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Materials For
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1001 GENERAL

Materials to be used in the work shall conform to the specifications mentioned on the drawings,
the requirements laid down in this section and specifications for relevant items of work.

If any material, not covered in these Specifications, is required to be used in the work, it shall
conform to relevant Indian Standards, if there are any, or to the requirements specified by
the Engineer.

1002 SOURCES OF MATERIALS

The Contractor shall identify the sources of materials like coarse aggregate and fine aggregate
and notify the Engineer regarding the proposed sources prior to delivery.

Samples of materials from the source shall be tested in the presence of Engineer for conformity
to specifications. It shall also be ensured that the variation in test results of different samples,
is within acceptable limits.

For manufactured items like cement, steel reinforcement and pre-stressing strands, the
contractor shall intimate the Engineer the details of the source, testing facilities available with
the manufacturer and arrangements for transport and storage of material at site. If directed
by the Engineer, the contractor shall furnish samples and test results of recently received
material. The Engineer, at his discretion, in case of doubt, may require the contractor to
test the materials in an independent laboratory approved by the Engineer and furnish test
certificates. The cost of these tests shall be borne by the contractor. The sampling and testing
procedures shall be as laid down in the relevant Indian Standards and where they are not
available, the same shall be carried out as per the directions of the Engineer. Only materials
from sources approved by the Engineer shall be brought to the site. If the material from the
approved source proves unacceptable at any time, the contractor shall identify new sources
of acceptable materials conforming to specifications.

If any proprietary items are proposed to be used in the works, they shall be governed by the
provisions of Clause 115.4 of these Specifications.

1003 BRICKS

Burnt clay bricks shall conform to the requirements of IS:1077, except that the minimum
compressive strength when tested flat, shall not be less than 8.4 MPa for individual bricks
and mean strength not less than 10.5 MPa for a group of 5 specimens. They shall be free
from cracks and flaws and nodules of free lime. The brick shall have smooth rectangular faces
with sharp corners and emit a clear ringing sound when struck. The size may be according
to local practice with a tolerance of ± 5 percent.

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1004 STONES AND BLOCKS

1004.1 Stones

Stones shall be of the type specified. They shall be hard, sound, free from cracks, decay and
weathering and shall be freshly quarried from an approved quarry. Stones with round surface
shall not be used.

The stones, when immersed in water for 24 hours, shall not absorb water of more than 5
percent of their dry weight when tested in accordance with IS:1124.

The length of stone shall not exceed three times its height and the width on the base shall not
be greater than three-fourth of the thickness of the wall nor less than 150 mm.

1004.2 Blocks

Solid concrete blocks made of cement and suitable aggregates shall conform to relevant
provisions of IS:2185 Part 1 in respect of dimension, mix, manufacturing, curing, drying and
physical requirements. The minimum compressive strength of solid concrete blocks when
tested as per IS:2185 Part 1 shall not be less than 10.5 MPa. Hollow light weight concrete
blocks shall not be used in works.

The thickness of concrete block shall not be less than 200 mm and the width shall not be less
than 200 mm. The density of concrete block shall not be less than 2.2 ton/cu.m.

1005 CAST IRON

Cast iron shall conform to IS:210. The grade number of the material shall not be less
than 14.

1006 CEMENT

Cement to be used shall be any of the following types with the prior approval of the
Engineer.

a) Ordinary Portland cement, 33 Grade, conforming to IS:269.

b) Ordinary Portland cement, 43 Grade, conforming to IS:8112.
c) Ordinary Portland cement, 53 Grade, conforming to IS:12269.
d) Sulphate resisting Portland cement, conforming to IS:12330.
e) Portland Pozzolana cement (fly ash based) conforming to
IS:1489 (Part 1)

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f) Portland slag cement conforming to IS:455

g) Rapid Hardening Portland cement, conforming to IS:8041.
h) Low heat Portland cement conforming to IS:12600

Cement of 33 grade conforming to IS:269 shall be used only after ensuring that the minimum
required design strength can be achieved without exceeding the maximum permissible
cement content of 450 Kg/cum of concrete (excluding any mineral admixture).

Cements of 43 and 53 grades conforming to IS:8112 and IS:12269 respectively may be used
provided the minimum cement content mentioned elsewhere from durability considerations,
is not reduced.

