PART II - SPECIFICATIONS

WHAT IS SPECIFICATION? (PG.NO.; 564)

 The specifications show the following details:
 Type and quality of materials.
 Method of preparation of an item.
 Quality of workmanship.
 Method of measurement of an item.
 Other details related to the item, etc.
 A Specification is a specific description of a particular subject. An engineering specification contains
detailed description of all workmanship and materials which are required to complete an engineering
project in accordance with its drawings and details. It is prepared by a consultant Engineer or Architect
to tell the Contractor everything about workmanship which cannot be shown on the drawings.
IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFICATIONS
1. The technical drawings of a structure will show the proportion and relative positions of the various
components of the structure.
2. Many a time 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.
3. This data regarding the materials and workmanship is conveyed in a separate contract document which is
known as the “Specification” for the work.
4. Thus the drawing with the specification “will completely define the structure.” The “Specification” is
furnished separately along with drawing and is an essential part of all engineering contracts.
5. The rates of items depend on the specifications. If the specifications are rigid and demands for superior
quality, the rate of item will increase and vice versa.
6. Specifications are necessary during supervising the work.
7. The specifications of items are required by the contractor to fill the rates of items in the tender document.
8. The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specification.
9. Specification is an essential contract document and is required for Arbitration or court cases.
10. The necessity of specification is to verity and check the strength of materials for a work involved in a project.
11. Specification is necessary to specify the equipment, tools and plants to be engaged for a work and thus
enable to procure them beforehand.
12. A work is carried out according to its specification and the contractor is paid for the same, any change in
specification changes the tendered rate.
13. This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the work. Thus specification of work serves as
a guide to the supervising staff of the contractor as well as to the owner to execute the work to their
satisfaction.
14. Specifications of work are required to describe the quality and quantity of different materials required for a
construction work and is one of the essential contract documents.
15. Thus a contractor can make a programme to procure the materials required for a project and the owner can
check the quality of materials conforming to the specification avoiding dispute with contractor.
16. The specification should be used by all the project team throughout the construction phase; it should be a
living document and not stop being used at the design phase.
17. It saves the project team, the client and the contractor time and money by providing answers to many of
the on-site construction questions.
18. It provides clear instructions on the intent, performance and construction of the project.
19. It can reference the quality and standards which should be applied.
20. Materials and manufacturers’ products can be clearly defined.
21. The requirements for installation, testing and handover can be identified.
22. The drawing or model does not need to be overloaded with detailed information, which can sometimes be
difficult to identify.

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HOW TO WRITE SPECIFICATION?

 Description of materials: The quality and size of materials required to do an item of work shall be fully
described for checking up at site according to the bindings provided in the specification. The proportion
of mixing or treatment of materials if required before use shall be clearly described.
 Workmanship: Complete description of workmanship, the method of mixing to the proportion, the
method of laying, preparation of base or surface, compaction, finishing and curing etc. specifically
applicable to the item of work shall be clearly stated in different clauses.
 Tools and plants (T.&P.): The tools and plants to be engaged to carry out a work shall be described. The
method of operation and by whom to be supplied shall be stated.
 Protection of new work: The method of protection of new works against damage or the method of
curing if required, the test of completed work if necessary shall be described in separate clauses.
 Expression: While writing a specification Endeavour shall be made to express the requirements of the
specification clearly and in concise from avoiding repetition and unusual works. The style of tense shall
remain same throughout. The sentences shall be short, simple and concise. As the specifications are the
legal documents, terms such as suitable, proper used and works having more than one meaning shall be
avoided.
 Clause of the specification: The clauses shall be arranged in the order in which work shall be carried out.

TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS

General specification

 In general specifications, nature and class of works names of materials and proportion that should be used
in the various items of works are described.
 Only a brief description of each and every item is given. It is useful for estimating the project.
 Without going through the lengthy detailed specifications, general information for the quantities of
materials, nature and class of work can be known from the general specifications, but they do not form part
of the contract document.

Detailed specification

 The detailed specifications form a part of the contract document. Detailed specification for a particular items
specify the qualities, quantities and proportions of materials, and the method of preparation and execution
for that particular item of work in a project.
 The detailed specifications of the different items of works are prepared separately and they describe what
the works should be and how they shall be executed and constructed physical, chemical and electrical tests
if any requires for the finished work to ensure the desired strength or quality are specified in the detailed
specification.
 They of machinery, equipment and special tools and plant their methods of operation when involved during
execution are described in the detailed specification.
 The method and duration of protection of finished works as required are specified in the detailed
specification.
 This also specify the involvements and responsibility for auxiliary works, incidental damage etc.
 During execution of the original work. While writing the detailed specifications the same order of sequence
as the work is to be carried out, is maintained.
 Engineering departments maintain detail specifications for different items of work those are followed to
carry out work.

PURPOSE OF SPECIFICATIONS

1. Specification of a work is required to describe the quality and quantity of different materials required for a
construction work and is one of the essential contract documents.
2. It enables the department, engineers, architect and contractor to define, procure and check the material’s
quality as per specifications.
3. To specify the quality of workmanship and method of doing the same.
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4. Specifications are required to clarify the drawings.
5. Specifications are helpful to the contractor in filling the rates of various items in the tender.
6. Specifications of a work serves as a guide to the supervising staff of the owner as well as the contractor to
execute the work to their satisfaction.
7. Specifications are necessary to verify and check the strength of materials for a work.
8. Specification is an essential contract document and is required for arbitration (dispute between the
contractor and owner) and court cases.
9. Specification is necessary to specify the equipment, tools and plants to be engaged for a work and thus
enables to procure then beforehand.
10. The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specifications.
11. As the rate of work is based on the specification, a contractor can calculate the rates of various items of
works in tender with his procurement rates of materials and labour. Thus tender rate without specification
of works is baseless, incomplete and invalid.
12. The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of materials for a work involved in a project.

SPECIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL FITTINGS AND FIXTURES

1. Fittings shall be designed for continuous trouble free operation under atmospheric conditions as specified
without reduction in lamp life or without deterioration of materials and internal wiring. Outdoor fittings shall
be weather-proof and rain-proof type.
2. The fittings shall be designed so as to facilitate easy maintenance, including cleaning replacement of lamps
/ starters etc.
3. Connections between different components shall be made in such a way that they will not work loose by
small vibration.
4. For each type of lighting fitting the Contractor shall supply the utilization factor to indicate the proportion
of the light emitted by the bare lamps which falls on the working plane.
5. All fittings shall be supplied complete with lamps suitable for operation on a supply voltage and the variation
in supply voltage.
6. The fittings and accessories shall be designed to have low temperature rise. The temperature rise above the
ambient temperature shall be as indicated in the relevant standards.
7. All mercury vapor, metal halide lamp and sodium vapor lamp fittings shall be complete with accessories like
lamps, ballasts, power factor improvement capacitors, starter wherever applicable, etc. These shall be
mounted as far as possible in the fitting assembly only. If these cannot be accommodated inside, then a
separate metal enclosed box shall be included to accommodate the accessories and in addition with a fuse
and a terminal block suitable for loop-in, loop-out connections. Outdoor type fittings shall be provided with
outdoor type weather proof box.
8. All fluorescent lamp fillings shall be complete with all accessories like ballasts, power factor improvement
capacitors, lamps, starters and capacitors for correction of stroboscopic effect.
9. Each fitting shall have a terminal block suitable for loop-in, loop-out and T4 connection by 250/440V, 1 core,
PVC insulated Cu conductor cable up to 4 sq.mm, in size unless otherwise specified. In hazardous areas, the
termination at the fittings shall be suitable for
10. 1100 V, PVC, armored cables of sizes specified and terminals shall be of stud or clamp type. The internal
wiring should be completed by the manufacturer by means of stranded copper wire and terminated on the
terminal block.
11. The mounting facility and conduit knock-outs for the fixtures shall be as specified.
12. All hardware used in the luminaries shall be suitably plated or anodized and passivated for use in chemical
industrial and power plants.
13. Layout of illumination fixtures, exhaust fans, and switches shall be as per drawing
14. The Distribution Board, light fixtures, Plug socket, DP switch, Cable and junction boxes along with
accessories, shall be certified conforming to applicable standards by a competent authority.
15. All light fixtures and junction boxes along with accessories shall have weatherproof enclosures and suitable
for the hazard in which they are installed.
16. All fixtures shall be provided with sheet steel vitreous enameled or approved type reflector. All light fixtures
except flood light fixtures shall be provided with steel wire protective cage having mesh dimensions of 50

