Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PART 1 - ROADS, Second Edition 2020)

saws or grinders shall not be used.  If power equipment is used before removing mortar from the
structure,  the  operator  shall  demonstrate  proficiency  to  the  Engineer.    After  removing  mortar  the
Contractor shall complete the following sequence to repoint:

1. Remove mortar to a depth of 2.5 times the width of the joint.

2. Remove any dirt or vegetation with a wire brush or other tools approved by the Engineer.

3. Clean joint of all loose fragments and dust with pressurized air or water.

4. Before filling the joint, dampen adjacent stone.

5. Do not place mortar to a depth greater than 2.5 times the joint width.

6. Place mortar in layers of approximately 6mm for joints deeper than 2.5 mm.

7. Add successive layers, once mortar has reached thumb-print hardness.

8. Tool the final layer to match the approved joint appearance.

A 1 m test section of joint shall be constructed along the structure for the Engineer

’s approval

before continuing with work. Approved test section maybe incorporated into the work.

After the mortar has dried,  but before the initial set, the Contractor shall clean excess mortar and
stain  from  rock  masonry  using  a  bristle  brush.  Chemicals  shall  not  be  used  for  cleaning  unless
approved  by  the  Engineer.  Joints  shall  be  protected  by  keeping  damp  for  3  days  after  work  has
been completed.

6.3.3.1

Rock Walls

Rock walls shall be constructed per Article 7.3.4.2 of Chapter 7, Incidental Construction, of these
standard specifications.

6.3.3.2

Facing for Concrete

Rock masonry may be used as a facing for concrete in two scenarios: where the rock is placed
before the concrete, and where the concrete is placed before the rock

a. Rock Placed before Concrete

To  improve  the  bond  to  the  concrete  backing,  the  back  of  the  masonry  shall  be  made  uneven.
Contractor  shall  use  32  mm  reinforcing  steel  bent  into  an  elongated  letter  S  to  anchor  the  rock.
Each anchor shall be embedded in a mortar bed to within 50 mm of the face of the stones while the
opposite end shall project ±250 mm into the concrete backing. Anchor spacing shall be 0.5m both
horizontally and vertically.

After the mortar has attained sufficient strength, Contractor shall clean the back masonry surface
of all dirt, loose material, and mortar drippings, and then wash surfaces using a high-pressure
water jet just before placing the concrete.

When placing the concrete, a neat cement grout of the consistency of cream shall be carried on
top of the concrete and against the masonry at all times. All interstices in the back of the masonry
shall be coated with grout.

b. Concrete Placed before Rock

Facing thickness shall be allowed as shown on the Contract plans. Galvanized metal slots with
anchors shall be set in the concrete face. Anchors spacing shall be at most 600 mm in the vertical
and horizontal directions. Contractor shall place a temporary filling of felt or other material in the
slots to prevent filling with concrete.

Where setting the rock facing, the metal anchors shall be fit tightly in the slots at an average
vertical spacing of 600 mm. At least 25 % of the anchors shall be bent at a short right angle to
engage a recess cut in the stone. Anchors shall extend to within 75 mm of the exposed face of the
stone work.

Where the shape of the concrete face is unsuitable for the use of metal slots, the Contractor shall
use 3.8 mm coated steel wire ties conforming to ASTM A884/A884M - 06, Class A. at a rate of 7
ties for each m

of exposed surface. Contractor shall use a gut to install ties after the concrete has

cured.

Concrete face shall be kept continuously wet for 2 hours preceding the placing of the rock and
spaces between the stones and concrete shall be filled with mortar.

6.3.3.3

Masonry Guardwall

When  shown  on  the  Contract  plans  or  required  in  the  Particular  Specifications,  decorative  rock
masonry  may  be  used  for  guardwalls  (refer  to  Figure  6-1,  below  for  typical  sections  of  typical
guardwall  used  for  traffic  barriers,  refer  to  AASHTO,

Roadside Design Guide, Section 5.4.1.10

Concrete  corewalls  for  guardwall  may  be  cast-in-situ  or  precast  units  as  shown  on  the  Contract
plans, otherwise defined in the Particular Specifications, or as approved by the Engineer. Concrete
shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 25 mPa.  Contractor shall construct an 8 m
sample  section  of  guardwall  and  shall  not  construct  additional  guardwall  before  the  sample  is
approved.

Guardwall shall be constructed true and uniform along its length with no stone projecting more than
38 mm. Mortar beds and joints shall be made according to Table 6-6. Joints and beds shall be
raked to a depth of 50 mm on the front and top, and to 38 mm on the back.

