Plain and Reinforced Concrete Specs
Plain and Reinforced Concrete Specs
May 2017
Structural
PIP STS03001
Plain and Reinforced Concrete Specification
PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has been
prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major industrial users,
contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical requirements into a
single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering costs to both the
purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice is expected to
incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual applications may involve
requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over this Practice. Determinations
concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or application of the Practice to
particular project or engineering situations should not be made solely on information
contained in these materials. The use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed
as an expression of preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other
brands having the same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those
named. All Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should
conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be
followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.
© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of Texas at
Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member Companies and
Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or modifications of any kind
are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written authorization of PIP.
Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly indicate modifications or
exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized Users may provide their clients,
suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice solely for Authorized Users’ purposes.
These purposes include but are not limited to the procurement process (e.g., as attachments to
requests for quotation/ purchase orders or requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and
issue of design engineering deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized User’s
client. PIP’s copyright notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in
documents where an Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the
Practice.
PUBLISHING HISTORY
December 1995 Issued
July 2001 Complete Revision
May 2007 Complete Revision
May 2017 Complete Revision
Structural
PIP STS03001
Plain and Reinforced Concrete Specification
Table of Contents
1. Scope ...........................................2
2. References ..................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ..........2
3. Definitions ...................................3
4. Requirements ..............................4
4.1 General...............................................4
4.2 Quality Control ...................................5
4.3 Quality Assurance ..............................7
4.4 Submittals ..........................................7
4.5 Materials .............................................7
4.6 Execution ...........................................9
Tables
Table 1 - Tolerances for Embedments ...12
Table 2 - Supplier Data Requirements ...16
1. Scope
This Practice provides requirements for cast-in-place concrete construction.
This Practice describes technical requirements for furnishing and installing materials and for
proportioning, mixing, placing, testing, and curing of plain and reinforced concrete.
This Practice supplements ACI 301-16, Specifications for Structural Concrete, and
ACI 301M-16, Specifications for Structural Concrete (Metric).
2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition of references shall be as shown in ACI
301-16 / ACI 301M-16 Section 1.4 or, if not listed in ACI 301-16 / ACI 301M-16, shall be the
edition in effect on the date of contract award, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used
herein where appropriate.
3. Definitions
constructor: Party responsible for supplying materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and labor
for installation of concrete materials in accordance with contract documents. The term constructor
shall apply also to constructor’s subcontractor(s) and vendor(s).
contract documents: Any and all documents, including codes, studies, design drawings,
specifications, sketches, practices, and data sheets, that purchaser or engineer of record has
transmitted or otherwise communicated, either by incorporation or reference, and made part of
the legal contract agreement or purchase order between purchaser and constructor.
qualified to practice in the specialty discipline required for the work described in contract
documents.
manufacturer: Party who produces and warrants performance of products, materials, and/or items
provided in accordance with contract documents. Products, materials, and/or items are
manufactured in a controlled process using standard codes, specifications, tests and possibly
include shop drawings to assist in proper application, installation and/or use. The term
manufacturer shall apply also to manufacturer’s subcontractor(s) and/or vendor(s).
mass concrete: Any volume of structural concrete in which a combination of dimensions of the
member being cast, the boundary conditions, the characteristics of the concrete mixture, and the
ambient conditions can lead to undesirable thermal stresses, cracking, deleterious chemical
reactions, or reduction in the long-term strength as a result of elevated concrete temperature due
to heat from hydration.
owner: Party who has authority through ownership, lease, or other legal agreement over site,
facility, structure or project wherein concrete materials will be used.
purchaser: Party who awards contract to constructor. Purchaser may be owner or owner’s
authorized agent.
self-consolidating concrete: Fresh concrete that can flow around reinforcement and consolidate
within formwork under its own weight without vibration.
supplier: Party responsible for supplying concrete materials in accordance with contract
documents.
4. Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Concrete supply and construction shall be in accordance with all requirements of
ACI 301-16 / ACI 301M-16, except as modified or supplemented in this Practice
or by contract documents.
4.1.2 Requirements of federal, state or local agencies that have jurisdiction where
concrete is to be placed shall apply.
4.1.3 Any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Practice, design drawings, or other
contract documents shall be brought to the attention of purchaser for resolution.
4.1.4 For applications designated as environmental engineering concrete structures in
contract documents, concrete supply and construction shall also be in accordance
with ACI 350.5 / ACI 350.5M.