Sulphate resisting cement conforming to IS:12330 shall be used when sodium sulphate
and magnesium sulphate are present in large enough concentration to be aggressive to
concrete. The recommended threshold values as per IS:456 are: sulphate concentration in
excess of 0.2 percent in surrounding soil or 300 ppm (0.03 percent) in ground water. Cement
conforming to IS:12330 shall be carefully selected from strength considerations to ensure
that the minimum required design strength can be achieved without exceeding the maximum
permissible cement content of 450 kg/cum (excluding any mineral admixture).

Alternatively, Portland slag cement conforming to IS:455 with slag content more than
50 percent can be used instead of sulphate resisting cement when the sulphate content in
the surrounding soil is less than 1 percent or the sulphate content in the ground water is less
than 2500 ppm.

Cement conforming to IS:8041 shall be used only for precast concrete products after specific
approval of the Engineer.

Total chloride content shall be 0.1 percent by mass of cement for the cement to be used
in structures other than prestressed concrete structures and 0.05% by mass of cement in
prestressed concrete structures. Also, total sulphur content calculated as sulphuric anhydride
(SO3) shall in no case exceed 3.5 percent.

Where chloride is encountered along with sulphates in soil or ground water, ordinary Portland
cement with C3A content from 5 to 8 percent shall be preferably used in concrete, instead of
sulphate resisting cement.

Manufacturer’s test certificate shall be submitted to the Engineer by the contractor for every
consignment of cement. The certificate shall cover all the tests for chemical requirements,
physical requirements and chloride content as per relevant codes as applicable.

Independent tests of samples drawn from the consignment, shall be carried out at the site
laboratory or in an independent laboratory approved by the Engineer, immediately after

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delivery. The following properties shall be tested:

i) Compressive strength.
ii) Setting time.

The cost of the tests shall be borne by the Contractor.

Cement in bags in local storage for more than 3 months after completion of tests, may be
re-tested for compressive strength and setting times (initial and final) before use and may be
rejected if it fails to conform to any of the requirements.

Lot size for independent testing of cement at site shall be the quantity received at site on any
day, subject to a maximum of 500 tonnes.

1007 COARSE AGGREGATES

For plain and reinforced cement concrete (PCC and RCC) or prestressed concrete (PSC)
works, coarse aggregates shall consist of clean, hard, strong, dense, non-porous and durable
pieces of crushed stone, crushed gravel, natural gravel or a suitable combination thereof or
other approved inert material. They shall not contain pieces of disintegrated stones, soft,
flaky, elongated particles, salt, alkali, vegetable matter or other deleterious materials in such
quantities as to reduce the strength and durability of the concrete, or to attack the steel
reinforcement. Coarse aggregates having positive alkali-silica reaction shall not be used. All
coarse aggregates shall conform to IS: 383 and tests for conformity shall be carried out as
per IS:2386, Parts I to VIII.

The contractor shall submit for the approval of the Engineer, the entire information indicated
in Appendix A of IS:383.

Maximum nominal size of coarse aggregate for various structural components in PCC, RCC
or PSC, shall conform to Section 1700 of these Specifications.

The maximum value for flakiness index for coarse aggregate shall not exceed 35 percent.
The coarse aggregate shall satisfy the requirements of grading as given in Table 1000-1:

Table 1000-1 : Grading Requirements of Coarse Aggregate

IS Sieve Size Percentage Passing for Graded Aggregate of Nominal Size

40 mm 20 mm 12.5 mm
63 mm — — —
40 mm 95 – 100 100 —
20 mm 30 – 70 95 – 100 100
12.5 mm — — 90 – 100
10 mm 10 – 35 25 – 55 40 – 85
4.75 mm 0–5 0 – 10 0 – 10

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1008 FINE AGGREGATES

For masonry work, sand shall conform to the requirements of IS:2116.

Natural sand, crushed stone sand or crushed gravel sand or a suitable combination of natural
sand, crushed stone or gravel, shall be used as fine aggregates in plain, reinforced and
prestressed concrete works. The fine aggregates shall be dense, durable, clean and free
from veins and adherent coating and other deleterious substances. They shall not contain
dust, lumps, soft or flaky materials, mica or other deleterious materials in such quantities
as to reduce the strength and durability of the concrete, or to attack the embedded steel.
Mechanised sand washing machines should be used to remove impurities from sand. Fine
aggregates having positive alkali-silica reaction shall not be used. All fine aggregates shall
conform to IS:383 and tests for conformity shall be carried out as per IS:2386, (Parts I to VIII).
The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer the entire information indicated in Appendix A
of IS:383. The fineness modulus of fine aggregate shall neither be less than 2.0 nor greater
than 3.5.

