PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete

CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN WORKS
OF HO TO WEST SUBSTATION (LOK MA CHAU INLAND NO.2)
PARTICULAR SPECIFICATION – PART B
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Scope
This section gives the technical requirements for all structural concrete in building and civil
engineering works, except where otherwise modified or amended within the Contract.
1.2 Building Regulations and Authoritative Standards and Codes of Practice
Where the structural concrete is to be used in any building works in Hong Kong the concrete
shall comply with the following statutory requirements except where more stringent
requirements are specified herein.
• Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulation

• Code of Practice for Structural Use of Concrete 2013 (2020 Edition)
• Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings 2011
• Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and
Registered Geotechnical Engineers (PNAP)
• Hong Kong Construction Standard CS1:2010 for Testing Concrete
• Hong Kong Construction Standard CS2:2012 for Testing Reinforcement
• Hong Kong Construction Standard CS3:2013 for Aggregates for Concrete
• BS12 Specification for Portland cement

• BS812 Testing Aggregates
• BS882 Specification for Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete
• BS1014 Specification for Pigments for Portland Cement and Portland Cement
Products
• BS1370 Specification for Low Heat Portland Cement
• BS1881 Methods of Testing Concrete
• BS2499 Specification for Hot-applied Joint Sealants for Concrete Pavements
• BS3148 Methods of Tests for Water for Making Concrete (Including Notes on
Suitability of the Water).
• BS4449 Specification for carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete
• BS4483 Specification for Steel Fabric for The Reinforcement of Concrete.
• BS4550 Methods of Testing Cement.
• BS5075 Concrete Admixtures.
• BS5328 Methods for Specifying Concrete, Including Ready Mixed Concrete
• BS8007 Code of Practice for Design of Concrete Structures for Retaining
Aqueous Liquids
• BS8110 Structural Use of Concrete
• BS8666 Specification for Scheduling, Dimensioning, Bending and Cutting of
Steel Reinforcement for Concrete
The Contractor must understand thoroughly any such requirements stated by the foregoing
Codes and Regulations before tendering. He shall also construct the work in strict
accordance with this Specification, working drawings and written instructions issued by the
Project Manager.
If the Contractor wishes to substitute any other authoritative standard or code of practice for
any listed above he shall submit details of any such together with two complete copies to the
Project Manager for acceptance. Acceptance for such substitution shall be at the discretion
of the Project Manager and will not be given unless the Project Manager considers the
PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.1

Information Class: CONFIDENTIAL
proposed standard or code of practice will give a quality of finished work equal to or better
than the specified standard.
The Supervisor reserves the right to check the work constructed by the Contractor, and his
setting out at such times as he may deem fit. There is however no duty on his part to make
such checks and any omission by him to observe errors shall not relieve the Contractor of his
responsibilities in these respects.
1.3 Preliminary Information from the Contractor
The Contractor shall submit the following information on his proposals for the acceptance of
the Supervisor before the Works is commenced:
(a) Source of supply of all aggregates

(b) Source of supply of cement
(c) Source of supply of water
(d) Grading curves for coarse and fine aggregate
(e) Certificate of soundness of cement
(f) Results of tests for organic and inorganic impurities of aggregates and water
(g) Results of tests drying shrinkage of aggregates
(h) Source of supply of ready-mix concrete
(i) Source of supply of reinforcing steel
(j) Test certificates for reinforcing steel
(k) Types of water bars
(l) Types of joint fillers and sealants
(m) Positions of all construction joints
(n) Types of formwork
1.4 Not Used
1.5 Use of Concrete
No concrete of any particular mix proportions shall be incorporated into the Works until all the
requirements of this specification have been met in respect of those mix proportions and have
been accepted by the Supervisor.
1.6 Acceptances
A minimum of 14 working days before construction commences the Contractor shall supply to
the Project Manager for his acceptance details of his proposed layouts of concrete plant and
on site workshop, details of formwork systems and construction devices, e.g. cranes, chutes,
scaffolding, which he proposes to use for structural concrete. The information is to be
sufficiently detailed to enable the Project Manager to approve or otherwise.
Where the Contractor proposes to use climbing tower cranes or any type of plant which
places any load on the reinforced concrete structure, he must furnish full details of such plant
to the Project Manager for acceptance a minimum 14 days before the work is commenced. If
accepted by the Project Manager, the structure will be strengthened to carry such loads and
the Contractor shall be responsible for any resulting additional design and construction costs
or time incurred. Loads from such plant or equipment shall only be imposed on such
completed storeys of the structure where the loaded concrete has already attained the
minimum specified 28 days compressive strength.
The Contractor should note that further acceptances are required by the Specification before
construction starts. The Contractor is wholly responsible for obtaining these acceptances and
no claim for delays or additional payments will be entertained due to the Contractor’s failure to
obtain such acceptances in adequate time.

1.7 Contractor’s Responsibility and Defects
The fact that the Contractor has used materials, etc. to the acceptances of the Project
Manager shall in no way relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities of producing a concrete
of the required minimum strength, workability, shrinkage characteristics, etc. for the purpose
to which it is put.
Any Defects due to materials and workmanship not being in accordance with this
Specification shall be made good to the satisfaction of the Project Manager by the Contractor
at the Contractor’s own expense.
The Contractor shall be responsible for making good to the satisfaction of the Project
Manager any damage to the permanent structure which may be caused by his plant.
If the Contractor desires to leave any permanently embedded supports for his shuttering, etc.
in the concrete, he must furnish in writing exact details of his proposals and acceptance must
be obtained from the Project Manager.
1.8 Source of Supply
The Contractor shall not alter the source of supply of any material from that initially accepted
by the Architect without prior written permission of the Architect.
1.9 Supervision
The Contractor shall employ competent personnel whose first duty will be the supervision of
all stages of mixing, placing and site testing of all concrete and for the supervising of the
preparation of cubes for testing.
1.10 Safety and Site Conditions
Reference shall be made to the current Factory & Industrial Undertaking Ordinance and the
requirement specified in drawings. The Contractor and Sub-Contractor are solely responsible
for all site safety and in the event of an accident shall hold the Registered Structural
Engineer/Authorized Person blameless.
1.11 Quality Control
The Contractor shall submit to the Project Manager, within 14 days of award, a Quality
Manual in accordance with ISO 9001. The Quality Manual shall outline the Quality Control
measures that the Contractor shall put in place to carry out the Works and shall include the
Quality Control of the Contractors. The Quality Manual shall include a Project Quality Plan.
The Quality Manual shall be reviewed by the Project Manager and, upon acceptance, shall be
implemented by the Contractor.
The Contractor shall submit to the Project Manager, within 14 days of award, a list of the
Quality Control Personnel proposed for the Works and shall include the CVs and shall outline
roles and responsibilities. Staff listed shall include the Project Manager, Quality Control
Superintendent and Project Foreman. If, for some reasons, a person so listed is unable to
fulfill their role in the Works, the Contractor shall find an equivalently qualified person to fill
that vacancy. Details of the proposed replacement shall be submitted to the Project Manager
as before.
The Contractor shall establish, document and maintain an inspection and testing system
capable of producing objective evidence that the Works conform to the Specification, whether
carried out by the Contractor or his Contractors, or procured from vendors. A summary of this
system shall be included in the Quality Manual.

2.0 MATERIALS
2.1 General
All materials shall conform to Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulation or in its absence
the relevant current British Standard and shall be to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
The Contractor shall maintain a current copy of all such Regulations and Standards on site for
the use of the Supervisor.
A minimum of 14 working days prior to the delivery of any concrete to the Works, the
Contractor shall provide to the Project Manager the following information, confirming
compliance with the Specification:
(a) Information as listed in Clause 8 and/or Clause 14 of BS5328:Part 2

(b) Evidence of the suitability of the proposed concrete mix
(c) The workability of the proposed concrete mix
(d) All other information with regard to constituent materials as required by the
Specification
2.2 Cement
2.2.1 Type of Cement
Cement, unless otherwise specified, shall be ordinary or rapid-hardening portland cement

complying with BS12.
White or coloured portland cement shall comply with the physical requirements of BS12 and
pigments shall be inorganic oxide pigments, either natural or synthetic in origin complying with
the requirements of BS1014. Pigments whether added just before mixing or by the cement
manufacturer shall only be incorporated in the proportions accepted.
Supersulphated and High Alumina Cement shall not be used in any part of the works unless
specified.
Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) shall be fully used in the structural concrete work as a partial
replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) complying with PNAP APP-33 and relevant
specification.
(a) PFA used as a separate constituent shall be subject to the acceptance of the Project
Manager and should comply with BS 3892:part 1:1982, except that the criterion for
maximum water requirement may not apply. PFA as a separate constituent may only
be used with OPC.
(b) Blended cement containing PFA should comply with BS 6588:1985 and have a
nominal PFA content not exceeding 25%. PFA should not used as a partial cement
replacement in concrete in additional to blended cement.
(c) The PFA content should not exceed 25% by mass of the cementitious content (OPC
plus PFA) of the concrete. If a higher replacement level is proposed, a detailed
submission including justification on the use and the characteristics of the finished
concrete should be made for acceptance.
(d) The Contractor and concrete supplier shall have adequate quality control measures in
place to ensure that the finished concrete complies with the specification and
statutory requirements in all respects.
Cement for use in all concrete elements shall be obtained from a single source to maintain
uniformity of colour.

2.2.2 Certification & Testing of Cement
The Contractor shall obtain a manufacturer’s certificate of test in accordance with the
appropriate standard for each consignment of cement delivered to the Site and shall
immediately forward these certificates to the Supervisor for his retention.
Notwithstanding the manufacturer’s certificate the Supervisor may require that any cement
delivered to the Site, or elsewhere for use in the Works, shall be sampled and tested. Any
batch of cement so tested which fails to comply with this Specification will be rejected. The
cost of any such testing shall be borne by the Contractor.
2.2.3 Delivery and Storage of Cement
Cement of different types and manufacture shall not be mixed one with another. Cement
shall be transported to site in covered vehicles adequately protected against water. All
cement shall be delivered to the Site or elsewhere for use in the Works in the original sealed
bags of the manufacturer or in accepted bulk containers.
Cement, unless delivered in bulk, shall be stored in a weather-proof shed, the floor of which
shall be raised at least 300mm above the ground to allow free air circulation. Cement
delivered in bulk shall be stored in a weatherproof silo. All cement shall at all times be
protected from deterioration.
Each consignment of cement shall be clearly identified, stored separately, and used in order
of delivery.
2.2.4 Inspection of Cement
Any cement which, upon inspection, is considered by the Supervisor to have deteriorated in
any way will be rejected.
All cement rejected for any cause shall be removed from the site immediately.
Bulk cement shall be used only if the Project Manager’s acceptance in writing has been
obtained. Bulk cement shall conform in all respects to the relevant clauses above. Automatic
weighing equipment shall be used for weighing the cement to be added to each batch.
2.3 Aggregates for Concrete
2.3.1 Type of Aggregates
Aggregates for concrete shall consist of clean, hard, durable crushed rock, unless otherwise
specified, be aggregates from natural sources complying with BS882. Additionally, the
flakiness index when determined by the sieve method described in BS812 shall not exceed
35 for any size of concrete aggregate. Fine aggregate within or finer than Zone 4 of BS882
shall not be used.
Aggregates shall not contain water soluble sulphur trioxide in excess of 0.1%.
The chloride ion content of the fine and coarse aggregate shall not exceed 0.06% and 0.02%
respectively by mass of dry aggregate. If either aggregate exceeds these limits the material
may still be considered acceptable by the Supervisor provided that the total chloride ion
concentration derived from the aggregates is not greater than 0.35% by mass of the cement
in the mix.
Coarse aggregate shall mean aggregate of which not less than 95% by weight is retained on
a 5mm mesh test sieve to BS410. Maximum sizes of coarse aggregate are as specified in
the drawings.

