Exterior painting of Enclave compound building, American Embassy

Standard specifications for Masonry
1. CEMENT MORTAR
The mortar will be measured on the basis of volume. Cement mortar of ratio
1:4 (cement: coarse sand) will be used for general repair, 1:3 (cement: coarse
sand) for tile work and 1:2 will be used for plastering cornice, sunshades etc.
unless otherwise mentioned.
The measured quantity of sand shall be leveled in a big metal box and cement
emptied on top of it. The cement and sand shall be thoroughly mixed dry by
being turned over and over, backward and forward, several times till the
mixture is of a uniform color. Mortar shall be used as soon as possible after
mixing and before it has begin to set and in any case before half an hour shall
be rejected and removed from the site of work.
2. CEMENT CONCRETE
Proportioning shall be done by volume. Boxes of suitable size shall be used for
measuring sand and aggregate. While measuring the aggregate, shaking,
reaming or heaping shall not be done. The proportioning of sand shall be on
the basis of its dry volume.
Mixing shall be done in mechanical mixer. Mixing by hand shall be employed
only in special cases with the specific prior permission.
In case of machine mixing the mixer drum shall be flushed cleaned with water.
Measured quantity of dry coarse aggregate shall be placed first in hopper. This
shall be followed with measured quantity of fine aggregate and then cement.
The materials shall be mixed for a period not less than 2 minutes and until a
uniform color and consistency is obtained. The time shall be counted from the
moment all the materials have been put into drum.
If in special case hand mixing being used shall be done on a smooth, clean and
water tight platform of suitable size in the following manner;
I. Measured quantity of sand shall be spread evenly over the platform.
II. The cement shall be dumped on the sand and mixed evenly.
III. The sand and cement shall be mixed with spade, turning the mixture
over and over again, until it is in even color throughout.
IV. The sand cement mixture shall be mixed with measured quantity of
aggregate. This shall be mixed at least three times by shoveling and
turning over by twist from the center to sides.
V. A hole shall be made in the middle of the mixed pipe.
VI. Then water shall be added gradually and mix it until uniform color and
consistency is obtained throughout the pipe.
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