1700

Structural Concrete
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1701 DESCRIPTION

The work shall consist of producing, transporting, placing and compacting of structural
concrete including fixing formwork and temporary works etc. and incidental construction in
accordance with these Specifications and in conformity with the lines, grades and dimensions,
as shown on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.

1702 MATERIALS

All materials shall conform to Section 1000 of these Specifications.

1703 GRADES OF CONCRETE

1703.1 The grades of concrete shall be designated by the characteristic strength as

given in Table 1700-1, where the characteristic strength is defined as the strength of concrete
below which not more than 5 percent of the test results are expected to fall.
Table 1700-1 : Grades of Concrete

Type of Concrete/Grade Designation Characteristic Strength

Nominal Mix Standard High Performance in MPa
Concrete Concrete Concrete
M15 M15 15
M20 M20 20
M25 25
M30 M30 30
M40 M35 35
M45 M40 40
M50 M45 45
M50 50
M55 55
M60 60
M65 65
M70 70
M75 75
M80 80
M85 85
M90 90
1) Normal Mix Concrete is made on the basis of nominal mix proportioned
by weight of its main ingredients – cement, coarse and fine aggregates
and water.

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2) Standard concrete is made on the basis of design mix proportioned

by weight of its ingredients, which in addition to cement, aggregates
and water, may contain chemical admixtures to achieve certain target
values of various properties in fresh condition, achievement of which is
monitored and controlled during production by suitable tests. Generally,
concrete of grades up to M50 are included in this type.
3) High Performance Concrete is similar to standard concrete but
contains additional one or more mineral admixtures providing binding
characteristics and partly acting as inert filler material which increases
its strength, reduces its porosity and modifies its other properties in
fresh as well as hardened condition. Concrete of grades upto M90 are
included in this type.
4) For concrete of grades higher than M90, the design parameters may be
obtained from specialized literature and experimental results.

1703.2 The minimum grades of concrete and corresponding minimum cement

content and maximum water/cement ratios for different exposure conditions shall be as
indicated in Table 1700-2.

1703.3 For concrete subjected to sulphate attack the minimum grades of concrete,
minimum cement content and maximum water/cement ratios and types of cement for different
concentration of sulphate content shall be as indicated in Table 1700-3.

Table 1700-2 : Requirement of Concrete for Different Exposure Condition

using 20 mm Aggregate

Exposure Maximum Water Minimum Cement Minimum Grade of

Condition Cement Ratio Content, kg/m3 Concrete
Moderate 0.45 340 M25
Severe 0.45 360 M30
Very Severe 0.40 380 M40
Note:
i) All three provisions given in the above table for a particular exposure condition, shall be
satisfied.
ii) The term cement for maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement content shown in Table
includes all cementitious materials mentioned in Clause 1715.2. The maximum limit
of flyash and ground granulated blast furnace slag in the blended cement shall be as
specified in IS:1489 (Part 1) and IS:455 respectively.
iii) For plain cement concrete, with or without surface reinforcement, the minimum grade of
concrete can be lowered by 5 MPa and maximum water/cement ratio exceeded by 0.05.

Cement content shown in the above table shall be increased by 40 kg/m3 for use of
12.50 mm nominal size aggregates and decreased by 30 kg/m3 for use of 40 mm nominal
size aggregates.

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Table 1700-3 : Requirement of Concrete Exposed to Sulphate Attack

Class Concentration of Sulphates as SO3 Type of Minimum Maximum Minimum

In Soils In Ground Cement Cement Water / Grade of
Water, g/l (Note ii) Content, Cement Concrete
Total SO3 in 2:1 kg/m3 Ratio
SO3, % Water: Soil
Extract, g/l
1) Traces < 1.0 < 0.3 -OPC, 280 0.5 M25
PPC or
PSC
2) 2.0 to 0.5 1.0 to 1.9 0.3 to 1.2 -OPC, 330 0.5 M25
PPC or
PSC
-SRPC
3) 0.5 to 1.0 1.9 to 3.1 1.2 to 2.5 -SRPC, 330 0.5 M25
-PPC or
PSC 350 0.45 M30
4) 1.0 to 2.0 3.1 to 5.0 2.5 to 5.0 -SRPC 370 0.45 M35
5) >2.0 >5.0 >5.0 -SRPC 400 0.4 M40
with
protective
coatings

Note: If the requirements of maximum water/cement ratio, minimum grade of concrete and
minimum cement content from other durability considerations as given in Table 1700-2
are more stringent than those given in this table, then the former will govern.

OPC: Ordinary Portland Cement, PPC: Portland Pozzolona Cement. PSC: Portland Slag
Cement, SRPC: Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement.

The minimum cement content shall be as low as possible but not less than the quantities
specified in Table 1700-2 and 1700-3.

The maximum cement content excluding any mineral admixtures (Portland cement component
alone) shall not exceed 450 kg/cu.m.

1703.4 Concrete used in any component or structure shall be specified by designation

along with prescribed method of design of mix i.e. ‘Design Mix’ or ‘Nominal Mix’. For all items
of concrete, only design mix shall be used, except where nominal mix concrete is permitted
as per drawing or by the Engineer. Nominal mix may be permitted only for minor bridges and
culverts or other incidental construction, where strength requirements are upto M 20 only.
Nominal mix may also be permitted for non-structural concrete or for screed below open
foundations.

1703.5 If the Contractor so proposes, the Engineer may permit the use of concrete
of higher grade than that specified on the drawing, provided the higher grade concrete meets
the specifications applicable. The additional cost of such higher grade concrete shall be
borne by the Contractor.

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1704 PROPORTIONING OF CONCRETE

Prior to the start of construction, the Contractor shall design the mix in case of design mix
concrete or propose nominal mix in case of nominal mix concrete, and submit to the Engineer
for approval, the proportions of materials, including admixtures to be used. Water-reducing
admixtures (including plasticisers or super-plasticisers) may be used at the Contractor’s
option, subject to the approval of the Engineer.

1704.1 Requirements of Consistency

The mix shall have the consistency which will allow proper placement and compaction in the
required position. Every attempt shall be made to obtain uniform consistency. Slump test
shall be used to measure consistency of the concrete.

The optimum consistency for various types of structures shall be as indicated in Table 1700-4,
or as directed by the Engineer. The slump of concrete shall be checked as per IS:516.

