FINISHING MATERIALS

Presented BY:

Utkarsh Joshi. QH19195

Riya Patra QH19157
Robin Chauhan QH19158
Ajay Kumar QH19197
 LIST OF BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD CODES
S. No. IS. No. Subject
1. 653-1992 Specification for linoleum sheets and tiles
2. 809-1992 Specification for rubber flooring materials for general
purposes (First revision)
3. 1195-2002 Specification for bitumen mastic for flooring (Third
revision).
4. 1237-1980 Specification for cement concrete flooring tiles (First
revision).
5. 1580-1991 Specification for bituminous compound for waterproofing
and caulking purposes (Second revision).
6. 2114-1984 Code of practice for laying in situ terrazzo floor finish (First
revision)
7. 2508-1984 Specifications for low density polytheylene films (Second
revision).
8. 3461-1980 Specification for PVC asbestos floor tiles. (First revision)
9. 3462-1986 Specification for unbacked flexible PVC flooring (Second
revision).
 LIST OF BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD CODES
S. No. IS. No. Subject
11. 4457-1982 Specification for ceramic unglazed vitreous acid
resistant tiles (First revision)
12. 8042-1989 Specification for white Portland cement
(Second revision)
13. 13712-2006 Ceramic tiles- definitions, classifications,
characteristics and marking (First revision)
14. 13753-1993 Specification for dust pressed Ceramic tiles with
water absorption of E> 10% Group (B III)
15. 13755-1993 Specification for dust pressed Ceramic tiles with
water absorption of 3%< E < 6% Group (B II a)
16. 13801-1993 Specification for chequered cement concrete
 MATERIALS
13.2 Cement
Cement shall be ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS 269-1989
or Portland blast furnace slag cement conforming to IS 455-1989 or
Portland pozzolana cement conforming to IS 1489-1991, as specified in
Section 4 Concrete.
13.2.1 White Cement
White cement shall conform to IS 8042-1989. Specification for white Portland
cement.

13.3 Lime
Lime for mortar for marking lime concrete shall be class B or C
conforming to IS 712, as specified in Section 4-Concrete.

13.4 Aggregates
Coarse and fine aggregates for cement concrete and granolithic
concrete shall conform to IS 383-1970, as specified in Section 4
Concrete.
 MATERIALS
13.4.1 Aggregates for granolithic concrete shall consist of crushed
granite, basalt, trap or quartzite. The aggregate crushing value shall
not exceed 30 per cent. The grading of aggregates shall be as given
below :-
 MATERIALS
13.4.2
Sand for mortar for laying slab/tiles shall conform to IS
2116-1980 as specified in Section 5- Brick work.

13.5 Marble Aggregate

Marble Aggregates shall be calcites, dolomites or
serpentines or calcitic or dolomitic marbles and shall be of
the following grades, as indicated:
Grade No. Size in mm
0 2 to 4
1 4 to 7
2 7 to 10
 MATERIALS
13.5.1 Marble Powder
Marble powder shall pass through IS sieve 300 micron.

13.6 Brick Coarse Aggregate

Brick Coarse aggregate for use in lime concrete shall be as
specified in Section 4 Concrete.

13.7 Surkhi (Burnt Clay Pozzolana)

Surkhi for use in lime concrete shall be as specified in
Section 4-Concrete.
 MATERIALS
13.8 Pigments
Pigments shall conform to the requirements of Appendix ‘A’ of IS 2114-
1984, Code of practice for laying in situ terrazzo floor finish. The
proportion of the cement and pigment by weight for various colours of
matrix in terrazzo work shall be as indicated in the table below :
 MATERIALS
13.9 Surface Hardening Solution
Sodium silicate shall be of approved quality having a density of
84° Twadill (Specific gravity 1.24)

13.10 Abrasives
Metallic hardeners in the topping of floors and paving for
increasing abrasion resistance shall be Ironite, Hardonate,
Ferronite or other equal and approved metallic floor hardeners.

13.11 Bricks
Bricks for flooring shall have a compressive strength of at least 75
Kg/Sq cm and shall be of sub class A or B as indicated. Bricks shall
conform to IS 1077-1992 as specified in Section 5- Brickwork.
 MATERIALS
13.12 Sand Stone Slabs
The stone slab shall be hard, even, sound, durable, tough, regular
in shape, of uniform colour and free from soft veins, cracks and
flaws, decay and weathering. Stone slabs shall be obtained from
approved quarries as indicated. The slabs shall have transverse
strength not less than 70 Kg/Sq cm and resistance to wear shall
not be more than 2mm. In case of red sand stone white patches or
streaks and in case of white sand stone, red patches or streaks
shall not be allowed. However, scattered spots upto 10mm
diameter will be permitted. The slabs shall be cut along planes
parallel to natural bed of stone. The slabs shall not be less than 0.1
Sq metre in area. The slabs used in any one room shall be of
uniform size. Thickness shall be as specified, with a permissible
tolerance of + 3mm.
 MATERIALS
13.12.1 Marble Stone Slab and Tile
Marble stone slab and tile shall be as per requirement listed in the section 6-
Stone Masonry. The slab shall not be less than 0.21 Sq metre in area. The
slab/tile used in any one room shall be uniform. The thickness shall be as
specified with permissible tolerance of + 3%.

13.12.2 Lime Stone Slab and Tile

The slab/tile shall be hard, even, durable, sound, tough, regular in shape, of
uniform colour and free from soft veins, cracks, flaws, decay and weathering. In
case polished stone slabs are indicated, these shall be of the fine grained stone
capable of taking good polish. Stone slabs shall be obtained from approved
quarries as indicated. The slabs shall have transverse strength not less than 70
Kg/Sq. cm and shall not develop signs of spalling, disintegration or cracks. The
slabs shall not be less than 0.1 sq m in area and tiles not less than 25cm x
25cm. Slabs and tiles used in any one room shall be of uniform size. Thickness
shall be as specified, with a permissible tolerance of + 5mm.
 MATERIALS
13.13 Stone Setts
Stone for the setts shall be of the best quality, granite, trap, basalt,
or quartzite as indicated. Stones shall be obtained from the
approved quarries as indicated. Use of sedimentary stone shall not
be permitted. Stone setts shall be approximately rectangular in
shape, 200mm to 250mm long, 150mm to 200mm wide and 150mm
deep, with a tolerance of plus or minus 12mm. Edge stones shall be
250mm to 300mm long, 150mm to 200mm wide and depth not less
than 450mm.
 MATERIALS
13.14 Ceramic Glazed Tiles
13.14.1 Ceramic Glazed wall tiles shall be of Ist quality and shall
conform to IS :13753. The surface of tiles and components can be
smooth, profiled, decorated or finished, glossy, matt or semi-matt as
indicated. The tiles shall be flat true to shape, sound and free from
flaws and other manufacturing defects. The top surface of the tiles
shall be glazed. The underside of the tiles shall be free from glaze in
order that the tiles may adhere properly to the base. The glaze shall
be uniform in quality and shall be free from welts, chips, craze,
crawling or other imperfections, detracting from appearance when
viewed at a distance of one meter. The texture and colour of tiles
shall be as indicated. Tiles shall be of sizes as indicated. If not
indicated size of tile shall be 200mm x 300 mm. The thickness shall
be as specified by the manufacturer but in no case it shall be less
than 6mm.
 MATERIALS
13.14.2 Ceramic Glazed floor tiles shall be of Ist quality and shall
conform to IS :13755. The surface of tiles and components can be
smooth, profiled, decorated or finished, glossy, matt or semi-matt
(anti skid) as indicated. The tiles shall be flat true to shape, sound
and free from flaws and other manufacturing defects. The top
surface of the tiles shall be glazed. The underside of the tiles shall be
free from glaze in order that the tiles may adhere properly to the
base. The glaze shall be uniform in quality and shall be free from
welts, chips, craze, crawling or other imperfections, detracting from
appearance when viewed at a distance of one meter. The texture
and colour of tiles shall be as indicated. Tiles shall be of sizes as
indicated. If not indicated size of tile shall be 300mm x 300 mm. The
thickness shall be as specified by the manufacturer but in no case it
shall be less than 7mm.
 MATERIALS
13.15 Vitrified Porcelain Tiles
13.15.1 Vitrified polished porcelain floor tiles shall be of Ist quality.
These vitrified tiles are classified under group B1a of the
International Standard for ceramic tiles ISO: 13006. Tiles shall be
hard, dense, impervious and frost resistant. Water absorption of tiles
shall be less than 0.5% and flexural strength (Modulus of Rupture)
shall be more than 35 N/Sqmm. Vitrified polished porcelain floor
tiles shall be provided of sizes, colour, shades, texture and designs as
indicated and if size not indicated it shall be 600mm x 600 mm/ 605
x 605 mm. The thickness shall be as specified by the manufacturer
but not less than 10mm.
 MATERIALS
13.15.2 Heavy duty vitrified unpolished porcelain floor tiles for exterior
use shall be of 1st quality. Heavy duty vitrified tiles shall be acid and
alkali resistant, weather proof, anti skid and abrasion resistant as per
International Standard for ceramic tiles ISO :13006 and EN 176
requirement.

