British PQC

Specification 033
Pavement Quality
Concrete for Airfields
DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ORGANISATION

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Specification 033
Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields
February 2017
AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TEAM

DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ORGANISATION
Ministry of Defence
© Crown Copyright 2017.
All Crown Copyrights are reserved. Individuals are authorised to download
this text to file or printer for their own individual use. Any other proposed
reproduction requires the assent of Defence Estates, Kingston Road, Sutton
Coldfield, West Midlands, B75 7RL. Further information is available from
www.intellectual-property.gov.uk
First published 1996
Acknowledgements
The specifications in this document have been prepared, following detailed
industry contributions, primarily with representatives of Britpave, The British
Cementitious Paving Association – www.britpave.org.uk
Foreword
This document is for the use of Top Level Budget Holders (TLBHs) for
application by the Project Sponsors and their Project Managers, Property
Managers (PROM), Establishment Works Consultants (EWC), Works Service
Managers (WSM) and other parties involved with airfield pavement works.
This Defence Infrastructure Organisation Specification supersedes the previous

edition published in April 2005.
This Specification was prepared under the patronage of the Airfield Pavements
Team, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Ministry of Defence, for application
to airfield pavement works on the MOD estate. It was prepared following
detailed contributions from members of the Britpave Heavy Duty Pavements
Working Group and other industry personnel
The application and limitations of the specification requirements in this DIO

Specification are outlined in Section 1. Further technical assistance regarding
the contents of this document can be obtained from DIO. Approaches may be
made through local DIO offices or directly to the airfield pavement Technical
Works Authority (DE TA):
Head of Airfield Pavements

Safety, Environmental &Engineering (Engineering & Construction)
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Kingston Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B75 7RL
Tel: 0121 311 2119 or Sutton Coldfield MI 2119
This Specification "Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields" has been

devised for use of the Crown and of its Contractors in the execution of
contracts for the Crown and, subject to the Unfair Contracts Terms Act
1977, the Crown will not be liable in any way whatever (including but
without limitation negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or
agents) where the specification is used for other purposes.
February 2017 i
ii February 2017
Glossary of Technical Terms
Added Filler Filler aggregate that is additional to that

inherent in the course and fine aggregate
Finely divided inorganic constituent used in

Addition concrete in order to improve certain properties
or to achieve specific properties
Aggregate / Cement The ratio between the total mass of

Ratio aggregate, including the mass of any
absorbed water, in a concrete mix and the
mass of cement in the mix.
Asphalt A mixture of coarse and fine aggregate, filler

aggregate and bituminous binder used in the
construction of flexible pavements for roads
and airfields.
Asphalt Concrete An asphalt mixture consisting of continuous

graded aggregate, filler aggregate and
bituminous binder proportioned to produce a
dense and impermeable surfacing.
Asphalt Surfacing A porous friction course, surface course, or a

combination of these, and a binder course.
Asphaltic Concrete Alternative name for ‘Asphalt Concrete’.
Base Structural layer(s) of a pavement immediately

below the Binder Course that are bound.
Basecourse Previous name for ‘Binder Course’.
Bay (of Concrete) The area of slab bounded by adjacent pairs of

longitudinal and transverse joints or grooves.
February 2017 iii

Bay Layout The pattern of joints and grooves on a
concrete pavement.
Béton Bitumineux Asphalt concrete mix design for airfield

pour chaussées pavements that was developed in France.
Aéronautiques (BBA)
Binder A material used for the purpose of holding

solid particles together as a coherent mass.
Binder Course The layer or layers of the asphalt surfacing

immediately below the surface course.
(Previously called ‘Basecourse’).
Bitumen Binder obtained from crude oil by refinery

processes.
Bitumen Emulsion An emulsion in which bitumen is dispersed in

water or in aqueous solution with the aid of
suitable emulsifying agents.
Bitumen Macadam See ‘Macadam’.
Bituminous Containing bitumen. (Previously included

road tar, pitch or mixtures thereof).
Bituminous Surfacing Alternative name for ‘Asphalt Surfacing’.
Bond Coat .Proprietary bitumen spray that provides

additional adhesion and imperviousness to
that achieved with a Tack Coat and, therefore,
improved bond between layers when applied
at the rate of application recommended by the
manufacturer for the particular situation
Cement Finely ground inorganic material which when

mixed with water forms a paste which sets
and hardens by means of hydration reactions
and processes and which after hardening
retains its strength and atability even under
water
Coarse Aggregate For asphalt, aggregate mainly retained on a

2.0 mm test sieve and containing no more
finer material than is permitted for the various
sizes in BS EN 13043.
For concrete and block making, aggregate
mainly retained on a 4.0 mm test sieve and
containing no more finer material than is
permitted for the various sizes in
BS EN 12620.
iv February 2017
Cold Recycled Bound A material produced ex situ in a fixed or
Material (CRBM) mobile mixing plant from recycling base and
binder courses from existing pavements. The
recycling process allows for the crushing,
screening and grading of excavated material,
blended if necessary with other aggregate,
and bound with bituminous and hydraulic
binder(s) including cement.
Combination Restricted range of Portland cements and

additions which, having been combined in the
concrete mixer, count fully towards the cement
content and water/cement ratio in concrete
Construction Joint A joint separating areas of a concrete

pavement slab placed during different pours,
usually on different days. May be a
longitudinal, or lane, joint or a transverse joint
across a lane.
Contraction Groove A groove formed in the surface of a concrete

slab, either during or soon after laying, in
order to induce shrinkage cracking to occur in
a controlled manner. Usually formed
transversely at regular intervals along a lane
of concrete by saw cutting so as to subdivide it
into approximately square bays.
Crushed Aggregate Aggregate produced by crushing rock or

gravel.
Cutback Bitumen Bitumen whose viscosity has been reduced by

the addition of a suitable volatile diluent.
Dense Bitumen See ‘Macadam’.

Macadam (DBM)
Drylean concrete A cement bound granular material with low

water content suitable for use as a Base or
subbase. Unlike conventional concrete, it is
usually compacted by rolling.
Edge Restraint Device that serves to prevent sideways

movement of paving units and prevents loss of
material from the laying course, base or
subbase.
Expansion Joint Joint provided in a concrete pavement to

accommodate the expansion which occurs
when the temperature of the pavement rises.
Enrobé à Module Élevé High modulus bituminous mixture that was

Class 2 (EME2) developed in France.
February 2017 v
Filler Aggregate For asphalt, aggregate, most of which passes
a 0.063 mm sieve as permitted in
BS EN 13043, which can be added to
construction materials to provide certain
properties.
For concrete and block making, aggregate,
most of which passes a 0.063 mm sieve as
permitted in BS EN 12620, which can be
added to construction materials to provide
certain properties.
Fine Aggregate For asphalt, aggregate mainly passing a

2.0 mm test sieve and containing no more
coarse material than is permitted for the
various gradings in BS EN 13043.
For concrete and block making, aggregate
mainly passing a 4.0 mm test sieve and
containing no more coarser material than is
permitted for the various gradings in
BS EN 12620.
Fines Any solid material passing a 0.063 mm test

sieve.
Fly ash Bound Material A hydraulically bound mixture in which

(FABM) siliceous or calcareous fly ash is the essential
constituent of the binder. (NOTE: siliceous fly
ash used in the specification.)
Foreign Object Damage Damage sustained by aircraft as a result of

(FOD) foreign objects striking the aircraft or being
ingested into jet engines. Potential sources of
damage are generally referred to as FOD
hazards.
Free Water/Cement The ratio between the mass of water, less any
Ratio water absorbed by the aggregates, in a
concrete mixture and the mass of cement in
the mixture.
Friction Course See ‘Porous Friction Course’.
Grading Particle size distribution of an aggregate.
Heavy Duty Macadam See ‘Macadam’.

(HDM)
Hot Rolled Asphalt An asphalt mixture of gap-graded aggregate,

(HRA) filler aggregate and bitumen binder
proportioned to a design or recipe to produce
a dense and impermeable surfacing material.
Hydraulically Bound A mixture which sets and hardens by hydraulic

Mixture reaction. It is compacted by rolling and is
suitable for use as a base or sub-base.
vi February 2017
Hydraulic road binders Hydraulic road binders are proprietary binders
(HRB) which are a powder made from a blend of
different constituents.
Interlock Effect of frictional forces between concrete

blocks that prevent them moving vertically in
relation to each other.
Intermediate Restraint Device that is used to provide restraint of

concrete block paving units at intervals in the
paved surface.
Joint Filling Material Material used to fill the joints between

concrete blocks. Often referred to as ‘joint
filling sand’.
Joint Width The distance between adjacent concrete

blocks or concrete blocks and restraint.
Laitance On a concrete pavement, a thin layer with

poor durability formed of fine aggregate,
cement and water brought to the surface,
usually by overworking.
Lane A longitudinal strip of a pavement layer

produced by one pass of a set of paving
equipment.
Lane Joint A construction joint between adjacent lanes.
Laying Course Material Layer of material on which concrete blocks are

bedded. Often referred to as the ‘bedding
sand’ or ‘laying course sand’.
Laying Face Working edge of the wearing surface when

concrete blocks are being laid out.
Laying Pattern An arrangement of concrete blocks to form

specific patterns for structural requirements.
February 2017 vii

Macadam An asphalt mixture (nominally an Asphalt
Concrete) consisting of graded aggregate
coated with bitumen.
a. Dense Bitumen Macadam (DBM): A
dense, relatively impermeable, Macadam
coated with a bitumen binder and with a
filler aggregate content of between 2% and
9%.
b. Heavy Duty Macadam (HDM): A dense
bitumen Macadam with 40/60 pen grade
bitumen binder and a high filler aggregate
content of 7% to 11%.
c. Pervious Macadam: A layer of 0/32 mm
Porous Asphalt which acts as a topping to
protect whilst allowing free penetration of
the surface water to French drains.
Marshall Asphalt An Asphalt Concrete designed to achieve

specified stability, flow, voids and density
characteristics.
Optimum Moisture The moisture content at which maximum

Content compaction is achieved.
Particle Size Fraction That portion of aggregate which passes one

sieve but is retained on the adjacent smaller
sized sieve in the sequence of sieves used to
specify that grading.
Pavement A structure consisting of a layer or

superimposed layers of selected materials,
whose primary purpose is to distribute the
applied load to the Subgrade.
Pavement Quality A cement concrete of a suitable quality for use

Concrete (PQC) as the surfacing on airfield pavements.
Pervious Macadam See ‘Macadam’.
Petroleum Bitumen See ‘Bitumen’.
Porous Asphalt An asphalt mixture consisting of gap-graded

aggregate and binder with a relatively open
structure that is pervious to air and water.
Porous Friction Course A relatively thin layer of 2/10 mm aggregate

sized Porous Asphalt that allows free
penetration of the surface water to the
underlying impervious surface course.
Quick Visco-Elastic Type of CRBM in which the primary binder is

(QVE) bitumen but also includes a proportion of
Portland Cement.
viii February 2017

Ramp A section of pavement, usually laid at a
gradient near the maximum permissible, which
accommodates differences in level between
adjacent pavements. (Note that, in US
terminology, ‘Ramp’ may also be used to
indicate an aircraft parking area).
Regulating Material Asphalt of variable thickness applied to an

existing pavement to adjust the shape
preparatory to resurfacing.
Road Tar A viscous liquid derived from crude tar

obtained by the destructive distillation of coal
which was, but is no longer, used as a
component in asphalt.
Roadbase Previous name for ‘Base’.
Sand (for making Now called ‘Fine Aggregate’.

concrete)
Sieved Fraction Previous name for ‘Particle Size Fraction’.
Slag Bound A mixture containing one or more slags which

Material(SBM) hardens by hydraulic reaction and/or
carbonation.
Stone Mastic Asphalt A dense gap-graded asphalt with aggregate-

(SMA) to-aggregate interlock that includes fibres as a
stabilising additive to carry the binder without
drainage.
Subgrade Upper part of the soil, natural or constructed,

that supports the loads transmitted by the
overlying pavement.
Surface Course The layer of the asphalt surfacing immediately

below the porous friction course or which
directly supports the traffic. (Previously called
‘Wearing Course’).
Tack Coat A thin film of bitumen emulsion to improve the

adhesion between two courses of asphalt or
between an existing surface and a new
asphalt layer.
Thin (Asphalt) Surfacing A proprietary asphalt product with suitable

System properties to provide a surface course that is
laid at a nominal depth of less than 50 mm
(previously limited to 40 mm).
Uncrushed Aggregate Aggregate resulting from the natural

disintegration of rock.
Wearing Course Previous name for ‘Surface Course’.
February 2017 ix
(NOTE. This glossary is common to all DIO Specifications for asphalt, block paving and
concrete pavement materials and the Project Manager should delete any terms not
applicable to a particular project and should add any terms necessary due to the
particular nature of that project.)
x February 2017
Contents
Page
Specification 033 1
Foreword i
Glossary of Technical Terms iii
Contents xi
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Functional Requirements of Airfield Pavements 1
1.3 Use of Pavement Quality Concrete 1
1.4 Application and Limitations of this Standard 2
1.5 Specification Clauses for Pavement Quality Concrete 3
1.6 Advice from Airfield Pavements Team,DIO 3
1.7 Enhancements from the 2005 Version of this specification 3
1.8 Principles retained from the 2005 Version of this specification 4
2 General 5
2.1 References 5
2.2 Overall Requirements 5
2.3 Use of Pavement Quality Concrete 5
2.4 Quality Assurance for the Supply of Concrete 5
3 Constituent Materials 6
3.1 Aggregates, General 6
3.2 Coarse Aggregate 6
3.3 Fine aggregate 7
3.4 Cements & Combinations 8
3.5 Water 8
3.6 Air Entraining Admixture 9
3.7 Other Admixtures 9
3.8 Separation Membrane 9
3.9 Joint Filler 9
3.10 Curing Compounds For Exposed Surfaces 9
3.11 Curing Liquids for Vertical Faces 10
3.12 Joint Sealing Compounds 10
4 Design and Composition 11
4.1 Design Procedure 11
4.2 Aggregate Grading 11
4.3 Mixture Parameters 11
4.4 Control of Chlorides 11
4.5 Precautions Against Alkali-Silica Reaction 12
4.6 Strength 12
4.7 Beam Testing, Cores, Cubes 12
4.8 Consistence (Workability) 13
February 2017 xi
Page
5 Plant, Workmanship and Production Testing 14

5.1 Storage of Materials 14
5.2 Storing and Handling Aggregates 14
5.3 Tests on Aggregates from Stockpiles 14
5.4 Batching and Mixing of Concrete 15
5.5 Concrete Mixers 15
5.6 Slab Thickness 16
5.7 Layout of Joints 16
5.8 Weather Conditions 16
5.9 Regulation of Existing Surfaces 17
5.10 Preparation of Underlying Surfaces 17
5.11 Joints Between New Pavement Quality Concrete and Existing
Bituminous Surfacing 18
5.12 Forms 18
5.13 Placing Separation Membrane 18
5.14 Transporting Concrete Mixtures 19
5.15 Tests on Fresh Concrete 19
5.16 Placing Concrete 20
5.17 Spreading, Compacting and Finishing Concrete by Semi-
Mechanised Means* 20
5.18 Spreading, Compacting and Finishing Concrete by Slip-Form Paver*
21
5.19 Expansion Joints 23
5.20 Construction Joints 23
5.21 Texturing of Surface 24
5.22 Finished Levels and Surface Regularity 24
5.23 Initial Curing 25
5.24 Time Allowed for Concreting 25
5.25 Final Curing 25
5.26 Contraction Grooves 26
5.27 Tests on Hardened Concrete 26
5.28 Sealing of Expansion Joints 29
5.29 Sealing of Construction Joints and Contraction Grooves 30
5.30 Traffic on Finished Concrete 30
5.31 Filling Core Holes 31
5.32 Cutting out and Replacing Concrete 31
5.33 Cracks in New Concrete 31
5.34 Grooving of Hardened Concrete 31
5.35 Treatment of Surface of Aircraft Hangar Floors 32
6 Trials 36
6.1 Trial Mixtures 36
6.2 Trial Areas 36
7 Concrete for Surface Surrounds to Fittings 38
7.1 Mixture Specification 38
7.2 Designed Concrete in Accordance with BS EN 206-1 38
7.3 Preparation For Concreting 39
7.4 Placing and Compaction 39
7.5 Finishing 39
7.6 Curing 39
8 Summary of Tests 40
8.1 Test Results 40
8.2 Tests for Initial Approval of Materials 40
8.3 Routine Tests on Bulk Supplies Throughout Plant Mixing 40
8.4 Routine Tests on Plant Throughout Plant Mixing 41
8.5 Routine Tests on Concrete Throughout Plant Mixing 41
xii February 2017

Page
8.6 Routine Tests on Hardened Concrete 41

8.7 Certificates Throughout the Work 41
8.8 Additional Tests on Materials 41
8.9 Beam Tests 41
Appendix A – Use of Magnesium Sulphate Test with Non-Standard
Aggregate Fractions 43
A.1 Scope 43
A.2 Apparatus and Reagents 43
A.3 Preparation of Test Portions 43
A.4 Preparation of Fine Aggregate Test Specimens for Each Fraction 43
A.5 Preparation of Coarse Aggregate Test Specimens for Each Fraction
44
A.6 Procedure 44
A.7 Calculation and Expression of Test Results 44
A.8 Precision 45
A.9 Test Report 45
Appendix B – Test Method for Straightedge 48
B.1 Scope 48
B.2 Apparatus 48
B.3 Procedure 48
Appendix C – Tests for Manufactured Joint Fillers 49
C.1 Scope 49
C.2 Samples 49
C.3 Weathering Test 49
C.4 Compression and Recovery Test 49
C.5 Extrusion Test 50
C.6 Immersion Test for Self-Expanding Cork Filler Board 50
C.7 Acid Test for Resin-Bonded Filler Boards 50
Appendix Y – Guidance Notes on Quality Systems for Project Managers 51
Y.1 Introduction 51
Y.2 General 51
Y.3 Quality Systems 51
Y.4 Processes Covered under the Quality System 52
Y.5 Assessment of Quality Management Systems 52
Y.6 Aspects to Assess Tender Acceptability 53
Y.7 Monitoring the Quality Management System and Processes 54
Y.8 Records 54
Appendix Z – Guidance Notes on the Preparation of Job Specifications 55
Z.1 Coarse Aggregate 55
Z.2 Cements/Additions/Strength 56
Z.3 Air Entrainment 56
Z.4 Admixtures 57
Z.5 Joint Sealing Compounds 57
Z.6 Concrete Strength 58
Z.7 Concrete Mixers 58
Z.8 Spreading, Compacting and Finishing Concrete 59
Z.9 Layout of Joints 60
Z.10 Construction and Contraction Joints 60
Z.11 Final Curing 61
Z.12 Separation Membrane 61
Z.13 Precautions Against ASR 61
Z.14 Example Calculation for Reactive Alkali 63
References 67
February 2017 xiii

xiv February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 1 Introduction
1 Introduction
 Facilitate economic maintenance.

1.1 BACKGROUND
1.1.1 The unique characteristics of military 1.3 USE OF PAVEMENT QUALITY

aircraft, in terms of speed, weight, tyre pressures, CONCRETE
etc., demand specialist requirements in the
surfacing of MOD airfields. The specifications for 1.3.1 General
materials and workmanship need to be particularly The use of PQC either for new pavements or for
stringent to meet these requirements. refurbishment of existing ones is dependent on the
functional requirement of the pavement and cost. In
1.1.2 This Standard for Pavement Quality the case of refurbishment work, the provision of an
Concrete (PQC) is one of a series being produced asphalt overlay will often be a more attractive option
by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to lay in terms of cost and construction time with re-
down specification requirements for airfield construction or over slabbing in PQC being
pavement works. The following clauses in this reserved for those pavement areas subject to the
Section are intended to set out the applications of most severe service conditions. The following gives
PQC in the construction and refurbishment of MOD some additional considerations on the use of PQC
airfield pavements. in relation to the principal pavement areas on an
airfield.
1.1.3 The use of this Standard does not absolve
a Project Manager from any responsibility for the 1.3.2 Main Length of Runway
designs; neither does it constrain the Project It is important on the main length of a runway to
Manager from using alternatives, provided such have good rideability and wet weather skid
alternatives can be demonstrated to provide a result resistance. Bituminous surfacings generally give
of equal quality. better rideability than PQC. Good skid
resistance/friction characteristics are achieved by a
combination of good surface shape to effect
1.2 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF efficient surface water run-off and also surface
AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS texture to increase friction and allow water to
disperse from under the tyre contact area. To meet
The pavements must facilitate safe aircraft ground these requirements the most favoured option for
operations. In order to do this they must meet MOD runways in the UK is the provision of a 20 or
certain specialist performance requirements. The 25 mm thick Friction Course on Marshall asphalt
following sets out the main requirements, the surfacing; separate DIO Functional Standards give
relative importance of which will be dependent on details of these materials. For runways used for
the function of the pavements and the nature and Short Take off and Landing (STOL) operations by
type of aircraft operations: aircraft with thrust vectoring capability, it may be
 Good rideability. necessary to provide a PQC main runway length.
 Good friction and drainage characteristics. Further advice on a project/works specific basis can
 High strengths and stability to withstand the be obtained from the Airfield Pavements Team,
shear stresses induced by heavy wheel loads DIO.
and high tyre pressures.
 A durable, hard-wearing, weatherproof surface 1.3.3 Runway Ends and Adjoining Aircraft
free from loose material and sharp edges which Holding Areas.
might endanger aircraft. Service conditions can be severe in these areas
 Resistance to fuel spillage and jet blast. where jet blast and fuel spillage are likely to be
Depending on the nature and type of aircraft most damaging and aircraft carry out sharp turns.
operations, these requirements are likely to be The material most frequently used on runway ends
too onerous for bituminous surfacings in certain and holding areas at MOD airfields is PQC.
areas of the airfield. However, with certain aircraft, the effect of jet blast
February 2017 1
on the pavement surface is not critical (e.g. piston- preserve aggregate interlock at transverse joints
engined aircraft, turboprops or turbojets where the (and thereby load transfer) and also to provide a
jet exhaust is located at a safe height above the level and firm working course on which to lay the
pavement). In these instances asphalt provided with PQC.
a fuel resistant surface treatment or alternatively
incorporating a fuel resistant binder is likely to be a  The Specification does not include for the
viable and economic alternative to PQC. Possible provision of traditional load transfer devices such
future change of aircraft type or use by visiting or as dowels or keys because it is not standard
temporarily based aircraft of other types need to be practice to provide them in PQC on MOD
considered when making the decision. airfields. In certain circumstances, however, their
provision may be an essential element of a cost
effective design. Such circumstances might
1.3.4 Taxiways
include climates with very high seasonal
Friction characteristics and rideability are not as
variations in temperature or where heavy
critical as for the main length of a runway. Fuel
trafficking by aircraft occurs normal to the
spillage and jet blast are not normally critical
longitudinal joints (i.e. plain butt construction
considerations in these areas and therefore the use
joints providing little or no load transfer). The
of PQC will largely be dependent on cost relative to
reference document for the design of airfield
other suitable materials.
pavements gives details on the provision of
dowel bars.
1.3.5 Parking and Servicing Aprons
PQC is very much the preferred construction option  The spacing and layout of joints in the
for these areas on MOD airfields because of its Specification complies with the requirements in
resistance to jet blast and fuel spillage, to the Design Guide reference document. For
indentation from parked aircraft having very high climates with very high seasonal variations in
tyre pressures and to a measure of impact from temperature the spacing of expansion joints may
ground equipment. Alternative materials have been need to be modified; the Design Guide reference
used on MOD hardstandings mainly to rehabilitate document gives details.
old PQC at relatively low cost when it has still been
structurally sound. These alternatives have included  The Specification does not include for the
asphalt, usually provided with either a fuel resistant provision of reinforcement or dowelled joints in
surface treatment or incorporating a fuel resistant PQC. This is because previous experience on
binder, concrete block paving and grouted MOD airfields has indicated that reinforced PQC
macadam. The performance and thereby cost as a 'surface' material is more likely to present
effectiveness of these materials is dependent on the long term maintenance problems than the
use of the hardstanding including type of aircraft, standard undowelled, unreinforced PQC. It is not
frequency of use, tyre pressures and use of ground therefore standard practice to provide reinforced
equipment. Separate DIO Specifications give details PQC.
on Marshall Asphalt, Hot Rolled Asphalt and
Macadams, Concrete Block Paving, Porous Friction 1.4.2 Climate
Course and Stone Mastic Asphalt for Airfields. For laying PQC in hot climates some modifications
to the Specification are likely to be required, e.g. the
time allowed for concreting from the addition of
water to the concrete mix to the finishing of the slab
1.4 APPLICATION AND LIMITATIONS OF
may need to be reduced and the curing provision
THIS STANDARD may need to be enhanced.
1.4.1 Design of Rigid Pavements 1.4.3 Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL)
Specification Clauses in this Standard are Pads, Engine Running Platforms (ERPs) and
consistent with the preferred form of rigid Short Take Off and Landing (STOL)
construction in the DIO reference document for the Runways/Strips
design of airfield pavements (A Guide to Airfield VTOL pads for Harrier operations and ERPs for
Pavement Design and Evaluation – Defence high performance jet aircraft have previously
Estates 3rd Edition February 2011). The relevant provided the most severe conditions for pavements
factors are as follows: on MOD airfields. PQC is normally provided in
 For new rigid pavements the standard practice these areas. Its life-span is dependent on frequency
on MOD airfields is to provide a drylean concrete and mode of usage but currently the average life-
base. The purpose of this is to provide a uniform span is 10 years. This compares with an average
and improved support to the PQC and help life-span in excess of 30 years for PQC in other
areas of an airfield. Special requirements for PQC
2 February 2017
for VTOL pads will apply in respect of joint details 1.5 SPECIFICATION CLAUSES FOR
and joint sealants. PAVEMENT QUALITY CONCRETE
Consideration should be given to the use of PQC Specification clauses are contained in Sections 2
for STOL runways/strips that are to be used by to 8 and Appendices A to C of this Standard.
aircraft with thrust vectoring capability. Further Guidance Notes for the Project Manager on Quality
advice is also available concerning PQC pavements Systems are given in Appendix Y and for the
subject to the higher temperature efflux from later Preparation of Job Specifications in Appendix Z.
aircraft. e.g. For VTOL pads for Lightning II heat
resistant concrete specifications have been
developed. 1.6 ADVICE FROM AIRFIELD
PAVEMENTS TEAM, DIO
1.4.4 For Works of Small Scope
For small scopes of work it may be necessary to
Clauses 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 provide general advice on
modify the Specification in order to achieve a
the application of this Standard. However, having
realistic balance between cost and quality
regard to the various design parameters affecting
requirements. Such considerations may apply to
the choice of construction and specifications,
aggregate types and test requirements and the
including scope of work, aircraft type and frequency
provision of a dedicated on-site concrete mixing
of usage, location of a pavement on an airfield,
plant. Cubes may be used for compliance in
design life, timescale constraints and existing
accordance with BS EN 13877-1 with the approval
pavement constructions, the guidance notes cannot
of the Project Manager. Some guidance is given at
be exhaustive. Further advice on a project/works
Appendix Z.
specific basis can be obtained from the Airfield
Pavements Team, DIO.
1.4.5 For Works in Remote/Overseas
Locations
Similar considerations apply as described for works
of small scope in Clause 1.4.4. 1.7 ENHANCEMENTS FROM THE 2005
VERSION OF THIS SPECIFICATION
1.4.6 For Works with Short Closure Times
This Specification encompasses the currently
Where closure times are short Rapid Hardening available European standards for concrete,
Concrete (RHC) can provide adequate compressive aggregates and concrete pavements. The main
strengths within as little as 2 to 3 hours. It can be changes and expectations are:
used on runways, taxiways and hard standings and
typically lends itself to solutions where strips of i. Cements to BS EN 197-1:2011 may be
concrete are needed mainly during overnight (CEMI, CEMII/A-S, CEMII/B-S, CEMII/A-V
possessions. The DIO Airfield Team should be & CEMIIB-V) or Combination to BS8500
consulted on proposals of this nature because RHC may be of CEM I to BS EN 197-1:2011
is not covered in this specification, however RHC with BS EN 15167-1:2006 or BS EN 450-
has been used at civil airports to good effect. 1:2012 (CIIA-S, CIIB-S, CIIA-V & CIIB-V).
1.4.7 Other Concretes and Constituents ii. Additions may be used but only up to the
limits of 25% for fly ash and 35% for ggbs.
DIO Airfield Pavements team may be consulted for This broadly aligns with Highways England
advice regarding suitability of microsilicates, fibres (HE) guidance and also reflects feedback
(either steel or synthetic). Fibres are not included from past DIO usage and industry
within this Airfields specification, however guidance experiences derived from pavement works
may be sought on their application for other non carried out on UK civil airports
critical locations.
iii. Onsite batching of combinations with CEMI
is the expected model.
iv. Concrete strength grade designations are