Table 1700-4 : Requirements of Consistency

Type Slump (mm) (at the Time

of Placing of Concrete)
1) a) Structure with exposed inclined surface requiring low 25
slump concrete to allow proper compaction
b) Plain cement concrete 25
2) RCC structure with widely spaced reinforcements; e.g. 40 – 50
solid columns, piers, abutments, footings, well steining
3) RCC structure with fair degree of congestion of 50 – 75
reinforcement; e.g. pier and abutment caps, box culverts,
well curb, well cap, walls with thickness greater than
300 mm
4) RCC and PSC structure with highly congested 75 – 125
reinforcements e.g. deck slab girders, box girders, walls
with thickness less than 300 mm
5) Underwater concreting through tremie e.g. bottom plug, 150 – 200
cast in-situ piling

Notwithstanding the optimum consistency indicated against Sl. No. 1 to 3, the situation should
be property assessed to arrive at the desired workability with the adjustment of admixture in
each case, where the concrete is to be transported through transit mixer and placed using
concrete pump. Under these circumstances, the optimum consistency during placement for
the items of work of Sl. No. 1 to 3, can be considered ranging from 75 mm to 150 mm. This
is, however, subject to satisfying the other essential criteria of strength, durability etc. and
approval of the Engineer.

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1704.2 Requirements for Design Mixes

1704.2.1 Target Mean Strength

The target mean strength of specimen shall exceed the specified characteristic compressive
strength by at least the current margin.

i) The current margin for a concrete mix shall be determined by the

Contractor and shall be taken as 1.64 times the standard deviation of
sample test results taken from at least 40 separate batches of concrete
of nominally similar proportions produced at site by the same plant under
similar supervision, over a period exceeding 5 days, but not exceeding
6 months.
ii) Where there is insufficient data to satisfy the above, the current
margin for the initial design mix shall be taken as given in
Table 1700-5 :

Table 1700-5 : Current Margin for Initial Design Mix

Concrete Grade Current Margin Target Mean Strength

(MPa) (MPa)
M 15 10 25
M 20 10 30
M 25 11 36
M 30 12 42
M 35 12 47
M 40 12 52
M 45 13 58
M 50 13 63
M 55 14 69
M60 14 74
M 65 15 80
M 70 15 85
M 75 15 90
M 80 15 95
M85 16 101
M90 16 106

The initial current margin given in Table 1700-5 shall be used till sufficient data is available to
determine the current margin as per Sub-Clause 1704.2.1(i).

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1704.2.2 Trial Mixes

The Contractor shall give notice to the Engineer to enable him to be present at the time of
carrying out trial mixes and preliminary testing of the cubes. Prior to commencement of trial
mix design, all materials forming constituents of proposed design mix should have been
tested and approval obtained in writing from the Engineer. Based on test results of material,
draft mix design calculation for all grades of concrete to be used in the works, shall be
prepared after taking into account the provisions in the Contract Technical Specifications,
Guidelines of IS:10262, IS:SP:23 and IRC:112 and submitted to the Engineer for approval.
Prior to commencement of concreting, trial mix design shall be performed for all grades of
concrete and trial mix which has been found successful, shall be submitted by the Contractor
and approval obtained. During concreting with the approved trial mix design, if source of any
constituents is changed, the mix design shall be revised and tested for satisfying the strength
requirements.

The initial trial mixes shall be carried out in a laboratory approved by the Engineer. However,
Engineer may permit the initial trial mixes to be prepared at the site laboratory of the Contractor,
if a full fledged concrete laboratory has been established well before the start of construction,
to his entire satisfaction. Sampling and testing procedures shall be in accordance with these
Specifications.

When the site laboratory is utilized for preparing initial mix design, the concrete production
plant and means of transport employed to make the trial mixes shall be similar to those
proposed to be used in the works.

For each trial mix, a set of six cubes shall be made from each of three consecutive batches
for purposes of testing. Three cubes from each set of six shall be tested at an age of
28 days and three at an earlier age approved by the Engineer. The cubes shall be made,
cured, stored, transported and tested in accordance with these Specifications. The mean
strength of the nine cubes at 28 days shall exceed the specified characteristic strength by the
current margin minus 3.5 MPa.

1704.2.3 Control of Strength of Design Mixes

a) Adjustment to Mix Proportions

Adjustment to mix proportions arrived at in the trial mixes, shall be made
subject to the Engineer’s approval, in order to minimize the variability of
strength and to maintain the target mean strength. Such adjustments
shall not be taken to imply any change in the current margin.
b) Change of Current Margin
When required by the Engineer, the Contractor shall recalculate the
current margin in accordance with Clause 1704.2.1. The recalculated

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value shall be adopted as directed by the Engineer, and it shall become

the current margin for concrete produced thereafter.
c) Additional Trial Mixes
In case any changes are observed in the properties of fresh concrete
and/or strength of hardened concrete on the basis of early age tests,
additional mixes and tests shall be carried out during production, so as
to control and bring the quality of concrete within acceptable limits. In
case of any change in the source or properties of materials, the design
of mix shall be established afresh.

1704.3 Requirements of Nominal Mix Concrete

Requirements for nominal mix concrete unless otherwise specified shall be as given in
Table 1700-6.

Table 1700-6 : Requirements for Nominal Mix Concrete

Concrete Total Quantity of Dry Aggregate Proportion of Maximum Quantity

Grade by Mass per 50 kg of Cement Fine to Coarse of Water for 50 kg
to be taken as the Sum of Aggregate (by of Cement (Litres)
Individual Masses of Fine and Mass)
Coarse Aggregates (kg) PCC RCC

M 15 350 Generally 1:2, 25

subject to upper
M 20 250 limit 1:1.5 and 25 22
lower limit of 1:2.5

1704.4 Additional Requirements

Concrete shall meet any other requirements as specified on the drawing or as directed by the
Engineer. The overall limits of deleterious substances in concrete shall be as follows:

a) Total acid soluble chloride content in the concrete mix expressed as

chloride ions shall not exceed the following values by mass of cement.
Prestressed concrete 0.10 percent
Reinforced concrete (in severe, very severe
or extreme exposure condition) 0.20 percent
Reinforced concrete in moderate exposure
condition 0.30 percent

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b) The total water soluble sulphate content of the concrete mix expressed
as SO3, shall not exceed 4 percent by mass of cement in the mix.

For concrete made with Portland pozzolona cement, Portland blast furnace slag cement or
mineral admixtures, the setting time and rate of gain of strength are different from those for
concrete made with OPC alone. Such modified properties shall be taken into account while
deciding the de-shuttering time, curing period, early age loading and time of prestressing.
Additional cube samples may be required to be taken for verifying the concrete properties.

1704.5 Suitability of Proposed Mix Proportions

The Contractor shall submit the following information for the Engineer’s approval :

a) Nature and source of each material

b) Quantities of each material per cubic metre of fully compacted
concrete
c) Either of the following :
i) Appropriate existing data as evidence of satisfactory previous
performance for the target mean strength, current margin,
consistency and water/cement ratio and any other additional
requirement (s) as specified.
ii) full details of tests on trial mixes.
d) Statement giving the proposed mix proportions for nominal mix
concrete

Any change in the source of material or in the mix proportions shall be subject to the
Engineer’s prior approval.

