Specifications

Estimation and Costing

 Specifications
Specification is a detailed description of the
workmanship, materials, and method of
execution for a particular item of work.
Purpose:
• To ensure uniformity in construction
• To control quality of materials and
workmanship
• To provide a basis for estimates and contracts
 Types of Specifications
• General (Brief) Specifications
• Detailed Specifications

General Specifications
• Provide a general idea of the nature and class of
work.
• Describe quality and class of materials and
workmanship in brief.
• Used mainly in estimation of cost and tender
documents.
 Classes of Buildings

• Class I: High-quality permanent buildings (e.g.,

RCC framed buildings)
• Class II: Medium-quality buildings (e.g.,
ordinary residential)
• Class III: Low-cost temporary or semi-
permanent structures
 General Specifications — Class I
Buildings
Foundation & Plinth:
• Excavation in hard/soft soil.
• Cement concrete (1:4:8 or 1:3:6) in foundation
and plinth.
• DPC: 2 cm thick 1:2 cement mortar with
waterproofing compound.
Superstructure:
• Brickwork in 1:6 cement mortar.
• RCC lintels, beams, and slabs.
Roofing:
• RCC slab with weatherproof course.
Flooring:
• Cement concrete flooring, terrazzo or mosaic
finish.
Finishing:
• Plaster 12 mm thick in 1:6 cement mortar.
• Distemper or acrylic paint on walls.
Doors & Windows:
• Teak wood frames, panelled or glazed shutters.
 General Specifications — Class II
Buildings
Foundation & Plinth:
• Brick or stone masonry in lime/cement mortar.
• CC (1:5:10) base under walls.
DPC:
• 2 cm thick 1:3 cement mortar.
Superstructure:
• Brickwork in 1:8 cement mortar.
Roofing:
• RCC or reinforced brick roof.
Flooring:
• Cement concrete flooring, no mosaic.
Finishing:
• 12 mm plaster, whitewash or cement paint.
Doors & Windows:
• Sal or other hardwood frames, panel or batten
shutters.
 General Specifications — Class III
Buildings
Foundation & Plinth:
• Random rubble stone or brick in mud mortar.
DPC:
• None or 2 cm thick mud mortar.
Superstructure:
• Brick in mud/lime mortar.
Roofing:
• Corrugated GI sheets or country tiles on wooden
trusses.
Flooring:
• Brick-on-edge flooring or mud plaster.
Finishing:
• Mud or whitewash.
Doors & Windows:
• Country wood, simple batten shutters.
Detailed Specifications — Earthwork in
Excavation
1. Scope
This specification covers excavation for foundations,
trenches, basements, and footings in all types of soils —
ordinary soil, hard soil, soft and hard rock — including
setting out, shoring, removal of excavated material, and
backfilling as per Indian Standard specifications.
Applicable Codes:
IS: 1200 (Part 1) – Method of Measurement of Building
and Civil Engineering Works (Earthwork)
IS: 4081 – Safety Code for Blasting and Related Drilling
Operations
IS: 3764 – Safety Code for Excavation Work
2. Materials
• Excavated Soil: The excavated earth shall be
free from boulders, organic matter, debris,
and roots.
• Useful Material: Suitable soil from excavation
shall be stacked separately for refilling.
• Unusable Material: Rocks, boulders, or debris
not fit for refilling shall be disposed of as
directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
3. Setting Out
• The excavation shall be set out accurately to
the lines, levels, and dimensions shown on
the drawings.
• Bench marks, reference pillars, and pegs shall
be established by the contractor and
maintained throughout the work.
• Check levels shall be recorded before and
after excavation.
4. Excavation Procedure
• Depth and Width: Excavation shall be carried out to
the exact depth, width, and slope as per structural
drawings and instructions.
• Manual or Mechanical:
– For small works, excavation shall be done manually using
pickaxes and shovels.
– For large or deep excavations, mechanical excavators or
backhoes shall be used.
• Excavation in Different Soils:
– Soft/Ordinary Soil: Excavation done easily by hand tools.
– Hard Soil / Kankar: May require crowbars or mechanical
means.
– Soft Rock: Excavated by chiselling or wedging, blasting
prohibited.
– Hard Rock: Excavation by controlled blasting as per
IS:4081, with necessary safety precautions.
• Side Slopes and Shoring:
– Side slopes shall be maintained stable; if vertical
cuts are required, timbering/shoring shall be
provided.