to 28 day compressive strengths
February 2017 3
v. Flexural strength for F5 F5.5 and F6 The Appendix Z Guidance Notes provide
concrete is introduced. For these concretes information drawn from relevant parts of
the relationships between compressive BS 8500:2015. The requirement includes a
strengths from cores, cubes and flexural full review of sources of fine aggregate.
beam tests is to be established in the The contribution from all constituents is to
laboratory, by way of the trials and by be supported by calculation to avoid the
testing as the permanent works proceed. possibility of ASR developing. A 3.25kg/m3
alkali limit now replaces the previous
vi. For concrete flexural strength 4.5, 4.0 and 3kg/m3 limit.
3.5 N/mm2 made with CEMI, DIO retains all
those concrete compressive strength xiii. Chloride testing of aggregates is required
values which appeared in the 2005 at least once per production week to
Specification. These values continue to ensure that the limits used for ASR are not
appear in the respective sections exceeded.
throughout this specification. (A listing is
provided at Table Z.2 of this Appendix). xiv. The joint details have been revised,
including a construction joint using a 5mm
vii. Flexural strength beam tests are to be 45 degree chamfer as an alternative to a
undertaken for the F4.5, F4.0 &F3.5 bull nosed arris.
concrete. This extension of beam testing
for F4.5 and below is for research xv. A core density requirement is introduced
purposes and allows DIO, in liaison with
industry, to establish relationships between xvi. For compaction testing flexibility is now
cube, core, and flexural strengths and to introduced whereby the Compacting Factor
relate these to the higher F5 to F6 test may be used instead of, or as well as,
strengths . the Compactability (Compaction Index)
[Notes: test
1. Routine flexural strength beam testing is
already undertaken by industry. Summary
test information regarding beams, cores 1.8 PRINCIPLES RETAINED FROM THE
and cubes is to be sent to DIO Airfield 2005 VERSION OF THIS
Pavements Section for collation
SPECIFICATION
2. Clause 4.6.1 and Appendix Z provide
further guidance on the values contained in
i. A requirement that cores are to be cut from
the respective sections of this specification]
the finished pavement for compliance
purposes. Each core can be used for
viii. The magnesium sulphate testing
determination of pavement depth, density
requirements align to BSEN1367-2 : 2009
and strength. For quality control purposes
for all fractions. Appendix A is retained
cubes will be used as previously described
within this specification to ensure that all
fractions are tested.
ii. A corrected core strength is required as
opposed to an estimated in-situ cube
ix. The requirement for air entrainment is
strength, however, cubes may be used as
retained and the plus limit is now
detailed in Clause 4.6. (and the cubes may
amended.
be 100 mm for 20 mm aggregate)
x. A water absorption testing requirement is
iii. Cores to be taken from the pavement at an
introduced with a 2% limit
age of 3 – 7 days.
xi. The coarse aggregate supplied to be in two
iv. The volumetric patch test is used instead of
sizes 4/10 and 10/20, with 20/40 as an
sand patch test for determining texture
option should that be required for non UK
depth and this requires the use of solid
locations
glass spheres.
xii. The coarse aggregate requirement
continues to be crushed limestone. The
precautions against alkali-silica reaction
are now aligned with BS8500-2 Annex B.
4 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 2 General
2 General
2.1 REFERENCES Each production unit involved in the work shall

operate under a Quality Assurance scheme to
All references to British Standards and other BS EN ISO 9000. The Quality Policy Manual/s for
documents given in this Specification refer to the the supply of component materials and batching of
editions as listed in the References at the end of concrete, together with other relevant records and
this document unless otherwise stated. certificates, are to be submitted by the Contractor at
Tender Stage.
2.2 OVERALL REQUIREMENTS (NOTE. The Project Manager should provide a

questionnaire requesting details of information that are
required; advice is given in sub-Clauses Y.5.2 and Y.6.4
Pavement Quality Concrete shall be specified, of Appendix Y).
mixed and laid to the requirements of the following
clauses in this Specification. The requirements of 2.4.2 The Contractor shall be responsible for
this Specification are arranged in the following having all testing for the supply of concrete carried
parts: out in accordance with the requirements of Section
General Section 2 8 and shall provide the Project Manager with a
Constituent Materials Section 3 written copy of the results in accordance with
Design and Composition Section 4 Clause 8.1.
Plant, Workmanship and Production
Testing Section 5 2.4.3 All documentation relevant to the work,
Trials Section 6 including test results, shall also be available at the
Concrete for Surface Surrounds to plant or the depot for inspection. The
Fittings Section 7 documentation, including worksheets, shall be
Summary of Tests Section 8 stored in an easily retrievable form for a minimum of
3 years.
Magnesium Sulphate Soundness Test Appendix A
Straightedge Tests Appendix B .
Tests for Manufactured Joint Fillers Appendix C
2.3 USE OF PAVEMENT QUALITY

CONCRETE
Pavement Quality Concrete shall be used in the

locations indicated on the Project drawings.
2.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR THE

SUPPLY OF CONCRETE
2.4.1 All operations in the procurement of

component materials and batching of concrete shall
be carried out by a Contractor who works to a
Quality Assurance scheme to BS EN ISO 9000 for
those operations.
(NOTE. Advice for the Project Manager on Quality

Systems is given in Appendix Y).
February 2017 5
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 2 General
3 Constituent Materials
full DIO requirement is contained within Appendix A

3.1 AGGREGATES, GENERAL of this specification which also provides example
calculations.]
3.1.1 The contractor shall inform the Project
Manager of the source and aggregate properties for 3.1.6 The water absorption of the aggregate shall
each size of aggregate from each separate source be tested in accordance with BS EN 1097-6 :2013.
of supply. The type of coarse aggregate to be used
shall be crushed limestone; the type of fine
aggregate shall be uncrushed, crushed gravel or 3.2 COARSE AGGREGATE
rock, or blended.
3.2.1 The coarse aggregate shall be crushed
(NOTE. Advice for the Project Manager on the limestone.
acceptability of alternatives is given in Clause Z.1 of
Appendix Z.) (NOTE. Advice for the Project Manager on the
acceptability of alternatives is given in Clause Z.1 of
3.1.2 Initial approval of aggregates shall be Appendix Z).
obtained from the Project Manager before mixing
starts; approval shall be based on results supplied The coarse aggregate shall be supplied as, 10/20
to the Project Manager of those tests listed in and 4/10 single sized aggregates in compliance
Clause 8.2 and carried out by the Contractor. with BS EN 12620, Table 2.
3.1.3 The Contractor (or Supplier on his behalf) [NOTE: Additional coarse aggregate size 20/40
shall operate under a Quality Assurance scheme to may be used, however for slipform paving
BS EN ISO 9000 with a scope appropriate for the experience indicates that this may present practical
production and supply of aggregates. difficulties]
(NOTE. Advice for the Project Manager on Quality 3.2.2 The properties of the coarse aggregate,
Systems is given in Appendix Y.) determined in accordance with the methods
described in the relevant reference, shall fall within
3.1.4 Aggregates shall be clean, hard and the limits shown in Table 3.1; the permissible test
durable as defined in Clauses 3.2 and 3.3. limits shall apply to each size from each separate
Aggregate shall not contain deleterious materials in supply source of aggregate.
such form or such quantity to adversely affect the
strength at any age or the durability of the surfacing, TABLE 3.1 PERMISSIBLE TEST LIMITS FOR
including resistance to frost. Examples of such COARSE AGGREGATE
deleterious materials include:
 clay, loam or chalk, particularly as an adherent Test Property Test Ref. Permissible
coating; Limits
 mica, shale and other laminated materials;
 coal and other organic or vegetable impurities; 20/40, 10/20
and 4/10 single
 sulphates and chlorides or other reactive Particle Size
BS EN 933-1 sized, as
substances liable to break down during drying or Distribution
BS EN 12620,
subsequent exposure to weather or moisture.
Table 2
Weathered rock shall not be permitted.
BS EN 1744-
Chloride
3.1.5 Aggregate soundness of each source shall 1:2009
Testing
be assessed using the Magnesium Sulphate +A1:2012
Soundness Test in accordance with Appendix A on
all fractions. [NOTE: This includes the fine fractions.
BSEN1367-2 has details within its Annex C, and the
6 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 3 Constituent Materials
Maximum
18 (Each
Magnesium TABLE 3.2 PERMISSIBLE TEST LIMITS FOR
source)
Sulphate FINE AGGREGATE
Appendix A 30 (Each
Soundness
fraction) Test Property Test Ref. Permissible
Value
limits
Max. Flakiness
BS EN 933-3 25 As Gradings 1
Index (%) Particle Size
BS EN 933-1 or 2 in
Maximum Distribution 1
Table 3.3
Resistance to
Fragmentation BS EN 1744-
BS EN 1097-2 35 (LA35) Chloride
Value (Los 1:2009
Testing 3
Angeles +A1:2012
coefficient)
Maximum 4 (f4)
Fines Content BS EN 933-1
(%) Maximum 18 (Each
Magnesium source)
Maximum Sulphate
BS EN 1367-4 0.075 30 (Each
Shrinkage (%) 1 Soundness
Appendix A fraction)
Water Value
BS EN 1097-6 = or <2%
absorption 3 (uncrushed
fine aggregate
Notes:
or crushed
1 Testing is only required if crushed rocks other than Maximum gravel fine
limestone are used. Fines Content BS EN 933-1 aggregate) (f3)
2 Testing for magnetic permeability is only required for (%)
10 (crushed
compass swinging bases or other locations indicated
in the Contract documents (The limit for this is rock fine
<1.005). The Project Manager shall provide the aggregate) (f10)
Contractor with details of a laboratory where magnetic
Water
permeability may be determined. BS EN 1097-6 = or <2%
absorption
Notes:
3.3 FINE AGGREGATE
1 Particle size limits shall be met by the aggregate as
delivered or after blending two or more separate
3.3.1 Fine aggregate shall be: aggregates together before or during batching.
 uncrushed;
 crushed rock or gravel; or
2 Testing for magnetic permeability is only required for
 blends of uncrushed fine aggregate and crushed compass swinging bases or other locations indicated
rock or gravel in the Contract documents (The limit for this is
(all as defined in BS EN 12620) and shall be free <1.005). The Project Manager shall provide the
from loosely bonded aggregations and other foreign Contractor with details of a laboratory where magnetic
matter. permeability may be determined.
3.3.2 The properties of the fine aggregate, 3. Chloride testing is required at least once per
determined in accordance with the methods production week to ensure that the limits for ASR are
described in the relevant reference, shall fall within not exceeded (Qantab tests may also be used).
the limits shown in Table 3.2; except for particle Results of these tests are to be made available for
review.
size distribution, the permissible limits shall apply to
each size from each separate supply source of
aggregate.
February 2017 7
of Part 21. Any increase in the certified average

alkali content of the cement must be notified
TABLE 3.3 GRADINGS 1 AND 2 FOR FINE immediately to the Project Manager
AGGREGATE
TABLE 3.4 INFORMATION REQUIRED ON
BS EN 933-2 Percentage by mass passing DELIVERED CEMENT
sieve size Grading 1 Grading 2
Test Property Test Ref.
8.0 mm 100 100
Compressive strength at
4.00 mm 85 – 100 85 – 100
2 or 7 days and 28 days BS EN 196 -1
2.00 mm 50 – 90 70 – 97 from mortar prisms
1.00 mm 25 – 65 50 – 85
Initial setting time BS EN 196-3
0.500 mm 13 – 30 30 – 55
Soundness (Expansion) BS EN 196-3
0.250 mm 4 – 18 5– 25
0.125 mm 0–7 0–6 Chloride content BS EN 196-21
(1) A total tolerance of up to 5% may be applied to Type and quantity of
the percentages underlined in the Table. The additives (if > 1.0%
tolerance may be split up. For example, it could (m/m))
be 1% on each of three sieves and 2 on
another.
(2) For crushed rock fine aggregate, the
permissible limit on the 0.125 mm may be 3.4.6 The current certificates shall be submitted
increased to 15%. to the Project Manager before mixing starts and
thereafter throughout the course of the work for all
consignments. If, in addition, the Project Manager
3.4 CEMENTS & COMBINATIONS calls for check tests on any consignment, this shall
be arranged.
3.4.1 Cements to BS EN 197-1:2011 may be
CEMI, CEMII/A-S,CEMII/B-S,CEMIIB-S,CEMIIA- 3.4.7 Fly ash shall comply with the requirements
V&CEMIIB-V or combinations to BS8500 may be of BS EN 450 and certificates shall be submitted for
of CEM I TO BS EN 197-1:2011 with BS EN15167- the siliceous fly ash. No change shall be made to
1:2006 or BS EN 450-1:2012 (CIIA-S,CIIB-S,CIIA-V the source of fly ash once agreed without prior
& CIIB-V approval by the Project Manager.
(NOTE. Advice on the use of cement is given in Clause 3.4.8 Ground granulated blast furnace slag shall
Z.2 of Appendix Z). comply with the requirements of BS EN 15167. No
change shall be made to the source of ggbs once
3.4.2 The cement shall be strength class 42.5 N, agreed without prior approval by the Project
or above, as defined in BS EN 197-1. Manager
3.4.3 Each consignment shall be marked in the

way described in Annex ZA of BS EN 197-1. 3.5 WATER
3.4.4 A test certificate shall be provided with each 3.5.1 Clean water, satisfying the requirements of
consignment giving the information in Table 3.4. BS EN 1008 shall be used.
3.4.5 The certificate shall also state the alkali 3.5.2 When water is not available from a Water
content of the cement expressed as the certified Authority or from the Establishment, the Contractor
sodium oxide equivalent averaged over the shall arrange for tests in accordance with the
manufacturer's latest 25 consecutive composite BS EN and shall submit the results to the Project
samples, together with an indication of variability. Manager for approval before laying on the specified
The determination for average alkali content must trial areas begins.
have been made on samples taken and prepared in
accordance with BS EN 196: Parts 7 and 21 and
determined in accordance with National Annex NA
8 February 2017
3.6 AIR ENTRAINING ADMIXTURE 3.7.2 Admixtures containing chlorides shall not be
used.
3.6.1 The air entraining admixture shall be an
approved product complying with BS EN 934-2. Air
entraining plasticizers shall not be used. 3.8 SEPARATION MEMBRANE
3.6.2 Before mixing starts, a Certificate of Where a separation membrane is used this shall be
Conformity to BS EN 934-6, and details of the 125 microns thick impermeable polythene sheeting.
proposed air entraining admixture, shall be
submitted to the Project Manager for approval. This [NOTE: With machine lay paving a high level of surface
shall include evidence that the manufacturer of the regularity can be achieved on the underlying layer. Where
admixture operates a Quality Assurance scheme to hand lay is used a separation membrane is required.
BS EN ISO 9001, based on the BSI/CAA Code of Where the underlying surface is rugous a separation
membrane is required. Further advice is provided in
Practice for the application of BS EN ISO 9000 to
Appendix Z]
the admixture industry, which is certified by a body
accredited by NACCB.
(NOTE. General advice for the Project Manager is 3.9 JOINT FILLER
provided in Clause Z.3 of Appendix Z).
3.9.1 The joint filler shall be an approved
manufactured filler meeting the requirements of the
3.7 OTHER ADMIXTURES relevant tests in Appendix C.
3.7.1 *No admixtures, other than the approved air 3.9.2 For expansion joints, the thickness of the
entraining admixture, shall be used. filler shall be 25 ± 1.5 mm.
OR 3.9.3 Before laying on the specified trial area

*If it is proposed to use a water reducing/plasticizing begins, a test certificate for the proposed joint filler
admixture, details shall be submitted to the Project shall be submitted to the Project Manager for
Manager for approval before mixing starts. The approval. The certificate shall show compliance with
details shall include: the requirements of Appendix C by reporting the
 details of the proposed mixture and materials results of tests carried out by an independent
including a material specification laboratory within the six months immediately prior to
 evidence of successful laying and finishing the date on which it is proposed to start using the
elsewhere product on site.
 evidence that the mix will meet the specified
strengths
 a Certificate of Conformity with BS EN 934-6 3.10 CURING COMPOUNDS FOR
 evidence that the manufacturer of the admixture EXPOSED SURFACES
operates a Quality Assurance system to
BS EN ISO 9001, based on the BSI/CAA Code 3.10.1 The curing compound for Pavement Quality
of Practice for the application of Concrete surfaces exposed immediately after
BS EN ISO 9000 to the admixture industry, finishing shall be an approved spray-applied resin-
which is certified by a body accredited by based compound containing flake aluminium in
NACCB. finely divided dispersion which will not separate out
 The manufacturer shall confirm that the when the compound is applied and which will
proposed admixture and the proposed air produce a complete coverage of the sprayed
entraining admixture can be used together surface with a metallic finish. It shall become touch-
without detriment. dry within 5 minutes, stable and impervious to
 High range water reducing admixtures are evaporation of water from the concrete surface
permitted provided that ,when used in within 60 minutes and shall not disintegrate for
conjunction with an air entraining mixture, 3 weeks. When tested as described in BS 7542, the
evidence that compatibility with the criteria in compound shall have an efficiency index of at least
BS8500 Part 2 Clause 4.5 is obtained. . 90%. The compound shall not react chemically with
the concrete. The rate of spread shall be in
(* NOTE. The Project Manager to select the option for a accordance with the supplier’s guidelines.
particular job specification; advice is given in Clause Z.4
of Appendix Z).
February 2017 9
3.10.2 Before laying of the specified trial area which has been cleaned, dried and primed
begins, a Certificate of Conformity for the proposed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
curing compound shall be submitted to the Project
Manager for approval. This shall include evidence 3.12.3 Sealing compound and primer shall be
that the manufacturer of the curing compound delivered in containers complying with the
operates a Quality Assurance system to requirements of the relevant BS. Each consignment
BS EN ISO 9001, based on the BSI/CAA Code of shall include a manufacturer's certificate containing
Practice for the application of BS EN ISO 9000 to the information listed in BS EN 14188: Part 1,
the admixture industry, which is certified by a body Annex B or BS 5212: Part 1, Appendix B.
accredited by NACCB.
3.12.4 Before the specified trial area or any other
3.10.3 Each consignment delivered to the site shall area of concrete is sealed, either a Certificate of
be clearly marked with the manufacturer's name Conformity from a Quality Assurance system
and the name of the product and shall be registered to BS EN ISO 9000 or an independent
accompanied by a certificate stating that the test certificate shall be submitted to the Project
consignment is equal to the sample tested and Manager for approval .
giving the rate of spread necessary for the specified
efficiency. Copies of the delivery certificates shall (NOTE. General advice for the Project Manager is
be passed to the Project Manager for his retention. provided in Clause Z.5 of Appendix Z).
.
3.11 CURING LIQUIDS FOR VERTICAL
FACES
3.11.1 The curing liquid for vertical faces of

Pavement Quality Concrete slabs cast against
forms shall be bitumen emulsion complying with the
requirements of Class A1-40 or A1-55 as specified
in BS 434: Part 1, Table 1, or Class C40 B4 or C60
B3 as specified in BS EN 13808
3.11.2 The bitumen emulsion shall be delivered in

weather-proof containers, each clearly marked by
the supplier to show the class and bitumen content,
or in bulk carriers accompanied by a certificate from
the supplier stating the class and bitumen content of
the consignment. A copy of each certificate shall be
passed to the Project Manager for his retention.
3.12 JOINT SEALING COMPOUNDS
3.12.1 Joint sealing compounds may be of either

hot applied or cold applied type. For hot application,
an approved Type F1 compound complying with the
requirements of BS EN 14188 : Part 1 shall be
used. For cold application, an approved compound,
either Type F or Type FB, as shown on the
drawings complying with the requirements of BS
5212: Part 1 shall be used.
3.12.2 Only sealing systems which include

separately applied primers shall be used and the
primers shall be as recommended by the
manufacturers of the sealing compounds.
Compounds shall maintain adhesion with concrete
10 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 4 Design and Composition
4 Design and Composition
4.1 DESIGN PROCEDURE proportion so that the mass of fine aggregate is

32% - 40% of the total mass of aggregate.
4.1.1 The Pavement Quality Concrete mixture
shall be designed by the Contractor in his laboratory (* NOTE The Project Manager to complete for a particular
within the limits defined in Clauses 4.2 to 4.8 job specification. Guidance is given in Clause Z.1. 3 of
inclusively. Appendix Z).
4.1.2 The suitability of the design shall be

demonstrated by trial mixes and trial areas in 4.3 MIXTURE PARAMETERS
accordance with Clauses 6.1 and 6.2.
The mixture shall be designed within the following
4.1.3 After approval, changes of the constituents limits:
or changes in mixture proportions, beyond the  Minimum cement content (kg/m³ of fully
routine adjustments needed to allow for variations in compacted concrete): 350
laying conditions or in gradings of aggregates as  Maximum free water/cement ratio: 0.45
delivered, shall be made only with the agreement of  Minimum total air content by volume,
the Project Manager and after repetition of trial 20 mm maximum aggregate size: 5.0%± 1.5%
mixtures and laying and approval of new trial areas.
40 mm maximum aggregate size: 4.0%± 1.5%
4.2 AGGREGATE GRADING The above figures relate to CEMI. Where other
additions, e.g. fly ash or ggbs, are used the mix
4.2.1 When it is proposed to spread, compact parameters will vary. The limits on substitution are
and finish the concrete using a paving train or by 25% for fly ash and 35% for ggbs. Further guidance
semi-mechanised means, as specified in Clauses is given in Clause Z2 of Appendix Z
5.17 or 5.18 respectively, the aggregates shall be
combined so as to comply with the following
requirements: 4.4 CONTROL OF CHLORIDES
 The masses of the separate single sized coarse
aggregates, as specified in Clause 3.2.2, in the [NOTE: In addition to precaution against chloride
mixture shall be * attack the chloride ion content is also used in the
 The mass of the fine aggregate, as specified in calculation for reactive alkali contributing to Alkali
Clause 3.3, in the mixture shall be of a fixed Silica Reaction - see Sect 4.5.5]
proportion so that the mass of the fine aggregate
is 30% - 37% of the total mass of the aggregate. 4.4.1 The total chloride ion content of the
Pavement Quality Concrete mixture arising from
(* NOTE The Project Manager to complete for a particular cement, aggregates and any other constituent
job specification. Guidance is given in Clause Z.1.3 of materials shall not exceed 0.4% of the mass of
Appendix Z). cement.
4.2.2 When it is proposed to spread, compact 4.4.2 Chloride ion content shall be calculated in
and finish the concrete using a slip-form paver, as the manner shown in the following example:
specified in Clause 5.18, the aggregates shall be Chloride
combined so as to comply with the following Chloride
Constituent Mass Ion
requirements: Ion Level
Content
 The masses of the separate single sized coarse (kg/m³ of concrete) (%) (kg)
aggregates, as specified in Clause 3.2.2, in the Coarse
mixture shall be * 1200 0.04 0.48
aggregate
 The mass of fine aggregate, as specified in Fine
Clause 3.3, in the mixture shall be of a fixed 600 0.10 0.60
aggregate
February 2017 11
Cement 350 0.07 0.25 4.6 STRENGTH

