UNIT 5 Specifications

Definition

Specification is a statement of particulars for execution of any item of work. It describes

the nature and the class of the work, materials to be used in the work, the workmanship and
the tools and plants which are required to complete an engineering project in accordance
with its drawing and details. Specifications are written by experts of a particular field.

Necessity of Specification

The drawings show the proportions and relative positions of the various components of the
structure. It is not possible to furnish the information on the drawings regarding the quality
of materials to be used and the quality of workmanship to be achieved during construction,
due to shortage of space. Thus details regarding materials and workmanship are conveyed
in a separate contract document which is known as the specifications of the work. In
general, the drawings showed what is to be done, whereas the specifications state how it is
to be accomplished.

Importance of Specification

● The specification describes the quality and quantity of a materials, workmanship and
equipment required for execution of the project and hence it directly affects the cost of
the project. Moreover, it allows the contractor to make programs for their procurement
beforehand.
● Specification provides specific guidelines for the workmanship and the method of
doing work. Thus, it serves as a guideline for supervising staff to execute the work.
● Specifications enable the employer to check the quality of the materials and
workmanship.
● The contractor bids the tender as per the specification and is paid as per the tendered
price. Any change in specification changes the tender rate.
 Legal Aspects of Specifications:

● Specifications form a part of contract document, without which the contract document
becomes invalid. On each page of the specifications both the parties i.e., owner and
contractor should sign so that these specifications, where clear instructions, regarding
the quality and procedure of works etc., are given will be binding on both the parties.
● If any dispute arises between the parties, the specifications will help the arbitrator or
the court to settle the dispute. If the contractor’s work deviates from the specifications,
he will be liable for penalty.
● The specification also mentions the mode of measurements, quality and procedure of
item, which is binding on both the parties to adhere to it. The contractor cannot ask for
extra measurements or owner cannot give less measurements.
● The general character and the scope of the work in illustrated and defined by the
specifications and signed by both parties. So it becomes a legal binding on both the
parties to adhere strictly to the agree specifications.
● In the absence of complete specification, the contractor‟s obligation is limited to
performance of only what is called for in such incomplete specifications. As such great
care has to be taken in preparing specifications.

Types of Specifications:

The specifications can be broadly classified as:

o General specification
o Detail specification
o Contract specifications
o Standard specification
o Special specification
o Proprietary specification

General Specification

In general specifications nature and class of the work, names of materials, and the
proportions that should be used in the various items of the work are described. Only a brief
description of each and every item is given. It is useful for estimating the project without
going through lengthy detailed specifications general information for the quantities of the
materials nature and class of the work can be known from the general specifications, but
they don’t form a part of the contract document.
 Detail Specification

The detailed specifications describe the item of work in detail, accurately and complete in
all respects in relation to the drawings of the works. Detailed specification for a particular
item specify the qualities, quantities and proportion of the materials and the method of
preparation and execution and mode of measurements for that particular item of work in a
project. The method and duration of protection of finished works as required are specified
in the detailed specifications. The detailed specifications are arranged in the same sequence
of order as the work carried out. The detailed specifications form an important part of
contract document.

• There are five steps for preparing descriptive specifications:

1. Research available products
2. Research the important features required for the product.
3. Determine which features to describe in the specification and which features to
show in the drawings.
4. Describe the important features.
5. Specify quality assurance measures (i.e. submittals, certifications, testing or
inspection activities)

• Advantages to using descriptive specifications

• Descriptive specifications specify exactly what the design intends.
• They are applicable to all conditions, methods or situations of a project.
• They are applicable to all sizes and types of projects.
• They permit free competition because they do not restrict the use of specific
products or manufacturers.
• Disadvantages of descriptive specifications:
• They require the specifier to take special care in describing the design intent in
order to achieve the desired results.
• Descriptive specifications tend to take up more space because they require more
verbiage than other methods.
 • They may be more time consuming than other methods to create and write.
• They are being used less often as more complete reference standards are being
developed and implemented.

Special specification

The specifications written for a particular construction project given contract to accompany
the detailed drawings are called contract specifications or project specifications.

Standard specification

Preparation of detailed specification for an item is a time and labor extensive job. Also,
there are scopes for deviations and omissions while writing lengthy specifications. Thus,
the standardized specifications for most of works are prepared by the engineering
department which serves as a standard guide to the department. These standard
specifications are numbered. After standardizing specifications, it is not necessary to write
detailed specifications, with all the contract documents. While preparing the contract
document only the serial number of standard specifications is written. This saves time, labor
and other expenditures.

– Steps for preparing reference standard specifications are:

 1. The standard must be recognized as authoritative by the industry.
2. The standard must be available to all parties involved in the project.
3. The specifier must know the standard. Assure that the standard relates to the
current project and does not present duplicate or conflicting information.
4. Establish a date of the standard.
5. Incorporate the standard correctly into the specifications.
6. Enforce the requirements of the standard

• Advantages to using reference standard specifications:

– The standard is usually widely known and accepted by the industry.
– They do not limit competition.
– They dramatically shorten the length of specifications.
• Disadvantages to using reference standard specifications:
– There may be no appropriate standard to reference, because standards are written
for the most commonly used and generally available products.
– Standards generally refer to the minimum requirements.
– The standard may become obsolete or out-of- date, because of advances and
changes in technology and the creation of new products.
– They require a lot of research and care in use.
– They must be incorporated properly, including all supplementary information.

Special specification

Some items that are not covered or work not well covered by the departmental standard
specifications, special specifications for such items are drawn up by engineer-in-charge
approved and included in the tender paper under a heading special specifications.

