S P E C I F I C A T I O N : G E N E R A L

WHAT IS SPECIFICATION?

Specification is a specific description of a particular subject. An

engineering specification contains all the details of workmanship and
material along with drawings and details. Many a times it is not possible
to furnish the information on the drawings; regarding the quality of
materials to be used and the quality of workmanship to be achieved
during construction; due to shortage of space. This data regarding the
materials and workmanship is conveyed in a separate document called
‘specification’, which is furnished separately along with drawings and is
an essential part of the contract document.

In general Specification is the description of work of construction. It is

document containing the points that clearly give the idea about the
materials required, the tools, plants & accessories required for proper
carrying out the work, the workmanship, proper sequence and precaution
to be taken for getting the best possible results. The construction activity
is the final outcome of the project of building drawings and specifications.
In getting the material involvement of such carrying out of architect’s
idea, a procedure is been formulated by involving into certain legal
origins.

DEFINITION OF SPECIFICATION:

Specification is a legal, sequentially arranged explanation of the process

of construction along with materials involved, tools, plants and other
accessories required for carrying out the construction and the process of
construction along with necessary precautions to be taken as a result of
which technically perfect construction work is carried out upto the
satisfaction of the architect.

NECESSITY OF SPECIFICATION:

● The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by specification.

● Specification is required to describe the quantity and quality of
materials required for a construction work and is an essential part
of the contract documents. Thus a contractor can calculate a
programme to procure the materials required for a project and the
owner can check the quality of materials conforming to the
specifications thereby avoiding dispute with the contractor.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 1
 ● This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the
work. Thus specification of a work serves as a guide to the
supervising staff of the contractor as well as to the owner to
execute work to their satisfaction.
● A work is carried out according to specifications and the contractor
is paid for the same. Any change in the specification changes the
tendered rate.
● As the rate of work is based on specification, a contractor can
calculate the rates of various items of works in a tender with his
procurement of materials and labour. Thus a tender paper without
specifications is baseless, incomplete and invalid.
● It also specifies equipments, tools and plants to be engaged for a
work and thus enables to procure them beforehand.
● Specification is an essential contract document and is required for
arbitration or court cases.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF A GOOD SPECIFICATION:

● Specification being a legal document should be short but must

make a clear and concise meaning.
● Specification clauses ultimately determining specification
documents on the whole shall carry one and only one meaning.
● Specification clauses should be arranged in a proper sequence and
utmost care should be taken to check the correct order of
workmanship.
● While drafting the specification, it shall be divided into following
sections one after another in the following Order:
a. Description of materials, accessories, tools and plants.
b. Description of workmanship.
c. Precautions to be taken.

Further the specifications for each item shall cover:

1. general scope of the item,
2. materials required,
3. processing of the materials,
4. construction operations,
5. finishing,
6. all the elements which are included in the item, and
7. mode of measurement, deductions to be made etc, and payment.

METHOD OF WRITING A SPECIFICATION:

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While writing specification, the following principles shall be adopted:
● Description of materials: The quality, quantity and size of the
materials required to execute an item of work shall be fully
described for checking the same at the site according to the clauses
of specification. The proportion of mixing or treatment of materials
if required before use shall clearly described.
● Workmanship: Complete description of workmanship, the method
of mixing to proportion, the method of laying, preparation of base
or surface, compaction finishing and curing etc. specifically
applicable to the item of work shall be clearly stated in different
clauses.
● Tools and plants: The tools and plants to be engaged to carry out
a work shall be described. The method of operation and by whom to
be supplied shall be stated.
● Protection of new work: The method of protection of new works
against damage or the method of curing if required, the test of
completed work if necessary shall be described in different clauses.
● Expression: While writing a specification, endeavor shall be made
to express the requirements of the specification clearly and in
concise form avoiding repetition ort unusual words. Style of tense
shall remain same throughout. Sentences shall be simple, short and
concise. As the specifications are the legal documents, terms such
as ‘suitable’, ‘proper’; are used and words having more than one
meaning shall be avoided.
● Clauses of specification: Clauses shall be arranged in the order in
which work shall be carried out as it facilitates reference. While
framing the clauses for quality of materials, workmanship, tools and
plants, etc. practical possibilities shall be realised. Correct and
complete but not repetitive information shall be given so that the
owner and the contractor can carry out the work following the
specification. Familiar abbreviations shall be used.

SPECIFICATION PARAGRAPHS:

The paragraphs of a particular specification should be arranged in the

following sequence:
● Specification for materials.
● Combination of materials.
● Preliminary work prior to the installation or construction of
material.
● Installation of material.
● Tests, if any.
● Cleaning on completion.
● Schedules, if any.

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 ● Mode of measurement.

Thus specifications for each item/material of the item covers:-

1. general scope of the item/ material of the item,

2. materials required/involved & description of the materials,
3. procurement, transportation, processing & storage of materials,
4. construction operations,
5. finishing description,
6. all the elements included in the item,
7. precautions to be taken, and
8. Mode of measurement, deductions to be made etc., and payment.

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T Y P E S O F S P E C I F I C A T I O N S:

The specifications are broadly divided into the following types.

SPECIFICATION
_______________|_______________
| |
a) GENERAL b) DETAILED
|
i) STANDARD
SPECIFICATIONS
ii) SPECIAL
SPECIFICATIONS
iii)
OPEN/MANUFACTURER’S
iv) RESTRICTED SPECIFICATIONS

● General specification:

In general specifications, nature and class of works, names of materials

and proportion that should be used in the various items of works are
described. Only a brief description of each and every item is given. It is
useful for estimating a project. Without going through the lengthy
detailed specifications, general information for the quantity of materials,
nature and class of work can be known from the general specification. It
does not form a part of the contract document.

● Detailed specification:

These form a part of contract document. They specify the qualities,

quantities and proportions of materials, and the method of preparation
and execution for a particular item of works in a project. The detailed
specifications of the different items of works are prepared separately and
they describe what the work should be and how they shall be executed
and constructed.

a. Physical, chemical and electrical tests, if any, required for the finished
work to ensure the desired strength or quality shall be specified in the
detailed specification.
b. The type of machinery, equipment, tools and plants, their method of
operation when involved during execution are described.
c. This also specifies the involvement and responsibilities for auxiliary
work, incidental damages etc. during execution of the original work.

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d. The method and duration of protection of the finished works as
required is also specified.
e. These have the same order of sequence as the work is to be carried
out is maintained

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 ● Standard specifications:

Detailed specifications for different items of works are drawn up by an

engineering department and printed to serve as a standard guide to the
department and also to refer it in the specification part of the tender
paper to avoid writing lengthy specification. Thus, this saves valuable
time, labour, stationary and expenditure and above all eliminates the
possibility of deviation or mistakes during preparation of huge no. of
tender papers through a divisional office.

The Standard Specifications are grouped under the following major

heads:

1. A. Basic Materials.
2. B. General Items.
3. BR. Bridge Work.
4. CD. Cross Drainage Works.
5. Rd. Road Work.
6. Bd. Building Works.

The Standard Specification clauses are further grouped under following

sections:

1. Section ‘A’ : General preliminaries.

2. Section ‘B’ : Materials.
3. Section ‘C’ : Workmanship.
4. Section ‘D’ : Excavation for foundations.
5. Section ‘E’ : Cement concrete.
6. Section ‘F’ : Mortars.
7. Section ‘G’ : Masonry.
8. Section ‘H’ : Flooring.
9. Section ‘I’ : Carpentry, joinery.
10. Section ‘J’ : Finishing e.g. plastering, glass, glazing,
grills, etc.

● Special specifications:

Some items which are not covered or works not properly covered in the
departmental standard specifications, special specifications for such
items are drawn up by the engineer-in-charge, approved and included in
the tender paper under a heading ‘special specifications’.

● Open/Manufacturer’s specification:

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These are the specifications of products of manufacturer’s state both
physical, chemical properties and such other information regarding the
product but not the description of workmanship to be achieved during
construction. The physical properties specify mainly the strength, weight,
thickness or size and such other physical properties of the product. The
chemical properties specify mainly the chemical composition of the
contents of the product and the precautionary measures if any required
for storing the product.
An authority requiring a product such as steel, cement, pipes, valves,
wire, paints, bricks, etc. specify the minimum requirement of properties
of a product through open specification. Manufacturer who can produce
materials satisfying the open specification may be permitted to supply the
materials at an agreed cost.