Fine aggregate shall mean aggregate of which not more than 10% by weight passes a no.
150µm test sieve to BS410 and 100% by weight passes a 10mm test sieve to BS410.
Between the limits specified for coarse and fine aggregates the grading shall be such as to
produce a dense concrete of a consistency which will work into position without segregation
and without the use of an excess water content.
All aggregates shall comply with BS882 and BS812 in respect of impurities and additionally
with the following:
(a) Absorption
6% maximum by weight for ordinary construction.

2% maximum for waterproof construction.
(b) Salt
1% maximum (equivalent anhydrous calcium chloride percentage by weight of

cement).
(c) Shell
8% maximum by weight
(d) Carbonates
10% maximum by weight
The drying shrinkage of the aggregates measured in accordance with BS812:Part 120 shall
not exceed:
0.06% for general purpose concrete

0.04% for precast concrete, concrete for special purposes and waterproof concrete.
Aggregates for waterproof concrete shall be non-porous not subject to internal movement,
change in volume, shape or structure and suitable in every respect for use in waterproof
concrete.
Lightweight aggregate shall be 5mm exfoliated vermiculite to BS3797 or similar material

accepted by the Supervisor.
2.3.2 Acceptance of Aggregates
A minimum of 14 working days before the commencement of any concrete work, the
Contractor shall forward to the Supervisor for acceptance, details of his proposed source of
supply of aggregates giving the aggregate group classification and typical physical properties
as required by BS882.
The Supervisor shall be given advance notice of any alteration in the source of supply of
aggregate.
2.3.3 Certification of Aggregates
The Contractor shall provide the Supervisor with a certificate for his retention at such regular
intervals as the Supervisor may prescribe from time to time showing that all aggregates have
been retested since the date of the last such certificate and showing that they continue to
comply with the requirements of this Specification.

Samples of aggregates of different sizes or types shall be sent to an accepted laboratory for
testing prior to the commencement of any concrete works. The cost of such testing shall be
borne by the Contractor.
Notwithstanding any certificate of compliance the Supervisor may at any time require that any
aggregate delivered to the Site, or elsewhere for use in the Works, be sampled and tested.
Any aggregate so tested which fails to comply with this Specification will be rejected.
2.3.4 Delivery and Storage of Aggregates
No deliveries in bulk shall be commenced until the Contractor has demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Supervisor that the samples comply with this Specification.
The samples accepted by Supervisor shall be representative of the grading and general
quality of the aggregate delivered during the course of the work.
Coarse aggregate shall be delivered ready screened or screened on site into separate
nominal single sizes within the limits given in BS882.
Aggregates of different sizes or type shall be stored in different hoppers or different stockpiles
or accepted well drained paved areas which shall be separated from each other such that
mixing of the aggregates before batching is not readily possible. Stockpiles shall be protected
against contamination from any source.
Premixing of fine and coarse aggregates before delivery to site shall only be permitted with
the written acceptance of the Project Manager.
Any aggregate, which in the opinion of the Supervisor, has become contaminated or does not
conform with the foregoing requirements may be rejected by the Supervisor.
2.3.5 Testing of Aggregates
Tests shall be carried out on samples obtained from the delivered aggregates taken at
intervals required by the Supervisor in accordance with BS812:Part 101. Tests shall be
carried out in the presence of the Inspector, and to the expense of the Contractor.
Should a sample fall to comply with any of the tests the Inspector 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 the proportions or the concrete mixes specified. Any
batch of aggregate rejected by the Inspector shall be removed from site forthwith.
2.3.6 Grading of Aggregates
Aggregates will be subjected to sieve analysis to BS812, and the limits of acceptance are as
shown in Table 1, 2 and 3 (below). The Supervisor may require further analysis to be made if
there is any alteration in the type of aggregate. The cost of any such analysis is to be borne
by the Contractor.
The Contractor is to provide a set of BS sieves and weighing equipment with accuracy to
0.5% of the mass of test sample and carry out sieve analysis to BS812 on site as required by
the Supervisor at the expense of the Contractor.
The Contractor shall carry out sieve analysis for coarse and fine aggregates at the minimum
of one per week at each stockpile. At the start of the contract, sieve analysis should be taken
twice per week at each stockpile until the consistency of grading is evident and agreed by the
Supervisor.

Table 1 - Grading of Coarse Aggregate
Percentage by weight passing BS Sieve

BS Sieve Nominal size (mm) of graded Nominal size (mm) of single-sized
(mm) aggregate aggregate
40 to 5 20 to 5 14 to 5 40 20 10
50.0 100 - - 100 - -
37.5 90 – 100 100 - 85 – 100 100 -
20.0 35 – 70 90 – 100 100 0 – 25 85 – 100 -
14.0 25 – 55 40 – 80 90 – 100 - 0 – 70 100
10.0 10 – 40 30 – 60 50 – 85 - 0 – 25 85 – 100
5.0 0–5 0 – 10 0 – 10 0–5 0–5 0 – 25
2.36 - - - - - 0–5
Table 2 - Grading of Fine Aggregate
Percentage of weight passing BS Sieve

BS Sieve Grading Zone 1 Grading Zone 2 Grading Zone 3
10.0mm 100 100 100
5.00mm 90 – 100 90 – 100 90 – 100
2.36mm 60 – 95 75 – 100 85 – 100
1.18mm 30 – 70 55 – 90 75 – 100
600µm 15 – 34 35 – 59 60 – 79
300µm 5 – 20 8 – 30 12 – 40
150µm 0 – 10 0 – 10 0 – 10
Table 3 - Grading of Crushed Rock Fines
BS Sieve Percentage by weight passing

BS Sieve (%)
10.0mm 100
5.00mm 85 – 100
2.36mm 60 – 87
1.18mm 40 – 67
600µm 20 – 50
300µm 5 – 35
150µm 0 – 20
2.4 Water for Use with Cement
Water for use in mixing with cement or for curing concrete shall be from Government main
supply or any other accepted source, clean, fresh and free from organic and other deleterious
matter. Water storage tanks shall be covered to the satisfaction of the Supervisor to prevent
contamination.
The Supervisor may require that any water be sampled and tested at the expense of the
Contractor by the method given in BS3148. Water failing the criteria given in the appendix to
BS3148 will be rejected.
Water for use in mixing with cement shall neither be hotter than 25oC nor colder than 5oC at
the time of mixing.
2.5 Measures for Controlling Alkali - Aggregate Reaction
Measures to control the occurrence of alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) in concrete shall be

submitted to the Project Manager for acceptance. In the absence of alternative proposals,
such control shall be achieved by limiting the reactive alkali content of the concrete as

described in clauses below unless in the opinion of the Project Manager the concrete element
will not be subjected to moisture ingress throughout its design life.
The reactive alkali of concrete expressed as the equivalent sodium oxide per cubic metre of
concrete shall not exceed 3.0kg.
The equivalent sodium oxide (Na2O) content of the concrete shall be determined in
accordance with the following steps:
(a) The equivalent Na2O shall be calculated by the expression:
Equivalent Na2O = A + B + C
where:
A is the sum of the acid-soluble alkalis (expressed as equivalent Na2O) of

cement, admixtures and water;
B is equal to 1/6 the total alkalis of pulverised fuel ash (PFA) (expressed as
equivalent Na2O); and
C is equal to 0.76 times the chloride ion (Cl-) of the aggregate.
(b) The acid-soluble alkali content of the cement shall be determined in accordance with
BS4550:Part 2:970 (excluding amendment AMD7285, July 1992) and shall be taken
as the average of the latest 25 daily determinations of equivalent sodium oxide plus
twice the standard deviation of the results.
(c) The acid-soluble alkali content of admixtures shall be determined in accordance with
BS1881:Part 124:1988.
(d) The acid-soluble alkali content of water shall be determined in accordance with
American Public Health Association (APHA) (17ed.1989) Sections 3500-K and 3500-
Na.
(e) The total alkali content of the PFA shall be determined in accordance with
BS4550:Part 2:1970 (excluding amendment AMD7285, July 1992) and shall be taken
as the average of 25 weekly determinations plus twice the standard deviation of the
results.
(f) The equivalent sodium oxide content of the coarse and fine aggregates shall be
calculated from the quantity of chloride ion present which shall be measured in
accordance with BS812:Part 4:1976.
The following particulars of the concrete mix should be submitted by the concrete supplier to
the Project Manager:
(a) HOKLAS-endorsed test certificates not older than six months giving the results of
tests required in Clauses 2.5(b) to 2.5(f);
(b) Calculation of the reactive alkali of the proposed mix; and
(c) New HOKLAS-endorsed test certificates giving the results of tests required in
Clauses 2.5(b) to 2.5(f) to be submitted at quarterly intervals together with any
necessary further calculations to demonstrate that the mix continues to comply with
the limit on reactive alkali.
2.6 Admixtures
No admixtures or cements containing additives shall be used in concrete unless specified or

accepted by the Project Manager. Such acceptance will not be given unless in the Project
Manager’s opinion specific benefit to the density or quality of the concrete will result.
Additives so accepted shall be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and written instructions.
The Contractor shall obtain the written acceptance of the Project Manager for use of additives
if they differ from those specified by the Project Manager, and their use is proposed by the
Contractor but not specified by the Project Manager.

The Contractor shall submit the following details of any admixtures or cement containing
additives for acceptance before using:
(a) Brand name and manufacturer’s literature;

(b) Proposed dosage and detrimental effects, if any, of underdosage and/or overdosage;
(c) Method of adding to the concrete mix; and
(d) Details of the chloride content.
The chloride ion content of admixtures for concrete containing embedded metal or for
concrete containing sulphate resisting Portland cement shall not exceed 2% by mass of
admixture or 0.03% by mass of the cementitous content, whichever is the less.
Where the use of admixtures is specified or accepted they shall comply with the requirements
of BS5075.
Accepted admixtures shall be stored in watertight weatherproof containers clearly marked to
show the contents.
The admixtures used for concrete shall be suitable and effective for the purpose of modifying
the workability, rate of stiffening or hardening, or colouring of concrete.
2.7 Steel Bar Reinforcement
2.7.1 Type of Steel Bar Reinforcement CS2:2012
Steel bar reinforcement shall consist of the following as described in the drawings:
• Mild steel bars complying with CS2:2012 and BS4449.

