AUSTROADS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ATS 5335

Normal Class Concrete

Contents
1. Scope.................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Referenced Documents..................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Definitions........................................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Quality System Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 3
5. Materials.............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Concrete Constituent Materials............................................................................................................................ 3
Steel Reinforcement and Supports...................................................................................................................... 3
Recycled Aggregate............................................................................................................................................. 4
Curing Compounds.............................................................................................................................................. 4
6. Mix Design and Concrete Production..............................................................................................................4
General................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Extended Delivery / Placement Times.................................................................................................................5
7. Placement........................................................................................................................................................... 5
General................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Environmental Limits for Concreting Operations..................................................................................................6
8. Finishing............................................................................................................................................................. 6
General................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Tolerances........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Positional tolerances............................................................................................................................................ 7
Relative position................................................................................................................................................... 7
Unformed Concrete.............................................................................................................................................. 7
9. Curing.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
10. Early Loading and Formwork Removal............................................................................................................8
11. Sampling and Testing........................................................................................................................................ 8
General................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Production Assessment....................................................................................................................................... 9
Project Assessment............................................................................................................................................. 9
12. Non-Conforming concrete................................................................................................................................. 9
Plastic concrete.................................................................................................................................................... 9
Hardened concrete............................................................................................................................................... 9
Rejection or Rectification of Non-conforming Concrete.....................................................................................10
Annexure A: Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records...........................................................11
Annexure B: Chart for Estimation of Water Evaporation Rate.......................................................................12

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1. Scope
1.1 Austroads Technical Specification ATS 5335 sets out the requirements for the supply and placement
of normal class concrete used in applications with a maximum Design Life of 50 years, such as minor
drainage structures, footings for small signs, kerbs and channel, paths, medians and driveways. It
applies to cast in place concrete, and if specified in the Contract documents, it may be used for
precast concrete elements.

1.2 It does not cover:

a) special class concrete for bridgeworks and similar structures (refer to ATS 5315):
b) sprayed concrete (refer to ATS 5328);
c) supply of geopolymer concrete (refer to ATS 5330);
d) slipform / extruded safety barriers (refer to ATS 4230); and
e) fibre reinforced concrete (refer to ATS 5336).

1.3 Where normal class concrete is used for kerb and channel or for light duty concrete pavement, the
additional requirements specified in ATS 2245 and ATS 4610 respectively will apply.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents are referenced in this Specification:

Australian / New Zealand Standards

AS 1012.3.1 Methods of testing concrete Determination of properties related to the

consistency of concrete – Slump test

AS 1379 Specification and supply of concrete

AS 3610.1 Formwork for concrete – Part 1: Specifications

AS 3799 Liquid membrane-forming curing compounds for concrete

AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality management systems – Requirements

Austroads

ATS 2245 Kerb and Channel

ATS 4230 Concrete Safety Barriers

ATS 3050 Supply of Recycled Crushed Glass

ATS 4610 Light Duty Concrete Pavements

ATS 5310 Supply and Placement of Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete

ATS 5315 Supply of Special Class Concrete

ATS 5328 Sprayed Concrete

ATS 5330 Geopolymer Concrete

ATS 5336 Fibre Reinforced Concrete

ATS 5340 Cementitious Patch Repair of Concrete

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ATS 5341 Repair of Concrete Cracks

Australian Technical Infrastructure Committee

ATIC SP43 Section SP43 Cementitious Materials for Concrete

3. Definitions
3.1 The definitions in AS 1379 apply to this Specification.

4. Quality System Requirements

4.1 The concrete must be manufactured under a quality management system which is certified as
complying with AS/NZS ISO 9001 by an organisation accredited by JAS-ANZ or an affiliated
international certification organisation.

4.2 Suppliers of other materials covered under this Specification, such as admixtures and curing
compounds, must have in place a quality assurance system complying with AS/NZS ISO 9001.

HOLD POINT 1.
Process Held Supply of Concrete.
Submission Details Documentation and / or evidence of the certification required in this Clause
must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the commencement of
the supply of the concrete.