– Shoring and strutting shall be strong enough to
prevent collapse of sides.
• Dewatering:
– If water accumulates in the excavation, it shall be
pumped out continuously to keep the site dry.
– Suitable drainage channels shall be provided.
5. Dressing and Preparation of Bed
• The bottom of the excavation shall be dressed
to the required level and rammed firm.
• If soft or loose soil is encountered at
foundation level, it shall be removed and
replaced with lean cement concrete (1:4:8) or
compacted granular material, as directed.
• No over-excavation shall be permitted. If done
accidentally, it shall be made up with concrete
at the contractor’s cost.
6. Disposal of Excavated Material
• Surplus or unsuitable material shall be
disposed of within a lead of 50 m or as
specified in the schedule.
• The disposal site shall be leveled and neatly
dressed.
• Stacking of useful material (for refilling) shall
be done at least 1 m away from the
excavation edge to avoid collapse.
7. Refilling and Compaction
• After completion of the foundation work, the
sides of the excavation shall be backfilled with
suitable selected earth.
• Filling shall be done in layers not exceeding
15–20 cm thickness, each layer watered and
compacted properly.
• Compaction shall achieve at least 95% of
maximum dry density (MDD) as per IS:2720
(Part 8).
8. Measurement
• Measurement shall be taken in cubic meters
(m³).
• The dimensions shall be measured to the
bottom of the foundation with allowance for
working space as per contract or schedule of
rates.
• No extra payment shall be made for working
space, shoring, or dewatering unless
otherwise stated.
9. Rate Includes
The rate for earthwork excavation shall include the
following:
• Setting out, marking, and maintaining
benchmarks.
• Excavation to required depth and width.
• Removal and disposal of surplus earth.
• Shoring, strutting, and timbering (if required).
• Dewatering during execution.
• Dressing and leveling the foundation bed.
• Refilling and compacting around foundations.
• All tools, plants, labour, and incidental charges.
 Detailed Specification — Cement
1. Scope
Concrete (Plain)
This specification covers the materials, proportioning, mixing,
laying, compaction, curing, and testing of Plain Cement
Concrete (PCC) work in foundations, flooring, or any structural
base where no reinforcement is used.
Applicable Codes:
• IS 456: 2000 — Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced
Concrete
• IS 383: 2016 — Specification for Coarse and Fine
Aggregates
• IS 10262: 2019 — Guidelines for Concrete Mix
Proportioning
• IS 516: 2018 — Method of Tests for Strength of Concrete
• IS 1199: 1959 — Methods for Sampling and Analysis of
Concrete
2. Materials
(a) Cement
• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) conforming to IS
269 (Grade 33), IS 8112 (Grade 43), or IS 12269
(Grade 53).
• Cement shall be fresh, stored in dry conditions,
and used within 3 months of manufacture.
(b) Fine Aggregate
• Clean, hard, well-graded natural river sand or
crushed stone sand conforming to IS 383.
• Should pass through 4.75 mm sieve, free from
clay, silt, organic impurities, and salts.
• Silt content ≤ 8% (by weight).
(c) Coarse Aggregate
• Crushed stone or gravel of hard, durable quality
conforming to IS 383.
• Nominal sizes: 40 mm, 20 mm, or 10 mm depending on
thickness and nature of work.
• Aggregates should be clean, angular, and free from
dust, clay, and organic matter.
(d) Water
• Clean, potable water free from harmful salts, oil, or
organic matter conforming to IS 456, Clause 5.4.
• pH ≥ 6; total dissolved solids ≤ 2000 mg/L.
(e) Admixtures (if specified)
• Water-reducing, retarding, or waterproofing
admixtures conforming to IS 9103 or IS 2645.
3. Proportioning of Mix
• The mix proportion depends on the strength and
grade required.
• Common nominal mixes for PCC as per IS 456:2000,
Table 9 are:
• Water–Cement Ratio:
– Should not exceed 0.50 for M15 and above; 0.60 for
M10 or lower.
– Adjusted to achieve desired workability (slump 25–75
mm for PCC).
4. Batching
• Cement: by weight (1 bag = 50 kg).
• Aggregates: by weight or volume (using gauge
boxes).
• Water: measured accurately by volume using
graduated cans or flow meters.
• Important: No volumetric batching for concrete
of grade higher than M15.
5. Mixing of Concrete
(a) Hand Mixing (for small works only):
• On a clean, watertight platform.