• Hot rolled high yield bars complying with CS2:2012 and BS4449.
2.7.2 Storage, Testing and Certification of Reinforcement
After delivery to the Site, the Contractor shall store reinforcement specified on site stock
schedules, in easily accessible and weather protected racks capable of accommodating
standard stock lengths and at least 150mm clear of the ground or floor, in clean conditions
and in an orderly manner to the satisfaction of the Supervisor, such that the batch to which
each piece belongs can be readily identified.
Sampling and testing of each consignment of steel reinforcement shall be carried out in
accordance with PNAP APP-45 and CS2:2012. Testing shall be carried out by a HOKLAS-
accredited laboratory. Any reinforcement so sampled and tested which fails to comply with
this Specification shall be rejected and the whole batch shall be removed from the Site
forthwith. The Contractor shall allow sufficient time for the testing of specimens and shall not
use steel reinforcement until the relevant test specimens have successfully passed all tests.
The Contractor shall bear all costs involved in making these tests. The Contractor shall have
no claim for bars mutilated in obtaining test samples.
The Contractor shall produce mill certificates, certificates of origin and a manufacturer’s
certificate of test in accordance with the appropriate standard for each reinforcement batch
delivered to the Site. The Contractor shall periodically forward these certificates to the
Supervisor in batches for his acceptance and onward submission to the Buildings
Department. Each batch of certification shall be properly indexed, referenced and collated
and shall be original or certified true copies.
2.8 Steel Fabric Reinforcement

2.8.1 Type of Steel Fabric Reinforcement
Steel fabric reinforcement shall be electrically cross welded steel mesh reinforcement
complying with CS2:2012 and BS4483.
2.8.2 Storage, Testing and Certification of Steel Fabric Reinforcement
Storage, testing and certification of steel fabric reinforcement shall comply with the Clauses
2.7 above.
2.9 Tying Wire
Tying wire for fixing reinforcement shall be either No.16 gauge soft annealed iron wire, or
No.18 gauge stainless steel wires.
2.10 Spacer Blocks
Spacer blocks for ensuring that the reinforcement is correctly positioned shall be as small as
possible consistent with their purpose, of type and shape acceptable to the Supervisor, and
designed so that they will not overturn when the concrete is placed. They shall either be an
acceptable proprietary brand of spacer, or they shall be made of concrete with 10mm
maximum aggregate size and mix proportions to produce the same strength as the adjacent
concrete.
Concrete spacer blocks shall not be used until at least 7 days old.
Proprietary plastic spacer blocks shall be capable of supporting the weight of the
reinforcement and construction loads without excessive deformation and must be well
perforated to a minimum of 25% of its area.
The Contractor shall provide sufficient mild steel chairs to support in position top
reinforcement in slabs, caps and rafts, vertical wall reinforcement and the like. Steel chairs
should be supplied with plastic-coated feet or accepted anti-rust treatment if not properly
protected by concrete.
2.11 Wall Ties
Wall ties shall be used between concrete and adjoining block or brick walling and shall be of a
type accepted by the Buildings Department.
The Contractor is responsible for the detailing and setting out of all wall ties such that they do
not adversely affect the reinforcement or the placing of the concrete.
2.12 Joint Fillers and Sealants
Joint fillers shall be preformed and of a proprietary brand in accordance with the drawings or
similar accepted by the Project Manager and shall be placed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations and written instructions.
Joint sealants shall be as described in the drawings, or similar accepted by the Project
Manager and shall be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
and written instructions.
Poured joint sealing compound shall be a hot poured rubber bitumen compound complying
with the requirements of BS2499 unless otherwise specified.
2.13 Water Stops

Water stops shall be shall be preformed and of a proprietary brand in accordance with the
drawings, or similar accepted by the Project Manager.
Water stops shall be used at all construction joints in water tanks or other structures
designated waterproof concrete.
2.14 Curing Compounds
Concrete curing compound for structures shall be a liquid resin or wax-resin base membrane
curing compound of an accepted proprietary brand. It shall have a minimum curing efficiency
of 75% and shall contain a fugitive dye.
Aluminised curing compound shall, when applied at the rate of approximately 0.25 litres/sq. m
by a mechanical sprayer with low pressure fine spray, become stable and impervious to
evaporation of water from the concrete surface within 60 minutes after application.
The curing compound shall contain sufficient flake aluminium in finely divided dispersion to
produce a complete coverage of the sprayed surface with a metallic finish. The curing
compound shall not react chemically with the concrete to be cured and shall not crack, peel or
disintegrate within three weeks after application.
Concrete curing compound for carriageways shall be a non-pigmented liquid resin or wax-
resin base membrane curing compound of a proprietary brand. It shall achieve a 96%
efficiency index and shall be available both with or without a fugitive dye.
The Contractor shall supply test certificates, prepared by an accepted testing laboratory, to
show that the compound will provide the required curing efficiency.
Curing compounds shall not be detrimental to the applied finishes and surface treatments
specified on the drawings.
2.15 Mechanical Splices for Reinforcement
Mechanical splices for reinforcement shall be of a type accepted by the Buildings Department.
They shall be installed, where detailed on the drawings, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s written instructions.
The Contractor shall submit to the Supervisor relevant trade literature, mill certificates,
certificates of origin and letters of acceptance for each proposed application.
Mechanical splices are to be so arranged that no more than 50% of bars are spliced at any
one point.
Where the use of mechanical couplers is required or accepted, the ends of the bars shall be
accurately cut at 90 degrees to the axis of the bar within a tolerance of 2 degrees by means of
a power operated hacksaw or a cutting wheel. A suitable bench clamp or jig shall be used to
hold the bar securely while it is being cut.
All burrs and foreign matter shall be removed from the bearing surfaces and when the bars
are butted together one bar shall be turned as necessary to reduce the angle between the
bearing surfaces to 3 degrees or less. The collar shall then be held in position and the wedge
tightened with a 2kg hammer.
The position of splices shall be shown on the drawings. The splices shall be staggered so
that not more than half the bars are coupled at any location and the distance between
staggered splices shall be not less than 30 times the diameter of the bars.
A sample of each type of mechanical coupler shall be submitted to the Supervisor for testing
and acceptance prior to the use of any coupler in the works.

2.16 Damp-Proof Membranes
Damp-Proof Membranes (DPM) generally for use below non-suspended ground floor slabs,
shall be 1200 gauge (0.3mm) polythene sheet complying with Packaging and Industrial Film
Association Standard 6/83 and shall be laid and jointed in strict accordance with the
manufacturers printed instructions.
3.0 CONCRETE - WORKMANSHIP

3.1 Reinforcement
3.1.1 Bending and Cutting
The Contractor shall provide power plant necessary for cutting and bending of reinforcement
on site accurately in accordance with BS8666:2005 to the shapes and dimensions shown on
the drawings or in the schedules where applicable. All reinforcement shall not be bent at
temperatures more than 50oC. Bars shall be bent by the application of slow steady pressure.
Cold worked or any high yield bars shall not be straightened or bent again having once been
bent. When it is necessary to bend mild steel reinforcement already cast in the concrete the
internal radius of such bends shall be not less than twice the diameter of the bar.
All reinforcement shall be fixed in the position shown on the drawings by the adequate use of
spacers, tying wire, chairs, stools, etc. and shall be so maintained during the placing of
concrete.
Long vertical bars in walls and columns shall be adequately supported at a high level to
ensure correct placement of the bars in lower lifts of concrete.
Neither the size nor the length of a bar shall be less than the size or length shown in the
drawings and shall be subject to the tolerances given in Table 4 below.
Where not specifically detailed in the drawings, the laps of reinforcement shall be staggered
so that laps do not occur in a band. Care shall be taken to comply with this requirement when
using sliding formwork.
Laps in reinforcement shall be where indicated on the drawings or as accepted by the

Supervisor. Unless otherwise indicated the minimum lap length for high yield steel bar
reinforcement shall be 46 times the diameter of the smaller bar lapped, for mild steel bar
reinforcement shall be 28 times the diameter of the smaller bar lapped and for mesh
reinforcement shall be 2 complete meshes. In all such laps the bars shall be wired together at
two points.
Where bars are cranked at laps the slope at the crank shall not exceed 1 in 12.
Table 4 - Tolerances for Reinforcement
(a) Bending Tolerances
Cranks, stirrups i) member depth less than 200 mm +0 – 5mm

and ties ii) member depth 200 mm or more +0 – 10mm
Other Steel +0 – 15mm
(b) Bar Spacing Main bar spacing in beams and columns ±10mm
Distance between layers of main steel ±5.0mm
Distance between bars along face of ±20mm
walls or slabs
(c) Specified cover +5 – 0mm

3.1.2 Concrete Cover to Reinforcement
Cover to any reinforcement shall be as specified on the drawings in accordance with Hong
Kong Building (Construction) Regulation, the fire resisting period (FRP) as required by the
Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Building 2011 and the appropriate British Standard, but
shall be a minimum as given in Table 5 below.
Cover to the ends of bars shall not be less than 25mm.
Table 5 - Minimum Concrete Cover to Reinforcement
Water Retaining Structures 40 mm

Work below ground 40 mm
(cast against formwork)
Work below ground 75 mm
(cast against earth face)
External Elements 40 mm
Internal Elements 25 mm
(But not less than bar diameter)
Slabs 20 mm
(But not less than bar diameter)
3.1.3 Welding of Reinforcement
Welding of reinforcement shall not be carried out without the prior written acceptance of the
Project Manager.
3.1.4 Fixing of Reinforcement
All reinforcement shall when fixed in position and at the time of concreting be clean and free
from mud, oil, mortar droppings, loose rust, paint, oil, grease, mill scale or other deleterious
matter. Reinforcement still blue from the mill shall not be used.
A steel-fixer shall be in attendance at all times when concrete is being placed to correct any
errors, omissions or movement in the reinforcement.
In severe hot conditions reinforcement shall be shaded from direct sunlight and hosed down
with clean water prior to concreting to keep the reinforcement temperature below 250oC. This
water shall be drained from the formwork prior to concreting.
Reinforcement shall be placed in the exact position indicated on the drawings, and shall be
securely wired or supported in position by suitable steel chairs as necessary in such a
manner as to ensure that no movement of the reinforcement will take place during concreting.
It shall be adequately secured with tying wire or accepted steel clips. The wire shall be bent
back well clear of forms.
3.2 Formwork and Falsework
3.2.1 Type of Formwork
Formwork shall include all temporary or permanent forming for the concrete, together with all
temporary construction required for its support.
Falsework shall include any temporary structure used to support a permanent structure during
its erection and until it becomes self-supporting.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the design, stability, supply, fixing, alignment and safe
removal of all formwork, falsework and supports in accordance with BS5975. Strutting shall

be so arranged that it can be removed without undue shock to the concrete. The Contractor
shall submit the design of falsework and formwork to the Project Manager for acceptance
before construction.
The Contractor shall construct formwork and falsework to support safely the worst combined
effects of all loads so that the final concrete structure is within the limits of acceptable
dimensional tolerances and without causing bulging or deflection:
(a) Total weight of formwork, reinforcement and wet concrete;

(b) Construction loads, including dynamic effects of placing, compacting and construction
traffic; and
(c) Wind loads
All formwork shall be watertight and so constructed that there shall be no loss of material from
the concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the formwork has been removed, the
concrete shall be in the position and of the shape, dimensions, and surface finish described in
this Specification or on the drawings.
In the case of beams, slabs or like members the formwork shall be so arranged that the sides
or edges may be removed without disturbance to the soffit or propping system.
Formwork materials shall be cleaned after use and maintained in good condition. Any timber
which has shrunk, warped or split and any forms which are damaged to such an extent as to
weaken the form or to affect the quality or appearance of the concrete shall be replaced or
repaired. If the strength and composition of the formwork has so far deteriorated due to
repeated uses that in the opinion of the Supervisor it will not longer adequately perform its
function, then it shall not be used again and is to be removed from the Site.
3.2.2 Precambering of Formwork
In general, and unless otherwise shown or specified in the Contract, all formwork for beams
and slabs shall be set with an upward camber at mid span of 2mm per 1.0m of span for all
spans in excess of 5.0m. Cantilevers shall be set with an upward camber at end of span of
4mm per 1.0m.
3.2.3 Joints in Formwork
All joints in formwork shall be either horizontal or vertical, end formwork being square across
the mass of concrete. The design of the formwork shall permit it to be struck and removed
without injury to the concrete.
The Contractor shall use grout checks at all horizontal construction joints and shall adopt
such other accepted expedients, e.g. foam rubber sealing strips, polyester crack filler in joints,
or taping of joints, as may be necessary to obtain satisfactory results at joints in formwork.
3.2.4 Internal Metal Ties for Formwork
Where internal metal ties are permitted they or their removable parts shall be extracted
without damage to the concrete and the remaining holes shall be carefully filled with concrete
or mortar of accepted composition. No permanently embedded metal part shall have less
cover than that indicated for adjacent steel reinforcement.
Internal metal ties in fair faced concrete work shall be arranged in an accepted neat, regular,
consistent pattern throughout the work.
Details of internal metal ties shall be submitted to the Project Manager for acceptance a
minimum of 14 working days prior to their use in the Works
3.2.5 Holes in Formwork

