Concrete Specifications
This Model Specification is written to provide clients and consultants with a base document for the procurement of post-tensioning (PT) services within the UK. It is written on the basis that the PT services will generally be on a “Performance Specified” basis with both design and installation of the PT system being the responsibility of the Specialist PT Contractor. However, in some instances the PT design may be completed by a separate design consultant.
A concrete industry forum was held in 2000 to identify issues that needed resolving to progress the
development of the industry. One issue that was highlighted was the need for performance-based
specifications to facilitate the introduction of innovative solutions. Some attendees expressed the view
that often the prescriptive approach did not work, and that there was no clarity in what was expected.
This confusion led to unacceptable solutions being offered to the client.
Performance specifications can provide clarity on the outcome expected. In response to these and other
views, a focus group / working party was established to develop guidelines for the use of performancebased
specifications for concrete. The group intended to produce model specifications and guidelines
for the use of performance-based specifications for marine concrete and for concrete floors, but the
technology involved is complex and still evolving, and consequently such documents could be both
unwieldy and quickly outdated. Instead, this document has been prepared to describe the present
capabilities and limitations of performance-based specification, and to provide relevant references for
readers who may wish to adopt a performance-based approach to specification.
This work was sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration in cooperation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It was conducted in the second Strategic Highway Research Program, which is administered by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies.
The NSCS covers requirements for the construction of concrete building structures of in-situ concrete, precast concrete and hybrid concrete systems.
It is especially relevant for structures designed to BS 8110 and EN 1992 (EC2).
Edition 4 which has been fully revised to meet the requirement of BS EN 13670 Execution of concrete structures use of which is required for execution of BS EN 1992 and other Eurocode designs.