C-0300

CONCRETE SPECIFICATION
 CONTENTS

1.0 GENERAL 2

2.0 CODES AND STANDARDS 2

3.0 MIX MATERIALS AND DESIGN 3

4.0 FORMWORK 5

5.0 REINFORCING STEEL & EMBEDMENTS 7

6.0 JOINTS AND EMBEDDED ITEMS 9

6.1 Construction Joints 9
6.2 Expansion Joints 10
6.3 Control Joints 10
6.4 Waterstops 10
6.5 Vapor Barrier 10
6.6 Embedded Items 11

7.0 CONCRETE PLACEMENT 11

7.1 General 11
7.2 Placing Concrete Under Water 13
7.3 Placing Concrete on Earth Sub-Grade 13

8.0 FINISHING, CURING, AND PROTECTION 13

9.0 TESTING 15

10.0 GROUT AND GROUTING 16

10.1 TYPE 16
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 This specification includes the minimum requirements for placement,
consolidation, curing testing and protection of cast-in-place Portland cement
concrete.

1.2 For the purpose of definition, Contractor shall be interpreted as the

Vendor/Builder who will be directed to use this specification for work described
herein.

1.3 The Contractor shall submit a work plan to the Owner for review and approval
prior to the start of concreting operations. As a minimum, this plan must include:
methods of construction; plans for forms; amount and type of equipment to be
used; concrete placing schedule; and a tabulation of concrete surfacing
requirements. Approval of the above items does not relieve the Contractor of
responsibility for safety, correctness, and adequacy of methods, adequacy of
equipment, or for carrying out work in accordance with this specification and
other contractual documents.

2.0 CODES AND STANDARDS

2.1 The following codes and standards (and addenda thereto) shall form a part of
this specification. Should there be a conflict between this specification and a
referenced code, standard, or local building code, the more stringent
requirement will govern unless specifically approved otherwise in writing by the
Owner's representative.
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act Standards
ASTM A36 Specification for Structural Steel
ASTM A53 Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe
ASTM A82 Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM A108 Specification for Welded Studs
ASTM A185 Specification for Steel Welded Wire Fabric, Plain, for Concrete
Reinforcement
ASTM A615 Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Billet-Steel Bars
for Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM C31 Method of Making and Curing Concrete Compression and Flexure
Test Specimens in the Field
ASTM C33 Specifications for Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C39 Method of Test for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
ASTM C94 Specifications for Ready-Mixed Concrete
ASTM C125 Definition of Terms Relating to Concrete and Concrete
Aggregates
ASTM C138 Test for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of
Concrete
ASTM C143 Method of Test for Slump of Portland Cement Concrete
ASTM C150 Specifications for Portland Cement
ASTM C171 Specifications for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
ASTM C172 Method of Sampling Fresh Concrete
 ASTM C173 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the
Volumetric Method
ASTM C192 Method of Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the
Laboratory
ASTM C231 Standard Method of Test for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
Concrete by the Pressure Method
ASTM C260 Specifications for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
ASTM D1751 Specifications for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete
Paving and Structural Construction (Non-extruding and Resilient
Bituminous Types)
ASTM D1850 Specification for Concrete Joint Sealer, Cold Applied Type
ASTM D2103 Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting
ACI 211.1 Recommended Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal and
Heavyweight Concrete
ACI 214 Recommended Practice for Evaluation of Compression Test
Results of Field Concrete
ACI 301 Specifications for Structural Concrete for Buildings
ACI 304 Recommended Practice for Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and
Placing Concrete
ACI 305R Hot Weather Concreting
ACI 306R Cold Weather Concreting
ACI 308 Recommended Practice for Curing Concrete
ACI 309 Recommended Practice for Consolidation of Concrete
ACI 315 Manual of Standard Practice for Detailing Reinforced Concrete
Structures
ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete with
Supplements
ACI 347 Recommended Practice for Concrete Formwork
ACI SP-66 ACI Detailing Manual
CRSI Manual of Standard Practice for Reinforced Concrete
Construction
AISC Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural
Steel for Buildings
AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges
AWS Structural Welding Code

3.0 MIX MATERIALS AND DESIGN

3.1 Concrete construction drawings will specify the minimum concrete compressive
strength to be attained for each item of concrete. The Contractor is responsible
for the design of the concrete mixtures and shall furnish to the Owner a
statement giving the compressive strengths and proportion of materials in mixes.
Contractor shall furnish certifications by an approved commercial laboratory
showing that proportions and materials selected will produce laboratory-mixed
concrete of specified quality and having strength not less than 20% higher than
that specified.