Fine aggregate for structural concrete shall conform to the following grading requirements:

Table 1000-2 : Grading Requirements of Fine Aggregates

IS Sieve Size Percent Passing for

Grading Zone I Grading Zone II Grading Zone III
10 mm 100 100 100
4.75 mm 90-100 90-100 90-100
2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 85-100
1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 75-100
600 micron 15-34 35-59 60-79
300 micron 5-20 8-30 12-40
150 micron 0-10 0-10 0-10
Note : When the grading falls outside the limits of any particular grading zone of sieves other
than 600-micron IS Sieve by a total amount not exceeding 5 percent, it shall be regarded
as falling within that grading zone. However for crushed stone sand, the permissible
limit on 150-micron IS Sieve is increased to 20 percent. Reference shall be made to
Clause: 4.3 of IS:383.

1009 STEEL

1009.1 Cast Steel

The use of cast steel shall be limited to bearings and other similar parts. Steel for castings shall
conform to Grade 280-520N of IS:1030. In case where subsequent welding is unavoidable

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in the relevant cast steel components, the letter N at the end of the grade designation of the
steel casting shall be replaced by letter W. To increase the corrosion resistance properties,
0.3% to 0.5% copper may be added.

1009.2 Steel for Prestressing

The prestressing steel shall conform to any one of the following standards:

a) Plain hard drawn steel wire conforming to IS:1785 (Part I) and

IS:1785 (Part II)
b) Cold drawn indented wire conforming to IS:6003
c) High tensile steel bar conforming to IS:2090
d) Uncoated stress relieved strands conforming to IS:6006
e) Uncoated stress relieved low relaxation seven ply strand conforming to
IS:14268

Data in respect of modulus of elasticity, relaxation loss at 1000 hours, minimum ultimate tensile
strength, stress strain curve etc. shall be obtained from the manufacturer. Pre-stressing steel
shall be subjected to acceptance tests prior to actual use in the works.

1009.3 Reinforcement/Untensioned Steel

1009.3.1 Reinforcing Bars

For plain and reinforced cement concrete (PCC and RCC) or prestressed concrete (PSC)
works, the reinforcement/untensioned steel as the case may be, shall consist of the following
grades of reinforcing bars.

Table 1000-3 : Grades of Reinforcing Bars

Grade Designation Bar Type Conforming to Governing IS Characteristic Elastic

Specifications Strength fy MPa Modulus GP
Fe240 IS:432 Part I Mild Steel 240 200
Fe 415 IS:1786 High Strength Deformed Steel Bars (HSD) 415 200
Fe 500 or Fe 500D IS:1786 High Strength Deformed Steel Bars (HSD) 500 200
Fe 550 or Fe 550D IS:1786 High Strength Deformed Steel Bars (HSD) 550 200
Fe 600 IS:1786 High Strength Deformed Steel Bars (HSD) 600 200

Note : If any grade of steel given in the above table is not available steel of next higher grade
may be used.

All steel shall be procured from ‘Original producers’ who manufacture billets directly from
iron ores and roll the billets to produce steel conforming to IS:1786. No re-rolled steel shall
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be incorporated in the works. However, in case the original producers give certificate that
they are unable to supply the steel within the required time period or that they are not
producing bars of the required diameter, the Engineer may allow the procurement of steel
from other suppliers, provided that the reinforcement is manufactured from billets procured
from the original producers. In such cases, the manufacturer’s certificate alone shall not
be considered as sufficient and the steel shall be got tested by the Engineer in the NABL
accredited laboratories only, as a third party check. It shall be ensured that all the test results
conform to IS:1786 requirements.

Only new steel shall be delivered to the site. Every bar shall be inspected before assembling
on the work and defective, brittle or burnt bars shall be discarded. Bars with cracked ends
shall be discarded.

