CESMM4 – Class F: In Situ Concrete

Scope

  • Class F covers all types of in situ concrete works, i.e., concrete that is mixed, transported, placed, and cured directly on site, within formwork, foundations, substructures, and superstructures.
  • It includes plain (mass) concrete and reinforced concrete.
  • The classification ensures clarity in measurement, pricing, and execution.

1. General Principles

  • Measurement must distinguish between:
    • Type of concrete (plain vs. reinforced).
    • Grade/strength of concrete (e.g., C20/25, C25/30).
    • Location of work (foundation, column, slab, wall, etc.).
    • Shape/complexity (simple mass concrete vs. structural concrete).
  • The unit of measurement is cubic metre (m³).
  • Formwork and reinforcement are measured separately (Class G: Formwork, Class H: Reinforcement).

2. Sub-classifications under Class F

CESMM4 divides in situ concrete into several categories:

F1 – Mass Concrete (Plain Concrete)

  • Used where no reinforcement is provided.
  • Examples: blinding layers, mass foundations, levelling courses.
  • Measured in m³, itemized by:
    • Mix proportion / grade (e.g., C15, C20).
    • Thickness and extent.
    • Location (e.g., foundation, basement slab).

F2 – Reinforced Concrete

  • Includes concrete that incorporates reinforcement (measured separately in Class H).
  • Examples: columns, slabs, beams, walls.
  • Measured in m³, with details:
    • Grade (e.g., C25/30).
    • Structural member (slab/beam/wall/column).
    • Location (substructure/superstructure).
    • Form of construction (horizontal, vertical, inclined).

F3 – Special Concrete

  • Covers concrete with special properties:
    • High-strength concrete.
    • Lightweight concrete.
    • No-fines concrete.
    • Permeable or aerated concrete.
  • Used in specialized structural works, bridge decks, precast in-situ joints, etc.

F4 – Surface Finishes to Concrete

  • Includes trowelling, bush-hammering, ribbed finishes, or textured finishes required for appearance or bonding.
  • Measured in square metres (m²).
  • Example: Fair-faced concrete in architectural structures.

F5 – Cast-in Items

  • Items embedded into concrete at the time of placing:
    • Water stops.
    • Anchor bolts.
    • Inserts.
  • These are measured separately with clear descriptions.

3. Measurement Rules

  • Formwork and reinforcement are excluded from Class F (see Class G and H).
  • Concrete is measured net volume in place, no allowance for wastage.
  • Openings >0.5 m² or recesses >0.05 m³ are deducted from measurements.
  • Small holes (<0.5 m²) are not deducted.

4. Information Required in Bill Descriptions

Each item of in situ concrete must state:

  • Concrete grade or mix.
  • Type: plain, reinforced, or special.
  • Member: slab, column, beam, foundation, wall.
  • Location: substructure, superstructure, below/above ground.
  • Finish: fair-faced, exposed, or ordinary.
  • Any embedded items or special curing methods.

5. Example BOQ Items (Class F)

  1. Plain concrete blinding layer, 100 mm thick, Grade C15, to foundations. (m³)
  2. Reinforced concrete Grade C25/30 in beams at ground floor level. (m³)
  3. Reinforced concrete Grade C30/37 in shear walls, below ground level. (m³)
  4. Lightweight reinforced concrete, slab, 200 mm thick, above ground floor. (m³)
  5. Fair-faced surface finish to reinforced concrete wall, 25 m². (m²)
  6. Cast-in water bar in expansion joint, 50 m length. (m).

Summary
Class F ensures that in situ concrete is measured in a clear, structured way that reflects its grade, type, and application. Reinforcement (Class H) and formwork (Class G) are measured separately to avoid duplication.

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