3.2 Concrete materials are to be proportioned by weight and on the basis of

maximum water-cement ratio which will produce minimum allowable strength,
with limits set on minimum cement content.
3.3 All concrete shall meet the minimum 28 day compressive strengths tabulated
below by various application:
Building Slabs 4000 psi
Structural Concrete 4000 psi
Area Paving 3000 psi
Electrical Encasements 2500 psi
Concrete Roadway 4000 psi
Elevated Structural Concrete 4000 psi
3.4 Use a minimum of 6.5 bags of cement per cubic yard of concrete if concrete is to
be placed under water. Owner's approval shall be obtained prior to placing any
concrete under water.

3.5 Include in maximum water, free water in aggregate minus absorption of

aggregate based on 30 minute absorption period.

3.6 Typically, cement shall conform to ASTM C150, Type I. Cement for air-entrained
concrete shall conform to ASTM C150, Type IA. Class C Flyash may be
permitted in mix designs up to 15% replacement of Portland cement (by weight).

3.7 Water used in mixing concrete shall be clean and free from injurious amounts of
oils, acids, alkalis, salts, organic materials, or other substances that may be
deleterious to concrete or steel.

3.8 Aggregates shall conform to ASTM C33. The following sizes shall be used for
the denoted applications:
Size 467 (1-1/2" to No. 4) shall be used for foundations.
Size 57 (1" to No. 4) shall be used for beams, columns and slabs.
Size 7 (1/2" to No. 4) shall be used for thin slabs (4" thick or less);
elevated floor slabs with top and bottom layers of reinforcing; and
electrical conduit encasements.
3.8.1 In no case shall the nominal maximum size of the aggregate be larger
than one-fifth of the narrowest dimension between sides of forms, one-
third of the depth of slabs, nor three-fourths of the minimum clear
distance between reinforcing bars or between bars and forms, whichever
is least. In columns, the nominal maximum size of the aggregate shall be
as limited above but shall not be larger than two-thirds of the minimum
clear distance between bars.

3.9 Admixtures and various chemicals used in the control of temperature and setting
of concrete mixes, shall not be used unless specifically approved by the Owner.
If used, the resulting concrete shall meet the specified strength. Class C Flyash
may be permitted in mix designs up to 15% replacement of Portland cement (by
weight).

3.10 Concrete, unless otherwise noted, shall be air-entrained concrete with an air
content by volume of 5%, ± 1%. Air-entraining admixture shall conform to ASTM
C260.

3.11 Red oxide powder shall be added to concrete and mixed at a rate of 2# per bag
of cement for coloring of concrete used to protect electrical duct banks.
 3.12 Concrete slump (as determined by ASTM C143) shall be within the following
ranges:
Kind of Construction Max. Slump Min. Slump

Reinf. Foundations & footings 3-1/2" 2"

Slabs on grade, pavement 3-1/2" 2"
Beams, Columns, Walls, Elev. Slabs 4" 2"
Electrical Duct Bank Encasement 4" 2"

3.13 Provided the design water-cement ratio will not be exceeded, small increments
of re-tempering water may be added and recorded to mixed batches to obtain
the desired slump. However, the production of concrete of excess slump or
adding water in excess of the design water-cement ratio to compensate for
slump loss resulting from delays in delivery or placing is prohibited.

4.0 FORMWORK

4.1 Provide mortar-tight forms sufficient in strength to prevent bulging or sagging

between supports. Set and maintain forms to lines and grades. If bulging or
sagging of forms occurs, header off and remove portion of concrete causing
such condition and reset forms. Clean forms and form lumber to be reused and
maintain in good condition. Construct forms to permit removal without damage
to concrete. Forms may be given slight draft to permit ease of removal. Provide
adequate cleanout openings and before placing concrete, remove extraneous
matter from within forms.

