REINFORCED CONCRETE

SPECIFICATION

TABLE OF
Conte
nt
1
2

SCOPE OF WORK/DEFINITIONS
SUBMISSIONS

RESPONSIBILITY AND DEFECTS

MATERIALS

4.1

General

4.2

Concrete Generally

4.3

Cement

4.4

Aggregates

4.5

Water

4.6

Admixtures and Pigments

4.7

Other Materials

CONCRETE MIXES

5.1

Designed Mix

5.2

Trial Mixes

5.3

Ready Mixed Concrete

5.4

Site Mixing

5.5

Workability

5.6

Distribution of Concrete

5.7

Placing Concrete

5.8

Blinding

5.9

Waterproof Concrete

5.10

"No Fines" concrete

5.11

Temperature

5.12

Hot Weather Concreting

TESTING OF CONCRETE

6.1

Concrete Compressive Strength Test

6.2

Slump Tests

6.3

Tests on Hardened Concrete

6.4

Structure Tests

7
7.1

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING CONCRETE

Pile Caps

7.2

Concrete Precast on Site

7.3

Cutting of Concrete

7.4

Walling and Partitions

7.5

Holes, Electrical Conduits and Pipes in Concrete

7.6

Tolerances

REINFORCING STEEL

8.1

General

8.2

Storage

8.3

Cutting and Bending

8.4

Mechanical Splices for Compression Reinforcement

8.5

Fixing Reinforcement

FORMWORK

9.1

General

9.2

Construction

9.3

Miscellaneous

9.4

Striking of Formwork and Props

9.5

Finishes

10

STRUCTURAL MOVEMENT JOINTS

10.1

General

10.2

Retaining Walls

10.3

Load Bearing Joints (Sliding Joints)

10.4

Shrinkage Bays

10.5

Water Bars

13

11

COORDINATION DRAWINGS

12

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ALKALI-SILICA REACTION (ASR) IN CONCRETE

LIST OF RELEVANT VIETNAMESE STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL USE OF
CONCRET

SCOPE OF WORK/DEFINITIONS
This Specification relates to the constituent materials and mixing of concrete
and its structural use in building and civil engineering works. Unless
otherwise stated all work shall conform to the latest edition of the
Vietnamese standards: TCXDVN 356: 2005 Reinforced Concrete Structure Design Standards, TCVN 4453: 1995 Concrete and Reinforced Concrete
Structure - Construction and Inspection Procedures.

SUBMISSIONS

2.1

2.2

The Contractor shall submit the following information on his proposals

and obtain the approval of the Project Manager before work is
commenced:

Source of supply of all aggregates

Source of supply of cement

Source of supply of water

Grading curves for coarse and fine aggregates

Certificate of soundness of cement

Results of tests for organic and inorganic impurities of aggregates

and water

Results of tests of drying shrinkage of aggregates

Source of supply of ready-mix concrete

Concrete mix design

Identity of the Testing Authority which the contractor proposes to

use for the purposes of the contract

Source of supply of reinforcing steel

Test certificates for reinforcing steel

Types of water bars

Types of joint fillers and sealants

Type of formwork

Design of formwork/falsework for all main structural members,

designed and certified by contractor's Professional Engineer

Design of formwork structure by contractor's Professional Engineer

The Contractor shall submit the following to The Investor

Representative for his approval during the course of the works:

Plans depicting location/detail of all proposed construction joints

and sequence of construction to suit his concreting program prior
to construction of any level.

Location of co-ordinated service penetrations/pipe sleeves

through structural members, on a floor by floor basis, at least two
weeks in advance of the intended date of concrete casting of that
level. No hacking is permitted.

Quarterly schedule of structural works, commencing from the

date of issue of permit to commence building work, for

submission to the Building Authority.

2.3

As-built dimension plans of each section of the works completed.

No concrete of any particular mix proportions shall be incorporated

into the works until all the requirements of this specification have
been met in respect of those mix proportions and have been
approved by The Investor Representative.

RESPONSIBILITY AND DEFECTS

3.1

Summary The fact that the Contractor has used materials, etc to the
approval of The Investor Representative shall in no way relieve him of
his responsibilities of producing a concrete of the required
characteristic strength, workability, shrinkage characteristics, etc for
the purpose to which it is put.

3.2

Any defects due to materials and workmanship not in accordance with

this specification shall be made good to the satisfaction of The
Investor Representative by the Contractor at his own expense. All
such remedial work shall be executed without undue delay.

MATERIALS

4.1

General

Materials used in the works shall be of the qualities and kinds specified
herein and equal to approved samples. Delivery shall be made sufficiently in
advance to enable samples to be taken and tested if required. No materials
shall be used until and unless approved and materials not approved shall be
immediately removed from the works at the Contractor's expense.
Materials shall be transported, handled and stored on the site or elsewhere
in such a manner as to prevent damage, deterioration or contamination all
to the satisfaction of The Investor Representative. The Investor
Representative reserves the right to inspect any materials to be used in the
works at any time and at any place of storage.
Unless otherwise specified or otherwise agreed to by The Investor
Representative, materials shall comply with the appropriate Standards, with
preference for materials of local manufacture. Where the requirements of the
relevant Standards are in conflict with this Specification then this
Specification shall take precedence.
If required, the Contractor shall supply to The Investor Representative the
appropriate certificate of compliance with the Standards. Notwithstanding
the above, tests shall be carried out as and when directed by The Investor
Representative in accordance with the relevant Standards. Materials for tests
shall be provided and delivered by the Contractor at his cost, to an approved
laboratory. Testing fees shall be borne by the Contractor.
4.2

Concrete Generally

The Contractor shall be entirely responsible for the control of the quality of
the concrete manufactured and placed in the Works. Where concrete is
required to resist water pressure, the Contractor shall ensure that the
concrete remains completely watertight and shall guarantee the watertightness of all such structures. The Contractor shall at his own expense
carry out any remedial measures to the satisfaction of the Architect which
may be necessary to make such structures watertight whether leakage is
through the concrete or through the joints.
4.3

Cement

Cement shall be Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) conforming to

TCVN-2682.
The cement is to be obtained from approved manufacturers. The Contractor
must provide the manufacturers certificate of origin of the type cement to
be used for the works.
The cement is to be kept dry during transit and shall be in good condition.
Each container shall bear marks clearly indicating the type of cement and
name of manufacturer.
Where silos are used for bulk storage each silo shall be used for only one
consignment at any one time. All silos shall be completely empty before a
fresh consignment is added.
All cement shall be protected from direct sunlight, rain & moisture.
Cement shall be used in the order it is received on site.
Hardening time of cement must be determined at least twice in accordance
to TCVN-6017: 1995.
Compressive strength of mortar (test by cement to be used for the
production of concrete) in accordance to TCVN-6016: 1995
4.4

Aggregates

Aggregates must be in accordance to TCVN-7570: 2006 Aggregates For

Concrete Technical Requirements, shall consist of naturally occurring
material unless otherwise specified or ordered.
Aggregates chosen by the Contractor shall be approved by the Clients
Representative, before the Contractor uses such aggregates in the works.
Such approval will not relieve the Contractor from responsibility to provide
suitable materials. The Contractor shall be entirely responsible for all risks
arising from selection and exploitation of such deposits.
Within one month of the contractors request to use any quarry, the Clients
Representative will approve or refuse such request. The Clients
Representative will not approve any quarry unless the Contractor has made
the required investigations and laboratory tests on quarry products. Tests of
aggregate shall include specific gravity absorption, abrasion, soundness by
sodium sulphate, organic impurities and any other tests which are necessary
to demonstrate that aggregates of acceptable quality can be produced from
the proposed quarry.
Approval of a source of aggregate shall not be construed as constituting
approval of all materials taken from the source and the Clients
Representative at any time may suspend previous approvals if laboratory
tests establish that the material is no longer suitable.
All aggregates brought to the Site shall be free and kept free from
deleterious materials that will affect the strength or durability of the
concrete. The Contractor shall maintain such quantities of aggregates at
principal mixing stations as are considered necessary by the Clients
Representative to ensure continuity of work. Each type and grade of
aggregate is to be kept in separate stock piles, the bases of which are to be
of concrete or other materials suitable to prevent the ingress of foreign
material. The slope of bases is to be sufficient to ensure adequate drainage.