Proprietary specification

Under this method the actual brand names, model numbers and other proprietary information is specified.
They are primarily used for private commercial projects where the Owner knows what products they want.
There are two types of proprietary specifications, closed and open.

• Closed
– Closed specifications generally prohibit substitutions.
– One or more products are specified, and no substitutions will be considered.
• Open
– Open specifications permit substitutions.
– One or more products are specified, but other manufacturers will be considered.
– It is necessary to specify the criteria the alternate manufacturers will be judged
by.

• Advantages:
– They allow for close control of product selection.
– The drawings can be more complete and more detailed because they can be prepared based
on precise information from the selected manufacturer.
 – The specification can be shorter.
– They simplify the bidding by narrowing competition and eliminating product pricing as a
major variable.

• Disadvantages to using proprietary specifications:

– They reduce the competition.
– They may specify products the Contractor is not familiar with or has had little experience
with.
– Care should be taken to assure no error is made when specifying model numbers or
product designations.

Specification Language
Specification language should be precise. Vague and ambiguous text can be
open to multiple interpretations.

Four important sections for specification writing

1. Be Clear
Use proper grammar.
Chose precise words to convey the message.
2. Be Correct:
Present information accurately.
Precisely using proper terminology.
3. Be Complete:
Do not skip important or necessary information.
Brevity at the expense of completeness should be avoided.
4. Be Concise:
Eliminate unnecessary words but at the expense of clarity, correctness,
completeness or grammar.

Sentence Structure
• Imperative Mood
Imperative mood puts the verb that defines the action as the first word in the sentence. It
is the recommended method for specifications covering installation of products and
equipment. It is easily understandable and concise.
Examples:
– Spread adhesive with notched trowel.
– Install equipment plumb and level.
– Apply two coats of paint to each exposed surface.
• Indicative Mood
Indicative mood uses the passive voice with the use of the word shall in nearly every
sentence. Sometimes this can create unnecessary wordiness and monotony.
Examples:
– Adhesive shall be spread with notched trowel.
– Equipment shall be installed plumb and level.
– Two coats of paint shall be applied to each exposed surface.

• Streamlined Writing
This technique uses a colon (:) to mean shall or shall be. Streamlined specifications are
very concise and clear to read. The subject before the colon is helpful when scanning the
specifications for keywords.
Examples:
– Adhesive: Spread with notched trowel.
– Equipment: Install plumb and level.
– Portland Cement: ASTM C 150, Type 1

• Words to Avoid
Typically the articles a, an and the are not necessary and can be deleted where clarity is
not diminished. Avoid making an article or pronoun out of the following words;
o Such, said, and same.
o The use of the word all is usually unnecessary.
• Avoid:
o Install the equipment plumb and level.
o Such accessories shall be silver plated.
o Polish said floor with wax.
o Polish same floor with wax.
o Store all millwork under shelter.

Organization of Specification
It is important for the specifications section of the project manual to be arranged in an
orderly and comprehensive format. If the section is organized clearly and follows a
defined procedure it is less likely that the specifier will overlook or forget something.
The concise orderly method reduces the chance for omissions or duplication of
information and it assists users of the document by consistently locating similar
information in the same place in each Section. It will also help the contractor,
estimator, inspector, or other reviews find information more easily.

Specification should be arranged in the following sequences:

1. Materials that is required for work.

2. Specifications for materials.
3. Preliminary work, before the construction
4. Procedure for executive the work.
5. Tests, if any.
6. Clearing on completion.
7. Mode of measurements.

General Specification of Building

Buildings are classified in four categories depending superiority of their construction

specifications: Class A (First class buildings) are having highest specification while class
D (fourth class) are having lowest specifications.

5.8.1 General specifications for first class building

1. Foundation and plinth: Foundation and plinth shall be of first class brick work in
1:6 cement mortar over 1:4:8 cement concrete.
2. Damp proof course: DPC shall be of 25 mm thick cement concrete (1:1.5:3),
mixed with one kg of Impermo (or any water proofing material) per bag of cement.
3. Superstructure: Superstructure shall be of 1st class brickwork with 1:6 cement
mortar. Lintels over doors and windows shall be of R.C.C.
4. Roofing: Roof shall be of 100 mm thick R.C.C. (1:2:4) slab with 100 mm lime
terracing above over RCC lab as required. Height of the room shall not be less than
3.5 m.
5. Flooring: Mosaic/Marble flooring shall be provided in all floors including
staircase.
6. Finishing: Inside and outside wall shall be finised with 12 mm cement mortar
plaster (1:8). Inside shall be distempered over 2 coats of white wash. Outside shall
be snowcem washed two coats over one coat of white wash.
7. Doors and windows: Chaukhats shall be seasoned teak wood and shutters shall be
40 mm paneled glazed. All fittings shall be provided with iron grills. All wooden
and grills shall be painted with enamel paint over one coat of priming.
8. Miscellaneous: Rain water pipe shall be of cast iron. Building shall be provided
with 1st class sanitary, water fittings and electrical installations.
 Estimation and Professional
Practices

Comparison of General specifications various building classes

Name of work. ‘A’ Class Buildings. ‘B’ Class Buildings. ‘C’ Class Buildings. ‘D’ Class Buildings

a) Foundation Cement concrete or brick Brick blast. Brick foundation with Brick foundation with
blast. mud mortar. mud mortar.

b) Damp proof course 1 ½” thick cement 1 ½” thick cement No damp proofing. No damp proof course.
concrete with any damp concrete with or without
proof material. any damp proof material.