Further Advantages & Disadvantages of Open Specifications are as

follows

ADVANTAGES:

a. While procurement of materials is not restricted among a few traders

with their respective trademarks, and any trader can supply materials
satisfying to the open specifications, progress of the work shall not
suffer due to shortage of supply of materials.
b. Materials can be procured at a more competitive rate.
c. Regional or local traders can take the advantage by manufacturing the
products thereby saving cost of transportation and delay of delivery.
d. Due to open specifications, quality of material are standardized as a
result private parties can easily select a material depending on the
quality.

DISADVANTAGES:

a. Frequent checking of material of various manufacturers becomes

necessary and this checking is done by the government test
laboratories. Due to rush from different manufacturers, the results of
the test reports are delayed. As a result, procurement order to a new
manufacturer cannot be placed timely.
b. Due to limitations, interests in the scope of further improvements for
quality of materials are hampered.
c. New manufacturers may receive the order offering very low rates but
after a short supply may fail to supply or maintain the quality of
materials throughout the supply period.

● Restricted Specifications:

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In Restricted Specification the material for an item of work is described
and the procurement among some approved manufacturers or brands of
material is restricted. Thus the standard of materials such as plumbing,
painting, fittings etc., are assured to be of a certain degree of quality up
to the satisfaction of the Architect/Owner. The materials of the approved
manufacturers should be equivalent in quality and more or less at par
cost.
To provide restricted specification of materials an up-to-date knowledge
of the market for the qualities and cost of the different manufacturers is
essential. Such time to time market study encourages competition among
the manufacturers to improve the quality of their products with
competitive rates in order to be included in the approved list of the
restricted specification. Otherwise, due to monopoly, the cost of such
materials provided in the restricted specifications may be increased.

JOBS AND TRADES IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Sr.
No JOBS PURPOSE TRADE
.
1. The preliminaries to start To affect best possible General
the work cutting the condition for smooth Contractor
bushes, trees etc. cleaning functioning of work as .
the site, leveling the architect’s plan and
ground by filling ditches, Scheme.
providing a fence
wherever necessary,
construction of temporary
shades for storing building
materials, providing
services such as
electricity, water and
drainage, Making
arrangements roads,
stacking platforms,
caution boards, danger
light.
2. Excavation in various To provide hard strata Excavator
sizes, including showering necessary for foundation

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 and dewatering excavated of a basement to a
trenches and depositing or proposed building or an
disposing away excavated existing structure, the
material as per improvement of defective
instructions of arch. foundations. To lay
services like drainage,
gas, electricity
3. Laying cement concrete of To provide an impervious Concreter
various proportions with strata below the
special aggregates if any foundations for
well ranked and watered distributing load of
for curing. foundation evenly on
natural hard strata for
providing a hard surface
below joints in a pipeline
and for leveling etc.
4. Stone masonry of all sorts To provide an expanded Stone –
and tiles in cement/lime base below the structural Mason
mortar in situations walls in brick work. In the
wherever necessary in composite load bearing
foundation/super structure for foundation
structure. and also to provide
general walling either of
structural /decorative type
in the superstructure.
5. The brickwork out of table In foundation as load Brick layer
molded brick in different bearing walls directly
thicknesses in cement resting over the concrete
mortar either in English bed in an expanded
Flemish bond manner in form of brick
footings, in the super
structure in form of load
bearing walls external/
internal/ non load bearing
panel walls in frame
structures and partition
walls also.
6. Providing standard piles For the provision of pile
Piler
wherever necessary for foundation in exceptional /
(special
foundations or for special types. firm
compacting building sides dealing job
complete with every thing. of piling
only)
7. Providing and The constructions of Concreter
constructing everything columns, beams, staircase specialist
complete, R.C.C, items waist slabs ramps etc.

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 more than 150 mm thick
wherever necessary in
structure without
reinforcement.
8. Providing and The R.C.C. slabs for floor Concreter
constructing everything roofs etc., the walls, specialist
complete, R.C.C, items chajjas, facias, canopies
more than 150 mm thick etc.
wherever necessary in
structure without
reinforcement but items
less than 150 mm
thickness
9. Supplying reinforcement To provide reinforcement Blacksmit
bars, cutting, bending, for taking up tensile h
hooking etc. stresses in R.C.C.
structural items
10. Providing and fixing into To provide for; Metal
position the items like (a) Openings in buildings Fabricator
metal doors, windows, (b) Structure of metal
ventilators, termed as (c) Roofing in building
metal casements; (d) To provide security to
stanchions, beams and property
steel trusses of any
description and size the
patent glazing for large
size openings. The grills of
designs approved by
architect for fixing in
openings in buildings,
fencing gates etc.
11. Providing and fixing in Provide for (a) Openings Joiner
position with everything and (b) Roofing (c)
complete the items like Storage (d) Partitioning
timber doors, windows, the space (e) Vertical
ventilator, trusses along transmission
with all accessories, space
dividers or partitions,
staircases, floors etc.
12. Providing and fixing into To furnish the space The
position items like built in interior
cupboards, wardrobes, furnisher
space dividers and such
other furnishing items like
pelmets, casing of
windows and doors etc.

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 13. Providing and fixing in To provide right floor Pavier
position or providing and finish for right purpose
laying in position with
everything complete,
required floor finish out of
precast or premanufacture
floor finish units or out of
materials with which cast
in situ floor finish in all
conditions with polishing
etc. completed.
14. Providing and fixing To provide glazed areas Glazier
wherever necessary the for openings
panels of specified variety
of glass complete with
necessary putty and
finishes
15. Applying cement plaster to To give a protective Plasterer
walls and ceiling coating over vertical and
externally and internally horizontal surface capable
in different surface of being coloured for
finishes imparting convenient
environments.
16. Painting of all surfaces To impart a protective Painter
involved in building of layer which also adds to
masonry, timber, metals, the appearance
occurring externally or
internally, with specified
type of paint.
17. Providing with everything To impart waterproofing Water
necessary for water qualities to structure proofer or
proofing of terraces, Asphalter.
basements and other
building parts exposed to
rain / dampen
18. Providing and installing To provide facility of using Licensed
everything necessary electricity for diversified electrical
including with electric uses. contractor
supply, as per the
provision of bye laws in
force
19. To provide and install To extend facility of use of Licensed
everything the various hot and cold water supply plumber
necessary fixtures
involved in hot and cold
water supply.

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 20. Provide and install every To extend sanitary Sanitary
thing necessary the facilities contractor
various fittings and their
standard accessories for
disposing sewer through
water carriage disposal
system
21. Supplying and installing To extend facility of gas as The Gas
with everything necessary a fuel Contractor
for fuel gas appliances

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P R E L I M I N A R I E S T O B E O B S E R V E
D
REGARDING MATERIALS BEFORE ANY WORK IS ATTRIBUTED TO A
BUILDER

The following are the preliminaries to be observed in the selection of

materials:

● All the materials brought on the site of work shall be meant to be

used for the same and shall be the best of their respective kinds.

● Samples shall be procured and approved by the architect before

placing the order to the suppliers.

● The contractor shall check every fresh consignment of material and

see that it conforms to the specifications.

● Bills, certificates, etc, shall be produced by the contractor as and

when asked by the architect.

● Any material not found to conform to the specifications after testing

shall be rejected.

● Materials shall be selected, stacked or stored as directed by the

architect.

● The architect has the power to ask the contractor to procure and
use such materials from a particular source.

● Any special material that may be required for the work shall be
taken over in writing by the architect.

● The contractor shall be responsible for any special material brought

on site and shall not be paid additionally.

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CRITERIA OF SELECTION AND MAINTENAN
CE O F M A T E R I A L S:

SELECTION OF MATERIAL:

1. Scope of Material:
It is very essential to test the material and determine its scope. For
example Lime is of Type / Class A, B, C

Type A- It is good for masonry work

Type B- It is good for mortar
Type C- It is good for coatings

2. Testing of Material:
It is practical to test a material and determine its scope and its
properties. This can be done by-

a) Strength- This is done to determine the strength of material and

wear and tear that it can undergo.

b) Resistance to wear and tear- This is used to determine the

ability of a material to resist wear and tear and whether it
undergoes any corrosion or abrasions it gets on being subjected to
conditions of wear and tear.

3. Procurement or Availability of Materials:

It is another criterion taken into consideration while selecting a
material. If the material is easily available in abundance it is
generally preferred.

4. Properties of Materials:
It is essential to keep the properties of a material in mind before
selecting it whether the material is weak or tough or whether it is
hard or soft.

MAINTENANCE OF MATERIALS:

5. Handling:
It is very essential to mention that a given material be handled
properly and not be subjected to too much of wear and tear.

