Concrete - Example Specification
Concrete - Example Specification
Concrete - Example Specification
SC#
PROJECT NAME
PART 1 - GENERAL
0.1 SUMMARY
A. Related Documents:
1. Drawings and general provisions of the Subcontract apply to this Section.
2. Review these documents for coordination with additional requirements and information that apply to
work under this Section.
B. Section Includes:
1. Cast-in-place concrete.
C. Related Sections:
1. Section 01XXX - General Requirements
2. Section 01XXX - Special Procedures
3. Section 031000 - Formwork
4. Section 031500 - Concrete Accessories
5. Section 032000 - Concrete Reinforcement
0.2 REFERENCES
A. General:
1. The following documents form part of the Specifications to the extent stated. Where differences exist
between codes and standards, the one affording the greatest protection shall apply.
2. Unless otherwise noted, the referenced standard edition is the current one at the time of
commencement of the Work.
3. Refer to Division 01 Section "General Requirements" for the list of applicable regulatory requirements.
16. ASTM E1745Specification for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under
Concrete Slabs
0.3 SUBMITTALS
B. Product Data: Provide data form proprietary materials, including admixtures curing materials, and finish
materials.
C. Submit Placement Shop Drawings, showing location of construction joints, Clearly indicate the construction
joints in different locations that those shown in the Drawings.
E. Mix design for each concrete mix sealed by an engineer registered in California.
1. Include compression test data used to establish mix proportions.
F. Submit certification that the facilities of the ready-mix plant comply with the requirements of ASTM C94.
G. Material Certificates.
1. Cementitious materials, including supplemental cementitous material.
2. Aggregates, including gradation and combined gradation.
3. Admixtures. Where more than one admixture is proposed, include statement from admixture
manufacturer indicating that admixtures proposed for use are compatible, such that desirable effects of
each admixture will be realized.
H. Submit ticket to Testing Laboratory for each batch of concrete delivered, bearing the following information.
Refer to "Field Quality Control" Article of this Section.
1. Mix identification.
2. Weights of cementitious materials, aggregates, water and admixtures, and aggregate size.
I. Submit test reports from the independent testing agency for review by the University.
J. LEED Submittals:
1. Product Data for Credit MR 4.1[ and Credit MR 4.2]: For products having recycled content,
documentation indicating percentages by weight of postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content.
a. Include statement indicating costs for each product having recycled content.
2. Design Mixtures for Credit ID 1.1: For each concrete mixture containing fly ash as a replacement for
portland cement or other portland cement replacements and for equivalent concrete mixtures that do
not contain portland cement replacements.
A. Quality assurance and inspection shall be in accordance with Division 01 Section "Special Provisions".
B. Standards: Comply with provisions of ACI 301, except where more stringent requirements are indicated.
Evaluation and acceptance of concrete structures will be in accordance with ACI 301.
C. Concrete Mix Design: Testing Laboratory shall, under direction of its California registered Civil Engineer,
design concrete mixes. Each mix shall bear the signature, seal and registration expiration date of the engineer
directing the design work. For mixes containing greater than twenty five percent fly ash, the Testing Laboratory
shall produce calculations and test batches in accordance with the recommendations of ACI 211.1 to determine
the minimum water content and to confirm workability, curing time and compressive strength.
D. Certificates of Compliance: Acceptability of the following materials will be based upon documentation furnished
by the manufacturer identifying each batch of material and certifying compliance with the requirements
specified:
1. Portland cement.
2. Fly ash.
3. Chemical admixtures.
E. Certified Laboratory Test Reports: Before delivery of materials submit certified copies of the reports of the tests
required in referenced standards or otherwise specified here. The testing shall have been performed by an
independent laboratory approved by the University within one year of submittal of test reports for approval.
Test reports on a previously tested material shall be accompanied by notarized certificates from the
manufacturer certifying that the previously tested material is of the same type, quality, manufacture and make
as that proposed for use in the Project. Certified test reports are required for the following:
1. Portland Cement.
2. Aggregates.
3. Admixtures.
F. Survey anchor bolts for placement and alignment prior to casting concrete.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
A. Cementitious materials and aggregates for exposed concrete shall be from same source throughout the work.
B. Cementitious Material: An intimate blend of Portland cement and supplemental cementitious material.
Cementitious material shall include [15 percent minimum to a maximum of 25 percent] [50% percent minimum
to a maximum of 60 percent] fly ash or ground blast furnace slag by weight unless the strength is specified to
be achieved in 7 or 14 days. Cementitious material shall comply with ACI 318 Chapter 4 requirements for
exposure class S1.