c) Walls First Class burnt brick First class burnt bricks in B or C Class bricks with Katcha/pucca walls with
with Cement mortar with mud mortar, cement mud mortar mud plaster or without mud plaster.
cement plaster on both plaster inside and outside inside and or outside or
sides or deep pointing on or cement pointing inside pointed outside.
outer wall. and outside.

d) Floors Conglomerate/chips/ Cement concrete flooring. Brick flooring. Katcha flooring

marble flooring.

e) Roof R.C.C./R.B. Slabs. Tile roofing over mud Katcha pucca masonary Thatched flooring with
plaster, over brick over roofs supported in wooden wooden shatir/wooden
wooden battons or Tangle ballies/country wood Balas/ Sirki and earth
iron over steel girder or battens. work.
wooden shatir.
 Estimation and Professional
Practices

Name of work. ‘A’ Class Buildings. ‘B’ Class Buildings. ‘C’ Class Buildings. ‘D’ Class Buildings

f) Wood work Deodar/Sagwan wood Deodar wood joinery. Country wood joinery. Poor class wood work
Joinery, Aluminum with country wood
fittings & water supply. joinery.

g) Fitting C.T.S. / concealed wiring Wire fittings, no water Wire fittings outside, No No wire fittings/wire
complete sanitary fittings supply and sanitary water supply and sanitary fittings outside, No water
& water supply. fittings. fittings. supply and no sanitary
fittings.

h) Age of buildings Up to 25 years. i) 25-50 or age of building i) 50-75 yrs. of i) Above 75 years of
with „A‟ class building with „A‟ class building with „A‟
specifications. specifications. class specifications.

ii) Upto 25 yrs. Of ii) 25-50 yrs. of ii) Above 50yrs. of

buildings with „B‟ building with „B‟ class building with „B‟
class specifications. specifications. class specifications.

iii) 25 yrs. if iii) Above 25 „C‟

buildings with „C‟ class specifications.
class specifications.
 Writing the Detailed Specifications for Construction Work

The detailed specifications of any work consist of two sets of provisions: General
provisions and Technical provisions.

5.9.1 General provision

These are also known as conditions of contract and they apply to the work as a whole. In
this document, the conditions governing the contract are written. The following groups of
conditions of contract are generally accommodated under the general provisions.

a) Conditions a relating to documents: These pertain to Bill of quantities and schedule

of prices, Drawings, Standard specifications

b) Conditions relating to the general obligations of the contractor: These pertain to,
Acts, bye-laws and regulations, fencing, watching and lighting of the work spot,
Insurance.

c) Conditions relating to labor and personnel: These pertain to Accidents to

workmen, Contractors representative, Rates of wages paid to the employees,
Removal of the employees of the contractor.

d) Conditions relating to the execution of the work: These provisions are related to
Alterations, additions and omissions during the progress of work, Amount of extra
items, Damages, Defective work, Work at night and on holidays, Workmanship etc.

e) Conditions relating to measurements and payments: These pertain to Method of

measurement of completed works, Method of payments etc.

f) Conditions relating to default and non-completion: These pertain to Failure to

complete the work in time, Right to suspend the work Time of completion etc.

g) Conditions relating to settlement of dispute: These pertain to arbitration,

Jurisdiction of court etc.

5.9.2. Technical provisions

These specifications describe the technical requirements of each type of constructions. The
technical provisions contain detailed instructions regarding the desired quality of the final
product. The technical provisions are of three types.

a) Specifications for materials and workmanship

For materials the following properties should be included in the specifications:

 ● Physical properties such as size, shape, grade, strength, hardness etc., Chemical
composition of the material, Electrical, thermal and acoustical properties,
Appearance of the material

● A clear statement regarding the inspection and procedure of test of the material.

● For workmanship, the following important features should be included in the

specifications; the results desired, the tools and plants to be engaged, detailed
description of the construction method for each item, Instructions regarding the
protection of the finished work as well as of the adjacent property.

b) Specifications for performance

These specifications are written for the overall performance of the finished product and
hence they are written if the contract is for the supply of equipment and machinery such
as pumps, motors etc. In these specifications, general description, design and installation
and guarantee etc., of the equipment are specified.

c) Specifications for proprietary commodities

Commercial products which are standardized or patented are called proprietary

commodities. The specifications written for such materials should include the name of
a particular brand or firm. (eg. Sun brand, Everest brand etc.) However, it is not desirable
in case of public works to specify certain trade names or brands. To avoid monopoly
and favoritism, it is general practice to specify the selected brand and then it is followed
by the phrase “or equal”.

Detailed Specifications of Materials

Detailed specification for first class brick

The earth used for molding the bricks shall be free from organic matters salts and chemicals.
The size, weight and colour of the burnt bricks should be uniform. The adjacent faces of
the bricks are to be right angles to each other. The bricks shall be free from cracks, flaws
and lumps. They should not break where dropped, from 1 meter height, on the ground. They
should not absorb water by more 15 % of their self-weight when immersed in water for one
hour. The average compressive strength of the bricks shall be not less than 7.5 N/mm2. The
dry weight of one brick shall not be less than 3 kg.

Detailed Specification for cement

Ordinary Portland cement or rapid hardening Portland cement confirming to IS: 269 – 1989
and IS:8041 – 1990 shall be used. The fineness of the cement shall not be less than 30
minutes and the final setting time shall not be greater than 10 hours. The average
compressive strength, after 7 days curing, of 1:3 cement mortar cubes shall be not less than
33 N/mm2 (33 grade).