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 mm x 50 mm. The glass used shall be clear and toughened type suitable for use under conditions involving
exceptional risk of mechanical damage.
17. The light fixtures shall have glass sealed into retaining ring, which, in turn, shall be secured to the body. The
fixtures shall be suitable for mounting on poles/ceilings/columns. Suitable fastening devices such as
Clamps/brackets etc. required for installation shall also be supplied. All hardware such as nuts, bolts,
washers etc. shall be cadmium plated. All the fixtures shall be provided with an internal earthing terminal.
18. An earthing terminal shall be provided inside the junction box. Sufficient space for accommodating specified
numbers of cables and easy access to their terminals for termination purposes shall be provided. Four lugs
shall be provided for mounting of junction box on wall/steel structure.
19. Flame proof, double compression type, nickel/chromium plated brass cable glands shall be provided for all
flame proof equipment. The lugs provided shall be tinned copper crimping type.
20. All equipment shall be painted as per general specification.
21. Testing and inspection of light fixtures and Junction boxes shall included
22. Erection / installation of distribution board, fitting, cabling and jointing / termination shall be in accordance
with the Standards stipulated for flameproof characteristics. The contractor shall arrange all the necessary
T&P required for the installation, testing and commissioning of electrical system.

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

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Sl. Civil Construction Works Units of
No. measurement
1 Earthwork: Excavation, filling, cutting, banking m3
2 Surface dressing m2
3 Cutting of trees Number
4 Stones: quarrying, blasting m3
5 Concrete: PCC, RCC, Precast m3
6 Jail works m2
7 Damp proof course m2
8 Brick work of any description m3
9 Thin partition wall m2
10 String course, drip course, water course coping m
etc.
11 Stone work of any description m3
12 Stone work in wall facing (thickness specified) m2
13 Wood work: truss, rafter, beam etc. m3
14 Door, window shutters m2
15 Door, window fittings Number
16 Timbering, boarding, sawing of timber, m2
timbering of trenches, partition, etc.
17 Steel work Quintal
18 Expanded metal, fabric reinforcement, cutting cm2
angles, plates, tees
19 Threading; welding; solder of sheets cm
20 Iron gate, grill collapsible gate, rolling shutter m2
21 Iron railing m
22 Roofing: tiled, corrugated iron, caves board m2
(thickness specified)
23 Centering, shuttering m2
24 Ridges; valleys; gutters (girth given) m
25 Expansion and contraction joints m
26 Ceiling timber, A.C. sheet, board, etc. m2
27 Plastering; pointing; white washing; m2
distempering; painting; varnishing; polishing;
coal tarring; removing of paints
28 Flooring of any kind m2
29 Pipes, laying of pipes m
30 Dismantling of brick masonry m3
31 Grouting m2
32 Grouting of cracks, joints m
33 Supply of sand; brick ballast; aggregates; timber m3
34 Supply of cement Bag
35 Supply of steel, G.I. sheet, bare electric line Quintal
36 Supply of GI sheet m2
37 Supply of sanitary items Number
38 Supply of paint, varnishes Liter
39 Supply of explosives, stiff paint Kg
40 Wood work in door frame m2
41 False ceiling Running feet/
m2
42 Glazing work m2

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 Sr. No. Details of Material/ item Unit of Measurement

1 Cement Bag

2 Sand, Aggregate, Brick bats Cu. m.

3 Bricks Nos.

4 White Cement Kg

5 Slacked Lime Quintal

6 Wood Cu. m.

7 Reinforcement steel Kg

8 G. I. Sheet Kg

9 A.C. Sheet Sq. m.

10 Steel Sections ( angles, channel, I- sections) Kg

11 Adhesives Kg

12 Turpentine, Primer, Varnish Litre

13 Oil Paint Litre

14 Water proof Ower, Distemper Kg

15 Kotah Stone Sq. m.

16 Mozai Tiles Sq. m.

17 W. C. Tub No.

18 Nanhi Trap, Gully Trap No.

19 GI Pipe, CI pipe, PVC Pipe m

20 Rolling shutter Sq. m.

21 Wire Grill Sq. m.

22 Plywood Sheet Sq. m.

23 Wash Basin No.

INDIAN STANDARD SPECIFICATION

 The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis of
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. It is established by the
Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 which came into effect on 23 December 1986.
 Functions of BIS
 BIS through its core activities of standardization and conformity assessment, has been benefiting the
economy by providing safe and reliable and quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers;
protecting the environment, promoting exports and imports substitute; controlling proliferation of
varieties etc. The standards and certification scheme of BIS apart from benefitting the consumers and
industry also support various public policies especially in areas of product safety, consumer protection,
food safety, environment protection, building and construction, etc.
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  BIS carries out various activities like that of standards formulation, product certification, hallmarking,
laboratory services, training services, etc. However, the primary and most recognized objective of BIS is
to formulate and prescribe the standards for products for their certification. BIS also ensures the
harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
 The following schemes of certification are covered under BIS
 Product Certification Scheme – Applicable for tangible products; with some products classified under
compulsory certification.
 System Certification Scheme – Applicable for systems/ process
 Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme - Applicable for foreign manufacturers who are engaged in
the sale of their products in India.
 Hallmarking – Applicable for articles made from precious metals like gold and silver
 ECO Mark Scheme – Applicable for products affecting or related to the environment
 Obtaining the BIS registration is essentially voluntary in nature. However, BIS requires compulsory
certification for products which impact the health and safety of consumers. Mandatory certification
scheme is bifurcated into ISI (Indian Standards Institute) Mark Scheme and Compulsory Certification
Scheme (collectively referred to as ‘Standard Mark’). ISI Mark Scheme is applicable for products such as
cement, electrical appliances, etc. and Compulsory Certification is required mostly for IT/ electronic
products. For procurement of the BIS certificate, the manufacturer has to ensure that the product is in
compliance with the ‘Indian Standard’.
 The National Building Code of India (NBC), a comprehensive building Code, is a national instrument
providing guidelines for regulating the building construction activities across the country. It serves as a
Model Code for adoption by all agencies involved in building construction works be they Public Works
Departments, other government construction departments, local bodies or private construction
agencies. The Code mainly contains administrative regulations, development control rules and general
building requirements; fire safety requirements; stipulations regarding materials, structural design and
construction (including safety); building and plumbing services; approach to sustainability; and asset and
facility management.