When holes are to be provided in formwork for pipes, weep holes and the like they shall be
neatly trimmed to fit the pipe and caulked with an accepted material to form a grout-tight joint.
3.2.6 Sloping Formwork
When concrete is to be deposited to a steeper slope than 150 from the horizontal top forms
shall be used to enable the concrete to be properly compacted.
3.2.7 Cast in Pipes/Sleeves
Where required in external walls, retaining walls and like structural elements, cast in pipes
and sleeves shall be fixed securely in place and shall be provided with puddle flanges and
hydrophilic caulking compounds as specified on the drawings.
The Contractor shall fix pipe sleeves and inserts or box out to form holes and chases to
specified size and in correct positions before placing concrete. Hardened concrete shall not
be cut to provide holes or chases without prior acceptance. Where reinforcement passes
through formwork, the formwork shall be designed and constructed to maintain the
reinforcement in its correct position and to minimise leakage of concrete or grout.
3.2.8 Acceptance of Formwork
For each concrete pour requiring formwork propping, the Contractor shall submit to the
Project Manager, a minimum of 14 working days prior to the commencement of formwork and
propping, details and/or calculations of all proposed formwork and props, along with a
detailed programme of the Works. Such acceptance, if given, shall in no way relieve the
Contractor of his responsibility for the safety or adequacy of such formwork for its purposes.
3.2.9 Coating of Formwork
The inside surface of forms, except for permanent formwork, or unless otherwise agreed by
the Project Manager, shall be coated with an accepted material to prevent adhesion of the
concrete.
Surface retarders or release agents shall not be used without prior acceptance. Release
agents shall not be used where surface treatments require bonding adhesives to be applied.
Mould oils or release agents shall be of a type which will have no adverse effect on any
finishes to be applied to the concrete nor on the appearance of fair faced concrete. Release
agents shall be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not
come into contact with reinforcement or prestressing tendons. Different release agents shall
not be used in formwork to concrete which will be visible in the finished works.
Care should be taken that mould oils or release agents do not accumulate at the bottom of
formwork. If the formwork is not used within 24 hours, a further coat of mould oil or release
agent shall be applied before casting the concrete.
3.2.10 Cleaning of Formwork
All rubbish, particularly chippings, shavings and sawdust, shall be removed from the interior of
all formwork immediately before concrete is placed. In the case of deep sections an opening
shall be left at the base to enable such cleansing to be adequately completed.
The Contractor shall provide a water jet free from any oil or other contamination for the
cleaning of formwork.
3.2.11 Inspection of Formwork

Concreting shall not commence until the Supervisor has had an opportunity to inspect the
formwork and any enclosed reinforcement and given his acceptance to commence
concreting.
The erection, casing and striking of the formwork shall be done under the personal
supervision of a competent foreman.
3.2.12 Striking of Formwork
Formwork shall be struck at such a time and in such a manner without disturbing, damaging
or overloading the finished concrete work or the structure.
The Contractor shall inform the Supervisor before removal of any formwork. The time at
which the formwork is removed shall be the Contractor’s responsibility subject to the minimum
periods between completion of any concreting and removal of forms as given in Table 6
below.
Table 6 - Formwork Stripping Times
Type of Formwork Minimum period before removal

Vertical formwork to columns, walls and 12 hours
beams (unloaded)
Soffit formwork to slabs with props left in 4 days
Soffit formwork to beams with props left in 7 days
Props to slabs (unloaded) 10 days
Props to beams (unloaded) 14 days
Props to cantilevers (unloaded) 28 days
The periods given in Table 6 are based on the removal of all props and formwork using OPC
concrete under average weather conditions. The periods shall be increased for lower
temperatures, transfer structures or for large span construction. Adverse weather conditions
or different cements may cause the above periods to be increased. Should the Contractor
wish to reduce these striking times, he must satisfy the Supervisor that the strength of the
concrete at such time and the structural system is adequate to withstand the dead and
imposed loads applied to it. Before reducing the striking times the Supervisor’s agreement
shall be obtained in writing.
Formwork props shall be positioned between permanent supports such that all members are
supported at maximum 3m centres in both directions.
When, in the opinion of the Supervisor, the striking of formwork would be detrimental to or
may prejudice the safety of the structure, the formwork shall be left in.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the demolition and re-concreting of any damaged or
defective work howsoever caused at his own expense.
If the props are to be left in place whilst the soffit forms to slabs and beams are to be
removed, the props shall be so designed as to remain in position throughout the striking
process without having to be temporarily removed. The use of props designed so that a few
can be taken away at a time and replaced immediately shall be subject to the Project
Manager’s prior acceptance.
No construction loads shall be supported from any unshored portion of the structure under
construction. The number of floors requiring propping shall be as instructed by the Project
Manager according to the design loads of such floors.
3.3 Formed Finishes for Concrete
3.3.1 General

Where a sawn formwork finish is specified or in all cases where no alternative finish is
specified, the surface of the concrete shall be not worse than that obtained by the use of
properly designed moulds of close jointed sawn boards. Small surface blemishes caused by
entrapped air will be permitted but the surface should be free of voids, honeycombing or other
Defects.
Should any concrete in the Works, in the opinion of the Supervisor, fail to match the standard
sample in surface finish the Supervisor may for this sole reason order the removal of all such
substandard concrete which shall be replaced with acceptable concrete all at the Contractor’s
expense.
3.3.2 Samples of Finishes
For all specified finishes apart from sawn formwork the Contractor shall provide a sample
panel at least 2.4m x 1.2m in vertical surface area including a typical horizontal and vertical
joint in the formwork and the construction techniques that the Contractor proposes for the
actual works. The sample when accepted shall form the standard for the entire Works. All
unsuccessful samples shall be removed from the Site.
3.3.3 Fair Faced Finish (F1)
Where fair faced finish (F1) is specified the irregularities of the finish shall be no greater than
those obtained from the use of wrought thickness square edged boards. The boards shall be
arranged in a uniform pattern as specified or accepted.
The concrete surface shall be smooth, free from fins, lippings, board marks or other
irregularities and shall be even with sharp true arises. Only very minor blemishes or voids
shall occur and there shall be no staining and no discolouration. The finish is intended to be
left as struck and the only treatment generally permitted is light manual abrasion with a
carborundum stone to remove minor marks. Patching of any description will not normally be
permitted.
Isolated blowholes not exceeding 10mm diameter will be permitted, but otherwise surface is
to be free from voids, honey-combing or other large Defects. Small Defects shall be made
good and blowholes filled with mortar specially mixed to match the colour and texture of the
concrete.
Abrupt irregularities shall not exceed 2mm.
3.3.4 Rough Board Finish (F0)
Where rough board finish (F0) is specified it shall be produced using formwork or formwork
linings of accepted rough textured seasoned wood boards with moisture content of between
10% and 20%. These boards to be of varying textures and to be arranged to give uniform
overall effect. Boards shall be assembled to prevent penetration or loss of grout between
them. Gaps greater than 5mm shall be filled. Formwork shall be soaked with water before
erecting, and shall be kept damp until concrete is placed. Cover spacers and bolts shall be
positioned to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
The number of uses of formwork linings will be limited to their ability to provide the required
finish.
The finish shall be left as struck. Any blemishes shall not be made good until inspected by
the Inspector. After inspection minor voids and irregularities on surfaces shall be filled with a
matching mortar to the Supervisor’s acceptance, using a sponge rubber faced float.
Discolouration will not be permitted.
3.3.5 Worked Surface Finish

The surface of concrete after casting shall be generally be finished level or to falls as
specified with one of the following surface finishes as indicated on the drawings:
(a) Type U1: The concrete shall be uniformly levelled and screeded to produce
a plain surface. No further work shall be carried out to the surface
unless it is to be used as a first stage for a Type U2 or U3 finish.
(b) Type U2: After the concrete has stiffened sufficiently, the Type U1 finish shall
be floated by hand or machine sufficiently just to produce a uniform
surface free from screed marks.
(c) Type U3: When the surface moisture has disappeared and the concrete
stiffened sufficiently to prevent laitance from being worked to
the surface, a Type U1 finish shall be steel trowelled under firm
pressure to produce a dense, smooth uniform surface free from
trowel marks.
The following methods may also be specified in conjunction with the above to provided
specific qualities of finish.
(a) Wood float to give an even textured surface

(b) Steel trowel or power float to give a smooth untextured surface
(c) Scratch with a stiff brush to give a slightly roughened even texture
(d) Tamp with the edge of a board to give an even texture of parallel ribs
(e) Other finishes as specified and executed in an accepted manner
(f) The Contractor shall not wet the concrete surface to assist working and shall not add
cement to produce the specified finish without the prior acceptance of the Supervisor.
3.4 Construction, Contraction and Expansion Joints
The Contractor shall be responsible for the position and detail of construction joints not
specified in the Contract subject to the indicative acceptable spacings given in Table 7 below.
Such joints shall be subject to the acceptance of the Project Manager and shall be arranged
so as to minimize the possibility of the occurrence of shrinkage cracks.
Table 7 - Indicative Acceptable Spacing of Construction Joints
Elements Maximum Area Maximum Dimension

(sq. m) (m)
Waterproof concrete walls 25 5
Waterproof concrete slabs 100 10
Slabs with major restraint 100 13
Slabs with major restraint at 250 20
one end only
Slabs with little restraint in 500 30
any direction
Walls (other than above) 40 10
Vertical construction joints shall be properly made to form a vertical grout tight joint. Where
reinforcement passes through the face of the joint the stopping off board shall be drilled so
that the bars pass through, or the board shall be made in sections with half round indentations
in the joint faces for each bar.
Where the Contractor’s proposed construction joints result in alterations to the reinforcement,
he shall provide full revised details for the Project Manager’s acceptance a minimum 14
working days prior to the commencement of the Works.
Concrete when being deposited shall not be allowed to “tail off’. Construction joints formed
with expanded metal or similar will only be permitted for reinforced concrete works where
accepted.

The Contractor shall finish the upper surface of lifts of concrete walls and columns horizontal
and clean the formwork of adhering concrete before the next lift is placed.
At all construction joints, both horizontal and vertical, the surface of the previously placed
concrete shall be suitably treated to remove laitance and to expose the coarse aggregate thus
forming an irregular surface key for adjacent concrete. This work shall be carried out to the
satisfaction of the Supervisor by the following or other accepted methods (in either case the
surface shall thoroughly washed and cleaned after roughening):
(a) After the initial set has taken place but before final set (a minimum period of 4 hours
after casting) the coarse aggregate shall be exposed by the use of water jet and stiff
brushing or an air-and-water jet.
(b) After final set has taken place (a minimum period of 4 hours after casting) the laitance
shall be removed and coarse aggregate shall be exposed by bush hammering taking
care not to loosen the aggregate in the face of the concrete matrix.
The Contractor shall ensure the surface of the construction joint is dry when fresh concrete is
placed against it.
At least 72 hours shall be left between completion of concreting one bay and the start of
concreting any adjacent bay.
Panels of walls and slabs shall be cast in such a sequence as to minimise and control the
effect of shrinkage at construction joints.
Formwork to construction joints shall be rigid and shall accommodate projecting

reinforcement without bending or displacement.
Where kickers are cast at base of walls and columns, these shall be cast monolithically with
the base slab.
If placing of concrete has to be unexpectedly stopped, the Contractor shall form construction
joints as directed by the Project Manager.
Contraction joints and expansion joints shall be formed as detailed where shown on the
drawings.
Concrete shall not be placed on both sides of contraction or expansion joint at the same time.
Waterstops shall be provided at all construction joints in water retaining structures. The
details of all such joints shall be accepted by the Project Manager.
3.5 Concrete Mixes - General
Reference shall be made to concrete mixes as Prescribed Mix concrete or Designed Mix
concrete. The grade of prescribed mix concrete is denoted by the characteristic strength in
MPa with the suffix P and the nominal maximum size of aggregate in mm, the grade of
designed mix concrete is denoted by the characteristic strength in MPa with the suffix D and
the nominal maximum size of aggregate in mm. The particular mix to be used shall be as
described in the Contract or on the drawings.
Mass concrete shall normally be prescribed mix concrete 20P/20 and blinding concrete shall
normally be prescribed mix concrete 20P/20 unless otherwise specified.
The characteristic strength of designed mix concrete with any type of cement, shall be the 28-
days cube strength below which not more than 5% of the test results are expected to fall.
The quality and strength of concrete shall be determined by test on samples taken on the Site
from the member during concreting and tested at an accepted HOKLAS-accredited laboratory
as directed by the Supervisor.