4.1.1 The only exception to the above shall be for those portions of foundations
not exposed to the weather or to view. In these cases, cuts may be
finished to neat lines and used as forms for vertical surfaces of concrete
in rock or stable soil. Bottom surfaces of excavations shall be leveled to
provide a uniform bearing on undisturbed virgin soil or well compacted fill.

4.2 Form work shall be designed in accordance with ACI 347 using a concrete
weight of 150 pounds per cubic foot.

4.3 Use seasoned lumber of good quality, free from loose or unsound knots, knot
holes, twists, shakes, decay and other imperfections which would affect its
strength or the finished surface of concrete. Use plywood or other smooth
material for facing or sheathing, finished on at least one side. Back forms with
sufficient number of studs and wales to prevent bulging or slipping.

4.4 Make molding for chamfer strips, or other uses, of redwood or pine of quality that
will not split. Provide fillet forms at all exposed corners and edges with triangular
3/4" strips. For pours which are multi-horizontal lifts, set a horizontal chamfer
strip only to predetermined elevation prior to placing final lift.
4.5 Patented panel forms, or any forms having plain panel surfaces, will not be
permitted for circular or curved wall forming, unless specifically approved by
Owner. Use metal form ties to hold forms in place. Use wire form ties only when
approved. Remove form ties to depth of at least 1" from surface of concrete.
Form tie holes shall not be larger than 7/8" in diameter. Do not burn off ties.
Remove spreaders which separate forms as concrete is being placed.

4.6 Treat facing of forms with non-staining form oil before concrete is placed. When
so directed, treat both sides of forms with oil. Apply oil before reinforcement is
placed. In general, wet surface of forms which will come in contact with concrete
immediately before concrete is placed.

4.7 Applicable provisions of foregoing requirements apply equally to metal forms.

Countersink bolt and rivet heads on facing sides. Use only metal forms which
present smooth surface and line up properly. Keep metal free from rust, grease
or other foreign material that will tend to disfigure or discolor concrete. Mount
chamfer strip by approved method and secure strip at frequent intervals to
maintain grade.

4.8 All forms shall be erected to the lines and grades as indicated on the drawings
and to the following tolerances:

4.8.1 Variation From Plumb:

4.8.1.1 In the lines and surfaces of columns, piers, walls and in rises: In
any 10 ft of length - 1/4 inch

4.8.1.2 For exposed corner column, control-joint grooves and other

conspicuous lines: In any 20 ft of length - 1/4 inch. Maximum
for entire length - 1/2 inch

4.8.2 Variation From The Level Or From The Grades Specified In The Contract
Documents:

4.8.2.1 In paving slabs or retaining walls: In any bay or any 20 ft length

- 1/4 inch. Maximum for entire length - 3/8 inch

4.8.2.2 In foundations supporting structural steel: In any bay or any 10

ft length - 1/8 inch. Maximum for entire length - 1/4 inch

4.8.3 Variation Of The Linear Construction Lines From Established Position In

Plan And Related Position Of Columns, Walls And Equipment:
In any 20 ft of length - 1/8 inch
Maximum for entire length - 1/4 inch
4.8.4 Variation In The Sizes And Location Of Sleeves, Floor Openings, And
Wall Openings: 1/8 Inch

4.8.5 Variation In Cross-Sectional Dimensions Of Columns And Beams And In

Thickness Of Slabs And Walls:
Minus 0 inch
Plus 1/2 inch
 4.8.6 Variation In Footing Dimensions:
Minus 0 inch
Plus 1/2 inch
4.8.6.1 Variation in footing plan dimensions (length & width):

4.8.6.2 Misplacement or eccentricity: 2% of the footing width in the

direction of misplacement, but not more than 2 inches.

4.8.6.3 Thickness: Decrease in specified thickness - 0 inch

4.8.6.4 Variation from the elevation specified on drawings: Top of

footing pad, maximum - 1/8 inch

4.8.7 Variation In Steps:

4.8.7.1 In A Flight Of Stairs:

Rise 1/8 inch
Tread 1/4 inch
4.8.7.2 In Consecutive Steps:
Rise 1/16 inch
Tread 1/8 inch
4.8.7.3 Tolerances apply to dimensions of concrete only and not to
positioning of reinforcing steel, dowels, or embedded items.