4.1.5 Any placement of concrete designated in contract documents as mass concrete or
any placement of structural concrete with a minimum dimension equal to or
greater than 4 ft (1200 mm) shall be considered mass concrete unless otherwise
specified in contract documents and shall be in accordance with Section 8 of ACI
301 / ACI 301M. For applications designated as environmental engineering
4.2.4 For each concrete sample obtained for self-consolidating concrete, the following
tests shall also be conducted:
a. Slump flow in accordance with ASTM C1611/C1611M
b. T50 and Visual Stability Index (VSI) in accordance with Appendix of ASTM
C1611/C1611M
c. Column segregation in accordance with ASTM C1610/C1610M or ASTM
C1712
d. Passing ability in accordance with ASTM C1621/C1621M
4.2.5 Test cylinder sets shall be dated and numbered consecutively.
4.2.6 Concrete quality control test reports shall be provided to purchaser weekly unless
otherwise specified in contract documents. Data in test report shall include, but
not be limited to, the following:
a. Location of concrete on the job and associated design drawing numbers and
structure/foundation identification
b. Specified compressive strength (f c)
c. Date placed
d. Proportions of concrete mix or mix identification
e. 7- and 28-day compressive strength and compressive strength for any other
duration as specified in contract documents
f. Slump (except for self-consolidating concrete), air and concrete temperatures
at time of placement, time of day concrete was batched, and time of day
concrete was placed
g. For self-consolidating concrete only, slump flow, T50, Visual Stability Index
(VSI), column segregation and passing ability
h. Air content
i. Name of inspector making cylinders and cylinder number
4.2.7 Constructor shall notify testing agency when concrete is to be placed.
4.2.8 Ready mixed concrete suppliers shall be certified in accordance with one of the
following:
a. Certification by holding a current NRMCA Certificate of Conformance for
Concrete Production Facilities
b. Certification from an independent testing agency stating conformance with
NRMCA Certification of Ready Mixed Concrete Production Facilities
c. Certification from Department of Transportation or governing authority for
the project site location
The certification shall be current for duration of concrete supply.
4.5.3.3 Calcium chloride and admixtures containing soluble chlorides shall not
be permitted.
4.5.3.4 For applications designated as environmental engineering concrete
structures in contract documents, admixtures used for mass concrete
applications shall be in accordance with ACI 350.5 / ACI 350.5M Section
8.2.1.2.
4.5.4 Aggregate
4.5.4.1 Aggregate shall be in accordance with ASTM C33/C33M.
4.5.4.2 Aggregate shall be obtained from a single source.
4.5.4.3 Aggregates proposed for use shall be tested in accordance with Appendix
of ASTM C33/C33M, or a record of satisfactory performance shall be
submitted to engineer of record for approval.
4.5.4.4 Fine and coarse aggregate shall meet the restrictions on reactive
materials in accordance ASTM C33/C33M.
4.5.5 Reinforcement
4.5.5.1 Reinforcing bars shall be deformed billet steel in accordance with
ASTM A615/A615M, Grade 60 (420) unless otherwise specified in
contract documents.
4.5.5.2 Reinforcing shall be uncoated unless otherwise specified in contract
documents.
4.5.5.3 Welded wire reinforcement shall be plain wire in accordance with ASTM
A1064/A1064M. Wire shall be of sufficient size to fabricate in sheets.
Rolls of welded wire reinforcement shall not be used.
4.5.5.4 Tie wire shall be black annealed wire, 16 gage (1.29 mm) minimum.
4.5.6 Water
Water used for mixing water, ice, curing, or any other function relating to
placement of concrete shall be potable or meet the requirements of ASTM
C1602/C1602M.
4.5.7 Accessories
Accessories shall meet the requirements of ACI 301 / ACI 301M.
4.5.8 Joints
4.5.8.1 Joint filler shall be in accordance with ASTM D1751 unless otherwise
specified in contract documents.
4.5.8.2 Backer rod for joint sealant shall be in accordance with ASTM D5249.
Diameter shall be 1.5 times the width of the joint unless otherwise
specified in contract documents.
4.5.8.3 Joint sealant shall be in accordance with ASTM C920, unless otherwise
specified in contract documents.
4.5.9 Anchorage
Anchorage shall be in accordance with PIP STF05121, unless otherwise
specified in contract documents.
4.5.10 Vapor Barrier
Below floor vapor barrier shall be in accordance with ASTM E1745, Class A, and
minimum 10 mil (250 μm) thickness unless otherwise specified in contract
documents.
4.6 Execution
4.6.1 General
4.6.1.1 Storage, handling, measuring, mixing, transporting, and placing of
concrete materials shall follow the methods and means outlined in ACI
304R and comply with manufacturer’s written recommendations for
handling, storage, and protection.
4.6.1.2 Execution for self-consolidating concrete shall follow the methods and
means outlined in ACI 237R.
4.6.2 Formwork
4.6.2.1 Unless otherwise specified in contract documents, 3/4-inch (20-mm)
chamfer strips shall be provided at all corners on permanently exposed
surfaces.
4.6.2.2 Form-release agents shall not be applied if concrete surfaces shall receive
special finishes or where the agent may affect applied coverings.
Alternately, inside surfaces of untreated formwork shall be soaked with
clean water and kept moist before placing concrete.