The methods and procedures for testing aggregates will include but not
necessarily be restricted to those prescribed in the following standards:
Cylinder crushing Test

TCVN 1771:

1987 Content of Impurities sulphate and sulphite

TCVN

1771: 1987 Content of clay particles and mud TCVN 1771:

1987

4.5

Water

Water used for mixing concrete and mortar shall have no impurity content
exceeding the permissible limits which affect the hardening time of the
concrete/mortar as well as reducing the durability of concrete when being
used. Water for mixing of concrete/mortar must be in accordance to the
requirements of TCXDVN-302: 2004 Water for mixing of concrete and
mortar: Technical Requirements
No colour when using for decorating concrete and mortar.
From the purpose of using, dissolved calcium content, ion sulphate content,
ion clorua and undissolved sediment not more than figure quoted in the
following table:

Purpose of use
Water for mixing concrete
and mortar filling joints for
reinforced concrete
Water for mixing mass
concrete and for mortar

Dissolve
d
Claciu
5000

2000

100
0

Undissol
ve d
sedimen
200

350
300
0
When water is used with aggregates having potential base-silica reaction,
total ion natrium and kalium content not more than 1000mg/l

4.6

10000

Permissible
Limit
Ion
Ion
Sulphate
Cloru
-2
(SO
)
a

2700

Admixtures and Pigments

Admixtures must be approved by the Clients Representative prior using it on

site.
When so approved, admixtures shall have a uniform quality in the different
stocks, and will be accepted on the basis of the manufacturers test
certificate, stating that the products are within the required limits of
acceptance. In addition, all consignments of admixture shall be
accompanied by certified statements showing manufacturers name, brand
and type of admixture, date of manufacture and certificate of compliance
with this specifications.
Admixtures shall be in accordance with the requirements of the State and
strictly followed the instructions of the manufacturer. In accordance to
TCXDVN-325: 2004 Chemical Admixture for Concrete.
No admixtures will be permitted which contain more than the equivalent of
0.02% of anhydrous calcium chloride by weight of the cement in the final
mix.
4.7

Other Materials

The Contractor shall obtain the written approval of The Investor

Representative for the use of any material he proposes to use which is not
covered by this specification.

CONCRETE MIXES
The concrete mixes specified follow the Vietnamese Standard for specifying
concrete for strength.
Whenever possible, ready mixed concrete shall be used. Site mix may be
used if ready mixed concrete is not available or in case of small quantities,
but only with the prior approval in writing from The Investor Representative
Mixing on site by hand is not allowed unless approved by The Investor
Representative.
Unless otherwise stated, concrete mix means designed mix

5.1

Designed Mix

The concrete is specified by its characteristic strength (= concrete grade),

particularly to minimum and maximum cement content and to maximum
water/cement ratio is also required. The concrete mixes to be used in the
Works in any particular location are as specified on the drawings.
The Contractor shall submit the proposed mix design for approval.
Notwithstanding the Project Manager's acceptance, the Contractor shall be
responsible for required properties of the mix, including strength.
The mix design shall ensure that no excessive bleeding occurs. The mix
must have the abilities to achieve the specified surface finish.
Design concrete mixes - unless otherwise specified for protection against
aggressive soil - shall comply with the specifications below.

5.2

Trial Mixes

Trial mixes are required to verify the mix design for each concrete grade on
the project. Twelve 150 mm compression test cubes should be prepared
from each trial mix. Six cubes shall be tested at 7 days and six cubes at 28
days of age. The sampling, making, curing and testing of these works test
cubes shall be in accordance with TCVN 3105:1993. The mean strength and
individual strength of the works test cubes are to comply with the
requirements of Vietnamese Standards TCVN 3118:1993. No concrete shall
be placed until the trial mix results are approved by The Investor
Representative.
The Investor Representative may accept evidence of test results furnished
by the concrete supplier proving that the prepared mix is satisfactory. In
such cases, the trial mixes may be waived.
The Investor Representative may, at his discretion, instruct the Contractor to
modify/improve the mix design during the works if he deems it necessary to
meet the requirements. This shall not entitle the Contractor to any extra
payment.
5.3

Ready Mixed Concrete

Whenever possible, ready mixed concrete shall be used.

The Contractor shall furnish the name of the intended concrete supplier for
approval.The Investor Representative reserves the right to inspect the
supplier's facilities and to require samples of cement, fine and coarse
aggregates and prepared admixtures for testing. The cost of such tests shall
be borne by the Contractor.
The Contractor shall take full responsibilities (notwithstanding The Investor
Representative approval) to ensure that all ready-mixed concrete conforms
to Vietnamese Standards TCXDVN 374-2006 and this specification. Concrete
which does not comply shall be rejected and shall be immediately removed
from the site.
The Contractor shall furnish, at least 1 day in advance, the date set for each
casting of concrete.
For each truck load of concrete delivered the following information shall
appear on the delivery docket:

Name of ready-mixed concrete batch plant

Serial number of docket

Date and the license number of the truck

Name of the purchaser

Name and location of job

Specified characteristic concrete strength and the amount of

cement used (kg) or the mix proportions

Quantity of concrete

Time of loading or of first mixing of cement and aggregate,

whichever is earlier

Agreed slump

Maximum size of coarse aggregates specified

Trade name of admixture, if any

The signature of The Investor Representative (Resident Engineer

or Clerk of Works) who shall also enter the time of arrival of the
truck and the time of completion of discharge

Position where concrete is placed

Number of specimens taken (three cubes 15cmx15cmx15cm

unless Project Manager have other instruction) and specimen
references

The Investor Representative reserves the right to instruct the Contractor to

change the supplier due to unsatisfactory performance or to rescind his
approval for further use of ready-mixed concrete during the progress of the
works, if any of the requirements has, in his opinion, not been satisfactorily
complied with.
No water shall be added to the concrete on the site to increase its workability.
While it is not being discharged, the concrete in a transit truck/truck
mixer/agitator shall be kept continuously agitated.
5.4

Site Mixing

Cement shall be batched in whole bags. When stored in a site, it shall be

measured by weight. The fine and coarse aggregates shall be measured
separately by weight, allowing for moisture in the aggregates. When adding
the water, allowance has to be made to the water content of the aggregates.
The accuracy of the weighing equipment shall be 3% of the quantity
mixed. The measuring equipment shall be calibrated before commencement
of the works and subsequently as The Investor Representative may direct.
Volume batching of aggregates shall be restricted to minor works subject to
the approval of The Investor Representative.
Mixing shall continue until the concrete shows uniform consistency and
color. The mixer shall be operated to the manufacturer's recommendations.
The drum of the mixer shall always be entirely discharged before materials
for the next batch are fed into it. Mixers which have been out of use for
more than 30 minutes should be thoroughly cleaned before the next batch.
No hand-mixing is allowed except in exceptional circumstances. In such a
case, the Contractor shall increase the cement content by 10% at his own
expense.
5.5

Workability

The required workability shall be determined by the Contractor but subject

to agreement of The Investor Representative and in no case shall this
exceed the specified water/cement ratio.
Workability shall be determined on site at the discharge point of the ready
mixed concrete truck or the mixer on site by a slump test in accordance with
Vietnamese Standards TCVN 3106-1993. The slump values are chosen from
table 11/TCVN 4453-1995. The concrete may be rejected at the discretion of

The Investor Representative if the deviation of the slump from the agreed
value is more than 25 mm.
Water must not be added after the completion of the mixing.
5.6

Distribution of Concrete

The distribution to the position of placing concrete must not cause

segregation.
5.6.1 Pumping
Pumping shall commence first with blowing of water through the
pipeline, followed by cement mortar and these should be discharged
away from the area to be concreted.
When a stoppage cannot be avoided, the concrete in the hopper must
be maintained at a level to prevent entry of air into the pipeline.
Pumping should be stopped if

The level in the hopper is too low

Extra length of pipe is to be added

Unsuitable concrete has been poured in the hopper

A standby equipment shall be provided to maintain the continuous
concrete supply in the event of a breakdown.