6. Storage:
It is good to store the materials properly and they should not be
brought in contact with water.

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 7. Precautions:
Special precautions should be taken for the maintenance of the
material during storage till it is actually consumed in construction.

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C O N T R A C T D O C U M E N T:

CONTRACT DOCUMENT:

Specification is the description of work of construction. It is document

containing the points that clearly give idea about the materials required,
the accessories required for proper carrying out of work, the
workmanship, proper sequence and precaution to be taken for getting the
best possible results. The construction activity is the final outcome of the
project. In getting the material involvement of such carrying out of
architect’s idea, a procedure is been formulated which is been made by
involving into legal origins.

A regular agreement which is legally registered with the registrar is

being entered into before any job of construction is attributed to a
builder. In general terms, it is referred as ‘Contract Document”. The
contract is prepared by the architect and finally being signed by client
and the builder.

The Contract Document contains following:-

a) A complete set of working drawings.

b) The structural, plumbing, sanitary & electrical installation & other
specialized service details.
c) Schedules of approximate quantities.
d) Specifications.
e) Articles of agreement with the special conditions and appendixes if
any.
f) The mode of measurement and payment.

(a) The Working Drawing: The working drawings covering each and
every aspect as of construction are been prepared by architect to
convenient and suitable scale (by architect) and are been supplied in
form of properly arranged sets.

(b) Set of all services drawings: These are the details in forms of
drawings and clearly give the detailed information about services to
the building. It also clearly gives the structural details of buildings
components. These drawings also are been arranged in form of
properly arranged sets.

(c) Schedule of Approximate quantities/Estimates: It is the schedule

in which the approximate quantities of various items of work are been
given.

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(d) Specifications: The specification that is supplied covers all items of
work that are involved in the said work. Furthermore, it takes the
precaution of certain items of work that are also involved in the said
work.

(e) Articles of Agreement: These are the articles of agreement, which

are standard, are been published under the authority IIA, Bombay. The
special instructions if any, and the appendixes giving various details
are been attached to the articles of agreement as it may be found
necessary.

(f) Mode of Measurement and Payment: The mode in which the

various items of works are to be measured for billing is been clearly
sent forth which forms an important document covered under the
contract document.

PURPOSE OF CONTRACT DOCUMENT:

Irrespective of the building type, the contract document is necessary to

safeguard the interests of the client and the contractor, the different
implications in proper detail being described. This legal document
supports the smooth functioning of the construction work without any
legal inconvenience to either of the parties.

a. The construction process is entrusted to the builder or contractor

directed and guided by the architect and also through a set of
drawings, estimates and specifications.
b. This is to safeguard the interests of the client and the contractor that a
legal contract is entered into as per the ‘CONTRACT ACT’ of
Government of India.

WHAT IS A CONTRACT?

An agreement enforceable by law is called a contact. The contract

invariably follows a proposal from one party and its acceptance by the
other. In absence of either of the above, the contract becomes void; i.e.
without legal effect or avoidable; i.e. which can be avoided by either of
the parties. The term contract, as far as P.W.D. is concerned is a written
undertaking for execution of work or supply of materials or for the
performance of the services are connected therewith duly accepted and
registered by the competent authority on behalf of the union or the state
government.

GENERAL:

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A contract may consist of a number of documents, which are linked by
cross-references and contain collectively all the essentials of a contract.
Engineering contract documents usually contain the following:
a. Tender notice.
b. General rules and directions for the use of contractors.
c. Form of contract.
d. Conditions of contract.
e. Schedule A – showing details of materials.
f. Schedule B – bill of quantities.
g. Specifications.
h. Contract drawings.

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CONTENTS – NATURE AND PURPOSE:

a. Tender notice:

The tender inviting the bids from the contractors is included and forms a
part of the contract document. It includes the information like name of
work, estimated cost, amount of earnest money and security deposits,
time of completion etc.
The main purpose of reprinting the entire advertisement is to protect the
engineer against the possibility of a claim that he misrepresented the
conditions and purpose of the proposed work.

b. General rules and directions:

It is necessary to insert a set of rules and conditions at the beginning of

the document to instruct the intending contractor as to how the tender
shall be completed and emphasizing particulars which may vitally affect
his interests.
The purpose of this document is to clearly define the requirements of the
contract.

c. Form of contract:

Printed forms of contract are usually used by civil engineering contracts

since the language of these contracts is generally uniform. The P.W.D.
and other public bodies have agreed forms of civil engineering contracts,
and these are issued in printed form. These forms may vary between the
agreements of the parties.
After the tender of a contractor is accepted, the owner and the contractor
enter into a final formal agreement which is binding on the owner and the
contractor after it has been properly signed, sealed and witnessed.

d. Conditions of contract:

A set of well-prepared conditions of contract is invariably included in the

agreement. These conditions define in detail the rights, duties and
liabilities of:

1. The contractor who executes the work.

2. The owner for whom the work is being carried out.
3. The architect and the engineer who design s and supervises the
work.

The conditions of contract are drafted by the engineer for the owner and
quite naturally he shall keep in mind the interests of his principal. The
engineer shall see that the owner and he are protected against any

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 20
contractor who might intentionally or unwittingly do something which is
unfair to the owner. Proper execution of the work shall not be possible
without full co-operation of the contractor and as such no clause, which
may be unfair to his interests, shall be included in the conditions. If
required, the engineer can resort to the provisions of the conditions to
force the defaulting contractor to abide by its requirements.
All the conditions with properly chosen wordings of each clause shall be
included. Each clause shall be capable of precise legal interpretation. A
standard set of conditions which is printed along with the form of
agreement may be used. These are so made that with little
alteration/addition, the same shall be adopted.

e. Schedule A – materials to be supplied by the owner:

The particulars commonly mentioned in it are listed as:

1. Kind of material: Cement and steel are two such materials

which are agreed to be supplied by the owner to the contractor,
in case where the owner is of a government department.
2. Approximate quantity: The under certain different categories
are likely to be required for the construction of proposed work.
3. Place of delivery: The place at which the contractor will have to
take the delivery of material shall be mentioned.
4. Rate of issue and mode of payment: Against each category of
materials are the rates per unit quantity at which the contractor
shall have to pay for the material received. The rates are
inclusive of the transport and storage charges in addition to the
price paid by the owner. The cost of the materials shall be
recovered by the amount that is due to the contractor each
month in the proportion of the approximate quantity of materials
actually consumed on work.
5. Ownership of materials: The material supplied by the owner to
the contractor shall be the property of the owner .The contractor
cannot remove or use the material at any other site. The
contractor who is responsible for the proper storage of the
materials shall also be responsible to keep a check on the day to
day consumption of materials on site of work.
6. Return of excess material: Any material, which shall be
supplied if in excess, shall be returned to the owner in a
satisfactory condition. The condition - cost there of is already
paid by him and refunded to the contractor. In case of cement it
shall be specified whether the cost is inclusive of the cement
bags or not. In the latter case the empty bags shall be returned
to the owner is a good condition.

f. Schedule B – bill of quantities:

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 21
Bill of quantities includes a list of all the constructional items necessary
for completing the work. The items, which are definite, readily
measurable, of the customary type and of sufficient scope to cover the
greatest practicable portion of the work, are normally included in the bill.
Each item is fully described in the description column and the
approximate quantity is entered in the quantity column. The tenderer is
to insert in the schedule:

1. The tender rate per unit quantity.

2. Cost of each item i.e. approximate quantity multiplied by the bid
rate.
3. The total of all items.

These statements cannot be changed after signing the contract.

g. Specifications:

The specifications are a clear and concise description of the materials and
labour to be employed in or about a construction, and the methods,
precautions etc. are required. It has to be exhaustive and shall not be
irrelevant or repetitive. Both general and particular specifications are
included.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 22
 h. Contract drawings:

A complete set of drawings to give full particulars of the proposed work is

prepared prior to the invitation of the tender. These are used to give the
contractor the necessary information, which can be transmitted more
effectively by picture language than written description. The conditions of
contract usually specify that anything on the drawings shown shall be
transferred in the construction. In case of a dispute what is on the
drawing matters more than what should have been shown or what the
engineer suggested. These are a property of the owner .One of the
conditions of contract specifies that the drawings which form a part of the
contract are subject of change and the contractor has to do work as per
the revised drawings.

These drawings include:

1. A complete set of working drawings: covering each and every

aspect of construction prepared by the architect.