A 1-piece capstone shall be used for the full width of the guardwall for at least 25 % of the total
length. A 2-piece capstone with the joint within 100 mm of the guardwall centre shall be used for
the remaining length.

All  stones,  including  the  capstones,  shall  be  placed  randomly to  avoid  a  pattern.  Stones  shall  be
laid  to  reflect  the  width  of  the  expansion  joints  without  leaving  a  gap  or  a  mortar  edge  at  the
expansion joint. Stones of various sizes shall be used to coin or key the corners of the guardwall.
Typical examples of masonry guardwalls are shown below.

Figure 6-1: Typical examples of masonry guardwalls.

Material or accessory

Requirement

Steel drill screws

For metal-to-metal fastening, ASTM C1002 or
ASTM C954, as required by thickness of metal
being fastened; with pan head that is suitable for
application; in lengths required to achieve
penetration through joined materials of not fewer
than 3 exposed threads

Fasteners for attaching metal lath to
substrates

ASTM C1063

Sound attenuation blankets

ASTM C665, Type I (blankets without membrane
facing), produced by combining thermosetting
resins with mineral fibres manufactured from
glass, slag wool, or rock wool

Fire-resistance-rated assemblies

Comply with mineral-fibre requirements of
assembly

Isolation strip at exterior walls

asphalt-saturated organic felt

Foam gasket

ASTM D226M, Type I (No. 15 asphalt felt),
unperforated

Adhesive-backed, closed-cell vinyl foam strips that
allow fastener penetration without foam
displacement, 3.1 mm thick, in width to suit steel
stud size

Water for mixing shall meet the requirements of Section 4.3.8 of Chapter 4, Concrete Works.

Plaster materials shall meet the requirements of Table 7-46.

Table 7-46: Requirements for plaster materials for integral colour plaster

Material

Requirement

Portland cement

Colour for finish coats

ASTM C150M, Type I

Gray

Masonry cement

Colour for finish coats

ASTM C91, Type N

Gray

Plastic cement

ASTM C1328

Colourants for job-mixed finish-coats

Colourfast mineral pigments that produce finish
plaster colour to match Engineer's sample

Lime

ASTM C206, Type S; or ASTM C207, Type S

Sand aggregate

Colour for job-mixed finish coats

ASTM C897

In colour matching Engineer's sample

Plaster mixes shall comply with ASTM C926 for applications indicated, and shall comply with the
requirements of Table 7-47. Fibre shall be added to base-coat mixes after ingredients have mixed
at least 2 minutes. Fibre quantities in mixes shall comply with the fibre manufacturer's written
instructions and shall not exceed 16 kg fibre per m

of cementitious materials. Aggregate quantities

shall be reduced accordingly to maintain workability.

Table 7-47: Integral colour plaster mixes

Mix description

Requirements

Masonry cement mixes:

Scratch coat

One part masonry cement and 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate

Brown coat

One part masonry cement and 3 to 5 parts aggregate

Portland and masonry cement mixes:

Scratch coat

For cementitious material, mix 1 part Portland cement and 1-
part masonry cement. Use 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate per
part of cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

Brown coat

For cementitious material, mix 1 part Portland cement and 1part
masonry cement. Use 3 to 5 parts aggregate per part of
cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

Portland and plastic cement mixes:

Scratch coat

For cementitious material, mix 1-part plastic cement and 1 part
Portland cement. Use 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate per part of
cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

Brown coat

For cementitious material, mix 1-part plastic cement and 1 part
Portland cement. Use 3 to 5 parts aggregate per part of
cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

Base-coat mixes for use over
monolithic concrete

Portland cement mix

Portland

and

masonry

cement mix

Plastic cement mix

Single base coats for 2-coat plasterwork

For cementitious material, mix 1 part Portland cement and 0-
part to three-quarters part lime. Use 2.5 parts to 4 parts
aggregate per part of cementitious material (sum of separate
volumes of each component material)

For cementitious material, mix 1 part Portland cement and 1
part masonry cement. Use 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate per
part of cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

Use 1 part plastic cement and 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate

Base-coat mixes for use over
concrete masonry units

Portland cement mix

Masonry cement mix

Plastic cement mix

Single base coats for 2-coat plasterwork

For cementitious material, mix 1 part Portland cement and
three-quarters part to 1.5 parts lime. Use 2.5 parts to 4 parts
aggregate per part of cementitious material (sum of separate
volumes of each component material)

Use 1-part masonry cement and 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate

Use 1 part plastic cement and 2.5 parts to 4 parts aggregate

Job-mixed finish-coat mixes

Portland cement mix

For cementitious materials, mix 1 part Portland cement and 1.5
parts to 2 parts lime. Use 1.5 parts to 3 parts aggregate per part