5. Materials

Concrete Constituent Materials

5.1 Concrete constituent materials must comply with AS 1379. In addition, cementitious materials must
comply with ATIC SP43 and be stored in such a way as to prevent damage and degradation.

5.2 Unless specified otherwise in the Contract documents, the Contractor must ensure that either:
a) the approved concrete mix design includes a blend of Supplementary Cementitious Materials
that comply with Table 6.8 of ATS 5315; or
b) the aggregate has been assessed for Alkali Aggregate Reactivity and approved under a
Principal’s Registration Scheme.

5.3 If the aggregate is approved under a Principal’s Registration Scheme, it must be used in accordance
with any conditions included in that approval, such as cement type and minimum cement content.

Steel Reinforcement and Supports

5.4 Steel reinforcement and supports / bar chairs must comply with ATS 5310. Galvanised reinforcing
steel must not be used unless specified on the Drawings. If galvanised reinforcing steel is specified,
it must be galvanised in accordance with AS/NZS 4680.

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Recycled Aggregate
5.5 The Contractor may propose to use recycled crushed concrete as a partial replacement for coarse
aggregate. Recycled crushed concrete must contain less than 1% by mass of contaminants such as
bricks, metals, plastics, and other demolition wastes.

5.6 Any such proposal must include evidence of compliance with Clause 5.1 and evidence that the
recycled crushed concrete will not adversely affect the properties of the concrete. The proposal must
be submitted to the Principal prior to the production of the concrete. If approved, the proportion of
recycled crushed concrete must not exceed 20% of the total coarse aggregate in the concrete mix.

5.7 If the Contractor proposes to use washed recycled crushed glass fines as a partial replacement for
fine aggregate, the washed recycled crushed glass must comply with ATS 3050. Evidence of
compliance with ATS 3050 must be submitted to the Principal prior to the production of the concrete.
If approved, the proportion of washed crushed glass must not exceed 20% of the total fine aggregate
in the concrete mix.

5.8 Notwithstanding Clause 5.7, unwashed fine glass aggregate up to a maximum of 10% may be used
as a replacement of the total mass of fine aggregate for concrete grades specified.

5.9 A proposal for the use of recycled crushed concrete and / or recycled crushed glass sand must
address how Alkali-Silica Reactivity will be satisfactorily managed in accordance with this
Specification.

Curing Compounds
5.10 Liquid membrane-forming curing compounds and the application rate must comply with AS 3799.
The compound must be an approved product if an applicable Principal’s registration or approval
scheme is in place.

6. Mix Design and Concrete Production

General
6.1 The Contractor must ensure that:
a) the mix design, including the nominated concrete slump, is suitable for the intended application;
b) the concrete strength grade and maximum nominal aggregate size comply with the Drawings;
c) the concrete is designed, manufactured and delivered in accordance with AS 1379 and this
Specification; and
d) water which has been contaminated when washing the equipment and any excess concrete is
treated in accordance with the environmental management requirements included in the
Contract documents and applicable environmental management legislation.

6.2 If requested by the Principal, the Contractor must submit:

a) a production assessment report complying with AS 1379 Clause 6.4.2; and / or

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b) certification or evidence that the constituent materials comply with the requirements of this
Specification, including evidence that the reactivity of the aggregates has been assessed and
measures taken in accordance with Clause 2.8 of AS 1379 if necessary.

HOLD POINT 2. (if requested by the Principal)

Process Held Supply of Normal Class Concrete.
Submission Details The production assessment report and / or a statement from each material
supplier must be provided at least 3 days prior to the commencement of
the concrete production.

Extended Delivery / Placement Times

6.3 Where travel times are, by necessity, longer than 90 minutes as specified in AS 1379 Clause 4.2.5, a
procedure for long-distance travel or extended placement times must be submitted to the Principal in
accordance with the requirements of ATS 5315. In addition, a trial mix emulating the estimated travel
time in accordance with ATS 5315 must be prepared and tested.