Detailed Specification for sand for mortar

The sand used for mortar shall be clean, sharp, heavy and gritty. It should be free from clay,
salt, mica and organic impurities. It shall not contain harmful chemicals in any form.
Medium and fine sand are to be used in mortars. Coarse sand shall be sieved through 600
micron sieve and used in mortars for plastering works.

Detailed Specification for coarse aggregate

The aggregate to be used in reinforced cement concrete shall be of blue granite stone,
machine crushed and well graded with a nominal size of 20 mm. It shall be hard, dense,
durable strong and free from flakes. The aggregate shall not contain harmful materials such
as coal, mica clay, shells, organic impurities etc. The compressive strength, crushing value
etc. of the aggregate shall be in accordance with the requirements of IS: 383 – 1970.

Detailed Specification for water for concrete

Water used for mixing and curing concrete shall be clean and free from injurious amounts
of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or other substances that may be
deleterious to concrete or steel. Potable water may be used for mixing concrete. The
suspended organic solid matter in the water shall not exceed 200 mg/l and inorganic solid
matter shall not exceed 3000 kg/l, the pH value of water shall be not less than 6. Water sued
for curing should not produce any objectionable stain or unsightly deposit on the concrete
surface. The presence of tannic acid or iron compounds in the water is objectionable.

Detailed Specification for reinforcement

The reinforcement shall be of high strength deformed steel bars confirming to IS: 1786 –
1985. It should be bendable, wieldable and have the modulus of elasticity not less than 200
kN/mm2. The yield strength of the steel used shall not be less than 415 N/mm2. All
reinforcement bars shall be free from loose mill scales, loose rust and coats of paints, oil,
mud or other coatings which may destroy or reduce bond.

Detailed Specification for wood for doors and windows

The wood shall be teak, well-seasoned and dry. It should be free from cracks, knots, defects
and disease. It should be sawn in the direction of grains so that the edges are perfectly
straight and square. The dimensions of the frames/scantlings/planks shall be as prescribed
in the drawings. Patching or plugging of any kind is not permitted.
Detailed Specifications of Common Construction Works

Detailed specification of for earth work excavation for foundation

[Sequence: Leveling the surface; Dimensions; Shoring; Fencing; Dumping the soil;
Water in foundation; Treatment of the bottom; Trench filling; Measurement]

a) Leveling the surface

The whole area of construction is to be cleared of tees, grass, roots of trees etc.,
complete and leveled horizontally to enable easy marking of centre line of the building.

b) Dimensions

The excavation shall be done in accordance with dimensions of trenches shown in the
working drawings.

c) Shoring

The sides of the trenches should be vertical and the bottom of the trenches should be
flat. In the case of loose soils the sides of the trenches should be shored with steel
sheets.

d) Fencing

Suitable temporary fencing is to be provided around the site of excavation to avoid any
accidental fall into the trenches.

e) Dumping the soil

The excavated soil is to be dumped and heaped at a minimum distance of 1.5 metre
away from the trenches so that it does not slide again into the trenches.

f) Water in Foundation

Water, if any accumulated in the trench, should be pumped out without any extra
payment and necessary precaution shall be taken to prevent surface water to enter into
the trench.

g) Treatment of the bottom

The bottom of the trench shall be watered and compacted by ramming before the
foundation concrete is laid. Excessive excavations should not be adjusted by filling
with loose excavated soils. Sand or plain concrete may be used for the adjustment of
levels, that too with proper compaction.
h) Trench filling

After the concrete has been laid and masonry has been constructed the remaining
portion of the trench shall be filled up with earth free from rubbish and refuse materials,
in layers of 15 cm and watered and well rammed.

i) Measurement

The measurement of the excavation shall be taken in cu. m. as for rectangular trench
bottom width of the concrete multiplied by the vertical depth of the foundation from
the ground level and multiplied by the length of trench even though the contractor
might have excavated with slopping side for his convenience. The rate shall be for
complete work for 30 m lead and 1.5 m lift, including all tools and plants required for
completion of the works.

Detailed specification of for lime concrete in foundation

[Sequence: Lime; broken bricks; fine aggregate; proportioning; mixing; laying and
compacting; curing; measurement]

a) Lime

The lime used for the concrete shall be freshly burnt and slaked. It should be free from
clayey particles and ashes. Unslaked stone particles should be removed by shifting.

b) Broken bricks

The over burnt bricks and the pieces of well burnt bricks are to be broken to sizes
ranging from 20 mm to 40 mm and stacked for easy measurement. The brick bats shall
be free from dirt, dust, rubbish, leaf etc.

c) Fine aggregates

Surki made from well burnt brick bats is to be used as fine aggregate. It should pass
through I.S. sieve no.48 and free from dust and dirt.

d) Proportioning

Lime, surki and broken bricks are to be mixed in the proportion of 1:2:5 by volume.
The materials are to be measured loose without shaking or ramming.

e) Mixing

The mixing shall be done only by mechanical mixer. The broken bats are to be soaked
in clean water for at least 2 hours before mixing. The materials are first mixed
 to get uniform distribution and then water is gradually added. The mixing process is to
be continued till all the brick bats are coated with mortar uniformly and a workable
concrete is obtained.

f) Laying and compacting

The concrete shall be laid to the required thickness, not more than 200 mm and a time,
and compacted by ramming with rammers weighing 4.5 to 55 kg.

g) Curing

The lime concrete, so laid, is to be kept wet for at least 7 days.

h) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in cu. m. for the finished concrete. The length and
breadth shall be measured correct to 1 cm and depth correct to 05 cm.