Admixtures 0.12
Water 4.6.1 For F4.5 concrete and below the Contractor
(other than shall be responsible for constructing a Pavement
mains) Quality Concrete pavement slab such that the mean
Other of the corrected core strength values at 28 days ± 3
sources days of cores cut from the slab, then cured,
Total Chloride Ion Content 1.45 kg prepared and tested, all in accordance with Clause
5.28.1 and for trial areas Clause 6.2.6, is at least
Total chloride ion content as a percentage of the [43] (38) {34}* N/mm². Testing regimes and
mass of cement assessment of compliance shall be as described in
1.45 Clauses 5.27.1 and for trial areas Clause 6.2. For
 100  0.41 % F5 concrete and strengths above the relationship
350 between cores, cubes and beams is to be
established as indicated in sect 1.7v.
The maximum value permitted is 0.40 %. Therefore,
the mixture in this example does not comply. (*NOTE. For F4.5, 4.0 & 3.5 concrete the Project
Manager to select one of the three alternative respective
4.5 PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ALKALI- values and delete the other two. The corresponding
SILICA REACTION values for strength requirements should then be selected
throughout the Specification. For flexural strengths 5.0,
4.5.1 The total mass of reactive alkali in the 5.5 and 6.0 N/mm² beam testing is required as detailed in
Sect 4.7 . Further guidance is given in Clause Z.2 of
Pavement Quality Concrete mixture shall not
Appendix Z and the core, cube, and beam relationships
exceed 3.25 kg/m3 calculated to the nearest 0.01 indicated in sects 1.7 v & vii are to be derived for all
kg, in accordance with Clauses 4.5.2 to 4.5.5. flexural strengths (including 4.5 N/mm² and below for
[NOTE: Refer to Appendix Z 6.2 and Z13 for the DIO/industry research purposes).
possible special measures required should this limit
impact on sources of fine aggregate, and to Z14] For the purpose of clarity further sections in this
specification provide compressive strength figures for the
4.5.2 Cement strength values 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 N/mm² using CEM1 only.
The reactive alkali contributed by the cement in the These figures continue to be represented by the
concrete in kg/m3 ("A") shall be taken as: distinctive bracketing, [ ] ( ) { }* )
Ca
A  4.6.2 The mean of 7 day cube strength values
100 shall be at least [45] (40) {35}* N/mm². This value
shall be increased if the Contractor considers it
where C = target mean cement content of the necessary, to ensure that the requirement of Clause
concrete mixture (kg/m³) 4.6.1 will be realised. Testing regimes and
a = average alkali content of cement (% by assessment of compliance shall be as described in
mass of cement) (see Clause 3.4.5). Clauses 5.15.2 and (for trial areas) 6.2.
4.5.3 Aggregate (*NOTE. The Project Manager to select the first, second
The reactive alkali contributed by chloride or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause
contamination of aggregates in kg/m3 ("H") shall be 4.6.1, and delete the others).
taken as:
H  0.76  Cl 4.7 BEAM TESTING , CORES, CUBES

where Cl = chloride ion content of
The flexural strength of beams (500mm sized) shall
aggregates (kg/m3 of concrete) be tested in accordance with BS EN 12390-5 and
the relationship between beam tests, core strengths
4.5.4 Other Sources and cube strengths is to be established (see
The reactive alkali content of admixtures, water Appendix Z2) .
other than mains supply and other constituents of
concrete in kg/m3 ("W") shall be taken into account For F4.5 and below this information is for
when determining the total alkali content of the DIO/industry research purposes and the testing will
concrete mixture. be a minimum of three each 7& 28 day beams,
three each 7& 28 day cubes and three 28 day
4.5.5 Total Alkali Content cores
Total mass of reactive alkali = A + H + W kg/m3 of
concrete.
12 February 2017
For F5.0 and above the number of tests shall be a

number commensurate with establishing the
relationship between cubes, cores and beams and
with providing sufficient assurance that the design
requirements are met in the as constructed
pavement.
Where cement additions are used this shall also be

the requirement.
4.8 CONSISTENCE (WORKABILITY)
The concrete shall be of a consistence suitable for

full compaction without undue flow to be achieved
with the plant used.
February 2017 13
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 5 Plant, Workmanship and Production Testing
5 Plant, Workmanship and Production Testing
5.2.4 Aggregates containing more than 5%

5.1 STORAGE OF MATERIALS passing a 4 mm sieve shall not be batched until
they have been deposited for at least 8 hours. All
5.1.1 All materials shall be stored in accordance aggregates produced or handled by hydraulic
with manufacturers' instructions. They shall be methods or which have been washed shall be
protected against damage by the weather or by stockpiled for at least 24 hours before batching.
exposure to extremes of temperature.
5.2.5 Aggregates shall be handled from the
5.1.2 Materials condemned by the Project stockpiles to the batching plant by means which
Manager shall be removed immediately from site. avoid contamination and minimize segregation.
5.1.3 Cement shall be kept dry until use. It shall

be protected from the weather during transit. If 5.3 TESTS ON AGGREGATES FROM
delivered in bulk containers it shall be stored on site STOCKPILES
in silos. If delivered in bags or drums it shall be
stored in a weatherproof building on a raised floor 5.3.1 The particle size distribution of a
or platform. Each consignment shall be kept representative sample from each stockpile of each
separate from previous consignments. The cement aggregate shall be determined once a day when
shall be used in the order of delivery. Cement held mixing and laying are in progress. The samples
on site for more than 28 days shall satisfy the shall be taken in accordance with the requirements
requirements given in Table 3 of BS EN 197-1. of BS EN 932-1, prepared according to BS EN 932-
[NOTE: Chromium VI build up may be a H&S 2 and the testing shall be by wet sieving as
issue for cement stored for lengthy periods] described in BS EN 933-1. If any of the particle size
distributions so determined falls outside the relevant
5.1.4 Bitumen emulsion shall be protected from limits given in Clauses 3.2.3 or 3.3.2, two further
freezing. Drums in store shall be turned or inverted tests shall be carried out. If either of these also fails
at least once a month. to satisfy the requirement, mixing shall cease
immediately and the non-complying aggregate shall
be removed and replaced with material complying
5.2 STORING AND HANDLING with the specified requirements.
AGGREGATES
5.3.2 The fines content of each size of aggregate
5.2.1 Aggregate stockpiles shall be on concrete from each source shall also be determined when
or other approved hard surfaces, laid to falls to mixing and laying are in progress. Samples shall be
allow unrestricted drainage. The siting and taken in accordance with the requirements of
preparation of the sites shall be approved by the BS EN 932-1, prepared according to BS EN 932-2
Project Manager. Aggregates shall be stockpiled and the tests shall be performed by the method
separately for each size delivered from each source described in BS EN 933-1.
of supply. Each size from each source shall be
separated in the stockpiles by sturdy bulkheads. 5.3.3 A qualitative test for the presence of
chloride ions (as described in BS EN 1744-1) in
5.2.2 The methods to be adopted to prevent coarse aggregate and fine aggregate shall be
overspill between adjacent stockpiles, "coning" or carried out before mixing of concrete for the Works
segregation of the aggregate in the stockpiles, begins and at weekly intervals thereafter. The
particularly during tipping, shall be agreed with the samples for test shall be taken from the base of
Project Manager. Care shall be taken to avoid each stockpile. When this test shows the chloride
crushing by stockpiling equipment. ion content of an aggregate to be other than
negligible, the water-soluble chloride ion content of
5.2.3 The aggregates shall be kept free from a sample of the same aggregate taken from the
contact with deleterious matter. base of the stockpile shall be determined. The test
14 February 2017
method used shall be that described in BS EN or volume to the tolerances given in BS EN 206-1,
1744-1. The value/s determined shall be used in the Table 21. All of the mixing water required for each
calculation of total chloride ion content of the batch shall be added in the approved mixing plant.
concrete mixture specified in Clause 4.4.
5.4.6 Each admixture shall be measured
separately at the mixer in preset automatic
5.4 BATCHING AND MIXING OF dispensers to within ± 5 % of the quantity approved
CONCRETE for the mixture. Admixtures shall be added with the
water and the mixing time shall be such as to
5.4.1 Concrete shall be mixed in an approved ensure uniform distribution of the admixture
static volumetric or a batch mixer complying with throughout the batch.
the requirements of Clause 5.5. The mixer shall be
controlled by an experienced operator. 5.4.7 Mixing within an approved static mixer shall
[NOTE: In some circumstances e.g. remote sites continue until a well mixed homogenous concrete
and some small scale works, mobile volumetric has been produced. The total mixing time shall be
mixers may be used with Project Manager consent agreed following trials with the mixture and mixing
following consultation with DIO Airfield Pavements shall be carried out for this period. The consistency
Team] of each amount of concrete shall be checked by use
of a wattmeter monitoring the power supply to the
5.4.2 The proportion of each constituent in the mixer, or other proven reliable device, and each
mixture by weight shall be that approved by the amount of concrete shall be inspected prior to
Project Manager in accordance with Clauses 6.1 discharge.
and 6.2, allowance being made as detailed below
for the weight of free water in the aggregate. 5.4.8 Mixers shall be emptied before being
charged with a new amount of concrete. When a
5.4.3 The allowance made for free water in the delay in excess of 30 minutes occurs during
aggregates shall be determined on representative concrete production, mixing shall not restart until
samples from each of the aggregate stockpiles in the mixer and handling plant have been thoroughly
accordance with the methods described in cleaned out.
BS EN 1097-5, or, with the agreement of the Project
Manager, by another method. Regular
determinations shall be made before mixing starts 5.5 CONCRETE MIXERS
each day and, unless moisture meters are fitted at
the discharge points from the bins containing 5.5.1 The Contractor shall submit for approval,
10 mm and smaller aggregate sizes, afterwards at with his tender, details of the mixer(s) he proposes
4-hourly intervals until mixing ceases for the day. to use, including the manufacturer’s name, type of
Additional determinations shall be made when mixer and estimated output. The Contractor’s
mixing restarts after rain has stopped production or proposals will be considered and, if requested, he
when moisture meters in the bins indicate a change shall also submit at tender stage the following
in moisture content. Following each determination further information:
of free water in the aggregates, the precise quantity
of added water required to make up the total  A technical description of the plant, including
proportion of mixing water approved shall be recommended methods of maintenance and
recalculated. operation control.
[NOTE: The above may be addressed when  Minimum mixing time recommended for
moisture meters are installed in plants and Pavement Quality Concrete.
computerised methods are used to control the  Time required for charging and discharging.
addition of water]  Estimated theoretical output in terms of unit time
for Pavement Quality Concrete.
5.4.4 Aggregates from each stockpile and cement  Batch size.
shall each be proportioned separately by weight to  *Method of addition of air entraining admixture.
the tolerances given in BS EN 206-1, Table 21. or
When the cement is delivered in bags, proportioning *Method of addition of air entraining admixture
by weight of all constituents shall be based on the and other admixture.
incorporation of whole bags.  Type of water measuring device.
 Any other information concerning the ability of
5.4.5 The added water content calculated as the plant to produce Pavement Quality Concrete
described above shall be measured by either weight of consistent proportions and properties to the
February 2017 15
requirements of this Specification and at a rate * As an alternative to the joint layout shown on
of output suitable for the laying plant and the drawings, the Contractor may design the layout
programme proposed. of the joints to suit his plant and equipment and
Only mixing plants approved as a result of these shall submit his proposals at the 100% design stage
submissions shall be used. to the Project Manager for approval. The layout
shall conform to the following requirements:
(*NOTE. The Project Manager to select the option  Drawings shall be to a scale of 1/500 or 1/200,
corresponding with the requirement selected at Clause as appropriate for the size and shape of the
3.7.1). pavements.
5.5.2 The batching plant(s) and mixer(s) shall be 5.8 WEATHER CONDITIONS
set up within the site boundary in a location
approved by the Project Manager.
5.8.1 Cold Weather
The following requirements shall be met:
5.5.3 The weighing mechanism of each batching
 Aggregates which are frozen or contain ice or
plant shall be checked either by its manufacturer or
snow shall not be used.
by an independent testing authority who shall certify
 Salt shall not be used to prevent freezing.
compliance within the tolerances given in
BS EN 206-1, Clause 9.6.2.2. A copy of the  Calcium chloride or other accelerators shall not
certificate shall be passed to the Project Manager be used.
before mixing begins. Further checks shall be made  Concrete shall not be spread when the air/shade
and the certificates passed to the Project Manager temperature is 2°C or lower. Alternatively, with
at the end of each agreed period during mixing and the approval of the Project Manager, the
whenever a mixer is re-sited or disturbed. Contractor may take measures to maintain or
[NOTE: The period is typically quarterly or may be generate sufficient heat in the aggregates and
monthly if requested] water to ensure that the temperature of the
concrete during mixing, spreading, compacting
5.5.4 The calibration of the water measuring and finishing does not fall below 10°C. When
devices and admixture dispensers shall be checked temperatures below 0°C are forecast or occur
before mixing begins and at monthly intervals unexpectedly, concrete which has been laid for
during mixing. Copies of the certificates shall be less than 6 days shall be protected from frost
passed to the Project Manager. In addition, the damage by securely-fixed insulation which shall
Contractor shall himself check the accuracy of the remain in position for at least 6 days after the
devices and dispensers to the satisfaction of the concrete is laid. Examples of suitable insulating
Project Manager before mixing begins. materials are:
 expanded polystyrene sheeting.
(NOTE. General advice for the Project Manager is  extruded polyethylene foam sheeting.
provided in Clause Z.7 of Appendix Z).  straw mats at least 100 mm thick.
All insulation material shall be maintained in
good condition and shall remain securely
5.6 SLAB THICKNESS fastened for as long as it is being used. After use
it shall be removed from the airfield.
The pavement thickness shall be the arithmetic  Concrete damaged by frost shall be removed for
mean of the individual core lengths and shall be not the full thickness of the slab and replaced by the
less than the design thickness shown on the Project means specified in Clause 5.32.
drawings. Any individual core length shall be not [NOTE: The Britpave Publication BP01
less than the design thickness with the T5 category “Concreting Pavements in Winter” January 2012
tolerance given in Table 4 of BS EN 13877-2. The provides further detailed guidance .With regard
finished levels and surface regularity shall meet the to early age protection. 2N/mm2 compressive
requirements of Clause 5.22. strength is to be achieved before the protection
is removed].
5.8.2 Wet Weather

5.7 LAYOUT OF JOINTS The following requirements shall be met:
 Concrete shall not be laid during rain.
* The layout of the joints shall be as shown on
Alternatively, with the approval of the Project
the Project drawings.
Manager, the Contractor may provide suitable
Or
protection to the concrete during transportation
and placing to enable completion of the finishing
16 February 2017
processes (including the necessary joint forming) TABLE 5.2 MATERIALS FOR REGULATION
to a standard equal to that of the approved trial
area. Permitted
Maximum
 All precautions necessary shall be taken to Material Aggregate
Layer
protect freshly placed concrete from rainwater Thickness
Size (mm)
running off adjacent areas. (mm)
 Where a new concrete surface is damaged by *Rolled Dry Lean
light rain, the surface may be re-textured to a 40 75 - 200
Concrete (CBGM)
standard equal to that of the approved trial area,
provided that the re-texturing is completed within *Marshall Asphalt
the time constraints specified in Clause 5.21. 32 50 – 100
Re-texturing of surfaces affected by heavy rain 20 30 – 70
or surface run-off from other pavement areas is 14 20 – 60
not permitted. 10 20 – 40
 Surfaces directly affected by light rain, whether
* Asphalt Concrete
re-textured or not, shall be tested in accordance
(Macadam)):
with Clause 5.27.3 to ensure adequate surface Dense binder course 32 50 – 100
texture has been achieved. Dense binder course 20 30 – 70
 Surfaces affected by heavy rain or run-off from Dense surface course 6 20 – 40
other pavement areas shall be broken out and Fine Graded 2 Up to 30
replaced in accordance with Clause 5.32.
*Hot Rolled Asphalt
5.8.3 Hot Weather Designation 55% 0/14 14 25 – 60
When the air/shade temperature is above 25°C, or Designation 55% 0/10 10 20 – 50
has been above 25°C in the previous 24 hours, the Designation 0% 0/2 2 Up to 30
temperature of the fresh concrete shall be *Stone Mastic Asphalt
measured when mixing begins and at hourly (SMA)
intervals during mixing using the method described 20 50 - 100
in BS 8500-2, Clause 5.4. Concrete of temperature
14 35 - 60
above 30°C shall not be placed and all necessary
measures shall be taken to achieve a uniform 10 25 – 50
temperature below 30°C in the concrete at the time 6 20 – 50
of placement. 2 Up to 25
(*NOTE: The Project Manager to insert requirements.
Specifications for Marshall asphalt, macadams, hot rolled
5.9 REGULATION OF EXISTING asphalt and SMA are contained in separate DIO
SURFACES Specifications).
5.9.1 When existing pavement surfaces are to be 5.9.2 When tested by the method described in
overlain with new Pavement Quality Concrete, if Appendix B, the divergence between the bottom of
there are areas where the depth of new the straight edge and the finished surface of the
construction to finished slab levels will exceed the regulating material shall not be more than 10 mm
design slab thickness and tolerance, as specified in and shall show no abrupt steps.
Clause 5.6, the levels in these areas shall be
regulated in advance of concreting. The materials to
be used in regulating shall be in accordance with 5.10 PREPARATION OF UNDERLYING
Table 5.2. The edge of the regulating material shall SURFACES
be feathered out, not finished in an abrupt step.
5.10.1 All vegetable growth and loose particles
shall be removed from the surface.
5.10.2 All joints and cracks 20 mm or more wide in

the existing pavement shall be filled with lightly
compacted 0/2 mm size fine graded macadam
surface laid to a convex finish slightly proud of the
general surface level. All other joints or cracks shall
be levelled by removing extruded material to a finish
February 2017 17
flush with the adjacent surface level. Potholes shall 120°C. The final layer shall be laid slightly proud of
be also be made good with 0/2 mm size fine graded the existing asphalt surfacing. Hand tampers shall
macadam or, alternatively, with hot rolled asphalt, have a mass of not less than 25 kg and a face area
Designation 0% 0/2. not exceeding 0.065 m2.
5.10.3 Before the separation membrane specified 5.11.4 Where ramps are to be provided between
in Clause 3.8 is laid, the surface shall be clean, new Pavement Quality Concrete and existing
smooth and free of standing water, mud, grit and bituminous pavements, these shall be constructed
other extraneous matter. to the details shown on the Project drawings.
5.11 JOINTS BETWEEN NEW PAVEMENT 5.12 FORMS

QUALITY CONCRETE AND EXISTING
BITUMINOUS SURFACING .
5.12.1 Forms for use in hand-laid bays specified in
5.11.1 The joints shall be made in accordance with Clause 5.17 shall be purpose made right angled
Figure 5.1. steel road forms, provided with adequate devices
for secure setting so that when in place they will
5.11.2 The existing bituminous pavement shall be withstand, without springing or settlement, the
cut back from the line of the junction between the impact and vibration of the compacting and finishing
bituminous pavement and the new concrete plant. The depth of the forms shall be adequate to
pavement by a maximum distance of 500 mm to support fully the slab thickness specified in Clause
permit the erection of the forms specified in 5.6 or on the drawings. The thickness of any
Clause 5.12 or to allow the passage of the side packing beneath the forms shall not exceed 30 mm.
forms of a slip-form paver. The drylean concrete Timber forms may be used to make up odd
base shall then be carried through to abut the cut- shaped/odd lengths bays subject to approval of
back edge of the existing pavement. If the existing Project Manager.
bituminous pavement is thicker than the new
pavement, the extra thickness at the base of the 5.12.2 The forms and rails shall be kept free from
pavement in the cut back area shall be restored dirt, mud and other extraneous matter.
with drylean concrete, laid and compacted in
separate layers if necessary to comply with the 5.12.3 Forms shall be set to the correct line and
specified requirements for maximum drylean level and packed underneath with Portland cement
concrete layer thicknesses. After the specified mortar. The mortar shall not extrude beyond the
forms have been fixed on the surface of the drylean vertical inside face of the forms. The sections shall
concrete, the new Pavement Quality Concrete be tightly joined by locked joints free from play in
surfacing shall be completed. any direction.
5.11.3 Immediately after the forms have been 5.12.4 The line and levels of all forms shall be
removed, or, when a slip-form paver has been checked and corrected, if necessary, immediately
used, prior to refilling the space between the new before the concrete is placed. The vertical inside
concrete and the bituminous surfacing, the exposed faces and tops of the forms shall be inspected to
vertical edge of the new concrete slab shall be see that they are clean and shall be generously
painted or sprayed with the bitumen emulsion oiled to ease removal.
specified in Clause 3.11. The space between the
new concrete slab and the existing pavement shall 5.12.5 Forms shall not be removed until concrete
then be filled with drylean concrete compacted to is sufficiently strong so as to prevent damage.
within 100 mm of the surface of the new slab. The Mortar packing left alongside the finished slabs shall
remainder of the space shall be filled with hot rolled be removed before adjacent slabs are poured.
asphalt complying with BS 594-1, Designation 35%
0/14 incorporating crushed rock aggregate and
70/100 pen bitumen binder. Before any asphalt is 5.13 PLACING SEPARATION MEMBRANE
placed, all exposed surfaces to which it is to be
bonded shall be tack-coated in accordance with 5.13.1 Where required the separation membrane,
BS 434-2, Clause 14. The asphalt shall be placed in subject to complying with the requirements of
two layers, each of 50 mm and separately Clause 3.8*, shall be laid flat on the surface without
compacted. At the time of compaction the folds or ripples. Except where it is laid in strips
temperature of the mixture shall not be less than beneath forms to comply with the requirements of
18 February 2017
Clause 5.13.2, the membrane shall be laid 5.15.1.3 If more than 3 Compaction Index
immediately before concrete is spread. It shall be values out of 20 consecutive results fall outside
secured without puncturing against disturbance by the tolerance given in Table 11, BS EN 206-1 of
the wind. Laps between sheets shall not be less the job standard Compaction Index value
than 150 mm in any direction. determined during the laying of the trial areas
specified in Clause 6.2, then mixing shall stop
5.13.2 The membrane shall be laid beneath all and adjustments shall be made to ensure
joints with the laps specified. Damaged or torn compliance when mixing restarts.
sheets shall not be used. Standing water on the
sheet shall be removed before concreting is allowed [NOTE: As an alternative to using Compaction
to commence. Any sheets which become torn or Index the Compacting Factor Test to BS 1881 Part
damaged before concrete is spread shall be 2 may be used. These tests may also be
replaced or overlain with additional sheets. complemented with slump tests].
[NOTE. With machine lay paving a high level of surface 5.15.2 Compressive Strength of Cubes
regularity can be achieved on the underlying layer. Where
hand lay is used a separation membrane is required. 5.15.2.1 Samples of concrete for making test
Where the underlying surface is rugous a separation
cubes shall be taken in accordance with the
membrane is required. Further advice is provided in
Appendix Z12]. methods described in BS EN 12350-1. Each
sample shall be taken from a single batch of
concrete selected by the Project Manager. From
each sample, two 100 (or 150) mm cubes shall
5.14 TRANSPORTING CONCRETE be made in accordance with BS EN 12390-1 and
MIXTURES BS EN 12390-2. The cubes shall be cured and
tested for compressive strength at 7 days in
5.14.1 Freshly mixed concrete shall be transported accordance with BS EN 12390-2 and
to the laying site without segregation or loss of BS EN 12390-3, respectively. The mean of the
constituent materials. It shall be covered during results from each pair shall be taken as a test
transit and while awaiting discharge to prevent result. When the difference between a pair of
wetting by rain or evaporation of moisture. results divided by their mean exceeds 15 %, the
result shall be deemed invalid and shall be
5.14.2 Sufficient delivery vehicles shall be used to excluded from compliance assessment.
maintain a continuous supply of concrete to the
paving plant. 5.15.2.2 For the first 500 m3 of routine
production of Pavement Quality Concrete, a
sample from each 25 m3 of concrete laid, or one
5.15 TESTS ON FRESH CONCRETE from each day's production when this is less,
shall be taken for making test cubes. Thereafter,
5.15.1 Consistence (Workability) the rate shall be one sample per 50 m3 of
concrete laid or one per day.
5.15.1.1 Samples of concrete for Degree of
Compactability/Compaction Index (CI) tests shall 5.15.2.3 The mean values for the set of test
be taken in accordance with the methods results representing the first 500 m3 of normal
described in BS EN 12350-1 and tested in production and for subsequent sets each
accordance with the methods of BS EN 12350-4. representing 1000 m3 of production shall be not
less than [45] (40) {35}* N/mm². If the mean of
5.15.1.2 A sample of concrete for a Compaction any set of results falls below this value, the
Index test shall be taken at the same time and batching and mixing procedures shall be
from the same location as each sample for the checked immediately and if necessary the
preparation of test cubes (see Clause 5.15.2). In mixture shall be adjusted to improve its strength.
addition, for each mixer in use, samples shall be
taken for test from the first delivery of concrete (*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second
each day, from the first delivery on restarting or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause
after an interruption to mixing of more than one 4.6.1, and to delete the others).
hour and at intervals of not more than one hour
during production. 5.15.2.4 If any individual cube test result falls
below [34] (30) {26}* N/mm², four 100 (or
150)mm diameter cores shall be cut from the
February 2017 19
pavement slab in the location corresponding with 5.16 PLACING CONCRETE