2. A complete set of services [specialized] drawings: includes details

in the form of drawings and information about services like water
supply, structural, plumbing, air conditioning etc.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 23
T E N D E R D O C U M E N T:

WHAT IS A TENDER?

Tender is a written offer submitted by the contractors in pursuance of a

notification given, to execute the work or supply of specified articles or
transport of materials at specified rate with the terms and conditions laid
down in the tender document. The form in which this is to be submitted is
supplied by the department to eligible contractors on usual payment of
cost.

TENDER FORM:

Tender form is a printed standard form giving standard conditions of

contract, general use and directions guiding the contractors. It also
contains a memorandum for giving:

a. General description of work.

b. Estimated cost.
c. Earnest money
d. Security deposits.
e. Time for the commencement of the work from the day of the written
order.
f. Columns for the sign of the contractor before submission of the tender,
the sign of witness to the contractor and the officer accepting the
tender are provided. The price of the form is written on the form and it
shall be procured from the office inviting tender on cash payment on
all working days.

TENDER DOCUMENT:

The terms and conditions of contract while inviting the tender are:

a. The Notice Inviting Tender (N.I.T.) is a standard approved form of a

department.
b. Tender form with standard conditions of contract.
c. Schedule of quantities of the items of work to be carried out,
materials, tools and plants to be supplied by the department if any.
d. Special terms and conditions.
e. Complete specification of the work to be executed.
f. Special specifications and the additional conditions of contract.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 24
 g. One set of drawings approved if necessary.

All the above documents are signed by the contractor page by page,
necessary entries are made and a forwarding letter or letter head of the
contractor with the bank draft are put in an enclosed cover. This is sealed
and dropped in the tender box within the limit of the tender. The name of
the work and the name of contractor shall be superscribed on the cover.
Before tenders for a work are invited a detailed estimate showing
the quantities, rates and amount of the various items of work, as also the
specifications to be adopted shall be prepared and sanctioned.

CONTRACT DOCUMENT:

When a work, other than a petty work which is to be executed under the
work order system, is proposed to be given out on contract, the Engineer
in charge (on behalf of the owner) prepares Contract Document. Both the
parties entering into contract must put their signatures on each page of
the contract document.

Engineering contract document contains the following:

1. Title Page
2. Index
3. Tender Notice
4. Letter of Acceptance of tender and order to commence work
5. Any letter given by the contractor with the Tender
6. Tender Form
7. Conditions of Contract
8. Additional Conditions
9. Schedule of Items of Works
10. General and Additional Specifications
11. Schedule of Issue of Materials, Tools and Plants
12. Schedule of Fair Wages
13. A Complete Set of Drawings including plans, elevations and
sections.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 25
VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 26
 SECTION A
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
FOR BASIC MATERIALS
The materials which are more common and are generally used in the
construction work all over uniformly and do not have marked change are
termed as Basic Materials. They generally have the same physical and
chemical properties including their proportions of composition being
same for all the items of construction of various types of works such as:

i) General Items,
ii) Bridge Work,
iii) Cross Drainage Works,
iv) Road Work and
v) Building Works.
Following are the clauses for specifications for materials:

1. general scope of the material (in the items)

2. materials required/involved & description of the materials,
procurement, transportation, processing & storage of materials,
3. construction operations,
4. finishing description,
5. precautions to be taken, and
6. Mode of measurement, deductions to be made etc., and payment.

Following are the ‘Basic Materials’ mentioned in the Standard

specifications Book:

1. Lime
2. Cement
3. Surkhi
4. Neeru
5. Water
6. Fine Aggregate
7. Coarse Aggregate
8. Stone for Masonry
9. Bricks
10. Mild Steel Bars for Reinforcement
10. (a) High Tensile Steel Bars
10.(b) High Tensile Steel Wires
10.(c) Crimped or Indented High Tensile Steel Wires
11. Structural Steel
12. Cast Steel
13. Cast Iron
14. Wrought Iron
15. Mild Steel Wire
16. Timber

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 27
 17. Paints
18. Glass
19. Aluminium Sections
20. PVC Sections
1. LIME:

SCOPE OF THE MATERIAL: Lime is used as a binding material

depending upon its classification as class A, B, C,
D, and E.

CLASSIFICATION:
Class A – eminently hydraulic lime
Class B – Semi hydraulic lime.
Class C – Fat Lime.
Class D – Magnesium or dolomite lime.
Class E – Kankar Lime
Class F – Siliceous dolomite lime.
USES:
Class A – Shall be used for structural purpose
Class B – Shall be used for mortar and masonry purpose.
Class C– Shall be used mainly for finishing coat in plastering,
white washing and with surkhi to produce artificial
hydraulic mortar.
Class D – Shall be used for finishing coat in plaster.
Class E – Shall be used for masonry mortar.
Class F– Shall be used for undercoat and finishing coat of plaster.

PROCUREMENT OF MATERIAL: Lime is not usually available in nature

in free state it shall be produced from kilns by burning its ore.

DESCRIPTION:
∙ Chemical composition - as per 1.S.712 of 1964
∙ Physical requirements -as per 1.S.712 of 1964 of classes.
∙ It is pure.
∙ Impurities like ashes or unburnt pieces should be picked up should
be screened before slacking.
∙ Then lime is stacked lime for 1-2 weeks and is again screened as
per use i.e. sieved through sieve No. 250 or 240 if to be used as
mortar and through No. 120 if to be used as finishing coats.

HANDLING: Material should not come in contact with water before

slaking.
∙ Workers handling should wear gloves and goggles.
∙ Quick lime evolves heat on slaking so care should be taken.
∙ Quick lime / hydraulic lime should be kept away from moisture.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 28
PRECAUTIONS: Lime should be used within 14 days of its removal from
the kilns. It should be stored on weather proof damp proof floor. The
places should be shaded with impervious sides.
∙ If lime is rejected due to some reasons, the material should be
always immediately removed from site.
MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT: Measurement shall be by weight in
tones as unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 29
2. CEMENT

SCOPE OF MATERIAL:
Cement shall be used for preparation of concrete as a cementing
material, mortar. It shall be used as a binding agent in the form of slurry.
Also used as P.C.C. / R.C.C. for infrastructures and superstructures used
as an ingredient in plain and marble mosaic flooring.

DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL:
The physical and chemical composition is as per I.S. 269 of 1967.

∙ It is always in powder form – needs no sieving or crushing.

∙ Should always be free from physical / chemical impurities.
∙ Cement is available in grades of 33, 43, and 53 to be used as per
specified grade concrete.

PROCUREMENT OF MATERIAL:
Cement is manufactured in manufacturing plant. It shall be available in
market in plastic and paper bags by wt. of 1 Kg., 2 Kg., 5 Kg., 10 Kg. and
50 Kg.

STORAGE / PRECAUTIONS:
● If cement is to be stored for long period, it shall be stored in air
tight containers.

∙ It should be piled up in such a way that there should be 10 bags per

pile and separating distance of 30 cm between the piles and
exterior walls of building.
∙ Shed for slacking shall have properly water proof walls, roofs, and
floor.
∙ Cement stored in jute bags shall not be used after 3 months of
manufacture. Shall be stored at places free from clay, dust
admixtures.

MODE OF MEASUREMENT / PAYMENT:

Measurement shall be by weight and paid accordingly in tones.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 30
3. SURKHI:

SCOPE:
● It is used as surkhi concrete for water proofing as in case of
concrete used in slab drop of W.C.’s.
∙ It is also used as surkhi mortar for leveling slabs.
∙ It is also used for making surkhi cement mortar and surkhi lime
mortar.
∙ These are used in plastering of surfaces in finish walls of other
coats.

DESCRIPTION:
● Surkhi is to be made by grinding burnt bricks, brickbats, burnt clay
balls, broken tiles or pottery to powder.

∙ The bricks etc. to be used shall be prepared from selected clay

approved by the engineer.
∙ They shall conform to I.S. 1344 – 1959.

PREPARATION:
1) The surkhi to be used for surkhi cement mortar shall be prepared
by grinding or pounding the burnt bricks, brick bats, burnt clay
balls, broken tiles or pottery preferably in a mechanical
disintegrator to a fine powder passing through I.S. sieve No. 9 with
a residue not exceeding 10% by weight.

2) For preparing surkhi for lime surkhi mortar, burnt bricks, brick
bats or burnt clay balls shall be broken to a size of 25 mm – 40 mm.
Surkhi need not be in powder form. But the brickbats shall be
ground to powder in the ghani or mortar mill to pass through I.S.
sieve no. 100 while preparing lime mortar.