[Similar Item: Detail specifications for lime concrete in roof terracing]

Detailed specification of random rubble masonry in foundation and basement

[Sequence: Materials; preparation of mortar; method of laying; curing; measurement]

a) Materials

The stone shall be obtained from the approved queries. It shall be sound, free from
cracks and decay and shall have a specific gravity of not less than 2.5. [Include detail
specification for cement and sand]

b) Preparation of mortar

The materials (cement and sand), with ratio 1:6, shall be first mixed dry thoroughly till
uniform colour is obtained and then shall be mixed wet adding water slowly and
gradually for at least turning three times to give uniform consistency.

c) Method of laying

The stones are to be laid on broadest face which gives better opportunity to fill the
spaces between stones by the mortar. The stones are laid layer by layer with sufficient
mortar in between them for better binding. The outer face of the basement should be
vertical and the joints are to be staggered. There shall be no gap, between the stones,
unfilled by mortar.
d) Curing

The masonry should be kept in we condition by sprinkling water thrice daily for at
least 7 days after construction.

e) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in cu. m. for the finished concrete. The length and
breadth shall be measured correct to 1 cm and depth correct to 05 cm.

[Similar Items: Detail specifications for random rubble masonry in super structure]

Detailed specification for 1st class brickwork in super structure

[Sequence: Materials; preparation of mortar; soaking of bricks; method of laying; curing;

scaffolding; measurement]

a) Materials

[Include detail specification for first class brick, cement, and sand]

b) Preparation of mortar

[Similar to 5.11.3, but the ratio of cement to sand is 1:3 or as specified.]

c) Soaking of bricks

Bricks shall be well soaked in water for at least 12 hours before their use, preferably
in a tank provided at site of work.

d) Method of laying

Bricks shall be well bonded and laid in English bond unless specified. Every course
shall be truly horizontal and shall be truly in plumb. Broken bricks shall not be used
except as closers. All corners shall be truly in plumb. Mortar joints shall break for
bonding and shall not exceed 10 mm in thickness. Only skilled masons shall be
employed on the work. Brick shall be laid with frogs upward except in the top course.
Brickwork shall be carried out not more than 1 m height at a time. When one part of
the wall has to be delayed, stepping shall be left at an angle of 450. All joints shall be
racked and faces of the wall cleaned at the end of each days‟ work.

e) Curing

The work shall be kept well watered for at least 15 days.

 f) Scaffolding

Necessary and suitable scaffolding shall be provided to facilitate the construction of

brickwork. It shall be sound and strong enough to sustain all loads likely to come upon
them.

g) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in cu. m. The rate shall be for the complete work
inclusive of scaffolding and all tools and plants.

[Similar items: Detailed specifications of 1st class brick work in foundation and plinth,
2nd and 3rd class brick work, brickwork in mud mortar and Reinforced Brick (R.B.) work.]

Detailed specification for Reinforced Cement Concrete

[Sequence: Materials; form work; proportioning; mixing of concrete; laying of concrete;

curing; formwork; measurement]

a) Materials

[Include detail specification for cement, sand, course aggregate, water and
reinforcement]

Reinforcement shall be hooked and bent (cold) and placed in position as per design
and drawing and bound together tight with 20 S.W.G binding steel wire.

b) Centering and shuttering

Centering and shuttering shall be made of timber and tight with necessary wedges and
sufficiently strong and sable not to yield under laying of concrete. A coat of oil washing
or a thin layer of paper shall be spread to have a smooth finished surface preventing
adherence of concrete.

c) Proportioning

Proportions of cement, sand and course aggregate shall be 1:2:4 for slab, beam and
lintels and 1:1.5:3 for columns unless otherwise specified. The sand and course
aggregate shall be measured by volume with boxed and cement by number of bags.

d) Mixing of concrete

Concrete shall be mixed by concrete mixture. Cement, sand and course aggregate shall
be put into the as per the required proportions for one batch. The total quantity shall
not exceed the manufactures rated capacity. The machine shall be revolved to mix
materials dry and then water shall be added up to the required quantity. After 2
 minutes rotation for through mixing, the mixed concrete shall be discharged on a
masonry platform or iron sheet.

e) Laying of concrete

Concrete shall be laid gently in layers not exceeding 150 mm and compacted by
wooden thapi or some mechanical vibrator until a dense concrete is obtained. While
concreting, steel bars shall be given side band bottom covers of concrete by pacing the
precast concrete blocks of 1:2 cement mortar 25x25 mm in section and thickness of
specified cover. Concreting shall be laid continuously. If laying is suspended for rest
or the following day, the end shall be slopped at an angle of 300 and made rough for
future jointing. When the work is resumed, the previous slopped surface shall be
roughened, cleaned and a coat of neat cement paste shall be applied and then the fresh
concrete shall be laid.

f) Curing of concrete

Freshly laid concrete shall be protected from rain by suitable covering. After 24 hrs of
laying of concrete the surface shall be cured by flowing with water of above 25 mm
depth or with covering by wet gunny bags. The curing shall be for a minimum period
of 14 days or otherwise specified.

g) Removal of form work

The centering and shuttering shall be removed after 14 days of casting. It shall be
removed slowly and carefully so that no part is disturbed.

h) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in cu. m. The rate shall be for the complete work
inclusive of form work and all tools and plants but excluding steel.

[Similar Item: detailed specification for plain cement concrete]

Detailed specification for damp proof course (D.P.C.)