C. <Retain first option in first paragraph below if required for LEED-NC Credit ID 1.1. This credit can be achieved
by replacing at least 40 percent of the portland cement, which would otherwise be used in concrete, with other
cementitious materials. Retain second option if limiting percentage of cementitious materials that can replace
portland cement. Neither ACI 301 nor ACI 318 (ACI 318M) limit amount of cementitious materials that can
replace portland cement unless concrete is exposed to deicing chemicals. Identify parts of building or structure
affected by these limits unless extending them to all concrete.
D. (Option 1) [Supplemental Cementitious Materials: Use fly ash, pozzolan, ground granulated blast-furnace
slag, and silica fume as needed to reduce the total amount of portland cement, which would otherwise be used,
by not less than 40 percent.]
F. Aggregate for Standard Weight Concrete: ASTM C33, except as modified herein.
1. Coarse Aggregates: Cleanness Value of not less than 75 when tested as per CMM-Test Method No.
California 227.
2. Coarse Aggregate for Shrinkage Controlled Concrete: Lonestar or Hanson Clayton, or Sechelt, B.C. (as
supplied by Hanson).
3. Fine Aggregates: Sand Equivalent of not less than 75 when tested per CMM-Test Method No.
California 217.
G. Aggregate for Lightweight Concrete: ASTM C330. Lightweight aggregate shall be vacuum saturated
expanded shale or clay produced by rotary kiln.
H. Water: Mixing water shall be clean, potable and free from deleterious material.
I. Admixtures
1. General:
a. Admixtures containing more than 0.05 percent chloride ions are not permitted.
b. Where mix contains more than one admixture, all admixtures shall be supplied by one
manufacturer. Manufacturer shall certify that admixtures are compatible such that desirable
effects of each admixture will be realized.
c. Liquid admixtures shall be considered part of the total water.
J. Lightweight Concrete shall contain an air entrainment admixture conforming to ASTM C260, to produce an air
content of 3 to 5 percent at point of placement.
K. Water Reducing Admixture: ASTM C494, Type A. Provide in all concrete at necessary dosage to facilitate
placement.
L. Mid to High Range Water Reducing Admixture: ASTM C494, Type F; polycarboxylate formulation. Provide in
mid-range or high-range dosage as necessary for placement at the maximum water to cement ratio specified.
M. Set Accelerating Admixture: ASTM C494, Type E, non-chloride. Subject to approval of University's
Representative, provide in necessary dosage to accelerate set.
N. Set Retarding Admixture: ASTM C494, Type D. Subject to approval of University's Representative, provide in
necessary dosage to retard set.
O. Color Admixtures: ASTM C579; products of Davis Colors, L. M. Scofield Co, QC Construction Products, or
equal. Provide color as approved by the University's Representative from job site samples. Exposed exterior
concrete shall contain 2 pounds of lampblack per cubic yard.
0.2 ACCESSORIES
A. Curing Compounds: ASTM C309, [Type I, clear or translucent without dye,] [Type 1-D, clear or translucent with
fugitive dye] or Type 2, white pigmented] and which will not discolor concrete or affect bonding of other finishes
applied thereover, and which restricts loss of water to not more than 0.500 grams per square centimeter of
surface when tested per ASTM C156, “Test Method for Water Retention by Concrete Curing Materials.”
E. Rock Base: Clean, hard and durable gravel or crushed rock conforming to the requirements of CalTrans
Standard Specifications Section 68 for Class 1, Type A permeable material.
G. Sand Cover: Uniformly graded, clean sand free from excessive fines, organic materials or other deleterious
substances.
H. Form Tie Cone Hole Plugs: Burke Co., Grey, Recessed, Jumbo Cone, “Snaplug”, or equal (no known equal)
with waterproof adhesive.