These tiles shall comply with the following requirements:-

(a) Water absorption<2%
(b) Flexural Strength>35 N/Sqmm
(c) Moh’s Hardness>6
(d) Abrasion resistance<204mm.

Heavy duty vitrified tiles shall be of sizes, colour, texture and designs as
indicated but size if not indicated it shall be of 300mm x 300 mm . The
thickness shall be as specified by the manufacturer.
 MATERIALS
13.16 Plain Cement Concrete and Terrazo Flooring Tiles
13.16.1 Plain cement concrete tiles, coloured cement concrete
tiles and terrazzo tiles; and specials shall conform to IS 1237-1980
specification for cement concrete flooring tiles. Plain and
coloured cement concrete tiles shall be general purpose type and
shall be manufactured by pressure process. Thickness of wearing
layer in case of plain and coloured cement concrete tiles shall not
be less than 5mm. The thickness of wearing layer of terrazzo tiles
shall be 6mm for chips of sizes varying from smallest to 6mm or
smallest to 12mm and shall be 7mm for chips of sizes from
smallest to 20mm.
 MATERIALS
13.16.2 Unless otherwise directed, the wearing face of the
terrazzo tiles shall be mechanically ground and filled. The
wearing face shall be plane, free from projections,
depressions and cracks (hair cracks not included) and shall
be reasonably parallel to the back face of the tiles. All angles
shall be right angles and all arises shall be sharp and true.
The colour and texture of the tiles shall be uniform
throughout its thickness. Tiles shall be 200mm x 200mm x
20mm thick or 250mm x 250mm x 22mm thick, plain,
coloured or terrazzo finish with marble chips of size and
shade, as indicated. Tiles in treads shall be 40mm thick and
bull nosed. The tolerance on thickness of tiles shall be plus
5mm but shall not exceed 3mm in case of any one delivery.
 MATERIALS
13.17 Chequered Cement Concrete and Terrazo Flooring
Tiles
13.17.1 Chequered cement concrete tiles, coloured chequered
cement concrete tiles and chequered terrazzo tiles shall conform
to IS 13801-1993 specification for Chequered cement concrete
tiles. Chequered tiles shall be with the centre to centre distance
of chequers not less than 25mm and not more than 50mm, the
groove in chequers being uniform and straight with the depth of
grooves not less than 3mm. Tiles shall be manufactured by
pressure process. Thickness of wearing layer measured from top
of the chequers shall not be less than 6mm.
 MATERIALS
13.17.2 Unless otherwise directed, the tiles shall be supplied with
initial grinding and grouting of the upper layer. The upper layer of
the tiles shall be free from projections, depressions and cracks,
holes, cavities and other blemishes. The edges of the tiles may be
rounded. All angles shall be right angles and all arises shall be
sharp and true. The colour and texture of the wearing layer shall
be uniform throughout its thickness. The size of Chequered Tiles
shall be200mm x 200mm x 22mm thick or 250mm x 250mm x
22mm thick or 300 x 300mm x 25mm thick as indicated. The
tolerance on length or breadth of tiles shall be +1mm and
tolerance on thickness of tiles shall be +5mm. In addition the
difference in thickness between the thickest and thinnest tile in
the sample shall not exceed 3mm.
 MATERIALS
13.18 Precast Interlocking Paver blocks
Precast concrete Paver blocks shall conform to IS 15658:2006, Specification
for Precast concrete blocks for paving. Paver blocks shall be sound and free
from cracks or other visual defects. The tolerance on length or breadth of
paver blocks shall be +2mm and tolerance on thickness of tiles shall be
+3mm. Water absorption shall not be more than 6 percent by mass.
Shapes shall be triangular, Zigzag, Haxagon or other shape as indicated.
Colour of paver blocks shall be as indicated or as decided by GE. Thickness
and grade of concrete of paver blocks is decided based on intensity of
traffic, which is as under (Refer Table 1 of IS 15658 ):-
 MATERIALS
13.19 Linoleum Flooring
13.19.1 Linoleum shall comply with the requirements of IS 653-
1992, Specification for linoleum sheets and tiles. There shall be
adequate adhesion between the composition and the Hessian
backing. The surface shall be smooth, uniform, free from
indentations and protrusions, streaks and marks. The thickness and
size shall be as indicated. The mean thickness shall not vary by more
than 0.1 mm from the specified thickness. Linoleum shall be plain,
moiré or jaspe, or marbled type, as indicated. Colour and shade shall
be as approved by the GE.

13.19.2 The adhesive used for laying linoleum floors shall be

vegetable and casein glues, gum spirit adhesives, bitumen rubber
emulsion or bitumen rubber solution as approved by EIC.
 MATERIALS
13.20 Rubber Flooring
13.20.1 Rubber sheets or tiles for flooring shall conform to IS 809-
1992, Specification for rubber flooring materials for general
purposes. The rubber flooring shall be with fabric backing or fabric
insert with topping type ‘A’ plain or marbled or type ‘B’ ribbed or
fluted, as indicated and of colour as directed.
 MATERIALS
13.20.2 The rubber flooring materials shall be of first class
workmanship, satisfactorily vulcanized, free from sulphur boom and
objectionable odour and blisters, cracks, and embedded foreign
matter. There must be no porosity on the surface or throughout the
thickness of the sheet. The surface finish of the flooring shall be
either glossy or matt as indicated. The base stratum may be of any
colour. The underside of the floor covering shall be either furnished
with a cloth impression or be buffed smooth. The edges and ends
shall be cut true and square. The colour of the flooring shall, be not
permanently affected by cleaning with water and washing soap or
by treatment with a suitable floor polish. The colour of the flooring
shall not bleed into an adjacent piece of rubber.
 MATERIALS
13.20.3 The thickness of the flooring shall not differ at any point by
more than + 0.5 mm or – 0.2 mm from the thickness specified. The
thickness and size of rubber sheets and rubber tiles (200mm,
300mm or 500mm square) for floors shall be as indicated. In the
case of fabric insert type rubber flooring, the thickness of wearing
stratum shall be at least 1mm; where the total thickness of flooring
is more than 2.5mm, thicker wearing surface is recommended.

13.20.4 The adhesive as recommended by the manufacturer

should be used; the manufacturer shall also indicate the
precautions to be taken while using the adhesive.
 MATERIALS
13.21 PVC Flooring
PVC Floor covering shall be unbacked homogeneous flexible
PVC flooring conforming to IS 3462-1986, Specification for
unbacked flexible PVC flooring. The flooring shall have a
uniform wearing surface. The colour and also the pattern,
marbling or mottling, if present shall extend through the full
thickness of the flooring. The colour and the pattern shall
match as approved by the GE. PVC floor covering shall be in
form of sheets/roles or tiles of the thickness and sizes as
indicated. The permissible tolerance on thickness shall not
be more than 0.15mm.
 MATERIALS
13.22 PVC Asbestos Floor Tiles
PVC asbestos tiles shall conform to IS 3461-1980,
Specification for PVC asbestos floor tiles. The tiles shall be
plain or mottled as directed. Plain tiles shall have the colour
uniformly distributed throughout the tiles. Mottled tiles
shall have the colours distributed at random through out the
thickness of the tiles. The material shall not develop any
toxic effect in service and shall not give any disagreeable
odour. Permissible tolerance on thickness shall be +
0.15mm.
 MATERIALS
13.23 Acid Resistant Tiles
Acid resistant tiles shall conform to IS 4457-1982,
Specification for ceramic unglazed vitreous acid-resistant
tiles. The tiles shall be of vitreous ware and free from
deleterious substances and shall be unglazed. The finished
tile when fractured, shall appear fine grained in texture,
dense and homogeneous. The tiles shall be sound, true to
shape, flat and free from flaws and other defects. The size
and thickness of tiles shall be as indicated. The tolerance on
thickness and warpage shall not exceed 2.0mm. The
compressive strength shall be 700 Kg/sqcm. The loss in
weight when tested for acid resistance shall not exceed 1.5
percent.
 MATERIALS
13.23.1 Chemical Resistant Mortars
Chemical resistant mortars shall be as specified in Section 5-
Brickwork.