1704.6 Checking of Mix Proportions and Water/Cement Ratio

In proportioning concrete, the quantity of both cement and aggregate shall be determined
by weight. Where the weight of cement per bag as given by the manufacturer is accepted,
a reasonable number of bags shall be weighed separately to check the net weight. Where
cement is weighed from bulk stock at site and not by bag, it shall be weighed separately from
the aggregates. Water shall either be measured by volume in calibrated tanks or weighed.
All measuring equipment shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. Their
accuracy shall be periodically checked.

The specified water/cement ratio shall always be kept constant and at its correct value. To this
end, moisture content in both fine and coarse aggregates shall be determined as frequently
as possible, the frequency for a given job being determined by the Engineer according to the
weather conditions. The amount of water to be added shall then be adjusted to compensate

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for variations in the moisture content. For the determination of moisture content in the
aggregates IS:2386 (Part III) shall be referred. Suitable adjustments shall also be made in
the weight of aggregates to allow for their variation in weight due to variation in their moisture
content.

1704.7 Grading of Aggregates for Pumped Concrete

Materials for pumped concrete shall be batched consistently and uniformly. Maximum size of
aggregate shall not exceed one-third of the internal diameter of the pipe.

The grading of aggregates shall be continuous and shall have sufficient ultra fine materials
(material finer than 0.25 mm). Proportion of fine aggregates passing through 0.25 mm shall be
between 15 and 30 percent and that passing through 0.125 mm sieve shall not be less than
5 percent of the total volume of aggregate. Admixtures to increase workability can be added.
When pumping long distances and in hot weather, set-retarding admixtures can be used.
Fluid mixes can be pumped satisfactorily after adding plasticisers and super plaslicisers.
Suitability of concrete shall be verified by trial mixes and by performing pumping test.

1705 ADMIXTURES

1705.1 Chemical Admixtures

Chemical admixtures such as superplasticisers, or air entraining, water reducing, accelerating

and retarding agents for concrete, may be used with the approval of the Engineer.

As the selection of an appropriate concrete admixture is an integral part of the mix design,
the manufacturers shall recommend the use of any one of their products only after obtaining
complete information of all the actual constituents of concrete as well as methodologies of
manufacture, transportation and compaction of concrete proposed to be used in the work.
Admixtures/additives conforming to IS:9103 may be used subject to approval of the Engineer.
However, admixtures/additives generating hydrogen or nitrogen and containing chlorides,
nitrates, sulphides, sulphates or any other material likely to adversely affect the steel or
concrete, shall not be permitted.

The general requirements for admixtures are given in Clause 1007 of these Specifications.

Compatibility of the admixtures with the cement and any other pozzolona or hydraulic addition
shall be ensured by for avoiding the following problems

i) Requirement of large dosage of superplasticiser for achieving the

desired workability,
ii) Excessive retardation of setting,

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iii) Excessive entrainment of large air bubbles,

iv) Unusually rapid stiffening of concrete,
v) Rapid loss of slump
vi) Excessive segregation and bleeding.

1705.2 Mineral Admixtures

For use of mineral admixtures, refer Clauses 1714.1 and 1715.2.

1706 SIZE OF COARSE AGGREGATES

The size (maximum nominal) of coarse aggregates for concrete to be used in various
components shall be as given in Table 1700-7.

Table 1700-7 : Maximum Nominal Size of Coarse Aggregates

Components Maximum Nominal Size

of Coarse Aggregate
(mm)
I) RCC well curb 20
ii) RCC/PCC well steining 40
iii) Well cap or Pile Cap Solid type piers and abutments 40
iv) RCC work in girder, slabs wearing coat, kerb, approach 20
slab, hollow piers and abutments, pier/abutment caps,
piles
v) PSC Work 20
vi) Any other item As specified by the
Engineer

Maximum nominal size of aggregates shall also be restricted to the smaller of the following
values :

a) 10 mm less than the minimum lateral clear distance between individual

reinforcements
b) 10 mm less than the minimum clear cover to the reinforcement
c) One quarter of minimum thickness of member

The proportions of the various individual sizes of aggregates shall be so adjusted that the
grading produces the densest mix and the grading curve corresponds to the maximum
nominal size adopted for the concrete mix.

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1707 EQUIPMENT

Unless specified otherwise, equipment for production, transportation and compaction of

concrete shall be as under :

a) Production of Concrete :
i) For overall bridge length of less than 200 m – batch type concrete
mixer, diesel or electric operated, with a minimum size of 200
litres automatic water measuring system and integral weigher
(hydraulic/pneumatic type).
ii) For overall bridge length of 200 m or more – concrete batching
and mixing plant fully automatic, with minimum capacity of 15 cum
per hour.

All measuring devices of the equipment shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable
condition. Their accuracy shall be checked over the range in use, when set up at each site
and thereafter, periodically as directed by the Engineer.

The accuracy of the measuring devices shall fall within the following limits :

Measurement of Cement : ± 3 percent of the quantity of cement

in each batch
Measurement of Water : ± 3 percent of the quantity of water in
each batch
Measurement of Aggregate : ± 3 percent of the quantity of aggregate
in each batch
Measurement of Admixture : ± 3 percent of the quantity of admixture
in each batch
b) Transportation of Concrete:
i) Concrete dumpers minimum 2 tonnes capacity
ii) Powered hoists minimum 0.5 tonne capacity
iii) Chutes
iv) Buckets handled by cranes
v) Transit truck mixer
vi) Concrete pump
vii) Concrete distributor booms
viii) Belt conveyor
ix) Cranes with skips
x) Tremies
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c) For Compaction of Concrete :

i) Internal vibrators size 25 mm to 70 mm
ii) Form vibrators minimum 500 watts
iii) Screed vibrators full width of carriageway
(upto two lanes)

1708 BATCHING, MIXING, TRANSPORTING, PLACING AND COMPACTION

1708.1 General

Prior to start of concreting, the Contractor shall submit for approval of the Engineer, his
programme along with list of equipment proposed to be used by him for batching, mixing,
transporting and placing concrete.

1708.2 Batching of Concrete

In batching concrete:

● The quantity of cement, aggregate and mineral admixtures, if used,

shall be determined by mass.
● Chemical admixtures, if solid, shall be determined by mass.
● Liquid admixtures may be measured in volume or mass, and
● Water shall be weighed or measured by volume in a calibrated tank.