For the steel procured from original producers also, the Engineer / Employer may carry
out occasional checks on materials through third party as mentioned above, for confirming
the test results shown in the certificates, in case of any doubt regarding the quality of steel
supplied.

1009.3.2 Coating of Reinforcing Bars

1009.3.2.1 Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coated Reinforcement

Fusion bonded epoxy coated reinforcement shall conform to IS:13620 or other international
standards as approved by Engineer. The location of the source of supply of the coated bars
shall be such as to ensure that the bars are not transported for a distance of more than
300 Km.

Additional requirements for the use of such reinforcement bars are given below:

a) Patch up materials shall be procured in sealed containers with certificates

from the agency who has supplied the fusion bonded epoxy bars.
b) PVC coated G.I. binding wires of 18G shall only be used in conjunction
with fusion bonded epoxy bars.
c) Chairs for supporting the reinforcement shall also be of fusion bonded
epoxy coated bars.
d) The cut ends and damaged portions shall be touched up with repair
patch up material.
e) The bars shall be cut by saw-cutting and not by flame cutting.
f) While bending the bars, the pins of work benches shall be provided
with PVC or plastic sleeves.

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g) The coated steel shall not be directly exposed to sun rays or rains
and shall be protected with opaque polyethylene sheets or such other
approved materials.
h) While concreting, the workmen or trolley shall not move directly on
coated bars but shall move only on wooden planks placed on the
bars.

1009.3.2.2 Hot Dipped Galvanized Bars

Hot dipped galvanized reinforcing steel shall be provided wherever specified. The coating
shall conform to IS:12594–1988.

1009.4 Grey Iron Castings

Grey Iron castings to be used for bearings shall have the following minimum properties:

i) Minimum ultimate tensile strength 370 MPa

ii) Modulus of Elasticity 147000 MPa
iii) Brinell Hardness 230 MPa
iv) Shear Strength 370 MPa
v) Compressive Strength 1370 MPa

The testing shall be as specified in IS:210.

1009.5 Steel Forgings

Forged steel pins shall comply with clause 3, 3A or 4 of IS:1875 and steel forgings shall
comply with clause 3, 3A or 4 of IS:2004. Raw materials of the forging shall be as per
IS:1875 with minimum reduction ratio of 1.8:1. Alternatively, if forging is made from ingot, the
minimum reduction ratio shall be 4:1. Forging shall be normalized.

1009.6 Structural Steel

Unless otherwise permitted, all structural steel shall, before fabrication, comply with the
requirements of the following Indian Standards:

IS:226 : Structural Steel (Standard Quality)

IS:961 : Structural Steel (High Tensile)
IS:2062 : Weldable Structural Steel
IS:8500 : Weldable Structural Steel (medium and high strength
qualities)

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IS:1148 : Hot rolled rivet bars (upto 40 mm dia) for structural

purposes
IS:1149 : High tensile rivet bars for structural purposes
IS:1161 : Steel tubes for structural purposes
IS:4923 : Hollow Steel sections for structural use
IS:11587 : Structural weather resistant steel
IS:808 : Specifications for Rolled Steel Beam, Channel and Angle
Sections
IS:1239 : Mild Steel Tubes
IS:1730 : Dimension for Steel Plate, sheet and strip for structural
and general Engineering purposes.
IS:1731 : Dimension for Steel flats for structural and general
engineering purposes
IS:1732 : Dimension for round and square steel bars for structural
and general engineering purposes.
IS:1852 : Rolling and cutting tolerances for hot rolled steel products

The use of structural steel not covered by the above standards may be permitted with the
specific approval of the Engineer. Refer to Section 1900 of these Specifications for further
details.

1009.7 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel shall be austenitic chromium-nickel steel, possessing rust, acid and heat
resistant properties conforming to IS:6603 and IS:6911. Mechanical properties/grade for such
stainless steel shall be as specified by the accepting authority, but in no case inferior to mild
steel. Generally, stainless steel is available as per AISI grades. AISI 304 which is equivalent
to grade 04 Cr 18 Ni 110 of IS:6911 satisfies the requirements for mechanical properties of
structural steel. Other grades of stainless steel for specific purposes may be provided as per
specific requirements. For application in adverse/corrosive environment, stainless steel shall
conform to AISI 316L or 02G17 Ni Mo2 of IS:6911.