I. Filter drains such as behind concrete walls: Type A drain rock conforming to Division 31 Section "Backfilling" or
prefabricated drain manufactured with polyethylene stranded or molded core and a geotextile fabric bonded to
one side. Filter drains shall be manufactured by Mirafi, Exxon or equal approved by the Architect-Engineer.
Mix B Walls, Columns, Size 57 (1 inch) 4 to 6 inches 4000 psi Req't E.1,
Suspended Slabs & Beams (25 mm) (100 to 150 mm) (27.6 MPa) Req't E.2
Mix C Floor Slabs on Grade, Size 57 (1 inch) 3 to 5 inches 4000 psi Req't E.1,
Miscellaneous Concrete (25 mm) (75 to 125 mm) (27.6 MPa) Req't E.2
Mix D Lightweight Concrete Fill on 1/2 inch (13 mm) by 3 to 5 inches 4000 psi Req'ts E.2
Metal Decking #4 lightweight (75 to 125 mm) (27.6 MPa) and E.3
B. Aggregate: Coarse aggregate size number in accordance with ASTM C33 for normal-weight aggregate.
Coarse aggregate size in accordance with ASTM C330 for lightweight aggregates.
C. Slump: Minimum-maximum slump at point of placement in inches when tested in accordance with ASTM
C143.
D. Strength: Minimum compressive strength in psi after [7] [14] [28] days, tested in accordance with ASTM C39.
F. Proposed mixes shall produce concrete to strengths specified with adequate workability and proper
consistency to permit concrete to be worked into forms and around reinforcement without excessive
segregation or bleeding.
G. Mix design shall be subject to review by the University's Representative and the Testing Laboratory. Submit
mixes in a timely manner to allow for review and adjustment, if necessary.
H. Add air entraining agent to normal weight concrete mix for work exposed to exterior.
I. Concrete mixes used for liquid nitrogen tank foundations shall comply with ACI 318 Chapter 4 requirements for
exposure class F1.
J. For any concrete mix that uses greater than 45% total cementitious material the maximum water-cement ratio
shall not exceed 0.38.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
0.1 EXAMINATION
C. Verify that anchor bolts, embedded plates, reinforcement, sleeves and other items to be cast into concrete are
accurately placed, positioned securely, and will not cause hardship in placing concrete.
B. Hand trim sides and bottom of earth forms; remove loose dirt.
D. Do not apply form release agent to concrete surfaces which receive [special finishes] [or] [applied coatings]
that may be affected by agent.
1. Coordinate work of other sections in forming and setting openings, slots, recesses, chases, sleeves,
bolts, anchors, and other inserts.
A. Place, support, and secure reinforcement and embedded items against displacement.
B. Installation tolerances for anchor bolts for structural steel columns shall comply with the AISC Code of
Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges requirements for tolerances.
C. Only items that are dimensionally located on the drawings may be embedded in concrete regardless of the
trade responsible for placing them.
A. Notify the University at least 48 hours prior to commencement of concreting operations. No concrete shall be
placed until all subgrade, formwork, reinforcing steel, embedded items and surfaces against which concrete is
to be placed have been accepted by the University. The rate of delivery, haul time, missing time and hopper
capacity shall be such that all mixed concrete delivered shall be placed in forms within 90 minutes from the
time of the introduction of cement and water into the mixer. No water shall be added after transit mixer leaves
the batching plant without the approval of the University.
B. Prepare previously placed concrete by cleaning with [steel brush] or [sandblasting] [waterblasting] [wet
sandblasting] and applying bonding agent in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
C. In locations where new concrete is doweled to existing work, drill holes in existing concrete, insert steel dowels
and pack solid with [non-shrink grout] or [epoxy grout].
D. Foundation surfaces against which concrete is to be placed must be free from standing water, mud and debris.
Surfaces shall be clean and free from oil, objectionable coatings, and loose or unsound material.
E. All surfaces of forms and embedded items shall be free of grout before placing concrete.
F. Install [joint fillers] and [waterstops] in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Install [1/2-inch (13 mm)]
thick joint filler to separate slabs on grade from vertical surfaces. Extend joint filler from bottom of slab to within
¼-inch (6 mm) of finished slab surface.