• Mix dry cement and sand first until uniform colour.
• Add coarse aggregate and mix dry thoroughly.
• Add water gradually, mixing continuously until a
uniform, workable mix is achieved.
• Minimum mixing time: 2 minutes after adding water.
(b) Machine Mixing (recommended):
• Use mechanical mixer conforming to IS 1791.
• Add coarse aggregate, then sand, cement, and finally
water.
• Mix for at least 1.5 to 2 minutes until a uniform mix is
obtained.
• No segregation or excessive water should be allowed.
6. Transportation and Placing
• Transport concrete in non-leaky
wheelbarrows, pans, or trolleys.
• Concrete should be placed within 30 minutes
of mixing.
• Concrete shall not be dropped from a height
greater than 1.5 m to avoid segregation.
• Laying shall be continuous to avoid cold joints.
7. Compaction
• Compaction shall be done immediately after placing,
by:
– Hand Ramming or Tamping Rod for small works.
– Mechanical Vibrators (Needle or Surface type) for large
areas.
• Ensure no air pockets or voids remain.
• Over-vibration should be avoided to prevent
segregation.
8. Finishing and Surface Dressing
• The top surface shall be finished level and smooth
with steel trowel or wooden float as per design
requirement.
• For flooring, desired slopes shall be maintained.
• Expansion joints provided where necessary.
9. Curing
• Curing shall begin within 12 hours of laying
and continue for a minimum period of 7 days
for OPC, 10 days for blended cements (PPC,
PSC) as per IS 456:2000 (Clause 13.5.1).
Methods:
– Ponding, covering with wet hessian cloth, or
sprinkling.
– For slabs, continuous immersion is preferred.
• Proper curing ensures strength gain and
prevents shrinkage cracks.
10. Formwork (if any)
• Formwork shall be watertight, clean, and oiled before
placing concrete.
• Conform to IS 456, Clause 11 and IS 14687.
• Should be removed only after concrete has gained
sufficient strength (typically after 3 days for sides, 7 days
for bottom supports).
11. Quality Control and Testing
• Workability Test (Slump Test): as per IS 1199, target slump
25–75 mm.
• Cube Strength Test: 150 mm cubes tested at 7 and 28 days
as per IS 516.
• Minimum 3 cubes per 30 m³ of concrete or per day’s work.
• Acceptance Criteria: as per IS 456:2000, Clause 16.1.
12. Measurement
• Measurement taken in cubic meters (m³).
• Dimensions measured from drawings to finished
surface.
• No deduction for small openings (<0.1 m²).
13. Rate to Include
• The rate for plain cement concrete shall include:
• Cost of all materials (cement, sand, aggregates, water).
• Conveyance and loading/unloading charges.
• Mixing, transporting, laying, compacting, and curing.
• Formwork (if applicable).
• All tools, labour, and equipment.
• Waste and incidental works up to completion.
 Detailed Specification — Reinforced
Cement Concrete (RCC) Work
1. Scope
• This specification covers all operations relating
to the supply of materials, proportioning,
mixing, placing, compacting, curing, and
testing of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
work for beams, slabs, columns, lintels,
foundations, retaining walls, etc.
3. Materials
(a) Cement
• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) — 43 or 53 Grade
conforming to IS 8112 / IS 12269.
• Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) as per IS 1489 (Part
1) or Portland Slag Cement as per IS 455 may also be
used.
• Cement must be stored in dry, moisture-proof sheds
and used within 3 months of manufacture.
(b) Fine Aggregate (Sand)
• Clean, hard, well-graded river sand or crushed stone
sand conforming to IS 383:2016.
• Should pass through 4.75 mm IS sieve.
• Silt content ≤ 8% by weight.
(c) Coarse Aggregate
• Crushed stone or gravel conforming to IS 383:2016.
• Nominal maximum size:
– 20 mm for general RCC work,
– 12 mm for thin sections or heavily reinforced members.
• Aggregates shall be angular, sound, and free from
deleterious materials.
(d) Reinforcement Steel
• HYSD Bars (Fe 500/Fe 500D/Fe 550D) conforming to IS
1786:2008.
• Mild Steel (Fe 250) bars as per IS 432 (Part 1) may be used
where specified.
• Reinforcement shall be free from loose rust, oil, and dirt.
• Test certificates shall be provided by the supplier.