1010 WATER

Water used for mixing and curing shall be clean and free from oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar,
organic materials or other substances that may be deleterious to concrete or steel.

In case of doubt regarding development of strength, the suitability of water proposed to

be used for the production of concrete shall be ascertained by carrying out tests for the
compressive strength of concrete and initial setting time of cement using the same water.

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The sample of water taken for testing shall represent the water proposed to be used for
concreting, taking into account seasonal variations, if any. The sample shall not receive any
treatment before testing other than that being given to the regular supply of water proposed
for use in concrete. The sample shall be stored in a clean container previously rinsed out with
similar water.

Average 28 days compressive strength of at least three 150 mm concrete cubes prepared
with water proposed to be used, shall not be less than 90 percent of the average strength
of three similar concrete cubes prepared with distilled water. The cubes shall be prepared,
cured and tested in accordance with the requirements of IS:516.

The initial setting time of test block made with the appropriate cement and the water proposed
to be used shall not be less than 30 minutes and shall not be more than 30 minutes from the
initial setting time of control test block prepared with the same cement and distilled water.
The test blocks shall be prepared and tested in accordance with the requirements of IS:4031
(Part 5).

pH value of water shall not be less than 6. Potable water is generally considered satisfactory
for mixing concrete. Mixing and curing with sea water shall not be permitted.

As a guide, the following concentrations represent the maximum permissible values:

a) To neutralize 100 ml sample of water, using phenolphthalein as an

indicator, it should not require more than 5 ml of 0.02 normal NaOH.
For details of test refer IS:3025(Part 22).
b) To neutralize 100 ml sample of water, using mixed indicator, it should
not require more than 25 ml of 0.02 normal. H2SO4. For details of test
refer IS: 3025(Part 23).
c) The Permissible limit’s for solids shall be as follows

Tested as Per Permissible Limit max

Organic IS:3025(Pt.18) 200 mg/lit
Inorganic IS:3025(Pt.18) 3000 mg/lit
Sulphates (SO3) IS:3025(Pt.28) 400 mg/lit
Chlorides (Cl) IS:3025(Pt.32) 2000 mg/lit for concrete work not
containing embedded steel and
500 mg/lit for prestressed/reinforced
concrete work
Suspended matter IS:3025(Pt.17) 2000 mg/lit

All samples of water (including potable water) shall be tested and suitable measures taken,
where necessary, to ensure conformity of the water to the requirements stated herein.

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1011 TIMBER

The timber used for structural purposes shall conform to IS:883.

1012 CONCRETE ADMIXTURES

1012.1 General

Admixtures may be added to the concrete before or during mixing with a view to modifying
one or more of the properties of concrete in the plastic or hardened state.

1012.2 Mineral Admixtures

Any of the following mineral admixtures may be used as part replacement of Portland Cement
with the approval of the Engineer.

Fly ash: conforming to of IS:3812-3

Granulated slag: Ground granulated slag obtained by grinding granulated slag conforming
to IS:12089.

Silica fume: Silica fume is very fine, non- crystalline SiO2, obtained as a by-product of Silicon
and Ferro – Silicon alloy industries and shall conform to IS:15388

1012.3 Chemical Admixtures

1012.3.1 Information Required from the Manufacturer

Chemical admixtures are proprietary items of manufacture and shall be obtained only from
established manufacturers with proven track record, quality assurance and full fledged
laboratory facilities for the manufacture and testing of concrete.

The contractor shall provide the following information concerning each admixture, after
obtaining the same from the manufacturer:

a) Normal dosage and detrimental effects, if any, of under dosage and

over dosage.
b) The chemical names of the main ingredients.
c) The chloride content, if any, expressed as a percentage by weight of
the admixture.
d) Values of dry material content, ash content and relative density which
can be used for Uniformity Tests.

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e) Whether it leads to the entrainment of air when used as per the

manufacturer’s recommended dosage, and if so to what extent.
f) Confirmation regarding its compatibility with type of cement.
g) Whether it increases the risk of corrosion of reinforcement or other
embedments.
h) Whether it affects the durability of concrete adversely.