13.23.2 Wear Resistance Tile Flooring

This shall be of ceramic material and shall be acid/alkali resistant.
The hardness shall be over 7 when checked with Moh’s scale with a
compressive strength of 1500Kg/sqcm. The water absorption shall
be less than 2%. Thickness of tile shall be as indicated.
 MATERIALS
13.24 Polythene Film
Polythene film shall comply with IS 2508-1984, Specification
for low density polythene films. The film shall be black in
colour and shall contain not less than 2.5 + 0.5 percent of
carbon black. The film shall be uniform in colour, texture
and finish. The film shall be free from pinholes and
substantially free from undispersed raw materials, streaks,
particles of foreign matter and other visible defects such as
holes, tears and blisters. The edges shall be free from cracks
and cuts.
13.24.1 Bitumen for Damp Proofing
Bitumen shall conform to IS 1580-1991, Specification for bituminous
compounds for waterproofing and caulking purposes.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25 Flooring Generally
13.25.1 Before the flooring work is taken up, the following
operations shall have been completed :-
(a) The completion of all preliminary operations, such as laying of
services affecting the laying of floors; and
(b) Plastering of all inside walls, ceiling and outside walls and fixing of
door and window frames in place. All heavy work in the room may be
completed.

13.25.2 The thickness of each course or layer constituting the

floor shall be as specified or indicated.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.3 The floors shall be laid to levels or falls as indicated or as
directed by the EIC. The surface shall be finished to a reasonably
true plain surface. The desired slope for proper drainage shall be
provided in the sub-floor and subgrade.

13.25.4 Floors shall not sound hollow when tapped.

13.25.5 All points of level from the finished floor surface and
outlets shall be clearly marked and outlet openings made before
hand.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.6 In the case of suspended floor slabs any slope in the floor
finish shall be given in the structural concrete itself. The surface
of the floor slabs shall be kept rough to provide an adequate
bond for the topping.

13.25.7 Unless otherwise directed, the joints shall be of uniform

thickness, perfectly straight throughout the length of a row, with
rows parallel to each other. Transverse joints shall be at right
angles to longitudinal joints; to avoid sympathetic cracks likely to
be induced in the adjoining panel the joints shall not be
staggered. The pattern of laying the floor units viz. straight,
diagonally or to herring bone or any other pattern shall be as
directed by the EIC.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.8 Where full size tiles can not be fixed these shall be
cut/sawn to the required size and then edges rubbed smooth to
ensure straight and true joints.

13.25.9 Tiles fixed in the floor adjacent to the wall shall enter
plaster, skirting or dado to a minimum depth of 10mm.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.10 Mortars
Cement, Lime and composite mortars shall be made as detailed
in Section 5-Brickwork. The quantity of water added shall be the
minimum to give sufficient plasticity and workability for laying. A
high water cement ratio will produce a screeded bed with a high
drying shrinkage and shall be avoided.

13.25.11 Unless otherwise specified, bedding layer of mortar for

laying floor units, where specified shall be not less than 15mm.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.10 Mortars
Cement, Lime and composite mortars shall be made as detailed
in Section 5-Brickwork. The quantity of water added shall be the
minimum to give sufficient plasticity and workability for laying. A
high water cement ratio will produce a screeded bed with a high
drying shrinkage and shall be avoided.

13.25.11 Unless otherwise specified, bedding layer of mortar for

laying floor units, where specified shall be not less than 15mm.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.25.12 Mortar in joints shall be restricted to the width of joints
and any smearing of mortar on the surface of floor on either side of
joint shall be removed immediately. The finished surface of mortar
in joints shall be flush with the floor surface.

13.25.13 Preparation of Sub-grade

The ground or earth filling shall be thoroughly compacted so that
there are no loose pockets left any where in the whole area.

13.25.14 Preparation of sub-base

Before laying lime concrete or cement concrete sub-floor, the
surface of sub-base such as hard-core shall be thoroughly
compacted and cleaned of all dirt, dust, loose particles and any
other deleterious materials.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.26 Lime Concrete in Sub-Floor, Base or Sub Base
Lime concrete of the specified mix in sub-floor or sub-base,
etc. shall be mixed, laid and cured as specified for lime
concrete in foundations in Section 4-Concrete.

13.26.1 Before laying the lime concrete, the surface of sub-base shall
be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust etc. and surface well wetted. On
the clean damp surface of sub base, lime concrete shall be spread
between forms, if necessary, thoroughly tamped and levelled. The
top surface shall be left rough to provide an adequate bond for the
topping.

13.26.2 Lime concrete shall be allowed to set for seven days before
floor finish of topping layer is laid.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.27 Cement Concrete Sub-floors, Base or Sub Base
Cement concrete of the specified mix in sub-floor base or
sub-base etc., shall be mixed as specified in Section 4-
Concrete, and shall be laid, compacted and finished as
specified under Cement Concrete Flooring. The top surface
shall be broomed to have adequate bond with the topping.
Flooring shall be commenced within 48 hours of laying the
concrete sub floor etc, failing which the surface of the sub-
floor, etc,. shall be roughened with steel wire brushes,
wetted by sprinkling water and smeared with a coat of
cement slurry at 3 kg per sq.m.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.28 Stone Slab Flooring
13.28.1 Dressing of Stone Slabs and Tiles :-
(a) Rough Dressed Slabs:- Every slab shall be cut to required size and
shape. The top surface of the slabs and tiles may be self faced or rough
chisel dressed so that the dressed surface shall not be more than 6mm
from the straight edge placed on it. The edges of depressions or
projections shall be chisel dressed in a slant so that the surface does not
have sharp unevenness. The side shall be chisel dressed to half the depth
so that the dressed edge shall, at no place, be more than 3mm from a
straight edge butted against it. Beyond this depth the sides may be
dressed slightly splayed so as to form an inverted ‘V’ shaped joint with
adjoining slab. The surface shall be reasonably true and plain and all the
angles and edges shall be true, square and free from chippings. Where
slabs are used for nosing, the exposed edges shall be rough tooled to full
depth and cut to a uniform thickness.
 WORKMANSHIP
(b) Fine dressed slabs :- All joints upto half the depth and exposed faces
shall be fine tooled so that a straight edge placed on it is fully in contact
with it.

(c) Polished Slabs:- Every slab shall be machine cut or hand cut to the
required size. Hand cut slabs shall be first fine tooled as specified for fine
dressed slab and then table rubbed before paving, to obtain a perfectly
true surface free from chisel marks. Machine cut slabs shall have fine
tooled dressing on all sides to full depth. Machine cut slabs may be
supplied with polished (one cut) surface on top.
 WORKMANSHIP
13.28.2 Laying of Stone Slabs
13.28.2.1 Slabs shall be washed clean before laying. The bedding mortar of
the specified mix, shall be spread under each slab, Slab shall be then laid
on top, pressed so that all hollows underneath get filled and surplus mortar
works up through the joints. The slab shall be tapped with a wooden mallet
and brought level and close to the adjoining slab with thickness of joint not
exceeding 10mm in the case of rough dressed slabs and 3mm in the case of
fine dressed slabs. After laying each slab, surplus mortar on the surface of
slabs shall be cleaned off and joints finished flush. Subsequent slabs shall
be laid in the same manner. In case slabs are specified to be pointed, the
joints shall be left raked out uniformly to a depth not less than 10mm,
when the mortar is still green. The surface of the flooring, as laid, shall be
true to levels and slopes, as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. Slab which
are fixed in the floor adjoining the wall shall enter not less than 12mm
under the plaster, skirting or dado. The junction between wall plaster and
floor shall be finished neatly and without waviness.
13.28.2.2 In case of polished slab flooring, after paving, the slabs shall be
polished first by grinding with Carborundum stone of 120 grit and
second cut with 220-250 grit stones as described for terrazzo flooring.
Joints shall be very fine; thickness of joints shall not exceed 1.5mm.