Mix description

Requirements

Masonry cement mix

Portland

and

masonry

cement mix

Plastic cement mix

Factory-prepared finish-coat
mixes

of cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

one-part masonry cement and 1.5 parts to 3 parts aggregate

For cementitious materials, mix 1 part Portland cement and 1
part masonry cement. Use 1.5 parts to 3 parts aggregate per
part of cementitious material (sum of separate volumes of each
component material)

one-part plastic cement and 1.5 parts to 3 parts aggregate

For ready-mixed finish-coat plasters comply with manufacturer's
written instructions

7.8.3.3

Construction Requirements

Project conditions shall meet the requirements of ASTM C926. For interior plasterwork, the
Contractor shall do the following:

a. Maintain room temperatures at greater than 10

C for at least 48 hours before plaster

application, and continuously during and after application

b. Avoid conditions that result in plaster drying out during curing period

c. Distribute heat evenly; prevent concentrated or uneven heat on plaster

d. Ventilate building spaces as required to remove water in excess of that required for hydrating

plaster in a manner that prevents drafts of air from contacting surfaces during plaster
application and until plaster is dry

For exterior plasterwork, the Contractor shall do the following:

1. Apply and cure plaster to prevent plaster drying out during curing period

2. Use procedures required by climatic conditions, including moist curing, providing coverings,

and providing barriers to deflect sunlight and wind

3. Apply plaster when ambient temperature is greater than 10

4. Protect plaster coats from freezing for not less than 48 hours after set of plaster coat has

occurred

Contractor shall ensure that the manufacturer's written recommendations for environmental
conditions are met before applying finishes. Adjacent work shall be protected from soiling, spattering,
moisture deterioration, and other harmful effects caused by plastering. Solid-plaster bases that are
smooth or that do not have the suction capability required to bond with plaster shall be prepared
according to ASTM C926.

Before sprayed fire-resistive materials are applied, the Contractor shall attach offset anchor plates
or ceiling runners (tracks) to surfaces indicated to receive sprayed fire-resistive materials. Where
offset anchor plates are required, continuous plates fastened to building structure not more than 610
mm on centre shall be provided. After sprayed fire-resistive materials are applied, they shall be
removed only to the extent necessary for installation of plaster assemblies and without reducing the
fire resistive material thickness to less than that required to obtain fire-resistance rating indicated.
Remaining fire-resistive materials shall be protected by the Contractor from damage.

Fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be installed according to the requirements for design
designations from listing organisation and publication indicated on Contract plans.

Accessories shall be installed according to ASTM C1063 and at locations indicated on Contract
plans. Reinforcement for external corners shall include the following:

•

Lath-type external-corner reinforcement at exterior locations

•

Corner bead at interior and exterior locations.

Control joints shall be installed at locations indicated by the manufacturer subject to approval by the
Engineer for visual effect as follows:

a. As required to delineate plasterwork into areas (panels) of the following maximum sizes:

1. Vertical surfaces: 13.4 m

2. Horizontal and other nonvertical surfaces: 9.3 m

b. At distances between control joints of not greater than 6.0 m on centre

c. As required to delineate plasterwork into areas (panels) with length-to-width ratios of not

greater than 2.5:1

d. Where control joints occur in surface of construction directly behind plaster

e. Where plasterwork areas change dimensions, to delineate rectangular shaped areas (panels)

and to relieve the stress that occurs at the corner formed by the dimension change

Plaster applications shall comply with ASTM C926. Finished surfaces shall not deviate more than
±6.4 mm in 3 m from a true plane, as measured by a 3 m straightedge placed on the surface. Hollow-
metal frames, bases, and similar work occurring in plastered areas shall be grouted with base-coat
plaster material, before lathing where necessary. Except where full grouting is indicated or required
for fire-resistance rating, grout shall measure at least 152 mm at each jamb anchor. Plaster shall be
finished flush with metal frames and other built-in metal items or accessories that act as a plaster
ground, unless otherwise indicated. Where casing bead does not terminate plaster at metal frame,
base coat shall be cut free from metal frame before plaster sets and groove finish coat at junctures
with metal.

Plaster surfaces that are ready to receive field-applied finishes indicated shall be provided by the
Contractor, who shall use independent scaffolding to avoid putlog holes and other breaks in surfaces.

Bonding compounds shall be applied on unit masonry and concrete plaster bases. Contractor shall
apply wood or plastic float finish to achieve an even and rough Arabic texture finish.