4.6.2.3 Form removal shall be in accordance with ACI 301 / ACI 301M and the
following:
a. For structures for which forms do not provide vertical support or
lateral stability (e.g., footings, piers, columns, walls, or sides of
beams), the forms may be removed 48 hours after completion of
placement if concrete is sufficiently hard to prevent damage by form
removal, and if curing starts immediately.
b. Unless otherwise specified in contract documents, forms for self-
supporting members may be removed if concrete compressive
strength is at least 80 percent of the specified 28-day compressive
strength. Refer to ACI 301 / ACI 301M, Section 2.3.4, for
determining compressive strength of concrete for removal of
formwork.
c. Unless otherwise approved by the purchaser, forms shall not be left
permanently in place.
4.6.2.4 Form accessories that remain embedded in the concrete (e.g., ties and
hangers) shall be a commercially manufactured type.
4.6.2.5 Formed concrete surfaces shall be constructed in accordance with the
tolerances shown in ACI 117 / ACI 117M.
4.6.2.6 Formwork for columns and walls shall be provided with adequate
cleanout openings to permit inspection and easy cleaning after
reinforcement has been placed.
4.6.2.7 All side and bottom surfaces of concrete for structures that will be
exposed shall be formed. Unless otherwise approved by engineer of
record, vertical surfaces of concrete for subgrade structures and
pavements shall be formed at least to a depth of 12 inches (300 mm)
below grade. Concrete below this level may be placed against earth.
4.6.2.8 Formwork design calculations and drawings shall be sealed by engineer
of record for the formwork.
4.6.3 Joints
4.6.3.1 All joints shall be located and constructed in accordance with contract
documents. Any variation from the location specified shall be approved
by engineer of record.
4.6.3.2 Control joints to be cut with a saw shall be cut as soon as concrete is hard
enough to prevent surface raveling and aggregate dislodging, and within
8 hours after concrete placement.
a. Control joints shall be cut in accordance with saw manufacturer’s
written recommendations.
b. Sawing sequence shall be based on concrete placement time and size
of slab.
4.6.3.3 Control joints in slab toppings shall be located directly above and in line
with the control joints in underlying concrete slab.
4.6.3.4 Isolation joints shall be placed where pavement adjoins vertical surfaces
(e.g., walls, columns, catch basins, manholes, and equipment
foundations). Isolation joints shall be located in accordance with contract
documents.
4.6.3.5 Dowels at expansion joints shall be properly aligned to prevent any
restraint on expansion movement at the joint.
4.6.3.6 The surface of joints shall be cleaned of scale and laitance and
thoroughly wetted, but free of standing water, before placing adjoining
concrete.
4.6.4 Waterstops
Waterstops shall be installed in accordance with contract documents and
manufacturer’s written recommendations.
4.6.5 Reinforcing and Embedments
4.6.5.1 Detailing and Fabrication
1. Reinforcement placing drawings and bending schedules shall be
prepared in accordance with ACI SP-66 and CRSI Manual of
Standard Practice and submitted to engineer of record for review
and approval.
4.6.5.3 Tolerances
Embedments shall be installed in accordance with tolerances shown in
Table 1, unless otherwise specified in contract documents. The term
“anchor group” used in Table 1 is defined as the set of anchors for a
single fabricated steel shipping piece, or a single piece of equipment or
skid.
4.6.11.2 Engineer of record shall be notified before proceeding with repair if the
defect is any of the following:
a. Depth is greater than 3 inches (75 mm) at the maximum point and
surface area is greater than 150 square inches (100,000 square mm).
b. Depth is greater than 1/4 the thickness of the member and greater
than 6 inches (150 mm) in any other direction.
c. Reinforcing steel is exposed.
4.6.11.3 Prepackaged grouts and patching compounds or a patching mortar
similar to the concrete mix without coarse aggregate may be used with
approval of engineer of record.
4.6.11.4 Out-of-tolerance slabs shall be repaired by grinding down high points
and/or raising low points by using a self-leveling compound or repair
topping approved by engineer of record and installed in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendation.
4.6.11.5 Critical slab areas, identified in contract documents shall be replaced if
out-of-tolerance. A demolition and replacement plan for the slab areas
shall be submitted to engineer of record for review and approval before
proceeding.
4.6.12 Hot and Cold Weather Concreting
4.6.12.1 If the combination of temperature, humidity, and wind velocity is
expected to cause a rate of evaporation equal to or greater than 0.2
pounds per square foot per hour (1 kilogram per square meter per hour),
the provisions of ACI 305.1 shall be followed.
4.6.12.2 Cold weather concreting shall meet the requirements of ACI 306.1 for
minimum temperatures specified therein.
4.6.13 Architectural and Prestressed Concrete
Architectural and prestressed concrete requirements that are in addition to ACI
301 / ACI 301M and this Practice shall be in accordance with contract
documents.
4.6.14 Tightness Testing of Environmental Engineering Concrete
Structures
If specifically required in the contract documents, tightness testing of
environmental engineering concrete structures shall be performed in accordance
with ACI 350.1 / ACI 350.1M.