SPECIFICATION FOR STONE CLADDING

 Stone cladding is a thin layer of real or simulated stone applied to a building or other structure
made of a material other than stone. Stone cladding is sometimes applied to concrete and steel
buildings as part of their original architectural design.
 Materials:
 travertine: has voids, usually has some veining, variety of warm colors optimal for outdoor use
for cladding and pool surrounds as it is naturally water resistant as it tends to push water out
due to the way the stone is formed
 limestone: often has visible fossils embedded within, some color variety. Not generally chosen
for outdoors due to its porosity and tendency to stain but it can be used with proper sealing
 granite: often has “busy” visual texture in a variety of colors. The hardness of the stone makes
granite the most popular choice for any outdoor applications and exterior cladding
 Onyx translucent, can range from gold and oranges to green. Applications: wall and decorative
 Slate: rough texture, mostly greys, but some varieties have dramatic some color variation. Great
for outdoor use. These stones are available in the form of tiles or panels in the case of larger
natural stones and in the form of mesh mounted panels in the case smaller or more brittle
stones. They are fixed to the designated areas with cement and plaster or adhesive as
recommended by the vendor.

Stone finishes Natural, Cleft, Polished ,Honed ,Sandblasted, split face ,Veneer based

 Prepare the surface. Stone veneer can be applied to any masonry surface such as concrete,
existing brick, or foundation cinder block. If you're working with wood or any other non-masonry
surface, you can create an appropriate surface by surrounding the non-masonry surface with a
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 water barrier. 2 Apply a moisture vapour barrier if you're doing an exterior application. Moisture
vapour barriers usually come with a self-sealing membrane. Peel back the outer layer to expose
the sticky backside of the membrane and simply stick it onto your surface. •Be careful about
only applying the membrane where you want it. The membrane's unpeeled surface is extremely
sticky; if it accidentally sticks somewhere it shouldn't, you're going to have a hell of a time trying
to get it off. •If you're working inside, you shouldn't need to set down a water vapour barrier,
unless you're adding stone veneer to a wood surface, like plywood.

INSTALLATION

1. Create a barrier of 18-gauge metal lath after you've placed your water vapour barrier. Use 1 1/2
to 2 inch (3.81 cm to 5.08 cm) nails, and space them out at 6 inch (15.24 cm) intervals. 3 4 Create
a scratch coat with mortar. You can make mortar by mixing 2 or 3 parts washed sand with 1-part
cement and adding water, according to the manufacturer's instructions. With a trowel, cover
the entire surface of the lath with this mixture, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches (1.27 cm to 1.905 cm)
thick. The lath should not stick out from the scratch coat. •Directions for mixing mortar will vary.
Follow manufacturer's directions, but most of all, be consistent with whatever recipe you
choose. If you decide to use 2:1 sand to cement, stick with 2:1 each time you use mortar
elsewhere.
2. Before the scratch coat dries, scrape horizontal grooves into the scratch coat. Use a metal
scraper or a scrap piece of the lath material. Allow the scratch coat to set up, or cure, according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Now, you are ready to apply your stone veneer. Part 2 of 3:
Installing the Stone 1 Mix the mortar, following the same ratio you used for the scratch coat.
Mix for a minimum of 5 minutes, until you've achieved the consistency of mashed potatoes. Too
wet and your mortar will lose strength. Too dry and your mortar will seize up too quickly.
3. Determine the layout of the stones. It's helpful to do a dry run and think about the layout of the
stones as they will appear on the wall. Spending a little extra time configuring their placement
now will save you the headache of excessive trimming later. If it's helpful, do the dry run on the
ground instead of trying to hold the stones up against the wall. The basic arrangement of the
stones should transfer 3 Use a chipping hammer, trowel edge, or other blunt tool, to trim the
stones to shape. The stones themselves should be fairly easy to shape. You will be able to hide
the trimmed edges later, using grout, so don't worry if the edges aren't perfectly rounded. 4
Wash the stones until they are completely free of any dirt, sand or other loose particles. The
grout adheres much better to completely clean surfaces.
4. Dry the stones to assure that the surfaces of the stones are damp. If necessary, use a masonry
brush to lightly moisten the stone, but do not saturate it. This will prevent the stones from
drawing moisture away from the mortar, which will allow it to set up with a naturally stronger
bond. Back butter the mortar onto the stone pieces one by one. Try to keep the back buttered
mortar about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) thick. If you happen to get any mortar on the face of the stone,
wipe it away with a damp towel before it dries. Start installing the stones, beginning in the
bottom corners. Turn any trimmed edges either directly up or down, away from the focal point.
Press the stones into the mortar, twisting them slightly to squeeze out some of the excess and
strengthen the bond. Use a trowel, joint tool, or brush to remove any excess mortar that has
been forced beyond the finished joint, or onto the surface of the stone itself. •Keep the joints
consistent to achieve the most appealing result. You probably want your joints to be between 1
and 3 inches (2.5 and 7.5 cm) long.
5. Continue back buttering and laying stone until the entire wall is finished. Take period breaks;
step back and prospect your work every so often. If you are installing veneer across more than
one face of a wall, consider getting cornerstone pieces. Most stone veneer manufacturers make
them, and they add an easy naturalness to the project. Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Process. When
finished placing all the stones, fill the joints with a grout bag. Best results come from using a
grout bag. During this step, conceal any trimmed edges. Use a striking tool to get the joints to

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 the desired depth as the mortar stiffens. Clean away any excess particles with plain water and
a whisk broom. Be sure to remove any stray mortar from the face of the stone within 30 minutes
mortar will be impossible to remove after 24 hours. •Use a paint brush to clean up the mortared
joints before the mortar sets completely. Do this especially if working inside, as inside stone
wants a more polished look.
6. Apply a sealer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Sealed stone will be easier to clean
and maintain, and some sealers will repel stains. Reapply the sealer periodically to maximize the
advantages. be advised some sealers will change the color of the stone or create a "wet" glossy
look.

SPECIFICATION FOR MARBLE STONE FLOORING

 Specification of Marble Stone

 Marbles are metamorphic rocks. This type of rocks is suitable for polishing to enhance its shine.
Marble stone is hard, sound, dense and homogeneous in texture with crystalline texture. It is
uniform in color, free from stains, cracks, decay and weathering. The stones come in several
colors. Marble stones are available at various quarry/rocks and are known by the name of
quarry/rock such as Makrana Marble, Dungri Marble, Rajnager Marble, Abu white marble etc.
 Specification of Marble Stone Flooring
 Marble stone flooring consists of 20 mm to 25 mm thick marble slabs laid over 20 mm thick base
of cement coarse sand mortar of 1:3 and jointed with white cement slurry mixed with pigment
to match the shade of stone. The marble stones/slabs used in flooring or dado are cut according
to the size and shapes given in drawing or to suit site dimension of the room and desired pattern.
All angles and edges of marble slabs are true and square and are free from chipping. The surface
is true and plain.
Raw Material for Marble Flooring
Marble Stone
Coarse Sand
Ordinary Cement
White Cement
Pigment
Polishing Material
Raw Material in Base Coat and Upper Layer
Sand
Brick Blast
Cement
Quantity of Cement and Other Material Sufficient for one Sq. meter for flooring
Base Coat: -
S. No. Materials Quantity
1. Fine Sand 0.15 CUM
2. Brick Blast 0.10 CUM
3. Cement 0.18 Bags
Top Layer:-
S.No. Material Quantity
1. Marble Stone 1.15 SQM
2. Cement 0.25 Bags
3. Cement White 0.02 Bag
4. Coarse Sand 0.015 CUM

Installation of Marble Stone Flooring

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  Preparation of sub base: Base coat consisting of cement concrete 1:8:16, 1:5:10 or 1:4:8 should
be laid on compacted earth under marble stone flooring.