the delivery of concrete from which the test
sample came. The cores shall be cut at 5 m Unless otherwise approved by the Project Manager,
spacings and shall be additional to the routine the concrete shall be laid in lanes parallel with the
test cores specified in Clause 5.27.1. The four pavement centre line.
cores shall be cured, prepared and tested as
described in Clause 5.27.1. The mean 28 day 5.16.1 The concrete shall be spread, compacted
corrected core strength of the four cores shall be and finished by a method complying either with
at least [36] (31) {28}* N/mm² and no more than Clause 5.17 or 5.18
one individual value shall be below [32] (28)
{25}* N/mm². If either or both of these (*NOTE: The Project Manager may include one or both of
requirements are not realised, the area of Clauses 5.17, 5.18 in a particular specification, according
pavement slab represented by the four cores to the scale and disposition of the work. Advice is given in
shall be condemned. This area shall be taken as Clause Z.8 of Appendix Z).
the 20 m length of the pavement lane
symmetrical about the core positions. The extent
of any further unacceptable concrete in either 5.17 SPREADING, COMPACTING AND
direction adjacent to the condemned area shall FINISHING CONCRETE BY SEMI-
be investigated by cutting and testing additional MECHANISED MEANS*
cores as described in Clause 5.27.1.
(*NOTE: PQC is laid by slipform paving machines or by
(*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second semi mechanised means. The Project Manager may
or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause include one or both of Clauses 5.17, 5.18 in a particular
4.6.1, and to delete the others). specification, according to the scale and disposition of the
work. Advice is given in Clause Z.8 of Appendix Z).
5.15.3 Air Content
5.17.1 . The hand lay concrete shall be tipped or
5.15.3.1 Samples of concrete for air content discharged from mixer truck across the width of the
determinations shall be taken in accordance with rip. A rubber tyred excavator shall then fully spread
the methods described in BS EN 12350-1. The the concrete between the forms.
air content shall be determined by the method
described in BS EN 12350-7. Sampling and 5.17.2 The concrete shall be spread to give a
testing shall be at the point of delivery to the surcharge which will vary with compacting fraction
paving plant. or compaction index
[NOTE: typically this is approximately 25% of the
5.15.3.2 An air content determination shall be finished depth].
made from each delivery sampled for a
Compaction Index or Compacting Factor test. 5.17.3 The method of spreading, surcharge height
The aggregate correction factor shall be checked and finishing will be demonstrated in the laying trials
periodically and a new determination made described in section 6 and the following paragraphs
whenever the aggregates or aggregate are intended to provide the minimum standards
proportions are changed. expected from those trials.
(NOTE: for limited extent hand lay work the slump test
may be used with Project Manager approval ). After internal vibration, the concrete shall be struck-
off at sufficient level above the forms to ensure that
5.15.3.3 If any air content determination during surface vibration the concrete is everywhere
indicates that the total air content of the fresh in contact with the compacting beam.
concrete is not within the limits specified in
Clause 4.3, two further determinations on the 5.17.4
same or next delivery shall be made. If either of
these also fails to satisfy the requirement, then Poker vibrators, either hand held or mounted on to
mixing shall stop and adjustments shall be made excavator bucket are to be used to compact the
to ensure compliance when mixing restarts. concrete. The vibrators shall be a minimum of 50
mm diameter and shall be inserted full depth at
centres of not more than 500 mm in both directions.
They shall remain in place until either all the air
bubbles have stopped or until the pitch of the poker
lowers.
20 February 2017
5.17.5 Once the concrete has been uniformly width of the lane by the first person until all
compacted a finishing beam which rests on the irregularities and blemishes have been removed
forms shall be drawn over the bay to give level and from the surface of the concrete. The blade shall
finish. It may be necessary to repeat this operation then be picked up on the other side of the lane by
to ensure tolerances are met and that the surface is the second person, cleaned and moved along the
free from blemishes, however this process should lane by not more than half the blade length. The
be kept to the absolute minimum and overworking scraping process shall then be repeated.
shall not be permitted. Care must be taken to
ensure that the beam is not pushing fat over the 5.17.10 The concrete surface shall not be
surface. Hand held trowels and floats may be used overworked. Hand floating shall not be allowed,
to remove any remaining blemishes After internal apart from the minimum required to finish alongside
vibration, the concrete shall be struck-off at joints.
sufficient level above the forms to ensure that
during surface vibration the concrete is everywhere 5.17.11 With his tender, the Contractor shall give
in contact with the compacting beam. details of the equipment he proposes to use,
together with a detailed methodology for the
5.17.6 Quickly after the finishing process in 5.17.5 spreading, compacting and finishing operations. If
has been carried out the surface shall receive a the Contractor's proposals are considered
final pass with a transverse float. This float will satisfactory in principle, a qualified preliminary
remove excess laitance and any irregularities in acceptance of the equipment will be given by the
advance of the texturing and curing processes. Project Manager prior to the letting of the contract.
Final approval to the equipment and methods shall
5.17.7 The end of day joint must be planned to rest with the Project Manager on the basis of their
coincide with the transverse joint pattern. Care must performance during the laying of the trial areas
be taken to ensure that sufficient fresh concrete is specified in Clause 6.2. General laying of concrete
available to make up the joint and that sufficient and shall not begin until final approval has been
backup drills and equipment are available to install obtained.
the pre-made steel day joint form. Immediately
following the completion of compaction but before
texturing or application of the curing liquid, scraping 5.18 SPREADING, COMPACTING AND
straightedges shall be used to remove laitance and FINISHING CONCRETE BY SLIP-
minor irregularities from the surface. A scraping FORM PAVER*
straightedge shall have a 3 m long blade and a
flexible handle of sufficient length to reach across (*NOTE: The Project Manager may include one or both
the width of a concrete lane. An example is shown of Clauses 5.17, 5.18 in a particular specification,
in Figure 5.3, but alternative designs may be according to the scale and disposition of the work.
proposed to the Project Manager for approval. Advice is given in Appendix Z8
Floats shall not be used. Concreting shall not
commence until approval has been obtained. 5.18.1
Induction cuts will be required in the hand lay The concrete shall be spread, compacted and
concrete and therefore it will be necessary to locally finished in a continuous operation. The paving
remove forms at joint positions so that sawcuts can machine shall consist of a prime mover and a
be made to the full extent. rigid mould/beam which is mounted below or to
the side of the prime mover. The prime mover
5.17.8 When striking forms, particularly the end of provides variable forward/reverse travel and
day joints care must be taken not to damage the hydraulic power.
ends and it may be prudent to plan works so that Compaction is achieved by means of internal
transverse joints are not laid up against until the vibrators mounted at a height and spacing across
concrete gains strength, a consideration of the mould/beam. The height and spacing are
particular importance in cold weather conditions. dependent on the manufacturer’s declared
frequency of the vibrators. The weight and rigidity
5.17.9 The scraping straightedge shall be operated of the mould/beam shall be sufficient to enable
by two persons, one on either side of the concrete the concrete to be laid consistently to required
lane. While the concrete is still plastic and workable, levels and profiles within the tolerances permitted
the blade of the straightedge shall be carefully in this Specification*.
positioned on the surface of the concrete and
parallel to the forms. The blade shall be worked (*NOTE: The weight and rigidity of the paver
uniformly backwards and forwards across the full mould/beam should be at least equal to that provided
by a 5000 Series mould).
February 2017 21
finished level as shown on the drawings and

5.18.2 parallel to the required line of the lane joint within
The concrete shall be deposited in front of the slip- a vertical tolerance of ± 3 mm. Additionally, one
form paver across its whole width. The concrete of the wires shall be at a constant horizontal
shall be “re-mixed” using excavator or auger to distance from the required line of a lane joint
ensure there is no segregation. The deposited within a lateral tolerance of ± 6 mm. The guide
concrete shall be struck-off to the necessary wires shall be supported from stakes not more
differential surcharge or “head” by means of a than 8 m apart by connectors capable of fine
quickly adjustable strike-off plate or a pre-set auger vertical and horizontal adjustment.
extending across the whole width of the lane. The The ends of the guide wires shall be anchored to
“head” must be maintained at the correct level and fixing points which shall not be closer to the edge
width at all times. of the slab than the line of stakes. The ends of the
guide wires shall not be anchored to the stakes.
5.18.3
The level of the conforming plate shall be controlled 5.18.6
automatically from the guide wire(s) or 3D system Finishing behind the slip-form paving machine
specified in Clause 5.18.5 by sensors attached at shall be carried out by means of an adjustable
the four corners of the slip- form paving machine. stainless steel trowelling section and an
The alignment of the machine shall be controlled adjustable finishing beam. The trowelling
automatically by at least one sensor attached to it. section is to be part of the mould/beam and
Alternatively line and level can be from a machine should be set with a slight lead to “polish” up
guidance system which uses a 3D model and total the concrete and so remove imperfections.
stations to control the position of the conforming The finishing beam shall be set to pass over
plate. The details of the system shall be provided to the concrete with sufficient pressure to bring a
the project manager. The conforming plate shall be minimal amount of laitance to the surface. The
calibrated to the control system prior to paving combination of trowelling section and finishing
commencing and the contractor shall submit beam should be sufficient to bring the concrete
evidence to the Project Manager that the controls to the stage where a final pass of a hand held
can comply with the specification requirements box float means that the concrete is ready to
including how slab depth is checked and regulated. receive the texture described in sect 5.21.
A detailed methodology of how the system The concrete surface shall not be overworked
operates and how corrections are made including and hand floating shall be kept to a minimum to
the roles of the surveyors, machine operators and remove any minor blemishes or imperfections.
supervisors shall be submitted prior to paving Forward travel speed may be altered to adjust
commencing. finish if necessary.
Particular attention must be applied to the free
standing edges of the slab. Trailing forms may
5.18.4 be used to control any edge slump and edge
The slip-form paving machine shall have vibration of slump must be checked using straightedges as
variable output to suit different concrete mixture the paver travels forward.
characteristics, slab widths and thicknesses and The vertical faces of the slab should also be
rates of progress. To this end the vibrators must be finished so that no major imperfections remain.
able to be moved whilst in the concrete. The
compacted concrete when hardened shall satisfy 5.18.7
the test requirements specified in Clause 5.27. The Edge slump may also be corrected by using
machine shall have sufficient power and mass to purpose made forms with adjustable jacks.
maintain uniform forward movement during the Edge slump must also be checked after the
placing of concrete in all situations. Side forms shall texture described in sect 5.21 has been
be rigid enough to deal with all slab depths. applied. Sufficient forms for a continuous
length of 50 m of joint shall be available for use
5.18.5 at the beginning of each laying shift.
Where it is used, a guide wire shall be provided
along each side of each lane to be laid by slip- 5.18.8
form paving plant. This may be reduced to a All units shall be properly maintained.
single wire if the machine is working from skids on
a lane already laid or with a constant crossfall 5.18.9
device from the one wire. Each guide wire shall The units shall be controlled by experienced
be at a constant height above the projected operators at all times.
22 February 2017
against the filler, the channel or cradle shall be

removed before concrete laying is continued from
5.18.10 the other face of the filler.
With his tender, the Contractor shall give details of
the equipment he proposes to use, together with a 5.19.4 45 degree chamfers are to be provided in
detailed methodology for the spreading, accordance with Fig 5.1
compacting, finishing, texturing and curing
operations. If the Contractor's proposals are [NOTE: alternatively a purpose bull nosed arris
considered satisfactory in principle, a qualified trowel may be used to leave the new joint edge
preliminary acceptance of the equipment will be rounded off to a radius not greater than 5 mm].
given by the Project Manager prior to the letting of
the contract. Final approval to the equipment and
methods shall rest with the Project Manager on the 5.20 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS
basis of their performance during the laying of the
trial areas specified in Clause 6.2. General laying 5.20.1 Construction joints shall be simple butt
of concrete shall not begin until final approval has joints as shown in Figure 5.2. They shall be vertical
been obtained. and straight. The pavement surface across the
joints shall be finished to give the regularity
specified in Clause 5.27.2. A 5 mm 45 degree
5.19 EXPANSION JOINTS chamfer or a 5 mm bull nose is to be incorporated.
5.19.1 Expansion joints shall be formed as shown 5.20.2 The longitudinal construction joints shall be
in Figure 5.1. They shall be vertical and straight. made against the forms specified in Clause 5.12, or
The pavement surfaces across the joints shall be against the travelling forms or conforming plate of a
finished so as to satisfy the regularity test slip-form paving machine, and against previously
requirements specified in Clause 5.27.2. laid concrete as the laying of the concrete
proceeds.
5.19.2 Expansion joints between new and
previously laid or existing concrete pavements, 5.20.3 At the end of a day's work or when mixing
around box-gutters and around other obstructions to stops such that the requirements of Clause 5.24.1
the continuity of the new slab shall be formed by cannot be adhered to, transverse construction joints
placing the approved 25 mm thick joint filler shall be made. They shall be constructed against
specified in Clause 3.9 against the exposed face of forms and shall take the place of contraction
the existing slab, gutter or obstruction prior to the grooves specified in Clause 5.26.
laying of the concrete. Only where lengths of joint
filler greater than the standard length for the 5.20.4 A purpose-made bull nosed arrising trowel
approved product are required shall two lengths be shall be the final tool to be drawn, lightly and
butt jointed together. The filler shall be rigidly held in carefully, along the edge of the concrete, between it
position so that it cannot be displaced or disturbed and the forms where fixed forms are being used, to
during subsequent concreting. All necessary leave it rounded-off to a radius not exceeding 5 mm.
measures shall be taken to ensure that “bridging” The surface texture, specified in Clause 5.21 shall
with concrete does not occur beneath or around extend to the edge of the 5 mm arris.
lengths of filler.
5.20.5 Fixed forms shall be removed without
5.19.3 Main expansion joints may be preformed in damaging the concrete, particularly the rounded
advance of concreting by placing the joint filler in arris. Any minor surface cavities exposed shall
the required location prior to the laying of the immediately be filled with mortar composed of 1
concrete. The filler shall be held rigidly in position part of cement to 2 parts of fine aggregate. The
against a steel channel secured firmly to the surface exposed vertical face shall then be painted or
on which the concrete is being laid, or in an sprayed with a uniform coating of bitumen emulsion
approved cradle assembly designed for the purpose as specified in Clause 3.11 for initial curing.
and equally rigid and well secured, which cannot be
displaced or disturbed during subsequent 5.20.6 When a lane of concrete has been placed
concreting. The filler shall extend the full depth of by slip-form paver, before an adjacent lane is laid
the joint with no gap between the bottom of the filler against it the straightness of the vertical edges of
and the surface on which it is resting. The concrete the lane shall be checked using a 1 m long
shall be spread, compacted and finished up to the straightedge. Any deviations in excess of 5 mm
filler on one side and, after initial set of the slab beneath the straightedge shall be corrected by
February 2017 23
grinding, or by other means acceptable to the While the concrete is still soft enough to take an
Project Manager. Any concrete which may have impression, a broom with medium coarse fibres
escaped beneath the side forms of the paver shall shall be drawn, mechanically or by hand, from a
be trimmed back to achieve the same straightedge bridge platform spanning the lane, lightly across
tolerance. Any minor surface cavities exposed shall the surface at right angles to the slab edge. Care
be filled with mortar composed of 1 part of cement shall be taken not to damage the joint arrises
to 2 parts of fine aggregate. The exposed vertical during this operation.
face shall then be painted or sprayed with a uniform  Hangar Floors.
coating of bitumen emulsion as specified in Clause The surface shall receive no texturing treatment.
3.11, as a bond-breaker, before the adjacent Following the use of the scraping straightedge or
concrete is placed. longitudinal finisher, steel floats may be used to
the minimum extent necessary to remove minor
5.20.7 Where concrete is to be placed against blemishes. If a proprietary finish for a floor is
hardened concrete laid under this Contract, the shown on the drawings, the manufacturer's
exposed edge of the hardened concrete shall be instructions on finishing and texturing the
examined immediately before laying begins. Any concrete shall be followed.
cracks which have been induced in the hardened
concrete by the contraction grooves shall be noted 5.21.2 If it is proposed to use a slip-form paving
and taped over to prevent ingress of grout from the train to spread, compact and finish the concrete, in
fresh concrete. In addition, contraction grooves accordance with Clause 5.18, the Contractor shall
which are found to have induced cracks shall be confirm with his tender that the requirements of
sealed temporarily by use of paper cord or other Clause 5.21.1, as appropriate, can be complied
approved means to prevent ingress into the cracks with. Alternatively, detailed proposals for other
of slurry created when grooves in the new slab are methods giving equivalent surface textures shall be
sawn. The cord and any slurry, grout or other submitted. If the Contractor's proposals are
materials in the grooves shall be removed before considered satisfactory in principle, a qualified
the pavement is considered complete. preliminary acceptance of the methods will be given
by the Project Manager prior to the letting of the
5.20.8 When the slab on the second side of a contract. Final approval to the methods shall rest
construction joint is laid, a purpose-made bull nosed with the Project Manager on the basis of
arrising trowel shall again be the final tool to be assessment during and after the laying of the trial
drawn, lightly and carefully, along the edge of the areas specified in Clause 6.2. General laying of
slab to produce an arris of 5 mm maximum radius to concrete shall not begin until final approval has
match that on the first side. been obtained.
5.21 TEXTURING OF SURFACE 5.22 FINISHED LEVELS AND SURFACE

REGULARITY
5.21.1 After surface blemishes have been
eliminated with scraping straightedges, as specified 5.22.1 The finished surface levels shall conform
in Clause 5.17, or longitudinal finisher, as specified with the levels, profiles and contours shown on the
in Clause 5.18, and before the application of the drawings subject to the requirements of Clause 5.6.
curing liquid for initial curing as specified in Clause Where the Project Manager so directs, deviations
5.25, the surface of the concrete shall be textured from the required levels exceeding 6 mm shall be
as detailed below: corrected by cutting out and replacing the concrete
 Runways and High Speed Turn-offs. in the offending area by the means specified in
While the concrete is still soft enough to take an Clause 5.32. Where the Project Manager is satisfied
impression, a wire comb shall be drawn, that the permitted deviation is exceeded only at a
mechanically or by hand, from a bridge platform local high spot, correction by an approved grinding
spanning the lane, across the surface at right method and/or grooving as specified in Clause 5.34
angles to the slab edges. Care shall be taken not will be permitted.
to damage the arrises on joints during this
operation. The texture produced shall satisfy the 5.22.2 The surface regularity of the finished
texture depth test requirements specified in concrete shall satisfy the Straightedge Test
Clause 5.27.3. requirements specified in Clause 5.27.2.
 All other external surfaces except aircraft
washdowns.
24 February 2017
5.23 INITIAL CURING 5.24 TIME ALLOWED FOR CONCRETING
5.23.1 Immediately after the surface of the 5.24.1 The total time taken from the addition of
compacted concrete has been textured in water to the concrete mixture to the finishing of the
accordance with Clause 5.21, initial curing of the slab, including application of the initial curing
exposed concrete surfaces shall begin with the membrane, shall not exceed 90 minutes. With his
application of the approved compound specified in tender, the contractor shall provide a method
Clause 3.10. The curing compound shall be statement showing how compliance with this clause
handled and applied strictly in accordance with the can be achieved with the equipment proposed for
manufacturer's instructions. Each container of use. The statement shall include details of the
curing compound shall be agitated vigorously sequence of operations commencing with addition
immediately prior to use to ensure full dispersal of of water at the mixer and finishing with texturing of
the flake aluminium within the compound. The the concrete surface giving estimated times for
compound shall be sprayed on at a uniform rate of each operation and an estimated overall time. The
spread which shall be sufficient to obtain a estimates given shall be verified during the laying of
complete coverage of the surface and shall be at the trial areas specified in Clause 6.2.
least equal to that specified by the manufacturer on
the consignment certificate. After application, the [NOTE: Further information on maximum working
compound shall give a continuous film of uniform times is provided within Table 10/7 of Clause 1024
thickness with an unbroken metallic finish, free from of HA SHW Series 1000. Where temperatures
pinholes or other imperfections, over the entire exceed 25 degrees and two layer work is involved a
surface of the concrete. reduced 60 min period applies ]
5.23.2 When the concrete has been laid by means 5.24.2 A record shall be kept by the Contractor of
of a slip-form paving machine, in accordance with areas of concrete which fail to meet this
Clause 5.18 the compound shall be applied by a requirement. The record shall be submitted daily to
mechanical sprayer. This shall be arranged to span the Project Manager. Only a qualified acceptance of
the lane and spray while travelling longitudinally. the concrete in these areas will be given and, if
The compound shall be continuously agitated and directed by the Project Manager, the Contractor
mixed in its container during mechanical spraying. shall cut out the concrete and replace it by the
The nozzles shall be arranged in a manner which methods detailed in this Specification, at his own
will ensure a uniform coverage, free of streaks and expense.
lines, and shall be protected by an efficient shield to
prevent wind-blown losses.
5.25 FINAL CURING
5.23.3 Hand operated spraying equipment shall be
held on site to complete the spraying of concrete 5.25.1 Following the initial curing specified in
already laid in case of temporary breakdown of the Clause 5.23, the concrete shall immediately be
mechanical sprayer. In this event, further concreting protected for a period of not less than 4 hours by
shall cease until the Contractor provides an covered frames spanning the lane. When the
efficiently operating mechanical sprayer to the concrete is laid by the method specified in Clause
satisfaction of the Project Manager. When the 5.17 the frames shall be wheeled and shall travel on
concrete has been laid by semi-mechanised means the rails on the forms specified in Clause 5.12. The,
in accordance with Clause 5.17, or by hand, the use details of the frames, and how they will be moved
of hand operated spraying equipment will be shall be included with the statement returned with
permitted for all of the work. the tender in accordance with Clause 5.18.
5.23.4 Immediately after removal of forms, 5.25.2 The covering shall be of an approved
exposed vertical edges shall be painted or sprayed opaque light coloured material. It shall be stretched
with the bitumen emulsion specified in Clause 3.11. over the top of the frame so that it is not less than
75 mm or more than 500 mm above the surface of
5.23.5 When a floor hardener is specified, no the concrete. The sides and ends of the frames
curing compound shall be used. If a proprietary floor shall be panelled down to the surface level of the
treatment is shown on the drawings, the concrete. The frames shall be positioned to give
manufacturer's instructions on initial curing shall be complete coverage of the concrete.
followed.
5.25.3 Immediately the frames have moved
forward after the 4 or 6 hour period, the concrete
February 2017 25
shall be completely covered with 0.075 mm core and pavement. The contractor shall
polythene sheet laid directly on the surface and produce record drawings detailing the location of
securely fixed. The coverage shall be maintained all cores taken suitable for inclusion in the
for at least 3 days, except when either frost Operation and Maintenance Manual.
insulation is necessary in accordance with Clause
5.8.1. All covered frames and sheeting shall be kept 5.27.1.2 After removal, each core shall first be
in good condition. measured for diameter and length in accordance
with BS EN 13863-3 and the saturated density
(NOTE: Guidance to Project Managers on final curing is shall be determined as per Clause 5.27.1.3. The
given in Clause Z.11 of Appendix Z). core may be inspected by the Project Manager
for comparison with a core cut from an approved
trial area in accordance with Clause 6.2.5, in
5.26 CONTRACTION GROOVES respect of honeycombing and visible voids.
5.26.1 Contraction grooves shall be as detailed in 5.27.1.3 The cores shall be prepared by
Figure 5.2. They shall be vertical and straight. Their trimming and capping or grinding each end for
depth from the surface of the slab shall be between compression testing in accordance with the
one fifth and one quarter of the actual slab requirements of BS EN 12504-1. Each core shall
thickness. be reduced in length by sawing off the top so
that the lower section shall have a length
5.26.2 The grooves shall be sawn to a maximum /diameter ratio in the range 1.0 to 2.0 as
width of 3 mm. The grooves shall be sawn as soon recommended by BS EN 13877-2. The preferred
as the concrete has gained sufficient strength to length/diameter ratio is 1 to 1.2. The core shall
prevent the surface being ripped or damaged by the then be stored in a curing tank in accordance
operation. The Contractor shall ensure that random with the requirements of BS EN 12390-1 before
cracking due to late sawing does not occur and all testing at (28 ± 3) days. The saturated density
sawing shall be completed within 18 hours of the shall be determined in accordance with BS EN
concrete being finished. It shall be demonstrated on 12390-7 and the compressive strength
the trial areas specified in Clause 6.2 that the type determined in accordance with BS EN 12504-1.
of saw and blades proposed are suitable for the The corrected core strength of the concrete shall
intended purpose on concrete with the particular be calculated from the in situ core test strength
ingredients being used. All sawn grooves shall be multiplied by the appropriate length/diameter
flushed out using a water pressure jet at the time of correction factor from Table 1 of BS EN 13877-2,
sawing and shall be kept clean and free of which is reproduced as Table 5.3.
deleterious material. [NOTE: Preparation of cores with metal
caps/internal caps to ASTM C1231/C 1231M
5.26.3 If, at any time during the course of the work, criteria is permitted as an alternative to the BS
the cutting of grooves fails to meet the time limit EN method as it contributes to reduced
specified in Clause 5.26.2 or if cracking should preparation time]
occur before or during saw cutting, the placing of
concrete shall cease until the difficulties have been TABLE 5.3 CORRECTION FACTORS FOR
resolved. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF
CORES
5.27 TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE Length/diameter ratio Correction factor
5.27.1 Depth, Voidage and Compressive 1.00 1.00