[Sequence: Materials; preparation of mortar; Application of DPC; measurement]

a) Materials

Damp Poof Course shall be of plain cement concrete of 1:2:4 mix and 30 mm thickness.
12 mm size hard and dense stone chips shall be used as coarse aggregate and river sand
of 5 mm nominal size shall be used as fine aggregate. The aggregate shall be clean and
free from dust, dirt, mud, organic matter etc. The coarse aggregate is to be washed well
before mixing. Fresh port land cement of I.S.I. approved brand
 of 43 grades is to be used as the binding material. Potable water, free from harmful
salts, shall be only used for mixing the concrete.

b) Preparation of mortar

The coarse aggregate and sand are to be measured separately by volume and mixed dry
in a clean and stable platform to get a mixture of uniform colour. This mixture is
stacked to a uniform height and the cement of required quantity is spread over the
stack, turned over in dry state first, and with water twice to get a workable and uniform
concrete.

c) Application of DPC

The brickwork in basement is stopped at plinth level, cured will for 7 days, top surface
cleaned well for dust by wire brushes. Form work is provided along the two sides of
wall by wooden planks, to the required height. Gauge plates are to be provided at one
metre interval, connecting the two side planks by nails, keeping at a clear distance
equal to the width of wall at plinth level. The concrete, mixed as mentioned above,
shall be placed and compacted well by tamping rods to have a net thickness of 30 mm.
Damp proof course shall not have any joints, the whole concreting be completed
without any break, and it need not be provided over door openings. The top surface of
concrete, when starts to dry, shall be roughened to provide bondage with the super
structure. The side planks shall be removed on the next day and the concrete shall be
cured for 7 days by keeping the surface constantly wet.

d) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in sq. m. The rate shall be for the complete work
inclusive of all tools and plants.

Detailed specification of for plastering with cement mortar

[Sequence: Materials; preparation of mortar; preparation of surface; application of

mortar; curing; measurement]

a) Materials

[Include detail specification for cement and sand]

b) Preparation of mortar

[Similar to DPC, but the ratio of cement to sand is 1:4 for inner wall and 1: 6 for outer
wall or as specified.]
 Mortar for plastering shall be prepared at a time of such amount which can be used
within the initial setting of cement.

c) Preparation of surface

The joints of brick work shall be racked out a depth of 18 mm and the surface shall be
brushed, cleaned, watered and kept wet for two days before plastering. In case of
cement concrete surface, the face shall lightly roughen, cleaned, washed and wetted.

d) Application of mortar

Plastering shall be started from the top and proceed towards the bottom. The plastered
surface shall be made level and flush with wooden straight edges and rubbed
thoroughly with wooden floats to ensure smooth and even surface.

e) Curing

The work shall be kept well watered for at least 15 days.

f) Measurement

The measurement shall be taken in sq. m. The rate shall be for the complete work
inclusive of all tools and plants.

Detailed specification for form work and centering to R.C.C. Roofing

[Sequence: Strutting; formwork; centering]

a) Strutting

Props used for strutting shall be of casuarinas posts of 100 to 130 mm diameter. The
props are to be vertical and rest on firm ground or on wooden sole plates of thickness
not less than 40 mm. All props shall be provided with double wedges to facilitate
tightening and loosening of shuttering. The horizontal spacing of props in both
directions shall not exceed 750 mm. When the height of strutting exceeds 3.5 m,
suitable horizontal bracings should be provided. Splicing of props shall be as per the
approved drawings. The props shall be constantly watched, by a carpenter, during the
process of concreting and immediate remedial measures are to be taken in any of them
get loosened.

b) Form Work

The formwork shall be of stiff and strong wood, easily workable with nails and light
in weight. The form work shall be true to shape and size specified in the structural
drawings and strong enough to with stand the forces caused by vibration of concrete
 and the incidental loads imposed on it during concreting. The unsupported length of
the planks, particularly of the side plates shall not exceed 1.0 m to avoid buckling. The
levels of the form work are to be checked before placing the reinforcement bars in
position.

c) Centering

Well-seasoned wooden planks or steel sheets are to be used for the shuttering work.
The joints shall be water tight to avoid leakage of cement slurry during compaction.
The surfaces of planks and sheets which would come into contact with concrete shall
be cleaned well and coated with oil of approved quality to the prevent adhesion of
concrete. The complete centering work shall be assembled so that it can be removed,
on completion of the specified period, easily without causing any demand to the
concrete surfaces and edges.

Detailed specification for cement concrete flooring

a) Bottom Layer

The base shall be of cement concrete of 1:2:4 mix, 25 mm thick. The coarse aggregate,
12 mm size stone chipping, shall be hard, durable strong and free from dust and organic
matters. The fine aggregate, 5 mm size river sand, shall be also free fromdirt, clay, mud
etc. Fresh Portland cement having initial setting time not less than 30 minutes and of
grade 33 shall be used. Portable water, free from harmful substances shall be used for
mixing and curing. The concrete mixed as mentioned above shall be spread over the
well prepared base, to a uniform thickness of 25 mm, compacted and leveled using
wooden floats. The top surface shall be roughened with 2 mm deep lines at 100 mm
intervals, with scratching sticks, to provide bond to the top layer. The bottom layer
shall be cured for at least 3 days before the tope laying being laid over it.

b) Top Layer

The top layer is of 1:3 cement mortars, 12 mm thick finished with a floating coat of
neat cement. Find sand, sifted through 5 mm size mesh and free from clay and dust
shall be used. To have a red coloured finish, 3 kg of red oxide of approved quality may
be mixed with 50 kg of cement and is used in preparing the mortar. The cement with
red oxide is mixed with sand in the ratio 1:3 by volume in dry state to obtain a uniform
colour. Water is then added slowly; a paste of uniform consistency is prepared and laid
over the base layer to a uniform thickness of 12 mm. It is leveled and smoothened by
wooden floats. In the process of finishing cement slurry mixed with enough red oxide
is sprayed on top of cement mortar layer. The surface should be covered with a thin
layer of water constantly from next day for at least seven days for better curing.
c) Measurement:

The measurement shall be taken in sq. m. The rate shall be for the complete work
inclusive of all tools and plants.