The concrete shall be sourced from on-site or off-site batching and mixing plants, or from
approved Ready Mixed Concrete plants, preferably having quality certification.

Except where supply of properly graded aggregate of uniform quality can be maintained
over a period of work, the grading of aggregate should be controlled by obtaining the coarse
aggregate in different sizes and blending them in the right proportions when required, the
different sizes being stocked in separate stock piles. The materials should be stock piled
several hours, preferably a day before use. The grading of coarse and fine aggregate should
be checked as frequently as possible to ensure that the specified grading is maintained.

The water/cement ratio shall always be maintained constant at its correct value. To this end,
determination of moisture content in both fine and coarse aggregates shall be made as
frequently as possible, depending on weather conditions. The amount of added water shall
be adjusted to compensate for any observed variations in the moisture content. To allow for
the variation in mass of aggregate due to variation in moisture content, suitable adjustment
in the mass of aggregate, shall also be made. Accurate control shall be kept on the quantity
of mixing water, which when specified, shall not be changed without approval.

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1708.3 Mixing Concrete

1708.3.1 Mixing at Site

All concrete shall be machine mixed. In order to ensure uniformity and good quality of concrete
the ingredients shall be mixed in a power driven batch mixer with hopper and suitable weigh
batching arrangement or in a central mix plant. Hand mixing shall not be permitted. The mixer
or the plant shall be at an approved location considering the properties of the mixes and the
transportation arrangements available with the Contractor. The mixer or the plant shall be
approved by the Engineer.

Mixing shall be continued till materials are uniformly distributed, a uniform colour of the
entire mass is obtained and each individual particle of the coarse aggregate shows complete
coating of mortar containing its proportionate amount of cement. In no case shall mixing be
done for less than 2 minutes. It shall be ensured that the mixers are not loaded above their
rated capacities and are operated at a speed recommended by the manufacturer. When
mineral admixtures are added at the mixing stage, their thorough and uniform blending with
cement shall be ensured, if necessary by longer mixing time. The addition of water after the
completion of the initial mixing operation, shall not be permitted.

Mixers which have been out of use for more than 30 minutes shall be thoroughly cleaned
before putting in a new batch and also before changing from one type of cement to another.

1708.3.2 Ready Mix Concrete

Use of ready mix concrete proportioned and mixed off the project site and delivered to site
in a freshly mixed and unhardened state conforming to IS:4926, shall be allowed with the
approval of the Engineer.

1708.4 Transporting Concrete

Mixed concrete shall be transported from the place of mixing to the place of final deposit as
rapidly as possible by methods which will prevent the segregation or loss of the ingredients.
The method of transporting or placing of concrete shall be approved by the Engineer.
Concrete shall be transported and placed as near as practicable to its final position so that
no contamination, segregation or loss of its constituents materials take place.

Concrete may be transported by transit mixers or properly designed buckets or by pumping.

Transit mixers or other hauling equipment when used should be equipped with the means
of discharge of concrete without segregation. During hot or cold weather, concrete shall be
transported in deep containers. Other suitable methods to be reduce the loss of water by
evaporation in hot weather and heat loss in cold weather may also be adopted.

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When concrete is conveyed by chute, the plant shall be of such size and design as to ensure
practically continuous flow. Slope of the chute shall be so adjusted that the concrete flows
without excessive quantity of water and without any segregation of its ingredients. The
delivery end of the chute shall be as close as possible to the point of deposit. The chute shall
be thoroughly flushed with water before and after each working period and the water used for
this purpose shall be discharged outside the formwork.

In case concrete is to be transported by pumping, the fresh concrete should have adequate
fluidity and cohesiveness to be pumpable. Proper concrete mix proportioning and initial trials
should ensure this. The conduit shall be primed by pumping a batch of mortar through the line
to lubricate it. Once the pumping is started, it shall not be interrupted, as concrete standing
idle in the line is liable to cause plug. The operator shall ensure that some concrete is always
there in the pump’s receiving hopper during operation. The lines shall always be maintained
clean and free of dents.

Pipelines from the pump to the placing area shall be laid with minimum bends. For large
quantity placements, standby pumps shall be available. Suitable air release valves, shutoff
valves etc. shall be provided as per site requirements. The pumping of priming mix i.e. rich
mix of creamy consistency, to lubricate the concrete pump and pipelines, shall precede
the pumping of concrete. Continuous pumping shall be done to the extent possible. After
concreting, the pipelines and accessories shall be cleaned immediately. The pipes for
pumping shall not be made of material which has adverse effect on concrete. Aluminium
alloy pipelines shall not be used.

1708.5 Placing of Concrete

All formwork and reinforcement contained in it shall be cleaned and made free from standing
water, dust, snow or ice immediately before placing of concrete.

No concrete shall be placed in any part of the structure until the approval of the Engineer
has been obtained. If concreting is not started within 24 hours of the approval being given,
the approval shall have to be obtained again from the Engineer. Concreting shall proceed
continuously over the area between the construction joints. Fresh concrete shall not be
placed against concrete which has been in position for more than 30 minutes, unless a
proper construction joint is formed.

The concrete shall be deposited as nearly as practicable in its original position to avoid re-
handling. Methods of placing should be such as to preclude segregation. Care should be
taken to avoid displacement of reinforcement or movement of formwork. To achieve this,
concrete should be lowered vertically in the form and horizontal movement of concrete inside
the forms should, as far as practicable, be minimised.

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The concrete shall be placed and compacted before its initial setting so that it is amenable to
compaction by vibration. The workability of concrete at the time of placement shall be adequate
for the compaction equipment to be used. If there is considerable time gap between mixing
and placing of concrete, as in the case of ready mixed concrete plants or off-site batching and
mixing plants, concrete mix shall be designed to have appropriately higher workability at the
time of discharge from the mixer, in order to compensate the loss of workability during transit.
This is generally achieved by suitable chemical admixtures. Keeping these considerations in
view, the general requirement for ready mixed concrete plants or off-site batching and mixing
plants, is that concrete shall be discharged from the truck mixer within two hours of the time
of loading. A longer period may be permitted if suitable retarding admixtures are used.

In wall forms, drop chutes attached to hoppers at the top should preferably be used to lower
concrete to the bottom of the form. As a general guidance, the permissible free fall of concrete
may not exceed 1.5 metres and under no circumstances shall it be more than 2 metres.
When free fall of larger height is involved, self compacting concrete having adequate fluidity,
cohesiveness and viscosity and which uniformly and completely fills every corner of the
formwork by its own weight without segregation, shall be used.

Except where otherwise agreed to by the Engineer, concrete shall be deposited in horizontal
layers to a compacted depth of not more than 450 mm when internal vibrators are used and
not more than 300 mm in all other cases.