(e) Water
• Clean and potable water conforming to IS 456,
Clause 5.4.
• pH ≥ 6, free from oil, alkalis, and chlorides.
(f) Admixtures
• Conforming to IS 9103:2023, may be used to
improve workability or reduce water content.
• No admixture shall contain calcium chloride.
4. Grades of Concrete
• As per IS 456:2000 (Clause 9): Minimum grade of
concrete for RCC work = M20.
5. Mix Design
• Concrete mix shall be designed as per IS
10262:2019 and IS 456:2000 (Clause 9.1) to
achieve required strength and workability.
• Nominal mixes (like 1:1.5:3) are used only for
small works; otherwise design mixes (M20
and above) are mandatory.
• Water–cement ratio ≤ 0.50 (for moderate
exposure), as per IS 456 Table 5.
6. Batching and Mixing
(a) Batching
• All materials shall be measured by weight.
• Water measured accurately by volume or flow meter.
• Cement taken as 50 kg per bag.
(b) Mixing
• Done by mechanical mixer conforming to IS 1791.
• Mixing time: 1.5 to 2 minutes after all materials are in the
drum.
• For ready-mix concrete, procedures as per IS 4926:2023
apply.
• Hand mixing permitted only for small works and shall be
done on watertight platforms with 10% extra cement.
7. Transportation and Placing
• Concrete shall be transported in clean
containers to prevent segregation or loss of
mortar.
• Shall be placed within 30 minutes of mixing.
• Dropping height not more than 1.5 m.
• Concrete should be placed continuously up to
construction joints to avoid cold joints.
• Compaction to be done simultaneously.
8. Compaction
• Mechanical vibration is mandatory.
– Needle vibrator for beams, columns, walls.
– Surface vibrator for slabs.
• Ensure complete consolidation around
reinforcement.
• Avoid over-vibration to prevent segregation
and bleeding.
9. Reinforcement Work
• Cleaning: Bars shall be clean and free from rust,
oil, or paint.
• Bending: As per IS 2502:1963.
• Placement: Reinforcement placed accurately as
per structural drawings.
• Cover to Reinforcement (IS 456, Clause 26.4):
• Lapping/Anchorage:
– Lap length in tension = Ld (development length) as
per IS 456, Clause 26.2.
– Overlaps staggered and tied with 16 gauge
annealed wire.
10. Formwork (Shuttering)
• Formwork shall be rigid, leak-proof, and true
to shape and line.
• Material: steel or seasoned timber.
• Coated with form oil to prevent adhesion.
• Removal of Formwork (IS 456, Table 11):
11. Construction Joints
• Location as per structural drawings.
• Surface roughened and cleaned before resuming
concreting.
• Apply cement slurry or bonding compound before new
concrete is placed.
• No joints near points of maximum bending moment.
12. Curing
• Begin as soon as concrete hardens (within 12–24 hours).
• Maintain continuous moist curing for at least 7 days (OPC)
or 10 days (blended cements).
• For large slabs: ponding with sand or gunny bags.
• Curing compounds (IS 2645 approved) may be used in
special cases.
13. Finishing
• Top surfaces of RCC members finished smooth using
steel trowel before setting.
• Exposed surfaces cleaned, honeycombs repaired
using cement mortar 1:2.
15. Measurement
• Measurement in cubic meters (m³) of finished concrete.
• No deductions for reinforcement, openings <0.1 m², or
chamfers.
• Cover blocks and chairs included in rate.
16. Rate to Include
• The rate for RCC work shall include:
• All materials (cement, sand, aggregates, reinforcement,
water).
• Mixing, transporting, placing, vibrating, curing.
• Formwork and removal.
• Reinforcement bending, binding, placing, and wastage.
• All labour, tools, equipment, and incidental works.
17. Workmanship Tolerances (IS 456, Cl. 12.1.2)
• Parameter Permissible Deviation Section
dimensions ±12 mm Cover to reinforcement
±5 mm Alignment of members ±10 mm Levels
±5 mm Slump/workability ±25 mm
Detailed Specifications — Damp Proof
Course (DPC)
1. Scope
• This specification covers the materials,
proportions, preparation, laying, and curing
of damp-proof course (DPC) to prevent the
upward movement of moisture through walls
and floors in buildings.
It applies to plinth level DPC in masonry walls
and horizontal/vertical DPC in other
structural components.
2. Objective
• The DPC is provided to:
• Prevent capillary rise of moisture from subsoil
into walls and floors.