Concealed interior plasterwork shall be constructed of the following:

a. Where plaster application will be concealed behind built-in cabinets, similar furnishings, and

equipment, apply finish coat

b. Where plaster application will be concealed above suspended ceilings and in similar locations,

finish coat may be omitted

c. Where plaster application will be used as a base for adhesive application of tile and similar

finishes, finish coat may be omitted

Contractor shall cut, patch, replace, and repair plaster, as necessary, to accommodate other work
and to restore cracks, dents, and imperfections. Work shall also be repaired or replaced to eliminate
blisters, buckles, crazing and check cracking, dry outs, efflorescence, sweat outs, and similar defects
and where bond to substrate has failed. Temporary protection and enclosures of other work shall be
removed by the Contractor. Promptly remove plaster from doorframes, windows, and other surfaces
not indicated to be plastered. Repair floors, walls, and other surfaces stained, marred, or otherwise
damaged during plastering.

7.9 Interlocking Concrete Paving Blocks

7.9.1 Description

Interlocking concrete pavers shall comply with the requirements specified herein. All interlocking
concrete pavers shall be from manufacturers with valid product certification as per Abu Dhabi Quality
Conformity Council product conformity scheme.

ONSTRUCTION

A. Paver thickness shall be 60mm for pedestrian areas and 80-140 mm for vehicular areas.
Dimensions are based on ASTM C936.

B. The paving block manufacturers shall achieve the desired aesthetic appearance and finish of the
paving blocks by careful combination of fine and coarse aggregates within the general grading limits
specified herein to ensure an acceptable smooth surface is achieved.

7.9.2 Products

7.9.2.1

Constituent Materials Specifications

The constituent materials of the interlocking concrete pavers shall comply with the requirements of
the following articles.

A. Cement: The cement to be used in the manufacture of paving blocks shall be sulphate-resisting
Portland  cement  Type-V,  or  ordinary  Portland  cement  with  partial  cement  replacement  by
supplementary  cementitious  materials  such  as  fly  ash  and  ground  granulated  blast-furnace  slag
(GGBS), and microsilica, etc., in accordance with ASTM C150.

B. Aggregates: The aggregates to be used in the manufacture of the paving blocks shall be from
crushed  rocks  and  from  approved  sources,  conforming  to  the  requirements  of  BS  EN
12620:2002+A1:2008.  The  sand  shall  be  washed  and  free  from  deleterious  substances.  The
aggregate shall not contain harmful material such as coal, mica, shale or similar laminated materials
which cause strength deterioration.

Coarse Aggregate

: Coarse aggregate for paving blocks shall meet the following

requirements:

Table 7-48. Coarse Aggregate for Interlocking Concrete Pavers

Properties

Test Method

(1)

Permissible Limit

Particle Size Distribution

BS EN 933-1:2012

per

12620:2002+A1:2008

Clay Silt & Dust

BS EN 933-1:2012

Max 1%

Organic Matter Content

BS 1377-3:1990

Nil

Water Absorption

BS EN 1097-6:2013

Max 1.5%

Relative Density

BS EN 1097-6:2013

Min 2.6

Shell Content

BS EN 933-7:1998

Nil

Flakiness Index

BS EN 933-3:2012

Max 25%

Elongation Index

BS 812-105.2:1990

Max 25%

Soundness (Mg SO

) 5

cycles

ASTM C88-13

Max 5%

Sulphate Content (SO

)

1744-

1:2009+A1:2012

Max 0.3%

Chloride Content (Cl)

1744-

1:2009+A1:2012

Max 0.20%

ONSTRUCTION

Table 7-48. Coarse Aggregate for Interlocking Concrete Pavers

Aggregate Crushing Value

BS EN 1097-2:2010

Max 25%

Los Angeles Abrasion

AASHTO T 96-02

Max 25%

Note: 1) All standards refer to the latest version unless otherwise specified.

Fine Aggregate

: Fine aggregate for paving blocks shall meet the following requirements:

Table 7-49: Fine Aggregate for Interlocking Concrete Pavers

Properties

Test Method

Permissible Limit

Particle Size Distribution

BS EN 933-1:2012

per

12620:2002+A1:2008

Clay Silt & Dust

BS EN 933-1:2012

Max 3% passing 75 µm
sieve

Organic Matter Content

BS 1377-3:1990

Nil

Water absorption

BS EN 1097-6:2013

Max 2%

Relative Density (Apparent)

BS EN 1097-6:2013

Min 2.6

Shell Content

BS EN 933-7:1998

Max 1%

Soundness (Mg SO

) 5

cycles

ASTM C88:13

Max 5%

Acid Soluble Materials

1744-

1:2009+A1:2012

Max 0.25%

Sulphate Content (SO

)

1744-

1:2009+A1:2012

Max 0.3%

Chloride Content (Cl)

1744-

1:2009+A1:2012

Max 0.1%

C. Water: The water to be used in mixing and curing the precast concrete blocks shall be of drinking
quality, clean and free from injurious substances of sewage, oil, acids, strong alkalis, vegetable
matter, clay and other such substances harmful to the finished product.

