TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC WORKS

CIVIL WORKS
MASONRY

Group: Civil Works

Subject: Masonry

0 JAN 2022 First Issue

Rev. Date Description/issued for

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 1 of: 10
 INDEX
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC WORKS .................................................. 1
1 SCOPE.............................................................................................................................. 3
2 APPLICATION FIELD .................................................................................................. 3
3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 3
3.1 TAQA/ADDC/AADC specifications ................................................................................ 3
3.2 Reference standards........................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Regulation and law ............................................................................................................ 4
4 SERVICE CONDITIONS AND DESIGN..................................................................... 4
5 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 4
5.1 Masonry ............................................................................................................................. 4
5.1.1 Material ............................................................................................................................. 4
5.1.2 Execution ........................................................................................................................... 4
5.1.3 Tests and Properties........................................................................................................... 5
5.1.4 Mortar ................................................................................................................................ 5
5.1.5 Reinforcement and Fixing Accessories for Brick and Block Work .................................. 5
5.1.6 Damp-Proof Courses ......................................................................................................... 6
5.1.7 External Cavity Walls ....................................................................................................... 6
5.1.8 Lintels ................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1.9 Joints.................................................................................................................................. 7
5.1.10 Pointing ............................................................................................................................. 7
5.1.11 Permissible Tolerances ...................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Plaster Works .................................................................................................................... 8
5.2.1 Materials ............................................................................................................................ 8
5.2.2 Workmanship .................................................................................................................... 8
6 QUALITY AND CERTIFICATION ............................................................................. 9
6.1 Documentation supplied during the tender........................................................................ 9
6.2 Document to be supplied after the order ........................................................................... 9
7 DELIVERY, HANDLING AND LOGISTIC ISSUES ............................................... 10
8 EXCEPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 10

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 2 of: 10
 1 SCOPE
The scope of this specification is to provide the technical requirements for the design,
manufacturing, inspection and construction for masonry work for substation and building, to be
used in the distribution networks of TAQA/ADDC/AADC.
2 APPLICATION FIELD
This specification refers to design, manufacturing, inspection and construction for masonry for for
masonry work for substation and building.
3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The list of the reference documents is indicated in the following paragraphs.
In case of discrepancy between these Specifications and any of the applicable Codes and
Standards, the following order of precedence shall apply:
1) TAQA/ADDC/AADC specifications
2) applicable reference standards
3) other documents.
The Supplier shall note that compliance with the provision of these specifications does not relieve
him from his responsibility to supply proper design, material and construction, suited to meet the
operating guarantees at the specified service conditions.
3.1 TAQA/ADDC/AADC specifications
Table 1- List of TAQA/ADDC/AADC specifications
S-GEN-SER S-GEN-ID
S-GEN-COR S-CIV-GEN
S-CIV-CONCRETE
3.2 Reference standards
The last edition of following standards is applicable for the scope specified in the present
document. In case of deviation, the Supplier can propose equipment/material compliant to an
alternative standard, subject to TAQA/ADDC/AADC approval.
Table 2- List of Standards
Standard Description
ADIBC Abu Dhabi International Building Code
TMS 402/ACI
Building Code Requirements for Masonry
530/ASCE 5
TMS 602/ACI
Specifications for Masonry Structures
530.1/ASCE 6
ASTM C 1314 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms
ASTM C 55 Standard Specification for Concrete Building Brick
ASTM C 897 Standard Specification for Aggregate for Job-Mixed Portland Cement-Based Plasters
ASTM C847 Standard Specification for Metal Lath
ASTM F1667 Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
ASTM A641 Standard Specification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel Wire
ASTM C 926 Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 3 of: 10
 3.3 Regulation and law
All works shall be in accordance with the following Regulation and laws:
• Abu Dhabi International Building Code
The prescription included in the Regulations and Law shall prevail on all other international
standards mentioned in paragraph 3.2
4 SERVICE CONDITIONS AND DESIGN
The service conditions are specified in S-GEN-SER. Design shall be in accordance with S-CIV-
GEN and prescriptions mentioned in the present specification.
5 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

