutting down of
all vegetable including trees with a trunk height of less than three (3) metres irrespective of their
girth, grubbing up their roots and backfilling the voids.

The prices for cutting down trees is to include for the provision, erection and subsequent removal of
all scaffolding, staging and mechanical plant whatsoever.

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