The maximum size of aggregate for structural work shall generally be 20mm. For thin
sections and where reinforcement is congested, 10mm aggregate may be accepted or
required. For large sections where the reinforcement is widely spaced and for mass concrete,
40mm aggregate may be accepted.
The free water/cement ratio will generally be chosen to suit strength and workability
requirements but may be limited by the considerations of durability given in Table 8 below.
The cement content of any mix shall not exceed 550 kg/m3 of compacted concrete.
Table 8 - Maximum Free Water/Cement Ratio
Type of Structure Exposure

Moderate Severe Very Severe
Thin sections and sections with less than 25 mm 0.50 0.45 0.40
cover
Medium sections 0.55 0.50 0.45
Heavy sections, mass concrete and concrete 0.60 0.55 0.50
placed under water
3.6 Concrete Mixes - Prescribed Mix Concrete
Where prescribed mix concrete is required to be used the Contractor shall combine the
cement, aggregate and water in the proportions given in Table 9 to produce a concrete with
high density combined with adequate workability for the purpose intended.
The workability of the concrete shall be the minimum consistent with producing a dense, well
compacted mass. Due regard shall be paid to the size and shape of the section together with
any congestion of reinforcement.
Table 9 - Prescribed Mix Concrete
Specified grade Material Weight of aggregate per bag of cement (kg)

strength 45kg bag of cement 50kg bag of cement
10P/20 Fine aggregate 145 160
20mm coarse aggregate 185 205
The weight of aggregate in Table 9 shall be measured when the aggregates are dry. Due
allowance shall be made for the water content of moist aggregates.
3.7 Concrete Mixes - Designed Mix Concrete
Mixes for each class of designed mix concrete specified or shown on the drawings shall be
designed by the Contractor to achieve the specified minimum cube strength combined with
high density and adequate workability for the purpose. In order to allow for unavoidable
variation the design strength shall exceed the specified characteristic strength by twice the
expected standard deviation. In the absence of previous information a standard deviation of
7MPa shall be assumed.
Classes of design mix concrete will be referred to by the minimum 28 days cube strength and
by the maximum size of aggregate. Classes of concrete shall meet the criteria shown in
Table 10 below. The maximum water/cement ratio is herein defined as the ratio of the weight
of the free water to the weight of the cement. The free water is that quantity of water

available to combine with the cement. Any water required to be absorbed by aggregate is
excluded.
Details of any proposed mix design shall be forwarded to the Project Manager for acceptance
in principle not less than 60 days before that class of concrete is required to be used on the
Works. The details shall include at least the following information:
(a) Source, nature and grading of coarse and fine aggregates

(b) Source of cement
(c) Nominal maximum size of aggregate
(d) Cement content
(e) Aggregate/cement ratio
(f) Water/cement ratio
(g) Design density
(h) Design slump or compacting factor
(i) Design strength
(j) Proposed admixtures
(k) Nominal grading details (tabular and graphical) of the combined aggregates together
with details of the proportions in which the fine and coarse aggregates are combined.
(l) Type of plant to be used and location if ready-mixed off site.
The cement content of concrete shall be not less than the appropriate amount given in Table
11 below. For water retaining structures, the minimum cement content shall be 325kg/m3
(subject to the limits set out in Table 11).
Where a designed mix is to be used, the Contractor shall carry out trial mixes to determine
the suitability of the proposed mix proportions for production of concrete of the required
quality, workability and compactability for the location specified. The Contractor shall prepare
trial mixes on receipt of the Project Manager’s provisional acceptance of the mix design and
complete at least 35 days before commencement of concreting.
Each batch of concrete shall be sampled and the following prepared, in accordance with
CS1:2010 and Clause 6.43 to the GS-ASD. In addition, three slump tests are required for
design slump greater than 25mm.
Variations in the proportions and sources of materials or in the type, size and grading of
aggregates for accepted mixes shall not be made without the consent of the Project Manager.
Table 10 - Designed Mix Concrete
Concrete Characteristics
Class of Concrete Min. 28 Day Works Min. 28 Day Prelim. Min. 7 Day Target
Cube Strength (MPa) Cube Strength (MPa) Works Cube Strength
(MPa)
45D/40 45 58 31
45D/20 45 58 31
45D/10 45 58 31
40D/40 40 53 27
40D/20 40 53 27
40D/10 40 53 27
35D/40 35 46 24
35D/20 35 46 24
35D/10 35 46 24
30D/40 30 40 20
30D/20 30 40 20
30D/10 30 40 20
25D/40 25 33 17
25D/20 25 33 17
25D/10 25 33 17

20D/40 20 28 14
20D/20 20 28 14
Table 11 - Minimum Cement Content of Designed Mixes (for Grade 20D and above)
Exposure Max. Cement Content – Cement Content –

Condition Aggregate. Plain Concrete Reinforced Concrete
Size (mm) (kg/cu. m) (kg/cu.m)
Moderate 40 245 270
20 275 300
10 315 340
Severe 40 270 295
20 300 325
10 340 365
3.8 Ready Mixed Concrete
The Contractor shall submit the name of supplier and the concrete mix information for the
acceptance of the Supervisor. When such acceptance is given the concrete shall be supplied
in accordance with BS5328 except where the BS conflicts with this Specification, at which
time the Project Manager shall be notified and may select the more onerous requirements.
Concrete shall be carried in purpose made agitators operating continuously, or in truck

mixers.
Ready-mixed concrete shall be compacted in its final position within 2 hours of the
introduction of water to the mix, and within 30 minutes of discharge from the agitator or truck
mixer, provided that concrete which in the opinion of the Supervisor is no longer sufficiently
workable shall be rejected.
The time of the introduction of water to the mix shall be recorded on the delivery note together
with the weight of the constituents of each mix. When truck mixed concrete is used, water
shall only be added under supervision either on the Site or at the batching plant as agreed by
the Supervisor. Water shall not be added in transit.
Truck-mixer units shall be maintained and operated in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Delivery of ready-mixed concrete to the Site shall be carried out with prior acceptance of the
supplier’s production plant which shall be available for inspection by the Inspector during the
supply period if required.
A site record shall be maintained and made available for inspection at all times which contain
the following information in relation to each delivery of concrete to the Site:
(a) Registration number of truck, name of supplier and location of batching plant
(b) Time of introduction of water to the mix
(c) Time of arrival of concrete truck at the concreting location
(d) Mix proportions, including admixtures, if any, and grade of concrete
(e) Position where concrete was placed
(f) Whether test cubes were taken from the delivery, and details of cube markings; and
(g) Slump test results
The acceptance criteria for workability and strength shall be as specified in this Specification.

The use of ready mixed concrete shall not relieve the Contractor of any of his obligations and
the appropriate clauses of this Specification shall apply equally to the ready mixed concrete.
Concrete test cubes and slump tests shall be taken on the Site at the point and time of
discharge in accordance with the Specification irrespective of any cubes that the supplier may
take at his own works.
When ready-mixed concrete is used, there shall be one supplier only and the supplier shall
not be changed without the prior acceptance of the Project Manager. The Contractor shall
also submit a contingency plan to cover discontinuity of supply from the accepted source for
the Project Manager’s acceptance. Ready-mix concrete shall be supplied by the concrete
supplier from the current accepted list as published by the HKQAA.
The Contractor shall not deliver ready-mixed concrete to the Site without prior acceptance of
the supplier’s production plant. Arrange for the Inspector to inspect the supplier’s plant if
required before and/or during the period of supply.
The maximum total chloride content of the concrete mix shall not exceed the limits specified
in Table 12 as a percentage relationship between chloride ion and mass of cementitous
content of the mix.
The maximum total acid soluble sulphate content, calculated as the total from all the
constituents of the concrete mix and expressed as SO3, shall not exceed 4% SO3 by mass of
cementitous content of the mix.
The Contractor shall provide evidence of compliance with the limits of Total Chloride Content
and Total Acid Soluble Sulphate Content of the mix prior to supplying any concrete to the
Works and at maximum intervals of one calendar month during concreting or as otherwise
directed by the Project Manager.
Table 12 - The Maximum Total Chloride Content of Ready-Mixed Concrete
Type of Concrete Max. Total Chloride Content

Prestressed concrete 0.1%
Steam cured structural
concrete
Reinforced concrete 0.35%
Concrete with embedded
metal
3.9 No-Fines Concrete
No-fines concrete shall be composed of ordinary Portland cement and 20mm – 10mm
aggregate of which not more than 15% shall be retained on a 20mm BS sieve, and not more
than 10% shall pass a 10mm BS sieve. The aggregate/cement ratio shall lie within the range
10 to 15 by weight and the cement content shall be such that each particle of aggregate is
coated with cement paste but there is no continuous matrix. The water/cement ratio shall be
0.45 by weight unless agreed otherwise by the Project Manager.
3.10 Mixing and Transporting Concrete
All materials for concrete shall be measured by weight in accepted weight batching
equipment. Such equipment shall be checked at weekly intervals at the Contractor’s expense
and shall be accurate to within 2%. Certificates of accuracy shall be submitted immediately to
the Supervisor.
All concrete shall be mixed, unless otherwise exceptionally accepted, in purpose built power
driven mixers of a type and capacity suitable for the work and to BS1305 or BS4251. The
mixers shall be equipped with accurate water measuring devices which shall be checked at

weekly intervals at the Contractors expense. Certificates of accuracy shall be submitted

immediately to the Supervisor. Mixers shall at all times be kept in a clean condition.
A water/cement ratio shall be maintained to produce concrete of adequate workability. The

workability of fresh concrete shall be at the discretion of the Contractor but subject to
acceptance by the Supervisor and shall be the minimum consistent with producing a dense,
well compacted mass. The workability shall be checked using slump or compacting factor
tests to CS1:2010. Due regard shall be paid to the size and shape of the section together
with any congestion of reinforcement. A guide to the degree of workability required for
various types of work is shown in Table 13 below.
All materials shall be thoroughly mixed dry before water is added and the mixing of each
batch shall continue for a period of not less than two minutes after the water is added or such
longer period as recommended by the manufacturer of the mixer. The mixture shall be of
uniform colour and distribution on discharge and the entire contents of the mixer shall be
discharged before recharging. The volume of mixed material shall not exceed the rated
capacity of the mixer.
Prior to the first mix each day being agitated in the mixer a rich cement/sand mix shall be
used to coat the inside of the drum, the surplus material being emptied away and not used in
the Works.
Volume batching of materials and hand mixing of concrete will be allowed only at the
discretion of the Project Manager. Where accepted, hand mixing of concrete shall be done
on a clean close boarded platform. The materials shall be turned over not less than three
times dry, water shall then be sprayed on through a hose and the materials again turned over
not less than three times in a set condition and worked together until a mixture of uniform
consistency is obtained.
For hand-mixed or volume batched concrete the specified quantities of cement shall be
increased by 10 per cent and not more than 0.5 cubic metre shall be mixed at one time. The
Contractor shall not be entitled to any additional payment in respect of any extra cost of hand-
mixing by reason of the additional cement or otherwise.
Table 13 - Workability
Degree of 20 mm max size 40 mm max size Uses for which Concrete is

Workability aggregate aggregate suitable
Slump Compacting Slump Compacting
(mm) factor (mm) factor
Low 12 – 25 0.82 – 0.88 25 – 50 0.82 – 0.88 Simply reinforced large
sections with vibration
Medium 25 – 50 0.88 – 0.94 50 – 100 0.88 – 0.94 Moderately reinforced
sections with vibration,
such as ordinary beams
and slabs
High 50 – 125 0.94 – 0.97 100 – 175 0.94 – 0.97 Sections with heavily
congested reinforcement
where vibration is difficult
The moisture content of the coarse and fine aggregates shall be checked by the Contractor at
frequent intervals and the amount of water added to the mix shall be adjusted to maintain the
design workability.
Concrete shall be discharged from the mixer directly into the Works or onto a clean, level,
watertight platform or into a clean watertight container. It shall be transported in a manner
which ensures that it is of the correct quality and consistency at the point of deposition. All
platforms and containers shall be cleaned of the old concrete before the fresh concrete is
discharged onto them.