13.28.2.3 The flooring shall be cured for 14 days. Any unevenness

existing between the edges of slabs at joints shall be removed by
chiselling in a slant. No patching up on the edges shall be permitted and
the slabs with chipped or badly dressed edges shall be replaced. The
finished floor shall not sound hollow when tapped with wooden mallet.
13.29 Stone Sett Paving
Stone setts shall be set on the prepared surface of the base
concrete over a bedding layer of cement and sand mortar 1:3,
20mm thick, with joints not exceeding 20mm in width. The joints
shall be grouted with cement and sand mortar 1:2 with an
admixture of metallic hardener such as Ironite, Hardonate or
other approved hardener, 5 percent by weight of cement or as
recommended by the manufacturers and joints struck off as the
work proceeds. Stone setts shall be laid in section not exceeding
1.2 metre long in herring bone pattern or any other suitable
pattern as indicated separated by two rows of stone setts laid
across the road or paving with the longitudinal axis of the stone
setts parallel to the length of the road. Edge stones shall also be
laid with their longitudinal axis parallel to the length of road.
13.30 Brick Flooring
13.30.1 To reduce excessive suction, the bricks before being laid
shall be soaked in clean water and then allowed to drain until they
are surface dry.

13.30.2 The bricks shall be laid flat or on edge in plain, diagonal,

herring bone or other suitable patterns as indicated. Damaged
bricks shall not be used. Broken bricks shall not be used in flooring
except for closing a line.
13.30.3 Bricks shall be laid on a bed of mortar not less than 15mm thick spread evenly
over the sub-base. Mix of mortar shall be as indicated. Each brick shall be properly
bedded and set by gentle tapping with handle of trowel or wooden mallet. The sides of
bricks shall be smeared with mortar before the next brick is laid and pressed against it.
On completion of a portion of flooring the vertical joints shall be fully filled with mortar
from the top. The surface of the flooring during laying shall be frequently checked with
a straight edge at least 2 meter long so as to obtain a true surface with the required
slope. In case of flat brick flooring, bricks shall be laid with frog down. When laid flat in
plain courses the units shall be bonded to break joints at half the length of the bricks.

13.30.4 Thickness of joints shall be between 8 to 10mm. The joints shall be flush
pointed incement and sand mortar 1:3 or as indicated after being raked out 10mm
deep while the mortar is still green.

13.30.5 Curing
The flooring shall be kept wet for at least 7 days after completion. In case of lime or
cement lime mortar curing shall commence two days after the laying and shall
continue for seven days.
13.31 Dry Brick Flooring/Paving
The bricks without soaking in water shall be laid dry, flat or on edge, as indicated
on a layer of sand, 25mm thick, laid to required slope on the subgrade. The bricks
may be laid in plain, diagonal, herringbone or other suitable pattern as indicated.
After laying the bricks, the joints shall be filled with fine sand. Where indicated,
joints shall be flush pointed to a depth of 15mm in cement and sand mortar 1:3.

13.32 Cement Concrete Flooring Cast in situ

13.32.1 Size of Panels
The floor topping shall be divided into suitable panels. Size of the panel is governed by the
thickness of floor finish, the type of construction (monolithic or separate), local conditions of
temperature, humidity and the season in which flooring is laid. Generally no dimension of a
panel shall exceed 4m in case of floor topping laid monolithically with the base concrete and
2m in case of floor topping laid separately on a hardened base. In case of ground floors,
topping panel may synchronize with that of the base concrete. Length of a panel shall not
exceed one and a half times its breadth. The exact dimensions of the panels shall be as
directed by EIC.
13.32.2 Formwork to sides of Concrete Flooring
Forms shall be provided as specified in Section 7-Wood work. Where
glass or aluminium dividing strips are provided, form work may not
be provided. The boarding/battens shall be fixed in position with
their top at proper level, giving slope where required. The flooring
shall butt against the masonry of the wall. Before being laid in
position, the form or screed strips shall be preferably coated with a
thick coat of lime wash.

13.32.3 Joints
Construction joints between bays of the floor finish need only be
plain, untreated, vertical butt joints and shall be placed over any
joint in the base.
13.32.4 Floor Finish Laid Monolithically with the Base Concrete
1. Laying the Sub-Floor or Base :-
The area to be paved shall be divided into suitable panels. Before placing the base
concrete, the sub-base shall be properly wetted. The concrete of the specified mix
shall then be deposited between the screed strips, thoroughly tamped and the
surface screeded uniformly. The surface shall be finished rough to provide
adequate bond for the topping.

2. Laying the Floor Finish or Topping :-

On the clean, green surface of the base concrete, the topping of the specified mix
shall be placed in position as soon as possible but generally not later than two to
three hours of laying the base concrete. The topping shall then be thoroughly
tamped or vibrated struck off level and the surface floated with a wooden float to a
fair and even surface. The surface shall be tested with a straight edge and mason’s
spirit level to detect any inequalities in the surface which if any, shall be made good
immediately. Where indicated, dividing strips shall be provided for effective
separation of panels. The mix for the topping shall be stiff enough to prevent
accumulation of any excess water or laitance on the surface.
The base concrete and the topping shall be laid in alternate panels, the
intermediate panels being filled in after one to two days as directed. The
screed strips shall be removed the next day after the concrete has been
deposited in the panels; the edges of panels shall be examined for any
honeycombing or undulation which, if found, shall be repaired straight
and smooth by cement mortar. If the intermediate panels are not to be
filled the next day, the screed strips shall then be cleaned and put back
against the edges of panels till the concrete in the alternate panels is to
be deposited. When the concrete is being compacted in new panels,
care shall be taken to avoid damage to the panels already laid.

If dividing strips are provided, the base concrete and the topping may be
laid in all the panels simultaneously.
13.32.5 Floor Finish Laid Separately on Hardened Concrete Base
13.32.5.1 Laying the Base Concrete
The base concrete may be deposited in the whole area at a
stretch. Before placing the concrete, the sub-base shall be
properly wetted and rammed. The concrete shall then be
deposited between the forms, where provided, thoroughly
tamped and the surface finished level with the top edges of the
forms. The surface of base concrete shall be left rough to
provide adequate bond for the topping. Two or three hours
after the concrete has been laid in position, the surface shall be
brushed with a hard brush to remove any scum or laitance and
swept clean so that the coarse aggregate is exposed.
13.32.5.2 Laying the Topping
13.32.5.2.1 The surface of base concrete shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
dirt, loose particles, caked mortar dropping and laitance, if any, by scrubbing
with coir or steel wire brush. Where the concrete has hardened so much that
roughening of surface by wire brush is not possible, the entire surface shall
be roughened by chipping or hacking. Before laying the topping, the surface
shall be soaked with water, at least for twelve hours and surplus water shall
be removed by mopping immediately before the topping is laid in position.

13.32.5.2.2 The forms shall be fixed over the base concrete dividing it into
suitable panels. Before placing the concrete mix for topping, neat cement
slurry at the rate of 3 Kg/sq m shall be thoroughly brushed into the prepared
surface of the base concrete just ahead of the finish. The topping shall then
be laid, thoroughly tamped or vibrated, the surface floated with a wooden
float to a fair and even surface. The surface shall be tested and finished as
specified for laying of topping laid monolithically with base concrete.
13.32.6 Laying the Topping in Two Layers
Where the topping is to be laid in two layers, the surface of the
concrete in the under-layer of topping shall not be finished smooth
with a trowel but left rough after tamping it and levelling it with
screed board.