STORAGE:
● Surkhi shall be free from any admixture of clay, dust or any other
foreign matter and shall be stacked in a closed shed on a brick
paved, wood or other suitable platform so as to be adequately
protected from such admixture.

∙ It shall be kept quite dry and clean and shall be well protected from
rain and contact from any other water, dampness or atmospheric
moisture.

MEASUREMENT:
When required to be measured, it shall be measured by weight or by
volume with tone or cu. Meter as the respective unit.

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VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 32
4. NEERU:

SCOPE:
The neeru paste is used where smooth surface is to be provided e.g.
plastering.

DESCRIPTION:
Neeru consists of following Materials:
1. Lime: Class C limes (i.e. pure fat lime) as mentioned in I.S. 712 –
1956 shall be used. It shall comply with specification No. A1 in all
respects.
2. Water: It shall confirm to specification No. A5.
3. Sand: Shall confirm to specification no. A6. All sand shall pass
through I.S. sieve No. 60 (0.599 mm).

PREPARATION:
Lime shall be slaked and mixed with sufficient water to form a thick
paste; it shall be reduced to a fine paste by grinding. It shall then be
passed through a fine sieve (3mm) to remove all unslaked particles and
foreign matter and allowed to mellow under water for at least 10 days in
large slaking tanks. The surplus water on the top shall be allowed to run
off. The slaked lime paste thus formed shall be used for preparing neeru.

The neeru shall be prepared by mixing together 4 parts of this lime

paste and 1 part of fine sieved sand by volume. Jute fiber finely chopped
shall be added to the above mortar at the rate of 4 kg. of jute to every; cu.
Meter of lime – sand mixture. The mixture shall then be ground properly
to a fine paste between two stones of a mill. The neeru thus prepared
shall be kept moist until used and not more than what can be consumed
in 15 days shall be prepared at a time.

PRECAUTIONS: Paste should be moist till use; only that much paste is
prepared which could be consumed within 15 days.

MEASUREMENT: Measurement shall be in volume with; cu. Meter as a

unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 33
5. WATER:

SCOPE:
In preparation of mortars and concrete. Mostly used in curing.

DESCRIPTION:
Water to be used for construction purpose should not be salty or
brackish.

∙ It should be free form oils, acids, alkalis, salts etc. which weakens
the mortar or concrete as it will attack the steel in R.C.C and will
rust it.
∙ It should be obtained from approved sources.
∙ The pH value should be within 4.5 to 8.5.
∙ It should affect hydration of stains.
∙ It should not contain more than 100-mg sulphate.

1. Water for mixing cement / lime mortar or cement / lime

concrete:-
Free from objectionable quantities of silt and traces of oil acid and
injurious alkali, salts, organic matter and other deleterious material
which will either weaken the mortar or concrete or cause efflorescence or
attack steel in R.C.C. Sources of water shall be maintained at such a
depth and the water shall be withdrawn in such a manner as to exclude
silt, mud, grass and other foreign materials. Containers shall be clean.
Sea water shall not be used. Water fit for drinking will generally be found
suitable for mixing cement / lime mortar / concrete.

2. Water for curing: Should not be too acidic or too alkaline.

Hard and bitter water containing more than 100 p.p.m. of sulphate
shall not be used for curing purpose. Sea water and water containing of
over 3% of chloride salts should not be used for curing reinforced
concrete work. Potable water will generally be found suitable for curing.

MEASUREMENT: Measured by volume and unit is cubic litre.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 34
6. FINE AGGREGATE:

SCOPE:
In cement mortar, cement concrete and in plinth filling I.S. code 383-
1952, 515 – 1959.

DESCRIPTION:
Sand for use in concrete work:
∙ Shall be natural sand or crushed stone screenings.

∙ Shall be clean, well- graded, hard, strong, durable, and gritty

particles free from injurious amounts of dust, clay, Kankar nodules,
soft or limited to 5 MM.

∙ Zeolite crystals may be permitted upto 4%.

∙ If it contains more than 4% of clay, dusts or silt, it shall be washed.

∙ It is tested if quality is doubtful as laid down in I.S. 383-1952

otherwise it would reduce the strength of R.C.C. or mortar.

● Sea sand shall not be used.

● Fineness modulus should be within 2.6 – 3.6.

Following are the sieves used if the material is to be used for first
coat of plaster

% by weight I.S. Sieve

No.
100% 480
80-95% 240
70-90% 120
45-85% 60
5-50% 30
0-10% 15

The fineness modulus shall not exceed 3.0.

GRADATION: The gradation of materials from any one source shall not
vary in composition beyond the range of values that governs, in selecting
source of supply. For determining the degree of uniformity, determination
of fineness modulus shall be made upon representative samples furnished

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 35
by the contractor from such sources as he proposes to use. Fine
aggregate from any one source having a variation in fineness modulus
greater than or less than 0.20 from the avg. fineness modulus of the
representative samples submitted by the contractor shall be rejected or
may be accepted subject to such changes in the proportion of aggregate.

CRUSHING STRENGTH:
Aggregate from trap granite has maximum strength so ultimate strength
is achieved.

∙ Grading test should be done in the beginning.

∙ The material is rejected if it absorbs more than 5% of water its wt.
increases by 5% if it is dipped for 24 hrs. in H2O.

STORAGE:
The fine aggregate should be stacked carefully on a clean band surface so
that it will not get mixed up with deleterious foreign material.

Sand shall not be stacked in high conical heaps so that segregation

of heavier particles by sliding down may be prevented it shall be placed
in layers not thicker than those resulting from lorry loads dumped on the
same plane.

TESTS:
The aggregate shall satisfy the tests referred to in I.S. 383 – 1952.

ROYALTY:
The contractor shall be responsible for observing the laws, rules and
regulations imposed under the minor minerals act. No royalty shall be
charged when the material is allowed to be obtained from the
Departmental quarry.

MEASUREMENT:
It shall be in volume with cu. Meter as unit. No deduction shall be made
for the voids.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 36
7. COARSE AGGREGATE:

SCOPE: used in cement concrete i.e. P.C.C. /R.C.C.

DESCRIPTION: shall consist of crushed or broken stone and be hard,

strong, dense, durable, clean, of proper gradation and free from skin and
coating likely to prevent proper adhesion of mortar.

∙ Aggregate shall be generally cubical in shape as far as possible

flaky, elongated pieces shall be avoided.
∙ Shall generally comply with the provisions of I.S. 383-1952 and I.S.
515-1959.
∙ Aggregates shall be broken from the best trap / granite / quartzite /
gneiss stones in that order available.
∙ Stones shall have no deleterious reaction with cement.
∙ Shingle of the appropriate grading may be permitted to be
substituted for some proportion of the metal without price
adjustment.
∙ The maximum size of the aggregates may be upto 80 mm. and well
graded between the sizes 5 mm – 80 mm.
∙ The maximum size should not exceed ¼ of the min. thickness of the
member, provided however this size presents no difficulty in case of
R.C.C., to surround the reinforcement thoroughly and fill up
corners of the formwork.
∙ Crushing strength will be such as to allow the concrete in which it
is used to build up the specified strength of concrete.
∙ Coarse aggregate of a porous nature absorbing more than 5% of
water shall be rejected.

STORAGE: Aggregates of different sizes shall be stored separately and

handled in such a manner as to prevent intermixing of different sizes of
aggregates required separately for grading purposes. No foreign matter
shall be allowed to be mixed up with aggregates. If covered with dust etc,
they shall be cleaned before use.

PRECAUTIONS: Aggregates should be hard, durable and clean.

∙ Should be completely free from lumps, organic, vegetable matter
etc.

∙ Presence of all such debris prevents adhesion of aggregates hence

reduces strength of concrete.

MEASUREMENT: shall be in volume with cu. Meter as unit. No

deduction shall be made for voids.

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VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 38
8. STONE FOR MASONRY:

SCOPE: Masonry walls.

DESCRIPTION: Stones shall be sharp, trap, granite, quartzite, gneiss,

laterite or any other type of good stones.
∙ Stone shall stand weathering well and when immersed in water for
24 hrs. shall not absorb water more than 5% of its dry wt. when
tested according to I.S. 1124-1957.
∙ All stones shall generally; be freshly quarried and obtained in
specified quantity of the contract.
∙ If laterite stone is used, it shall be compact in texture and the
mottled and streaked colours prevailing in it should not be very
unevenly distributed. Those types in which white clay colour occurs
should not be used as building stone.
∙ Laterite stones exposed to weather to harden for some time should
be preferred; should not be used where subject to great pressure
and liable to be soaked with water.