D. Pigment: Pigment shall comply to ASTM C979 to be used in manufacturing of precast concrete
interlocking blocks shall be in the form of dry, soft powder of mineral oxides and shall not contain
chemical compounds capable of affecting adversely the setting and development of strength of the
cement and other properties of the finished products and shall be compatible with other admixtures
used in the same mix. Pigments can be used throughout the concrete or for the top layer only in
double mix production. Surface protection against color fading or chemical attaches are possible,
but must be specifically recommended by purchaser.

7.9.3 Design Mix

The design mix shall comply with the requirements of the following articles.

A. Combined Aggregate Grading: The combined grading shall satisfy the following limits.

Table 7-50: Combined Aggregate Grading for Interlocking Concrete Pavers

Diameter

Limit (Percent Passing

(1,2)

)

8.0 mm

100%

4.75 mm

72-82%

2.36 mm

41-61%

1.18 mm

25-46%

600 μm

16-31%

300 μm

8-17%

150 μm

3-8%

75 μm

0-3%

Notes: 1. Smooth, non-gap graded curve is expected.

2. Central tendency should be attempted.

B. Cement Content: The cement content shall be a minimum of 430 Kg/m

C. Water Cement (W/C) Ratio: The water cement ratio shall be a maximum of 0.42.

D. Pigment Content: Only mineral oxide type from reputable source with test certificates. The
pigment content shall not exceed 10% by mass of cement.

7.9.4 Physical & Mechanical Properties

The physical and mechanical properties of the interlocking concrete blocks shall conform to the
following requirements.

A. Bulk Density (min. 48 hrs. immersion):

1. Average > 2.375 T/m

2. Minimum = 2.330 T/m

B. Bulk/Apparent Density Ratio (min. 48 hrs. immersion)

1. Average > 0.88

2. Minimum = 0.87

C. Water Absorption (min. 48 hrs. immersion, tested according to ASTM C140)

1. Maximum = 3% for aggressive exposure zones

, and 4.5% for less aggressive exposure

zones

D. Compressive Strength (min. 48 hrs. Immersion, tested according to BS 6717:1993)

Average ≥ 55 Mpa for aggressive exposure zones, and 49 for less aggressive exposure
zones

2. Minimum = 47 Mpa for aggressive exposure zones, and 44 for less aggressive exposure

zones

E. Abrasion Resistance (for vehicular areas only, tested as per ASTM C418)

1. Average thickness loss < 3 mm

Maximum volume loss = 150 mm

per 500 mm

3. Or comply with BS EN 1338 (maximum volume loss 20,000 mm

per 5,000 mm

F. Flexural Strength (tested according to ASTM C293 / C293M: 10)

1. Average Flexural Strength > 5 Mpa (Dry)

2. Minimum Flexural Strength = 4.5 Mpa (Dry)

G. At least 4 out of 5 of all tested specimens shall meet the specified average criteria for all physical
and mechanical properties specified.

H.  The paving block manufacturers may achieve the physical properties specified herein for their
products  through  various  means  such  as  addition  of  mineral  and/or  chemical  admixtures  to  the
concrete mix for the paving blocks.

I. Concrete paving blocks shall be adequately cured, as specified, so that they comply with all the
physical and mechanical properties upon delivery to site.

J. Any consignments delivered to site that do not comply with the specified physical and mechanical
properties shall be rejected by the Purchaser and the Manufacturer shall remove the consignment
from site.

K. Durability Criteria:

1. AS/NZS 4456.10:2003, method B

2. Resistance to sodium sulphate and sodium chloride

3. Conduct the test for 40 cycles and record the total loss

4. Total loss after 40 cycles < 1% of mass of specimen

7.9.5 Dimensional Tolerance

A. The length or width of each unit shall not differ by more than ±1.6mm from the designated
dimensions.

B. The height of each unit shall not differ by more than ±3% from the specified standard thickness.

Aggressive exposure zones are those areas where a shallow water table is known to be present. This underground water is generally

brackish, where salt and other mineral content is capable of attacking Interlocking Concrete Pavers. This type of zone is generally found
in Abu Dhabi City and other coastal areas throughout the Emirate.

Less aggressive exposure zones have deeper water tables, comprising more fresh water. This type of zone is generally found in regions of

Al Ain and Al Gharbia.