13.32.7 Floor Topping Laid Over Concrete Sub-Floor or Base Before

laying the topping, surface of lime concrete shall be thoroughly
cleaned and prepared as specified for base concrete. Immediately
before spreading the concrete for topping, the surface shall be
brushed with a layer of neat cement slurry at the rate of 3 Kg per Sq
m. The topping whether in single or two layers shall then be laid,
thoroughly compacted and surface floated with a wooden float,
tested and finished as specified for floor finish laid separately over
hardened concrete.
13.32.8 Finishing the surface fair smooth
Where an even smooth surface is indicated, the surface, after being floated with a
wooden or steel float, shall be finished with a steel trowel. Finishing operations shall start
shortly after the compaction of concrete and shall be spread over the period of one to six
hours depending upon the temperature and atmospheric condition. The surface shall be
trowelled three times at intervals so as to produce an uniform, hard and closed knit
surface. Immediately after laying, only just sufficient trowelling shall be done to give a
level surface. Excessive trowelling in the earlier stages shall be avoided as this tends to
work a layer rich in cement to the surface. Sometime after the first trowelling and after a
duration depending upon the temperature and atmostpheric condition, the surface shall
be retrowelled to close any pores in the surface, and to bring to surface and scrap off any
excess water in concrete laitance (it shall not be trowelled back into the topping). The
final trowelling shall be done well before the concrete has become too hard but at such a
time that considerable pressure is required to make any impression on the surface.
Spreading and trowelling of a rich mix of dry cement and fine aggregate on to the surface
shall not be permitted.

Where the surface is to be finished with a steel trowel using extra cement, it shall be
clearly indicated.
13.32.9 Spike Rolling, etc
Spike rolling to concrete surface where indicated shall be executed with a
suitable roller to produce indentations, whilst the concrete is green.
Expanded metal impressions, where indicated, shall be made on the floor
surface while green by pressing expanded metal of the mesh as directed to
a depth of 3mm and removing the same carefully.

13.32.10 Curing
Immediately after the flooring surface is finished, it shall be protected from
rapid drying and strong sunlight. As soon as the surface has hardened
sufficiently to prevent damage to it, it shall be kept continuously moist for
at least fifteen days by means of wet gunny bags or 50mm thick layers of
damp sand spread over the surface or pooling water on the surface.
During this period the flooring shall not be exposed to any traffic. Regular
traffic on the floor shall be allowed only after 28 days.
13.33 Polished Coloured Concrete Floor
13.33.1 The surface of cement concrete floor, when indicated to be
coloured, shall be finished with a thin topping not less than 3mm
thick; consisting of one part of cement to two parts of sand,
coloured with the addition of approved mineral pigment of required
colour; thoroughly mixed with cement, when dry. The quantity of
pigment shall be such as to produce the required shade. The
coloured top layer shall be laid monolithically with the concrete.

13.33.2 The surface shall be air-cured for a duration of 12 to 18

hours. It shall then be cured by allowing water to stand in pools over
it for not less than 2 days before hand grinding and seven days
before machine grinding.
13.33.3 Grinding and polishing may be done by hand or by
machine. In hand grinding and polishing, the first cut shall be
made with carborundum stone 60 grit size and plenty of water.
After the first cut, the surface shall be thoroughly washed to
remove all grinding mud and covered with a grout of cement
using the same coloured cement as in the original mix in order to
fill the pin holes that appear after cutting. The surface shall be
again wet cured for ten days. The final cut shall then be carried
out with Carborundum stone of 320 to 400 grit size. After the
final cut, the surface shall again be washed clean and rubbed
hard with felt and slightly moistened oxalic acid powder, at the
rate of five grams of oxalic acid powder per sq m of floor area.
The following day, the floor shall be wiped with moist rag and
dried with a soft cloth.
13.34 Granolithic Concrete Floors
The proportion for the granolithic concrete floor topping shall be 1:1:2 (Cement
: fine aggregate : Coarse aggregate) by volume. Mixing, laying, finishing and
curing, etc,. shall be carried out as specified for cement concrete flooring.
Granolithic concrete shall be preferably laid monolithic with the base concrete.

13.35 Sodium Silicate Treatment

The concrete surface shall be clean, dry and free from grease. The dressing shall
be applied about seven days after the completion of curing. The first dressing
shall be with sodium silicate diluted in the ratio of 1 part of silicate to 4 part of
water (by volume). Second dressing with dilution of 1:3 and the third of 1:2.
The surface shall be allowed to dry thoroughly between each application and
any glazed patches which appear shall be removed by scrubbing with stiff fibre
brushes and water, before the next coat is applied. The floor shall be washed
with hot clean water after the third dressing and the floor is dried.
13.36 Wear Proof Topping
For light or heavy duty floors, metallic floor hardener and cement shall be
thoroughly mixed to an even colour in dry state in the proportion recommended
by the manufacturer. This mixture shall be mixed with crushed granite/
basalt/trap as indicated (6mm and down) in the proportion 1:2 by volume.
Requisite amount of water shall then be added to form a workable mixture.

13.36.1 New Work

The topping of the thickness as indicated, shall be laid while the underlying
surface is green. When the initial set has taken place, the surface shall be
trowelled even and smooth with a steel trowel. Dry cement or mixture of dry
cement and sand, shall not be sprinkled directly on to the surface with the
object of absorbing moisture or for stiffening the mix. The final trowelling shall
not be commenced until such time as the surface has so hardened that pressure
with a finger ceases to make any indentation. The topping shall be kept damp
with wet sacks or sand, for 7 days before putting to use.
13.36.2 Old Work
The old concrete surface shall be cut and removed to a
depth as indicated, generally of not less than 50mm, and all
loose particles and dust cleared away. The cleared surface
shall then be soaked with water for at least 12 hours before
the topping is laid. Surplus water, if any, shall be mopped up
and neat cement grout shall be thoroughly worked into the
surface. While the grout is wet, the layer of cement
concrete (1:2:4) Type B-1, shall be laid followed by wear
proof topping, as described above.
13.37 Precast Cement Concrete Slab Flooring
13.37.1 Cement Concrete of the specified mix shall be mixed precast
in forms or mould and cured as specified for precast articles in
Section 4-Concrete. Unless otherwise indicated, the size of slabs shall
not exceed 0.5 Sq m nor be less than 0.1 Sq m. Slabs used in any one
room shall be uniform in size and of thickness as indicated. The top
surface of slabs shall be finished fair and smooth (using additional
cement where indicated) whilst the concrete is green in forms.
Exposed edges shall be perfectly fine, square and well defined.

13.37.2 The slabs shall be bedded and jointed in cement and sand
mortar (1:6) and pointed in cement and sand mortar (1:4). The
thickness of bedding mortar shall be not less than 15mm and
thickness of joints shall not exceed 6mm.
13.38 Terrazo Cast-in-Situ in Floors, Skirtings and Dados
13.38.1 Size of Tarrazo Panel
The Floor, both while laying the under layer and the topping shall be divided into
panels not exceeding 2 Sq m. The joints shall be so located that the longer
dimension of any panel does not exceed 2m. The panels, where indicated shall
be separated by means of dividing strips. However, where butt joints are
provided, the bays shall be laid alternately allowing for an interval of at least 24
hours between the laying of adjacent bays.

13.38.2 Mixing of Materials

1. Cement for making matrix for Terrazo topping shall be ordinary Portland
cement (with no pigment) or coloured cement made by mixing ordinary
Portland cement with pigments, or with white cement or by mixing white
cement with pigments depending on the colour of the terrazo finish, as
indicated. With a view to avoid variation in colour, the complete quantities of
cement and pigment required for one operation shall be mixed at the
beginning of work and stored properly.
2. Where different coloured chips are used, they shall first be well mixed in required
proportion of various colours and sizes.

3. The proportion of cement and marble powder shall be 3 parts of cement and 1 part of
marble powder by weight. For every part of cement and marble powder mix, the proportion
of aggregates, by volume, shall be 1.75 parts for aggregates of 1 to 7 mm and 1.5 parts of 7
to 15mm. The cement shall be mixed thoroughly in dry state with marble powder. The
binder so obtained and the marble chips shall then be mixed dry together.