5.1 Masonry

5.1.1 Material
The material to be used for masonry work comprises the following:
• Natural stones, clay bricks, calcium silicate bricks, solid or hollow concrete blocks, blocks, stones and
wall boards made of cellular concrete blocks, ornamental stones (e.g. claustra stones) out of concrete,
and any other type of blocks and stone artificially produced
• Light weight concrete blocks and wall boards, gypsum plaster boards
• Insulating and filling material
• Binding agents
• Metal accessories.
The material above shall be generally standardized as specified hereafter.
5.1.2 Execution
Strength and execution of the masonry work shall conform to TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5
(Building Code Requirements for Masonry) and TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 (Specifications
for Masonry Structures).
Masonry work, arranging and bedding bricks, blocks and boards, etc., shall be executed in mortar
to form a homogeneous mass and to bond them in such a manner that point or other loads and
stresses are dispersed and distributed through the mass without the structure tending to
disintegrate.
Block work partitions shall be made from solid concrete blocks 200 mm. thick. Reinforced
concrete frames of at least 200 mm width and the same thickness of the wall shall strengthen all
opining through the block walls.
Block work more than 3 m in height shall be reinforced with reinforced concrete stiffening frame
work comprising of 200 x 300 mm verticals at 4.00 meter centres and 200 x 300 mm horizontals
at mid-height or at every 3.00 meters in case wall height is bigger than 6.00 meters. All concrete
stiffeners shall be reinforced by 6T12 anchored to the structural concrete elements.
Brick work more than 3m in height shall be properly supported by steel angels fixed to the concrete
stiffeners/beams

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 4 of: 10
 Precaution shall be taken to prevent the work drying too quickly, especially in hot weather. All
bricks, blocks and boards shall be saturated before bedding to prevent them absorbing the moisture
from the mortar, and also to remove all loose dust from the surface in contact with the mortar.
Brickwork and or block/board work, which has not been thoroughly wetted and has developed a
thin crack between the brick/block/board and the mortar joint, shall be pulled down and rebuilt.
All masonry work shall be suspended during extreme weather unless adequately protected.
Block work under the ground slab, retaining walls and around foundations shall be solid block at
least 200 mm thick and made by SRC or MSRC (type-II) cement according to underground soil
conditions.
5.1.3 Tests and Properties
All concrete blocks shall comply with TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 (Specifications for
Masonry Structures), ASTM C 55 (standard for concrete bricks), ASTM C 1314 (Prism test
method). The compressive strength of the blocks/bricks shall comply with the following:
• Concrete hollow blocks:
o Average of 10 blocks 7.0 N/sq. mm
o Lowest individual block 5.5 N/sq. mm
• Concrete solid blocks:
o Average of 10 blocks 13 N/sq. mm
o Lowest individual block 8.0 N/sq. mm
• Sand lime bricks:
o Average of 10 bricks 10 N/sq. mm
o Lowest individual bricks 7.5 N/sq. mm
Tests shall be conducted for every 200 m2 of walls/each consignment of block/brick brought to
site.
5.1.4 Mortar
Mortar for block work shall be cement mortar in the proportions 1: 3 to 1: 4 (Cement to sand). All
mortar shall be mixed in a power-driven mixer and, in addition, all materials shall be screened
before mixing to remove lumps. Mortar, whether with or without plasticiser, shall be mixed only
in sufficient quantity for the work immediately in hand and no partly set mortar shall be used.
Compressive strength of mortar after 7 days shall not less than 10 N/mm2
5.1.5 Reinforcement and Fixing Accessories for Brick and Block Work

5.1.5.1 Reinforcement
Brick or block work shall be provided with horizontal reinforcement. Reinforcement shall be high
tensile galvanised steel mesh, 6 cm wide for 10 cm walls and 12 cm wide for 20 cm walls. The
reinforcement shall be laid in as long lengths as practicable without laps. Where joints are
necessary, the lengths shall be lapped not less than 30 cm, except at corners or junctions, where
the lap shall be equal to the width of the reinforcement and the reinforcement in one wall bent over
that in the other. Application: every second layer of block and at 400 mm for brick. Fixed in walls/
columns every 450 mm

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 5 of: 10
 5.1.5.2 Fixing Accessories
Table 3 Fixing accessories
Channel slots for block/bricks Galvanised MS channel.
restraint
Sliding ties for block restraint Galvanised MS size 30 x 125mm dove tail type to fit the channel.
Lateral restraint ties for A butting column or return walls, galvanized MS and plastic sleeves,
movement joints fixing at 600 mm centres “Halfen/HCT 3/9 SP or equivalent”
For block/bricks components Galvanised MS, butterfly ties of 250 mm length.