ONSTRUCTION

7.9.6 References

1) ASTM C88

2) ASTM C150

3) ASTM C293

4) ASTM C418

5) ASTM C936

6) BS 812

7) BS 1377

8) BS 6717

9) BS 7533

10) BS EN 933

11) BS EN 1097

12) BS EN 12620

13) BS EN 1744

14) AASHTO T 96-02

7.10 Installation Guidelines

7.10.1

General

Interlocking concrete pavers shall comply with the requirements specified herein. Installation of
interlocking concrete pavers shall be carried out only by companies with a valid certification as per
Abu Dhabi Conformity Council installation guidelines conformity scheme.

A. Pavers for vehicular areas shall be manufactured in a single or double mix as required by the
purchaser. Single mix shall be preferred for vehicular load applications and double mix for pedestrian
areas or where decorative appearances are requested.

B. The thickness of the paving blocks shall be selected in light of the sub base material, the sub
grade soil, the expected load, load frequency, and shape of the blocks as indicated on the contract
document/ as applicable.

C. An edge chamfer around the wearing surface is standard. Blocks without chamfers are possible,
but must be requested by the purchaser.

D. The project contractor shall provide a 10-year performance guarantee for the single and double
mix paving blocks against de-lamination and colour fading beyond normal wear and tear in the
emirate of Abu Dhabi environment. The 10- year (see Appendix 1) guarantee shall be back-to-back
from the concrete paving block manufacturer.

7.10.2

Products & Execution

7.10.2.1

Curing & Handling

A. Following the manufacturer curing process, all consignments delivered to project site shall comply
with performance criteria required on ADS 15.

7.10.2.2

Installation

The installation of interlocking concrete pavers shall comply with the requirements specified herein,
and elsewhere in these specifications.

A. The subgrade and/or aggregate base course for pedestrian and vehicular concrete paving blocks
shall be prepared as per the particular specifications and Contract documents, as applicable.
Moreover, in absence of these document, the subgrade shall follow ASTM, ASHTO, or EN standard.

B. Installation teams are to be properly trained and to have previous experience in the installation of
interlocking pavers and shall follow the requirement/ specification recommended by manufacturers,
as approved by the Owner.

C. After preparation of the subgrade or aggregate base course for the concrete paving blocks, as
applicable, the Contractor shall place 50mm of bedding sand complying with the grading limits
specified in the table below. The bedding sand shall be crushed material.

Table 7-51: Grading for Bedding Sand for Less Aggressive Zone

(1)

Sieve Size

Percent Passing for Each Sieve

(2)

5 mm

89 to 100%

2.36 mm

65 to 100%

1.18 mm

45 to 100%

600 µm

25 to 80%

300 µm

5 to 48%

150 µm

0 to 15%

75 µm

0 to 5%

Notes: 1) Less aggressive exposure zones have deeper water tables, comprising
more fresh water. This type of zone is generally found in regions of Al Ain and Al
Gharbia.

2) As per BS 7533 Part 3 Category IV for pedestrian surface.

Table 7-52: Grading for Bedding Sand for Aggressive Zone

(1)

Sieve Size

Percent Passing for Each Sieve

(2)

14mm

100%

10mm

98 to 100%

6mm

85 to 99%

2mm

0 to 15%

1mm

0 to 2%

63 µm

0 to 1%

Notes: 1) Aggressive exposure zones are those areas where a shallow water table is
known to be present. This underground water is generally brackish, where salt and
other mineral content is capable of attacking Interlocking Concrete Pavers. This type

Table 7-52: Grading for Bedding Sand for Aggressive Zone

(1)

of zone is generally found in Abu Dhabi City and other coastal areas throughout the
Emirate.

2) According to BS EN 13043, category 2.8/6.3 G

80/15.

D. The bedding sand shall be uniformly spread over the compacted subgrade or aggregate base
course, as applicable for pedestrian or vehicular areas, and screed uniformly to grade approximately
5 to 10 mm higher than required. Actual height to be determined from site trial.

E. The sub base/ subgrade below the bedding aggregates to a depth of 30 cm shall have maximum
acid-soluble total salt content < 1% (according to BS 1377 Part 3)

F. Where utilities are present, preparation of subgrade and sub base should be in accordance with
utility providers’ requirements, including minimum depth of cover.

G. Concrete paving blocks in the approved pattern should be placed as close together as possible
such that the spaces of the joints are between approximately 3 mm and 5 mm. It is important that
the spaces be consistent so that the pattern will remain constant.

H. Utility chamber access openings should be integrated with the paving pattern.

I. Paving blocks should be laid from a mix of pallets to avoid any significant colour banding due to
variation in batches.