5.7

Placing Concrete

No concrete shall be placed without approval of The Investor Representative.

The formwork shall be thoroughly wetted prior to placing concrete.
Construction joints shall be wetted and/or if specified, treated with a
bonding agent to its manufacturer's specification.
Usually no more than 30 minutes shall pass between adding the cement to
the mix and the completion of the placing. This interval may be increased to
maximum 2 hours if the concrete is transported by agitating trucks and/or
retarders are used. The concrete supplier must guarantee the mix for use
and higher strength concrete may require reduced times. The interval in all
cases between the discharge from the agitators and the placing of concrete
shall not exceed 20 minutes.
No vibration from piling or any other equipment shall be accepted during
placing and 24 hours after placing the concrete.
In depositing concrete, care shall be taken to prevent displacing
reinforcement and water bars. The free fall of concrete shall not exceed
2000mm. A record shall be kept by the contractor of the time and date of
placing of concrete in each part of the work. Where concrete is laid on hollow
tiles or other absorbent material, this shall be wetted before the concrete is
deposited.
Before proceeding to place the concrete, the shuttering shall be realigned, if
necessary, and water and rubbish therein shall be removed by approved
means. Immediately prior to placing the concrete the shuttering shall be
well wetted and inspection openings shall be closed.
5.7.1 Placing Concrete Under Water
Concrete may be placed under water only with the prior written
permission of The Investor Representative and using a tremie pipe.
5.7.2 Compacting of Concrete
Structural concrete shall be thoroughly compacted by means of
approved mechanical vibrators and carefully worked around the
reinforcement, embedded fixtures and into corners of the formwork.
The types of vibrators to be used under various conditions are as
follows:

Internal vibrators shall be used in all sections which are

sufficiently large to permit their use.

Form vibrators shall only be used when sections which are

too small for the internal type and subject to The Investor
Representatives approval.

Vibrators shall be of sturdy construction, adequately powered and

capable of transmitting to the concrete not less than 10,000 cycles for
internal type and 3,000 cycles for external type per minute. The
vibration shall be sufficiently intense to cause the concrete to flow or
settle into place and to visibly effect the concrete over a radius of at
least 450mm if used with a concrete having a 75mm slump. A
sufficient number of vibrators shall be employed so that at the
required rate of placement, vibrating throughout the entire volume of

each layer of concrete and complete compaction are secured. At least

one extra vibrator shall be in hand for emergency use.
Internal vibrators shall be placed in the concrete with a slow and
uniform motion and shall be kept there until the escape of air bubbles
from the concrete ceases when they shall be withdrawn with a slow
and uniform motion in order that a pocket shall not be left in the
concrete at the point from which the vibrator is withdrawn. The
vibrator shall be applied in like manner at points uniformly spaced and
not further apart than the radius over which the vibrator is visibly
effective. They shall be applied close enough to the formwork to
effectively vibrate the surface concrete.
With internal and form vibrators, the vibration shall be such that the
concrete becomes

uniformly plastic.
Vibration, with any type of vibrator, shall not be continued in any one
spot to the extent that pools of grout are formed. Care shall be given
to avoid any disturbance of concrete which

has become too stiff to regain plasticity when vibrated. Vibration

shall not be applied directly to reinforcement.
Accumulation of water on the surface of the concrete due to water
gain, segregation or other causes, during the placing and compacting
by vibrators shall be removed and adjustments to be made in the mix
if necessary.
Vibration shall be continued until concrete reaches a state of
compaction, when air bubbles cease to break the surface and all loose
stones are absorbed into the mass and the surface is free from
pockets and is moist and glistening. Internal vibrators shall not be
permitted to touch the shutters. They shall not be used to push the
concrete along the forms and an ample supply of concrete shall
always be available in front of the needle. External vibrators shall be
securely clamped to the shutter frames or stiffeners (as in columns) or
against the shutter face with chain or vice.
5.7.3 Construction Joints
Unless shown on the drawings the exact location of construction joints
shall be determined by the Contractor to suit his method of working
having regard to the following :

The maximum permitted bay size formed herein.

Construction joints shall occur within the end thirds of

spanning members unless for design reasons other positions
are specifically indicated on The Investor Representatives
drawings.

Construction joints in slabs supported by retaining walls

shall coincide with shrinkage joints in the walls (see below).

Ground beams shall be cast monolithic with the ground slab

and no construction joints shall be permitted in these
members either horizontally at the underside of the slab or
vertically on the side of the beam. If slabs are cast
separately, additional shear reinforcement to withstand
horizontal interface shear shall be calculated and provided
by the Contractor at his own cost.

Construction joints shall be either truly vertical or truly horizontal over

the full section of the concrete and shall, on no account, be formed
along the natural line of slope of the wet concrete. Neither horizontal
joints in the beams or vertical joints, in columns shall be permitted
without the written approval of The Investor Representative.
As soon as possible after casting, but in any case after no longer than
24 hours, such joints shall be thoroughly roughened by means of
water jetting, scabbling and wire brushing in order to expose the
aggregate. They shall be well cleaned of all foreign matter and
laitance and saturated with water prior to depositing the new
concrete.
Concrete shall be deposited continuously
thickness that no concrete will be deposited
set sufficiently to cause the formation of
weakness within the section. No revibration

or in layers of such
on concrete which has
seams and planes of
of concrete which has

already set shall be permitted.

In order to minimise shrinkage cracking, the construction bay size
shall be limited. Approximate dimensions are given in the following
table (unless otherwise agreed) :Construction

Limiting

Remarks

Dimensions
Slab on grade

50 sq m

Suspended slab

500 sq m

Ratio of
Length/width
not
Ratio
ofgreater than

5 Linear
mtr
25 Linear
mtr

Length/width
not greater
Height
of pourthan
up
to 4m
Height of pour up
to 4m

Retaining walls
Other walls

5.7.4 Curing
After setting, concrete shall be protected during the first state of
hardening from the harmful effects of rain, sunshine and drying winds,
by one or more of the following :

The concrete shall be covered with a layer of sacking,

canvas, hessian or similar absorbent material, or a layer of
sand and kept consistently wet for 7 days.

After thoroughly wetting, the concrete may be covered by a

layer of approved waterproof paper kept in contact with the
concrete for 7 days.

For sections 1500 thick or more the Contractor shall ensure

that the temperature differential between the inner and
outer surfaces shall not exceed 20C and shall submit to The
Investor Representative his proposals to control and monitor
this.

Where not prejudiced to applied finishes, concrete may be

cured by application of an approved "Concrete Curing
Compound". Application shall be made by spraying a coat at
low pressure on to the surface as directed by the
manufacturer. On horizontal surfaces the curing composition
shall be applied immediately after setting and on vertical
surfaces immediately the formwork is removed.

Approved means shall also be taken to protect immature

concrete from damage by debris, excessive loading,
vibration, deleterious groundwater, mixing with earth or
other materials, or flotation.

Concrete damaged through improper or insufficient curing

shall be made good at the Contractor's expense.

All formwork which is to remain in position longer than 24

hours shall be kept thoroughly wetted during the period it is
in contact with the work.