Concrete shall not be dropped from a height, thrown or otherwise treated so that segregation,
undesirable finish, or defective structural quality results. The maximum drop shall be 2.7m
unless otherwise accepted by the Supervisor.
No extra water shall be added to the concrete mix after it has left the batching plant.
The Contractor shall take adequate precautions to protect concrete in transit from the effects
of the weather.
Pumping of concrete, which will require a special design mix, will only be permitted with the
acceptance of the Project Manager.
Should the concreting be stopped due to mechanical malfunction, accident, or other similar
cause the Contractor shall inform the Supervisor immediately so that necessary measures
and precautions can be taken. The cost of any additional work caused by these stoppages
shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
No concreting shall be commenced until the formwork and reinforcement and all other
preparations for the pour have been inspected by the Inspector who shall be given a minimum
24 hours notice.
3.11 Placing and Compacting Concrete
Concrete shall be transported and placed by an accepted method which ensures that there
shall be no contamination, segregation or loss of the constituent materials.
All areas where concrete is to be placed shall be clean and rendered free from standing water
immediately before the placing of concrete, except for concrete placed under water.
Concrete shall not be placed in any part of the structure until acceptance has been given; and
if concreting is not started within 24 hours of that acceptance being given, acceptance shall
be obtained again.
Concreting shall proceed continuously between construction joints and shall rise uniformly in
the formwork at a rate of not less than 2m per hour. Concrete shall not be placed directly
against a vertical form face but shall be caused to flow to this surface during the compaction
process. Unless the Supervisor agrees otherwise, fresh concrete shall not be placed against
in-situ concrete which has been in position for more than 30 minutes unless the in-situ
concrete has been kept damp with a layer of wet hessian and protected from the weather.
When in-situ concrete has been in place for 4 hours or in the opinion of the Supervisor the
concrete has stiffened to such an extent that it no longer responds to the action of an internal
vibrator, no further fresh concrete shall be placed against it for a further 20 hours and a
construction joint shall be formed.
Concrete shall be compacted in its final position within 30 minutes of discharge from the mixer
unless it is carried in continuously operating purpose made agitators when the applicable time
shall be within 2 hours of the introduction of water to the mix and within 30 minutes of
discharge from the agitator. Concrete which in the opinion of the Supervisor is no longer
sufficiently workable shall be rejected.
All concrete shall be vibrated unless otherwise specified. The vibration shall be carried out by
experienced operators using immersion type vibrators to the Supervisor’s satisfaction.
Internal vibrators shall operate at not less than 10000 cycles per minute and external vibrators
not less than 3000 cycles per minutes. Vibrating tables operating at a minimum of 5000
oscillations per minute may be used for precast elements subject to acceptance. Do not use
external clamp-on type vibrators without prior acceptance.

Placing of concrete shall be carried out in layers not exceeding 600mm deep and in sequence
from one end of the form to the other.
Placing of concrete shall be carried out in lifts not exceeding 3m in height. This restriction
may be reduced to 2m or less when casting thin or congested sections at the discretion of the
Supervisor.
Concrete in foundations and other underground work shall be protected from contamination
by falling earth or rock during and after placing.
Sufficient vibrators shall be provided to correspond with the rate of placing of concrete. The
vibration shall be continuous throughout the placing of the concrete. Standby vibrators shall
be on the Site during all concrete placing.
Vibration shall not be allowed to disturb any recently placed concrete that has begun to set.
Any water accumulating on the surface of newly placed concrete shall be removed by
accepted means and no further concrete shall be placed thereon until such water is removed.
Concrete shall be placed and compacted in such a way as to avoid disturbance to the
formwork and reinforcement. Where sections of the Works are carried out in lifts, the
reinforcement projecting above the lift being cast shall be supported to prevent movement of
the bars during the casting and setting of concrete.
Vibration shall not be used as a means of distributing concrete into position, and concrete
shall not be vibrated between 4 and 24 hours after placing.
Any concrete which in the opinion of the Supervisor shows signs of initial setting before or
during placing shall not be used and it shall be removed at the Contractor’s expense.
The Contractor shall take special precautions when concreting in hot weather. Any formwork
made of concrete, metal or other material of high thermal capacity shall be cooled with water
before concrete is placed against it. Curing of concrete shall commence immediately after
compaction. Protection from direct radiation shall be in place within 30 after final surface
tamping.
Suitable means shall be provided to ensure that the temperature of the concrete on placing
does not exceed 30oC. Concrete shall not be placed around reinforcement or against
surfaces which are at temperatures above 30oC. All surfaces shall be thoroughly dampened
immediately prior to placing fresh concrete to prevent excessive absorption of water by the
formwork.
Underwater concrete shall be placed in accordance with the recommendations given in

BS8004.
3.12 Testing of Concrete
3.12.1 Sampling
For all structural concrete the following representative samples shall be taken for each
concreting day and shall be cured and tested in accordance with CS1:2010, by a HOKLAS-
accredited laboratory:
(a) 150mm concrete test cubes; and

(b) 150mm or 100mm diameter concrete test cores; and either;
(c) Two slump tests; or
(d) Two compacting factor tests.
The rate of sampling fresh concrete shall be at least that specified in Table 14(a) below and at
least one sample shall be taken from each grade of concrete produced on any one day.

The rate of core testing shall be as agreed with the Supervisor but shall be at least that
specified in Table 14(b) below.
The sampling of fresh concrete, the making of concrete test cubes and the drilling of concrete
core samples shall be supervised by a technically competent person. The person supervising
the drilling of the concrete core samples shall be independent from the Contractor.
Table 14(a) - Sampling Rates (Fresh Concrete)
Type or part of building, building works or Quantity of concrete to be represented by

street each sample
Masts, cantilevers more than 3m in length, 10m3 or 10 batches
columns, shear walls and other critical (whichever is the smaller volume)
elements
Solid rafts, pile caps, caisson caps and mass 100m3 or 100 batches
concrete retaining walls (whichever is the smaller volume)
All other types or parts 25m3 or 25 batches
(whichever is the smaller volume)
Table 14(b) - Sampling Rates (Core Sample)
Type or part of building, building works or Quantity of concrete to be represented by

street each sample
Masts, cantilevers more than 3m in length, 75m3 or 10 batches
columns, shear walls and other critical (whichever is the smaller volume)
elements
Columns Every fourth column on every floor
Slabs 150 m3 or sixth panel
Beams 75 m3 or 40 linear m
Strip and Pad footings, pilecaps 75m3 or every eighth footing or pilecap
All other types or parts 150m3 or 25 batches
The names and qualifications of the supervisory personnel representing the Project Manager
and the Contractor respectively shall be entered into an inspection log book. All inspections
shall be clearly recorded with date, time and location of inspections, structural member
references, names of personnel present and details of site activities. The log book shall be
provided by the Contractor and kept on the Site by the representatives from the Project
Manager.
The supervisory personnel shall mark and sign on the concrete test cores and concrete test
cubes a unique reference number and sufficient information to allow the testing laboratory to
identify clearly the date and time of casting and:
(a) For concrete test cubes, the position in which the batch of concrete (from which the
cube was made) was placed; or
(b) For concrete test cores, the date and time of coring and the structural member
location and reference number from which the core was taken.
3.12.2 Concrete Test Cubes
Make two cubes from a single sample taken from a batch of concrete selected at random.
Take the sample at the point of discharge from the mixer, or, in the case of ready-mixed
concrete, at the point of discharge from the delivery vehicle, or elsewhere as directed by the

Inspector. On completion of curing for 28 days test the two cubes. The average of the two
results shall be taken as the test result.
The strength requirement shall be satisfied if the average strength determined from any group
of four consecutive test results, and the individual test results comply with the strength
determined from limits given in Columns A and B respectively in Table 15 below. Where
there are less than four test results available the average of the first two or first three
consecutive test results shall be treated in the same manner as groups of four consecutive
test results.
If the average strength determined from any group of four (or the first two or first three)
consecutive test results, fails to meet the requirement of Column A in Table 15, then all the
concrete in all the batches represented by the samples shall be deemed not to comply with
the strength requirements. For the purposes of this clause the batches of concrete
represented by a group of two, three or four consecutive test results shall include the batches
from which the first and last samples in the group were taken, together with all the intervening
batches, provided that, when there is a period exceeding two weeks between two consecutive
test results in a group, the Supervisor may direct that the test results immediately before and
immediately after the intervening period shall be treated separately.
Table 15 - Compressive Strength Compliance Requirements for Designed Mixes
Specified Grade Column A Column B

Average of any 4 consecutive test Any individual test result shall not be
results shall exceed the specified less than the specified characteristic
characteristic strength by at least strength by minus
20D and above 5.0MPa 3.0MPa
Below 20D 2.0MPa 2.0MPa
If any individual test fails to meet the requirement in Column B of Table 15 then that result
may be considered to represent only the particular batch of concrete from which the sample
was taken, provided that the averages of any 4 consecutive results in which the individual test
appears satisfy the requirement of Column A in Table 15.
If any test result fails to meet the requirements of Clause 3.12.2, the Contractor is responsible
to investigate the test result and take all necessary remedial action at his own expense.
If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair of cubes made from the same
sample of concrete for specified grade strength 20D and above exceeds 15% of the test
result for that pair of cubes, action shall be taken to ensure that the sampling and test
procedures as required in Clause 3.12 are being followed correctly.
If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair of cubes made from the same
sample of concrete for specified grade strength 20D and above exceeds 20% of the test
result for that pair of cubes that test result shall be disregarded. The Contractor shall
investigate the concrete cube test results and take all necessary remedial action at his own
expense.
In addition to the water tank curing method specified in BS1881, cubes may be cured on the
Site or in the laboratory in accepted mist rooms. Where mist rooms are used, they shall
comply with ASTM C511-75 except that the temperature shall be maintained at 27oC±3oC.
If concrete represented by test cubes in any concreting day fails to meet the standard of
acceptance specified in accordance with the Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulation or
its latest edition, the Supervisor may order the taking of twelve 100 mm diameter core
samples in addition to those required by clause 3.12a)(i) and clause 3.12c)(i), from finished
concrete work in same concreting day for test at the Contractor’s expense. The locations of
these cores to be taken shall be decided by the Supervisor. These cores shall be treated as in
clause 3.12c) below.