5.1.6 Damp-Proof Courses

Damp-proof courses shall be laid on and bedded in a bed of 1: 4 cement mortar in as long lengths
as practicable. Where joints have to be made, they must be lapped at least 20 cm in the runs and
for full width on corners and the meeting surfaces, sealed with an adequate application of black
bituminous water-proofing paste. At ground floor levels, the damp-proof course for a wall shall
extend to the full width on top of first row of blocks. Exposed DPC shall be protected from direct
sun. The vertical damp-proof course at reveals shall extend the full width of the return.
5.1.7 External Cavity Walls
All external brick or block cavity walls are to be built with a cavity of 7.5 cm nominal width. The
two leaves of the wall shall be connected every second course vertically and not more than 0.80
cm apart horizontally with wall ties. Tie shall be laid with a light fall towards the external leaf and
shall be kept clear of accumulations of mortar droppings during the progress of the work.
Cavity walls may also be filled with insulating material of extruded polystyrene boards with
minimum density of 30kg/m3 or similar in the free space if so, shown on the Drawings or instructed
by the Engineer.
At the top end and to the ground the cavity walls shall be bonded together with a full course of
masonry bricks or blocks.
For typical details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawing provided in the Drawings
Section:
• DWG AAA CIV 05 02 01 : Details of Cavity Wall
• DWG AAA CIV 05 02 02 : Details of Cavity Wall
• DWG AAA CIV 05 02 03 : Details of Cavity Wall
5.1.8 Lintels
Openings in masonry walls shall either be bridged by vertical brick arches (with soldier courses)
or by reinforced concrete lintels. The type of bridging shall be indicated on the Drawings.
For typical lintel details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawing provided in the
Drawings Section:
• DWG AAA CIV 05 03 : Lintel Details (Typical)

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 6 of: 10
 5.1.9 Joints
Without affecting the aesthetics and structural stability of any building (or part of building),
permanent joints shall be provided in brickwork and blockwork to allow for expansion and
contraction caused by temperature changes, shrinkage and moisture movement.
Unless there are specific requirements (e.g. stability of superstructure framework), compressible
joints fillers shall be used to form the joints, together with protective sealers.
5.1.10 Pointing
If masonry is to be pointed, the masonry mortar shall be raked out about 1 cm deep while it is still
fresh. Immediately before pointing, the faces shall be thoroughly wetted and cleaned with brush
and water. Except for natural stones, up to 2% hydrochloric acid may be added to the cleaning
water. The faces washed with water/acid mixture shall be rinsed thoroughly. The masonry shall
then be pointed with the specified mortar in the manner and colour stipulated. The cement mortar
for the pointing shall be in the ratio of 1:3 to 1:2.
5.1.11 Permissible Tolerances
The dimensional tolerances of masonry works in building construction or for other structures in
respect of alignments, clearance of openings, length, height, thickness, unevenness, shall comply
with the categories of accuracy listed in the table hereafter with categories defined as follows:
Table 4 Tolerance categories
Category No.
5 Precast stonework, such as cast stone sills, lintels, jambs, stone stairs and steps,
walls ashlared with natural or cast stones, etc., manufactured of fine aggregates.
6 Precast stone works as summarized above under category No. 5, but out of
medium size aggregates.
7 Precast stone works as summarized under No. 5, but out of coarse aggregates
8 Facing brickwork, stone slabs, facing, ceramic walls, etc.
9 Brickwork and walls to be covered with plaster, lining or other finishing’s, not
exposed to permanent view.
10 Brickwork construction, where less dimensional accuracy is required such as
underground foundations, retaining walls, etc.
Table 5 Deviation limits
LIMITS OF DEVIATIONS IN MASONRY WORKS IN mm
WITHIN DIMENSIONS WITHIN THE RANGE OF:
Category of Up to 100 100 to 250 250 to 1.000 to 2.500 2.500 to Above
Accuracy 1.000 10.000 10.000
No.: 5 0.8 1.2 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0
No.: 6 1.3 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
No.: 7 2.0 3.0 5.0 6.0 8.0 14.0
No.: 8 3.0 5.0 8.0 10.0 12.5 16.0
No.: 9 5.0 8.0 12.5 16.0 20.0 25.0
No.:10 8.0 12.5 20.0 25.0 30.0 40.0

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 7 of: 10
 5.2 Plaster Works

5.2.1 Materials

5.2.1.1 Cement & Water

Cement used for Masonry work shall be in accordance with the Specification S-CIV-CONCRETE.
5.2.1.2 Sand
Sand for cement plastering shall be clean, sieved, and - if necessary - washed in potable water and
conform to ASTM C 897 (Standard Specification for Aggregate for Job-Mixed Portland Cement-
Based Plasters)
Sand contamination limits shall not exceed 0.06 % for chlorides content and 0.04 % for sulphate
content.
5.2.1.3 Additives
Additives may only be used after TAQA/ADDC/AADC’s approval, shall only be obtained from
an approved source. Use is to be done in adherence with the manufacturer's technical data sheet.
5.2.1.4 Metal Accessories
All exposed/partially exposed metal accessories shall be of stainless steel. All embedded metal
accessories shall be steel galvanised proposed metal accessories shall comply with TMS 602/ACI
530.1/ASCE 6, Article 2.4 (Metal reinforcement and accessories) and the following:
• G.I. Expanded metal lathing ASTM C847
• G.I. Nails and washers for fixing metal lathing shall be flat head galvanised nails ASTM F1667
• Wire shall be 1.2 mm diameter ASTM A641
• SS plaster stop boards and angle boards. ASTM C847
5.2.2 Workmanship