.
5.8

Waterproof Concrete

Waterproof concrete shall consist of structural concrete as specified herein

and with the addition of an approved waterproofing additive. This shall be
mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions and as detailed in the Bill of Quantities.
Contractor's attention is drawn to the special care required for casting
ponds, and all underground structures including basement floor, retaining
walls, sumps, pits, etc. These water retaining structures are all designed to
TCVN 5641-1991 or BS 8007 if any. The contractor shall ensure that
workmanship and curing is up to the required standard. The crack widths in
such structures shall not exceed 0.2mm.
The Contractor shall take full responsibility for ensuring that the resulting
construction is completely watertight and free from penetration of moisture.
When in the opinion of The Investor Representative, damp patches and/or

leakage of water in the finished work are due to failure of the Contractor to
comply with this specification, the affected work shall be made good at the
Contractor's expense.
Water bars shall be provided in all construction joints and the type of waterbar will be as specified or to the approval of The Investor Representative. All
water-bars will be joined by welding strictly in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations and all multiple joints and special
intersections shall be manufactured by the supplier.
Before commencement of work, the Contractor shall obtain The Investor
Representatives approval of the methods to be used to support and
maintain the water-bars in the correct location while the

concrete is placed and also the layout and form of all additional construction
joints other than those shown on the drawings. Unless indicated otherwise
on the drawings, all construction joints in waterproof concrete shall be
formed incorporating water-bars to The Investor Representatives approval.
All service holes cast in shall incorporate sleeves with puddle flanges and
temporary openings for services should incorporate water-bars.
Care shall be taken at all times to ensure that water-bars are not perforated
or damaged in any way and the concrete shall be carefully placed and
compacted around the water-bars to ensure void free impervious concrete.
All kickers or starter plinths to walls (if used) on the periphery of the
watertight construction shall be cast monolithically with the base.
The formwork shall comply with this Specification and in addition any bolt or
fastening embedded in or passing through the concrete shall be to the
approval of The Investor Representatives and not impair the watertightness
of the structure. The use of through bolts and sleeves is strictly prohibited.
Special attention shall be given to the elimination of shrinkage or thermal
cracking. The size of any bay or slab or wall and sequence of pouring shall
be such as to minimise cracking. (see clause
5.7.3 for guidance)
Slotted inserts or sockets cast into the structural concrete shall be provided
for all fixings including services. The cutting of holes in watertight concrete
is strictly prohibited.
The Contractor is completely responsible for making all basements
absolutely watertight. If any leakages or moist patches occur, the cost of
any repairs, etc. to make the basements fully watertight will be borne by the
Contractor. The Contractor is to give a ten year guarantee for
watertightness, reckoned from the date of completion of basements. The
form of guarantee is to be to the satisfaction of the Client. Should any leaks
or dampness occur during the Guarantee period of ten years, the Contractor
shall, at no cost to the Client, immediately re-waterproof the defective area
or areas and make good all damages to surface finishes such as plaster,
painting, panelling, tiling, etc. electrical or other installations or other
property, caused by leaks or dampness or re- imburse the Client for making
good such damages.

5.10 Temperature
No concrete shall be mixed or placed while the temperature is above 35
degrees centigrade (C) on a rising thermometer or above 40 degrees
centigrade (C) on a falling thermometer. The Contractor shall supply an
accurate maximum and minimum thermometer and hang it in an approved
position in the Works.
The Contractor shall plan the days concrete in such a manner as to ensure
that each bay or panel is completed at a proper construction joint before the
temperature rises above the permissible limit.
The Contractor shall allow in his rates for any additional expenses incurred
by complying with this Clause in order to complete the works within the
"Time for Completion".

5.11 Hot Weather Concreting

The following precautions should be adopted as necessary to comply with
the above limit:
a)

Shading of aggregate stock piles.

b)

Insulation of water tanks and pipelines and formwork.

c)

Refrigeration of mixing water.

d)

Shading of formwork and reinforcement from the sun and drying winds.
e)

Cooling of formwork and reinforcement prior to and ahead of

casting of the concrete by mist spraying.

f)

Covering and spraying with water of hardening concrete surfaces.

g)

Concreting during the cooler part of the day.

TESTING OF CONCRETE

6.1

Concrete Compressive Strength Test

6.1.1 Works Test Cubes shall be made of all structural
concrete incorporated into the works.
For ready-mixed concrete, each mix delivered or every 20m3,
whichever is the more frequent, at least 2 sets of Works Test
Cubes comprising three 150mm cube specimens shall be made
in different truck load of concrete, 1 set for 07 days test and the
other set for 28 days test.
For site-mixed concrete, number and position of set of Works
Test Cubes shall be approved by The Investor Representative.
The sampling, making, curing and testing of Works Test Cubes
shall be carried out in accordance with Vietnamese Standards
TCVN 3105-1993. Test results shall be recorded on approved
forms and submitted in duplicate to The Investor
Representative immediately following the test.
For ready-mixed concrete, specification and acceptance shall
be comply with Vietnamese Standard TCXDVN 374:2006.
In addition to the minimum numbers stated above, The Investor
Representative may, at his absolute discretion, instruct the
Contractor to make additional test cubes from whichever batch
as he may choose.
6.1.2 The contractor shall make allowance in this tender for taking
cores, testing them and dry packing and pressure grouting
the core locations. 1 to 2 cores may be taken for every
1,000m2 area to confirm the in-situ strength.
6.1.3 Standard of Acceptance - Cubes Tested at 7 Days
Strength of concrete will be considered satisfactory if average
strength obtained from any group of four consecutive cylinders or
cubes exceeds the specified minimum by not less than 0.5 times the
margin approved by the Clients Representative for the class of
concrete, and each individual result is greater than 85% of the
minimum strength specified.
The standard of acceptance of the works cubes shall be in accordance

with TCXDVN 374: 2006. The concrete mix can be classified as

meeting the requirement of compressive strength of such concrete
grade when satisfying both following conditions:
a.

In the initial period where there is no strength fluctuation coefficient:

-

b.

Mean strength of each group (3 samples) not les than

1.3 times of the concrete grade B;
Strength of individual sample in the group not less than
1.1 times of the concrete grade B.

In case where the strength fluctuation coefficient can be determined (v):

-

Mean strength of each group (3 samples) not less than:

B
1 1, 64 v

6.2

(unit MPa);

Strength of individual sample in the group not less than:

B
(unit MPa).
0,85
1 1,64 v

Slump Tests

The consistency of the concrete shall be checked at regular intervals but in

any case not less than the average rate of one test per 25 cubic metres of
concrete during the placing operations by means of a standard slump test in
accordance with Vietnamese Standards TCVN 3106-1993. The slump shall be
the minimum to allow for efficient placing, vibration and consolidation of the
concrete and shall be agreed between The Investor Representative and the
Contractor prior to commencement of the work and not altered without the
approval of The Investor Representative.
6.3

Tests on Hardened Concrete

The Investor Representative may instruct that tests be made on any portion
of the Works for the purpose of checking the strength of cast-in-situ
concrete. If ordered, such tests shall be performed in accordance with the
recommendations of Vietnamese Standards.
Alternatively, samples may be cored and tested in compression.
The Contractor shall bear the costs of these tests, if they are required because
of cube test failure.
6.4

Structure Tests

The Investor Representative may instruct that a load test be made on the
Works or any part there of for any of the following reasons:
(a) Concrete test cubes have failed to attain the specified strength.
(b) The shuttering was prematurely removed.
(c) There had been overloading during construction of the Works or part
thereof.
(d) The concrete was improperly cured.
(e) Any other circumstances attributable to alleged negligence on the
part of the Contractor which, in the opinion of The Investor
Representative, results in the Works or part thereof being of less
than the expected strength.
(f)

Any concrete subjected to fire.