QUALITY OF FACE STONES: Stones shall be tough, hard, dense, sound

and durable, resistant to weathering action, reasonably fine-grained,
uniform in colour and texture and free from seams, cracks or other
defects which would adversely affect their strength, durability or
appearance.
∙ Shall be free from weathered portion and skin.
∙ Exposed faces shall be entirely free from any type of discoloration.
∙ Freshly quarried, clean faced, sharp edged, all round.

QUALITY OF RUBBLE STONES: Rubble stones for hearting shall be of

approved quality, sound, hard, dense and durable, free from segregation,
seams, cracks, and weathered portions and other structural defects or
imperfections tending to affect soundness and strength.
∙ Shall be free from rounded, worn or weathered surfaces or skin of
coating which prevents the adhesion with mortar.

QUALITY OF OTHER STONES: Stones to be used as headers, pin

headers, quoins, copings, etc. shall comply with the requirements of
facing and hearting stones.

QUALITY OF THROUGH STONES: it should be hard, tough and should

have all qualities of face stone, the size and shape is per the requirement.

STORAGE: Stacked on clean, hard surface.

∙ High conical heaps should be avoided.
∙ Should never be placed in layers.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 39
MEASUREMENT: shall be in volume, length or numbers as the case may
be with cu. Meter, meter and once as the respective unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 40
9. BRICKS:

SCOPE: Masonry works.

DESCRIPTION: depending upon the qualities of materials, the bricks

can be classified as:

Class I: - first - class bricks shall be out of regular and uniform size,
shape and colour, uniformly well burnt throughout but not over burnt.

∙ They shall have plane rectangular faces with parallel sides and
sharp, straight and right angled edges.

∙ They shall be free from cracks or other flaws.

∙ They shall have a clear metallic ringing sound when struck.

∙ They shall show a fine grained, uniform, homogenous and dense

texture on fracture and be free from lumps of lime, laminations,
cracks air holes, soluble salts causing efflorescence or other defects
which may impair their strength, durability, appearance or
usefulness for the purpose intended.

∙ Absorption – After immersion in water, absorption by wt. shall not

exceed 20% of the dry wt. of the brick.

∙ Crushing strength – The load to crush the bk. when dry shall not be
less than 43.7 kg/sq.cm. And when thoroughly soaked shall not be
less than 32.8 Kg/Sq.cm.

∙ Tests – When bricks are to be used in high load bearing walls,

where the load coming on the walls is of the order of 4.37 kg. per
sq.cm. or more, where there is a doubt about the crushing strength
of the bricks if different kilns use different materials and methods of
burning. One test shall be made for each group of kilns using the
same type of materials and methods of burning. If the average
strength is less, the bricks from the kiln represented by the sample
shall be rejected.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 41
Class II- These bricks are slightly over burnt.

∙ These are similar to class I bk. except the sharp fine edges, uniform
colour and texture.

∙ The variation in breadth 15 mm is allowable.

∙ Should produce metallic ringing sound when struck together.

∙ When soaked in water, the wt. should not increase than 22% of its
dry wt.

∙ Crushing strength is 10% less than class I bricks.

Class III / Sun dried: - These bricks are made of same clay.

∙ These are soaked and moulded.

∙ Earth to be used should be free from efflorescence salts and traces

of white ants, if pieces are cracked then whole material is rejected.

∙ 19 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm are standard size should be used for one work.

It may not have clean and sharp edges.

∙ The deformity in shape will cause difficulty.

∙ It should be thoroughly dried before use.

∙ It should be protected from rain and contact with water at all times,
they should be handled and stacked carefully to avoid damage, if
bricks break on being thrown on their flat face on the ground from
a height of about 30 cm such bricks are rejected.

MEASUREMENT: shall be by numbers with 1.000 as unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 42
10. M.S. BARS FOR REINFORCEMENT:

SCOPE: reinforcement of concrete works.

DESCRIPTION: M.S. steel bar for R.C.C. work shall conform to I.S. 432-
1960 and shall be of the tested quality of not less than grade I.

∙ All the bars shall be clean and free from dirt, oil, paint, grease, mill
scale or loose or thick dust at the time of placing.

∙ Bars or rods rerolled from scrap steel shall not be used unless tests
show that they fully comply with the I.S.

STORAGE: Reinforcement steel shall be stored above ground surface

upon platforms, skids or other supports to avoid distortion and sags of
long lengths and shall be protected from surface deterioration by direct
contact with undesirable elements or by exposure to conditions producing
rust and corrosion.

∙ All bars of the same designation shall be stacked separately; in

racks and distinctly marked.

MEASUREMENT: shall be by wt. with quintal or tonne as unit.

10a. HIGH TENSILE STEEL BARS:

SCOPE: used in prestressed concreted work.

DESCRIPTION: Bars shall conform to I.S. 20909-1962.

∙ The strength shall be specified in the special provisions of the item.

∙ Storage and measurement shall conform to the above.

10b. HIGH TENSILE STEEL WIRES.

DESCRIPTION: Wires shall conform to I.S. 1785-1961.

∙ Scope, storage and measurement shall conform to the above.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 43
10c. CRIMPED / INDENTED HIGH TENSILE WIRES.

DESCRIPTION: Wires shall conform to the physical characteristics

specified in I.S. 1785-1961.

11. STRUCTURAL STEEL:

DESCRIPTION: Steel shall conform to I.S. 226-1958 and I.S. 800-1956.

∙ The steel shall be free from defects and have smooth uniform finish.

∙ Material shall be free from loose mill scales, rusts, pits or other
defects.

STORAGE: shall be stored above surface of the ground upon platforms,

skids or other suitable supports to avoid distortion of sections in long
lengths.

∙ Shall be protected from surface deterioration by direct contact with

harmful elements or exposure to conditions causing rust corrosion.

∙ Shall be stored and handled that the material will not be subject to
excessive stress and damage.

STRAIGHTENING: All deforms structural material will not be property

straightened by methods which are not injurious prior to being laid off,
punched or otherwise worked in the shop.

∙ Sharp kinks and bends shall cause for rejection.

TESTS: done according to I.S. 226-1958and I.S. 223-1950.

MEASUREMENT: Sections shall be supplied in specified exact lengths,

smooth cut to the required lines.

∙ The contract rate shall be for unit of one quintal or one tonne.

12. CAST STEEL:

DESCRIPTON: The specifications cover the requirement of cast steel for

Engg. Castings such as its chemical composition, physical and mechanical
properties, casting process, rectification of the defects, heat treatment,
finishing tests, etc.

∙ The cast steel shall conform to I.S. 1030-1956.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 44
MEASUREMENT: shall be by weight with quintal or tonne as unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 45
13. CAST IRON:

DESCRIPTION: Grey iron castings: shall comply fully with I.S. 210 –
1950.

∙ Shall be of the best, tough, close – grained, grey metal, clean, sound
section, and free from air holes, sand holes, and flaws, distortion,
with sharp or rounded edges.

∙ The fracture should show a uniformly diffused dark grey colour

having a good luster.

∙ It shall be sufficiently soft to admit of being cut by either chisel or

drill and shall be machinable.

∙ The castings shall be true to pattern in the form and dimensions,

out of winding shall be kindly filled at angles and curves shall be
perfect.

∙ Malleable iron castings shall comply with I.S. 227-1954.

MEASUREMENT: shall be by weight with quintal or tonne as unit.

14. WROUGHT IRON:

SCOPE: Being tensile, it is used according to grades A, B, and C.

DESCRIPTION:
● Chemical composition: iron shall not contain more than 0.1% of Mn,
for grade A, and not more than 0.15% for grade B. Carbon shall not
exceed 0.15% in the iron.

∙ Wrought iron shall be free form flaws, cracks, blisters, scales,

laminations and free from defects, be cleanly rolled to dimensions.

TESTS:
1. Tensile test: The result of tensile tests for grade A and B should
give a tensile strength of 33 Kg/Sq.mm. to 37.8 Kg/sq.mm. for
rounds and squares of 50mm dia. of side.
For grade C, for rounds and squares upto 50mm dia. or sides
should be 33.1 kg/sq.mm to 39.4 Kg./sq.mm.

2. Cold bend test: The test piece shall, without showing signs of
cracks of fracture on the outside of the bend, withstand being bent
cold through an angle of 180 o round a former having a dia. equal to

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 46
 1.5 times the test piece thickness and for grade C, the bend will be
through 90o only for all round and sq. bars and flats upto 32 mm.