Concrete when deposited shall have temperature of not less than 5ºC and preferably not
more than 30ºC and in no case more than 40ºC. In case of site mixing, fresh concrete shall
be placed and compacted in its final position within 30 minutes of its discharge from the
mixer. When the concrete is carried in properly designed agitator operating continuously, the
concrete shall be placed and compacted within 1 hour of the addition of cement to the mix
and within 30 minutes of its discharge from the agitator. It may be necessary to add retarding
admixtures to concrete, if trials show that the periods indicated above are unacceptable. In
all such matters, the Engineer’s decision shall be final.

1708.6 Compaction of Concrete

Concrete shall be thoroughly compacted by vibration or other means during placing and
worked around the reinforcement, tendons or duct formers, embedded fixtures and into
corners of the formwork to produce a dense homogeneous void-free mass having the
required surface finish. When vibrators are used, vibration shall be done continuously during
the placing of each batch of concrete until the expulsion of air has practically ceased and in
a manner that does not promote segregation. Over-vibration shall be avoided to minimize
the risk of forming a weak surface layer. When external vibrators are used, the design of
formwork and disposition of vibrator shall be such as to ensure efficient compaction and to
avoid surface blemishes. Vibrations shall not be applied through reinforcement and where

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vibrators of immersion type are used, contact with reinforcement and all inserts like ducts
etc., shall be avoided.

When internal vibrators are used, they shall be inserted vertically to the full depth of the layer
being placed and ordinarily shall penetrate the layer below for a few centimetres. The vibrator
should be kept in place until air bubbles cease escaping from the surface and then withdrawn
slowly to ensure that no hole is left in the concrete, care being taken to see that it remains
in continued operation while being withdrawn. The internal vibrators shall be inserted in an
orderly manner and the distance between insertions should be about one and half times the
radius of the area visibly affected by vibration. Additional vibrators in serviceable condition
shall be kept at site so that they can be used in the event of breakdown.

Mechanical vibrators used shall comply with IS:2502, IS:2506, IS:2514 and IS:4656.

1709 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

Construction joints shall be avoided as far as possible. In no case shall the locations of such
joints be changed or increased from those shown on the drawings except with the express
approval of the Engineer.

Joints should be positioned where they are readily accessible for preparation and concreting.
Construction joints should be positioned to minimize the effects of the discontinuity of the
durability, structural integrity and appearance of the structure. As far as possible, joints should
be provided in non-aggressive zones, but if joints in aggressive zones cannot be avoided,
they should be sealed. Joints should be located away from the regions of maximum stress
caused by loading; particularly where shear and bond stresses are high.

In beams and slabs joints should not be near the supports. Construction joints between slabs
and ribs in composite beams, shall be avoided. For box girders, there shall be no construction
joint between the soffit and webs.

Joints should be either vertical or horizontal. For a vertical construction joint, the lifts of
concrete shall finish level or at right angles to the axis of the member. Concreting shall be
continued right up to the joint.

Before resuming work at a construction joint when concrete has not yet fully hardened, all
laitance shall be removed thoroughly. The surface shall be roughened, taking care to avoid
dislodgement of coarse aggregates. Concrete shall be brushed with a stiff brush soon after
casting, while the concrete has only slightly stiffened. If the concrete has partially hardened,
it may be treated by wire brushing or with a high pressure water jet, followed by drying with
an air jet, immediately before the new concrete is placed. Fully hardened concrete shall be
treated with mechanical hand tools or grit blasting, taking care not to split or crack aggregate
particles. The practice of first placing a layer of mortar or grout when concreting joints, shall

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be avoided. The old surface shall be soaked with water, without leaving puddles, immediately
before starting concreting. The new concrete shall be thoroughly compacted against it.

Where there is likely to be a delay before placing the next concrete lift, protruding reinforcement
shall be protected. In all cases, where construction joints are made, the joint surface shall not
be contaminated with release agents, dust, or sprayed curing membrane and reinforcement
shall be firmly fixed in position at the correct cover.

The sequence of concreting, striking of forms and positioning of construction joints for every
individual structure, shall be decided well in advance of the commencement of work.

1710 CONCRETING UNDER WATER

When it is necessary to deposit concrete under water, the methods, equipment, materials
and proportions of mix to be used, shall be got approved from the Engineer before any work
is started.

Concrete shall not be placed in water having a temperature below 5ºC. The temperature of
the concrete, when deposited, shall not be less than 16ºC, nor more than 30ºC.

Coffer dams or forms shall be sufficiently tight to ensure still water conditions, if practicable,
and in any case to reduce the flow of water to less than 3 m per minute through the space
into which concrete is to be deposited. Coffer dams or forms in still water shall be sufficiently
tight to prevent loss of mortar through the joints in the walls. Pumping shall not be done
while concrete is being placed, or until 24 hours thereafter. To minimise the formation of
laitance, care shall be exercised not to disturb the concrete as far as possible while it is being
deposited.

All under water concreting shall be carried out by tremie method only. The number and
spacing of the tremies should be worked out to ensure proper concreting. However, it is
necessary to have a minimum number of 2 tremies for any concreting operation, so that even
if one of the tremies goes out of commission during concreting, the other one can be used to
complete the work. The tremie concreting when started, should continue without interruption
for the full height of the member being concreted. The capacity of the concrete production
and placement equipment should be sufficient to enable the underwater concreting to be
completed uninterrupted within the stipulated time.

The top section of the tremie shall have a hopper large enough to hold one full batch of the
mix or the entire contents of the transporting bucket, as the case may be. The tremie pipe
shall not be less than 200 mm in diameter and shall be large enough to allow a free flow
of concrete and strong enough to withstand the external pressure of the water in which it
is suspended, even if a partial vacuum develops inside the pipe. Preferably, flanged steel
pipe of adequate strength shall be used. A separate lifting device shall be provided for each

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tremie pipe with its hopper at the upper end. Unless the lower end of the pipe is equipped
with an approved automatic check valve, the upper end of the pipe shall be plugged with a
wadding of gunny sacking or other approved material before delivering the concrete to the
tremie pipe through the hopper, so that when the concrete is forced down from the hopper to
the pipe, it will force the plug (and along with it any water in the pipe) down the pipe and out
of the bottom end, thus establishing a continuous stream of concrete. It will be necessary to
raise the tremie slowly in order to allow a uniform flow of concrete. At all times after placing
of concrete is started and until all the required quantity has been placed, the lower end of the
tremie pipe shall be kept below the surface of the plastic concrete and shall not be taken out
of concrete. This will cause the concrete to build up from below instead of flowing out over
the surface and thus avoid formation of layers of laitance. It is advisable to use retarders or
suitable superplasticizers to retard the setting time of concrete, which shall be established
before the commencement of work.