4.9 Form work for beams, soffits, slabs, and other parts that support the weight of
the concrete shall remain in place until test results indicate the concrete has
reached 80% of its specified 28-day strength. This requirement implies a
minimum of 7 days before form removal.

4.10 Whenever the form work is removed during the curing period, the exposed
concrete shall be cured by one of the methods specified under Section 8.0 of this
specification.

5.0 REINFORCING STEEL & EMBEDMENTS

5.1 The Contractor shall supply checked placing drawings, bar lists and shop
drawings in accordance with "Manual of Standard Practice for Detailing Concrete
Structures" ACI 315 for review by the Owner. Approval prior to fabrication is
waived unless stated otherwise in the purchase order.

5.2 Changes in details, splices in reinforcing, or substitution of reinforcing sizes shall

not be allowed without prior written consent from the Owner prompted by a
formal written request by the Contractor. Request for changes from the
Contractor noted only on the review drawings are not acceptable.

5.3 Placement drawings and shop details for steel embedded items shall be
prepared by the Contractor in accordance with standard detailing practice for
structural steel. All shop drawings shall include a completed bill of material.
5.4 All reinforcing bars shall conform to ASTM A615, Grade 60. At the time of
shipment, a certified copy of a mill test report showing the physical and chemical
analysis of reinforcing bars shall be provided to the Owner.

5.5 All welded wire fabric shall conform to ASTM A185 and shall be furnished in
either roll or mat form in 60-inch widths or as specified on the design drawings.

5.6 All column spiral reinforcing shall conform to ASTM A82.

5.7 All anchor bolts shall conform to ASTM F1554 (GR36).

5.8 All structural steel embedded items shall conform to ASTM A36.

5.9 All pipe sleeves shall conform to ASTM A53.

5.10 All welded studs shall conform to ASTM A108.

5.11 The fabrication of reinforcing steel shall be in accordance with ACI SP-66.

5.12 The fabrication of anchor bolts and embedded steel shall comply with the AISC
Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for
Buildings, and the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and
Bridges.

5.13 All welds shall be in accordance with the AISC Specification for the Design,
Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings, and the American
Welding Society Structural Welding Code AWS D1.1. All welders shall be
qualified as required by AWS D1.1.

5.14 Reinforcing bars shall not be bent or straightened in a manner that will injure the
material. Heating of the reinforcing bars for straightening or for bending is not
permitted.

5.15 Unless otherwise specified on the design drawings, embedded steel items
(excluding concrete reinforcing) shall be hot dip galvanized after fabrication in
accordance with ASTM A123 standard for Hot Dip Galvanized Coatings.

5.16 Reinforcing steel with like marks shall be securely wired together in individual
bundles. Such items may be further bundled for shipment.

5.17 Metal tags, with marks at least 1/2" high shall be securely wired to each
individual bundle or roll. Tags shall show destination by name, address, and
purchase order number. Each bundle of straight bars shall be tagged to show
number of pieces, size and length. Each bundle of bent bars shall be tagged to
show number of pieces and mark number as shown on the placing drawings. All
bars shall be identified as to the placement drawing and foundation or structure
to which they pertain. Each roll of welded wire fabric shall be tagged to show
size and length.

5.18 Additional information may be required on tags as noted in the purchase order or
as directed by the Owner's field representative.
 5.19 Should field bending of reinforcing steel be required, it shall be done while steel
is cold. Field bent bars shall be configured in accordance with recommended
dimensions and practices outlined in ACI 315, the CRSI Manual of Standard
Practice and ACI SP-66. Hot bending, straightening, welding or flame cutting of
reinforcing steel in the field will not be allowed.

5.20 Contractor shall store both plain and fabricated reinforcement above ground on
platforms, skids, or other supports and protect from mechanical injury and
surface deterioration caused by exposure to weather. Contractor shall use
reinforcing steel that is new and free from dirt, loose scale, rust, paint, oil and
any other material that is detrimental to developing bond.