• Protect interior finishes from dampness,
efflorescence, and decay.
• Improve the durability of the structure.
3. Types of DPC
• Depending on the type and location of the structure,
DPC may be:
• Cement concrete type (most common)
• Rich cement mortar type
• Bituminous type
• Combination type (cement concrete + bitumen coat)
• Plastic or PVC sheet type (in modern constructions)
• For load-bearing walls and masonry, the most
widely used type is cement concrete (1:2:4) with
waterproofing compound.
4. Materials
• Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 43 or 53
grade) as per IS 269 or IS 12269.
• Fine Aggregate: Clean coarse sand conforming to IS
383, free from silt and organic matter.
• Coarse Aggregate: Crushed stone of 12 mm nominal
size, conforming to IS 383.
• Water: Clean and potable water conforming to IS 456,
Clause 5.4.
• Waterproofing Compound: Integral waterproofing
compound conforming to IS 2645.
• Bitumen: Blown type bitumen conforming to IS 702,
used as a surface coat where required.
5. Proportion and Mix
• Mix: 1:2:4 (Cement : Coarse Sand : Coarse Aggregate)
by volume
• Thickness: Generally 25 mm or 40 mm, depending on
wall thickness and design.
• Waterproofing Compound: Added at 2% by weight of
cement or as per manufacturer’s recommendation.
6. Surface Preparation
• The top of the plinth masonry shall be cleaned,
leveled, and wetted before laying DPC.
• Any irregularities or projections on the surface shall be
removed.
• Formwork (if required) shall be fixed to achieve
uniform thickness.
7. Laying Procedure
• Mixing:
– The concrete shall be mixed mechanically in a
mixer to ensure uniform distribution of
waterproofing compound and proper workability.
• Laying:
– The mixed concrete shall be laid in one operation
to the full thickness.
– It shall be thoroughly tamped and leveled using
wooden floats to achieve a dense, impervious
surface.
• Finishing:
– The top surface shall be finished smooth with a
cement slurry mixed with waterproofing compound.
– Alternatively, after the concrete has set, a hot
bitumen coat (85/25 grade) of 1.7 kg/m² may be
applied for enhanced protection.
• Joint Treatment:
– Where the DPC is interrupted (e.g., at door openings),
continuity shall be maintained by embedding metal or
plastic strips across the break.
– Joints with walls, floors, or other components shall be
made watertight.
8. Curing
• Curing shall commence after 24 hours of laying and
continue for at least 7 days.
• The DPC surface shall be kept moist and covered with
wet gunny bags or sand.
• Proper curing ensures impermeability and durability.
9. Protection
• DPC must not be damaged or punctured during
subsequent work.
• Masonry above the DPC shall be laid only after 48
hours of curing completion.
• Where walls are of stone masonry, a cement plaster
(1:3) shall be applied over the DPC to ensure
continuity.
10. Measurement
• DPC shall be measured in square meters (m²) of the
finished surface area.
• The length and breadth shall be taken to the nearest
centimeter.
• Thickness shall be as specified in the drawings.
11. Rate Includes
• The rate for providing and laying DPC includes:
• All materials — cement, aggregates, waterproofing
compound, and bitumen coating (if specified).
• Surface preparation and leveling of masonry base.
• Mixing, laying, compaction, finishing, and curing.
• Protection during construction.
• Labour, tools, and incidental charges.
12. Recommended Locations for DPC
• At plinth level between the foundation and
superstructure.
• Under walls, columns, and piers in direct
contact with ground moisture.
• At junctions of walls and floors, or terraces
exposed to moisture.
 Detailed Specifications: Brickwork
(Class I)
1. Scope
• This specification covers the materials,
workmanship, laying, curing, and finishing of
First Class Brickwork in cement mortar for
walls, columns, and other structural
components in buildings and civil works.
2. Materials

(a) Bricks
• Type: Common burnt clay First Class Bricks conforming to
IS 1077.
• Dimensions: Standard modular size — 190 mm × 90 mm ×
90 mm (nominal 200 × 100 × 100 mm including mortar).
• Compressive Strength: Minimum 10.5 N/mm².
• Water Absorption: Not more than 20% by weight after 24
hours immersion in cold water.
• Efflorescence: Not more than slight as per IS 3495 (Part 3).
• Shape & Size: Uniform, well-burnt, sound, with sharp edges
and even surfaces; free from cracks, lime nodules, or
warping.