Detailed specification for mosaic tile flooring

a) Base Course

The basic course shall be of 25 mm thick cement concrete of a 1:2:4 mix using 12 mm
size granite stone chips as coarse aggregate and sand as fine aggregate. The top of
flooring concrete or R.C.C. slab shall be cleaned well and applied with cement slurry
of 2 kg/m2 before placing the chips concrete. The base course is to be compacted,
leveled and smoothed by wooden floats.

b) Mosaic Tiles

Precast tiles of 200 mm x 200 mm x 20 mm size are to be used. They shall be

manufactured under hydraulic pressure of not less than 14 N/mm2 and given the first
grinding with machine before laying. The proportion of cement to sand in the backing
of the tiles shall not be leaner than 1:3 by weight. Similarly the proportion of cement
to marble power to marble chips in the wearing layer of the tiles shall be not leaner
than 3:1:7. The marble chips shall be hard, dense sound and homogeneous in texture.

c) Laying of Tiles

The bedding for the tiles shall be with cement mortar 1:3. The average thickness of the
bedding mortar shall be 20 mm and the thickness at any place shall be not less than 10
mm. Cement bedding shall be spread, tamped and corrected to proper levels and
allowed to harden before the tiles are set. Neat cement slurry of honey like consistency
shall be spread over the bedding at the rate of 4.4 kg/m2. Tiles shall be washed clean
and shall be fixed in this grout one after another, each tile being gently tapped with a
wooden mallet till is properly bedded and in level with the adjoining tiles. The joints
shall be kept as thin as possible not exceeding 1.5 mm and in straight lines.

d) Curing, Polishing and Finishing

The day after the tiles are laid, all joints shall be cleared of the grey cement grout with
a wire brush to a depth of 5 mm and all dust and loose mortar removed and cleaned.
Joints shall then be grounded with whit e cement mixed with pigment to match the
shade of tiles. The same cement slurry shall be applied to the entire surface of the tiles
in a thin coat. The floor shall then be kept wet for a minimum period of 7
 days. The surface shall thereafter be grounded evenly with the polishing machine fitted
with coarse grade grit blocks, adding required water during the process. After grinding,
the surface shall be washed clean and covered with thin coat of cement slurry with
pigment. The surface shall be again cured and polished with machine fitted with
medium grade grit blocks. Similarly a third grinding shall be done by fine grade grit
blocks. After the final polish, the surface shall be cleaned using diluted oxalic acid and
wiped with a soft cloth. The measurement shall be taken in sq. m. The rate shall be for
the complete work inclusive of all tools and plants.

Detailed specification for distempering

The distemper shall be of the approved colour and quality. Water shall be added as
prescribed by the manufacture, stirred well often during use, to maintain uniform
colour and consistency.

The plastered surface of the wall is scraped and cleaned with wire brushes and rubbed
smooth with sand papers. Distemper shall not be applied in wet weather. It shall be
applied with good brushes, first horizontally and then immediately crossed off
vertically which together shall constitute one coat. The second coat will be also applied
in the same manner after the first coat has dried. The finished surface shall be even and
uniform and shall show no brush marks. The measurement shall be taken in sq. m. The
rate shall be for the complete work inclusive of all tools and plants.

[Similar Items: Detail specifications for white wash and colour wash]

Detailed specification for Pointing

The joints of the brickwork shall be raked out to a depth of 20mm (3/4”) and the surface
of the wall washed and cleaned and kept wet for two days before pointing.

The materials of mortar cement and sand, or lime and surkhi or sand, or kankar lime
as specified, shall be of standard specification. The materials of mortar shall be first
dry mixed by measuring with boxes to have the required proportion as specified (1:2
or 1:3 for cement sand mortar, 1:1 for lime surkhi mortar or kankar lime mortar), and
then mixed by adding water slowly and gradually and thoroughly mixed.

Mortar shall then be applied in the joints slightly in excess and pressed by a proper tool
of the required shape. Extra mortar if any is removed and surface finished. Mortar shall
not spread over the face of bricks, and the edges of the bricks shall be clearly defined
to give a neat appearance. After pointing the surface shall be kept wet for seven days.
Flush pointing

The mortar shall be pressed into the ranked, cleaned and wet joints and shall be
finished off flush and level with edges of brick to give a smooth appearance. The edges
shall be neatly trimmed with a trowel and straight edge.

Ruled pointing

The mortar shall be passed into the ranked, cleaned and wet joints and a groove of
shape and size of 5 to 6mm deep shall be formed running a forming tool of steel along
the center line of the joints. The vertical joints also shall be finished in a similar way
at right angles to the horizontal line. The finished work shall give a neat and clean
appearance with straight edges.

Weather or truck pointing

The mortar shall be applied on the cleaned and wet joints and horizontal joints shall be
pressed and finished with a pointing tool so that the joints is sloping from top to bottom.
The vertical joint shall be finished as ruled pointing.