5.21 Reinforcement shall be placed at the location and spacing shown on the design
drawings, together with all necessary ties, chairs, spacers, supports, and
appurtenances required to install and secure the reinforcement properly.
Typically galvanized or epoxy coated bar accessories shall be used, except when
supporting reinforcing steel off of a neat excavation where precast mortar spacer
blocks shall be used. Precast mortar blocks for spacing and support of the
reinforcing steel shall be composed of one part cement to two parts sand and
shall have wires cast into them for fastening to reinforcement.

5.22 Reinforcement shall be placed and tied within the tolerances of ACI 301, Chapter
5. Tie wire shall be 16 gage minimum, black annealed steel wire and shall be
bent back away from the edge of the forms.

5.23 The minimum concrete cover over reinforcement shall be as shown on the
design drawings but not less than as specified in ACI 318.

5.24 Splices shall be placed where shown on the design drawings. All splices not
shown on the design drawings must be acceptable to the Owner's field
representative. Welded splices shall not be permitted.

5.25 Contractor shall notify the Owner's field representative after reinforcing steel has
been placed and prior to placing concrete. Concrete cannot be placed without
the Owner's inspection and approval and local code officials approval.

6.0 JOINTS AND EMBEDDED ITEMS

6.1 Construction Joints

6.1.1 Joints not shown on the drawings shall be made and located so as to
least impair the strength of the structure and must be acceptable to the
Owner's field representative. In general, they shall be located near the
middle of the spans of elevated slabs, beams, and girders unless a beam
intersects a girder at this point, in which case the joints in the girder shall
be offset a distance equal to twice the width of the beam. Joints in walls
and columns shall be at the underside of floors, slabs, beams, or girders
and at the top of footings or floor slabs. Beams, girders, brackets,
column capitals, haunches, and drop panels shall be placed at the same
time as slabs. All joints shall be perpendicular to the main reinforcement.
 6.1.2 All reinforcing steel and welded wire fabric shall be continued across
joints except for joints in paving or slabs on grade. Keys and dowels in
paving and slabs on grade shall be provided as shown on the drawings.

6.1.3 Longitudinal shear keys at least 1-1/2" deep shall be provided at all
construction joints in walls, in construction joints between walls and slabs,
and between wall and the footings under walls.

6.1.4 The surface of the concrete at all joints shall be thoroughly cleaned and
all laitance removed prior to placing adjoining concrete.

6.1.5 When required, bond shall be obtained by roughening the surface of the
concrete in a manner which will expose the aggregate uniformly and will
not leave laitance, loosened particles of aggregate or damaged concrete
at the surface. Prepared surface shall be thoroughly saturated with water
immediately prior to placement of new concrete.

6.2 Expansion Joints

6.2.1 Expansion joints shall be located and detailed as shown on the design
drawings.

6.2.2 Expansion joint filler material shall be bituminous type conforming to

ASTM D1751 unless otherwise specified on the design drawings.

6.2.3 Joints shall be sealed with joint sealer conforming to ASTM D1190 unless
otherwise specified on the design drawings.

6.3 Control Joints

6.3.1 Control joints shall be located and constructed as indicated on the design
drawings. The joints shall be made by tooling, sawing or forming and
shall be not more than 3/16" wide, with a depth of 1/5 the thickness of the
slab or not less than the maximum size aggregate.

6.4 Not Used.

6.5 Vapor Barrier

6.5.1 A vapor barrier shall be installed under all slabs on grade where called for
on the design drawings. The vapor barrier shall be clear polyethylene
membrane, 10 mils thick, manufactured in accordance with ASTM
D2103. Vapor barrier joints shall be lapped 1'-0" minimum.
 6.6 Embedded Items

6.6.1 All sleeves, inserts, anchors, and embedded items required for adjoining
work or for its support shall be placed prior to concreting. Sleeves shall
be of sufficient strength to resist wet concrete pressure. All items must
be clean; no paint, oil, mud or other material which would affect the bond
are permitted. No embedded item shall be placed within the portion of
the concrete which forms "cover" for the reinforcing steel without the
"cover" being increased accordingly.