Strength of Cores
1.25 1.07
5.27.1.1 In addition to the cores cut when cube
tests fail (as specified in Clause 5.15.2.4), 1.50 1.12
150 mm diameter cores for routine examination
and test shall be cut from the pavement slab 1.75 1.16
approximately one third along the diagonals of
bays. These cores shall be cut between 3 and 7 2.00 1.18
days after the concrete is laid. Each core with its
core hole shall be numbered (consecutively as
cut) and the number shall be marked clearly on
26 February 2017
5.27.1.4 For the first 500 m³ of routine (*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second
production of Pavement Quality Concrete, one or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause
core shall be cut from each 150 m2 of concrete 4.6.1, and to delete the others).
laid or one per day's laying if this is less.
Thereafter, the rate shall be one core per 300 m2 5.27.1.7 The mean 28 day corrected core
laid or one per day. Each core and beam shall strength value for the set of routine cores
be taken from a location corresponding to a representing the first 500 m3 of normal
delivery of concrete sampled for cube testing in production and for subsequent sets each
accordance with Clause 5.15.2. representing 1000 m3 of production (to
correspond with sets of 7 day cube strength
5.27.1.5 Each core shall comply with all of the values specified in Clause 5.15.2.3) shall be not
following four requirements: less than [43] (38) {34}* N/mm². If the mean
(i) The total length of the core shall not be less value from any set of results falls below [43] (38)
than 5 mm of the design slab thickness {34}* N/mm², either:
shown on the Project drawing, or exceed it (i) the concrete mixture shall be adjusted to
by more than 25 mm. increase its strength, using the relationship
(ii) In the opinion of the Project Manager, the between cube and core strengths obtained
core shall compare favourably with the core from this set of results to estimate the
obtained in accordance with Clause 6.2.5 in revised target mean 7 day cube strength
respect of honeycombing or voids. value necessary, or,
(iii) The corrected core strength at (28 ± 3) days (ii) if core densities indicate that compaction is
shall not be less than [32] (28) {25}*N/mm² inadequate, measures shall be taken to the
satisfaction of the Project Manager to
(iv) The density is a minimum of 97% of the job improve compaction. If the mean value from
standard density obtained from the trials. a set of results is below [38] (34) {29}*
N/mm², work shall cease until the trial
(*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second mixture and trial area procedures specified
or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause in Clauses 6.1 and 6.2 have been repeated.
4.6.1, and to delete the others). The area of pavement from which a set of
cores fail to achieve a mean 28 day
5.27.1.6 If any core fails to satisfy any of the corrected core strength of [43] (38) {34}*
requirements of Clause 5.27.1.5, four additional N/mm² shall be condemned should the
cores shall be cut at 5 m spacings along the lane Project Manager so instruct.
in positions symmetrical about the position of the
failed core. All 4 new cores shall satisfy (*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second
requirements (i) and (ii) in Clause 5.27.1.5. If the or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause
failure of the original core included lack of 4.6.1, and to delete the others).
compliance with requirement (iii), the 4 new
cores shall be prepared and tested for 5.27.2 Surface Regularity
compressive strength in accordance with
BS EN 12504-1 and using the correction in 5.27.2.1 Tests for the surface regularity of the
Table 5.3 at (35 ± 3) days. The mean 35 day finished Pavement Quality Concrete shall be
corrected core strength value of the 4 cores shall carried out using the method described in
be at least [38] (34) {29}* N/mm² and no more Appendix B as soon as possible commensurate
than one individual value shall be below [35] (30) with the curing regime,.
{26}* N/mm². If either or both of these
requirements and/or either or both of 5.27.2.2 The following minimum number of tests
requirements (i) and (ii) of Clause 5.27.1.5 are shall be made on each lane:
not satisfied, the area of pavement slab  one test at each longitudinal construction or
represented by the 4 cores shall be condemned. expansion joint, with test alignment normal to
The minimum area shall be taken as the 20 m the joint, for each 10 m of such joint. The
length of the pavement lane symmetrical about straightedge shall be positioned with 2 m of
the core positions. The extent of any further its length on the test lane and 1 m on the
unacceptable concrete in each direction along adjacent lane. When the adjacent lane has
the lane adjacent to the condemned area shall yet to be laid, the straightedge shall be
be investigated by cutting at 5 m spacing and positioned with one end on the joint line.
testing additional groups of 4 cores until a group [NOTE :alternatively this may be left until the
in each direction satisfies all of the requirements. next adjacent bay is laid, however the earlier
February 2017 27
that the measurements are taken the more an approved grinding method and/or grooving
immediate the rectification can be achieved] as specified in Clause 5.34. Bays containing
 two tests across each transverse construction more than one high spot or one or more
or expansion joint, with test alignment normal depressions which will cause water to pond
to the joint. shall be condemned.
 two tests on the interior of the lane, one test
aligned normal to and one parallel to the 5.27.2.5 If the surface regularity on two
longitudinal joints, for each 50 m2 of surface successive days' work fails to satisfy the
laid. The positions for test shall be selected specified test requirement, all concreting work
by the Project Manager and the testing shall shall stop until the spreading, compacting and
be carried out in his presence. finishing operations have been checked and the
cause of failure established and corrections have
5.27.2.3 The finished surface should be free been made, to the satisfaction of the Project
from excessive high spots or depressions which Manager.
may endanger the manoeuvrability of aircraft or
vehicles or give rise to ponding of surface water. 5.27.3 Surface Texture
The constructed pavement levels should not
deviate by more than ±6 mm from design levels. 5.27.3.1 Where a surface texture is required, it
Stepping in excess of 5 mm across concrete shall be measured, using volumetric patch tests
joints is to be avoided and no depression under as described in BS EN 13036-1, as soon as
a 3m straight edge should be greater than 3 mm possible and normally not more than 4 days after
subject to the requirement to avoid ponding. The laying, subject to dictates of the curing and
clearance beneath the straightedge between protection regime in place.
points of contact with the surface during test or
the calculated height of any highspot shall not 5.27.3.2 Three sets of 5 tests shall be made
exceed 3 mm in tests at longitudinal joints or 3 with a frequency of one set along each lane of
mm in other test positions. concrete for each 150 m length laid, or a
minimum of one set for each day's work when
5.27.2.4 Points on the surface which fail to this is less. The locations for test shall be
comply with this requirement shall be marked selected by the Project Manager.
and the following action taken:
 At each failure position at a longitudinal joint, 5.27.3.3 The 5 positions for each set of tests
ten further tests, five in each direction, shall shall be at the centre point of each quarter of the
be made at 1 m intervals along the lane. If bay on a diagonal line drawn between opposite
more than two of these additional tests also corners of the bay and at the intersection point of
fail, or if in any test, including the initial one, the diagonals.
clearance beneath the straightedge between
points of contact with the surface or 5.27.3.4 For runways, short takeoff and landing
calculated height of any highspot exceeds (STOL) strips, concrete dummy deck facilities
7mm, the length of the lane of concrete and fast exit taxiways, the average mean texture
bounding the failure positions shall be depth (MTD) for each set of tests shall not be
condemned. less than 0.85 mm or greater than 1.1 mm. Not
 At each failure position on a transverse more than one test of each set shall show a
construction or expansion joint, further tests MTD less than 0.75 mm or greater than 1.2 mm.
shall be taken at 1 m intervals along the For taxiways, turnpads and hardstandings, the
whole length of joint to determine the extent average MTD for each set of tests shall not be
of the deficiency. Correction by an approved less than 0.50 mm and not more than one test of
grinding method and/or grooving as specified each set shall show a MTD less than 0.35 mm.
in Clause 5.34 may be allowed but, if this is
not feasible, one or both of the bays of 5.27.3.5 When compliance with the minimum
concrete adjoining the joint shall be MTD requirement is not achieved, the
condemned. deficiencies shall, as directed by the Project
 At each failure position on the interior of a Manager, be broken out and replaced as
lane, the straightedge shall be used as specified in Clause 5.32 or made good by
directed by the Project Manager within the transverse grooving by the method specified in
bay containing the failure to determine Clause 5.34.
whether the failure is due to an isolated high
spot. Isolated high spots may be corrected by
28 February 2017
5.27.3.6 When compliance with the maximum  Larger surface voids/defects, up to 10mm
MTD requirement is not achieved, the contractor diameter/depth may be acceptable provided
may submit proposals to the Project Manager for that the total area in any bay, when
remedial actions to reduce the MTD to aggregated together, does not exceed 750
acceptable levels. Where the proposals are not mm2 and that the voids/defects are not
accepted or the required MTD cannot generally concentrated in localised areas of
subsequently be achieved, the deficiencies shall the bay.
be broken out and replaced as specified in
Clause 5.32.  Surface voids/defects greater than 10 mm in
diameter/depth may be treated by coring out
(NOTE: Determination of mean texture depth by laser and reinstating the core hole in accordance
texture meter as described in Parts 2 and 3 of with Clause 5.31, provided that the total area
BS ISO 13473 will be permitted, subject to calibration on of reinstatement in any bay, when
the pavements concerned against the volumetric patch
method described in BS EN 13036-1.)
aggregated together, does not exceed 0.06
m2. The maximum size of core permitted
5.27.4 Surface Finish, Blemishes and Defects* shall be 150 mm diameter and no core shall
be permitted within a distance of three core
(*NOTE: The aim of the concrete placing operations diameters of any joint, bay edge or adjacent
specified in Clauses 5.17 and 5.18 is to produce a core location.
durable finished concrete surface, textured where
required, that is free of surface defects and blemishes 5.27.4.4 Where the degree of surface
and that achieves the functional requirements given in voids/defects in a bay exceeds the limits given in
Clause 1.2 Clause 5.27.4.3, the affected bay(s) shall be
broken out and replaced in accordance with
[NOTE: Britpave Guidance Note 4: Rigid Airfield Clause 5.32.
Pavements Surface Finish and Regularity and
Texture provides further information and 5.27.4.5 Crazing, sometimes referred to as
photographs of defects]. cobweb or chicken wire cracking, is usually
associated with poor curing and /or excessive
5.27.4.1 Overworking of the concrete surface by laitence. Acceptability is dependant upon the
the use of hand floats and/or application of extent and severity of the cracking and whether
additional water in order to smooth out surface the cracking is occurring in a sound concrete
defects is not permitted. matrix or in a thick layer of laitence or mortar.
Deep cracks in a thick layer of laitence are
5.27.4.2 Regardless of extent and severity, unacceptable and the affected bay(s) shall be
constant occurrence of surface defects, broken out and replaced in accordance with
particularly in consecutively laid bays, is an Clause 5.32.
indication of problems in the concrete mix and/or
laying, compaction and finishing processes. At 5.27.4.6 Plastic cracking is not acceptable and
the discretion of the Project Manager, concrete the affected bay(s) shall be broken out and
operations shall be suspended until the mix replaced in accordance with Clause 5.32.
design and laying processes have been [NOTE: This defect is related to tensile failure
reviewed and supplementary trial areas and a cause may be late saw cutting or the
undertaken in accordance with Clauses 6.1 and surface drying out. Investigative coring is usually
6.2, if required. undertaken to verify the cause of this major
defect.]
5.27.4.3 Subject to the provisions of Clause
5.27.4.2 and with the agreement of the Project
Manager: 5.28 SEALING OF EXPANSION JOINTS
 Small surface voids/defects, up to 4 mm 5.28.1 Wire brushes shall be used to remove the
diameter/depth may be acceptable top of the filler in the expansion joints specified in
provided that the total area in any bay, Clause 5.19 to produce joint sealing slots which can
when aggregated together, does not be sealed to the dimensions shown in Figure 5.1.
exceed 450 mm2 and that the Ploughs shall not be used for removing the filler.
voids/defects are not concentrated in
localised areas of the bay. 5.28.2 The exposed inside faces of the concrete
along these sealing slots shall be grit blasted until
February 2017 29
all loose fractions have been dislodged. Care to be construction joints and contraction grooves. Each
taken to ensure that arrises are not damaged. slot shall be 13 mm (+3, -0 mm) wide and shall be
[NOTE: care should be taken to ensure this is a of sufficient depth to allow a minimum sealant depth
recyclable process and that capture of grit blast of 15 mm for cold applied or 20 mm for hot applied
material takes place without impairing future joint sealing compound (or the minimum sealant depth
function or creating FOD issues]. specified by the manufacturer, if this is greater) with
the top of the seal finished 5 mm ± 2 mm below the
5.28.3 Each joint shall then be inspected to ensure pavement surface. An accurate method of guidance
that the filler is exposed for the whole length of the approved by the Project Manager on the basis of its
joint and that concrete does not intrude into gaps performance on the trial areas specified in Clause
between or at the ends of lengths of filler board. 6.2 shall be used to ensure that the edges of the
Any deficiency shall be corrected with concrete slots are parallel and straight.
saws, with blades suitably set to cut the full width
and, if necessary, the full depth of the joint. 5.29.4 Each slot shall be prepared for sealing in
the manner specified for expansion joints in Clause
5.28.4 Each joint shall be prepared in accordance 5.28.4. In contraction grooves, the top of the groove
with the methods described in Clauses 4.1 and below each slot shall then be plugged with closed
4.2.2 to 4.2.5 inclusively of BS 2499: Part 2 (for hot cell polyethylene foam or inert caulking cord. If
applied joint sealing compound) or BS 5212: Part 2 recommended by the manufacturer of the sealing
(for cold applied joint sealing compound). Additional compound, a bond breaking tape shall be placed at
joint filler and/or bond breaker tape shall be placed the base of each slot. The slots shall then be
in accordance with Clause 4.3 of BS 2499: Part 2 or primed and sealed in the manner specified for
BS 5212: Part 2. expansion joints in Clauses 5.28.5 and 5.28.6.
5.28.5 Each joint shall then be primed in 5.29.5 Site testing shall be carried out in
accordance with the methods described in accordance with Clause 6 of BS 2499: Part 2 or
Clause 4.4 of BS 2499: Part 2 or Clause 5 of Clause 7 of BS 5212: Part 2.
BS 5212: Part 2. The primer shall be as specified in
Clause 3.12 of this Specification. (NOTE: Guidance for Project Managers on sealing
construction joints and contraction grooves is given in
5.28.6 The joint sealing compound specified in Clause Z.10 of Appendix Z).
Clause 3.12 of this Specification shall be applied in
accordance with the methods described in Clause 5
of BS 2499: Part 2 or Clause 2 of BS 5212: Part 2. 5.30 TRAFFIC ON FINISHED CONCRETE
Any overflow or spillage onto the surface of the
concrete shall be removed. 5.30.1 Except for the saws required to comply with
Clause 5.26 and the coring rigs required to comply
5.28.7 Site testing shall be carried out in with Clauses 5.27.1.1 and 6.2.5, the concrete shall
accordance with Clause 6 of BS 2499: Part 2 or not be subjected to traffic or other loads for at least
Clause 7 of BS 5212: Part 2. 7 days after laying. Then, and only subject to the
approval of the Project Manager, the concrete shall
be used by the minimum of equipment essential for
5.29 SEALING OF CONSTRUCTION continuing the work. Traffic shall only run on the
JOINTS AND CONTRACTION new concrete when no other means of access is
possible to areas being laid later,
GROOVES
[NOTE: Britpave Publication BP01 “Concreting
5.29.1 Where shown on the drawings, construction
Pavements in Winter” January 2012 provides
joints and contraction grooves shall be unsealed.
further detailed guidance .With regard to early age
protection 2N/mm2 is to be achieved before the
5.29.2 Where shown on the drawings, construction protection is removed. It may therefore be feasible
joints and contraction grooves shall be widened, to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Project
prepared and sealed as specified in Clauses 5.29.3 Manager that this period can be reduced slightly].
and 5.29.4 and detailed in Figure 5.2.
5.30.2 Metal wheels shall not be allowed to run on
5.29.3 After removal of the polythene sheeting the new concrete at any time. The flanged wheels
used for curing as specified in Clause 5.25.3, used on spreading, compacting and finishing
concrete saws with diamond tipped blades shall be equipment when running on the form rails shall be
used to form slots for sealing at the tops of
30 February 2017
replaced by rubber tyred wheels when they are run cut and into existing contraction grooves to cover
on the concrete and the crawler tracks of slip-form and protect the arrises of adjoining concrete during
pavers shall be fitted with neoprene pads. drilling and breaking out. A rotary percussion drill
with cruciform bit shall be used to drill a row of full
5.30.3 Protection of the finished concrete shall be depth holes at 75 mm centres within the area to be
the responsibility of the Contractor. Precautions removed adjacent to the new saw cut and each
shall be taken to prevent damage to the edges, existing contraction groove. The bay or section shall
marking of the surface or chipping of the joint or then be broken out with care, beginning by use of
groove arrises. Any damage or defacement shall be percussion chisels or feather wedges to remove the
made good by the methods and to the standards of concrete between the drill holes. The exposed
this Specification. edges of the adjoining bays or sections shall be
trimmed to vertical and reasonably fair faces.
5.31 FILLING CORE HOLES 5.32.4 With the approval of the Project Manager,
full depth saw cuts may be used instead of the
Holes from which test cores have been taken shall drilling and wedging specified in Clause 5.32.3. No
be filled within 24 hours of cutting either with the saw cut shall extend to the adjoining bay.
approved Pavement Quality Concrete mixture or
with concrete complying with the requirements of 5.32.5 The edges of the concrete slabs adjacent to
Section 7 of this Specification. The concrete shall the area cut out shall be examined when removal
be tamped in separate lifts of not more than 100 and trimming have been completed. If damage or
mm. The surface shall be finished flush with the fractures are discovered, an additional area of
adjacent concrete and with a texture to match it. concrete shall be cut out by the means specified in
this Clause until only sound concrete remains.
5.32 CUTTING OUT AND REPLACING 5.32.6 Before replacing the concrete, the
CONCRETE separation layer and the joint filler board in any
expansion joints present shall be replaced.
Pavement Quality Concrete shall then be laid, in
5.32.1 New Pavement Quality Concrete which has
accordance with the requirements of this
been condemned by the Project Manager shall be
Specification, to replace that removed.
removed within three days of the Contractor being
notified of the condemnation.
5.32.2 When the concrete is cut out, it shall be 5.33 CRACKS IN NEW CONCRETE
removed for the full depth of the slab. The area to
be cut out shall extend across the full width of the New concrete which has cracked, has blemishes or
lane between longitudinal construction joints. When defects, and caused by late saw cutting referred to
the concrete bays are less than 4.5 m square, or in clauses 5.27.4.4 to 5.27.4.6 shall be cut out and
equivalent area, or have an irregular shape as replaced by the means specified in Clause 5.32.
defined in Clause 5.7, the whole bay shall be
removed. When the bays are 4.5 m square or
larger, a half bay only may be removed, providing 5.34 GROOVING OF HARDENED
the half bay which will remain is free of defects. The CONCRETE
whole bay shall be “quartered” by saw cut
contraction grooves at the midpoint of the remaining 5.34.1 All areas to be grooved shall be treated
half bay and the new half bay. No saw cut shall transversely by a single pass of a cutting drum
extend to the adjoining bay. The use of half bay incorporating 4 mm diamond saw blades at 25 mm
replacements shall be restricted to outer and/or centres. The drum shall be set to give a uniform
less-heavily trafficked areas. 4 mm depth of grooving over the whole surface.
Grooving operations shall not commence within 7
5.32.3 The bay or section to be removed shall be days after laying.
defined on three or four sides by expansion or
construction joints or contraction grooves. When 5.34.2 The surface of the concrete shall be
only three sides are so defined, the additional side grooved across the pavement at right angles to the
shall be marked out by a straight saw cut at least pavement edges with grooves that follow across the
40 mm deep. The leg of a length of rolled steel pavement in a continuous line without a break.
angle, wrapped in hessian or other shock absorbing Grooving must not be undertaken within 50 mm of
material, shall be carefully tamped into this new saw any parallel transverse contraction groove,
February 2017 31
construction joint, expansion joint or junction with two dressings of sodium silicate solution complying
bituminous surfacing. with BS 3984. The sodium silicate shall be to an
approved Grade P84 or equivalent. The first
5.34.3 The machine for grooving shall be a sawing dressing shall be a solution composed of one part
machine incorporating a minimum of 12 No blades of sodium silicate to four parts of water by volume.
and an automatic guidance system to ensure that The second dressing shall be a solution composed
the spacing between peripheral grooves on of one part of sodium silicate to three parts of water
successive passes remain constant. The contractor by volume. The solution shall be sprayed over the
shall provide details of the machine proposed to the floor and spread evenly with a mop or soft brush,
Project Manager prior to undertaking any grooving any excess being wiped off, and the floor allowed to
taking place. dry for at least 24 hours after each dressing. After
the final drying, the floors shall be washed with
5.34.4 Prior to commencing work, the contractor clean water to remove any unabsorbed silicate.
shall carry out a trial on an area of disused
pavement selected by the Project Manager to prove (*NOTE: The Project Manager to delete the alternative
the suitability of the sawing and cleaning not applicable for a particular specification).
equipment. Grooving works must not take place
until approval of the trial has been given.
NOTE:
5.34.5 At all times during cutting, a high pressure
water and vacuum extraction cleaning machine 1. Technical Report 34 Concrete Industrial Ground
shall be in attendance to pick up the detritus arising, Floors - 4th Edition Concrete Society gives
whether wet or dry, as soon as possible after the extensive guidance on floor surface requirements
grooving machine has passed. The work area shall and level tolerances for ground floors intended for
be left in a clean condition free of all loose material specialist uses e.g. warehouse racking, mechanical
and of wet or dry slurry. Care shall be taken not to handling equipment, slip resistance, etc.
wash slurry into the drainage system.
2. The expectations for the hangar floor are to be
provided in the job specific statement of
5.35 TREATMENT OF SURFACE OF requirement and consideration be given to all future
AIRCRAFT HANGAR FLOORS uses
3. In all instances the expected aircraft jacking or

All surfaces shall be clean and dry before treatment.
other loads are to be provided to ensure that the
After completion of final curing in accordance with
slab is adequately designed.
Clause 5.26, the hangar floor shall be treated with
either*
an approved proprietary floor hardener, guaranteed 4. If proprietary floor hardeners are to be used the
by the makers to produce a hard dense concrete curing regime (type and timing) usually requires
surface with high abrasion resistance, impervious to amendment. Reference should be made to product
the penetration of oils. The approved floor hardener manufacturers’ recommendations and
shall be used strictly in accordance with the requirements.
manufacturer's instructions.
or*
32 February 2017
FIGURE 5.1: Details of Joints (Sheet 1)
February 2017 33
FIGURE 5.2: Details of Joints (Sheet 2)
34 February 2017
FIGURE 5.3: Scraping Straightedge
February 2017 35
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 6 Trials
6 Trials
6.1 TRIAL MIXTURES

6.2 TRIAL AREAS
6.1.1 Trial mixes of the concrete mixture
proposed to meet the design requirements for 6.2.1 Once the approval referred to in Clause
Pavement Quality Concrete specified in Section 4 6.1.4 has been obtained, but not before, trial areas
shall be prepared in the approved mixer using the may be laid. Trial areas shall be laid along the
approved materials. The time at which the trial edges of the pavement in positions approved by the
mixing will begin shall be advised to the Project Project Manager using the Pavement Quality
Manager on the previous working day. Concrete mixture approved following the trial mix
procedure specified in Clause 6.1. The trial areas
6.1.2 For each mixture proposed, a set of three shall be incorporated into the Works if they comply
pairs of 100mm (or 150mm) cubes from at least four with the requirements of this Specification, but any
separate batches shall be made, cured and tested trial area not complying with the requirements shall
at 7 days in accordance with Parts 1, 2 and 3 of be broken out and replaced.
BS EN 12390. The mean of the two results from
each pair shall be taken as a test result. When the 6.2.2 For concrete laid by the methods specified
difference between a pair of results divided by their in Clause 5.18, each trial area shall be between 60
mean exceeds 15%, the test result shall be deemed m and 200 m long and two lanes wide. For concrete
invalid and shall be excluded from the assessment. laid by the methods specified in Clause 5.17, each
If less than 9 valid results remain, the trial shall be area shall be between 30 m and 60 m long and two
repeated. The mean strength of all the valid results lanes wide. A separate area shall be laid for each of
shall not be less than [45] (40) {35}* N/mm², or the mixtures it is proposed to use and for each of
whatever higher value the Contractor considers the thicknesses of concrete shown on the drawings.
necessary to ensure compliance with the The concrete in the trial area(s) shall be spread,
requirements of Clause 4.6.1. compacted and finished using the plant it is
intended to use for the Works. Each area shall fulfil
(*NOTES: all of the requirements of the Specification and shall
incorporate one of each type of joint and, unless
1. The Project Manager to select the first, second or third agreed otherwise by the Project Manager, an area
value, corresponding with that selected in Clause 4.6.1, of each type of surface texture required in the
and to delete the others). Works. Where possible, the trial areas shall be laid
at the maximum crossfall occurring in the Works.
2. 150 mm cubes are required for 40 mm aggregate
6.2.3 A minimum of 12 pairs of 100 mm (or
6.1.3 If the test results fail to satisfy these 150mm) cubes shall be made in accordance with
requirements, the trial shall be repeated with Parts 1 and 2 of BS EN 12390 during the laying of
adjustments made to the mixture until the test each lane of a trial area. Each pair shall be from a
requirements are satisfied. sample taken in accordance with BS EN 12350-1
from a different delivery at the point of placing. The
6.1.4 The proportions of the complying mixture(s) location in the pavement of each delivery sampled
shall be reported to the Project Manager for his shall be recorded. The cubes shall be cured and
approval. The information provided shall include tested for compressive strength in accordance with
plots of the particle size distributions for the Parts 2 and 3 of BS EN 12390 at 7 days. The mean
fractions of the combined aggregates retained on a of the two results from each pair shall be taken as a
4.0 mm sieve and passing a 4.0 mm sieve, test result. When the difference between a pair of
confirming compliance with the requirements of results divided by their mean exceeds 15%, the test
Clause 4.2. Concrete laying shall not begin until result shall be deemed invalid and shall be
approval has been obtained. excluded from assessment of compliance. The
mean of all the valid test results shall not be less
36 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 6 Trials
than [45] (40) {35}* N/mm². No more than one result 6.2.7 If in the opinion of the Project Manager, any
shall be below [34] (30) {26}* N/mm². of the trial areas fail to comply with any of the
Specification requirements, revisions to the mixture
(*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second or modifications to plant or working methods shall
or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause be made as the Contractor considers necessary to
4.6.1, and to delete the others). ensure future compliance. New trial areas shall be
laid in accordance with this Clause. All of the failed
6.2.4 A Compaction Index test in accordance with areas shall be cut out.
BS EN 12350-4 shall be made from each delivery
sampled for cube testing. The mean Compaction 6.2.8 Each trial area will be approved by the
Index value for all the results from a trial area shall Project Manager that it has satisfied all of the
be calculated. If the trial area is accepted, this mean specified requirements and shall then be clearly
value shall be taken as the job standard value for marked. General laying of Pavement Quality
Compaction Index and the values measured in Concrete, other than further trial areas, shall not
subsequent tests throughout the Works shall be begin until approval has been obtained.
within the tolerances given in Table 11 of
BS EN 206. 6.2.9 A written statement of the mixture
[NOTE: As an alternative to using Compaction proportions (by weight) and the job standard value
Index the Compacting Factor Test to BS 1881 Part of the Compaction Index or Compacting Factor (or
2 may be used.] slump for limited extent hand lay) of the concrete
used in the approved trial area shall be provided to
6.2.5 Between 3 and 7 days after the concrete in the Project Manager before general mixing and
a trial area is placed, a diamond-tipped core cutter laying of Pavement Quality Concrete begins.
shall be used to cut at least six 150 mm diameter
cores, as specified in BS EN 12504-1, from each 6.2.10 One of the cores cut from each of the
lane of the trial area, from locations corresponding approved trial areas shall be retained by the
to deliveries of concrete sampled for cube testing. Contractor and another shall be retained by the
Each core shall be free of honeycombing and the Project Manager. Both shall be marked "Approved"
top 40 mm of each core shall show no more than 10 and shall be exhibited throughout the Contract
voids with dimensions greater than 3 mm. At least period as examples of the required standard. The
ten of the cores shall then be cured, prepared and approved section of each type of surface texture
tested at (28 ± 3) days. The saturated densities of shall be identified. The standards of workmanship
the cores shall be determined in accordance with and finish, including degree of honeycombing, of all
BS EN 12390-7 and recorded. Corrected core Pavement Quality Concrete included in the Contract
strengths shall be determined as described in shall be equal to that of the approved trial areas.
Clause 5.27.1.3
6.2.11 For flexural strength concrete F5 and above
6.2.6 The mean corrected core strength value at the strength relationship between beams, core and
(28 ± 3) days of all the cores taken from a trial area cubes is to be established .
shall be at least [43] (38) (34}* N/mm² and no
individual value shall be below [32] (28) {25}* Relevant production targets for all concretes are to
N/mm². If this specified mean corrected core be approved by the Project Manager prior to
strength value from cores is not achieved, the commencement of the main production.
mixture design procedure shall be repeated with a
design target mean 7 day cube strength calculated [Note: For F4.5 and below this extension of beam
to give at least the specified mean corrected core testing is for research purposes and allows DIO, in
strength value from cores, using the relationship liaison with industry, to establish relationships
between mean values from cubes and cores between cube, core, and flexural strengths.
established on the trial area. Trial mixtures and trial Routine flexural strength beam testing is already
areas shall be repeated using this revised target undertaken by industry. Summary test information
mean 7 day cube strength value in place of the [45] regarding beams, cores and cubes is to be sent to
(40) {35}* N/mm² specified in Clauses 6.1.2 and DIO Airfield Pavements Section for collation ]
6.2.3.
(*NOTE: The Project Manager to select the first, second

or third value, corresponding with that selected in Clause
4.6.1, and to delete the others).
February 2017 37
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 7 Concrete for Surface Surrounds to Fittings
7 Concrete for Surface Surrounds to Fittings
7.1 MIXTURE SPECIFICATION (a) There are no special requirements for the
cement.
The concrete mixture to be used for the surface (b) Neither ggbs nor pfa shall be allowed.
surrounds to fittings such as lighting fittings, (c) The maximum Magnesium Sulphate
drainage gratings and frames, etc., shall be either a Soundness Value of coarse aggregate and fine
Pavement Quality Concrete mixture using a aggregate when determined in the manner
4/20 mm coarse aggregate or a designed concrete described in Appendix A of this Specification
to be supplied in accordance with the relevant shall be 18 for each source of supply and 30
clauses of BS EN 206-1, BS 8500-1 and BS 8500- for each fraction.
2. (d) Air entraining admixture complying with
BS EN 934-2 shall be used. Water reducing
[NOTE: Use of cement additions using the PQC mix admixture complying with BS EN 934-2 is
for the main works may not achieve the early permitted. No other admixture shall be used.
strength required to protect the fittings, hence the (e) There is no limit on maximum cement content.
CEMI requirement in the designed concrete below] (f) The reactive alkali content of the mix shall not
exceed 3.25 kg/m3 of Na2O equivalent, using
the declared mean alkali content of the cement
7.2 DESIGNED CONCRETE IN in the assessment.
(g) The minimum total air content of the fresh fully
ACCORDANCE WITH BS EN 206-1
compacted concrete shall be 3.5 %.
(h) The maximum/minimum temperatures of fresh
7.2.1 When a designed concrete in accordance
concrete shall be as specified in BS 8500-2,
with BS EN 206-1 is used, the specified
Clause 5.4 and BS EN 206-1, Clause 5.2.8,
requirements in accordance with Clause 11 of this
respectively.
BS EN shall be as follows:
(i) There are no limits on maximum and minimum
(a) The concrete shall be Class C32/40.
densities of the hardened concrete.
(b) The concrete shall be suitable for use in
(j) The following information shall be provided by
exposure class XF4(UK).
the concrete supplier to the Project Manager:
(c) The maximum size of aggregate (Dmax) shall be
 The nature and source of each constituent
20 mm.
material, together with test or
(d) Coarse aggregate shall be crushed rock
manufacturers' certificates showing
complying with BS EN 12620.
compliance with specified requirements;
(e) Cement shall be Portland cement (CEM I)
complying with BS EN 197-1.  the source of supply of the concrete and
(f) The minimum cement content shall be 325 kg any alternative sources;
per cubic metre of fully compacted concrete.  the proposed proportions or quantities of
(g) The maximum free water/cement ratio shall be each constituent per cubic metre of fully
0.55. compacted concrete;
(h) Consistence (workability) shall be 'medium',  details of admixtures to be used;
with a nominal slump of 75 mm.  evidence of the suitability of the proposed
(i) The chloride content class shall be Cl 0.4. mix proportions to meet the specified
(j) The Quality Assurance requirements described requirements on strength , free
in Clause 2.4 of this Specification shall be water/cement ratio, chloride ion content and
satisfied. reactive alkali content;
(k) The concrete shall be placed by hand and  results of all tests on concrete delivered to
compacted by poker vibrator. the works; and
(l) Every delivery shall be sampled for test.  certification of Quality Assurance.
(k) Sampling of the fresh uncompacted concrete
shall be at the point of delivery into the
construction and in accordance with
7.2.2 Additional requirements shall be as follows: BS EN 12350-1. Tests for consistence (slump),
38 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 7 Concrete for Surface Surrounds to Fittings
air content of fresh concrete and compressive with polythene sheet as specified in Clause 5.25.3.
strength shall be carried out in accordance with This shall be kept in place and supplemented by
Parts 2 and 7 of BS EN 12350 and frost insulation, if necessary, for at least 7 days.
BS EN 12390-3, respectively, and compliance
judged in accordance with Table 11, Clause
5.4.3 and Annex B of BS EN 206-1,
respectively. If requested, autographic records
from the batching plants shall be made
available for examination for assessment of
compliance with minimum cement content and
maximum water/cement ratio in accordance
with Table 21 of BS EN 206-1.
(l) Copies of all delivery tickets, showing at least
the minimum information required by
BS EN 206-1 Clause 7.3, shall be passed to
the Project Manager.
7.3 PREPARATION FOR CONCRETING
The surrounds to be concreted shall be prepared to

the dimensions and in accordance with the details
shown on the drawings. Extraneous material shall
be removed and dust blown clear using oil-free
compressed air immediately before concreting
begins. Any forms shall be generously oiled to ease
removal.
7.4 PLACING AND COMPACTION
The concrete shall be placed by a means which

avoids segregation and contamination of the
concrete with extraneous matter. The concrete shall
be fully compacted using poker vibrators.
7.5 FINISHING
Unless the drawings show otherwise, the concrete

surrounds shall be finished so that the clearance
beneath a 3 m long test straightedge, as described
in Appendix B, does not exceed 3 mm when the
straightedge is placed anywhere on adjacent
concrete paving so as to overlap onto the surround.
Joints shall be finished in accordance with the
details shown in Figures 5.1 and 5.2. Surface
floating shall be kept to the minimum necessary to
provide a smooth finish.
7.6 CURING
As soon as the surface of the surround has been

finished, it shall be sprayed with the curing liquid
specified in Clause 3.10.1 at the manufacturer's
recommended rate of spread. After not more than 4
hours, the concrete shall be completely covered
February 2017 39
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 8 Summary of Tests
8 Summary of Tests
8.1 TEST RESULTS  ground granulated blast furnace slag