J. Any necessary cutting of concrete paving blocks shall be done with a mechanical block splitter or
a purpose built proprietary diamond saw. In all such situations, only cut paving units with true, even
and undamaged edges shall be laid. Cut paving with ragged edges and producing voids shall not be
installed. Cut pieces to be laid shall not be less than 30% of a full paving unit and where necessary
the cut shall be shared uniformly with the next complete unit.

K. Dimensional accuracy, uniformity of joint gaps, alignment and squareness shall be checked after
laying the first three rows of blocks and thereafter at regular intervals. If joints begin to open the
blocks shall be knocked together using a rubber mallet.

L. After each 100m², or such area that has been agreed with the Owner, has been laid the blocks
shall be compacted to the required levels using a plate vibrator.

M. Interlocking concrete paving blocks should be tamped with a mechanical plate vibrator equipped
with a rubber pad on the tamping face (to minimize damage to the finished surface and appearance
of the paving blocks), until pavers are uniformly levelled, true to grade and free of any movement.
The mechanical plate vibrator shall have a plate area of 0.20 to 0.35m² and have a compaction force
of 12-24 KN and a frequency of approximately 75 to 100 Hz. Compaction above and around
underground chambers requires particular attention.

N. The joints in the paving blocks shall be filled with sand complying BS 7533-3:2005+A1:2009 by
sweeping in the jointing sand, unless otherwise approved by project Owner. The grading limits for
the jointing sand specified in BS 7533-3:2005+A1:2009 are indicated in the table below.

Table 7-53: Grading for Jointing Sand

Sieve Size

Percentage Passing Each Sieve

2.36 mm

100%

1.18 mm

95-100%

600 μm

50-100%

ONSTRUCTION

Table 7-53: Grading for Jointing Sand

300 μm

15-60%

150 μm

0-15%

75 μm

0-3%

P. No paving shall be left uncompacted overnight except for the 1m strip at the temporary
unrestrained edge.

Q. Upon completion, the finished surface level, shall be within 5mm of the design level and the
maximum deviation within the compacted surface, measured by a 3m straight edge shall not exceed
2mm. The level of any two adjacent blocks shall not differ by more than 1mm. Any areas of paving
which do not comply with these tolerances shall be removed, the aggregate bedding laying course
adjusted and the paving blocks re-laid to the correct levels.

R. The Contractor shall submit shop drawings indicating various patterns to the Owner for review
and approval. No interlocking concrete paving blocks shall be fabricated and delivered before a
specific pattern has been approved.

7.10.3

References

1)  ASTM C88
2)  ASTM C150
3)  ASTM C293
4)  ASTM C418
5)  ASTM C936
6)  BS 812
7)  BS 1377
8)  BS 6717
9)  BS 7533
10) BS EN 933
11) BS EN 1097
12) BS EN 12620
13) BS EN 1744
14) AASHTO T 96-02

7.10.4

Suggested Delivery, Storage & Handling

A. Requirements of On-Site Delivery:

1. The receipts for pavers delivered for use on the Project must state the name of the

Contractor, the Contract Number and the identification number of each batch/bundle
delivered to the site.

2. Each delivery shall also be accompanied by copies of the In-house Certification and

reports on the testing relevant to the batches delivered. The certificate shall confirm that
raw material used in the mixes and finished products comply with ADS 15. On delivery of
pavers to the site, originals or certified copies of these documents must be transmitted to
the Owner.

3. No pavers shall be laid on site until the Owner receives and approves the aforesaid

documentation.

4. The Owner shall be notified 24 hours in advance of pending paver deliveries. No truck

shall be offloaded until inspected by the Owner.

5. At the Owner's option, test samples may be taken from the loaded truck and immediately

checked for compressive and flexural strength at the site lab, prior to permission to off-
load.

As per the Owner’s determination, truck loads may be rejected based on visual and
immediate test observations.

7. Approval by the Owner to off load the pavers is a conditional approval, subject to the final

result of the manufacture, independent and site laboratory testing, proper handling,
installation, and performance.

B. Removal and Replacement of Removable Pavement: For reasons beyond the control of the

Contractor, it may become necessary to remove and then replace interlocking pavers (either
vehicular or pedestrian) or precast tile blocks that are in a present condition acceptable to
the Owner. In such cases, the Contractor shall carry out the removal and replacement of the
removable pavement in such a way that the replaced pavement meets the exact same
specification requirements that governed the original placement of that pavement, including
the requirements for the subgrade and base courses.