If the loading test is instructed to be made solely or in part for the reason as
in (a), the test shall be made at the Contractor's own cost. If the test be
required for one or more of the reasons (b) to (f) inclusive, the Contractor
shall be reimbursed for the cost of the test if the result thereof be

satisfactory
6.4.1

Load Tests

If there is reasonable doubt as to the adequacy of the strength of the

structure, loading tests shall be made. Such tests need not be made
until the expiry of 56 days of effective hardening of the concrete. In
such tests, the structure shall be subjected to a superimposed load
equal to one and a quarter times the specified superimposed load
used for design and this load shall be maintained for a period of 24
hours before removal. During the tests, struts strong enough to take
the whole load shall be placed in position leaving a gap under the
members. If within 24 hours of the removal of the load the structure
does not show a recovery of at least 75% of the maximum deflections
shown during the 24 hours under load, the test loading shall be
repeated. The structure shall be considered to have failed to pass the
test if the recovery after the second test is not at least 75% of the
maximum shown during the second test. If, during the test or upon
the removal of the load,
the structure shows signs of weakness, undue deflections of faulty
constructions, it shall be reconstructed or strengthened to the
satisfaction of The Investor Representative.
The Investor Representative may modify the above conditions for a
test load if he deems it necessary.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING CONCRETE

7.1

Pile Caps

The Contractor shall ensure that all piles are trimmed and finished to The
Investor Representatives satisfaction before constructing pile caps.
The piles shall be thoroughly washed clean of all adhering foreign matter
before the blinding layer is placed. A temporary sump pit shall be excavated
beside each pile cap to provide approximately
0.5 cubic metres below blinding level for rain water run off. Blinding shall be
laid with falls to the sump.
When formwork is fixed, drainage outlets shall be provided to allow
rainwater to pass into the sump. During concreting the Contractor shall take
suitable precautions to prevent rain from damaging the mix. The concreting
programme shall be arranged such that a sloping face is always provided
away from previously cast areas and this face is worked towards the
drainage outlets. Pumps shall be on hand throughout concreting in case of
rain.
Pile caps shall be cast in one continuous operation, construction joints shall
not be allowed. The Contractor shall exercise particular attention in vibrating
the concrete around starter bars and pile heads.
7.2

Concrete Precast on Site

Precast concrete members shall be manufactured in accordance with The

Investor Representatives drawings or drawings approved by The Investor
Representative

The Contractor shall submit to The Investor Representative for his approval
details of the formwork which must be endorsed by the Contractor's
Professional Engineer. Fair face finish shall be provided except where
special finishes are required by the Architect.
Concrete shall be placed in one operation and no construction joints shall be
permitted. The concrete shall be mechanically compacted so that the
surface of the cast concrete is perfectly smooth, free from all cavities and of
a uniform colour.
The Contractor shall submit his proposals in writing to The Investor
Representative for lifting, stacking, transporting and placing. At all times the
members shall be protected from shock and injury especially during the
curing period. The members when stacked shall be covered to prevent
staining from the weather or other causes.
No structural precast member shall be lifted into its final position until a
period of 28 days after casting without the written approval of The Investor
Representative.
The Contractor shall ensure that no shock, distortion or other injury occurs
during the lifting operations and shall protect any architectural feature with
protective fenders. Any structural precast members found to be cracked or
otherwise inferior in quality before or after erection, shall be rejected by The
Investor Representative and replaced by the Contractor at his own cost.
Whenever a pocket or void is left out in any structural member, it shall be
reinstated by dry packing and pressure grouting to achieve at least the
same strength as the member with guaranteed zero shrinkage.
Where precast work is jointed with grout, 1:1 cement mortar shall be used.
The Contractor shall take care to position and secure the units before
grouting. The grout shall be introduced as shown on The Investor
Representatives drawing so that all voids are filled and air pockets expelled.

7.3

Cutting of Concrete

The general contractor shall execute all cutting and making good of
concrete which may be necessary either for the proper execution of the
work under his contract or for the convenience of other contractors. No
other contractor is authorised to cut concrete in any way. No cutting of
concrete shall be permitted which will in any way reduce the strength of the
member in question. The Investor Representatives permission must first be
obtained before any cutting takes place.
7.4

Walling and Partitions

Where partitions are built up to the soffits of a reinforced concrete beam or

slab a 10mm horizontal joint is to be left clear below the soffit. This joint
shall be filled with approved compressible material. Galvanised hoop iron or
other approved brick ties of appropriate length shall be cast in the concrete
for building into the horizontal joints of brick/block partitions at every 6th
brick course.
7.5

Holes, Electrical Conduits and Pipes in Concrete

7.5.1 All holes, openings, pockets, ducts, chases, recesses and other
cavities shall be formed before the concrete is placed. No holes
shall be cut in hardened concrete without the prior approval of
The Investor Representative.
Attention is drawn to the necessity of casting in all such items
as rainwater gullies during placing of the concrete.
Unless otherwise shown in drawings, all openings in slabs shall
be trimmed by 2T16 bars top and bottom along each face of
the opening and projecting 750mm beyond the opening.
Unless otherwise shown in drawings all rectangular openings
through beams shall be trimmed by 2T20 reinforcement all
round. All circular openings shall be trimmed by at least 4 pairs
of 2T16 bars placed diagonally around the opening.
7.5.2 Electrical conduits and other pipes whose embedment is
allowed shall not, with their fittings, displace the concrete of a
column on which stress is calculated or which is required for fire
protection, to a greater extent than 4% of the area of the cross
section unless shown otherwise on the drawings.
Sleeves or tower pipes passing through floors, walls, or beams
shall not be of such a size or in such location as to impair
unduly the strength of the construction. Such sleeves or pipes
may be considered as not reducing the strength of the member
provided they are not exposed to rusting or other deterioration,
are of uncoated iron or steel not thinner than standard steel
pipe, have a nominal inside diameter not over 51mm and are
spaced not less than three diameters centre to centre and/or
centre to face of concrete member.
Except where plans of conduits and pipes are provided by The
Investor Representative or Client, embedded pipes and
conduits, other than those merely passing through, shall not be

larger in outside diameter than one-third the thickness of the

slab, wall, or beam in which they are embedded nor shall they
be spaced closer than three diameters centre to centre, nor so
located as to impair unduly the strength of the construction.
Circular uncoated or galvanised screwed electrical conduit of
iron or steel may be considered as not reducing the strength of
the member. Conduits for electrical wiring, embedded in
concrete, shall comply also with the requirements of relevant
wiring rules approved by the Local Authority.
7.5.3 Pipes Containing Liquids or Gases
Pipes which contain liquid, gas or vapour may be embedded in
structural concrete under the following conditions:

The temperature of the liquid, gas or vapour shall not exceed 50C.

The maximum pressure to which any piping or fitting shall

2
be subjected shall not exceed 1.40 N/mm above
atmospheric pressure.

All piping and fittings shall be tested as a unit for leaks

immediately prior to concreting. The testing pressure per
square metre above atmospheric pressure shall be 50% in
excess of the pressure to which the piping and fittings may
be subjected but the minimum testing pressure shall be not
2
less than 1.03 N/mm above atmospheric pressure. The
pressure test shall be held for four hours with no drop in
pressure except that which may be caused by changes of air
temperature.

Pipes carrying liquid, gas or vapour which is explosive or

injurious to health shall again be tested as specified above,
after the concrete has hardened.
No liquid, gas or vapour except water not exceeding 32C or
2
0.138 N/mm pressure, shall be placed in the pipes until the
concrete has hardened.

In solid slabs, the piping shall be placed between the top

and the bottom reinforcement.

Reinforcement with an area equal to at least 0.25% of the

area of the concrete section shall be provided normal to the
piping.