Laying out of marble stone slabs

 The base concrete or RCC slab on which marble stone slabs are laid should be thoroughly
cleaned.
 The average thickness of bedding mortar under marble stone slab should be 20 mm thick and
the ratio of cement mortar should be 1:3
 The sand used in mortar should be coarse sand.
 The thickness of bedding should not be less than 12 mm in any place
 The top surface of mortar (bedding) should be leveled correctly by adding fresh mortar at
hollows if any.
 The mortar is allowed to harden and cement slurry shall be spread at the rate of 4.4 kg per sq.
meter.
 Marble stone slab to be paved should then be lowered gently back in position and tapped with
wooded mallet till it is properly bedded and leveled with adjoining slab.
 Care should be taken to match the grains of slabs.
 All stone slabs should be laid in same manner.
 After lying of each slab surplus cement on the surface of slabs should be cleaned.
 The surface of flooring as laid should be true to slopes.
 The edges of slabs already paved are filled with white cement with or without admixture to
match the shade of the stone slabs

Curing of Marble Stone Flooring

 The Marble stone floor should be cured for a minimum period of seven days.

Polishing and Finishing

 The grinding may be done either by hand or by machine.

 Manual grinding should be done after two days of laying of marble flooring
 Machine grinding should commence 3-4 days after laying marble stone flooring

First Grinding

 The grinding should be done by machine with grit No. 60.

 The water should be used profusely during grinding.
 After grinding the surface should thoroughly be washed to remove all grinding mud.
 A grout of cement and pigment in the same mix and proportion apply to the surface.
 It should be allowed to dry and then cured for four days.

Second Grinding

 The second grinding is done with machine fitted with fine grit blocks No120. The surface is again
washed cleanly and is repaired if required.
 Modern age grinder for marble flooring.

Final Grinding

 The final grinding with machine fitted with finest grade grit blocks No. 320 should be carried out
the day after second grinding.
 The grinding should be done to get the surface even, smooth without any pinholes.

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  Care should be taken during final grinding that foreign matter, particles of sand etc. do not
scratch the surface.
 After final grinding, whether by machine or by hand, the surface should be washed clean.
 Oxalic acid powder should be dusted over the surface at the rate of 33 gm per square meter.
 The water is then sprinkled and the surface is rubbed hard with felt or pad of woolen rags.
 Next day the floor should be wiped with a moist rag and be dried with a soft cloth and be finished
cleanly.
 The floor should then be covered with oil free saw dust which is removed after completion of all
construction work, such as painting, distempering, electrical work, plumbing, joinery work etc.
 After occupying area, the floor should be washed cleanly with dilute oxalic acid solution, be dried
and rubbed with clean cotton waste.
 In case wax polished surface is desired, wax polish is applied sparingly with soft cloth on clean
and dry surface.
 The surface should be rubbed thoroughly with clean cotton waste or a polishing machine fitted
with felt or jute bag bobs.
 Any surplus wax should be mopped up and rubbing is continued until the floor ceases to be
sticky.

Granite Polishing:

 The grit block used in granite polishing has designation number 1 to 6.

 The initial cutting and grinding of joints to a smooth and level surface is done with machine fitted
with grit block number 1 and 2.
 The subsequent grinding with final and final grit block number 3 to 6 is for polishing and
achieving a fine sheen on the marble.
 This is followed by buffing with tin oxide powder. Wax polishing is not necessary in granite
polishing.
SPECIFICATION FOR RCC ROOF SLAB

Grades and Strength of Reinforced Cement Concrete:

Concrete mix in RCC works is classified into the following categories:

The mix 1:3:6 indicates proportions of cement, aggregate and sand respectively.

 RCC (1:1.5:3) for slabs, beams, lintels and staircase:

 Proportion- The proportion of cement concrete shall be of one part of cement, two parts of sand four
parts of aggregates by volume.
 Cement- The cement shall be used in this work shall comply with the standard requirements. Fine
Aggregate-The sand to be used shall be clean and coarse and shall be free from any organic or vegetable
matter. The sand shall be washed, if there is any trace of earth in it.
 Coarse Aggregate- The coarse aggregate shall consist of 67% of black trap metal carrying in size from
20mm to 40mm and 33% of black trap metal carrying in size from 20mm to 6mm. The coarse aggregate

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 for the concrete work shall be clean and free from impurities such as earth, coal dust and other organic
materials. The unclean aggregates shall have to be screened and washed before use.
 Water- The water to be used in concrete work shall be clean and fresh.
 Reinforcement- All reinforcement shall be of steel which shall comply with the standard requirements.
All bars shall be placed as per design given by the engineer and utmost care shall be taken to keep them
in the same position while packing concrete around them. Before laying the concrete, the reinforcement
shall be got approved by the engineer.
 Centering- The Centering for the concrete work shall be sufficiently strong and rigid and in good
condition so as to turn out a good smooth surface. The props to be used for centering shall be of timber
bullies. The spacing of bullies shall not be more than 120cm centre to centre. The bullies shall be
supported at the base on 40mm thick wooden plate having area not less than 0.10sq m.
 The surface of formwork shall be oiled before placing of concrete.
 Mixing- The mixing of concrete shall be done in a mechanical mixer or by hand operations depending on
the quantity of the concrete which shall be decided by the engineer. In the former case, the mixing drum
shall be turned at least for 1.5 minutes after all the ingredients are added and the drum shall be
completely emptied every time. The concrete from the drum shall be placed on a water tight platform.
 Laying and Curing- Before start laying of concrete in position; the centering shall be well watered. The
concrete shall be laid in forms and tapped in such a way that no honeycomb surface appears on removal
of the forms. The cement concrete shall be kept well-watered for at least 20 days.
 Finishing of Exposed surface- All exposed surfaces of the concrete work shall be finished with 12mm
thick cement plaster of sagol finish and three coats of white or colour was shall be applied on these
exposed surfaces of concrete.
 2. 20mm thick external plaster in CM (1:4)
 Preliminary- The work of sand faced cement plaster shall be carried out after masonry joints are raked
out to a depth of 20 mm and the walls are well watered.
 Procedure for First Coat- The first coat for sand faced cement plaster shall be of cement mortar in
proportion 1:4 one part of cement to four part of clean, coarse and angular river sand by volume. The
mortar of one cement bag shall only be prepared at a time and it shall be prepared on a water tight
platform or in a steel trough. The mortar shall be consumed within 30 minutes after adding water. The
first coat of plaster shall be uniformly applied in the best workmanship manner after watering the
surface of walls in advance and putting dots and preparing screeds for maintaining uniform thickness of
plastered surface. The thickness of first coat shall be nowhere less than 12 mm, the first coat shall be
well watered at least for 7 days. The first coat shall be provided with zigzag lines such that the first coat
adheres well with the second coat.
 Procedure for Second coat- The second coat of sand faced cement plaster shall be carried out in CM of
proportion 1:1 and shall be of thickness 8mm. The second coat shall be applied on the first coat at least
after 7 days of completion of first coat. The second court shall give uniform grey colour to the whole
structure or any other colour approved by the engineer. The sand to be used in the mortar for the second
coat shall be perfectly screened so that sand of uniform size shall appear on the surface. The sponge
shall be used in the second coat and it shall be applied when the second coat is wet and it shall be so
worked that the density of the sand grains appearing on the surface shall be equal and uniform. After
completion of the second coat, the surface shall be kept well-watered at least for 15 days