6.4 Transporting dry cementitious material and aggregates together to site and then adding water is not
permitted.

7. Placement

General
7.1 Concrete must be handled, placed and compacted in accordance with this Specification to ensure
that the design requirements for strength and serviceability are satisfied. This includes:
a) the prevention of segregation and loss or leakage of materials;
b) the prevention of premature stiffening;
c) producing a monolithic mass between planned joints or the extremities of members, or both; and
d) completely filling the formwork to the intended level, expelling entrapped air, and closely
surrounding all reinforcement, tendons, ducts, anchorages, embedments and fixings.

7.2 Formwork, where used, must comply with AS 3610.1 and any foreign material must be completely
removed from the forms before commencement of the pour.

7.3 Unless specified otherwise on the Drawings, where the concrete is placed in an excavation,
formwork must be used to support the sides of the concrete so that concrete is not directly in contact
with the sides of the excavation. Formwork is not required for bored footings.

7.4 Reinforcement, bar chairs and spacers must be placed in accordance with ATS 5310. Unless
specified otherwise on the Drawings, the clear concrete cover must not be less than 50 mm.

7.5 Joint formers are not permitted unless shown on the Drawings or approved by the Principal. Where
permitted, cast-in joint formers for expansion, isolation and contraction joints in slab-on-ground
construction must either be stainless steel, galvanised to AS/NZS 4680 or manufactured from
durable polymers. Cast-in crack inducers are not permitted.

7.6 Any construction joint shown in the Drawings is mandatory.

WITNESS POINT 1.
Process Concrete placement
Notification Period At least 1 working day prior to the commencement of concrete
placement.

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7.7 For each load of concrete supplied, the Contractor must submit an identification certificate in
accordance with Clause 1.7.3 of AS 1379 to the Principal.

Environmental Limits for Concreting Operations

7.8 The Contractor must ensure that the concrete temperature does not exceed the temperature limit in
AS 1379. If the actual or predicted ambient shade air temperature at the Site is higher than 32°C, the
Contractor must implement hot weather mitigation measures if necessary, such as using refrigerated
water in the manufacture of the concrete mix.

7.9 When the predicted evaporation rate during the intended period of placement and finishing exceeds
0.50 kg/m²/h (determined in accordance with Annexure B), an approved evaporation retarding
compound must be applied. The compound must primarily consist of aliphatic alcohol and be applied
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Finishing

General
8.1 All concrete surfaces must comply with the specified tolerances. If these are not specified in the
Drawings, deviations from established lines, grades and dimensions in the completed work must not
exceed the values given in this Clause 8.

8.2 Dimensions and levels must be verified for all positions shown in the Drawings.

8.3 The finishing operations must provide a dense, hard-wearing surface which is free from visible plastic
shrinkage surface cracking. Concrete surfaces must be free of honeycombing and pockets and free
of voids larger than 5 mm in lateral dimensions or 3 mm deep. Unless specified otherwise in the
Contact documents, the class of formed surface finish (as defined in AS 3610.1) must comply with
the following:
a) external surfaces: Class 2
b) permanently hidden surfaces: Class 4.

8.4 Exposed concrete must be constructed so that water does not pond on the surface.

Tolerances
8.5 The difference between the actual dimensions of the finished concrete and the specified dimensions
must not exceed the tolerances in Table 8.5.
Table 8.5: Dimensional tolerances

Description Tolerance
Cross sectional dimension of formed members (other than flat panels) and
thickness of slabs:
 dimension < 600 mm: + 3, - 3 mm
 dimension ≥ 600 mm and < 1500 mm: + 6, - 6 mm
 dimension ≥ 1500 mm: + 10, - 6 mm

Length of members, length and width of slabs:

 dimension up to 18 m: ± 6 mm
 dimension 18 m or over: 1 in 3000

Clear cover to reinforcement and embedments: + 10, - 5 mm

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Description Tolerance
Fitments for prefabricated elements, cored holes, embedded items: 1 in 1000
± 5 mm

Positional tolerances
8.6 Positional tolerances refer to the departure of any point, plane or component of a structure from its
correct position shown on the Drawings. The difference between the actual position of the finished
concrete and the specified position must not exceed the tolerances in Table 8.6.
Table 8.6: Positional tolerances

Description Tolerance (mm)

Level of footings ± 20
Level other than footings ±5

Horizontal location, where tolerance on fit is not applicable ± 25

Relative position
8.7 Relative tolerances refer to departures from linearity or planarity in any part of the structure.
Tolerances are measured as the departure of any point in a line or surface from the remainder of that
line or surface.