(- see Clause 3.4.8)
The contractor shall be responsible for having all  water (if necessary – see Clause 3.5.2)
testing carried out in accordance with the  air entraining admixture (see Clause 3.6.2)
requirements of this Section and shall provide the  other admixtures (see Clause 3.7.1)
Project/ Works Services Manager with a written  joint filler (see Clause 3.9.3)
copy of all results at the first reasonable opportunity  curing compound for exposed surfaces (see
but not later than 2 working days after completion of Clause 3.10.2)
each test. Testing shall be started on specimens  curing liquids for vertical faces (see Clause
within 2 working days of sampling and shall be 3.11.2)
carried out in an expeditious manner.  joint sealing compound (see Clause 3.12.4)
 concrete for surface surrounds to fittings (see
Clause 7.2.2 (j)).
8.2 TESTS FOR INITIAL APPROVAL OF
MATERIALS
8.3 ROUTINE TESTS ON BULK
8.2.1 Before mixing starts and as part of the SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT PLANT
Quality Assurance requirements in Clauses 2.4, MIXING
3.1.2 and 3.1.3, the Contractor (or his materials
supplier/s on his behalf) shall have carried out those
8.3.1 The Quality Assurance procedures for the
tests required to determine the properties and
supply of component materials shall include
grading of the aggregates for comparison with the
carrying out tests in order to check on the
relevant specification clauses as listed below:
consistency of bulk supplies, to compare the
 Coarse Aggregate (Clause 3.2). properties and gradings of bulk supplies with the
Test Reference samples provided and to enable actions to be taken
Sieve Analysis BS EN 933-1 to cope with variations. The tests should include the
Soundness Value Appendix A following:
Flakiness Index BS EN 933-3
Resistance to Test Clause Reference
Fragmentation
(Los Angeles Coeff.) BS EN 1097-2 Sieve analysis of
5.3.1 BS EN 933-1
Fines Content BS EN 933-1 aggregates
Chloride Content BS EN 1744-1 Fines content of
Water Absorption BS EN 1097-6 5.3.2 BS EN 933-1
aggregates
Shrinkage* BS EN 1367-4
Magnetic Permeability* — Chloride ion content
5.3.3 BS EN 1744-1
(* Not always required – see Notes to Table 3.1) in aggregates
 Fine aggregate (Clause 3.3). Chloride ion (Qantab) Table 3.2 note 3
Test Reference
Sieve Analysis BS EN 933-1 Moisture content in
5.4.3 BS EN 1097-5
Soundness Value Appendix A aggregates
Fines Content BS EN 933-1
Magnetic Permeability* — 8.3.2 If the result of any test indicates that the
(*Not always required – see Note to Table 3.2) bulk deliveries are not of a grading or quality
consistent with the approved samples, the
8.2.2 In addition, the Contractor shall submit the Contractor shall, at his own expense, carry out
appropriate certificates for: further tests to establish the location and extent to
 cement (see Clause 3.4.4 and 3.4.5) which the materials already stockpiled fail to meet
 fly ash ( see Clause 3.4.7) the approved standard and, if stored on site, shall
40 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields 8 Summary of Tests
remove all material condemned by the Project Test Clause Reference

Manager for this reason from the airfield.
Corrected core 5.27.1,
BS EN 13877-2
strength 6.2.5
8.4 ROUTINE TESTS ON PLANT Flexural strength
THROUGHOUT PLANT MIXING 8.9 BS EN 12390-5
Beam test
The Contractor shall arrange for checks on the 5.27.1,

Concrete density BS EN 12390-7
calibration of weighing, water measuring and 6.2.5
admixture dispensing mechanisms to be checked Voids and 5.27.1,
before mixing starts and at specified intervals during –
honeycombing 6.2.5
production (see Clause 5.5).
Slab thickness 5.27.1 BS EN 13863-3
Straightedge Test 5.27.2 Appendix B
8.5 ROUTINE TESTS ON CONCRETE
THROUGHOUT PLANT MIXING Volumetric Patch
5.27.3 BS EN 13036-1
Test
As part of the Quality Assurance requirements 5.28.7, BS 2499: Part 2 /
specified in Clause 2.4, the Contractor shall carry Joint seals
5.29.5 BS 5212: Part 2
out the following tests on concrete prepared for the
works (including trials). The procedure shall ensure
that the positions of concrete batches from which
test samples are taken are fully traceable in the 8.7 CERTIFICATES THROUGHOUT THE
finished pavement. WORK
Test Clause Reference Throughout the course of the work, the Contractor
shall submit certificates for all consignments of the
Degree of following:
BS EN 12350-4
Compactability  cement (see Clauses 3.4.4 and 3.4.5)
Compaction 5.15.1 and  fly ash (see Clause 3.4.7)
Index (CI) 6.2.4
(BS 1881:Part  ground granulated blast furnace slag (see
(or Compacting
103) Clause 3.4.8)
Factor Test)
 curing compounds for exposed surfaces (see
5.15.1,6.2.4 Clause 3.10.3)
Slump BS EN 12350-2
7.2.2k  curing liquids for vertical faces (see
Clause 3.11.2)
5.15.3 and
Air content BS EN 12350-7  joint sealing compounds (see Clause 3.12.3).
7.2.2k
5.15.2, 6.1.2
Cube strength BS EN 12390-3
and 6.2.3 8.8 ADDITIONAL TESTS ON MATERIALS
BS EN 206-1,
Temperature The Contractor shall arrange for check tests to be
5.8.1 and Clause 5.2.9
(cold or hot made on any of the materials for compliance with
5.8.3 and BS 8500-2,
weather only) the appropriate clauses and the British Standard
Clause 5.4
test requirements applicable to the clause if called
upon to do so by the Project Manager either before
mixing starts or at any time during the work.
8.6 ROUTINE TESTS ON HARDENED
CONCRETE 8.9 BEAM TESTS
The Contractor shall undertake the series of tests For flexural strength concrete the daily requirement
on hardened concrete incorporated in the Works is for beams (500mm sized) to be produced and
necessary to comply with the relevant specification referenced against cubes from the same concrete
clauses listed below: delivery. These are to be then tested at 7 & 28 days
to ensure that the relationship between flexural
strength, cube strength and core strength (as
February 2017 41
Specification 040 Porous Friction Course for Airfields 7 Summary of Tests
established via the laboratory testing and trials)

holds firm.
42 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix A – Use of Magnesium Sulphate Test
with Non-Standard Aggregate Fractions
Appendix A – Use of Magnesium Sulphate Test with Non-

Standard Aggregate Fractions
A.1 SCOPE A.4 PREPARATION OF FINE

AGGREGATE TEST SPECIMENS
This Appendix specifies a procedure extending the FOR EACH FRACTION
method in BS EN 1367-2 for assessing the
soundness of aggregate when subjected to the A.4.1 The particle size distribution of the test
cyclic action of immersion in magnesium sulphate, portion shall be determined by the washing and
followed by oven drying, to all fractions. sieving method described in BS EN 933-1 using the
10 mm, 6.3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.500 mm and
0.250 mm sieves. The particle size distribution shall
A.2 APPARATUS AND REAGENTS be recorded giving the percentage of the mass of
the test portion retained between each pair of
Apparatus and reagents as detailed in sieves, together with that passing the 0.250 mm
BS EN 1367-2, Clauses 6 and 7, (except that the sieve, to the nearest whole number.
balance for coarse aggregate, sub-Clause 6.2, to be
accurate to 1 g) together with: A.4.2 The fraction passing the 0.250 mm sieve,
 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm sized together with those fractions retained whose
square hole perforated plate test sieves and proportions are less than 5% by mass of the test
2 mm, 1 mm, 0.500 mm and 0.250 mm sized portion, shall be discarded. Nevertheless, the
woven wire test sieves; the additional test sieves proportions that the discarded fractions represent
shall comply with BS EN 933-2; and shall be taken into account in the calculation of the
 at least two brass or stainless steel mesh test result.
baskets for immersing aggregate specimens for
fractions other than 10 mm to 14 mm with the A.4.3 One test specimen, of mass in accordance
maximum dimension of the apertures not more with Table A.1, shall be taken out of each fraction
than half the maximum aperture of the sieve on retained after completion of sub-Clause A.4.2. If
which the specimen is retained, but not less than there is insufficient material in any of these fractions
0.125 mm. to provide a test specimen of the required size, the
procedure shall be repeated starting from sub-
Clause A.3.2. The particle size distribution recorded
A.3 PREPARATION OF TEST PORTIONS shall be that obtained from all the material sieved
out.
A.3.1 Bulk samples from each size of aggregate
being delivered from each source of supply to be
used shall be tested separately and the procedure
described hereafter shall be applied to each
separate sample.
A.3.2 Prepare two test portions from the bulk

samples of each aggregate supplied as in
BS EN 1367-2, Clauses 8.1 and 8.2, replacing
“minimum mass of 500 g of the 10 mm to 14 mm
size” in Clause 8.1 by the relevant masses from
Tables A.1 and A.2.
February 2017 43
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix A - Use of Magnesium Sulphate Test
TABLE A.1 REQUIRED MASS OF FINE TABLE A.2 REQUIRED MASS OF COARSE
AGGREGATE TEST SPECIMENS AGGREGATE TEST SPECIMENS
BS Sieves Mass of BS Sieves Mass of specimen

specimen
Passing Retained before test (g)
Passing Retained before test (g)
40 mm 20 mm 1500 ± 50
10 mm 6.3 mm 300 + 10 / - 0
20 mm 10 mm 1000 ± 10
6.3 mm 2 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
10 mm 6.3 mm 300 + 10 / - 0
2 mm 1 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
6.3 mm 2 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
1 mm 0.500 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
2 mm 1 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
0.500 mm 0.250 mm 100 + 10 / - 0
A.5 PREPARATION OF COARSE A.6 PROCEDURE

AGGREGATE TEST SPECIMENS
FOR EACH FRACTION Procedure for each test specimen as in
BS EN 1367-2, Clause 9, replacing “10 mm sieve”
A.5.1 The particle size distribution of the test in Clause 9.6 by the sieve relevant to the lower size
portion shall be determined by the dry sieving of the aggregate fraction.
method described in Clause 8.3 of BS EN 1367-2
using the 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 6.3 mm, 2 mm
and 1 mm sieves. The fractions retained on the A.7 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION
20 mm sieve and passing the 1 mm sieve shall be OF TEST RESULTS
discarded and not taken into account in the
calculation of the test result. The remainder of the A.7.1 Calculate the magnesium sulphate value of
reduced sample shall be considered as the test each test specimen as in BS EN 1367-2, Clause
portion. The particle size distribution shall be 10.1, replacing “10 mm sieve” by the sieve relevant
recorded giving the percentage of the mass of the to the lower size of the aggregate fraction.
test portion retained between each pair of sieves to
the nearest whole number. A.7.2 Fractions not tested because they
represent less than 5% by mass of the test portion
A.5.2 Those fractions retained whose proportions shall be assumed to have a magnesium sulphate
are less than 5% by mass of the test portion shall value equivalent to:
be discarded. Nevertheless, the proportions that the a) the mean of the magnesium sulphate value
discarded fractions represent shall be taken into found by the tests on specimens of the two
account in the calculation of the test result. fractions immediately adjacent to it in size; or
b) the magnesium sulphate value found by the test
A.5.3 One test specimen, of mass in accordance on a specimen of the fraction, either larger or
with Table A.2, shall be taken out of each fraction smaller, immediately adjacent to it if only one of
retained after completion of sub-Clause A.5.2. If these fractions were tested; or
there is insufficient material in any of these fractions c) the mean magnesium sulphate value found by
to provide a test specimen of the required size, the the tests on specimens of the two fractions next
procedure shall be repeated starting from sub- but one adjacent to it if both these fractions were
Clause A.3.2. The particle size distribution recorded tested and the adjacent fractions were not; or
shall be that obtained from all the material sieved d) the magnesium sulphate value found by the test
out. on a specimen of the fraction, either larger or
smaller, in this order of priority, most nearly
adjacent to it.
A.7.3 For samples of fine aggregate, the material

passing the 0.250 mm sieve shall not be tested but
shall be taken as having a magnesium sulphate
value equivalent to that of the specimen passing the
44 February 2017
0.500 mm sieve but retained on the 0.250 mm

sieve.
A.7.4 The magnesium sulphate value of each test

portion of aggregate shall be the sum of the
magnesium sulphate values found for each
aggregate fraction times the proportion by mass of
that fraction in the test portion.
A.7.5 The magnesium sulphate value for the

aggregate shall be the mean of the two results for
the test portions to the nearest whole number. The
magnesium sulphate value for each fraction of the
aggregate shall be the mean of the magnesium
sulphate values for the two results for the test
specimens to one decimal place.
(NOTE. A suitable worksheet (with two examples, one

fine aggregate and one coarse aggregate) is shown on
the following pages.)
A.8 PRECISION
As in BS EN 1367-2, Annex A.
A.9 TEST REPORT
As in BS EN 1367-2, Clause 11, together with the

magnesium sulphate value and the individual
magnesium sulphate values of the two specimens
for each aggregate fraction tested.
February 2017 45
EXAMPLE A.1
Blackstone Quarry, 2/6.3 mm single size. Tested 8-25 February 2004

Sieve Size Grading of Test Mass of Test Specimen Magnesium Weighted Mag.
Passing Retained Portion (% of Before Test After Test Sulphate Value Sulphate value
(mm) (mm) total mass) (g) (g) (% of original (%)
mass)
First Test Portion
40 20 0 – – – 0
20 10 0 – – – 0
10 6.3 26.4 303.2 278.2 8.2 2.18

6.3 2 69.4 104.9 98.6 6.0 4.17
(1) (2)
2 1 4.2 – – 6.0 0.25
Total 100 Total 6.60
Second Test Portion
40 20 0 – – – 0
20 10 0 – – – 0
10 6.3 28.7 296.1 272.3 8.0 2.31
6.3 2 66.2 98.4 92.5 6.0 3.97

2 1 5.1 104.1 98.2 5.7 0.29
Mean 7
Notes: (1) Less than 5% by mass of total sample, no test specimen.
(2) Taken as equivalent to that for 6.3 mm to 2 mm size under sub-Clause A.7.2, indent (b).
46 February 2017
EXAMPLE A.2
Sandy Heath Pit, Coarse Fine Aggregate. Tested 8-12 February 2004
Sieve Size Grading of Test Mass of Test Specimen Magnesium Weighted Mag.
Passing Retained Portion (% of Before After Test Sulphate Value Sulphate value
(mm) (mm) total mass) Test (g) (g) (% of original (%)
mass)
First Test Portion
10 6.3 4.6 (1) – – 11.9 (2) 0.55
6.3 2 10.8 97.2 85.6 11.9 1.29
2 1 17.0 101.8 94.2 7.5 1.27
1 0.500 mm 25.2 92.9 89.0 4.2 1.06
0.500 mm 0.250 mm 26.2 104.1 99.3 4.6 1.21
0.250 mm – 16.2 – – 4.6 (3) 0.75
Second Test Portion
10 6.3 4.4 (1) – – 11.2 (2) 0.49
6.3 2 10.9 104.1 92.4 11.2 1.23

2 1 17.3 106.8 98.3 8.0 1.38
1 0.500 mm 25.1 101.7 96.8 4.8 1.21

0.500 mm 0.250 mm 26.1 100.3 96.1 4.2 1.09
0.250 mm – 16.2 – – 4.2 (3) 0.68

Mean 6
Notes: (1) Less than 5% by mass of total sample, no test specimen.
(2) Taken as equivalent to that for 6.3 mm to 2 mm size under sub-Clause A.7.2, indent (b).
(3) No test but mass loss taken as equivalent to that for 0.500 mm to 0.250 mm size under sub-Clause A.7.3.
February 2017 47
Appendix B – Test Method for Straightedge
B.1 SCOPE
This Appendix describes the method that shall be

followed to determine the surface accuracy of
pavement quality concrete in this Specification.
B.2 APPARATUS
B.2.1 The straightedge for the tests shall be

purpose made and 3 m long. It shall have a flat
square edge of metal, at least 25 mm wide, along
the full length of its base. The straightedge may
be fitted with lifting hand grips or handles.
B.2.2 A calibrated wedge must be used to

determine the straightedge clearance. The wedge
should have an angle of 5.75 ± 0.05, and
engraved at 10 mm intervals across the incline,
starting at the apex, representing clearances
increasing in 1 mm intervals up the incline.
B.3 PROCEDURE
B.3.1 The straightedge shall be placed

unsupported on the surface, anywhere in any
direction, other than across the crown of a camber
or across a drainage channel. The location shall
be selected by the Project Manager or his
representative, and the tests shall be carried out
in his presence.
B.3.2 Twenty tests shall be made for every

1000 square metres laid and at least half of these
tests shall be across lane joints
B.3.3 The Contractor shall mark with distinctive

markings all areas which fail to comply with the
specified requirement .
B.3.4 Alternatively the areas may be identified

by electronic means for future reference.
48 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix C –Tests for Manufactured Joint Fillers
Appendix C – Tests for Manufactured Joint Fillers
C.1 SCOPE dried at room temperature for 48 hours before

examination.
The various tests described in this Appendix cover
procedures to be followed to determine the C.3.3 The material shall be deemed to have
resistance of manufactured joint fillers to freezing passed the Weathering Test if all specimens are
and thawing cycles and their ability to recover free from signs of disintegration or shrinkage.
without shape loss after compression.
C.4 COMPRESSION AND RECOVERY

C.2 SAMPLES TEST
The tests shall be carried out on 115 mm x C.4.1 Two of the specimens of each thickness
115 mm specimens cut from representative which have passed the Weathering Test and two
samples. The specimens shall be prepared to an new specimens shall each be trimmed to 100 mm
accuracy of ± 2.5 mm with cleanly cut edges. x 100 mm to an accuracy of ± 0.5 mm. Each of
When more than one thickness of filler is required these shall be subjected to 3 applications of load
in the joints, the test shall be carried out on at 24 hour intervals in a compression test machine
specimens of each thickness. The thickness of the complying with BS EN ISO 7500-1, with auxiliary
specimens shall be accurately measured. plattens 100 mm square and a minimum of 13 mm
thick. During each application of load, each
specimen shall be compressed to 50% of its
C.3 WEATHERING TEST original thickness at a rate of strain of 1.3
mm/minute. The pressure to attain this
C.3.1 At least 4 specimens of each thickness compression shall not be less than 0.7 N/mm² nor
shall be dried in a ventilated oven at a more than 10 N/mm². The load shall be released
temperature of 55°C ± 5°C for 7 days, after which immediately the required degree of compression
they shall immediately be immersed in water at is reached and after the third application a
room temperature of between 16°C and 21°C for recovery period of 30 minutes shall be allowed
24 hours. They shall then be subjected to 5 cycles after which the thickness of the specimen shall be
of freezing and thawing in the following manner. measured.
C.3.2 The specimens shall be placed in a C.4.2 This thickness, expressed as a

watertight weathering test pan having a ribbed percentage of the original thickness, is the
bottom and a fitted slotted lid designed to hold test Recovery Value of the specimen. The thicknesses
specimens vertically on edge while allowing free shall be measured to an accuracy of 25 microns.
flow of water around all the faces of each The 2 new specimens shall be weighed before
specimen. The pan shall be filled with water to and after testing. The difference in mass shall be
half the depth of the specimens and then frozen to determined with an accuracy of 0.1% and shall be
-7°C or below and retained at this temperature for expressed as a percentage of the original mass of
at least 4 hours after the initial freezing of the the specimen.
water. The pan shall then be placed in a water
bath maintained at 18°C to 38°C without C.4.3 The material shall be deemed to have
disturbing the specimens and shall remain there passed the Compression and Recovery Test if all
for one hour after thawing has completed. The 4 specimens have Recovery Values of at least
pan and specimens shall then be returned to the 70% and neither of the two new specimens has
refrigerator and freezing and thawing shall be suffered a reduction in mass in excess of 1%.
repeated in precisely the same manner until 5
cycles of the process have been completed. The
specimens shall be removed from the pan and air
February 2017 49
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix C – Tests for Manufactured Joint Fillers
C.5 EXTRUSION TEST 25 microns before the specimens are immersed in

boiling water for at least one hour. After removal
C.5.1 Two other specimens of each thickness from the boiling water the specimens shall be
which have passed the Weathering Test shall be allowed to cool to room temperature and after
trimmed to 100 mm x 100 mm to an accuracy of 15 minutes at this temperature their thicknesses
± 0.5 mm and subjected to the following extrusion shall be re-measured to the nearest 25 microns.
test.
C.6.2 The material shall be deemed to have
C.5.2 The extrusion mould shall be 100 mm x passed the Immersion Test if both specimens
100 mm (+ 0.5 mm, -0) internally, of sufficient have a thickness of not less than 140% of their
depth to test the sample as received, open on one thickness before immersion.
side only and fixed rigidly to a base plate. The
mould shall be fitted with a closely fitting pressure
plate, which shall fit without binding, and with an C.7 ACID TEST FOR RESIN-BONDED
accurate horizontal measuring dial gauge or FILLER BOARDS
measuring device accurate to 25 microns. The
specimen shall be mounted in the extrusion mould C.7.1 Two specimens each 115 mm x 115 mm
and loaded once as described in the compression ± 2.5 mm shall be immersed in hydrochloric acid
and recovery test. The extrusion at the open side of specific gravity 1.18 at room temperature. The
of the mould shall be measured with the gauge acid shall then be brought to the boil and
when the specimen is compressed to 50% of its maintained thus for one hour when the specimens
original thickness and before release of the load. shall be removed and rinsed in water.
C.5.3 The material shall be deemed to have C.7.2 The material shall be deemed to have
passed the Extrusion Test if, on both samples, the passed the Acid Test when after examination
extrusion of the free edge does not exceed 6 mm. neither of the specimens shows any evidence of
loss of resilience, friability or evidence of
disintegration. Discolouration or minor swelling
C.6 IMMERSION TEST FOR SELF- shall not be considered as failure.
EXPANDING CORK FILLER BOARD
C.6.1 Two specimens each 115 mm x 115 mm

± 2.5 mm shall be prepared and the thickness of
each specimen shall be determined to the nearest
50 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix Y - Guidance Notes on Quality Systems
for Project Managers
Appendix Y – Guidance Notes on Quality Systems for Project