1711 CONCRETING IN EXTREME WEATHER

1711.1 Concreting in Cold Weather

Where concrete is to be deposited at or near freezing temperature, precautions shall be

taken to ensure that at the time of placing, it has a temperature of not less than 5ºC and
that the temperature shall be maintained above 4ºC until the concrete has hardened. When
necessary, concrete ingredients shall be heated before mixing but cement shall not be heated
artificially other than by the heat transmitted to it from other ingredients of the concrete. Stock-
piled aggregate may be heated by the use of dry heat or steam. Aggregates shall not be
heated directly by gas or on sheet metal over fire. In general, the temperature of aggregates
or water shall not exceed 65ºC. Salt or other chemicals shall not be used for the prevention of
freezing. No frozen material or materials containing ice shall be used. All concrete damaged
by frost shall be removed. Concrete exposed to freezing weather shall have entrained air and
the water content of the mix shall not exceed 30 litres per 50 kg of cement. To counter slower
setting of concrete, accelerators can be used with the approval of the Engineer. However,
accelerators containing chloride shall not be used.

1711.2 Concreting in Hot Weather

When depositing concrete in hot weather, precautions shall be taken so that the temperature
of wet concrete does not exceed 30ºC while placing. This shall be achieved by using chilled
mixing water, using crushed ice as a part of mixing water, shading stock piles of aggregates
from direct rays of the sun, sprinkling the stock piles of coarse aggregate with water to keep
them moist, limiting temperature of cement below 30ºC at the time of use, starting curing
before concrete dries out and restricting time of concreting as far as possible to early mornings
and late evenings. When ice is used to cool mixing water, it will be considered as part of
the water in design mix. Under no circumstances shall the mixing operation be considered
complete until all ice in the mixing drum has melted. The Contractor will be required to state

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his methodology for the Engineer’s approval when temperatures of concrete are likely to
exceed 30ºC during the work.

1712 PROTECTION AND CURING

1712.1 General

Concreting operations shall not commence until adequate arrangements for concrete curing
have been made by the Contractor. Curing and protection of concrete shall start immediately
after compaction of the concrete.

The concrete shall be protected from:

a) Premature drying out particularly by solar radiation and wind

b) High internal thermal gradients
c) Leaching out by rain and flowing water
d) Rapid cooling during the first few days after placing
e) Low temperature or frost
f) Vibration and impact which may disrupt the concrete and interfere with
its bond to the reinforcement.
g) Vibration caused by traffic including construction traffic.

Concrete shall be protected, without allowing ingress of external water, by means of wet
(not dripping) gunny bags, hessian etc. Once the concrete has attained some degree of
hardening (approximate 12 hrs after mixing), moist curing shall commence and be continued
through the requisite period. Where members are of considerable size and length, with high
cement content, accelerated curing methods may be applied, as approved by the Engineer.

1712.2 Water Curing

Water for curing shall be as specified in Section 1000 of these specifications.

Sea water shall not be used for curing. Sea water shall not come into contact with concrete
members before they have attained adequate strength.

The concrete should be kept constantly wet by ponding or covering or use of sprinklers/
perforated pipes for a minimum period of 14 days after concreting, except in the case of
concrete with rapid hardening cement, where it can be reduced to 5 days. Water should be
applied on surfaces after the final set. Curing through watering shall not be done on green
concrete. On formed surfaces, curing shall start immediately after the forms are stripped.
The concrete shall be kept constantly wet with a layer of sacking, canvas, hessian or similar
absorbent material.

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1712.3 Steam Curing

Where steam curing is adopted, it shall be ensured that it is done in suitable enclosure to
contain the live steam in order to minimize moisture and heat losses. The initial application
of the steam shall be after about four hours of placement of concrete to allow the initial set
of the concrete to take place.

Where retarders are used, the waiting period before application of the steam shall be increased
to about six hours.

The steam shall be at 100 percent relative humidity to prevent loss of moisture and to provide
excess moisture for proper hydration of the cement. The application of steam shall not be
directly on the concrete. Steam curing is applied in enclosures or tunnels through which
concrete members are transported on a conveying system. Alternatively, portable enclosures
or plastic covers are placed over precast members and steam is supplied to the enclosures.
The rate of increase or decrease of temperature should not be more than 10ºC to 20ºC per
hour and the maximum temperature shall be about 70ºC. The maximum temperature shall be
maintained until the concrete has attained the desired strength required at the end of steam
curing period and shall be decided by prior trials. When steam curing is discontinued, the air
temperature shall not drop at a rate exceeding 10ºC per hour, until a temperature of about
10ºC above the ambient temperature outside has been reached. Steam curing of concrete
shall be followed by water curing for at least 7 days. The concrete shall not be exposed to
temperatures below freezing for at least six days after curing.

1712.4 Curing Compound

Membrane forming curing compounds consisting of waxes, resins, chlorinated rubbers etc.
may be permitted by the Engineer in special circumstances. Curing compounds shall not
be used on any surface which requires further finishing to be applied. All construction joints
shall be moist cured and no curing compound shall be permitted in locations where concrete
surfaces are required to be bonded together.

Liquid membrane forming compounds shall conform to ASTMC 309 and the curing efficiency
shall be as per ASTMC 156.

Curing compounds shall be continuously agitated during use. All concrete cured by this
method shall receive two applications of the curing compound. The first coat shall be applied
immediately after acceptance of concrete finish. If the surface is dry, the concrete shall be
saturated with water and curing compound applied as soon as the surface film of water
disappears. The second application shall be made after the first application has set. Placement
in more than two coats may be required to prevent streaking. The membrane formed shall
be stripped off after 14 days, when curing is complete. Impermeable membranes, such as
sheet materials for curing concrete conforming to ASTM C 171 or polyethylene sheeting

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covering closely the concrete surface, may also be used to provide effective barrier against
evaporation.

1713 FINISHING

Immediately after the removal of forms, exposed bars or bolts, if any, shall be cut inside the
concrete member to a depth of at least 50 mm below the surface of the concrete and the
resulting holes filled with cement mortar. All fins caused by form joints, all cavities produced
by the removal of form ties and all other holes and depressions, honeycomb spots, broken
edges or corners, and other defects, shall be thoroughly cleaned, saturated with water and
carefully pointed and rendered true with mortar. The mortar shall be of cement and fine
aggregate mixed in the proportions used in the grade of concrete that is being finished and
of as dry a consistency as possible. Considerable pressure shall be applied in filling and
pointing to ensure thorough filling in all voids. Surfaces which have been pointed shall be
kept moist for a period of twenty four hours. Special pre-packaged proprietary mortars shall
be used where appropriate or where specified in the drawing.