H. When ambient temperature is expected to exceed 80 degrees F during placing or finishing operations, steps
shall be taken in accordance with ACI 305, “Recommended Practices for Hot Weather Concreting”, to reduce
concrete temperature and water evaporation by proper attention to the ingredients, production methods,
handling, placing, protection and curing. The Subcontractor shall submit a detailed hot weather concrteting
procedure to the A/E for approval at least two business days before concrete placement is planned. The
Subcontractor’s testing agency will produce trial batches in accordance with ACI 305. Slabs will be fog sprayed
from the completion of skreeding until curing is begun; the fog spray may be discontinued on sections during
troweling.
A. Place floor slabs [in long strip patterns] [as indicated on Drawings]. Saw cut control joints at an optimum time
after finishing. Cut slabs with a 3/16-inch (8 mm) thick blade to 1 inch (25 mm) depth.
B. Separate slabs on grade from vertical surfaces with joint filler. Extend joint filler from bottom of slab to within ¼
inch of finished slab surface.
C. [Scratch] [Float] [Trowel] [Broom or belt] [Nonslip] finish surfaces [as scheduled].
D. Install joint devices and joint device anchors in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain correct
position to allow joint cover flush with floor finish.
E. Construct slab on grade and shored elevated floor slabs with overall specified F F30/FL20 and with minimum
FF15/FL10 for individual floor sections in accordance with ACI 302.1. Determination of FF/FL numbers will be in
accordance with ASTM E 1155. The Subcontractor will take remedial measures when floor slabs do not meet
specified requirements The Subcontractor’s plan for remedial measures shall be submitted to the University for
review and approval. [Slope slabs to drains [1/4 inch (6mm)] <Insert dimension> per foot nominal.]
A. The requirements of this section may be modified only by the Structural Engineer of Record (SER) for the
design. In those cases where the Structural Engineer of record is under subcontract to the Laboratory, approval
by a Laboratory Structural Engineer is required prior to modification of the requirements of this section.
B. Wheeling, working and walking on concrete shall be avoided for at least 24 hours after casting. Protect
concrete from sun and rain. Do not permit concrete to become dry during curing period. Concrete shall not be
subjected to any loads until concrete is completely cured, and until concrete has attained its 28 day strength
and [14 days minimum] [28 days minimum].
C. Protect concrete during and after curing from damage during subsequent building construction operations.
D. Cover traffic areas with plywood or other suitable means for as long as necessary to protect concrete from
damage.
E. Specific curing requirements for slabs shall include the following: Immediately upon completion of finishing
operation, the surface of slabs shall be sealed against moisture loss by the application of a curing blanket
made of polyetheylene bonded to burlap in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively,
waterproof curing paper may be used with edges lapped and sealed with tape. The curing membrane shall be
weighted down. Tears and rips in curing membrane shall be repaired immediately during curing period. Curing
shall be maintained for [7] [14] [21] days.
F. Specific curing requirements for walls, beams and columns shall include the following: Concrete in forms shall
be kept moist until removal. Immediately upon removal of forms, an approved sprayed-on curing compound
shall be applied to the concrete surfaces in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Curing shall be maintained for [7] [14] days.
G. For above grade concrete sections over three feet thick in all three orthogonal directions except lean concrete:
1. Ten days before placing concrete, the results of thermal test performed by the Subcontractor will be
submitted to the University for approval. Thermal tests shall consist of a three foot test cube of the
design mix for the thick section instrumented with thermocouples by the Subcontractor’s testing agency
and monitored to determine whether the heat of hydration exceeds 150 deg F (66 deg C). If the
temperature exceeds 150 deg F (66 deg C) , the mix design will be revised or standard aggregate
cooling utilized and a second test cube cast and tested at no additional cost to the University.
2. The temperature gradient between the center and the surface of the section must not exceed 20 deg F
(6.6 deg C) during the first ten days of the controlled curing period. Thermocouples shall be installed by
the Subcontractor’s testing agency in the center and six inches from the surface at twenty foot intervals
and at the corners. The thermocouples are to be monitored continuously by the Subcontractor’s testing
agency and, if the temperature gradient exceeds 20 deg (6.6 deg C), insulating blankets shall be placed
over the surface. On surfaces with protruding reinforcing, such as the top of a wall, loose insulation will
be used.
C. The Subcontractor will be responsible for all Testing Laboratory costs for investigating low-strength
compressive test results in accordance with CBC Section 1905.6.5.