Managers
Y.1 INTRODUCTION Y.3 QUALITY SYSTEMS
These Guidance Notes are intended to assist Y.3.1 It is now the accepted practice that all
Project Managers in assessing Suppliers’ Quality suppliers of goods and services should:
Assurance (QA) systems for the supply of  install and maintain a Quality Management
component and mixed materials as required by System; and
Clause 2.4. In particular, guidance is given on:  become registered to a National Accreditation
 how to appraise and evaluate different Quality Council for Certification Bodies (NACCB)
Systems offered by Suppliers when tendering for accredited third party certification scheme as a
jobs (Clauses Y.5 and Y.6); and Supplier of assessed capability.
 how to monitor work undertaken (Clause Y.7).
Separate clauses are devoted to each aspect. Y.3.2 It is general practice that, once a Quality
Management Scheme has been set up within an
organisation, application for registration to a second
Y.2 GENERAL or third party certification scheme will be made.
Y.2.1 These Guidance Notes are not intended to Y.3.3 Second party assessment is carried out by
replace the BS EN ISO 9000 series and associated the purchasing organisation; this is very expensive
documentation. because the resource requirements for systematic
and continuous auditing and the management of an
Y.2.2 The generic term “Client” or “Purchaser” in assessment scheme are extremely high.
these Guidance Notes is to include the person or Consequently, this form of registration is now in
organisation that is acting for, or on behalf of, the decline and organisations which previously carried
Property Manager or the Project Sponsor in the role out second party assessment, such as British
of either a Project Manager or a Works Services Telecom, British Gas, what used to be the National
Manager. Coal Board and the MoD, are beginning to insist
that their suppliers obtain third party assessment
Y.2.3 The generic term “Supplier” is used to cover and, hence, pay the costs of quality assurance.
any person or organisation that has, or is tendering
for, a Contract with the Client to supply a product or Y.3.4 Certification of a Supplier’s Quality
service, and includes those traditionally referred to Management System by a third party should
as the (main) Contractor. provide the Purchaser with the confidence that the
Supplier is:
Y.2.4 Products which are specified by means of a  operating and maintaining a fully documented
Harmonised European Standard under the Quality Management System that addresses
Construction Products Directive are subject to CE consistent requirements; and
marking. It is not permitted to require additional  operating within the scope of registration.
quality assurance or testing requirements over and This avoids the need for the Purchaser to undertake
above those required for Attestation of Conformity his own structured regime of second party
within the European Standard. The CE mark assessments to ascertain the adequacy and focus
certificate should be taken as sufficient evidence of of the Supplier’s Quality Management Systems.
product conformity.
Y.3.5 However, this does not absolve the Project
Manager of his responsibilities on behalf of the
Client to ensure that the Quality System of the
Supplier addresses all the requirements and needs.
February 2017 51
for Project Manager
This is because the Quality Standards are and that the Supplier has evidence that the
interpreted differently by individual organisations. materials and works are conforming to the specified
standard.
Y.3.6 In principal, the more independent the
assessment and audit regime, the more confident Y.4.4 A Quality Plan in accordance with Defence
the Purchaser can be as to the value of a Supplier’s Standard 05-67 should be stipulated in the Contract
Quality Management System. Once registered as a deliverable, but may be included in the
under a certifying body’s scheme, there is still a Invitation to Tender if required. The activities
need to audit, by both the Supplier and the third described within the Quality Plan shall be stated
party certification body, that procedures and unambiguously and concisely so that their intent is
standards are being maintained. clear and that, upon implementation, they can be
conducted, assessed, audited, demonstrated,
Y.3.7 Assessments and audits can be carried out measured or verified.
by:
 the Supplier’s management – Under his own Y.4.5 The Quality Plan must state or contain
audit and monitoring regime; definitions as to the levels of quality assurance and
 the Client (Project Manager) – Second party control to be applied throughout the Contract, which
assessment scheme; or should include:
 an independent body – Third party assessment  traceability of materials;
scheme.  frequency and stages of inspections and tests;
 process controls; and
 records (including the retention periods and
Y.4 PROCESSES COVERED UNDER THE reviews).
QUALITY SYSTEM
Y.4.6 As quality standards are not extensively
Y.4.1 For a Quality Management System to be defined in relation to the process control, it is the
effective, it must cover all the operations and responsibility of the Project Manager to ensure that
processes that are relevant to the business all processes and methods proposed in Quality
conducted by the Supplier. Plans are clearly defined and understood with
regard to how the Supplier will deal with these
Y.4.2 Dependent upon the type of work being aspects of the operation, and that all anomalies,
tendered for, but as a minimum for the purpose of shortfalls, errors and omissions are documented
this Standard, the following areas should normally and resolved.
be addressed:
 procurement, inspection and safe storage of
constituent materials; Y.5 ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY
 training of plant operatives; MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
 setting up on-site batching and mixing plants
and the mixing of concrete; Y.5.1 The assessment of Quality Management
 off-site supply and mixing of concrete; Systems is a logical and progressive multi-stage
 transportation of concrete; process that encompasses good management
 laying and compaction of concrete; precepts.
 inspection and test regimes and records at
appropriate stages; Y.5.2 A list and records should be maintained of
 sub-contractor/supplier assessment and control; acceptable suppliers and only suppliers on this list
 calibration of equipment; and should be chosen. Therefore, any solicited or
unsolicited suppliers should, as the first stage in the
 statistical techniques to be used for trend
selection process, be required to complete a
analysis, statistical process control and
supplier questionnaire and must, as a minimum,
inspection.
include the following elements:
 verification/proof that the Supplier’s Quality
Y.4.3 Quality Management Systems should
Management System is registered by a
include provisions for planned and systematic
Certification Body accredited by NACCB;
audits, inspections and tests by participating
organisations. The Project Manager has the  that the registration certificate is current;
responsibility to evaluate and audit the system  that the offices/sites from which the works or
being operated by the Supplier to ensure adequacy. services are to be provided are covered by the
This should include checking records to registration certificate;
substantiate that the procedures are being followed
52 February 2017
for Project Managers
 that the scope of registration is appropriate for Y.6.3 When the Supplier returns a tender, his
the works/services to be provided; submission must be scrutinised to assess whether
 experience or references of other users of the his Quality Management System covers all the
Supplier’s services; areas that are relevant to the processes necessary
 the Supplier’s past performance, covering for him to carry out in order that the work is to the
experience and results with similar required standard. Where only part of the required
work/projects; elements are covered in the Quality Management
 financial information; System, it may be acceptable for the tenderer to
 insurance information; and address these areas in his Quality Plan and to
 Health and Safety information. compile site-specific procedures for unique
elements of the Contract.
Y.5.3 If the responses to the above are
satisfactory, an assessment of the Supplier’s Y.6.4 The returned tenders must provide precise
Quality System can be undertaken. details against the information requested in the
Invitation to Tender, which is to include the
Y.5.4 The extent of the assessment can range following:
from a visit to the Supplier’s premises to overview  the Quality System that will be enforced
the Quality Management System in operation on a throughout the duration of the Contract;
similar project, to a full formal audit conducted  the method and procedures to be used to ensure
against the BS EN ISO 9000 series and in the positive identification and issue status of
accordance with BS EN ISO 19011 by the Project specifications, drawings, inspection instructions
Manager’s own QA staff. and other data including the requirements for the
approval of operational procedures, equipment,
Y.5.5 It is the responsibility of the Project staff, operative training and outputs;
Manager to decide if an assessment is necessary.  the method and procedures to be used to ensure
The decision for, and the scope of, such an the conformance to the Specification by
assessment should be taken on the basis of the processes, inspection and test criteria; and
size, complexity, cost and length/duration of the  methods for the procurement of raw materials,
Contract in conjunction with the level of confidence services, etc.
that can be established from other sources.
Y.6.5 It is the responsibility of the Project
Manager to select those suppliers that they
Y.6 ASPECTS TO ASSESS TENDER consider will provide the level of confidence that
they require to meet the Specification and fulfil their
ACCEPTABILITY
obligations under the Contract.
Y.6.1 The requirements for the purchasing of
Y.6.6 Information, in the form of Inspection
goods and services should, as a minimum, be those
Records, Test Certificates and Certificates of
set down in the BS EN ISO 9000 series. In order to
Conformity, from the Supplier will not normally be
ensure successful procurement, it is a prerequisite
supplied automatically unless particularly requested
that the purchaser (the Project Manager) provides a
or a contractual requirement. To make sure that the
clear definition of requirements in the form of
Supplier understands these requirements, a Quality
contractual conditions and specifications. This
Plan can be required as part of the tender
aspect applies equally to Quality Management
response. The Quality Plan must be evaluated as
System requirements.
part of the tender selection process.
Y.6.2 All Invitations to Tender must contain
Y.6.7 Where the Supplier proposes that some of
elements outlining the quality requirements. These
the work is carried out by sub-contractors, it does
should be in the form of asking tenderers to provide:
not absolve the Supplier of any of his
 proof of registration to the pertinent part of the
responsibilities to ensure that the work is carried out
BS EN ISO 9000 series with an appropriate
to the contracted specification and quality.
scope of registration for that particular Contract;
 method statements for all processes to be
Y.6.8 The Supplier is to ensure that, where sub-
carried out;
contractors have their own Quality Management
 inspection/test schedules; and System, it is found by scrutiny to be acceptable and
 other information relevant to the Contract. they work to it. Where a sub-contractor does not
have his own Quality Management System, the
Supplier is to impose his own on the sub-contractor.
February 2017 53
for Project Manager
The Project Manager has a responsibility to audit Y.7.5 Rates of sampling and testing must be
both the Supplier and any sub-contractors to ensure appropriate to the Contract and stated clearly in the
compliance to the tender proposal. Quality Plan. Where rates are stipulated in the
Contract (see Section 8), these will take preference.
Y.7 MONITORING THE QUALITY Y.7.6 The procedures for sampling and testing
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND concrete and its constituent materials are to be in
PROCESSES accordance with the appropriate parts of the latest
editions of relevant British Standards, and also with
Y.7.1 Whilst the Supplier may have registration to the latest edition of the appropriate Appendices to
the BS EN ISO 9000 series, it does not necessarily this Standard. All samples and testing should be
mean that his system is fully focused on the specific carried out by suitably trained personnel. The
requirements of the Contract, nor does any second results are to be supported by valid Test or Sample
party scheme run by another purchaser. Monitoring Certificates.
of the system should take place irrespective of
whether the Supplier has, or has not, achieved Y.7.7 The use of a Quality System should
registration. minimise the need for the Project Manager to carry
out his own tests. Therefore, they can:
Y.7.2 The Supplier should have procedures in  do nothing because the Supplier is carrying out
place for the auditing, monitoring, recording and sufficient inspections and tests, and assessing
rectifying of all his activities. The Project Manager the results and implications;
should ensure, by conducting surveillance audits of  assess the Inspection and Test Results for the
the Supplier’s system, that: material provided for the Contract to ensure that
 these are being carried out; checks are being made and that the results
 the system is effective; and indicate compliance to the Contract and Quality
Plan is being achieved; or
 the system is focused on the Contract
requirements and deliverables.  conduct a separate inspection and test regime of
his own to check for compliance.
Y.7.3 Within the Contract, there are requirements
for the Supplier to carry out tests on the materials,
etc. The Supplier may not have his own test Y.8 RECORDS
laboratory, in which case he will send samples out
to a test house. Any test laboratory, whether part of Y.8.1 The training records of all operatives,
the Supplier’s organisation or an independent test sampling and testing personnel are to be
house, conducting the tests for initial approval of maintained by the Supplier and are to be made
materials and design of mixtures should be a United available for inspection.
Kingdom Accredited Scheme (UKAS) accredited
test house with an appropriate test schedule. Site Y.8.2 The results of all inspections, tests, etc. for
laboratories used to carry out routine tests on bulk the Contract should be obtained and retained for
supplies and mixtures throughout plant mixing shall record purposes. All documentation (including work-
be either UKAS accredited or, subject to the Project sheets, Inspection and Test Certificates and
Manager’s approval, work to a Quality Assurance Certificates of Conformity) that are relevant to the
scheme. Contract should be:
 available at the place of work (usually the plant
Y.7.4 Where non-compliances are found, whether or depot) for inspection by the Project Manager
within the system being operated or the goods or for the duration of the Contract; and
services provided, they can be either random  handed over to the Project Manager on
instances when the value is outside the specified completion of the Contract.
range or an indication of a trend. If the running
mean of the last, say, twenty results has remained
reasonably consistent with a standard deviation that
also has not fluctuated, then it is likely to be a
random instance. Preferably, the running means
and standard deviations should be monitored to
allow corrective action before non-compliances
occur. All actions taken to deal with non-
compliances are to be documented.
54 February 2017
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields Appendix Z - Guidance Notes on the Preparation
of Job Specifications
Appendix Z – Guidance Notes on the Preparation of Job

Specifications
Z.1 COARSE AGGREGATE circumstances, other changes to the Specification

clauses would be needed, as discussed below:
Z.1.1 The Specification requires that the coarse  The relationships between flexural strength (as
aggregate for use in Pavement Quality Concrete used in the standard design procedure for
be crushed limestone (see Clause 3.1.1). The MOD airfield pavements in A Guide to Airfield
main reasons for this are: Pavement Design and Evaluation – Defence
 Concrete made with limestone aggregate has Estates 3rd Edition February 2011 and
a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than compressive strength (as adopted in this
concrete made with other suitable natural Specification for judging compliance) are
aggregates. This allows the joints in a concrete different according to whether the coarse
pavement to be spaced at wider intervals, aggregate is crushed rock or gravel. The
which is desirable because the joints are the strength value requirements of the
most expensive part of a pavement to form Specification may not, therefore, be applicable
and to maintain. to concrete made with gravel aggregate.
 Concrete made with limestone coarse  The layout of joints referred to in Clause 5.7
aggregate is more readily sawn at an early would need to be based on the maximum joint
stage of its hardening than concrete made with spacings given in Table 10 of A Guide to
other suitable natural aggregates. This enables Airfield Pavement Design and Evaluation –
contraction joints in the pavement slab to be Defence Estates 3rd Edition February 2011 and
formed by sawing them, the most suitable which is replicated at Table Z1
method for good durability and riding quality.  It should still be possible to saw contraction
 Gravels may contain a proportion of unsuitable grooves, as specified in Clause 5.26 and
particles, randomly distributed throughout their illustrated in Figure 5.2, in concrete made with
bulk, which is too small to be detected in other crushed rock coarse aggregates and
approval tests but is large enough to cause some gravels, albeit at possible extra cost
unacceptable blemishment of the pavement. At (sawing rates may be lower so that additional
a crushed rock source, unsuitable material can saws may need to be employed; saw blade
usually be detected during inspection of the wear may be increased). If the coarse
quarry faces and avoided. aggregate is flint gravel, sawing at the early
stage necessary when forming contraction
Z.1.2 Use of coarse aggregates other than joints becomes impracticable and the
crushed limestone is not recommended for contraction joints have to be formed in the wet
Pavement Quality Concrete; however, where concrete during laying. Specification details
limestone is unavailable or is prohibitively and illustrations of wet-formed contraction
expensive, use of another type of crushed rock, or joints are to be found in Defence Works
even gravel, may have to be permitted. In those Functional Standard 06 - Guide to Airfield
Pavement Maintenance.
February 2017 55
Specification 033 Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields References
TABLE Z.1 MAXIMUM JOINT SPACINGS FOR UNREINFORCED PQ CONCRETE
Type of Coarse Design Thickness of Slab (mm)

Type of Joint
Aggregate 150 200 225 250 ≥275
Limestone 36m 48m 54m None None
Expansion
Other rocks and gravels 18 m 22.5 m 31.5 m None None
Limestone 4m 4m 6.75 m 6.75 m 7.5 m

Contraction or
construction Other rocks and gravels 3m 3m 4.5 m 5.25 m 6m
Z.1.3 Load transfer at transverse joints within from the pavement tested at 28 days for F5, F5.5,
heavily trafficked slabs should be considered and and F6 flexural strength concrete. These values
if necessary 40 mm aggregate used as per are respectively 48, 53 and 57 N/mm2. It is
Clause 3.2. envisaged that these values for flexural concrete
may be used at early tender stage, but always
then subject to a verification /amendment deriving
Z.2 CEMENTS/ADDITIONS/STRENGTH from laboratory and site trials before inclusion in
the permanent works This verification is
Cements to BS EN 197-1:2011 may be (CEMI, required to establish the relationships between
CEMII/A-S, CEMII/B-S, CEMII/A-V & CEMIIB-V) compressive strengths from cores, cubes and 500
or Combinations to BS8500 may be of CEMI to mm flexural beam tests. Therefore the Contractor
BS EN 197-1:2011 with BS EN 15167-1:2006 or will be required to update/insert values in the
BS EN 450-1:2012 (CIIA-S, CIIB-S, CIIA-V & Table Z2 rows with the relevant information
CIIB-V) resulting from the trials. This to ensure that the
design flexural strengths are met.
For specific airfield pavement projects DIO has on
application permitted the use of conditioned (NOTE: The “indicator” figures above have been
chosen using a combination of feedback from industry
siliceous fly ash. This has been in conjunction with
and by reference to relationships between flexural and
well controlled onsite batching. It is well known compressive strengths at 28 days contained within TRL
that fly ash has been used on major civil airport Report 630 with the values referenced to the 28 day
pavements mainly up to flexural strength F6. The compressive strength of 43 N/mm2 for F4.5 flexural
benefits are well established and ensure reduction strength concrete)
in carbon footprint as well as contributing to
continued strength gain compared to the use of
CEM I. Z.3 AIR ENTRAINMENT
Therefore when using cement additions the Z.3.1 The prime purpose of entraining air in
relationships between compressive strengths from Pavement Quality Concrete is to improve the
cores, cubes and beam flexural beam tests are to resistance of the pavement slab to damage by
be established in the laboratory and by way of the frost or anti- or de-icing chemicals. However, the
trials presence of the entrained air also alters other
properties of the concrete, most importantly its
At Table Z2 DIO now also provides “indicator” consistence and its hardened strength.
mean corrected core strength values for cores cut
56 February 2017
Z.3.2 The quantity of air entraining admixture to  Uncertainty as to the effect products might
be included in the Pavement Quality Concrete mix have on the "finishability" of the concrete and
to provide the entrained air content specified in hence on the surface durability.
Clause 4.3 of the Specification will be established  Some products influence the effectiveness of
during the trial mix and trial area procedures air entraining admixtures.
specified in Clauses 6.1 and 6.2. At that same  Small changes in dosage of plasticisers
time the other proportions of the mix will be produce large effects on consistence; since
determined so that the specified strength and uniform consistence is essential if surface
consistence requirements are satisfied when the regularity requirements are to be maintained
mix contains the correct entrained air content. despite cross bay slumping, plasticisers were
During the course of the work, temperature not considered desirable.
change may influence the effectiveness of the air  Above all, since satisfactory pavements could
entraining admixture and the dosage determined be produced without using admixtures, there
during the trials may no longer produce an air seemed little point in inviting potential
content within the specified range. The air content difficulties by introducing them.
determinations specified in Clause 5.15.3 require
careful monitoring and immediate response by Z.4.2 This Specification permits the use of slip-
adjustment to the dosage of air entraining form pavers and, to allow Contractors the
admixture; otherwise, variations in consistence maximum flexibility in designing concrete mixes to
consequent on air content change will make suit this equipment, admixtures have also been
cross-bay slumping difficult to control (and hence introduced in one of the alternatives for Clause
surface regularity requirements more difficult to 3.7.1.
achieve) and, furthermore, strength values may
fall (according to rule of thumb, a 1% increase in Z.4.3 If Project /Works Services Managers
entrained air content will produce a 5% decrease decide that use of a slip-form paver would be a
in the strength of the hardened concrete). suitable construction method on a particular
project and therefore include Clause 5.18 in their
Z.3.3 Variations in the "flour" content in the specification, then it is suggested that the
limestone aggregate may also be responsible for alternative wording allowing admixtures be
alterations in the content of entrained air that is selected for Clause 3.7.1. If, however, it is
produced by a given quantity of air entraining decided that use of a slip-form paver would not be
admixture. Such variations will in themselves appropriate on a particular project, unless the
bring about changes in consistence and other Project Manager is confident that the use of
properties of the fresh concrete and if of sufficient certain admixtures would not be detrimental to the
magnitude will require more drastic action, such finished work, it is suggested that the alternative
as washing the coarse aggregate to reduce the wording prohibiting admixtures be selected for
fines content to a lower and more consistent level. Clause 3.7.1.
Z.3.4 As indicated in Clause 3.7 the

compatibility of combining air entrainment and Z.5 JOINT SEALING COMPOUNDS
with water reducing admixtures is to be obtained.
One concern is that if ambient conditions were to
Z.5.1 Clauses 3.12, 5.28 and 5.29 allow for
change during production so that the air content
either hot or cold applied joint sealing compounds
entrained by the initially agreed dosage of the
to be used. It will normally be acceptable to leave
admixture no longer fell within the specified range,
both alternatives in an individual job specification,
then change of dosage would result in a change
leaving it to the Contractor to choose which to use
of consistence, making cross bay slumping more
on the basis of price and circumstances.
difficult to control. Other concerns are given in
(NOTE: For any joint sealant due regard is to be
Z.4.1
given to the expected movements and the aspect
ratio i.e. width & depth of the sealant as this is
relevant to an effective & enduring engineered
Z.4 ADMIXTURES design)
Z.4.1 In the past, the use of all admixtures other Z.5.2 To cover the cases where cold applied
than air entraining admixture has been prohibited compounds are selected, the drawings should
in standard specifications for airfield pavement indicate which areas, if any, require fuel and flame
works on UK military airfields. The reasons for this resistant grade compound (i.e. Type FB in
included:
February 2017 57
accordance with BS 5212: Part 1). Use of this subsequent clauses).

grade will usually be limited to areas where jet (NOTE: As mitigation against ASR additional
engine exhaust efflux at high velocity is likely to measures may be taken e.g. regular
impinge upon the pavement surface. Runway inspection/testing of the fine aggregate sources
ends and installed engine test areas may to verify that the reactive alkali contributed by
therefore require this grade of compound, chloride contamination of aggregate is lower than
depending on the configuration of user aircraft. might otherwise be the case.- see Sect 4.5.3 )
Z.5.3 For material initially tested and

manufactured to ISO9001 batch certificates are Z.7 CONCRETE MIXERS
required from the manufacturer to indicate that the
sealant is fit for purpose. Z.7.1 The Specification requires the concrete
[NOTE: Previous, oft perceived, onerous DIO test batching plant(s) and mixer(s) to be set up within
requirements have indicated that job specific the site boundary (see Clause 5.5.2). Although
testing is unachievable in practice due to high this may be more expensive than using an off-site
costs, unrealistic expectations on quantities and readymix plant and in some cases may require
the timescales involved]. contract periods to be longer to allow for the
erection of the plant, the following advantages
make on-site batching and mixing the preferred
Z.6 CONCRETE STRENGTH technical and value for money arrangement:
 The type and size of mixer and batching
Z.6.1 In Clause 4.6.1 of the Specification, three system can be selected and the set up of the
alternative values, [43] (38) and {34} N/mm², are bins, silos, etc., can be tailored to suit the
given for the required mean corrected core requirements of the project.
strength of cores cut from the pavement and  The Project Manager and the Contractor can
tested at (28 ± 3) days. The values specified first, check materials, batching and mixing easily,
in square brackets, here and subsequently in quickly, frequently and economically.
Clauses 4.6.2, 5.15.2, 5.27.1, 6.1 and 6.2 of the  Only those cements, aggregates and additives
Specification, are intended to satisfy the approved for the project are on site so other
requirement for a mean in-situ flexural strength of materials cannot be used erroneously.
4.5 N/mm² at 28 days adopted for the examples  The quality control regime can be organised
illustrating use of the design charts for rigid with emphasis on the particular requirements
pavements in A Guide to Airfield Pavement of this Pavement Quality Concrete
Design and Evaluation – Defence Estates 3rd Specification.
Edition February 2011.  Transport delays for mixed concrete are
avoided, allowing a smooth continuity of laying.
Z.6.2 The set of strength values given in the  Transport time for mixed concrete is
square brackets are relatively high for pavement minimised, making it more likely that the 90
concretes and their achievement may present minutes allowed between adding water to the
some difficulties. For example, the high cement mix and applying the curing membrane to the
content necessary to achieve these values finished concrete (see Clause 5.24) will be
impacts on the reactive alkali content , often with complied with and that entrained air contents
consequence on the choice of fine aggregate. It will be consistent.
for this reason that the previous limit of 3.0kg/m3  Quick reaction to events is possible (e.g.
is now increased to 3.25 kg/m3 specified in heavy rain starting; air content drifting out of
Clause 4.5 as a precaution against alkali-silica specified range and needing correction;
reaction. breakdown of items of spreading, compacting
or finishing equipment), reducing wastage and
Z.6.3 Designers and specifiers may prefer to avoiding pressure to lay loads already in transit
adopt a lower design value 28 day mean in situ under unsuitable conditions.
flexural strength, increasing slab thicknesses  There is no competition with other customers
accordingly. The second and third alternative sets for mixer time or delivery vehicles.
of values will satisfy requirements for mean, in-  Drivers of delivery vehicles are on the contract
situ, flexural strengths at 28 days of 4.0 and works full time and so can be properly briefed
3.5 N/mm², respectively. (The choice of the first, for driving on active pavements and, if
second or third alternative in Clause 4.6.1 must, of necessary, vetted for security purposes.
course, be followed by selection of the
corresponding set of values through all
58 February 2017
 A single organisation is responsible for both dictate that construction will be mainly in runs
the production and laying of concrete and of less than, say, 200 m.
therefore better cooperation is likely when  The items of plant involved and crews skilled in
adjustments to the mix are necessary to their use are likely to be readily available.
facilitate laying or finishing.  Production rates are relatively low and
 The choice of appropriate readymix plants consequently construction periods are likely to
within a suitable road distance of the site may be longer than for the alternative methods.
be limited or even non existent, particularly for  Surface regularity standards, particularly in the
more remote airfields. longitudinal direction, which is the most
important for aircraft ride quality, are likely to
Z.7.2 Interruptions to the continuity of concrete be inferior to those obtainable using a skilfully
laying are detrimental to the quality of the finished operated paving train.
pavement no matter which method of laying is  More hand finishing is involved, which may
being used and are particularly so for a slip-form bring laitance to the surface and reduce
paver. When tenderers submit their proposals for durability.
concrete mixers, particular attention should  The number of "day joints" (i.e. transverse
therefore be paid to ensuring that the rate of construction joints), which have no load
output will be sufficient. transfer arrangement and therefore are weak
spots in the pavement likely to require early
Z.7.3 Close attention also needs to be paid to maintenance attention, will usually be greater
the methods for introducing and distributing the air than in pavements laid by the alternative
entraining admixture (the effects of varying air methods.
content are discussed at Z.3 above). To ensure
even distribution of the entrained air, mixing times Z.8.3 Clause 5.18 is concerned with the use of
may have to be longer than normally slip-form pavers. This type of equipment has been
recommended for the mixer; once agreed, used often in other countries for constructing
however, the mixing time should be kept constant airfield pavements and in UK for highway work
since mixing for too long may cause over- and is becoming more widespread for UK airfield
entrainment with some admixtures, or gradually works. Rates of output and economy of production
expel air. on suitably large areas are potentially
considerably better than for either of the
Z.7.4 A prerequisite for good Pavement Quality alternative methods. Slip-form paving operations
Concrete is consistency of production at the involve a continual struggle to counter the
mixing plant. This is particularly so when the tendency of the edges of the unsupported slab
concrete is to be laid by means of a slip-form behind the paver to slump. Acceptable standards
paver. Mixers incorporating devices which in respect of surface regularity can be achieved
constantly monitor and adjust for variability in the and maintained throughout but mix design, control
fine aggregate moisture content and which allow of production of concrete and control in the laying
precise control of consistence by permitting a final process are likely to be more critical than when
dribble-feed of water into each batch under laying between forms. These considerations will
consistometer gauge check will, when used by be particularly important for work on runways and
experienced operators, greatly aid the production certain taxiways, where directional control and
of consistent concrete. ride quality for aircraft are most critical.
For slip-forming to be successful, an essential