1012.3.2 Physical and Chemical Requirements

Admixtures shall conform to the requirements of IS:9103. In addition, the following conditions
shall be satisfied.

a) “Plasticisers” and “Super-Plasticisers” shall meet the requirements

indicated for “Water reducing Admixture”.
b) Except where resistance to freezing and thawing and to disruptive action
of deicing salts is required, the air content of freshly mixed concrete in
accordance with the pressure method given in IS:1199, shall not be
more than 2 percent higher than that of the corresponding control mix
and in any case not more than 3 percent of the test mix.
c) The chloride content of the admixtures shall not exceed 0.2 percent
when tested in accordance with IS:6925. In addition, the maximum
permissible limit of chloride content of all the constituents as indicated
in Section 1700 of these Specifications shall also not be exceeded.
d) Uniformity tests on the admixtures are essential to compare qualitatively
the composition of different samples taken from batch to batch or from
the same batch at different times.
The tests that shall be performed along with permissible variations are
as follows:
i) Dry Material Content : within 3 percent and 5 percent of liquid and
solid
ii) Ash content : within 1 percent of the value stated by the
manufacturer.
iii) Relative Density (for liquid admixtures) : within 2 percent of the
value stated by the manufacturer.
e) All tests relating to concrete admixtures shall be conducted periodically
at an independent laboratory and the results compared with the data
given by the manufacturer.

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1013 REINFORCED AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE PIPES

Reinforced concrete pipes for highway structures shall be of NP4 type conforming to the
requirements of IS:458. Prestressed concrete pipes (NP4) conforming to IS: 784 can also be
used depending on the requirement.

1014 STORAGE OF MATERIALS

1014.1 General

All materials shall be stored at proper places so as to prevent their deterioration, intrusion
of foreign matter and ensure their satisfactory quality and fitness for the work. The storage
space must also permit easy inspection, removal and re-storage of the materials. All such
materials, even though stored in approved godowns/places, must be subjected to acceptance
test prior to their immediate use.

1014.2 Bricks

Bricks shall not be dumped at site, but shall be stacked in regular tiers as they are unloaded,
to minimize breakage and defacement. Bricks selected for use in different situations shall be
stacked separately. Sufficient supply of bricks as required for the works, shall be available at
site at any time.

1014.3 Aggregates

Aggregate stockpiles may be made on ground that is hard, well drained and devoid of
vegetation.

Coarse aggregates, unless otherwise agreed by the Engineer in writing, shall be delivered
to the site in separate sizes (2 sizes when nominal size is 25 mm or less and 3 sizes when
the nominal size is 32 mm or more). In case of aggregates placed directly on the ground the
material in the stock pile only up to a level of 30 cm above the ground level shall be taken out
and used initially. Remaining material shall be permitted to be used in the final stages of work
only after it has been fully cleaned.

1014.4 Cement

Cement shall be transported, handled and stored on the site in such a manner as to avoid
deterioration or contamination. Cement shall be stored above ground level in perfectly dry
and water-tight sheds and shall be stacked to a height of not more than eight bags. Wherever
bulk storage containers are used, their capacity should be sufficient to cater to the requirement
at site. The containers shall be cleaned at least once every 3 months.

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Cement shall be used in the sequence in which it is delivered at site. Each consignment shall
be stored separately so that it may be readily identified and inspected. Any consignment or
part of a consignment of cement which has deteriorated in any way during storage, shall not
be used in the works and shall be removed from the site by the Contractor at his own cast.

The Contractor shall prepare and maintain proper records at site in respect of delivery,
handling, storage and use of cement and these records shall be available for inspection by
the Engineer at all times.

The Contractor shall submit a monthly return to the Engineer showing the quantities of cement
received and issued during the month and in stock at the end of the month.

1014.5 Reinforcement/Untensioned Steel

The reinforcement bars, shall be stored above the surface of the ground upon platforms,
skids or other supports, and shall be protected from mechanical injury and from deterioration
by exposure.