4. The mixing, if done manually, shall preferably be done in a trough or tub. While mixing
the aggregate, care shall be taken not to get the materials into a heap. The material shall be
kept, as far as possible in an even layer during mixing.

5. After the materials have been thoroughly mixed in the dry state, water shall be added in
small quantities, preferably in fine spray, while the materials are being worked until proper
consistency is obtained. The mixture shall be plastic but not so wet that it will flow.

6. The mix shall be used in the work within half an hour of the addition of water during
preparation.
13.38.3 Spreading the Underlayers
1. Dividing strips, where indicated, shall be glass, aluminium or plastic as
indicated and shall be fixed on the base to the exact surface level of floor
so as to divide the surface of the base into the required arrangement of
panels. Aluminium dividing strip shall have protective coating of bitumen.
The thickness of strip shall be as indicated but not less than 1.5mm.
Where dividing strips are not used, screed strips shall be fixed on the
base, properly leveled to the correct height to suit the thickness of floor.
2. Before spreading the underlayer, the base shall be cleaned of all dirt,
laitance or loose material and then well wetted with water without
forming any water pools on the surface. It shall then be smeared with
cement slurry at the rate of 3 kg of cement per sq. m just before the
spreading of underlayer.
3. After application of cement slurry, the underlayer of cement concrete
of mix as indicated shall be spread and leveled with a screeding board to
leave slightly rough surface.
13.38.4 Laying Terrazo Topping
1. Terrazo topping, of the thickness, as indicated, shall be laid, while the
underlayer is still plastic, but it has hardened sufficiently to prevent
cement from rising to the surface; this is normally achieved between 18
to 24 hours after the underlayer has been laid. A cement slurry @ 2.5 Kg
per sq m, preferably of the same colour as the topping shall be brushed
on the surface immediately before the laying is commenced.

2. The terrazzo mix shall be placed on the screed bed (underlayer) and
compacted thoroughly by tamping or rolling and trowelled smooth.
Excessive trowelling in earlystages shall be avoided. Care shall be taken
that cement does not get worked up to the surface which will produce a
finish liable to crack and will also necessitate more grinding of surface to
expose the marble chips.
3. The surface shall then be rammed in order to consolidate the terrazzo;
it is not sufficient just to float lightly as this would cause depressions
which have to be filled with mortar. A piece of smooth marble stone of
size 15cm x 15cm x 2.5cm may be advantageously used for ramming.
Following the rammer, a trowel may be used. Internal and external
angles may be rounded upto 25mm radius, where directed.

4. Work on Borders and Decorative Designs : Borders and decorative

designs shall be laid before the main body of the flooring. They shall be
laid and finished in the same manner as flooring.
13.38.5 Curing
The surface shall be left dry for air-curing for duration of 12 to 18 hours. It shall then
be cured by allowing water to stand in pools over it for a period of not less than two
days, before commencement of hand grinding and 7 days before commencement of
machine grinding. Precautions shall also be taken to prevent the floor from being
subjected to extreme temperature.

13.38.6 Grinding
The grinding shall be done by machine or by hand where machine grinding is not
feasible such as in skirting, dados, treads etc. First grinding shall be done with
carborundum stone of 60 grit size, the second with 80 grit size, the third with 120 to
150 grit size and the fourth with 320 to 400 grit size. Between each grinding the
surface shall be washed clean and grouted with neat cement grout of cream like
consistency using the same coloured cement as in the original mix and allowed to dry
for 24 hours (except 12 hours in lieu of 24 hours after the third grinding) and then wet
cured for four days. After the final grinding the surface shall again be washed clean
and rubbed hard with felt and slightly moistened oxalic acid powder, at the rate of 5
gm of oxalic acid powder for one sq m of floor surface.
13.38.7 Just before completion, the floor shall be washed clean with
dilute oxalic acid solution and dried. Floor polishing machine fitted with
felt or Hessain bobs shall then be run over it until the floor shines.

13.38.8 Where wax-polished surface is indicated, the wax-polish shall

be sparingly applied with soft linen on the clean and dry surface. Then
the polishing machine fitted with bobs shall be run over it. Clean saw-
dust shall then be spread over the floor and polishing machine again
applied, mopping up surplus wax and leaving glossy surface. Care shall
be taken that the floor is not let slippery.

13.38.9 Before commencement of terrazzo work, a sample slab shall be

laid by contractor at his expense, and got approved by the GE in
respect of colour and shade of terrazzo, grade and colour of marble
aggregate to be provided.
13.39 Cement Concrete Tile and Terrazo Tile Flooring
13.39.1 Cement Mortar Screed
The screed bed for laying cement concrete and terrazzo tiles shall
be of cement and sand mortar 1:4 in the case of floors and
cement and sand mortar 1:3 in the case of skirtings and dados.
The base shall be cleaned of all scum, laitance or plaster
droppings or any other loose foreign matter. It shall be properly
wetted without allowing any water pools on the surface. The
mortar shall then be evenly spread over the base for two rows of
tiles and about three to five meters in length. The top of mortar
shall be kept rough so that cement slurry can be absorbed. The
thickness of the bedding shall be not less than 15mm at any
place.
13.39.2 Laying of Tiles
1. Laying of tiles shall commence by the time the bedding becomes
sufficiently hard to offer rigid cushion for the tiles. Neat cement slurry of
honey-like consistency shall be spread over the mortar bed, over such an
area at a time as would accommodate about 20 tiles. The tiles shall be fixed
in this grout one after the other, each tile being gently tapped with a
wooden mallet till it is properly bedded and in level with the adjoining tiles.
The joints shall not exceed 1.5mm in width.

2. After the tiles have been laid in a room or the day's laying work is
completed, the surplus cement slurry and the joints shall be cleaned and
washed fairly deep with the help of a broom stick. It shall be seen that the
cement slurry is cleaned before it sets hard.
3. The day after tiles have been laid, the joints shall be filled with cement
grout of the same shade as the colour of the matrix of the tiles.

4. Tiles which are fixed in the floor adjoining the wall shall go about 10mm
under the plaster or skirting or dado. For this purpose, the wall plaster may
be left unfinished by about 50mm above the level of the proposed finished
flooring, skirting or dado and the unfinished strip may be plastered later on
after the tiles are fixed.

5. After fixing, the flooring shall be kept moist and allowed to mature
undisturbed for seven days so that the bedding and joints set properly. After
this, it may be used for light traffic. Heavy traffic shall not be allowed on the
floor for at least 14 days after fixing the tiles.

6. Wherever big areas of floors are to be tiled, the level of the central
portion of the floor shall be kept about 10mm higher than the level marked
at the wall.
13.39.3 Grinding and Polishing
1. Grinding and polishing of the tiles shall be commenced only after the
floor as well as the joints have properly set but in no case earlier than 14
days of laying.

2. Grinding shall preferably be done using a machine except for skirting and
dados. Chequered or grooved tiles shall be polished by hand.
3. For grinding terrazzo tile flooring, the first grinding shall be with Carborundum
stone of 48 to 60 grit. When floor is rubbed even and the chips show uniformity it
shall be cleaned with water making bare all pin holes. Grouting in the same shade is
then briskly applied so that all pin holes are properly filled in. The grout shall be kept
moist for a week for proper setting. Thereafter, the second grinding operation with
Carborundum of 120 grit is commenced. The floor is grouted again to fill in fine pin
holes. After curing for a week, the floor is left with this protective film till other works
are completed. Final grinding is done with Carborundum of 220 to 350 grit using
plenty of water. When surface is rendered smooth it is washed with water. After
wards oxalic acid powder is vigorously applied with machine fitted with Hessian bobs
to bring out shine. Floor is then washed clean and dry linen applied to suck- in-
moisture. Where indicated, wax polish shall finally be applied mechanically with
clean Hessian bobs. Superfluous wax is moped-up with saw dust to prevent
slipperiness. Saw dust may be allowed to remain on the surface till occupation. This
will protect the surface and help to increase luster. When saw dust is spread, water
should not be spilled as this is likely to leave stains on the polished surface.
 4. In the case of plain cement and coloured cement tiles, the process of polishing shall be
the same as described for terrazzo tiles except that initial grinding with Carborundum
stone 48 to 60 grit is not necessary.