SPECIFICATION FOR LAYING SEWER LINE

MATERIALS

1. Asbestos cement : Manufactured from mixture of asbestos fibre, silica and cement  Size 75 to
500 mm in diameter and length up to 4.0 m
2. Vitrified clay or stoneware  Manufactured from clay and shales of special qualities and grades
 Used mainly in house drainage and lateral sewers  Size available 5 to 30 cm internal diameter
with 0.9 to 1.2 m in length 42 Source:en.Wikipedia.org
3. Brick  Used for construction of large sized combined sewers

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4. Steel  Used for main , outfall and trunk sewers having large diameters where high external
and internal pressure are encountered.  Perfectly impervious, light in weight, easily welded
5. Cast Iron  Available in diameter from 150mm to 750mm and 3 to 3.5 m length  Stronger to
withstand tensile, compressive and bending stress
6. Plastic  Used for internal drainage works in house  Size 75 to 315 mm external diameter 
Smooth internal surface 
7. Plain or Reinforced Concrete  Used from 80mm to 450mm diameter with thickness varying
from 25 to 35mm  Equally strong under internal and external pressure  Easily manufactured
even at site

LAYING

 Starting from outfall end to starting end

 Manholes are required to be constructed
 Laying is done between two man holes
 Detailed map study Map showing all roads, cable lines, lanes etc., is prepared. Pipe line with size and
length is marked. The position of existing pipe lines, curb lines, water lines will also be marked.
 CENTER LINE AND OFFSET LINE MARKING. Center line of the sewer is marked by drawing an offset line
on the ground parallel to the center line at suitable fixed horizontal distance(2-3m). OFFSET DISTANCE
= (0.5 x trench width) +0.6m. This offset line should be drawn on that side of the trench which is not
likely to be disturbed by the piling of the excavated earth
 TRENCHES The Road pavements may have to be first of all, removed. (Softer pavements –pick axes by
manual labour) and (hard concrete pavements –pneumatic drills or spades). The inner portion is
remover either by pick axes or power shovels, boom and bucket excavator … Min. width of the trench
= 15cm more than the dia of sewer For smaller dia pipes =60-
 TIMBERING It is used when the excavation is more than 2m and It is used to resist soil from falling into
the trench. The sheeting or sheeting boards are the wooden planks which are placed in actual contact
with the trench sides, either horizontally or vertically. The braces are the cross wooden pieces
extending from one side of the trench to the other side, and may also be called struts.
 DEWATERING Dewatering is requiring if the w.t is high or if the sewer happens to be laid very deep.
Its removed by open jointed drain constructed below the sewer trench, which discharges into an
independent water course either by gravity or pumping. Its removed by pumping out the water from
the sump constructed in the trench. It should be operated for 24 hours if the water keeps on flowing
into the trench.
 SHAPING THE TRENCH AT THE BOTTOM TO THE CORRECT LEVEL it should be excavated equal to the
bottom of the embedding concrete or to the invert level of the sewer. The bottom most portion of the
trench should be excavated carefully so as not to dug more than require. Two vertical posts are first
of all driven along the sides of the trench at the interval of 10m at all junction and change points. A
horizontal board spanning the entire width is now fixed on that post by means of nails is called sight rail.
A vertical pencil line is marked on the wooden board and a needle is fixed on that line. A string is
stretched between the needle and produce a line in space and used to measure the depth of foundation,
invert level and embedded concrete. A boning rod or traveller is used to measure levels at the bottom
of the trench.
 LAYING After the bedding concrete has been laid in the required alignment and levels, the sewer pipes
are lowered down into the trenches. Smaller pipes less than 40cm dia can be directly handled by
masons and their helpers. Larger pipes can be lowered by passing ropes around each end of the pipe
length. For very large pipes machines have to be used. The sewer pipe lengths are usually laid from
the lowest point with their socket end facing upstream so that the spigot end can easily be jointed.
 TESTING TEST FOR LEAKAGE OR WATER TEST: - Sewers are tested to ensure no leakage in their joints.
They are tested between manhole to manhole under a test pressure of 1.5m of water head. Lower
end is plugged and the water is allowed to flow through the upper end. Depth of water in the manhole
is maintained to the testing head of about 1.5m. The sewer line is watched by moving along the trench
and the joints which leak or sweat, are repaired.

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  Backfilling While backfilling the excavated earth it should be laid equally on either side of the sewer
and it should have filled up in layers of 15cm thick. Each layer should be properly watered, tamped
and rammed. Earth filling above the crown of the sewer should be carefully carried out. After few
months of exposure, when the top layer gets fully settled, the road pavements, may be constructed. This
will prevent the subsidence and cracking.
 Manhole chambers • Manholes should be constructed where there is a change of direction
and/or a change of gradient, or where access is required for maintenance purposes. Such
changes in direction or gradient must be made within the channel and not outside of the
manhole or concealed by benching. • Manholes should also be positioned 0.5 m away from
curb lines, preferably with the manhole cover positioned away from the wheel line of traffic.
Sizing of manhole chamber • Manhole bases should be sized to accommodate the main
channel, lateral connection channels and provide a minimum 600 x 600 sq. mm landing area
beneath the step rungs or ladder for main channels up to 375 mm. However, should there be
several channels the size of the chamber may need to be increased.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ELECTRICAL WIRING:

 All the wiring shall be done on the distribution system with the main and branch distribution boards at
convenient physical and electrical load center.
 All runs of wiring shall be laid in such a manner that crossing is avoided.
 All runs of wiring and exact position of all points and switchgear shall be first marked on the building
itself and approved by the Site Engineer, MDL.
 Single / multi-strand single / double PVC wires shall be from fresh stock. Lights and fans shall be wired
on a common circuit, including socket outlets.
 As regards power circuits, in no case, there shall be more than 2 (Two) power points (16/6 Amp.) on
each circuit.
 Each sub-circuit ‘Power’ or ‘Lighting’ shall be protected by a fuse / ELCB / MCB.
 When conductors pass through wall and floors, the conductors shall be wired through rigid pipe PVC
sleeves of suitable size permitting easy pass of the wires. The ends of sleeves shall be nearly fixed with
PVC bushings.
 All ceiling fans shall be wired to ceiling-rose through connector to which fan rod wires shall be connected
and suspended from hooks or shackles with the insulators between hooks and suspended rods.
 Canopies on top and bottom of suspension rod shall be effectively suspended and connected to fan
motors respectively.
 The fluorescent fittings shall be suspended by suspension rods, wherever specified, from the ceiling with
special couplers fixed on to single teak wood blocks or suitable size G.I. clamp. /GI chain. The suspension
rods shall be screwed to the couplers and end of the pipe shall touch within coupler to maximum extend
and shall in addition be secured by means of split pins. Two such suspension rods shall be provided for
each fitting.
 All the fluorescent fittings shall be supplied complete with all the standard accessories and they shall be
duly wired. Ceiling rose shall be of 3-plated terminal so as to terminate Earthing wire.
 All ceilings roses, brackets, pendants and accessories attached to walls or ceilings shall be mounted on
PVC or teakwood switchboards. Teakwood switchboard shall be varnished. Switchboard shall not be less
than 25 mm/40 mm deep. Screws shall be used for attaching fittings and accessories to their
switchboard. The PVC / Teakwood round blocks shall be fixed with long length screw.
 All the teakwood articles shall be given one coat of varnished shellac conforming to I.S. 347-1952 over
an application on marketed articles. If no application has been made earlier, two coats of varnish shellac
conforming to I.S. 347-1952 shall be given.
 Suitable size danger boards in shall be fixed at every service position and where supply voltage exceeds
230 Volts.
 Casing –n- Capping and accessories shall be of same make and as per IS 14927 Part-1. In casing –N-
Capping wires, shall be laid in one length without any joint. Casing- NCapping shall have minimum joints,
 The casing –n- capping shall be ISI marked.