8.8 Departure may be sudden (e.g. misfit at joint in formwork) or gradual (e.g. a wobble in the surface).
Tolerance on gradual departure is the value calculated by multiplying the overall length of the line or
surface under consideration by the factor given in Table 8.8.
Table 8.8: Relative tolerances

Description Tolerance
Factor Maximum (mm)
Exposed edge: Gradual departure 0.001 -
Exposed surface:
Gradual departure 0.004 10
Sudden departure - 3

Unformed Concrete
8.9 Where a designated finish to an unformed surface is specified, that finish must comply with the
requirements in Table 8.9.
Table 8.9: Unformed Surface Finishes for Concrete

Designated Finish Type of Concrete Finish Maximum Allowable Surface

Irregularities
U1 (Wood Float) A wood floated finish to produce a 5 mm abrupt or
uniform surface without surface pitting 15 mm in a 3 m template
or cavities
U2 (Steel Trowel) A high quality steel trowelled finish Nil abrupt or
having a dense smooth impervious 5 mm in a 3 m template
finish without surface pitting or cavities

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U3 (Mechanical Steel A high quality mechanical steel 2 mm abrupt or

Trowel) trowelled finish having a dense 5 mm in a 3 m template
impervious finish without surface
pitting or cavities
U4 (Broom) A wood floated surface with a 2 mm abrupt or
broomed finish 5 mm in a 3 m template

9. Curing
9.1 Curing must commence immediately after the finishing of any unformed concrete surfaces is
progressively completed and where the formwork has been released and must continue
uninterrupted for a period of not less than 7 days after placing the concrete. The curing must be
effected by either:
a) Water curing, wet hessian, polyethylene sheeting which is adequately sealed, curing compound
or a combination of these to ensure the surface remains moist; or
b) Application of a sprayed curing compound conforming with AS 3799.

9.2 Curing compounds must be applied in two coats using a fine spray at the rate stated on the
certificate of compliance. The curing compound must be maintained intact for not less than the
specified period of curing. Any damage to the curing membrane during the period of curing must be
repaired immediately at the original rate of application.

9.3 The Contractor must ensure that rain, running water, freezing or premature drying does not damage
the concrete.

10. Early Loading and Formwork Removal

10.1 Loading (including loading from backfilling) must not be placed on or against the structure until the
minimum concrete strength on the Drawings has been achieved and any minimum specified time
period has elapsed. If nothing is specified, at least 7 days since the pour must have elapsed.

10.2 For cast-in-situ concrete, formwork must remain in position until any minimum concrete strength
specified on the Drawings has been reached. In addition, the period must not be less than 24 hours
for permanently hidden surfaces and 72 hours for other surfaces.

10.3 Precast concrete must not be removed from the formwork or formwork stripped until 40% of f’c is
attained.

11. Sampling and Testing

General
11.1 The consistency of the concrete must be determined by a slump test of each concrete strength
sample in accordance with Clause 5.2 of AS 1379.

11.2 Standard strength grades must comply with Table 1.1 of AS 1379. Sampling and testing of the
strength of concrete must be carried out in accordance with Clause 6.2 of AS 1379.

11.3 Consistency testing in accordance with Clause 11.1 and strength testing in accordance with Clause
11.2 is not required for machine placed kerb and channel which is constructed in accordance with
ATS 2245.

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Production Assessment
11.4 Unless project assessment is required in accordance with Clause 11.5, production assessment will
apply and:
a) the assessment of conformance must be in accordance with Clause 6.3 of AS 1379;
b) the Contractor must ensure that production assessment reports are available to the Principal in
accordance with Clause 6.4.2 of AS 1379.