5.2.2.1 General
All workmanship for cement plastering works shall follow the recommendation laid down in the
relevant standards ASTM C 926 (Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-
Based Plaster).
Surfaces of undercoats shall be well prepared and cleaned to provide a good key for subsequent
and / or finishing coats. Screed marks or making good on undercoats shall not show through the
finishing coats.
All surfaces to be plastered shall first be dashed with a mixture of Portland Cement and Sand (450
kg cement: 1 m3 sand) to form a key. Dashed surface shall be cured for at least 3 days before
starting plaster works.
Plastering shall normally be applied in one coat. Dashed surfaces shall be wetted before the
application of the first coat, which shall be finished flat and vertical by straight edge and scored to
form a key. Thickness of the plaster coat shall be 10-15 mm.
Mortar joints in block and brickwork have to be racked out to a depth of at least 15mm. Concrete
surfaces have to be roughened prior to plastering and – like any other surface as directed by

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 8 of: 10
 TAQA/ADDC/AADC shall be treated with an approved bonding agent to provide an adequate key
and bond.
Joints between differing materials (other than the main reinforced concrete members and the block
walls) shall be reinforced. This shall apply where walls join stiffeners, concrete frames, etc., meet
and where cracks are likely to develop, and/or wherever directed by TAQA/ADDC/AADC.
Reinforcement shall consist of a strip of approved galvanised wire mesh (10 to 15 mm hexagonal
mesh), min. 150 mm wide, or of an approved expanded metal with galvanised nails and washers
or galvanised staples or similar. Any reinforcing mesh shall be fixed at both edges at intervals not
exceeding 50mm, or as required, and the reinforcement shall be completely embedded in the
undercoat of plaster.
If any joint is between the main concrete elements (columns, beams etc.) and block/brick work, a
definite break should be made through back and remaining gap shall be filled with approved
sealant to cover unavoidable cracks between these materials.
Surfaces described as trowelled smooth shall be finished with a steel or celluloid trowel to a
smooth flat surface free from trowel marks.
Surfaces described as floated shall be finished with a wood or felt float to a flat surface free from
trowel marks.
6 QUALITY AND CERTIFICATION

6.1 Documentation supplied during the tender

The documentation supplied by the Supplier during tendering stage shall contain the following
minim elements:
• List of product and material in accordance with relevant standards and specifications as described in
this document.
• List of drawings
• Certificates of all workshop tests performed.
• The quality assurance/control procedures
6.2 Document to be supplied after the order
The documentation supplied by the manufacturer after the order shall contain the following
elements:
• Technical specification and datasheets of material
• Shop tests certificates
• Packaging and shipping procedures
• Installation procedures
• Site tests and tolerances
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures
All materials shall comply with the regulations regarding quality and dimensions shall be adequate
for the required work and shall comply with the specifications and standards accepted by the
Company.

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 9 of: 10
 The Company will make selection of samples for testing material.
The Supplier shall be solely responsible for securing all the materials required for the project
regarding quantity, type and quality. Any delay in the supply and for the delivery thereof shall not
entitle the Supplier to make a claim for the extension of the contract period nor for any additional
expenses on account of such delay.
The work is subject to inspection and examination by TAQA/ADDC/AADC personnel and/or an
independent third party at the Project Site, for full compliance with all requirements of this
Specification, the Contract and Supplier’s design drawings.
7 DELIVERY, HANDLING AND LOGISTIC ISSUES
The Supplier is responsible for all the delivery procedures and provisions for storage of materials
and components.
8 EXCEPTIONS
Possible exceptions to the present prescriptions, concerning the adoption of technical and/or
manufacturing aspects different from the ones prescribed in the present document, can be
evaluated by TAQA/ADDC/AADC.
In such a case, TAQA/ADDC/AADC will take into account the opportunity to require additional
tests with regard to the technical/manufacturing proposed solutions.
Such exceptions can be approved by TAQA/ADDC/AADC.

Client: ADDC/ AADC

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION WORKS
Title: CIVIL WORKS MASONRY
DOCUMENT NO: S-CIV-MAS_00.DOCX Rev: 0-2022 Sheet: 10 of: 10