The piping and fittings shall be assembled by welding,

bracing, solder- sweating, or other equally satisfactory
method. Plain screwed connections shall not be permitted.
The piping shall be so fabricated and installed that it will not
require any cutting, bending, or displacement of the
reinforcement from its proper location.

No liquid, gas or vapour which may be injurious or

detrimental to the pipes shall be placed therein.
Drain Pipes and other piping designed for pressure not more
2
than 0.007 N/mm above atmospheric pressure need not be
tested as required above.

7.5.4 Cover to Pipes and Conduits

The thickness of concrete measured from the nearest permanent
surface of a concrete member to the outside of pipes, conduits, etc
embedded generally parallel to the surface of the member shall not
be less than the greatest of:
25mm;

7.6

The outside diameter of the pipe or conduit or socket in the

case of screwed piping or conduit; or

One and a half times the nominal maximum size of the aggregate.
Tolerances

The structure shall be built to dimensions and levels shown on the

Architect's drawings. Deviation from true positions and/or levels will be
accepted only if they do not effect the finished dimensions, positions and
levels as shown on the Architect's drawings.
Permitted tolerances shall be in accordance with the current issue of TCVN
5593-1991.

Construction Tolerances of Structural Elements Supporting curtain walls or

surfaces affecting curtain wall set out:

Maximum deviation vertically from defined position immediately

after stripping of formwork +12mm.

Maximum deviation laterally from defined position immediately

after stripping formwork and prior to any prestressing +12mm or
building height/4000 whichever is greater. This laterally out of
position tolerance includes all local deviations in edge of slab or
edge beams as well as overall building tolerance.

NOTE: All structural tolerances given above for curtain walls

must also be achieved for external structural faces of building
affecting
set
out
of
masonry,
windows
and
other
cladding/finishes.

REINFORCING STEEL
8.1

General

Steel for reinforcement shall be one or more of the following:

Round plain mild steel bar to TCVN 1651:1985, grade CI; or equivalent
(denoted with the letter R)

Hot rolled steel bar (deformed) to TCVN 1651:1985, grade CIII; or

equivalent (denoted with the letter T)

Steel fabric reinforcement to Vietnamese Standards TCXDVN 267-2002.

Any other steel of a type and quality shall be approved by The Investor
Representative in writing.

Reinforcement shall be free from pitting, loose rust, mill scale, paint, oil,
grease, adhering earth or any other material that may impair the bond
between the concrete and the reinforcement or cause the disintegration of
the concrete. No adhering limewash or cement grout shall be permitted.
Each consignment of reinforcement may be tested for compliance with TCVN
6285-1997 and Certificates of origin shall be produced. Selection of test
pieces shall be made by The Investor Representative.
The Contractor shall bear all costs involved in making the tests. The
Contractor shall have no claim for bars mutilated in obtaining test pieces.
All reinforcement shall be of the diameter, length and material shown on the
drawings. Bar bending schedules shall be prepared by the Contractor.
8.2

Storage

The Contractor shall store reinforcement specified on site stock (SS)

schedules in easily accessible and weather protected racks, capable of
accommodating standard stock lengths.
8.3

Cutting and Bending

The Contractor shall provide power plant necessary for cutting and bending
of reinforcement on site in accordance with Bending Schedules, prepared by
the Contractor.
Reinforcement shall be cut and bent in accordance with Vietnamese
Standards TCXDVN 356-2005 unless particularly noted on drawing. Bars shall
be bent cold and by machine.
Bars incorrectly bent shall be used only if the means used for straightening
and rebending will not damage the material.
8.4

Mechanical Splices for Compression Reinforcement

Approved mechanical splices shall be installed, where detailed on the

drawings, to the manufacturer's instructions, unless specified otherwise
below.
The ends of the bars to be joined by mechanical splices, shall be machined
dead square and flat, installed with the bearing surfaces in contact in full
compliance with Manufacturer's Specification.
The fit shall be "no-go" for any feeler gauge when using end bearing splices.

All splices shall be installed so that inspection is possible. Before concreting

any member, where mechanical splices are used, the Contractor shall obtain
The Investor Representatives approval of the splices installation.
Unsatisfactory installations shall be made good at the Contractor's expense,
to The Investor Representatives approval.

8.5

Fixing Reinforcement

Fixing of reinforcement shall conform to Vietnamese Standards TCVN 44531995 v TCXDVN 356- 2005, unless otherwise noted on drawing.

Bars in lapped splices shall be in close contact and should be wired together.
Bending of bars hot or splicing of bars by welding is not permitted unless
shown on the drawings or approved by The Investor Representative.
Care shall be taken that the binding wire is kept well clear of the face of the
concrete to prevent damage due to corrosion of the wire. Stainless tying
wire shall be used for exposed concrete surfaces where the wire is within the
cover zone.
No concreting shall be commenced until The Investor Representative has
inspected the reinforcement in position and until his approval has been
obtained.
Reinforcement projecting from work being concreted or already concreted
shall not be bent out of its correct position for any reason unless approved
and shall be protected from deformation or other damage.
Adequate precautions shall be taken at all times to ensure that
reinforcement in slabs and beams is protected from displacement by
constructional traffic by the use of, for example, properly constructed and
supported barrow runs and walking boards.
Distribution reinforcement shall be scheduled, where possible, in standard
stock lengths. The Contractor shall fix it in accordance with the general
instructions contained on The Investor Representatives drawings by either
cutting suitable lengths on site or pre-ordering cut lengths from his suppliers.
Concrete cover to all reinforcement shall be as described on the drawings
and shall be provided and maintained within a tolerance of 3mm under and
over (except where specified as minimum).
Cover to reinforcement shall be provided, using concrete blocks or preformed chairs of a type to be approved by The Investor Representative and
adequately spaced to ensure that no displacement of reinforcement occurs
during placing of concrete. The cost of these chairs are deemed to be
included in the tender. If concrete blocks are used, they must be of the same
density and strength as the concrete in the member.

FORMWORK

9.1

General

Formwork shall be constructed in accordance with Vietnamese Standards

TCVN 4453-1995. The formwork shall be constructed so as to support the
concrete in its fluid state together with all construction loads without
appreciable movement or deflection. It shall be sufficiently tight to prevent
loss of grout from the concrete and be free from undulations and distortions.
The formwork shall, unless otherwise directed, have smooth even faces and
be supported as to provide a plain surface with clean and true arises. The
surfacing material shall be renewed as necessary during the period of the
contract and all accumulations of hardened concrete on the faces shall be
removed before use.
Formwork shall be provided for the top faces of sloping work and anchored
to prevent floatation where the slope exceeds 15 degrees.

If so instructed, the calculations and designs for the formwork shall be

submitted for review and comments before construction.
Notwithstanding the comments by The Investor Representative, the strength
and adequacy of the formwork and its supports shall remain the sole
responsibility of the Contractor and/or his Professional Engineer.
The Contractor may be required to cut out or re-execute the work at his own
expense where openings, holes, conduits and the like which are shown on
the drawings have not been formed.
Forms for walls and thin sections shall be provided with openings and other
devices which will permit the concrete to be placed in a manner to prevent
segregation or the accumulation of hardened concrete on the form or on the
reinforcement above the level of the concrete surface.
If the formwork for a column or wall is erected to its full height, concrete
placement openings shall be left in one side and closed as placing of the
concrete proceeds.