All construction and expansion joints in the completed work shall be left carefully tooled and
free from any mortar and concrete. Expansion joint filler shall be left exposed for its full length
with clean and true edges.

Immediately on removal of forms, the concrete work shall be examined by the Engineer
before any defects are made good. The work that has sagged or contains honeycombing to
an extent detrimental to structural safety or architectural appearance of the member, shall be
rejected. Surface defects of a minor nature may be accepted. On acceptance of such work,
the same shall be rectified as directed by the Engineer.

1714 CONCRETE WITH BLENDED CEMENTS OR MINERAL ADMIXTURES

1714.1 Production of Concrete

In order to improve the durability of the concrete, use of blended cement or blending of
mineral admixtures, is permitted. The maximum limit of flyash and ground granulated blast
furnace slag in concrete, shall be as specified in Clause 1715.2. Blending at site shall be
permitted only through a specific facility with complete automated process control to achieve
the specified design quality or through RMC plants with similar facility.

1714.2 Modified Properties

For concrete made with Portland Pozzolona Cement, Portland Blast furnace slag cement
or mineral admixtures, the setting time and rate of gain of strength are different from those
of concrete made with OPC alone. Cognizance of such modified properties shall be taken

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in deciding de-shuttering time, initial time of prestressing, curing period and for early age
loading.

1714.3 Compatibility of Chemical Admixtures

Compatibility of chemical admixtures and superplasticizers with Portland Pozzolona cement,

Portland blast furnace slag cement and mineral admixtures shall be ensured by trials outlined
in Clause 1705.

1714.4 Additional Tests

In addition to the strength tests prescribed in other Sections of these Specifications, the
following additional tests are required to be carried out from considerations of durability.

i) Rapid Chloride Ion Permissibility Test

Rapid Chloride Ion permeability test on as per ASTM C 1202 at
56 days for extreme, very severe and severe conditions of exposure. The
permissible value of Chloride-Ion permeability for extreme condition 800
Coulombs very severe condition 1200 coulombs and severe exposure
condition 1500 coulombs.
ii) Water Permeability Test
Water permeability test as per DIN: 1048 Part 5-1991 shall be carried
out as described in Clause 1717.2.5.5.

1715 High Performance Concrete

1715.1 General

High Performance Concrete shall be used where special performance requirements of high
strength, high early strength, high workability, low permeability and high durability for severe
service environments, are required. Production and use of such concrete in the field shall
be carried out with high degree of uniformity between batches and very stringent quality
control.

1715.2 Materials

Cement, mineral admixtures, chemical admixtures, aggregates and water shall conform to
Section 1000 of these Specifications and this Section.

Flyash when used, shall neither be less than 20 percent nor shall be greater than 35 percent
of the total by mass of ordinary Portland cement and flyash and shall conform to grade-1 of
IS:3812.

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Ground granulated blast furnace (GGBS) slag when used, shall neither be less than
50 percent nor greater than 70 percent of the total mass of ordinary Portland cement and
GGBS and shall conform to IS:12089.

Silica fume conforming to IS:15388 shall be used.

The cement content of concrete inclusive of any mineral admixtures shall not be less than
380 kg/m3. The cement content excluding any mineral admixtures (Portland cement content
alone) shall not exceed 450 kg/m3. The water/cement (cement plus all cementitious materials)
ratio should generally not exceed 0.33 but in no case shall be more than 0.40.

1715.3 Compatibility of Admixtures

Compatibility of the superplasticiser and admixtures with the cement and any other Pozzolanic
or hydraulic dilutes shall be ensured by trials as outlined under Clause 1705.

1715.4 Characteristic Strength and Target Mean Strength

Characteristic strength and the initial target mean strength of concrete, shall be as given in
Table 1700-8.

The target mean strength shall be calculated as per Clause 1704.2 after obtaining data on
standard deviation from sufficient samples.

Table 1700-8 : Characteristic Compressive Strength and Target Mean Strength

Grade Specified Characteristic Target Mean Strength (MPa)

Designation Compressive Strength at 28 days
(MPa)
M 40 40 52
M 45 45 58
M 50 50 63
M 55 55 69
M 60 60 74
M 65 65 80
M 70 70 85
M 75 75 90
M 80 80 95
M85 85 101
M90 90 106

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1715.5 Workability and Other Requirements

Workability, concrete mix design, field trial mixes, chloride and sulphate contents shall be as
laid down in other Sections of these Specifications.

1715.6 Mixing of Concrete

The concreting plant and means of transportation employed to make trial mixes and to
transport them to representative distances shall be similar to the corresponding plant and
transport to be used in the works. The optimum sequence of mixing of ingredients shall be
established by trials. Mixing time may be longer than in normal grade concrete mixes.

The temperature of concrete at the time of placement shall not exceed 25°C. The temperature
of concrete at the mixing stage should be lower, to allow for rise in temperature during
transport. When considerable distance of transport is involved, particular attention should be
paid to ensure retention of slump as targeted for placement.

1715.7 Prototype Testing

Mock-up trials or prototype testing may be carried out to ensure that the concrete can be
satisfactorily placed and compacted, taking into account the location of placement and
provision of reinforcement, and required adjustments made in concrete mix design and/or
detailing of reinforcement.

1715.8 Curing of Concrete

High performance concrete containing silica fume is more cohesive than normal mixes hence,
there is a little or no bleeding and no bleed water to rise to the surface to offset water loss
due to evaporation. Plastic shrinkage cracking is possible, if curing is not proper. Initial curing
should commence soon after initial setting of concrete. Concrete should be covered with
moist covers, opaque colour plastic sheets or suitable curing compound. Final moist curing
should commence after final setting of concrete and continue for at least 14 days.

1715.9 Additional Tests for Concrete

Apart from the strength tests prescribed in other Sections of these Specifications, the
additional tests as specified under Clause 1714.3, shall also be carried out.

1716 TOLERANCES

Tolerances for dimensions/shape of various components shall be as indicated in these

Specifications or shown on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.

1717 TESTS AND STANDARDS OF ACCEPTANCE

1717.1 Concrete shall conform to the surface finish and tolerance as prescribed in
these Specifications for respective components.

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1717.2 Random sampling and lot by lot acceptance inspection, shall be made for the
28 days cube strength of concrete.