Z.8 SPREADING, COMPACTING AND provision is a dedicated concrete batching and
FINISHING CONCRETE mixing plant with an output large enough to
ensure a constant supply of concrete to the paver
Z.8.1 Clause 5.18 relates to slip form paving. and which allows tight control so as to ensure that
the concrete has consistent properties from batch
Z.8.2 Clause 5.17 is concerned with the use of to batch. Tenderers' proposals in this respect,
semi-mechanised construction methods. submitted in accordance with Clause 5.5, should
be checked carefully.
Advantages of specifying semi-mechanised
construction include: Advantages of specifying slip-form pavers include:
 The method is likely to be the most economical  Rates of output are potentially superior to
one where the size and shape of the area those obtainable by other methods, so
construction periods should be shorter.
February 2017 59
 Potentially the most economical method for a

large area. The layout of the joints detailed below shall be
 Quality of concrete mix is consistently good designed so that the sides of these openings
(otherwise the method will not work at all). are at least 1 m from any slab edge, joint or
 Number of "day joints" is low. groove. Alternatively, the line of slab edge,
joint or groove shall coincide with the sides of
Disadvantages include: the openings or shall be broken across the
 Surface regularity standard maybe inferior to openings.
that obtainable by other construction methods,
particularly across lane joints. Expansion joints as Clause 5.19 are to be
 The presence of AGL fittings, pits, manholes, formed between new and existing PQC
etc., in the pavement may interfere with the pavements, at junctions and around box
slip-forming operation, requiring some of these gutters. They shall also be provided around
to be repositioned. other obstructions in the continuity of the slab.
Z.8.4 The aim of the concrete placing After determining slab edge, joint or groove
operations specified in Clauses 5.17 and 5.18 is lines in relation to openings, obstructions,
to produce a durable finished concrete surface, changes of direction and junctions, the areas
textured where required, that is free of surface of PQC surfacing between such lines shall be
defects and blemishes. A properly trialled and well divided into square bays by longitudinal joints,
designed concrete mix combined with well which are continuous along the length of the
controlled placing, compacting and finishing pavement, and transverse joints, which are
techniques should be able to produce a surface continuous across the width of the pavement.
virtually free of defects. In reality, a totally blemish The spacing of these joints and grooves shall
free surface is difficult to achieve and a small not exceed the values given in Table Z1
degree of surface defects may be acceptable.
Overworking of the concrete surface by hand In general, the square bays shall be defined
floating and/or application of additional water in by construction joints as Clause 5.20 and
order to create a weak sand/cement mortar contraction grooves as Clause 5.26. In some
(laitance) to smooth out defects should not be instances expansion joints as Clause 5.19
permitted. may take the place of construction joints or
contraction grooves. The spacing of
Small, shallow, isolated dragging cracks are not expansion joints shall not exceed the values
generally a problem and some larger cracks may given in Table Z1
be acceptable on shoulders. Dragging cracks are
usually a symptom of problems with the mix
design and/or laying process. Depth of cracking Where irregularly shaped bays are
may be assessed using cores. unavoidable they shall not be less than half
the area of the square bays and the layout
Crazing is generally associated with poor curing shall be arranged to avoid internal angles
and/or excessive laitance and acceptability is sharper than 60°. No bay shall have a ratio of
dependent upon extent and severity. A large crack length: breadth greater than 1.5 : 1.
pattern with shallow cracks in sound concrete is
unlikely to be a problem. A small pattern with
deep cracks in a thick mortar layer is not Z.10 CONSTRUCTION AND
acceptable and affected bays should be removed.
CONTRACTION JOINTS
The severity of the cracking may be assessed
using cores.
Z.10.1 During the preparation of the Contract
Documents, Project Managers must decide
whether, and in which areas, construction joints
Z.9 LAYOUT OF JOINTS and contraction grooves may be left unsealed,
because it is stated in Clause 5.29 of the
Section 5.7 refers to the layout of joints and Specification that such information will be shown
the provision of drawings. The positions of all on the drawings.
openings through the PQC slab over
manholes or pits and for lighting blocks or Z.10.2 For more than 20 years, the usual
fittings shall be as shown on the Contract practice on UK military airfields has been to leave
drawings. construction joints and sawn contraction grooves
60 February 2017
in concrete pavements unsealed. This is obviously removed prior to lining works. Any proposal to use
cheaper than sealing the joints and also removes wax based compounds should be risk assessed
the costs and disruption of periodic resealing. A and referred back to the DIO Airfield Pavement
past survey of the performance of sealed and Team.
unsealed joints showed that sealed joints sustain
at least as much spall damage as unsealed. For
most pavements, therefore, there appears to be Z.12 SEPARATION MEMBRANE
no need to change previous practice and
construction and contraction joints should A polythene membrane is required wherever the
continue to be left unsealed. underlying surface is of a rugous nature.
Therefore it is required for handlay situations,
Z.10.3 There are, however, circumstances under however well laid slipformed pavements
which the sealing of construction and contraction immediately laid on an untrafficked and well
joints is necessary. Among these are: presented underlying drylean concrete layer may
 In areas where fuel, lubricating oils, hydraulic omit the membrane layer, subject to Project
fuels or other potential pollutants are regularly Manager approval and designer confirmation that
spilled (e.g. aircraft servicing platforms, runway reduction of friction at slab base will be achieved
ends and taxiway holding areas), joints should by curing compounds or spray treatment and that
be sealed to minimise the likelihood of the omission will not promote cracking in the slab.
pollution when the airfield overlies or is in Also that there will be no loss of fines & moisture
proximity to an aquifer. from the slab during curing due to the omission.
 Where fine aggregate may be blown or
become washed onto the pavements and into [NOTE: Further information is provided within the
the joints. This would prejudice the ability of Britpave publication at pages 21 and 22 Concrete
joints to accommodate thermal movement and Hardstanding – Guidelines for the Design of
could lead to compression failure of the Concrete Hardstandings 2nd Edition 2007]
pavement.
 Where the client prefers all joints to be sealed
(e.g., on work for US Forces). Z.13 PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ASR
Z.10.4 Figure 5.2 of the Specification gives The DIO specified limit of total mass of reactive
alternative details for sealed and unsealed joints. alkali in PQC is 3.25 kg/m3. Its calculation is
Clause 5.29 details how joints should be prepared based on the summation of the contribution from
for sealing and then sealed. cement (including additions), aggregates (both
coarse and fine) and other sources – see clause
4.5.5.
Z.11 FINAL CURING
It should be noted that this calculation includes
Z.11.1 When Pavement Quality Concrete is the reactive alkali contributed by the chloride ion
being laid near to existing pavements which are to contribution – see clause 4.5.3.
remain in use during the construction work, there
is some risk that the polythene sheet referred to in Background
Clause 5.25.3 might be blown loose by wind and Amongst the amendments introduced to
become hazardous to aircraft. An alternative to BS8500 in 2012 and continued in the 2015
polythene which might be considered for these update were requirements for
circumstances is a second sprayed application of demonstrating that the risk of damaging alkali-
the curing compound, although this has the silica reaction (ASR) has been minimized.
disadvantage of forming a thick membrane which
.
may be rather slow to break down and so may
The following text gives extracts and guidance
interfere with the application of airfield ground
markings. A curing membrane is available which
derived from BS8500:2015
is sprayed on and which can be peeled off at the
end of the curing period. Annex B of BS8500-2:2015
The risk of ASR is minimized by adopting one
Z.11.2 Wax based curing compounds are also of the sets of rules given in the Annex B. The
available to ASTM Specifications. However due 2015 British Standard replaced earlier
regard is to be given to the possibility of aircraft references to BRE Digest 330 which contains
skidding on remnant wax. Wax residues are to be the historical basis for the rules.
February 2017 61
However the guidance in BRE Digest 330 is still 1. Low

a useful source of information and BRE Digest 2. Normal
330 Part 1:2004 includes the background to the 3. High
chloride ion contribution to reactive alkali. 4. Extreme
Most aggregates fall into the first two
Definitions in BS8500: classifications.
The DIO requirement is limestone which
Certified average alkali content (CAA)- Average typically falls into the low reactivity
of 25 consecutive determinations of alkali classification.
content carried out on spot samples and
expressed as the Na2O equivalent
BS8500 Alkali Limits for Concrete
Declared mean alkali content (DMA)-Alkali Aggregate Reactivity
content of cement or addition, expressed as the
Na2O eq. as declared by the manufacturer. This The following not to be exceeded limits are
is based on the certified average alkali content given in BS8500 when the coarse and fine
and includes a margin which takes into account aggregates are classified in accordance with
the variability of production so that the certified Annex B4 of BS8500
average alkali content plus the margin shall not
exceed the declared mean alkali content, Low reactivity aggregate 5.0kg/m3
without prior notice.
. Normal reactivity aggregate 3.5 kg/m3
Guaranteed alkali limit (GAL)- Alkali limit,
expressed as the Na2O eq. which the supplier
guarantees is not exceeded by any test result DIO as Specifier
on any spot sample
The DIO requirement is that a maximum 3.25
Alkali Content of Concrete kg/m³ ) (Clause 4.5) be allowed and that full
This is calculated from the mix proportions and calculations be provided. This requires
the determined alkali contents of each of the obtaining for the various sources accurate
constituents, for cementitious materials this is regular information .Of concern is the possible
the DMA. BS8500 recognises that alkali variability in the fine aggregate sources. DIO
contents of individual cement/addition samples experience is that ASR on some airfields may
can be higher or lower than the declared mean be attributed to deficiencies within the fine
value due to, for example, manufacturing and aggregate source. Additional job specific
test variations. The limiting criteria take this into inspections at the quarry and more regular
account. testing of fine aggregate sources may be
GGBS and Fly Ash implemented to mitigate ASR (see note at Sect
Using these materials reduces the risk of ASR Z6.3)
and BS8500 permits the following relaxations
. General Notes
1. The BRE Digest 330 classification of cement
Material Replacement %Na2O taken into low, medium and high alkali no longer
% into account applies. For standardized prescribed concrete
GGBS => 40 0 the risk of ASR is considered minimized by
25-39 50 either:
< 25 100 a) conforming to the guidance given Annex B of
Fly ash => 25 0 BS8500 :2015
20-24 20 b) using a low alkali cement (GAL not more
< 20 100 than 0.5%).
2. Whilst the recommendations in Annex B of

Aggregate Reactivity BS8500 indicates that there is no evidence in
Four classifications of reactivity are listed in the UK of damaging ASR in concrete made with
BS8500: normal reactivity aggregates at alkali contents
62 February 2017
below 4.8 kg/m³ Na2O equivalent the DIO view a b c d

is that FOD mitigation on military airfields
needs special attention. Therefore the 3.25 Material Chloride Alkali Alkali
kg/m³ limit is applied. DIO Airfield Pavements values on calc. quantity
Team may be consulted for further discussion kg/m³ Aggregate
guidance. Properties kg/m³
data
sheet
Z.14 EXAMPLE- CALCULATION FOR
REACTIVE ALKALI Cement 356 0.750 axb 2.670
(CEM I)
Refer to Specification Clause 4.5 for the reactive 80%
alkali limit of 3.25 kg/m³
Fly ash 89 0.600 axbx0.2 0.106
Refer to Appendix Z13 for further information on 20%
reactive alkali and the relaxations permissible by
use of additions such as fly ash Aggregate 1100 0.001 axbx0.76 0.008
(4-20mm)
An Annual Declaration letter as DMA (Declared
Sand 600 0.360 axbx0.76 0.164
Mean Alkali Limit) is typically provided on a
cement manufactures certificate
Admixture 1.2 0.000
Example:
Water 160 0.000
DMA is 0.75 and the proposal is to use 20% fly
TOTAL 2.949
ash. Hence from the BS8500 table (replicated at
Z13) the fly ash is in the band 20% to 24%. Limit - 3.250
Therefore 20% of reactive alkali may be used in clause4.5
the calculation opposite :
In this example the calculations indicate that the
alkali contribution of 2.949 kg/m³ is within limit
[ Note: The 0.76 used for the fine and coarse

aggregate calculation is referred to at Clause
4.5.3 and is referred to in BRE 330 Part 1]
February 2017 63
64 February 2017
Table Z2 - Table of Concrete Compressive Stresses

for Concrete Flexural Strengths F3.5 N/mm² to F6 N/mm²
Note : Refer to Clause 4.6.1 and the text in Appendix Z2
DIO Specification 033 DIO Specification 033

"Indicator" Values for CEM I Values for CEM I
DIO 033
Definition Clause
F6 F 5.5 F5 F 4.5 F4 F 3.5
mean of the
corrected core
4.6.1 57 53 48 43 38 34
strength values at
28 days ± 3 days
mean of 7 day cube

4.6.2 60 55 50 45 40 35
strength values
mean of 7 day cube

5.15.2.3 60 55 50 45 40 35
strength values
min individual cube 26

5.15.2.4 46 42 38 34 30
strength at 7 days
min mean 28 day

corrected core
strength (for four
5.15.2.4 56 49 42 36 31 28
cores taken if cube
strength is below
above figures)
min individual 28
day corrected core
5.15.2.4 43 36 31 32 28 25
strength (of four
cores from above)
corrected core
strength at (28 ± 3)
days shall not be
5.27.1.5 * * * 32 28 25
less than (for cores
taken from
hardened concrete)
mean 35 day
corrected core 5.27.1.6 * * * 38 34 29
strength
February 2017 65
min individual 35
day corrected core 5.27.1.6 * * * 35 30 26
strength
min mean 28 day

corrected core 5.27.1.7 * * * 43 38 34
strength value
28 day corrected
core strength at
work shall cease if
5.27.1.7(ii) * * * 38 34 29
mean value from a
set of results is
below
mean 28 day
corrected core
strength limit (to
inform Project 5.27.1.7(ii) * * * 43 38 34
Manager of
pavement area for
removal )
mean of 7 day cube

strength values from 6.1.2 60 55 50 45 40 35
trial mix
mean of 7 day cube

strength values from 6.2.3 60 55 50 45 40 35
trial area
minimum individual
cube strength value
6.2.3 46 42 38 34 30 26
of one of the above
cubes
mean corrected core

strength value of
6.2.6 57 53 48 43 38 34
trial area at (28 ± 3)
days
minimum individual
corrected core
6.2.6 43 36 35 32 28 25
strength value from
trial area
Note : The “indicator” figures for F5.0, F5.5 and F6 were included following consultation with industry through
Britpave. The establishment of the values indicated by * in the table above will be provided by DIO as and when
sufficient feedback is obtained from future DIO projects. In the interim these * values are to be determined on a project
specific basis by the Project Manager in conjunction with the Contractor following the cube, core, beam testing
referred to in Clause 1.7 v. (Projects using concrete F4.5 and below require cube, core, beam testing to be undertaken
for DIO research purposes.-see Clause sect 1.7 vii)
66 February 2017
References
Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Ministry of Defence
FS 06 1994 Functional Standard 06, Guide to Maintenance of Airfield Pavements
SPEC 12 2010 Specification 012, Hot Rolled Asphalt and Asphalt Concrete (Macadam) for Airfields
SPEC 13 2009 Specification 013, Marshall Asphalt for Airfields
SPEC 33 2005 Specification 033, Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields
SPEC 35 2005 Specification 035, Concrete Block Paving for Airfields
SPEC 40 2009 Specification 040, Porous Friction Course for Airfields
SPEC 45 2009 Specification 045, Slurry Seal (Bitumen Emulsion) for Airfields
SPEC 49 2009 Specification 049, Stone Mastic Asphalt for Airfields
SPEC 50 2009 Specification 050, Recycled Bound Materials for Airfields
SPEC 51 2014 Specification 051, Cement Bound Granular Material for Airfields (DLC)
SPEC 52 2014 Specification 052, Hydraulically Bound Granular Material for Airfields
DMG 27 2011 Design and Maintenance Guide 27, A Guide to Airfield Pavement Design and Evaluation
DMG 33 2011 Design and Maintenance Guide 33, Reflection Cracking on Airfield Pavements – a
design guide for assessment, treatment selection and future minimisation
Britpave Publications
(Refer to the Britpave website, Britpave.org.uk, for the extensive range of publications which include the
following Guidance and Best Practice Notes )
Airfield Pavement Guidance Notes:
1. Concrete joints and joint sealing
4. Surface Finish, regularity and texture
Best Practice Notes:
BP01 Concreting Pavements in Winter
Design Handbook:
Concrete Hardstanding - Guidelines for the design of concrete hardstandings 2nd Edition 2007] (pages 21
and 22)
February 2017 67
Building Research Eatablishment
BRE Digest 330 Part 1 2004 Alkali-silica Reaction in Concrete :Background to the guidance notes
British Standards Institution
BS 434 Bitumen road emulsions (anionic and cationic)
Part 1 2011 Specification for anionic bitumen road emulsions
Part 2 2006 Code of practice for use of cationic bitumen emulsions on roads and other
paved areas
BS 1881 Part 103 1993 Compacting factor test
BS 3136 Specification for cold emulsion spraying machines for roads
Part 2 1972 Metric units
BS 3984 1982 Specification for sodium silicates
BS5212 Cold Applied Joint Sealant Systems for Concrete Pavements
Part 1: 1990 Specification for Joint Sealants
Part 2: 1990 Code of Practice for the Application and Use of Joint Sealants
Part 3: 1990 Methods of Test
BS 594987 2015 Asphalt for roads and other paved areas – Specification for transport,
laying and compaction and design protocols
BS 7542 1992 Method for test for curing compounds for concrete
68 February 2017
BS 8500 Concrete – Complementary British Standard to BS EN 206-1 -
Part 1 2015 Method of specifying and guidance for the specifier
Part 2 2015 Specification for constituent materials and concrete
CEN standards
BS EN 196 Methods of testing cement
Part 1 2016 Determination of strength
Part 2 2013 Chemical analysis of cement
Part 3 2005 Determination of setting time and soundness AMD: October 31, 2009
Part 7 2007 Methods of taking and preparing samples of cement
Part 21 1992 Determination of the chloride, carbon dioxide and alkali content of cement
(see also Pt2)
BS EN 197 Cement.
Part 1 2011 Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements
Part 2 2011 Conformity evaluation
BS EN 206 Concrete
2013 Specification, performance, production and conformity
BS EN 450 Fly ash for concrete
Part 1 2012 Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
Part 2 2005 Conformity Evaluation
BS EN 932 Tests for general properties of aggregates.
Part 1 1997 Methods for sampling
Part 2 1999 Methods for reducing laboratory samples
BS EN 933 Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates
Part 1 2012 Determination of particle size distribution. Sieving method
Part 2 1996 Determination of particle size – Test sieves, nominal size of apertures
Part 3 2012 Determination of particle size – Flakiness
BS EN 934 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout.
February 2017 69
Part 1 2008 Common Requirements
Part 2 2009 Concrete admixtures. Definitions, requirements, conformity, marking and

labelling AMD Nov30:2012
Part 5 2009 Determination of the water content by drying in a ventilated oven
Part 6 2001 Sampling, conformity control and evaluation of conformity
BS EN 1008 2002 Mixing water for concrete. Specification for sampling, testing and assessing
the suitability of water, including water recovered from processes in the
concrete industry, as mixing water for concrete
BS EN 1097 Test for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates
Part 2 2010 Methods for the determination of resistance to fragmentation
Part 3 1998 Methods for the determination of loose bulk density and voids
Part 6 2013 Determination of particle density and water absorption
Part 8 2009 Determination of the polished stone value
BS EN 1367 Test for thermal and freezing and thawing properties of aggregates
Part 2 2010 Magnesium sulphate test
Part 4 2009 Determination of drying shrinkage
BS EN 1744 Tests for chemical properties of aggregates
Part 1 2009 Chemical analysis
BS EN 12620 2002 Aggregates for concrete
BS EN 13036 Road & Airfield Characteristics – Test methods
Part 7 2008 Method of measuring surface irregularities: The straightedge test
BS EN 13043 2002 Aggregates for bituminous mixtures and surface treatments for roads,
airfields and other trafficked areas
BS EN 13108 Bituminous mixtures – Material specification
Part 1 2006 Asphalt concrete
Part 4 2006 Hot rolled asphalt
Part 7 2006 Porous asphalt
Part 8 2006 Reclaimed asphalt
Part 20 2006 Type testing of asphalt mixes
Part 21 2006 Factory production control
BS EN 12350 Testing fresh concrete.
70 February 2017
Part 1 2009 Sampling
Part 2 2009 Slump test
Part 4 2009 Degree of compactability
Part 7 2009 Air content. Pressure methods
BS EN 12390 Testing hardened concrete.
Part 1 2012 Shape, dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds
Part 2 2009 Making and curing specimens for strength tests
Part 3 2009 Compressive strength of test specimens
Part 5 2009 Flexural Strength of test specimens
Part 7 2009 Density of hardened concrete
BS EN 12504 Testing concrete in structures.
Part 1 2009 Cored specimens. Taking, examining and testing in compression
BS EN 12620 2002 Aggregates for concrete +A1:2008
BS EN 13036 Road and airfield surface characteristics. Test methods -
Part 1 2010 Measurement of pavement surface macrotexture depth using a volumetric

patch technique
Part 7 2003 Irregularity measurement of pavement courses- The straightedge test
BS EN 13808 2013 Bitumen and bituminous binders – Framework for specifying cationic
bitumen emulsions
BS EN 13863 Concrete pavements – Test methods.
Part 3 2005 Determination of the thickness of a concrete pavement from cores
BS EN 13877 Concrete pavements
Part 1 2013 Materials
Part 2 2013 Functional requirements for concrete pavements
BS EN 14188 Joint fillers and sealants
Part 1 2004 Specifications for hot applied sealants
Part 2 2005 Specifications for cold applied sealants
Part 3 2006 Specifications for preformed joint seals
Part 4 2009 Specifications for primers to be used with joint sealants
BS EN 15167 Ground granulated blast furnace slag for use in concrete, mortar and grout
February 2017 71
Part 1 2006 Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
Part 2 2006 Conformity Evaluation
BS EN 30011 Guidelines for auditing quality work
Part 1 1993 Auditing
Part 2 1993 Qualification criteria for quality systems auditors
Part 3 1993 Management of audit programmes

BS EN ISO 9000 2000 Quality management systems. Fundamentals and vocabulary
Part 1 1994 Quality management and quality assurance standards. Guidelines for
selection and use
BS ISO 9000 Quality management and quality assurance standards.
Part 2 1997 Generic guidelines for the application of ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003
BS EN ISO 9001 2000 Quality management systems. Requirements
BS EN ISO 9000 2005 Quality management and quality assurance standards
BS EN ISO 19011 2002 Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing
BS ISO 13473 Characterization of pavement texture by use of surface profiles.
Part 2 2002 Terminology and basic requirements related to pavement texture profile
analysis
Part 3 2002 Specification and classification of profilometers
PD 6691 2015 Asphalt – Guidance on the use of BS EN 13108 “Bituminous Mixtures –

Material specification”
Highways Agency
Highways England - DMRB - Specification for Highways Works
Transport Research Laboratory Report TRL630 New Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Designs
ASTM Standards
ASTM C1231/C 1231M Standard Practice for Use of Unbonded Caps in Determination of Compressive
Strength
72 February 2017

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Specification 033

DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ORGANISATION

Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields

AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TEAM

First published 1996

This Defence Infrastructure Organisation Specification supersedes the previous

The application and limitations of the specification requirements in this DIO

Head of Airfield Pavements

Tel: 0121 311 2119 or Sutton Coldfield MI 2119

This Specification "Pavement Quality Concrete for Airfields" has been

Added Filler Filler aggregate that is additional to that

Finely divided inorganic constituent used in

Aggregate / Cement The ratio between the total mass of

Asphalt A mixture of coarse and fine aggregate, filler

Asphalt Concrete An asphalt mixture consisting of continuous

Asphalt Surfacing A porous friction course, surface course, or a

Asphaltic Concrete Alternative name for ‘Asphalt Concrete’.

Base Structural layer(s) of a pavement immediately

Basecourse Previous name for ‘Binder Course’.

Bay (of Concrete) The area of slab bounded by adjacent pairs of

February 2017 iii

Béton Bitumineux Asphalt concrete mix design for airfield

Binder A material used for the purpose of holding

Binder Course The layer or layers of the asphalt surfacing

Bitumen Binder obtained from crude oil by refinery

Bitumen Emulsion An emulsion in which bitumen is dispersed in

Bitumen Macadam See ‘Macadam’.

Bituminous Containing bitumen. (Previously included

Bituminous Surfacing Alternative name for ‘Asphalt Surfacing’.

Bond Coat .Proprietary bitumen spray that provides

Cement Finely ground inorganic material which when

Coarse Aggregate For asphalt, aggregate mainly retained on a

Combination Restricted range of Portland cements and

Construction Joint A joint separating areas of a concrete

Contraction Groove A groove formed in the surface of a concrete

Crushed Aggregate Aggregate produced by crushing rock or

Cutback Bitumen Bitumen whose viscosity has been reduced by

Dense Bitumen See ‘Macadam’.

Drylean concrete A cement bound granular material with low

Edge Restraint Device that serves to prevent sideways

Expansion Joint Joint provided in a concrete pavement to

Enrobé à Module Élevé High modulus bituminous mixture that was

Fine Aggregate For asphalt, aggregate mainly passing a

Fines Any solid material passing a 0.063 mm test

Fly ash Bound Material A hydraulically bound mixture in which

Foreign Object Damage Damage sustained by aircraft as a result of

Friction Course See ‘Porous Friction Course’.

Grading Particle size distribution of an aggregate.

Heavy Duty Macadam See ‘Macadam’.

Hot Rolled Asphalt An asphalt mixture of gap-graded aggregate,

Hydraulically Bound A mixture which sets and hardens by hydraulic

Interlock Effect of frictional forces between concrete

Intermediate Restraint Device that is used to provide restraint of

Joint Filling Material Material used to fill the joints between

Joint Width The distance between adjacent concrete

Laitance On a concrete pavement, a thin layer with

Lane A longitudinal strip of a pavement layer

Lane Joint A construction joint between adjacent lanes.

Laying Course Material Layer of material on which concrete blocks are

Laying Face Working edge of the wearing surface when