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  All the dimension and thickness shall be as per IS 14927 (Part-I & 2) Instead of internal working sizes, all
external dimension shall be included in specification.
LIGHTING SYSTEM & POWER RECEPTACLES:
Wiring shall be color coded so as to enable easy identification of phase, neutral and earth wire.
Main and sub-distribution boards shall conform to the stipulations of IS 732 or as approved by the Site Engineer,
MDL at site. These shall be weatherproof and dust-proof.
Receptacle and lighting fixtures shall be fed from different circuits.
All receptacles and switches to be installed in offices, control rooms and other decorative/finished are shall be
flush mounted.
All exposed metal parts of the plug, when the plug is in complete engagement with the socket outlet, shall be in
effective electrical connection with the earthing pin.
Conduits and fixtures shall be grounded properly by tinned copper wires by means of approved type grounding
clamps efficiently fastened to the conduit pipe with earthing clips. To achieve perfect electrical continuity, the
conduits shall be bounded effectively
CABLES
(a) Cables shall be capable of satisfactorily withstanding, without damage, during transportation to site,
installation at site, and operation under normal and short circuit conditions of the various systems to which the
respective cables are connected, when operating under the climatic conditions prevailing at the site as
indicated in this specification.
(b) Cables shall be capable of giving satisfactory performance when laid in trays,
trenches conduit, and ducts and when directly buried in the ground.
(c) Cables shall be capable of operating satisfactorily under a power supply system
voltage variation of ± 6% and frequency variation of ± 2%.
(l) DISTRIBUTION BOARDs
The DBs shall be suitable for operation on 3 phase/single phase 415/230 Volts, 50
cycle. The DBs shall comply with the addition of relevant Indian Standards and
Indian Electricity Rules and Regulation.
MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS (MCBs)
Miniature circuit breakers shall be quick make and break type, and shall conform to relevant Indian Standards.
The housing shall be heat resistant and having high impact strength. The fault current shall not be less than 9000
amps at 230 volts.
EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER (ELCB): ELCBs shall be current operated devices which operate on the
principle of measurement of different current using a current balance transformer and tripping a switching
device through a Bi-polar electromagnetic tripping relay.
MOULDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKERS (MCCB): MCCBs shall comprise a switching mechanism contact system, arc
extinguishing device and a tripping unit contained in a compact moulded case and cover. The insulating case and
cover shall be made of high strength, heat resistance and flame retardant thermosetting insulating material.
FUSE SWITCH UNIT: The fuse switch unit shall be 3 pole double break type suitable for load duty quick make
and break action. Separate neutral link shall be provided in the switch. All fuse switch units shall be provided
with hinged doors duly interlocked with operating mechanism, so as to prevent opening of the door when the
switch is ‘ON’ position and also to prevent closing of the switch when the door is not properly secured.

15
EARTHING
All the non-current carrying metal parts of electrical installation such as metal conduits, switchgear, distribution
switchboards and all other parts of metal shall be bonded together and connected by means of two separate
earth continuity conductor to earth electrode.
METHODS OF WRITING SPECIFICATION
The four methods are: – Descriptive – Performance – Reference Standard – Proprietary
1. Descriptive Specifications • Under this method of specifying the exact properties of the materials and
methods of installation are described in detail without using proprietary or manufacturer's names. •
Descriptive specifications are commonly used for products for which no standards exist, on projects
where using proprietary names is restricted, and in situations where the Architect/Engineer want to
exercise tight control over the specified work.
 There are five steps for preparing descriptive specifications
 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. 4. 15. – 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.
2. Performance Specifications • Under this method the required end results are specified along with the
criteria by which the performance will be judged and the method by which it can be verified. • The
contractor is free to choose the materials and methods that comply with the performance specification.
• They are generally used to encourage the use of new and innovative techniques that may lead to more
economical construction. • They are also used to supplement other specification methods.
 Advantages to using performance specifications: – Only the end result or design intent is specified, this
gives the Contractor flexibility in selecting and applying products. – They permit free competition. – They
can be applicable in all types and sizes of projects. – Performance specifications delegate the technical
responsibilities to the construction industry, where the Contractor instead of the
Architecture/Engineering firm is responsible for the results.
 Disadvantages to using performance specifications: – They can be time consuming to produce and may
result in long, detailed specifications. – They are more difficult to enforce than other methods of
specifying. – They may be too elaborate for simple or minor projects. – Performance specifications
delegate the technical responsibilities to the construction industry, where the Contractor instead of the
Architecture/Engineering firm is responsible for the results. (This is both an advantage and
disadvantage)
3. Reference Standard Specifications – Under this method reference is made to an established standard
defined by associations very knowledgeable about a certain part or phase of construction. – Reference
standard specifications are used for "commodity" products in the marketplace, where brand names are
not important. 9.
 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. •
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  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.
11. 22. – 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.
4. Proprietary Specifications – 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.
 The primary difference between the two types concerns substitutions are, • 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 to using proprietary specifications: – 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 FOR BRICK

Machine made Bricks

 Bricks shall be of uniform deep red or copper color, thoroughly burnt without being vitrified, regular in
shape and size and shall have sharp and square sides and edges and parallel faces to ensure uniformity
in the thickness of the courses of brickwork. The Brick shall be first class machine made bricks of quality
approved by the Engineer and free from grit and other impurities such as lime, iron and other deleterious
salts, conforming NS 1 2035/ IS code (latest revision). These shall be well-burnt, sound, and hard with
sharp edges and shall emit ringing sound when struck with a mallet. These shall be of uniform size. The
size of the bricks shall be 24.0cm x 11.2cm x 5.7cm unless otherwise specified, with a tolerance of ± 3mm
in each direction. The compressive strength should be more than 3.5N/mm².

Chimney made Bricks

 The Brick shall be first class chimney made bricks of quality approved by the Engineer and free from grit
and other impurities such as lime, iron and other deleterious salts, conforming NS 1 2035 / IS code (latest
revision). These shall be well burnt, sound, and hard with sharp edges and shall emit ringing sound when
struck with a mallet. These shall be of uniform size. The size of the bricks shall be 22.9cm x 11.2cm x
5.5cm unless otherwise specified, with a tolerance of ± 3mm in each direction.

SPECIFICATION FOR SAND

 Fine aggregate shall be clean hard and durable and shall be natural sand, crushed gravel sand or crushed
rock sand complying with IS 383. AH the material shall pass through a 4.75 mm IS sieve and the grading
shall be in accordance with IS 383. In order to achieve an acceptable grading, it may be necessary to
blend materials from more than one source. The deviation from the initial fineness modulus shall be no
more than ± 0.30 for ordinary concrete and ± 0.20 for high quality concrete.
 However, in respect of the presence of deleterious materials the fine aggregate shall not contain iron
pyrites, iron oxides, mica, shale, coal or other laminar soft or porous materials or organic matter unless
the Contractor can show by comparative tests on finished concrete as per the direction of the Engineer,
that the presence of such materials does not affect the properties of the concrete.

17
SPECIFICATION FOR ENTRANCE GATE OF AN EXHIBITION CENTRE

SPECIFICATION FOR WOODEN FLOORING

 The seasoned and aldrin treated Timber Planks of finished size of 450mm x65mm x15mm of specified
hardwood or as directed by the consultant shall be used and laid in approved type of pattern over
levelled cement punned surfaces and fixed to the floor with Dendrite glue or water repellent Glue and
each tile is screwed to ground with two nos. sheet metal screws and grip. At the edges, of floor the plank
should have minimum of 8mm gap for the expansion and contraction. The top surface shall be finished
in perfect line and level. The planks shall be painted with chapra paints as per the specifications and
finished with 2 coats of Polyurethane paints as wearing coat. The texture of the floors shall be in mat or
as instructed by the Project In-charge.