1014.6 Prestressing Materials

All prestressing steel, sheathing, anchorages and sleeves or couplers shall be protected
during transportation, handling and storage. The prestressing steel, sheathing and other
accessories shall be stored under cover from rain or damp ground and protected from the
ambient atmosphere if it is likely to be aggressive. Period of storage at site must be kept to
the absolute minimum.

a) Tendons : Wires, strands and bars from which tendons are to be

fabricated shall be stored about 300 mm above the ground in a suitably
covered and closed space so as to avoid direct climatic influences and
to protect them from splashes from any other materials and from the
cutting operation of an oxy-acetylene torch or arc welding process in the
vicinity. Under no circumstances shall tendon material be subjected to
any welding operation or on site heat treatment or metallic coating such
as galvanizing. Storage facilities and the procedures for transporting
material into or out of the store, shall be such that the material does not
become kinked or notched. Wires or strands shall be stored in large
diameter coils which enable the tendons to be laid out straight. As a
guide, for wires above 5 mm dia, coils of about 3 m dia without breaks
or joints shall be obtained from manufacturer. Protective wrapping for
tendons shall be chemically neutral. All prestressing steel must be
provided with temporary protection during storage.
b) Anchorage Components : The handling and storing procedures shall
maintain the anchorage components in a condition in which they can

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subsequently perform their function to an adequate degree. Components

shall be handled and stored so that mechanical damage and detrimental
corrosion are prevented. The corrosion of the gripping and securing
system shall be prevented. The use of correctly formulated oils and
greases or of other corrosion preventing material, shall be guaranteed
by the producer to be non-aggressive and non-degrading.

Prestressing steel which shall be absolutely clean and without any signs of rust, shall be
stored in a closed store having single door with double locking arrangements and no windows.
The air inside the store shall be kept dry as far as possible by using various means to the
satisfaction of the Engineer, so as to eliminate the possibility of initial rusting of prestressing
steel during storage. Instrument measuring the air humidity shall be installed inside the store.
The prestressing steel shall be coated with water-soluble grease.

All prestressing steel shall be stored at least 300 mm above ground level and shall be
invariably wrapped with a protective covering of tar paper or polythene or any other approved
material.

The Contractor should ensure that prestressing steel is used within 3 months of it’s
manufacture. He should chalk out his prestressing programme in such a manner as to avoid
the possibility of initial corrosion before placing in position.

1014.7 Water

Water shall be stored in containers/tanks covered at top and cleaned at regular intervals in
order to prevent intrusion of foreign matter or growth of organic matter. Use of water from
shallow, muddy or marshy sources, shall not be permitted. The intake pipe shall be suitably
enclosed to exclude silt, mud, grass and other solid materials and there shall be a minimum
depth of 0.60 m of water below the intake at all times.

1015 TESTS AND STANDARD OF ACCEPTANCE

All materials, even though stored in an approved manner shall be subjected to an acceptance
test in accordance with the relevant IS specification prior to their immediate use.

Independent testing of cement for every consignment shall be done by the Contractor at
site or in the laboratory approved by the Engineer before use. Any cement with lower quality
than that shown in manufacturer’s certificate shall be debarred from use. In case of imported
cement, the same series of tests shall be carried out before acceptance.

1015.1 Testing and Approval of Material

The Contractor shall furnish test certificates from the manufacturer/supplier of materials along
with each batch of material(s) delivered to site.

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The Contractor shall set up a field laboratory with necessary equipment for testing of all
materials, finished products used in the construction as per requirements of conditions of
contract and the relevant specifications. The testing of all the materials shall be carried out
by the Engineer for which the shall make all the necessary arrangements and bear the entire
cost.

Test which cannot be carried out in the field laboratory have to be got done at the Contractor’s
cost at any recognized laboratory/testing establishments approved by the Engineer.

1015.2 Sampling of Materials

Samples provided to the Engineer for inspection are to be in labelled boxes suitable for
storage.

Samples required for testing and approval must be supplied well in advance by at least 48
hours or before the minimum period required for carrying out the relevant tests. Delay to
works arising from the late submission of samples, will not be acceptable as a reason for
delay in completion of the works.

If materials are brought from abroad, the cost of sampling/testing whether in India or abroad
shall be borne by the Contractor.

1015.3 Rejection of Materials not Conforming to the Specifications.

Any stack or batch of material(s) of which sample(s) does (do) not conform to the prescribed
tests and quality shall be rejected by the Engineer and such materials shall be removed from
site by the Contractor at his own cost. Such rejected materials shall not be made acceptable
by any rectifications.

1015.4 Testing and Approval of Plant and Equipment

All plants and equipment used for preparing, testing and production of materials for
incorporation into the permanent works, shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications and shall be got approved by the Engineer before use.

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