3.12.3 Concrete Test Cores
Concrete core samples, from the finished concrete work, shall be taken for 28 day test at the
rate of 2 cores per sample in accordance with Table 14(b) above subject to a maximum of
twelve cores for each concreting day, in the locations specified on the drawings or as directed
by the Supervisor.
The diameter of the concrete cores should be 150mm for 40mm aggregate concrete, 100mm
for 20mm or smaller aggregate concrete and must not be less than 75mm. The length of the
test sample cut from the concrete core shall be at least 95% of the diameter.
All coring shall be completed within 7 working days of the date the instruction is given by the
Supervisor.
All cores shall be drilled and tested in accordance with CS1:2010, by a HOKLAS accredited
laboratory.
Cored holes shall be made good to the acceptance of the Supervisor with cement mortar or
concrete of similar strength to that of the parent concrete.
Results of the twelve cores for the same concreting day will be examined individually.
In assessing the results of compressive tests on cores the concrete represented by the core
shall be deemed not to comply with the Specification if the strength of the core when adjusted
for length/diameter ratio and converted to estimated cube strength in accordance with
CS1:2010 is as follows:
(a) The average result of the twelve cores is less than 85% of the specified grade
strength; or
(b) An individual result is less than 75% of the specified grade strength.
Concrete cores should not show evidence of segregation of constituent materials.
There should be no honeycombing in the cores and the extent of voids in the cores should not
be more than “few” in accordance with the classification defined in Table 4 of CS1:2010.
Cores shall not be tested for strength at ages less than 28 days and no adjustment shall be
made to the measured strength in respect of the age of the core when tested.
3.12.4 Testing and Test Record
The testing and standard of acceptance shall be in accordance with Hong Kong Building
(Construction) Regulation unless more stringent requirements are specified by the
Supervisor.
The concrete cubes tested at 7 days are intended to be indicative only and the target works
strengths at 7 days given in Table 10 are not mandatory. It should be noted however that it is
unlikely that cubes failing the 7 days target will subsequently pass the 28 days cube strength.
The concrete cubes tested at 28 days shall be taken to represent the concrete placed in the
Works. The standard of acceptance for cube strength tests shall be calculated from the
maximum load sustained by the cube at failure.
The appropriate strength requirement, as given in Table 10 shall be considered to be satisfied

if the test results comply with the Acceptance Criteria set out in Hong Kong Code of Practice
for Structural use of Concrete 2013.
3.12.5 Workability

Where a batch is to be sampled to determine the workability of the concrete, samples shall be
taken in accordance with either CS1:2010. In all cases the sample shall be remixed, divided
into two specimens and each specimen tested for slump in accordance with CS1:2010.
The standard of acceptance for the slump test during the production of concrete shall be the
design slump (as specified in Table 13) ±25 mm.
The standard of acceptance for the compacting factor test during the production of concrete
shall be the design compacting factor (as specified in Table 13) ±0.03.
3.12.6 Testing
The standard of acceptance of any preliminary tests will be similar to the standard for normal
Works cubes, cores, slump or compacting factor, except that the minimum cube strengths
required shall be those given under minimum preliminary cube strength at 28 days in Table
10.
The Supervisor shall, during the progress of the Works, have the power to order tests, other
than cube tests, including slump tests in accordance with CS1:2010 as far as practicable due
to local conditions.
If the strength requirement is not satisfied the Supervisor may order such further testing,
including chemical analysis of samples of hardened concrete in the structure, as he considers
necessary.
Any concrete which fails to meet the above standards of acceptance shall be either further
tested, or rejected, at the discretion of the Supervisor. The costs of any such tests or of the
removal of rejected concrete and its replacement and associated costs, shall be borne by the
Contractor.
If the strengths required are not attained or maintained throughout the Contract, the
Supervisor may instruct the Contractor to take any one of the following steps or a combination
thereof as the Supervisor considers appropriate:
(a) Adjust the mix proportion and carry out further trial mixes until a new mix proportion
satisfying the requirements of the foregoing test is obtained and accepted;
(b) Improve the standard of quality control;
(c) Carry out, at the Contractor’s expense, other tests as directed by the Supervisor;
(d) Replace any site concrete condemned as a result of failing to comply with the
standards of acceptance specified and meet all costs arising from such replacement.
Submit for acceptance the method statement for replacing the condemned concrete
before the replacement is carried out. In certain cases, the Supervisor may require
the method statement to be prepared and the remedial work to be supervised by a
qualified structural engineer at the Contractor’s own expense.
3.13 Curing and Protecting Concrete
Immediately after compaction and for 7 days thereafter concrete shall be prevented from
drying out too rapidly and protected against harmful effects of weather including rain, rapid
temperature changes, and wind. The methods of protection used shall be subject to the
acceptance of the Project Manager. The method of curing used shall prevent loss of moisture
from the concrete.
During the curing period horizontal surfaces shall be protected by one or more of the following
or other accepted means:
(a) covering with damp hessian canvas sacks or similar absorbent materials kept
constantly damp and wholly covering the exposed concrete surface

(b) covering with an impermeable material raised approximately 50 mm over the surface
so as to prevent loss of moisture
(c) an accepted sprayed membrane curing compound
During the curing period other surfaces shall be protected by the following or other accepted
means:
(a) formwork in close contact with the concrete

(b) covering as in above
All concrete faces or edges, particularly those which are exposed without rendering in the
final structure, shall be adequately protected from damage and discoloration at all times.
Concrete structures shall not be loaded until the concrete is at least 21 days old or 28 days in
the case of cantilevers. With the prior acceptance of the Project Manager the structure may
be loaded after this time but in no case will loading greater than the final design loading be
permitted.
3.14 Tolerances
All other cast in place concrete works shall be dimensionally accurate to within the tolerances
given in Table 16 below, unless closer tolerances are further specified or shown on the
drawings.
Closer tolerances will generally be specified for:
(a) precast concrete

(b) measuring flume contours
(c) filter bed and drying bed floors
(d) machinery bases
Table 16 - Tolerance
Item Tolerance Remarks

1 Variations from the plumb:
1(a) In the lines and surfaces of columns, piers,
walls and arises
In 3m 5mm
In any storey or 6m maximum 10mm
In 12m or more 20mm
1(b) For exposed corner columns, control-joint
grooves and other conspicuous lines
In any storey or 6m maximum 5mm
In 12m or more 10mm
2 Variation from the level, or from the grades but not more than 5mm
indicated on the drawings* variation between two
At any point (from true elevation) ±10mm points within 6m in a
horizontal plane.
3 Variation of the linear building lines from
established position in plan and related
position of columns, walls and partitions
In any bay or 6m maximum 10mm
In 12m or more 25mm
No tolerance that would result in encroachment on adjoining properties is permissible
4 Variation in the sizes and locations of 5mm
sleeves, floor openings and wall openings

5 Cross sections of columns and beams,

thickness of walls, slabs and other parts of
the building
Up to 0.5m ±5 / -3mm
Over 0.5m + / -5mm
6 Footings
6(a) Variation in dimensions in plan ±25mm # / -10mm
6(b) Misplacement or eccentricity 2% Of the footing width in

the direction of
6(c) Reduction in thickness -5% misplacement but not
more than +25mm of
specified thickness #
7 Variation in steps
7(a) In a fight of stairs
Rise 3mm
Tread 5mm
7(b) In consecutive steps
Rise 2mm
Tread 3mm
* Variation in floor level are to be measured before removal of supporting shores.

# Applies to concrete only, not to reinforcing bars or dowels
Except otherwise shown on drawings, these are maximum allowable tolerances.
3.15 Miscellaneous Items
Holes, chases, indentations and the like shall be provided where indicated on the drawings.
All such shall be formed in the concrete and not cut after the concrete has hardened.
Should the Contractor or any Sub-Contractor require additional cast-in items, holes or the like
these requirements shall be submitted to the Project Manager for acceptance a minimum of
14 working days prior to concreting.
Pipes, conduits, fixing bolts and other such cast-in items shall be provided where indicated on
the drawings.
3.16 Waterproof Cast In Place Concrete Special Structural Requirements
Waterproof Concrete shall be used in all liquid retaining structures and in all other areas so
designated on the drawings.
Full specification of the waterproof system shall be submitted to the Architect and concrete to
be used shall be in accordance with the drawings and the manufacturer’s specification.
Should there be a delay in the supply of concrete the supplier of the waterproof system will
provide the main Contractor with a surface retarder. The main Contractor will apply the
surface retarder to the affected surfaces to delay the setting time of the concrete. The
surface retarder shall not have an adverse reaction on the long term performance of the
waterproof system.
3.17 Lintels in Non-Structural Walls
The Contractor shall cast lintels in concrete Grade 45D/20 either precast or cast in-situ, and
construct as shown in Table 17 below.
The Contractor shall provide 25mm minimum concrete cover between steel bar reinforcement
and soffit of lintel and 25mm cover to ends of bars.

The Contractor shall allow a minimum bearing of 150mm at each end of lintel up to 2m span
and 225mm at each end above 2m span.
Table 17 - Lintels in Non-Structural Walls
Clear span (m) Depth of lintel No. and diameter of mild steel bars per
(mm) 100mm (or part) of width of wall
0–1 150 one @ 12mm
1–2 225 one @ 12mm
2–3 300 one @ 12mm
3.18 Lightweight Concrete (Non-Structural)
Lightweight aggregate concrete shall be proportioned, mixed and placed as required by the
Project Manager. Unless otherwise shown, the mixes shall be one of the following, the type
to be directed by the Project Manager:
(a) Breeze concrete:
• 1 part cement to 6 parts of coke breeze aggregate by volume.
(b) Polystyrene aggregate concrete:
• 1:2:4 mix (913 kg/cu.m): 45kg cement and 0.056cu.m sand to 2.25kg
expanded polystyrene particles.
(c) Vermiculite aggregate concrete:
• 1 part cement to 6 parts vermiculite by volume.
Lightweight “air entrained” concrete to be proportioned and mixed according to the

manufacturers’ instructions and placed as required by the Project Manager.
3.19 Waterproofness of Non-Structural - External Walls
Non-structural walls shall be constructed from blockwork, brickwork, non-structural reinforced

concrete etc., as described on the architectural drawings and in the Specification.
The Contractor shall be completely and solely responsible for the waterproofness of the non-
structural external walls and shall satisfy himself that the materials, details and construction
sequence are such as to provide a waterproof external facade.
Any water leakage, dripping or dampness is unacceptable and shall be repaired to the
satisfaction of the Project Manager at no extra cost.
The Contractor shall review the drawings and Specification and shall propose whatever
changes he considers necessary, at no extra cost to the Contract, including reviewing
construction sequence, pour lengths, movement joint locations & waterproofing details,
caulking materials, shrinkage reinforcement, etc. and supervision of the work to ensure the
agreed construction meets the requirements of above.
Prior to applying finishes the Contractor shall make a detailed inspection and repair any
Defects which could impair the waterproofness of such non-structural external walls.