3. Nick and bend test: in grades A, B and test piece lightly and evenly
nicked on one side and bent steadily should show fibres free from
slag, dirt or coarse crystalline spots or streaks..
MEASUREMENT: shall be by weight with quintal or tonne as unit.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 47
15. MILD STEEL BINDING WIRE:

SCOPE: The use of black or galvanized wire will be permitted for binding
reinforcement bars.

DESCRIPTION: The mild steel wire shall be of 1.63 mm or 1.22 m dia

and shall conform to I.S. 280 – 1951.

∙ It shall be free from rust, oil, paint, grease, loose will scale or any
undesirable coating which will prevent adhesion of cement mortar.

STORAGE: The wire coils shall be stored above ground on platform or

other supports and protected from surface deterioration by direct contact
with harmful elements or by exposure to conditions producing rust or
corrosion.

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT:

● measurement shall be by wt. with quintal or tonne do unit.

∙ The rate for reinforcement steel and its fabrication shall include the
cost of the binding wire.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 48
16. TIMBER:

SCOPE: used in building works.

DESCRIPTION: Timber shall be from the heart of a sound tree of mature

growth, the sapwood being entirely removed.

∙ It shall be uniform in substance, straight in fiber, free from large,

loose, dead or cluster knots, flaws, shakes, warp, cup, spring, twist,
bends and defects.

∙ It should be free from spongy, brittle, flaky, or brushy condition,

sapwood and borer holes.

∙ All timber shall be seasoned and be free from decay, not, harmful
fungi and insert attacks and from any other damage of harmful
nature which will affect the strength, durability, appearance or its
usefulness for the purpose.

∙ Colour: - The colour should be uniform, as the darkness amongst

coloured species signifies strength and durability.

∙ Kinds: Normally for doors, windows, roofs, scantlings, trusses,

Indian Teak wood is used.

∙ Nana can be used as an alternative.

∙ Adequately seasoned and properly treated timber of Haldu, Anjan

and Bijasal can be used for items of woodwork.

∙ Seasoned rose wood can be used for internal fittings for furniture.

∙ Junglewood or hardwood can be used for inferior or temporary

works.

∙ Seasoning: Seasoned timber shall be judged from its moisture

contents as laid down in I.S. 287-1951.

∙ Care must be taken to see that warping or cracking does not set in
during seasoning.

∙ Timber for building work shall not be wrought.

∙ All scantlings, plants etc. shall be sawn in straight lines and planes
and of uniform thickness.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 49
CLASSIFICATION:

a) Logs round, square or rectangular when the felled timber is not at

all processed.

b) Pole or post: natural felled timber without any processing is

classified as per the mid girth of mid-diameter.

c) Planks: Sawn scantling is less than 5 cms. Or width is more than 5

cm.

d) Patterns: Thickness and width are each less than 5 cm.

e) Scantlings: Sawn scantlings of dimensions other than the above.

PRECAUTIONS: Cracking, warping should not happen during handling.

∙ The sample should be checked by architect and its sample must be

deposited in architect’s office.

Dry area 12%

Moderately dry area 14%
Humid area 17%
Moderately humid area 20%

∙ For flooring it is 10-12%

STORAGE:
● should be stored under roof which is free from moisture, well
protected from rains, and absolutely free from insects causing
defects.

∙ Sawing should be done by laying the materials in full length

wherever possible with sufficient margin.

MEASUREMENT:

a) Logs in cubic metres.

b) Pole or post natural felled – in metres in groups of dia.

c) Planks: in cubic metres or square metres.

d) Patterns: in metres only.

e) Scantlings: in cubic metres.

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VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 51
17. 1. OIL PAINTS:

SCOPE: it is used as a finishing material. It is classified as under

a) READY MIXED PAINTS:

SCOPE: used as under coating, finishing, exterior or interior painting.

DESCRIPTION:
● shall comply in all respects with relevant I.S. 102-105 : 1950 and
I.S. 106-108-1952.

∙ The paint shall not show excessive setting in a freshly opened full
can and shall be easily redispersed to a smooth, homogenous state.

∙ The paint as received shall brush easily, possess good leveling

properties and show no burning or sagging tendencies.

∙ The paint shall not skin within 48 hrs. in 3-quarters filled closed
container.

∙ The paint shall dry to a smooth uniform finish free from roughness,
grit, unevenness, and other surface imperfections.

∙ All vehicles shall be free from resin and resin derivatives.

PRECAUTIONS:
● The paints shall be supplied in strong, substantial containers,
clearly marked with the ready mixed wt.

∙ They shall not be opened until actually; required for use.

∙ All paints, thinners, etc should preferably be kept in a separate

store that is well ventilated and free from excessive heat, sparks,
flame or direct rays of the sun.

b) OIL PAINTS PREPARED ON SITE:

DESCRIPTION: it contains the following :

1) OIL PASTE : shall comply from I.S. 86 to 100-1950 depending

on choice of colour and requirement in respect of chemical
composition.

2) LINSEED OIL : shall comply with I.S. 75-1950.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 52
 3) TURPENTINE : shall comply with I.S. 533-1954.

All the above shall be supplied in strong and substantial containers

clearly with the name, weight and volume of content of the material
together.

MEASUREMENT: shall be by volume with litre as the unit for liquid and
semi liquid paints and by wt. with kg. as unit (stiff pastes)

17.2. CEMENT PAINTS

SCOPE: used mainly for exterior decoration of buildings.

DESCRIPTION: These consist predominantly of white cement to which

lime and hygroscopic calcium salt is added.

∙ Available in variety of colours, they are usually applied to new

damp concretes or bricks structures.

∙ Paint should be stored until all the particles one wetted and it is
uniform.

PRECAUTIONS:
● Paint should be mixed in small batches to avoid stiffening before it
can be used.

∙ Cement joint shall be applied in the shade.

∙ Open sunshine shall be avoided especially during warm living

weather.

17.3. SYNTHETIC ENAMEL PAINT:

SCOPE: Used mainly for both internal and external walls.

DESCRIPTION:
● These are based on a synthetic resin vehicle in which the oil is
chemically reacted with the resin forming constituents.

∙ They have durable performance.

∙ The surface provided with this paint is not affected by acids alkalis,
fumes of gas, hot and cold water, steam etc.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 53
17.4. EMULSION PAINTS:

DESCRIPTION:
● Readily available, absence of odour and tonic hazards.

∙ Easy maintenance due to its relatively easy cleaning.

∙ Paint is tough and can be cleaned with water.

17.5. MATT PAINTS:

∙ Highly pigmented in paint, more hygienic, less susceptible to

bacterial and fungus attacks, especially under tropical condition.

∙ They have greater ability than distemper.

17.6. COLOURING DISTEMPER:

SCOPE: used for all decorative mouldings, cornices, for finishing.

DESCRIPTION:
● The material used for distemper will be of genuine manufacture.

∙ The finished surface shall present a uniform colour and smooth

texture.

∙ Light in colour and provide a good reflective coating.

17.7. VARNISHES:

SCOPE: used to protect unpainted wooden surfaces of doors, windows

roof trusses, floors etc. from atmospheric agencies.

DESCRIPTION: shall brighten grains of wood.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 54
∙ Shall render brilliancy to the painted surface.

∙ Shall dry rapidly and present a finished surface, uniform in nature.

∙ Colour shall not fade away from the surface when exposed to
atmosphere

∙ Protective film developed by varnish shall be dough, hard and

durable.
18. GLASS:

SCOPE: used for transparent, translucent and various effect.

DESCRIPTION: The contractor shall provide and clean and polish all
glass as directed by the architect.

∙ The contractor shall be liable for damage to or scratching of glass

while the building is under construction.

∙ Storage and protection of the glass supplied remains the liability of

contractor.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 55
19. F L O O R I N G M A T E R I A L S:

Following materials are used for flooring:

i) INDIAN PATENT STONE:

SCOPE: Most versatile type of flooring which can be provided to any type
of building where, an economic floor with multifarious uses is required.

DESCRIPTION: The appearance of the floor finish is usually smooth.

∙ The materials required for screwed formation and those required

for actual floor finish.

∙ Common aggregate comes under group of finer aggregates, which

includes stone chippings, which range upto, a size of ¼%.

∙ It is also includes graded sand passing normal sieve.

∙ These should be clean and should not contain clay.

∙ Cementing materials include usual Portland cement conforming to

I.S.S.

∙ Water used for mixing shall be conforming to usual specification.

∙ Timber floats with a minimum length of 6’ is required.

PRECAUTIONS: All aggregates should be perfectly clean and should not

contain clay, a general cleaning with pure water is advisable.