Provision shall be made in the formwork for any perforations, sinking or the
inclusion of any built-in parts as required.
The written approval of The Investor Representative must be obtained before
either metal or plastic formwork is used.
No untreated formwork shall be left in. Should it be not possible to extract
formworks, in such areas anti-termited treat formwork or bondek sall be
used as permanent formwork.
9.2

Construction

The arrangement of formwork shall be such that it can be dismantled and

removed readily from the cast concrete without causing shock, disturbance
or damage. For beams and slabs the arrangement shall be such that the
formwork and supports for the slab soffits and beam sides can be removed
without disturbing the formwork and supports of the beam soffits.
Supports of an upper floor shall rest on the lower floor only if the lower floor
has developed adequate strength to bear the load. If in the opinion of The
Investor Representative, the lower floor does not have the required strength
to carry the support of the upper floors, then the method adopted to
support the formwork of the upper floor shall have to be approved by The
Investor Representative.
Bolts and other metal fittings used in formwork erection shall be constructed
so as to permit their easy removal to a depth of at least 50mm from the face
without injury to the concrete and so that upon their removal the cavities
left are of the smallest possible size.
All holes left in the concrete shall be filled with mortar and finished to the
approval of The Investor Representative. Wire ties passing through the
concrete may be used only when approved and the ends of the wire shall be
concealed and measures taken to prevent rust stains on the concrete.
The Contractor shall be required to make allowances for any settlement or
deflection of formwork which is likely to arise during construction so that the
hardened concrete conform accurately to the specified line and level within
the tolerances specified in this specification. Unless otherwise shown on the
drawings, the soffits of beams and slabs of 6 m span and over shall be given
a camber towards the centre of 5 mm for every 2 m of span. For posttensioned walls or beams, the Contractor must consult The Investor
Representative before erection of the formwork.
Formwork across structure joints shall be erected such that it overlaps
adjoining finished concrete by at least 150 mm and held tightly to it.
Formwork shall run continuously across construction joints.
Anchor bolts to be permanently installed in concrete, fixing, boxouts, cores
and other devices used for forming openings, holes, pockets, recesses and
other cavities shall be fixed firmly to the formwork. These fixings shall be as
rigid as the formwork itself so as to prevent the leakage of any grout. No
holes shall be cut in cast concrete except with the approval of The Investor
Representative. If the Contractor fails to provide for any box out, hole or
opening which he may reasonably be expected to anticipate from the
drawings and if The Investor Representative considers that cutting the
concrete to provide such opening may impair the strength of the member,

then the Contractor shall at his expense adopt any other method which The
Investor Representative may deem fit to provide for such opening.
External vibrators, where approved, shall be fixed to the framing members
and not to individual boards on the face.
All rubbish, chippings, shavings, etc shall be removed from the interior of
formwork immediately before concrete is placed, first by compressed air and
then by a jet of water. Temporary openings shall be formed for the inspection
of the inside of the formwork and for the escape of water used for washing.
The Contractor may use an approved form oil which is compatible with the
required finish to coat the faces of the formwork in contact with the
concrete. Such oils shall be insoluble in water, non- staining, not injurious to
the concrete and shall not become flaky or be removed by rain or wash
water. Diesel oil and liquids which retard the setting of the concrete shall not
be used. The same approved type of form oil shall be used throughout all
works. The application of the form oil shall be

such that no reinforcement or prestressing tendons shall be coated by the oil

and there shall be no accumulation of the oil at the bottom of the formwork.
9.2.1 Special Consideration
Tensioned Structure

for

Formwork

to

Support

Post

Depending on the sequence of post-tensioning, a substantial

relocation of loads on the formwork may take place. For example, if
slabs are stressed first, they may be lifted off the formwork and this
weight is transferred on to the beams. Before the beams are stressed,
this supporting formwork receives the sum of the weights of the beam
and adjoining slab.
The Contractor has to allow for this effect when erecting supports for
the formwork.
All formwork shall be removed without damage to the concrete. The
Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to the work and any
consequential damage caused by or arising from the method adopted
for the striking or moving of the formwork or supports.
Immediately after the removal of the formwork, it is the Contractor's
responsibility to notify The Investor Representative for inspection and
any remedial treatment required by The Investor Representative shall
be carried out without delay. Any remedial treatment which has been
carried out before The Investor Representative inspection and
approval shall render the member liable for rejection.
9.3

Miscellaneous

The soffits of formwork for suspended beams of more than 5m span shall
be generally laid to an upward camber towards the centre of 5mm for
every 1 m of span in excess of 5m. For cantilever beams or slabs, 5mm
upward camber shall be provided for every 1m of span.
The soffits of formwork for suspended slabs of more than 6m shall be
generally laid to an upward camber of 5mm per 1m span. The cambers to
which flat slabs are laid shall be agreed with The Investor Representative
prior to work commencing.
In special cases, where structural members are exposed in elevation or in
any position in which architectural details are affected the camber to be
used shall be agreed with The Investor Representative prior to work
commencing.
9.4

Striking of Formwork and Props

All formwork and props shall be removed without undue vibration, shock or
damage to the concrete.
Proper precautions shall be taken to ensure that the concrete is sufficiently
mature at the time of striking.
The following table shall be used to determine striking times.
Where the member concerned may be called upon to take construction
loading from higher floors, propping shall be agreed with The Investor
Representative in writing prior to work commencing.

Rapid Hardening
Cement Concrete

TABLE OF STRIKING
TIMES
Type of Member

Normal
Portland
Cement
Concrete

Beam Sides,
Walls

days

1 day

4 days

3 days

Slabs in Beam &

slab construction
(props left under)

10 days

5 days

Removal of props to
slabs as above

8 days

5 days

& Columns
(unloaded)

Beams and flat

slab construction
(props to be

left
undisturbed)

21 days

8 days

Removal of
props to beams
and flat slabs

N.B. 1 day = 24 hours from the time of placing of concrete

9.5

Finishes
9.5.1 Fair-Faced Finish (Permanently Exposed Concrete Face
Before the commencement of work on concrete to be exposed
permanently, the Contractor shall erect a sample of the formwork and
cast the sample finish. The finish as approved by the Architect must
be maintained throughout the Contract. Where the resulting finish of a
completed work is not considered by the Architect to meet the
standard of the approved sample panel, the Contractor may be
required to remove the work completely and reconstruct or carry out
such surface treatment as may be required by the Architect. This work
shall be done entirely at the Contractor's expense.
For concrete to receive an applied finish, the Contractor shall prepare
sample panels to assess the self finishing properties of the chosen mix
and its compatibility with the applied finish.
9.5.2 Permanently Exposed Concrete Finishes Derived from
Formwork
The formwork for permanently exposed concrete shall be specially
designed to provide the required finish. The faces of the formwork
against which the concrete is to be placed shall be hard and with a
wrought finish or lined with an approved non-staining form lining if
required. An approved non-staining form oil shall be used to coat the
face to facilitate easy removal of the formwork. The entire formwork
shall be sufficiently rigid to give clean true finish.
The texture and quality of the surface finish shall be consistently
maintained throughout the project. The type of cement, formwork
materials, form oil and the source of the aggregate shall remain
unchanged at all stages of the project. The Contractor shall, at the
commencement of the work, ensure that adequate supplies of these
materials are available for the duration of the construction.
During the placing of the concrete, the Contractor shall take special
care to thoroughly compact the concrete especially in areas nearer
the formwork in order that the finished surface is free of water and air
holes.
After the formwork is carefully removed, the Contractor shall notify
The Investor Representative who shall inspect the surface. If
instructed by The Investor Representative, the Contractor shall then
proceed to remove any fins and wash down the surface.
Thereafter, only the most noticeable surface blemishes shall be filled
with a cement and fine aggregate paste, the colour of which shall

match the colour of the concrete.