Remedial proposals for such repair shall be submitted to the Project Manager for his
agreement.
Any remedial works shall be carried out and all caulking/waterproofing materials and details
shall be applied, to the suppliers/manufacturers recommendations. The Contractor shall
submit the relevant manufacturers guarantees and test results to the Project Manager for his
agreement.
3.20 Reinforced Massive Concrete Structures
3.20.1 Definition
Reinforced massive concrete structures include mass retaining wall, pile cap, raft foundation
and structural members where the least dimension exceeds 1.5m.
3.20.2 Method Statement
At least two months before commencement of concreting, the Contractor shall submit a
method statement for temperature control. The information to be submitted shall include, but
not be limited to, the following:
(a) concrete mix details including heat of hydration and specific heat characteristics of
the cementitous constituents, expected concrete temperature rise and the proposed
initial concrete placing temperature;
(b) formwork type and insulation;
(c) curing details related to temperature effects;
(d) maximum and minimum concrete placing temperature;
(e) minimum and maximum times before formwork is stripped;
(f) any additional methods for controlling the concrete temperature;
(g) concrete temperature monitoring proposals which shall be sufficient to demonstrate
that the requirements of the Contract will be met;
(h) analyses and calculations to prove that the proposals will meet the requirements of
the Contract.
3.20.3 Concrete Trial Mixes
Trial mixes shall not be prepared until Project Manager has accepted the Contractor’s mix
design in writing. Trial mixes shall be prepared under the supervision of the Project Manager
at least 35 days before the commencement of concreting.
3.20.4 Temperature Rise Evaluation Test
A Temperature Rise Evaluation Test (TRET) shall be made by the Contractor. The test shall
consist of an insulated 800x800x800mm concrete block constructed to the acceptance of the
Supervisor. The block shall be instrumented with a minimum of three centrally located
thermocouples connected to an automatic data logger and hourly readings shall be taken until
the temperature has fallen to more than 10oC below the peak temperature. The insulation of
the concrete block shall be complete and equivalent to at least 200mm of expanded
polystyrene with additional protection provided as necessary. The concrete block shall be
constructed and instrumented to the acceptance of the Supervisor. The information gained
during this test shall be used by the Contractor in the formulation of the temperature control
methods for the mix. The concrete blocks shall be retained for a minimum of 3 months or as
directed by the Supervisor in a manner to ensure that damage or degradation does not occur.
The results of the TRET shall be used in conjunction with the Contractor’s proposed
insulation/cooling methods to evaluate compliance with the temperature control requirement.
3.20.5 Concrete Temperature Limits
Temperature control for concrete shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The Contractor shall employ effective means such as shading the aggregates,
precooling mixing water and adding flaked ice to ensure the temperature of concrete
prior to and including the time at which it is placed shall not exceed 25oC.
(b) After the concrete has been placed, its peak temperature in any part of the structure
shall not be permitted to rise above 70oC.
(c) After the concrete has been placed, the maximum temperature difference between a
point at the centre of a concrete section and the adjacent surface shall not be greater
than 20oC times the shortest distance, in metres, between the concrete section centre
and the surface.
(d) The Contractor shall employ effective means such as insulation, selection of
appropriate pour cycle times, or heating/cooling as necessary, to ensure that at any
time within 21 days after the concrete has been placed, the temperature differential
between any point in the freshly placed concrete of any structural element at a
distance 600mm from a construction joint and the corresponding point 600mm from
the construction joint in the adjacent previously placed structural element, shall not
exceed 20oC.
3.20.6 Concrete Temperature Measurement
The initial placing temperature of the concrete shall be measured by inserting a calibrated
probe-type thermometer with a ±1oC accuracy, into each delivery of the concrete at the time
of discharge from the vehicle transporting it or not later than 15 minutes thereafter. The
thermometer shall be calibrated weekly and the calibration certificates shall be submitted to
the Supervisor for record.
The Contractor shall continuously compare the real time results of the on-going temperature
monitoring with the predicted values and make appropriate adjustments to the temperature
control methods used on current and subsequent pours to ensure compliance with the
Specification.
The temperature of the hydrating concrete shall be measured for each pour until 21 days after
pouring using a sufficient number of calibrated thermocouples to demonstrate that the
requirements of Clause 3.20.5 have been achieved, within a ±2oC accuracy.
The thermocouples shall be suitably robust to withstand concrete placing, and be adequately
protected and firmly fixed in position on the reinforcement cage. The thermocouples shall not
be placed closer than 300mm to any cooling water pipes to ensure that they give
representative temperature readings.
The output of the thermocouples shall be continuously recorded using an automated data
logger. The power supply to the data logger shall be non-interruptible and the requirement
shall be maintained and checked at least twice per day to ensure that they are operating
satisfactorily.
The thermocouples shall be calibrated in conjunction with the working and backup data
logger(s) and the calibration results shall be submitted at least 7 days prior to incorporation
within the works.
After installation of the thermocouples within the pour and immediately prior to concreting, the
thermocouples shall be checked by comparing the relative ambient temperature readings.
Any damaged or malfunctioning thermocouple shall be replaced prior to the commencement
of concreting.
After the placing of concrete, the temperature readings shall be taken at a maximum of hourly
intervals for the intervals for the initial 7 days after placing. The monitoring frequency can be
reduced to 12±1 hours thereafter until 21 days after placing or until the maximum temperature
is less than 15oC above the daily minimum ambient temperature.

The output from the data loggers shall be down loaded daily by the Contractor. A copy of the
data shall be given to the Supervisor immediately after down loading in an agreed electronic
and hard copy format.
Within 7 days from the completion of the temperature monitoring period the Contractor shall
submit a report. The report shall include the individual tabulated temperature results and
calculated values indicating compliance, as required by the Specification, for all maximum
and differential temperature measurements. The report shall be presented in both tabulated
and graphical format and shall include all thermocouples within the same plane on the same
graph to ensure that the temperature differential between the core, surface and ambient are
readily discernable. Any non-compliance with the Specification shall be highlighted and
proposals given for remedial works and ensuring compliance in subsequent pours.
3.20.7 Special Measures involving more than a Single Pour
For concreting the reinforced massive concrete structure more than one operation, the
Contractor shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Project Manager that:
(a) the temperature differential limits at all stages will not be exceeded at any one time;
(b) the maximum temperature of 70oC will not be exceeded;
(c) the stresses in the concrete structure due to temperature changes under strain will
not induce tension cracks;
(d) the construction joint will be treated to ensure monolithic action between the different
pours.
(e) the temperature differentials between two adjacent pours will comply with Clause
3.20.5(d).

APPENDIX A: Checklist for Ready Mixed Concrete suppliers information compliance with
Specification
Clause Requirements for Designed Mix Concrete - General Y N Notes

Are source, nature and grading of aggregate acceptable?
Is source of cement acceptable?
Is nominal maximum aggregate size acceptable?
Cement content
Is minimum cement content > 325kg/cu.m?
Does minimum cement content comply with Table 11?
Is aggregate/cement ratio acceptable?
Water/cement ratio
Does maximum free water/cement ratio comply with Table 8?
Is design density of mix acceptable?
Trial mix
Is design strength of mix acceptable?
Is design strength ≥ characteristic strength + 2 x std. Dev. ?
Note If no data given take standard deviation 7MPa
Does characteristic cube strength comply with Table 10?
Is design slump or compacting factor of mix acceptable?
Are admixtures nominated?
Additional Requirements for Designed Mix Concrete - Ready Mixed
Is supplier HKQAA accredited?
Does supply comply with BS5328?
Is supplier in close proximity to site?
Note concrete to be compacted within two hours of introduction of water in to the
mix
Mix Constituents
Cement
Does cement comply with BS12?
Is manufacturers test certificate acceptable?
Note manufacturers test certificates are required to be submitted for each
consignment of cement
Aggregate
Does aggregate comply with BS882?
Does aggregate sampling comply with BS812 Section 1?
Does aggregate grading comply with Tables 1, 2 and 3?
Note grading tests (sieves to BS812) shall be carried out weekly for each
stockpile of aggregate
Does aggregate testing comply with BS812 Sections 2 to 6?
Was aggregate testing carried out in the presence of the Project
Manager or an Inspector?
Is water soluble sulphur trioxide content ≤ 1%?
Is chloride content of fine aggregate ≤ 0.06%?
Is chloride content of coarse aggregate ≤ 0.02%?
Is flakiness index of aggregate ≤35 to BS 813?
Is fine aggregate Zone 4 of BS882?
Is absorption of aggregate ≤ 6% (≤ 2% in waterproof concrete)?
Is calcium chloride content of aggregate ≤ 1%?
Is shell content of aggregate ≤ 8%?
Is carbonate content of aggregate ≤ 10%?
Is diying shrinkage of aggregate ≤ 0.06% (≤ 0.04% in waterproof/pre-
cast)?
Note aggregates shall be retested and re-certified periodically
Water
Is source of water supply acceptable?
Does water comply with BS3148?
Is water temperature 5oC to 25oC at mixing?
Admixtures
Are brand names and manufacturers literature acceptable?

Is proposed dosage (and detrimental effects of over/under dosage)

acceptable?
Is method of introduction into the mix acceptable?
Is chloride content ≤ 2% of admixture?
Is chloride content ≤ 0.03% of cementitous content?
Does admixture comply with BS5075?
Mix
Is acid soluble alkali content of cement calculated to BS4550:Part 2?
Is acid soluble alkali content of admixture calculated to BS1881:Part
124?
Is acid soluble alkali content of water calculated to APFA 3500-K & -Na?
Is total alkali content of PFA calculated to BS4550: Part 2?
Is equivalent Na2O content of aggregate calculated to BS812: Part 4?
Note HOKLAS endorsed test certificates <6 months old are required for the five
items above
Is calculated equivalent Na2O content of mix ≤ 3kg/cu.m?
Note new calculations and HOKLAS endorsed test certificates are required
quarterly
Is maximum total chloride content ≤ 0.35% (≤ 0.1% in steam cured/pre-
stressed)?
Is maximum total acid soluble sulphate content ≤ 4% of cementitous
content?
Note new test certificates are required monthly for the two items above


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CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN WORKS

OF HO TO WEST SUBSTATION (LOK MA CHAU INLAND NO.2)

PARTICULAR SPECIFICATION – PART B

1.2 Building Regulations and Authoritative Standards and Codes of Practice

• Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulation

• BS12 Specification for Portland cement

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.1

1.3 Preliminary Information from the Contractor

(a) Source of supply of all aggregates

1.4 Not Used

1.5 Use of Concrete

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.2

1.7 Contractor’s Responsibility and Defects

1.8 Source of Supply

1.10 Safety and Site Conditions

1.11 Quality Control

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.3

(a) Information as listed in Clause 8 and/or Clause 14 of BS5328:Part 2

2.2.1 Type of Cement

Cement, unless otherwise specified, shall be ordinary or rapid-hardening portland cement

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.4

2.2.2 Certification & Testing of Cement

2.2.3 Delivery and Storage of Cement

2.2.4 Inspection of Cement

2.3 Aggregates for Concrete

2.3.1 Type of Aggregates

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.5

6% maximum by weight for ordinary construction.

1% maximum (equivalent anhydrous calcium chloride percentage by weight of

10% maximum by weight

0.06% for general purpose concrete

Lightweight aggregate shall be 5mm exfoliated vermiculite to BS3797 or similar material

2.3.2 Acceptance of Aggregates

2.3.3 Certification of Aggregates

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.6

2.3.4 Delivery and Storage of Aggregates

2.3.5 Testing of Aggregates

2.3.6 Grading of Aggregates

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.7

Table 1 - Grading of Coarse Aggregate

Percentage by weight passing BS Sieve

Table 2 - Grading of Fine Aggregate

Percentage of weight passing BS Sieve

Table 3 - Grading of Crushed Rock Fines

BS Sieve Percentage by weight passing

2.4 Water for Use with Cement

2.5 Measures for Controlling Alkali - Aggregate Reaction

Measures to control the occurrence of alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) in concrete shall be

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.8

(a) The equivalent Na2O shall be calculated by the expression:

A is the sum of the acid-soluble alkalis (expressed as equivalent Na2O) of

No admixtures or cements containing additives shall be used in concrete unless specified or

PS (Part B)-Structural Concrete MCS-PS(B)-P.9

(a) Brand name and manufacturer’s literature;

2.7 Steel Bar Reinforcement

2.7.1 Type of Steel Bar Reinforcement CS2:2012

• Mild steel bars complying with CS2:2012 and BS4449.

2.7.2 Storage, Testing and Certification of Reinforcement

2.8 Steel Fabric Reinforcement