13.39.4 Tile Skirting and Dado

Tile skirting and dado shall be fixed only after laying the tiles in the floor. The portion
of the wall to be covered with skirting and dado shall be left unplastered. The wall
surface shall be evenly and uniformly covered with about 10mm thick backing of
cement and sand mortar 1:3. However in the case of skirting, the tiles may be
directly fixed without application of backing as a separate course. Before the backing
mortar has hardened, the back of each tile to be fixed shall be covered with a thin
layer of neat cement paste and the tile gently tapped against the wall with a wooden
mallet. The fixing shall be done from the bottom of the wall upwards. All the tile
faces shall be set in conformity with one another and shall be truly vertical.

Tiles shall be ground and polished as for flooring by hand. Precast treads and risers
for staircase shall be laid and polished as for flooring.
13.39.5 The finished floor, skirting and dado shall have an
even smooth and shining surface. Joints shall be in correct
alignment. After laying the floor shall be allowed to remain
clean and free from cement, oil, paint, distemper, plaster
dropping and all materials likely to stain or spoil the tiles.

13.39.6 Marble Stone Slab and Tile Flooring and Skirting

Every slab/tile shall be machine cut to required size and
shape. The top surface tile/slab before laying shall be
machine polished. The laying grinding and polishing shall be
similar to that of kota stone flooring and skirting.
13.40 Ceramic Glazed tiles flooring / Ceramic Glazed wall
tiles in dado and Skirting
13.40.1 Bedding
The screed bed for laying Ceramic Glazed floor tiles shall be of
cement and sand mortar 1:4. Bedding over which the tile shall be
laid shall not be less than 10mm at any place. Tiles shall be soaked in
water before laying.
13.40.2 Laying
Base concrete or RCC slab shall be cleaned and wetted. The bedding shall then be laid
evenly over the surface, tamped and corrected to desired levels and allowed to harden
enough to offer a rigid cushion to tiles. Before laying the tiles, cement slurry of honey
like consistency at 3 kg/sq m shall be applied over the bedding. At a time area to
accommodate about twenty tiles shall be applied with cement slurry. Tiles shall then be
washed clean and fixed in the grout one after the other, each tile being gently tapped in
its position till it is properly bedded and in level and line with adjoining tiles. The joints
shall be as thin as possible but not exceeding 1.5mm wide. The ceramic tiles shall be set,
jointed with cement slurry and pointed in neat coloured cement to match the colour of
tiles. The surface shall be cured for seven days and then washed clean.

In the cases of skirting and dado, the wall surface shall be covered with about 10mm
thick plaster of cement and sand mortar 1:3 and allowed to harden. The plaster shall be
roughened with wire brushes or by scratching diagonal lines. The back of tiles shall be
buttered with cement paste and set on bedding mortar. The tiles shall be gently tapped
in position one after the other. Top of skirting or dado shall be truly horizontal and the
joints vertical or as per required pattern. Joints shall be flush pointed with white cement
with pigment to match the colour of tiles.
13.41 Vitrified Porcelain Tiles flooring

13.41.1 Bedding
The screed bed for laying Vitrified Porcelain Tiles shall be of cement and sand mortar 1:4. Bedding over
which the tiles shall be laid shall not be less than 10mm at any place.

13.41.2 Laying
Base concrete or RCC slab shall be cleaned and wetted. The bedding shall then be laid evenly over the
surface, tamped and corrected to desired levels and allowed to harden enough to offer a rigid cushion
to tiles. Before laying the tiles , tiles shall be washed and then applied fine cement slurry on the back
of the tile to ensure full and proper bedding. Tiles shall then be placed on bedding, each tile being
gently tapped with rubber hammer in its position till it is properly bedded and in level and line with
adjoining tiles. Use of spacers is recommended for uniformity in joints and better finish. Remove the
residual cement or jointing material immediately by a wet sponge. After 24 hours when the tiles are
properly set and cured, fill the joint gaps with joint filler as per recommendation of manufacturer.
The joint gap shall be filled by spreading joint filler paste in the spaces between the tiles with the
help of rubber trowel. Clean the tiles surface immediately with the help of wet sponge .

Vitrified Porcelain Tiles can be laid in flooring over Base concrete or RCC slab directly by using
suitable chemical adhesive as per manufacturers instructions if so indicated.
13.42 Linoleum Flooring
The linoleum shall be laid either loose or fixed to the sub-floor by
means of a suitable adhesive as indicated.

13.42.1 Loose Spreading

Linoleum shall be kept at a temperature of not less than 20° C for
at least 48 hours before it is unrolled. It shall be laid out flat for
several days before it is cut to size because, after being unrolled,
it shrinks in length and expands in width. As the humidity in the
room is usually greater than that at which the linoleum is rolled,
it absorbs moisture and being unrestrained expands. When two
widths of linoleum meet, they shall be left with one overlapping
the other until expansion has stopped and then cut to fit.
13.42.2 Fixing
Where fixing of linoleum is indicated, the base shall be even and
dry. The base over which the linoleum is to be fixed shall be
thoroughly cleaned free from dust and dirt, chemicals, oils, paints
or grease. There is no need to wait for expansion to occur
because the adhesive restrains movement.

It shall be cut closely to size and fitted loose on the floor. One-half
of the sheet is turned back into the centre and adhesive is spread
on both floor and linoleum and allowed to become tacky. After an
interval of time appropriate for the adhesive used, the linoleum
shall be rolled on to the floor, with a 70 Kg linoleum roller
working from the centre to the walls. If necessary, the linoleum
may be loaded with sand bags at various points until the adhesive
has gripped. The operation shall be repeated for the other half.
13.42.3 Finishing
Any adhesive contaminating the face of the flooring shall be
removed as soon as possible and in any case within the setting
time. When the flooring has been securely fixed, it shall be
cleaned with soap and warm water. The surface shall be wax
polished where so indicated.
13.43 Rubber Sheet and Tile Flooring
13.43.1 Before commencing the laying operations, it shall be ensured
that base concrete or mortar is even, clean and dry. The layout of the
rubber flooring on the sub-floor to be covered shall be marked with
guidelines. The rubber flooring shall be first laid for trial without using
the adhesive according to the required layout. The adhesive shall be
applied by using a notched trowel to the sub-floor and to the back
side of the rubber sheet or tile flooring. When set sufficiently for
laying, the adhesive shall be tacky to the touch, but shall not mark the
fingers. In general, the adhesive will require about half an hour for
setting, it should not be left after setting for too long a period as the
adhesive properties will be lost owing to dust film and other causes.
Care shall be taken while laying the flooring that condensation does
not take place on the surface of the adhesive. It is preferable to avoid
laying under high humidity conditions.
13.43.2 When the adhesive is just tack free, the rubber flooring
sheet shall be carefully taken and placed in position from one end
onward slowly so that the air will be completely squeezed out
between the sheet and the background surface. After laying the
sheet in position, it shall be pressed with suitable roller to develop
proper contact with the sub-floor. The next sheet with its backside
applied with the adhesive shall be laid to edge with the sheet
already laid and fixed in exactly the same manner as the first
sheet. Care shall be taken that sheets are laid close to each other
with minimum gap between joints. The alignment shall be
checked after laying of each row of sheet is completed. If the
alignment is not perfect, the sheets may be trimmed by using a
straight edge.
13.43.3 The tiles shall be fixed in exactly the same manner as the
sheets. It is preferable to start laying of the tiles from the centre of
the area. The tiles shall always be lowered in position and pressed
firmly on to the adhesive for full contact with the background
surface. The tiles shall not be slid as it may result in adhesive being
squeezed up between the joints. Any undulations noticed on the
rubber flooring surface shall be rectified by removing and relaying
the tiles after thorough cleaning of the under side of the affected
tiles. The adhesive applied earlier in such places shall be thoroughly
removed by using proper solvents and the surface shall be cleaned
to remove the traces of solvents used. Work shall be constantly
checked against guidelines to ensure that all the four edges of
adjacent tiles meet accurately.
13.43.4 Any adhesive contaminating the face of the rubber flooring
before it hardens shall be removed as the work proceeds, without
smearing the adjacent surfaces. In case a solvent is used care shall
be taken so that the solvent does not cause any damage to the
rubber.