All finished work shall be very well protected from damage, staining,
discolouration and any other defect at all stages of construction.
9.5.3 Slab Finish Without Topping
The top face of a slab which is not to be covered with other materials
shall be levelled and power floated while unset to a smooth finish at
the levels or falls shown on the drawings or elsewhere. The floating
shall be done so as not to bring an excess of mortar to the surface of
the concrete. Any indentation in the surface of the concrete shall be
formed by approved implements to the depths and patterns
described. Where applicable integral hardeners must be applied to
the surface as part of the finishing process in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations.
9.5.4 Concrete to Receive Applied Finish
When the concrete is to receive an applied finish, the formwork shall
be made of closely jointed wrought boards. Alternatively, steel or
other materials may also be used, subject to

The Investor Representatives agreement. On removal of the

formwork and upon Engineer's inspection, defects shall be treated.
The concrete face shall then be roughened by approved means to
form a key before the finish is applied.
9.5.5 Slabs to Receive Topping
The top face of slab intended to receive topping shall be first spaded
and then left roughened with approved means.
Just prior to placing the topping, the base slab shall be thoroughly
cleaned, prepared for bond and wetted. No pools of water shall be left
standing on the wetted surface. A thin coat of neat cement grout shall
be applied onto the surface of the slab for short distance ahead of the
topping. The wearing surface shall be applied before the grout has
hardened.
When surface hardeners are required to be used, the Contractor shall
submit for The Investor Representatives approval, the type, colour,
composition, details of manufacture and the manufacturer's method
of use. Any hardener consisting of soluble alkaline compounds, rust
and materials designed to disguise rust shall not be allowed to be
used. Upon approval of the type, the application of the hardener shall
be as specified by the manufacturer.
9.5.6 Special Finishes
Where special finishes to concrete are specified by the Engineer or
the Architect, the Contractor shall submit his proposals to achieve
such special finishes to The Investor Representative and/or Architect,
for their written approval.

10

STRUCTURAL MOVEMENT JOINTS

10.1 General
Structural movement joints shall be provided in the position indicated on
The Investor Representatives drawings.
Such joints shall be formed in the manner indicated on the drawings.
The filling medium used is to be adequately secured to one of the members
which it separates so as to prevent subsequent displacement. Unless
otherwise specified the separating material for vertical joints shall be 10mm
foamed polystyrene sheet.
All exposed face of such joints shall be sealed by approved 10mm x 10mm
polysulphide sealant all round. Similarly such joints shall be protected by a
layer of volclay or approved equivalent all round the joint along the mid
depth of the joint. Such material shall be secured to already cast concrete
member.
10.2 Retaining Walls
Shrinkage joints incorporating water bars of the form approved by the
Engineer shall be provided at not more than 8m centres. Construction joints
shall coincide with shrinkage joints.
10.3 Load Bearing Joints (Sliding Joints)
The joints shall be formed
Representatives drawings.

to

the

details

shown

on

The

Investor

The vertical separating medium shall, unless otherwise specified, be 10mm

foam polystyrene sheet.
The width of sheet used for the vertical separating medium shall be equal to
the depth of joints indicated on the drawings and the width of the horizontal
separating medium shall be equal to the width of the concrete bearing
surface shown on the drawings.
The horizontal separating medium shall carry the loading indicated on the
drawings. A horizontal movement of 25mm shall be allowed for unless noted
otherwise on the drawings. The concrete surfaces in contact with the
separating medium shall be true to line and level and smoothly finished with
all arises chamfered.

The horizontal separating medium shall be laid first in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, the edge of the material being accurately
aligned with the "free" edge of the bearing surface.
The vertical separating medium shall then be fixed to the concrete using a
suitable adhesive taking care that its edges are true, square and in contact
with horizontal separating medium for its full length.
When the separating mediums have been finally positioned they shall be
completely covered with a suitable gauge of polythene sheet in order to
exclude grout during subsequent casting operations.
Immediately after removal of the formwork the exposed edges of the joint
shall be cleaned and the edges of the separating media left exposed.

10.4 Shrinkage Bays

The Contractor shall propose and obtain The Investor Representatives
approval for sections of structure to be temporarily omitted to allow the
major part of the shrinkage of the structure to take place. Where a building
dimension is larger than 70m and no expansion joints are shown on the
drawing, at least one shrinkage bay must be provided.
Such shrinkage bays are to be left open for 56 days or such other times as
The Investor Representative shall direct.
10.5 Water Bars
Water bars shall be provided at all horizontal and vertical construction,
contraction and expansion joints of ponds and basement floor, walls, and
any other structure founded below the ground. These shall be of an
approved type and shall not be punctured in fixing.
The following water bars have the provisional approval of The Investor
Representative:

11

In floor construction and contraction joints, are generally 240mm

wide central bulb or 240mm rearguard waterstop.

All waterstops, except at the expansion joints, shall be pvc

waterstops, unless otherwise specified.

COORDINATION DRAWINGS
The Contractor shall submit coordination drawings for the concrete
structure, based on Architectural and Structural Engineers' drawings
comprising:
Site plan and sections incorporating all external works, roads, culverts,
drains, slopes, etc. showing all existing and proposed levels. Drawings
showing all existing information within and around the site shall be
submitted at the commencement and updated subsequently to incorporate
proposed works.
All floors layout plans with sections showing all structural members with
sizes and incorporating structural and finished levels, including all openings,
voids required architecturally or to accommodate M&E services. These
drawings shall be submitted prior to fixing any formwork and reinforcement.
Similarly, drawings for minor sewer incorporating all existing and proposed
lines, manholes, connections, etc shall be submitted as and when required
by The Investor Representative.

12
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ALKALI-SILICA REACTION (ASR) IN
CONCRETE
Concrete mixes for use in permanent works in all locations shall comply with
one of the Clauses.The Contractor shall notify The Investor Representative of
his proposals for complying with this requirement.
The cementitious material shall have a reactive alkali content not exceeding
a maximum value of 0.6% by mass when defined and tested in accordance
with Vietnamese Standards.

The total mass of reactive alkali in the concrete mix shall not exceed 3.0
kg/m3 of concrete when defined, tested and calculated in accordance with
Vietnamese Standards.
The aggregate shall be classed as non-reactive in accordance with the
definition in Vietnamese Standards.

13 LIST OF RELEVANT VIETNAMESE STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL USE

OF CONCRET

Standards Title
TCVN 5308-1991 Norms of safety techniques in construction
TCVN 2682-1992 Portland cement. Technical requirements
TCVN 5691-1992 White Portland Cement. Technical requirements
TCVN 6067-1992 Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement. Technical Requirements.
TCVN 7570-2006 Fine and Coarse Aggregates, Gravel. Technical Requirements.
TCVN 7572-2006 Fine and Coarse Aggregates, Gravel. Testing Mehods.
TCVN 4314-1986 Building Mortar. Technical Requirements.
TCXDVN 302-2004 Water for Concrete and Mortar. Technical Requirements.
TCVN 5440-1991 Concrete. Durability Inspection and Assessment. General
Regulations
TCVN 5592-1991 Heavy Concrete. Requirements for Natural Moist Curing.
TCVN 6025-95 Concrete. Classification by Compressive Strength.
TCXD 173-89 KDT2 Plasticizer for Mortar and Concrete in Construction.
TCVN 3101-1979 Cold Drawing Low Carbon Steel Wire for Reinforced Concrete
Constructions.
TCVN 4453-1995 Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Structure. Construction and
Inspection Procedures
TCVN 1651-1985 Hot Rolled Steel for Reinforced Concrete
TCVN 5709-1993 Hot Rolled Carbon Steel for Building. Technical Requirements.
TCXD 356-2005 Reinforced Concrete Structure. Design Standards
TCXD 198-1991 High-rise Building. Design for Reinforced Concrete Structure
TCXD 170-1989 Steel Structure Fabrication, Installation and Inspection
TCVN 5593-1991 Civil Building Dimensional Tolerance
TCXDVN 374-2006 Ready-Mixed Concrete Specification and Acceptance
TCXDVN 325-2004 Chemical Admixtures for Concrete Technical requirements and
Testing Methods
TCXDVN 191-1996 Concrete and Aggregates Definitions