(b) Mortar
• Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 43 or 53
grade) conforming to IS 269 or IS 12269.
• Sand: Coarse clean river sand conforming to IS 383,
free from clay or silt.
• Water: Clean, potable, free from salts or organic
impurities (as per IS 456, Clause 5.4).
• Mix Proportion:
– For load-bearing walls: 1:6 (Cement : Sand)
– For superstructure: 1:6 or 1:4 depending on structural
requirements.
• Additives (optional): Integral waterproofing compound
(IS 2645) may be added when specified.
4. Preparation of Surface
• Foundation concrete or DPC shall be cleaned
and kept wet for at least 24 hours before
laying the first course.
• All dirt, oil, and loose material shall be
removed.
• Layout shall be marked according to the
approved drawings.
5. Laying of Bricks
• Soaking:
– Bricks shall be soaked in clean water for 12 hours before
use to reduce suction and ensure proper bond.
– They shall be taken out just before laying and stacked on
edge to drain off excess water.
• Laying Procedure:
– Bricks shall be laid on full bed of mortar, properly pressed,
and flushed up.
– All vertical joints shall be fully filled with mortar.
– The bricks shall be laid with frog facing upward, except
where top surface is to be plastered or pointed.
– The work shall be true to plumb, with uniform thickness of
joints.
Bonding:
• Brickwork shall be built in English bond unless
otherwise specified.
• Joints shall be broken (staggered) in successive
courses to ensure stability.
• Header and stretcher courses shall be arranged
alternately.
• Joints:
• Thickness: 10 mm for both bed and vertical
joints.
• Joints shall be raked to a depth of 12 mm while
mortar is still green, if wall is to be plastered later.
6. Alignment and Levels
• Brickwork shall be carried up uniformly on all
sides; no portion shall be raised more than 1
meter above the rest at any time.
• The work shall be kept perfectly plumb and
level, checked by spirit level and string line.
• Corners and junctions shall be built toothing
or racked back to ensure proper bond with
the next section.
7. Curing
• Curing shall start after 24 hours of laying and
continue for a minimum period of 7 days.
• The masonry shall be kept continuously moist by
sprinkling water or by wet gunny bags.
8. Finishing
• Joints to be plastered shall be raked properly (12
mm depth).
• Joints to be pointed shall be finished flush or as
per design.
• Exposed brickwork shall have uniform color and
texture, without smears of mortar on face.
9. Measurement
• Measurement shall be taken in cubic meters (m³)
of brickwork executed.
• Dimensions shall be measured correct to the
nearest centimeter.
• Deductions shall be made for openings, lintels,
chases, and recesses as per IS 1200 (Part 3).
• No deductions are made for:
– Opening ≤ 0.1 m²
– Ends of beams, posts, or rafters ≤ 0.05 m²
– Chases < 10 cm deep
10. Rate Includes
• The rate for First Class Brickwork includes:
• Supplying and transporting materials (bricks,
cement, sand, water).
• Soaking and stacking of bricks.
• Mixing and laying mortar, jointing, and
bonding.
• Scaffolding, curing, and protection.
• Raking of joints, cleaning, and finishing.
• Labour, tools, and incidental costs.
Class I:
• Table-molded bricks, 1:6 cement mortar,
bricks well soaked.

Class II:
• Ground-molded bricks, 1:8 cement mortar.

Class III:
• Kucha bricks in mud mortar.
Curing: 10 days minimum.
 General Specifications — Road Work
• Foundation/Subgrade: Compacted to 95% Proctor
density.
• Sub-base: Granular material, 20 cm thick, compacted.
• Base Course: WBM or WMM layer.
• Surface Course:
• Bituminous Macadam,
• Bituminous Concrete,
• or Cement Concrete.
• Drainage: Proper side drains and camber for runoff.
 Detailed Specifications — Road Work
1. Earthwork and Subgrade Preparation
• (As per MoRTH Section 300, IS 2720)
• a. Materials:
• Soil obtained from approved borrow areas, free
from roots, organic matter, and stones larger than
50 mm.
• b. Procedure:
• Subgrade shall be cut, filled, leveled, and
compacted to the required camber and gradient.
2. Granular Sub-base (GSB) (MoRTH Section 401)
a. Materials:
• Well-graded granular material conforming to Grading
I–V of Table 400-1, MoRTH.