6.6.2 All other trades whose work is related to the concrete or must be
supported by it, shall be given sufficient notice and opportunity to
introduce and/or furnish embedded items before the concrete is placed.

6.6.3 Expansion joint material, anchor bolts, waterstops, and embedded items
shall be positioned accurately and supported against displacement.
Voids in sleeves, inserts, and anchor slots shall be filled temporarily with
readily removable material to prevent the entry of concrete into the voids.

6.6.4 Embedments such as aluminum conduit or other metals incompatible

with reinforcing steel with respect to galvanic corrosive action, shall not
be placed in the concrete.

6.6.5 Unless otherwise shown on the design drawings, the projecting portion of
anchor bolts shall be perpendicular to the final bearing surface. All
anchor bolts shall be installed to the lines and grades on the design
drawings to a tolerance of (+\-) 1/16".

7.0 CONCRETE PLACEMENT

7.1 General

7.1.1 Preliminary Considerations:

7.1.1.1 Give advance notice to the Owner to permit inspection of forms,

reinforcing steel and embedded item placement prior to the
placing of concrete. Place no concrete prior to this review. If
potentially damaging pile driving or other vibration can exist at
the point of concrete placement, do not place concrete until pile
driving operation or other causes of vibration can be
discontinued for minimum time of 12 hours after concrete has
been poured.

7.1.2 Handling and Conveying:

 7.1.2.1 Use metal or metal-lined chutes, troughs and pipes in conveying
concrete so that ingredients of concrete will not be segregated
(use of conveyance conduits made of aluminum or aluminum
alloys is prohibited). Keep chutes, troughs and pipes clean.
Pumping of concrete will be permitted only when methods have
been specifically authorized. Cart or wheel concrete batches on
concrete floor slabs only after they have aged at least 4 curing
days and have been determined through testing to have attained
adequate strength to support the imposed loads (protect
concrete surface and do not interrupt curing operations).

7.1.3 Depositing:

7.1.3.1 As concrete is discharged from transit mixer vehicle, it shall be

deposited in a continuous manner and at a uniform rate of flow.
Concrete shall be deposited or placed, as nearly as practicable,
in its final position so as to prevent lateral movement or re-
handling. Limit vertical free fall of concrete to a maximum 5 feet
by use of properly designed tremies. Concrete shall be
deposited and properly consolidated in layers not exceeding 12
inches in thickness, and with a minimum lateral movement.
Place each layer only on previous layers which are still plastic
and no more than 1 hour shall have elapsed between successive
layers in a continuous, monolithic placement. Regulate
movement and positioning of tremie and chutes to assure a well
consolidated and integrated monolithic mass of concrete.

7.1.4 Consolidation:

7.1.4.1 Except when placed by pumping, pneumatic means or other

special method, freshly deposited concrete shall be uniformly
consolidated and integrated with previous layer, by proper use of
approved mechanical internal vibrators and supplemented by
hand spading, rodding and tamping. Internal vibrators shall
have a minimum frequency of 8000 impulses per minute and
sufficient amplitude to consolidate the concrete effectively.
Commence vibrating and consolidation immediately when
concrete is deposited, and continually move through the mass
until proper blending and integration have been achieved as
specified herein. Continue vibration for approximately 20
seconds per square foot of surface. Limit duration of vibration to
period necessary to achieve uniform consolidation and to work
the concrete mixture into corners, around reinforcement and
embedments, and to prevent voids or segregation. Do not use
vibrators to laterally move concrete inside the forms.
 7.2 Placing Concrete Under Water

7.2.1 Deposit concrete under water only if authorized by Owner and use only
approved concrete mix. Water shall not pass through space in which
concrete is being deposited. Do not pump water while concrete is being
placed, nor until it has set for at least 36 hours. Do not disturb concrete
after being deposited, and maintain approximate horizontal surfaces at all
times. Use tremies for depositing concrete as previously specified
herein. Pour concrete continuously until a monolithic portion or section is
completed. Tremie must not be raised above the surface of plastic
concrete until pour is complete.