SPECIFICATION OF BRICKS FOR ARCHES

1. The arch work shall include masonry for both gauged as well as plain arches.

2. In gauged arches, cut or molded bricks shall be used, and in plain arches, uncut bricks shall be used.

3. The brick that forms the skew of an arch shall be dressed or cut so as give proper radials to the
end voussoirs.

4. The defects in the dressing of bricks shall not be permitted either by further use of mortar or the use of
chips and bats.

5. In the spandrel wall, the bricks at their junction with the extrude of the arch shall be cut to fit the
curvature of the arch.

18
 6. The bricks used for the construction of arches shall be soaked in water before use for a period so that
the water shall penetrate the whole depth of the bricks.

Centering and Shuttering for Arches

1. The Centering and shuttering for the arch shall be strong enough to bear the dead load of the arch and
the live loads that are likely to come upon it during construction, without any appreciable deflections.

2. The shuttering shall be tightened with hardwood wedged or sandboxes so that the same could be eased
without jerks being transmitted to the arch.

3. The sequence of easing the shuttering shall be approved by the engineer.

4. The shuttering shall be struck within 48 hours after the spandrel has been filled in and the arch loaded.

Construction of Circular Arches

1. The circular arches shall be either plain arches and shall be built in half brick concentric rings with break
joints, or gauged arches built with bricks cut or molded to the proper shape.

2. The arch work shall be carried up from both ends extraneously and keyed in the center.

3. The bricks shall be flush with mortar and well pressed into their positions so as to squeeze out a part of
their mortar and leave the joints thin and compact.

4. All joints shall be full of mortar, and the thickness of joints shall be full of mortar, and the thickness of
joints shall not be less than 5 mm and more than 15 mm.

5. After the arch is completed, the haunches shall be loaded by filling up the spandrels to the crown level
of the arch.

6. Care shall be taken to load the haunches on two sides of the spandrels.

7. When the arch face is to be pointed (and not plastered), the face bricks shall be cut to proper shape or
molded so as to have the joints not more than 5 mm thick.

8. These shall be laid with radial joints to the full depth of the arch.

9. The voussoirs shall break joints to the full depth of the arch.

SPECIFICATION OF CONCRETE BLOCKS

Concrete Work Factory made solid concrete block, hydraulically pressed, machine vibrated steam cured only
shall allow to be used in the work. The approval of Engineer shall be obtained before placing the order. Concrete
blocks shall be solid and shall be referred to by its nominal dimension. The term nominal dimension includes the
thickness of the mortar joint. Actual dimensions shall be 10mm short of the nominal dimensions. Blocks shall be
made in sizes and shapes to fit different construction needs. It includes stretcher, corner, double corner or pier,
jambs, header, bullnose, partition block and concreted floor units. Nominal dimensions of concrete blocks shall
be, Length - 390 mm Height - 190 mm Width - 90 or 140 or 190 mm’ Maximum variations in length shall be 5%
in length and 3% in width and height. Face shells and webs shall not be less than the values given in the
reproduced table 15 of Annexure. 2.4.2 Grade of concrete for block shall be M10 with maximum water cement
ratio of 0.35 for concrete. Concrete shall be mixed in the mechanical mixer. Blocks shall be moulded, lad and
compacted with automatic machines only. No hand / manual compaction shall be permitted.

Wetting of Concrete Blocks

The concrete blocks need not be wetted before or during laying in the walls. In places with high temperatures,
the sides and the top of the blocks shall only be moistened to prevent the absorption of water from the mortar
and ensure the formation of the required bond with the mortar.

19
Laying of Concrete Blocks

The concrete blocks shall be laid in the mortar of the required mix as specified and thoroughly bedded in mortar.

Mortar shall be spread over the top surface of the previous course, creating a uniform layer with a minimum
thickness of 10mm and not exceeding 12mm.

All the concrete block courses shall be laid truly horizontal, and all vertical joints made truly vertical.

The concrete blocks shall break joints with those above and below for not less than a quarter of their length.

Precast half-length closers (and not cut from full-size blocks) shall be used.

For battered faces, bedding shall be at right angles to the face unless otherwise directed.

Care must be taken during construction to ensure that the edges of the blocks are not damaged.

Finishes in Concrete Block Masonry

1. Rendering for the concrete block wall shall not be done if the walls are wet.

2. Joints for plastering or pointing as specified shall be raked to a depth of 12 mm.

3. Joints on internal faces, unless otherwise indicated, shall be raked for plastering.

4. If the internal faces of masonry are not to be plastered, the joints shall be finished flush as the work
proceeds, or pointed flush where indicated.

GENERAL PLASTER WORKS SPECIFICATIONS

 Plastering shall be started from top and worked down. All putlog holes shall be properly filled in advance
of the plastering as the scaffolding is being taken down. Wooden screeds 75 mm wide and of the
thickness of the plaster shall be fixed vertically 2.5 to 4 meters apart to act as gauges and guides in
applying the plaster. The mortar shall be laid on the wall between the screeds using the plaster's float
and pressing the mortar so that the raked joints are properly filled. The plaster shall then be finished off
with a wooden straight edge reaching across the screeds. The straight edge shall be worked on the
screeds with a small upward and sideways motion 50 mm or 75 mm at a time. Finally, the surface shall
be finished off with a plaster's wooden float. Metal floats shall not be used. When recommencing the
plastering beyond the work suspended earlier the edges of the old plaster shall be scraped, cleaned and
wetted before plaster is applied to the adjacent areas. No portion of the surface shall be left out in a
condition to be patched up later on. The plaster shall be finished to a true and plumb surface and to the
proper degree of smoothness as required by the Engineer. The average thickness of plaster shall not be
less than the specified thickness. The minimum Thickness over any portion of the surface shall not be
less than the specified thickness minus 3 mm. Any cracks which appear in the surface and all portions,
which sound hollow when tapped, or are found to be soft or otherwise defective, shall be cut out in
rectangular shape and re-done as directed by the Engineer. The surface to be plastered shall be brushed
clean mortar joints of brick masonry or hollow concrete walls or any other surface to be plastered shall
be raked to a depth of approximately 12mm, and the surface brushed down with a stiff brush and
thoroughly wetted. The surface shall be free of all dust, loose materials, grease etc. The mortar shall be
first dry mixed, by measuring with boxes to required proportion, and then water added slowly and
gradually and mixed thoroughly to uniform consistency. The thickness of the plaster shall not be less
than 12 mm not more than 20mm. In case of plaster thicker than 20mm, it shall be built by two or more
coats each coat not exceeding 12mm in thickness. Cement shall be as specified above. Sand shall be as
before specified but shall be graded to a suitable fineness in accordance with the nature of the plaster,
etc., in order to obtain the finish required. Lime for plastering shall be as before described in clause 414
and slaked and run at least four weeks before use. All other mixes shall be constructed in a like manner.