1717.3 Concrete under acceptance, shall be notionally divided into lots for the
purpose of sampling before commencement of work. The basis of delimitation of lots shall be
as follows:

i) No individual lot shall be more than 30 cu.m in volume

ii) Different grades of mixes of concrete shall be divided into separate lots.
iii) Concrete of a lot shall be used in the same identifiable component of
the bridge.
1717.4 Sampling and Testing

Concrete for preparing 3 test cubes shall be taken from a batch of concrete at point of delivery
for construction, according to procedure laid down in IS:1199.

A random sampling procedure shall be adopted which ensures that each of the concrete
batches forming the lot under acceptance inspection has equal chance of being chosen for
taking cubes.

150 mm cubes shall be made, cured and tested at the age of 28 days for compressive
strength in accordance with IS:516. The 28 day test strength result for each cube shall form
an item of the sample. Tests at other age shall also be performed, if specified.

Where automated batching plant/Ready Mixed Concrete Plant is located away from the place
of use and the time gap between production and placement is more than the initial setting
time or where any ingredients are added subsequent to mixing, separate sets of samples
shall be collected and tested at batching plant and at location of placement. The results shall
be compared and used to make suitable adjustment at batching plants so that properties of
concrete at placement are as per the requirements.

1717.5 Test Specimen and Sample Strength

Three test specimens shall be made from each sample for testing at 28 days. Additional
cubes may be required for various purposes such as to determine the strength of concrete at
7 days or for any other purpose.

The test strength of the sample shall be the average of the strength of 3 cubes. The individual
variation should not be more than ±15 percent of the average. If variation is more, the test
results of the sample are invalid.

1717.6 Frequency

The minimum frequency of sampling of concrete of each grade shall be in accordance with
Table 1700-9.
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Table 1700-9 : Minimum Frequency of Sampling

Quantity of Concrete in Work, m3 No. of Samples

1–5 1
6 – 15 2
16 – 30 3
31 – 50 4
51 and above 4 plus one additional sample for each additional
50 m3 or part thereof

At least one sample shall be taken from each shift of work.

1717.7 Acceptance criteria

1717.7.1 Compressive Strength

1) Cubes
The concrete shall be taken as having the specified compressive
strength when both the following conditions are met:
a) The mean strength determined from any group of four consecutive
non-overlapping samples exceeds the specified characteristic
compressive strength by 3 MPa.
b) Strength of any sample is not less than the specified characteristic
compressive strength minus 3 MPa.
The quantity of concrete represented by the test results include
the batches from which the first and last samples were taken,
together with all intervening batches.
2) Cores
When the concrete does not satisfy both the conditions given in (1)
above, representative cores shall be extracted from the hardened
concrete for compression test in accordance with the method described
in IS:1199 and tested to establish whether the concrete satisfies the
requirement of compressive strength.
Evaluation of compressive strength by taking cores may also be done
in case of doubt regarding the grade of concrete used either due to
poor workmanship or based on results of cube strength tests.

The locations from which core samples are to be taken and their number shall be decided so
as to be representative of the whole of the concrete under consideration. However, in no case
shall fewer than three cores be tested. Cores shall be prepared and tested as described in

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IS:516. Concrete in the member represented by a core test shall be considered acceptable if
the average equivalent cube strength of the cores is equal to at least 85 percent of the cube
strength of the grade of concrete specified for the corresponding age and no individual core
has strength less than 75 percent of the specified strength.

1717.7.2 Chloride and Sulphate Content

The total chloride and sulphuric anhydride (SO3) content of all the constituents of concrete
as a percentage of mass of cement in the mix, shall not exceed the values given in this
Section.

1717.7.3 Density of Fresh Concrete

Where minimum density of fresh concrete is specified, the mean of any four consecutive
non-overlapping samples shall not be less than the specified value and any individual sample
result shall not be less than 97.5 percent of the specified value.

1717.7.4 Density of Hardened Concrete

Where minimum density of hardened concrete is specified, the mean of any four consecutive
non-overlapping samples shall not be less than the specified value and any individual sample
result shall not be less than 97.5 percent of the specified value.

1717.7.5 Permeability Test

Water permeability test as per DIN:1048 Part 5–1991 shall be carried out as described
below :

i) A cylindrical test specimen 150 mm dia and 160 mm high shall be

prepared.
ii) After 28 days of curing, the test will be conducted between 28 and
35 days. The test specimen shall be fitted in a machine such that
specimen can be subjected to a water pressure of up to 7 bars. A typical
machine is shown in Appendix-1700/1.
iii) The concrete specimen shall be subjected to a water pressure of
0.5 N/mm2 from the top for a period of 3 days. The pressure shall be
maintained constant throughout the test period. If the water penetrates
through to the underside of the specimen, the test may be terminated
and the specimen rejected as failed.
iv) After 3 days, the pressure shall be released and the sample shall be
taken out. The specimen shall be split in the middle by compression
applied on two round bars on opposite sides above and below.

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v) When the split faces show signs of drying (after 5 to 10 minutes),

the maximum depth of penetration in the direction of height shall be
measured with the scale and extent of water penetration established.
vi) The mean of maximum depth of penetration obtained from three
specimens thus tested, shall be taken as the test result and it shall not
exceed 25 mm.

1717.7.6 If the concrete is not able to meet any of the standards of acceptance as
prescribed, the effect of such deficiency on the structure shall be investigated by the Contractor
as directed by the Engineer. The Engineer may accept the concrete as sub-standard work.
Any additional work required by the Engineer for such acceptance, shall be carried out by
the Contractor at his cost. In case the concrete is not found to be acceptable even after
investigation, the Contractor shall remove the rejected concrete forthwith.

1717.7.7 When durability of concrete is desired the rapid chloride ion permeability test
as stated under Clause 1714.3.1 shall also be performed in addition to above tests.

1718 MEASUREMENTS FOR PAYMENT

Structural concrete shall be measured in cubic metres. In reinforced or prestressed concrete,

the volume occupied by reinforcement or prestressing cables and sheathing shall not be
deducted. The slab shall be measured as running continuously through and the beam as the
portion below the slab.

1719 RATE

The contract unit rate for structural concrete shall cover costs of all materials, labour, tools,
plant and equipment required for mixing, transporting and placing in position, vibrating and
compacting, finishing and curing as per this Section or as directed by the Engineer, including
all incidental expenses, sampling and testing, quality assurance and supervision. Unless
mentioned separately as an item in the contract, the contract unit rate for concrete shall also
include the cost of providing, fixing and removing formwork required for concrete work as per
Section 1500 of these Specifications.

If the concrete is found to be acceptable by the Engineer as sub-standard work, the Contractor
shall be subjected to reduction in his contact unit rate. For deficiency in compressive strength
of concrete when accepted by the Engineer, the reduction in rate shall be applied as under:

Design Strength – Observed Strength

Percentage reduction in rate = ________________________________ x 100
Design Strength

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