C. Removal and Transportation of Interlocking Concrete Pavers to the Owner Stores: Where

existing  interlocking  concrete  pavers  in  vehicular  or  pedestrian  areas  require  removal  to
facilitate  the  proposed  works,  and  are  not  to  be  reinstated,  the  Contractor  shall  carefully
remove the pavers and transport them to a designated Owner storage area off the island of
Abu Dhabi.

1. The work shall consist of, but not be limited to, preparing shop drawings indicating the

removal limits, removal, on-site storage, loading, transporting, and unloading of the
pavers selected for storage.

2. During all operations, the Contractor shall proceed with due care and attention so as not

to damage the pavers. Any pavers made unsuitable for future use due to the Contractor’s
actions or operations shall be deducted from the measurement for this item.

3. Pavers identified as unsuitable for future use prior to commencement of the works shall

be removed and disposed of in accordance with the relevant division of these
specifications.

NDEX

barrer, cast-in-situ fixed formwork, 7-54
barrier, concrete placement, 7-54
barrier, hydraulically pressed precast, 7-58
barrier, precast placement, 7-60
barrier, temporary precast, 7-62
barriers, 7-51
boundary wall materials, 7-24
boundary walls, 7-24
decorative finish, integral colour plaster, 7-

100

decorative finish, plaster, 7-96
decorative finishes for concrete and masonry,

7-96

decorative finishes, concrete colour pigment,

7-96

fence construction, 7-88
fence grounding, 7-91
fence, barbed wire, 7-94
fence, camel fence construction, 7-95
fence, chain-link, 7-75, 7-77
fence, chain-link coatings, 7-80
fence, chain-link fence and gate construction,

7-88

fence, chain-link gates, 7-78
fence, glare screen, 7-75
fence, glare screen construction, 7-91
fence, glare screen type 1, 7-83
fence, glare screen type 2, 7-83
fence, glare screens, 7-83
fence, glare screen-vertical vane, 7-91
fence, motorised gates, 7-81
fence, sand, 7-75, 7-86, 7-87
fence, sand control, 7-87
fence, sand trapping fence construction, 7-95
fence, sand-wire camel, 7-86
fence, temporary, 7-75, 7-86
fence, temporary construction, 7-94
fence, type 2 style B, 7-83
fence, type 2, style A, 7-83
fence, wire, 7-75, 7-84
fence, wire construction, 7-92
fence, wire gates, 7-86
fence, wire mesh, 7-94
fencing, 7-75
foundation, kerb-gutter-barrier, 7-53
galvanisation repair, 7-11
guardrail anchors, 7-12
guardrail and guardrail anchor removal, 7-18
guardrail kerb, 7-17
guardrail post erection, 7-15
guardrail rail erection, 7-16
guardrail raising, 7-18
guardrail reflectors, 7-13

guardrail salvage, 7-18
guardrail terminal and anchor installation, 7-

guardrail wire rope installation, 7-16
gutters, 7-51
impact attenuators, 7-19
kerb painting, 7-53
kerb ramps, 7-66
kerb, cast-in-situ fixed formework, 7-54
kerb, concrete placement, 7-54
kerb, hydraulically pressed precast, 7-58
kerb, placement, 7-59
kerbs, 7-51
precast kerb and barrier, 7-57
qualifications of Contractor’s personnel, 7-31
red rust, 7-11
repairing precast kerb, gutter, and barrier, 7-

Sampling, 7-1
shotcrete application, 7-31
shotcrete equipment, 7-29
shotcrete facing, 7-28
shotcrete finishing, 7-33
shotcrete materials, 7-28
shotcrete testing, 7-30
sidewalk construction, 7-65
sidewalk curing, 7-68
sidewalk finishing, 7-68
sidewalk joints, 7-67
sidewalks, 7-62
sidewalks, architectural concrete, 7-75
sidewalks, cement concrete, 7-67
sidewalks, paver, 7-72
sidewalks, pervious concrete, 7-69
sidewalks, precast tile blocks, 7-64
sidewalks, quarry tiles, 7-63
sidewalks, tile, 7-73
slip-formed kerb and barrier, 7-56
slope protection, 7-42
slope protection, cast-in-situ reinforced

concrete, 7-45

slope protection, coarse aggregate covering,

7-51

slope protection, grouted riprap, 7-50
slope protection, hand-placed riprap, 7-48
slope protection, keyed riprap, 7-50
slope protection, paving, 7-42
slope protection, quarry spalls, 7-49
slope protection, riprap, 7-47
slope protection, sack riprap, 7-49
slope protection, wire mesh, 7-45
three-beam. See guardrails
wall access doors, 7-27

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PART 1 - ROADS, Second Edition 2020) - page 31