• Max. particle size: 75 mm.
b. Construction:
• Spread in uniform layers (100–200 mm thick).
• Mixed with water at OMC using rotavator.
• Compacted with vibratory roller (8–10 tonne) to
achieve minimum 98% MDD.
c. Thickness:
• Generally 150 mm – 250 mm depending on pavement
design.
• Moisture content shall be adjusted to Optimum
Moisture Content (OMC).
• Compaction: Minimum 97% of MDD (Modified
Proctor) as per IS 2720 (Part 8).
• Surface tolerance:
– Longitudinal ±20 mm
– Cross profile ±15 mm
c. Quality Control:
• Check field density by sand replacement or
nuclear method.
• Subgrade strength in terms of CBR ≥ 8% (as per
IRC:37).
3. Base Course
a). Water Bound Macadam (WBM) — (MoRTH Section
404)
• Material: Coarse aggregates (IS 2386, 63–40 mm),
screenings, and binding material.
• Laying:
– Stone aggregates spread in uniform thickness (75–100
mm).
– Dry rolled with 8–10 tonne roller.
– Screenings and filler added and watered.
– Rolled to achieve interlock and compaction.
• Compaction Density: 98% of MDD.
• Thickness: Each layer 75 mm (max. 3 layers).
b). Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) — (MoRTH
Section 406)
• Material: Crushed stone aggregates and
granular materials mixed with water at OMC.
• Laying:
– Mix prepared in mechanical plant and spread by
paver finisher.
– Rolled with vibratory roller (10–12 tonne).
• Advantages: Better strength, faster
construction, and less dust than WBM.
4. Bituminous Layers
(a) Prime Coat (MoRTH Section 502)
• Purpose: To bind base course and prepare for bituminous
layer.
• Material: Bitumen emulsion (SS-1) or low viscosity bitumen
(80/100 grade).
• Rate: 0.7 – 1.0 kg/m².
• Application: On clean, dry WMM surface using mechanical
sprayer.
(b) Tack Coat (MoRTH Section 503)
• Purpose: To ensure adhesion between successive
bituminous layers.
• Material: Bitumen emulsion (RS-1).
• Rate:
– On granular base: 0.25–0.30 kg/m²
– On bituminous surface: 0.20–0.25 kg/m²
5. Bituminous Base and Surface Courses
(a) Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) — (MoRTH
Section 507)
• Material: Coarse aggregates, filler, bitumen
binder (60/70 or VG-30).
• Binder Content: 4.0–4.5% by weight of total mix.
• Thickness: 50–100 mm per layer.
• Laying Temperature: 140–160°C.
• Compaction: Steel wheel roller and tandem roller
to achieve 98% density.
(b) Bituminous Concrete (BC) — (MoRTH Section
509)
• Purpose: Wearing course.
• Composition: Graded aggregates, filler, and 5.0–
5.5% bitumen.
• Thickness: 30–50 mm.
• Laying: By mechanical paver finisher, followed by
tandem and pneumatic rollers.
• Temperature:
– Laying: 140–160°C
– Rolling: 90–110°C
6. Rigid Pavement (Cement Concrete Roads)
• (If applicable; as per IRC:58-2015 & MoRTH Section
601)
a). Materials:
• Cement: OPC 43 or 53 grade as per IS 269 / IS 12269.
• Aggregates: 20 mm down size, conforming to IS 383.
• Concrete: M-30 to M-40 grade.
• Admixtures: As per IS 9103 (optional).
b). Laying:
• Laid by slip-form paver or manually with proper
screeding.
• Expansion and contraction joints provided as per
IRC:15.
• Curing: 14 days (continuous wet curing).
• Surface Texture: Lightly broomed for skid resistance.
7. Road Shoulders and Side Drains
• Shoulders: 500 mm to 1 m wide on each side,
compacted to 95% MDD.
• Material: Selected soil or moorum.
• Drains: Earthen or lined concrete drains with minimum
1 in 500 longitudinal slope.
8. Measurement
• Earthwork, sub-base, and base: Cubic meters (m³)
• Bituminous layers: Square meters (m²) for specified
thickness
• Concrete pavement: Cubic meters (m³)
• Prime/Tack Coat: By area (m²)
10. Rate Includes
• All materials, labour, and equipment.
• Surface preparation and compaction.
• Laying, mixing, and finishing of layers.
• Traffic diversion and safety signage.
• Testing, quality control, and curing.