7.3 Placing Concrete on Earth Sub-Grade

7.3.1 Prepare earthen sub-grades in accordance with earthwork specifications.

If required, install membrane vapor barrier as specified herein. Omit
side forms when possible. Where vapor barriers are not required, semi-
porous sub-grades shall be sprinkled sufficiently to eliminate absorption
and porous sub-grades shall be sealed in a manner acceptable to the
Owner's representative prior to the placement of concrete.

7.3.2 When the temperature of the surrounding air is expected to be below

40 F during placing or within 24 hours thereafter, the temperature of the
plastic concrete, as placed, shall be no lower than 55 F for sections less
than 12" in any dimension nor 50 F for any other sections. The
temperature of the concrete as placed shall not be so high as to cause
problems from loss of slump, flash set, or cold joints. Concrete
temperature should not exceed 90 F. Should the temperature of the
concrete exceed 90 F, precautionary measures acceptable to the
Owner's representative shall be put into effect. When the temperature of
the steel is greater than 120 F, steel forms and reinforcement shall be
sprayed with water just prior to placing the concrete for cooling purposes.
If any of these conditions exist, Contractor shall conform to the
recommendations contained within ACI 306R "Cold Weather Concreting"
or ACI 305R "Hot Weather Concreting", respectively.

8.0 FINISHING, CURING, AND PROTECTION

8.1 Formed surfaces shall have one of the following finishes:

8.1.1 For all surfaces not exposed to view. Rough form finish surfaces shall be
reasonably true to line and plane with no specific requirements for
selected facing materials. Tie holes and defects shall be patched.
Otherwise, surfaces shall be left with the texture imparted by the forms.
 8.1.2 For all surfaces exposed to view. Smooth form facing material shall
produce a smooth, hard uniform texture on the concrete. It may be
plywood, tempered concrete-form-grade hardboard, metal, plastic, paper,
or other approved material capable of producing the desired finish. The
arrangement of the facing material shall be orderly and symmetrical, with
the number of seams kept to the practical minimum. Material with raised
grain, torn surfaces, worn edges, patches, dents, or other defects which
will impair the texture of the concrete surface shall not be used. All fins
shall be completely removed Tie holes and defects shall be cleaned,
saturated with water, and carefully pointed with mortar. As soon as the
pointing has sufficiently set, exposed surfaces shall be thoroughly
saturated with water and rubbed with a medium coarse carborundum
stone. Rubbing shall continue until the surface has been ground to a
paste and all form marks, irregularities and projections have been
removed. In this process no additive material shall be introduced other
than water. After the rubbing has produced a smooth surface of uniform
color, the material which has been ground to a paste shall be allowed to
reset under proper curing conditions. Subsequently, as a second
operation, the concrete surfaces shall be re-saturated with water and
thoroughly rubbed with a fine carborundum stone. This rubbing shall
continue until the surface has a smooth, fine grain texture of uniform
color.

8.2 Tops of formed walls shall be struck smooth and floated to a smooth flat surface.

8.3 For paving and slabs on grade the following finishing techniques shall be utilized.
After the concrete has been placed, consolidated and leveled the surface shall
not be worked further until ready for floating. Floating shall commence when the
water sheen has disappeared and/or the mix has stiffened sufficiently to permit
the use of a powerdriven float. The surface shall then be consolidated with a
powerdriven float. Wood or corkfaced floats shall be used where inaccessible to
the powerdriven machine float. Grade lines shall be maintained during this
operation. Joints and edges in pavement shall be rounded to 1/4" radius.
Pavements and slabs on grade shall receive a light broom, coarse broom, or tine
finish, as denoted on the design drawings, immediately after suitable power
floating.

8.4 Fresh concrete made with normal cement shall be protected from drying and
excessive hot or cold temperatures, and shall be maintained above 50 F in a
moist condition for the first seven days; high early strength concrete three days.

8.5 Initial curing shall immediately follow the finishing operation, and shall consist of
one of the following methods for at least 24 hours:

8.5.1 Ponding or continuous sprinkling.

8.5.2 Mat or fabric continuously wet.

8.5.3 Curing compounds (except for surfaces upon which additional concrete is
to be placed; and surfaces to receive epoxy floor toppings, paint, or
waterproofing compounds).
 8.6 Final curing shall immediately follow the initial curing period and shall be
accomplished by one of the following methods:

8.6.1 Continuation of initial curing method.

8.6.2 Approved moisture retaining coverings.

8.6.3 Waterproof paper cover.

8.7 Steel forms heated by the sun and all wood forms shall be kept wet during final
curing.

8.8 Final curing shall continue, during which time the temperature of the air in
contact with the concrete shall be above 50 F, until the total days including the
initial curing period equals 7 days for normal concrete and 3 days for high- early
concrete.