Raised or trucked pointing

The mortar shall be applied in raked, cleaned and wet joints in excess to from raised
bands. The mortar shall be pressed and run with proper tool to from bands of
6mm(1/4”) raised and 10mm (3/8”) width or as directed.

Detailed specification for wood work for door and window frames

a) Materials

Timber shall be of teak, sal, deodar etc., as mentioned, well-seasoned, dry, free from
sap, knots, crack or any other defects or diseases. It shall be sawn in the direction of
the grains. Sawing shall be truly straight and square. The scantling shall be planned
smooth and accurate to the full dimensions, rebates, rounding and mouldings as shown
in the drawing made, before assembling. Patching or plugging of any kind shall not be
permitted except as provided.

b) Joints

These shall be mortise and tenon type, simple, neat and strong. Mortise and tenon joints
shall fit in fully and accurately without wedging or filling. The joints shall be glued
framed, put together and pinned with hardwood or bamboo pins not less than 10 mm
dia. after frames are put together pressed in position by means of a press.
 c) Surface Treatment

Wood work shall not be tainted, oiled or otherwise treated before it has been approved
by the Engineer-in-Charge. All portions of timber abutting against masonry or concrete
or embedded in ground shall be painted with approved wood primer or with boiling
coal tar.

d) Gluing of Joints

The contract surface of tenon and mortise joints shall be treated before putting together
with bulk type synthetic resin adhesive of a make approved by the Engineer- in-
Charge.

e) Fixing in position

The frame shall be placed in position truly vertical before the masonry reaches half the
highest of the opening with iron clamps or as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. In
case of door frames without sills, the vertical members shall be embedded in the
flooring to a depth of 40 mm or as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. The door frames
without sills while being placed in position shall be suitably strutted and wedged in
order to prevent warping during construction. The frames shall also be protected from
damage, during construction.

Detailed specification for wood work for door and window shutters

a) Materials

Specified timber shall be used, and it shall be well seasoned, dry, free from sap, knots
crack or any other defects or disease. Patching or plugging of any kind shall not be
permitted except as provided.

b) Joinery work:

All pieces shall be accurately cut and planned smooth to the full dimension. All
members of the shutters shall be straight without any warp or bow and shall have
smooth, well planned faces at right angles to each other. In case of panelled shutters
the corners and edges of panels shall be finished as shown in drawings, and these shall
be feather tongued into styles and rails. The panels shall be framed into groovers to the
full depth of the groove leaving an air space of 1.5 mm and the faces shall be closely
fitted to the sides of the groove. In case of glazed shutter, sash bars shall have mitred
joints with styles. Styles and rails shall be properly and accurately mortised and
tenoned. Rails which are more than 180 mm in width shall have two tenons. Styles and
end rails of shutters shall be made out of one piece only. The tenons shall pass through
styles for at least 1 th of the width of the style. When
 assembling a leaf, styles shall be left projecting as a horn. The styles and; rails shall
have 12 mm groove in panelled portion for the panel to fit in.

The depth of rebate in frame for housing the shutters shall in all cases be 1.25 cm and
the rebate in shutters for closing in double shutter doors or windows shall be not less
than 2 cm. The rebate shall be splayed. The joints shall be presses and secured
bybamboo pins of about 6 mm diameter. The horns of styles shall be sawn off.

c) For battened shutters:

Planks for batten shall be 20 mm thick unless otherwise specified and of uniform width
of 125 to 175 mm. These shall be planned and made smooth, and provided with
minimum 12 mm rebated joints. The joint lines shall be chamfered. Unless otherwise
specified the battens for ledges and Braces shall be 30 mm thick and fixed with the
battens on the inside face of shutter with minimum two number 50 mm long wood
screws per batten. The ledges shall be 225 mm wide and braces 175 mm wide, unless
otherwise specified. The braces shall incline downwards towards the side on which the
door is being hung.

d) Gluing of joints for paneled or Glazed shutters :

The contact surfaces of tenon and mortise joints shall be treated before putting together
with bulk type synthetic resin adhesive of a make approved by the Engineer- in-
Charge.

Shutters shall not be painted, oiled or otherwise treated, before these are fixed in
position and passed by the Engineer-in-Charge.

For glazed shutters, mounting and glazing bars shall be tub-tenoned to the maximum
depth which the size of the member would permit or to a depth of 25 mm, whichever
is less.

e) Fittings:

Details of fittings to be provided shall be as per the schedule of fittings supplied by the
Engineer-in-Charge in each case. The cost of providing and fixing shutters shall
include the cost of hinges and necessary screws for fixing the same. All other fittings
shall be enumerated and paid for separately. The fittings shall conform to their
respective IS specifications. Where fittings are stipulated to be supplied by the
department free of cost, screws for fixing the fittings shall be provided by the
contractor and nothing extra will be paid for the same.
Detailed specification for painting new wood work

a) Paint

Ready mixed paint of approved quality and colour shall be used

b) Preparation of surface

The surface to be painted shall be rubbed down smooth with medium and fine
sand papers and cleaned off any dust. Knots, cracks holes etc., shall be filled
with putty made of 2 parts of whiting. 1 part of white lead mixed together in
linseed oil and leveled to the surface. A primer coat is applied to the surface with
ready mixed wood primer of best quality.

c) Application

Painting shall be carried out at the driest season of the year. Paint shall be applied
with brushes, smoothly spread without any visible brush mark. The second coat
shall be applied when the first coat is perfectly dried. The paint shall be stirred
often with stick so that it does not settle down.