∙ This shall be made of metal No.1, thoroughly cleaned, free from any
dirt, clean sand and cement in the proportion of 4:2:1.

∙ The surface shall be kept well till minimum 14 days.

ii) MARBLE MOSAIC OR TERRAZO FLOOR:

SCOPE: Versatile and can create umpteen patterns of flooring.

DESCRIPTION: The materials required shall include finer aggregates in

form of clean sharp graded sand, medium aggregate shall include metal
having size of 3/g” to ¼”.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 56
∙ Normal grey cement shall be fresh and conforming to I.S.S.

∙ Materials required for final floor finish shall include particles of

marble in required size and colour.

∙ The tools and plants for laying shall include concrete mixed devices
a concrete mixer or a hand-mixing concrete plant.

∙ Water used for curing shall be clean free from any suspended
impurities and dissolved impurities.

PRECAUTIONS: All materials should be free from suspended, dissolved,

deleterious impurities.

∙ The surface should be allowed to set for 18 days hours.

iii)TILED FLOOR:

SCOPE: Available in endless range of colours and designs, and lighter

than mosaics, these are widely used for all floorings.

DESCRIPTION: The tiles shall be square or hexagonal in shape with a

thickness varying from 12-50mm.

∙ All tiles shall be fixed in cement mortar of 1:2 proportion &shall not
be old than 7 days.

∙ The tiles shall be hard and compact so that they can resist wear and
bear.

∙ They shall be scratch, stain and damp proof and anti-slip.

∙ They shall not require polishing.

PRECAUTIONS: The colouring substance required for coloured floor

tiles should be added at the time of preparation itself.

iv) RED CEMENT FLOORING:

DESCRIPTION: The flooring shall be thread lined and of square pattern

to be approved by the architect.
∙ The squares shall be finished off regularly at the edge or border
around the room.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 57
∙ The surface shall be brought to a fine polished finish by the use of
polishing stone or a polishing machine.

PRECAUTIONS: These for cracking and instructions for watering in case

of ordinary plastering with 1:3 cement mortar 1/2” thick shall be
followed.
20. R O O F I N G M A T E R I A L S:

Following come under roofing materials:

i) ASBESTOS CEMENT SHEETS:

SCOPE: Commonly used for factories, workshops, garages, big halls etc.

DESCRIPTION: These sheets should be as specified in the item or by

approved manufactures should conform to I.S.459-1970.

∙ The thickness shall be min. 6mm.

∙ The sheets shall be of std. length, width, and cut and shall be free
from cracks, deformities, all other defects and damages.

∙ The cement is mixed with about 15% of asbestos fibers and the
paste so formed is pressed with rollers with grooves or teeth.

∙ The corrugations shall help to increase strength and rigidity and

they permit easy flow of rainwater.
∙ They shall be fire- resisting, light in weight and sound proof.

STORAGE AND HANDLING: sheets shall be carefully handled to

eliminate any damage and prevent wastage.

∙ Sheets shall be stacked and stored-special care shall be exercised

while transportation from railways to store and site.

∙ Sheets shall be stacked on a leveled ground; each stack should not

be more than 120 sheets.

∙ When stacked and stored in the open space for a long period in a
hot and dry climate conditions then-

a) The stack should be covered with polythene or grass that ties.

b) When the stack is uncovered the sides of the sheet shall be kept wet
every morning.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 58
∙ The end horizontal lap shall not be less than 150mm for thee roof
having pitch of 18o or more for low pitched roofs and for roofs in
exposed position, the end lap should be increased.

∙ The side lap should generally be half corrugation for corrugated

sheets and one corrugation for semi corrugated sheets.

∙ The ends of all sheets at the eaves shall be supported as near to the
margin. Maximum overhang shall be 300mm.

∙ The smoother side shall be facing weather.

∙ Where 4 corners of sheets overlap, two of them must be mitered.

MEASUREMENT: Measurement shall be in running meter of the

covered length.

ii) GALVANISED IRON SHEETS:

SCOPE: Commonly used for factories, workshops, garages, big halls,

trusses., etc.

DESCRIPTION: Shall comply with I.S. 277 – 1951.

∙ They shall be available in lengths from 1.2m to 3.6m and in widths

varying from 600mm – 900mm.

∙ The thickness shall vary from 0.18 mm – 1.6mm.

∙ Sheets shall be free from dents, bends, holes, rust or white powdery
deposit.

∙ No deductions shall be made for opening upto 0.4 sq.m.

STORAGE AND HANDLING: Shall be same as mentioned for A.C.

sheets.

MEASUREMENT: The contract rate shall be per sq. meter of the net
roof area covered by the sheet from top of the ridge to the eaves.

∙ Overlapping and cutting to shape of sheets shall be covered by the

net roof area and no extra shall be added for them.

iii) MANGALORE TILED ROOFING:

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 59
SCOPE: Popularly used in rural and semi-urban areas and are used by
middle and low income group people for reasons such as architectural
effect, scarcity and rising prices of other substitutes, growth of
population, long durability etc.

DESCRIPTION: All titles shall confirm to I.S. 654-1957 for class AA or

class A type tiles as specified in the item.

∙ These tiles shall be of flat pattern and they are provided with
suitable projections so that they interlock with each other when
placed in position.

Battens: They shall be of the species of wood as specified and the size
shall be 25x50 of 45x25 mm as mentioned.

∙ All mild steel flats, bars, nuts, bolts, binding wire, etc. shall be of
standard type and brushed over with linseed oil or coal tar when
embedded in masonry.

PRECAUTIONS: Half tiles shall be used at the sloping ends to give

straight edge to the roof.

∙ The tiles shall have maximum water absorption present of 19, for
class AA and 24 class A.

MODE OF MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT: The contract rate shall

be per sq. meter of the actual area of the roofing completely finished,
parts of roof covered with ridges and hip tiles shall be included in this
measurement.

iv) OTHER ROOFING TILES:

Guna tiles: These are hollow tapered burnt clay tiles; conical in shape.

Pot tiles: Short and heavy, less curved in section.

Pot tiles: Ordinary half round country tiles also known as locking tiles.

Allahabad tiles: Moulding of clay done under pressure.

Corrugated tiles: Have corrugations, pleasant appeal, blown off from

wind.

Flat tiles: Similar to ordinary floor tiles.

Flemish tiles: Used mainly for sheds and have got a shape of letter ‘s’.

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VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 61
21. F I X T U R E S A N D F A S T E N I N G S:

SCOPE: They are used for fixing and fastening the doors, windows and
ventilators to their frames.

DESCRIPTION: The scale of fixtures and fastenings shall be as

indicated in the table/schedule for the corresponding type of
doors/windows/ventilator.
∙ They shall be of brass/oxidized brass/oxidized iron/chromium
plated/anodized aluminum or of the material as specified in the item,/
and shall be of approved design and made.
∙ All fixtures and fastenings shall be new sound and strong.
∙ They shall be sectional and of best quality.
∙ The size, shape, design finish and colour etc. shall be as shown in
drawings and approved by the architect.
∙ Unless otherwise specified each leaf of door shall be hung with three
brass/steel/aluminum hinges of the size specified or with other type of
hinges as specified.
∙ The fixtures and fastenings shall company with the relevant I.S. 204-
1961, 205-1950, 206-1956, 201-1950, 281-1951, 362-1951, 363-1961.
∙ The metal sockets, shall be provided to all bolts where the shoots inter
bricks stone concrete, etc.
∙ These shall be securely fixed flush with the surface into mortises and
cemented.
∙ Mortise plates over holes shall be used in situations where the shoots
enter wood.
∙ Parliamentary hinges shall be when so shown in the drawings and
directed.
∙ Butt and similar hinges shall be counter sunk on the leaf edge and
wood frame to a depth equal to the thickness of the flaps of the hinge.
∙ Usually used fixtures and fastenings are: butt hinge, parliamentary
hinge, double leaf extrusion hinge, ornamental hinge.
∙ Other fittings and fixtures are: Tower bolts of various lengths, handles,
all drop bolts, mortise locks, kicking plates or kicking bar, handle
plates, concealed or secret tower bolts, door stoppers, hooks and eyes,
magic eye, Automatic door closer, the chain with locking
arrangements, the number panel etc.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 62
PRECAUTIONS: Any of the fixtures damaged during fixing shall be
removed and new ones fixed in their place and the surface of joinery
made good when affected at the contractors expense.

VK BAKDE S P E C I F I C A T I O N N O T E S: M A T E R I A L S 63