8.9 Concrete shall be protected from loss of moisture, rapid temperature change,
mechanical injury, or injury from rain or flowing water for a period of seven (7)
days when normal strength Portland cement has been used and three (3) days
when high-early strength cement has been used.

9.0 TESTING

9.1 Slump tests shall be performed in accordance with ASTM C143 and shall be
conducted on each pour and each truck load of ready-mix concrete during
concreting operations. Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating all testing
and shall incur all costs associated with the required tests.

9.2 Testing for air content shall be in accordance with one of the following methods:
Pressure Method - ASTM C231; Volumetric Method - ASTM C173; or
Gravimetric Method - ASTM C138. The pressure method may be used only for
concrete containing relatively dense natural aggregates; the Volumetric and
Gravimetric methods may be used for concrete containing any kind of
aggregate.

9.3 Test cylinders for strength determination of placed concrete will be required.
Specimens for strength tests shall be sampled in accordance with ASTM C172,
shall be made and cured in accordance with ASTM C31, and shall be tested in
accordance with ASTM C39. A minimum of four (4) test specimens shall be
taken on a representative random basis from each 50 cubic yards placed in one
day with not less than four (4) test specimens from each class of concrete placed
in one day regardless of quantity.

9.4 Strength of 28 day laboratory-cured test cylinders shall be the basis for
acceptance of concrete.

9.5 One (1) test specimen shall be tested to failure in compression at seven (7)
days, two (2) specimens at twenty-eight (28) days, and one (1) test specimen
held in reserve as a spare. Deviations from this procedure can only be obtained
through written revision by the Owner's representative.
 9.6 On the same day a strength test is made, the testing laboratory shall submit four
(4) copies of the laboratory report to the Owner's representative. The test report
shall include:

9.6.1 Date of report and test;

9.6.2 Specified strength;

9.6.3 Number of specimens per test result reported;

9.6.4 Location of pour;

9.6.5 Material proportions or mix number;

9.6.6 Percentage entrained air;

9.6.7 Measured slump;

9.6.8 Compressive strength by test, 7 and 28 days;

9.6.9 Distribution of the report.

9.7 When a seven (7) day test specimen for a particular pour has a breaking
strength less than sixty percent (60%) of the design strength for twenty-eight
days, that concrete shall be classified as potentially low strength concrete, and if,
in the opinion of the Owner, this low strength concrete may impair the proper
function of the structure, the Contractor shall stop construction on the portion of
the structure affected. Should the 28 day strength prove to be less than that
specified the defective material may be removed from the work, or strengthened
in an acceptable manner at the expense of the Contractor.

10.0 GROUT AND GROUTING

10.1 TYPE
Grout shall be non-shrink Five-Star Grout as manufactured by U.S. Grout Corp.
or an Owner approved equal. Grout shall be installed by one of the following
methods:
10.1.1 Dry-Pack
 10.1.1.1 This method may be used to provide continuous uniform bearing
under structural base plates when adequate access to the sides
of the bearing area is available. The top of the hardened
concrete pier or foundation shall be cleaned of laitance and dirt
before setting the base plate and shall be well saturated with
water before grouting. The grout mixture shall be rammed into
position with a wood board or steel bar. The tamping operation
should begin at the center of the bearing area. Tamping shall
not raise or displace the base plate. The top of grout shall not
extend above the bottom of the base plate or machine base.
The grout shall be prevented from drying out by enclosing the
exposed edges with wet burlap and kept moist for at least five
days after placing.

10.1.2 Fluid Grout Method

10.1.2.1 A fluid grout may be used as an alternate to the dry pack

method to provide continuous, uniform, bearing under
equipment and structural base plates. Fluid grout shall be
mixed, placed and cured in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.