Project Assessment
11.5 The assessment of conformance must comply with comply with Clause 6.5 of AS 1379 if:
a) project assessment is specified in in the Contract documents;
b) the concrete quantity in a single pour is ≥ 25 m3; or
c) the concrete is used for signpost footings and plinths with all dimensions ≥ 300 mm.

11.6 Notwithstanding Clause 6.5.2 (b) of AS 1379, where less than 50 m³ is provided for any one day, one
sample of each strength grade must be tested.

12. Non-Conforming concrete

Plastic concrete
12.1 Plastic concrete is non-conforming if, after completion of mixing but prior to finishing:
a) The concrete placement does not conform to Clause 7.1;
b) the appearance and cohesiveness of a particular quantity is significantly different from
previously supplied quantities of the same specification;
c) the slump, determined in accordance with AS 1012.3.1, differs from the specified slump by more
than the tolerances permitted in AS 1379;
d) the time between the first introduction of water to the mix and discharge does not comply the
time interval permitted in AS 1379; or
e) the concrete does not comply with any other requirement specified in this Specification or
AS 1379.

Hardened concrete
12.2 Hardened concrete is non-conforming if:
a) the mean compressive strength of the representative samples taken from the project or from the
production assessment are outside the limits specified in AS 1379;
b) it is porous, segregated, or honeycombed;
c) it does not completely fill the formwork to the intended level, expel entrapped air, and closely
surround all reinforcement, tendons, ducts, anchorages, embedments and fixings;
d) It does not form a monolithic mass between planned joints and / or the extremities of a member,
e) there are surface defects outside the specified limits;
f) at 21 days after the concrete pour, there are unplanned cracks of width greater than 0.2 mm: or
g) it fails to conform with any other requirement of this Specification.

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Rejection or Rectification of Non-conforming Concrete

12.3 Unless approved otherwise by the Principal:
a) non-conforming plastic concrete must not be incorporated in the Works; and
b) non-conforming hardened concrete must be removed from the Works and replaced with
conforming concrete.

12.4 The Contractor may submit a proposal to the Principal to accept non-conforming concrete, subject to
the provision of evidence (either by calculation or by testing) that the concrete will satisfy all
requirements for structural adequacy and the intended use of the concrete.

12.5 For concrete with minor imperfections (including gouges, porous spots, shallow honeycombing,
rough areas and blowholes) or concrete with cracks of width greater than 0.2 mm, the Contractor
may submit a proposal to the Principal to repair the surface. Any such repair must:
a) be undertaken in accordance with ATS 5340 or ATS 5341 (as appropriate); and
b) result in a surface which has a colour and texture which matches the surrounding concrete.

12.6 The Principal is under no obligation to accept any proposal submitted under Clause 12.4 or
Clause 12.5.

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Annexure A: Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records

The following is a summary of the Witness Points / Hold Points that apply to this Specification and the
Records that the Contractor must submit to the Principal to demonstrate compliance with this Specification.

Clause Hold point Witness point Record

4.1 Supply of Concrete. Documentation and / or evidence of the
certification
6.1 Supply of Normal Production assessment report and / or a
Class Concrete statement from each material supplier (if
requested by the Principal).
7.6 1. Concrete
placement
7.7 Identification certificate required by Clause
1.7.3 of AS 1379
8.2 Evidence that the dimensions conform to
Clause 8.
11.4 Production Assessment Reports (if requested
by the Principal)
11.5 Project assessment test results (where
applicable)

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Annexure B: Chart for Estimation of Water Evaporation Rate

For example – with:

• air temperature at 27°C;
• relative humidity at 50%;
• concrete temperature at 30°C; and
• a wind velocity of 20 km/hr;
the rate of evaporation would be 1.2 kg/m2/hr.
Source: ‘Q&A’ Concrete International, March 2007 (ACI).

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Amendment Record
Amendment Clauses amended Action Date
no.
- New specification New October 2023

Key

Format Change in format

Substitution Old clause removed and replaced with new clause
New Insertion of new clause
Removed Old clauses removed

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