20
 Moist curing shall be accomplished by keeping the plaster uniformly damp by suitable means. Moist
curing shall start during application and continue for not less than 7 days.
 Hacking
 Prices of all paving and plastering etc. shall include for hacking concrete ceilings, beams, floors etc., by
approved means and for raking out joints of walls 12mm deep to form a proper key. Plastering on walls
generally shall be taken to include flush faces of lintels etc., in same. Surfaces to be paved or plastered
must be brushed clean and well wetted before each coat is applied. All cement plaster shall be kept
continually damp in the interval between application of coats and for seven days after application of the
final coat. Dubbing out where required shall be composed of similar material to that following. Partially
or wholly set material will not be allowed to be used or remixed.
 Samples
 The Contractor shall prepare sample square meter of the plastering and paving as directed until the
quality, texture and finish required is obtained and approved by the Project Engineer after which all
plastering or paving executed shall conform with the respective approved sample. No payment shall be
accounted for such sampling.
 Finish
 Care shall be taken to insure that finished plaster surfaces shall be plumb, square, straight and true to
line. Generally, all screeds and paving shall be finished smooth, even and truly level (unless specifically
required to falls and currents, etc.), and paving shall be steel troweled or floated. Rendering and
plastering shall be finished plumb, square, smooth and even. All surfaces to be plastered shall be
thoroughly wetted before any plastering is commenced and the Contractor shall allow in his prices for
dusting external angles with neat cement to give additional strength. No plastering will be allowed to
take place until all chases for service have been cut, services installed and chases made good. On no
account may finished plaster surface be chased and made good. All Work shall be to approval and any
not complying with the above shall be hacked away and replaced, as directed, and at the Contractor’s
expense.
 External Plastering and Rendering: Waterproofed External Plaster or Rendering work shall consist of
minimum 12.5mm to 16mm as detailed in the Bill of Quantity with cement/ sand ratio 1:3 or 1:4 at the
rate of 1/2 gallon to 90 lbs of cement all in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and finished
perfectly true and even with a wood float.
 Internal Plastering and Rendering: Internal Plastering or Rendering shall consist of minimum 12.5mm to
16mm as detailed in the Bill of Quantities with cement/ sand ration 1:3, 4 finished perfectly true and
even with a wood float.

LAYING WATER LINE

 Pipes are generally laid below the ground level, but sometimes when they pass in open areas, they may
be laid over the ground.
 The pipes are laid in the following way:
 First of all detailed map showing all roads, steels, lanes etc. is prepared. On this map the proposed pipe
line with as sizes and length will be marked. The position of existing pipe lines, curb lines, sewer lines
etc. will also be marked on it. In addition to this position of valves and other pipe specials, stand posts
etc. will also be made so that at the time of laying there should be no difficulty in this connection.
 After the general planning the centre line of the pipe line will be transferred on the ground from the
detailed plan. The centre line will be marked by means of stakes driven at 30 m interval on straight lines.
On curves the stakes will be driven at 7 m to 15 m spacing. If the roads or streets have curbs, the distance
of centre of pipe line from the curb will be marked.
 When the centre line has been marked on the ground the excavation for the trenches will be started.
The width of the trends will be 30 cm to 45 cm more than the external diameter of the pipe. At every
joint the depth of excavation will be 15-20 cm more for one meter length for easy joining of the pipes.
The excavation of the trends is done in such a way that only pipe should be supported and its joint
portion should remain over-hanging.

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  The pipe line should be laid more than 90 cm below the ground so that pipe may not break due to impact
of heavy traffic moving over the road or ground if the excavation is to be done in soft soils, the sides of
the trenches should be protected by means of timber planks, so that it may not fall or collapse.
 After the excavation of trenches, the pipes are lowered in it. Generally, in practice, the pipes are stacked
on the opposite side fixed on derricks, but lighter pipes are lowered manually. The pipe laying should be
started from the lower level and proceed towards higher level with socket end towards higher side. The
jointing of pipes should also be done along with the laying of pipes.
 After laying the pipes in position, they are tested for water leakage and pressure.
 When the pipe line is tested, the back filling of the excavated material will be done.
 The soil which was excavated is filled back in the trenches all around the pipes and should be well
rammed. All the surplus soil will be disposed of and the site should be cleaned.
Joining of Pipes:
o Unloading:
 Unloading (except where mechanical handling facilities are available) of pipes up to 60 kg should be
done by two persons. Heavier pipes should be unloaded from the wagon or truck by holding them in
loops, formed with ropes and sliding over planks set not steeper than 45°. One pipe should be unloaded
at a time. Under no circumstances pipes should be thrown down from the carriers or be dragged or
rolled along hard surfaces.
o Storing:
 The pipes and specials should be handled with sufficient care to avoid damage to them. These shall be
lines up on one side of the alignment to the trench, socket facing upgrade when line runs uphill and
upstream when line runs on level ground. Each stack should contain pipes of the same class and size.
Consignment or batch number and particulars of suppliers, where possible, should be marked.
o Cutting:
 While cutting the pipes in required lengths, a line should be marked around the pipe with a chalk at the
point of cut. The line shall be so marked that the cut is truly at right angle to the longitudinal axis of the
pipe. The pipe shall be rightly held on two parallel rafters nailed to cross beams, taking care that the
portion to be cut does not overhang and the cut mark is between the two rafters.
o Trenches:
 The trenches shall be so dug that the pipe may be laid to the required alignment at required depth. The
bed of the trench, if in soft or made up earth, shall be well watered and rammed before laying the pipes
and the depressions, if any, shall be properly filled with earth and consolidated in 20 cm layers.
o Laying:
 The pipes shall be lowered into the trench by means of suitable pulley blocks, sheer legs chains, ropes
etc. In no case the pipes shall be rolled and dropped into the trench. One end of each rope may be tied
to a wooden or steel peg driven into the ground and the other end held by men which when slowly
release, will lower the pipe.
After lowering, the pipes shall be arranged so that the spigot of one pipe is carefully centered into the socket of
the next pipe, and pushed to the full distance, that it can go. The pipe line shall be laid to the level required.
o Installation of Trust Blocks:
 Thrust Blocks are required to transfer the resulting hydraulic thrust from the fitting or pipe on to a larger
load bearing soil section. Thrust blocks shall be installed wherever there is a change or when the pipe
line ends at a dead end. These may be constructed at valves also.
o Back Filling and Tamping:
 Back filling of trenches shall follow pipe installation as closely as possible to protect pipe from falling
boulders, eliminating possibilities of lifting of the pipe due to flooding of open trench and shifting pipe
out of line by caved in soil.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SEPTIC TANK

 Septic Tanks Advantages • It is Cheaper • There is no need of skilled supervision and hence maintenance
is negligible • There is no need of sewerage system if the soil is pervious. The septic tanks effluent can
be disposed in Soak Pit or Distribution trenches. • Large Cleaning Period Can be allowed. • It Removes
Considerable amount of BOD & SS
 Disadvantages of Septic Tanks • It has to be provided at some distance from buildings because it being
anaerobic Treatment Unit generates foul gases like H2S, Methane, etc. Which are Hazardous. • The
effluent from septic tank contains high BOD and needs proper disposal. • If the soil permeability is poor,
It is difficult to dispose effluent of septic tank, larger distribution trenches are required which again
involves large land requirement and thus greater cost.
SPECIFICATION FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS OF WORK

 Water supply line- pg.no: 314

 First class brick masonry _ pg.no. 573
 Cement concrete flooring- pg.no. 578
 Sanitary fixtures –pg.no. 302- 312
 Plastering in 1:6 cement sand mortar – pg.no.: 576
 Wooden doors and windows - pg.no.: 584
 Detailed specification (pg.no: 565)
 Reinforcement steel (pg.no: 570)
 Schedule of rates (pg.no: 458)
 Sand-pg.no: 594
 Terracing with tile brick paving – pg.no:588

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