13.43.5 A minimum period of 24 hours shall be given after laying the

rubber flooring for developing proper bond of the adhesive. During
this period, the flooring shall not be put to service. When the
flooring has been securely fixed, it shall be cleaned with a wet cloth,
soaked in warm soap solution (two spoons of soap in 5 liters of
warm water), and then washed with clean water.
13.43.6 Where indicated, rubber flooring shall be polished with a wax
emulsion polish. Polishes containing organic solvents which are
injurious to rubber shall not be used. The floor shall be thoroughly
cleaned, dried and made free from oil and grease. The polish shall be
spread lightly and evenly over the surface with a clean pad of cotton
or similar material. It is important not to rub polish into the flooring. A
second application shall be made in the same manner, but
approximately an hour shall elapse between the applications. The
polish shall be left to dry for approximately 30 minutes, depending on
the atmospheric conditions and the polish employed. Polish shall be
rubbed gently with a soft dry cloth until a high luster is obtained.

13.43.7 The work of laying rubber flooring shall be executed by a

specialist firm approved by the GE. The workmanship shall be of a
high order.
13.44 PVC Flooring
PVC sheets and tiles shall be laid in the same manner as
described for 'Rubber sheet/tiles flooring'.

13.45 PVC Asbestos Tile Flooring

PVC Asbestos tiles shall be laid in the same manner as
described for 'Rubber sheet/tile flooring'.

13.46 Acid Resisting Tile Flooring

Acid resisting tiles shall be laid in the same manner as
described for 'Acid resisting brickwork‘ in Section 5-
Brickwork'.
13.47 Kota Stone Flooring
13.47.1 Stone Slabs
The slab shall be of selected quality, hard, sound, dense and homogeneous in texture, free
from cracks, decay, weathering and flaws. They shall be hand or machine cut to the requisite
thickness as indicated and they shall be of uniform colour.

The slabs shall have the top (exposed) face polished before being brought to site. Before
starting the work, Contractor shall get the sample of slabs approved by the Engineer-in-
Charge.

13.47.2 Dressing of Slabs

Every slab shall be cut to the required size and shape and fine chisel dressed on the sides to
the full depth so that a straight edge laid along the side of the stone shall be in full contact
with it. The sides (edges) shall be table rubbed with coarse sand or machine rubbed before
paving. All angles and edges of the slabs shall be true, square and free from chippings and the
surface shall be true and plane. For staircase treads, single piece slab to full length and width
of treads shall be provided. The nosing shall be rounded off and two parallel grooves ten by
ten (10mm x 10mm) immediately behind the nosing edge shall be provided to avoid skidding.
Square or circular holes shall be made carefully to accommodate M.S. Baluster in position
13.47.3 Preparation of Surface and Laying
13.47.3.1 Sub-grade concrete or the RCC slab on which the slabs are to
be laid shall be cleaned, wetted and mopped. The bedding for the slabs
shall be with cement mortar 1:3 (1 Cement : 3 Coarse Sand). The
thickness of screed shall be indicated.
13.47.3.2 The slabs shall be laid in the following manner :-
Mortar of the specified mix shall be spread under the area of each slab, roughly to
the average thickness as indicated. The slab shall be washed and cleaned before
laying. It shall be laid on top, pressed, tapped with wooden mallet and brought to
level with the adjoining slabs. It shall be lifted and laid aside. The top surface of
the mortar shall then be corrected by adding fresh mortar at hollows. The mortar
is allowed to harden a bit and cement slurry of honey like consistency shall be
spread over the same at the rate of 4 kg of cement per square metre. The slab to
be paved shall be lowered gently back in position bedded in level. Subsequent
slabs shall be laid in the same manner and joints between adjacent slabs shall be
as thin as possible and run in straight line. After each slab has been laid, surplus
cement grout coming out of the joints of the slabs shall be cleaned off. The
surface of the flooring as laid shall be true to levels, lines and shapes as instructed
by the Engineer-in-Charge.

13.47.3.3 Slabs which are fixed in the floor adjoining the wall shall enter not less than
twelve (12) mm under the plaster skirting or dado. The junction between wall plaster
and the floor shall be finished neatly and without waviness.
13.47.4 Curing, Polishing and Finishing
13.47.4.1 The floor shall be kept wet for a minimum period of seven (7)
days. The surface shall thereafter be ground evenly with machine fitted
with fine grade blocks (No. 120). The final grinding with machine fitted
with the finest grade grit blocks (No. 320) shall be carried out the day
after the first grinding described above or before handing over the floor,
as ordered by the Engineer-in-Charge.

13.47.4.2 For small areas or where circumstances so require, hand

polishing may be permitted in lieu of machine polishing after laying.
For hand polishing the following Carborundum stones shall be used.
1st grinding - Medium Grade Stone (No. 8)
Final Grinding - Fine Grade (No. 120)
13.47.4.3 In all other respects, the process shall be similar as for
machine polishing.

13.47.4.4 After the final polish, oxalic acid shall be dusted over the
surface at the rates of thirty three (33) gms. per square metre sprinkled
with water and rubbed hard with pad of wooden rags. The following day
the floor shall be wiped with a moist rag and dried with a soft cloth and
finished clean.

13.47.4.5 If any slab is disturbed or damaged, it shall be refitted or

replaced, properly jointed and polished. The finished floor shall not
sound hollow when tapped with wooden mallet.
13.48 Use of Epoxy Mortar for Laying Tile Flooring on
Existing Floors
13.48.1 Material
1. Primer:- Primer shall be as specified.
2. Sand:- Normally sand for concrete use will be used passing through 10
guage mesh.
3. Surface treatment:- The existing surface shall be roughened by
chemical etching and then cleaned by water. When the surface is dry, it
shall be wire brushed to have rough, dry and clean surface for the
application of primer.
4. Primer Coat:- One/Two brush coat as specified of epoxy mixture of
thickness 6mm shall be applied on the pre treated surface. The ratio of
the constituent of the epoxy shall be of 2:1 using araldite GY 257 and
Hardener HY 830/850.
 5. Bedding mortar shall be of the following composition :-
Araldite GY 257 100 part by weight
Hardner HY 830 45 parts by weight
Hardner HY 850 15 Parts by weight
Quartz sand 400 to 600 parts by weight

6. Pointing Mortar:- The pointing mortar shall be of the following

composition:-
Araldite GY 250 100 parts of weight
Hardner HY 830 45 parts by weight
Hardner HY 850 15 parts by weight
Quartz sand 400 Parts by weight

13.48.2 The method of application and use shall be as per

manufacturer's instruction.
13.49 Wear-Resistance Flooring by Use of Vaccum Dewatering
Method and Power Trowelling Method with a Skim Floater
1. Cement shall be laid between the steel forms and a precast
concrete rail acting as a stop end and also rail to be used for
surface vibration. The preparation and laying of concrete shall be
all as per clause 13.32.5. Thickness and mix of the concrete shall
be as indicated.

2. The concrete thus laid shall be vibrated with poker vibrator.

During poker vibration, proper compaction of coarse aggregate
fine aggregate, and cement shall be obtained. The surface will
then be finished in level with the help of surface vibrator to give a
dense level surface of concrete.
3. Vacuum dewatering method will be used to remove excess
water from the laid concrete and filter pad and suction mat shall
be laid on the freshly laid concrete which will not allow cement
paste to flow out, and the suction pump are then started
immediately to remove the excess water. The suction time
normally is 20 to 30 minutes. This vacuum process will enable to
remove 15 to 25% of water content making the surface hard
enough to enable to carry the floating operation.
4. The top surface after removal of mat shall be floated with a
mechanical skim floater with trowelling blade to enable the top
surface to grind and give a uniform water resistance surface on
top. Under no circumstances neat cement be sprinkled directly
on concrete surface to absorb bleed water as surface scaling may
occur later. Similarly water should not be applied between
trowelling operations as it may cause surface weakness.
Minimum two passes shall be carried out. The surface shall then
be watered and cured as per clause 13.32.10.
Thank You