09 60 00

TILING
INDEX TO ARTICLES
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 Contract Documents
1.2 Work Included
1.3 Related Work Specified Elsewhere
1.4 Quality Assurance
1.5 Submittals
1.6 Manufacturer's Representative
1.7 Qualifications of Sub-Contractors
1.8 Site Inspection

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 Materials
2.2 Delivery, Storage and Handling
2.3 Spare Stock

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 Inspection
3.2 Preparation
3.3 Installation
3.4 Cleaning and Protection
3.5 Hydrostatic Tests on Toilet Floors

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09 60 00
TILING
1. GENERAL
1.1 Contract Documents
All work of this Section shall comply with the requirements of the Contract Documents for
the Main Building Works, with the Drawings, Schedules and with all other Contract
Documents.
1.2 Work Included
1.2.1 Prime Cost rates for supply of tiles have been allowed in the Schedule of Finishes.
1.2.2 The work included in this Section comprises the supply and installation of the
following:
a) Slip-resistant homogeneous tiles to floors
b) Polished homogeneous / ceramic tiles to walls
c) Glazed homogeneous / ceramic tiles to skirtings
d) Metal mosaic accent tiles to floors and walls
e) Glass mosaic tiles to internal water features
1.2.3 Generally, the areas and spaces to receive floor and wall tile finishes shall be as
indicated on the Drawings and Finishes Schedules.
1.2.4 Laying of tiles are to be coordinated with tile size modulated dimension to avoid
cutting of standard size tile.
1.2.5 All kitchen and wet areas floor tiles to have R-11 slip resistance.
1.2.6 Preparation and submission of shop drawings.
1.3 Related Work Specified Elsewhere
a) Concrete Floor Slabs : Refer to Concrete Specification
b) Reference Standards : 01 02 10
c) Paving : 17 11 00
d) Expansion Control : 07 40 00
e) Membrane and Roofing : 07 10 00
f) Joint Sealants : 07 30 00
g) Plaster and Gypsum Board : 09 24 00
h) Compartments and Cubicles : 10 21 00
i) Toilet, Bath and Laundry Accessories : 10 24 00
j) Sanitary Fixtures : 15 20 00
1.4 Quality Assurance
1.4.1 Allowable Tolerances for Setting Tile
Plumb, level and true to line within +/- 6mm in an undivided space and +/- 1mm
maximum in 300mm. Lippage between two tile surfaces should not be more than
1 mm.
1.4.2 Warranty
All floor and wall tiling shall be warranted for a period of five (5) years from date
of Taking Over Certificate. Defects in materials and workmanship occurring during
warranty period shall be corrected to the satisfaction of the Architect.

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 1.4.3 Technical Specification for ceramic / homogeneous tiles
Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be conducted by an approved laboratory
and the Contractor is deemed to have allowed in his Tender for the cost and
expense of such test.
The total number of test specimens for testing items (i) to (iv) shall be 10.
a) Dimensional Tolerances

Dimensions and their tolerances shall be as follows:-

Glazed Ceramic Tiles for Internal Walls

Length : 297 x 297mm nominal +0 / -1mm tolerance

Width : 297 x 297 mm nominal +0 / -1mm tolerance
Thickness : 9mm/12mm minimum, the average thickness of
each specimen shall not deviate more than 
5% from the average thickness of 10 test
specimens.

Ceramic Floor and External Wall Tiles

Length : 297 x 297mm nominal +0 / -1mm tolerance

Width : 297 x 297 mm nominal +0 / -1mm tolerance
Thickness : 9mm/12mm minimum, the average thickness of
each specimen shall not deviate more than  10%
from the average thickness of 10 test specimens.

b) Straightness of Sides

The maximum deviation from straightness, referred to the length of the

side, shall not exceed  0.3% (internal wall tiles) and 0.5% (floor and
external wall tiles) of the nominal dimension.

c) Rectangularity

The maximum deviation from rectangularity of each specimen shall not

exceed + 0 /-1mm for both internal and external wall and floor tiles of the
nominal dimension.

d) Flatness of Surface

Ceramic Tiles for Internal Walls

Centre curvature, related to diagonal calculated from the work size shall
not exceed +0.65mm - 0.13mm. Edge curvature, related to the
corresponding work size shall not exceed +0.65mm –0.13mm. Warpage
related to diagonal calculated from the work size, shall not exceed 
0.5mm

Ceramic Floor and External Wall Tiles

Centre curvature and warpage of the surface shall not exceed 0.5% of the
length of the corresponding diagonal calculated from the nominal
dimension. The maximum edge curvature of each specimen shall not
exceed 0.50% of the nominal dimension. The maximum warpage of each

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 specimen shall not exceed 0.5% of the length of the corresponding
diagonal calculated from the nominal size.

e) Scratch Hardness of Surface

The average value shall not be less than 5 on the Mohs scale for floor and
external wall tiles and not less than 3 on the Mohs scale for internal wall
tiles.

Number of test specimens shall be 5.

f) Crazing Resistance

Number of test specimens shall be 5.

g) Sub-surface Abrasion Resistance

At maximum of 140mm3 (volume of material removed)

Number of test specimens shall be 5.

h) Water Absorption

The average water absorption shall be as follows:-

Extra heavy duty unglazed floor tiles: <1.0%

Heavy duty unglazed floor tiles: <2.0%

Medium heavy unglazed floor tiles: <4.0%

Medium unglazed floor tiles: <6.0%

Glazed floor tiles (average): <3.0%

Unglazed external wall tiles: <3.0%

Glazed external wall tiles: <6.0%

Internal Wall Tiles: <20.0%

Number of test specimens shall be 10.

i) Modulus of Rupture

The average value shall be 20N/mm2 (floor tiles), >8N/mm2 (external wall
tiles) and >15N/mm2 (internal wall tiles).
Number of test specimens shall be 7.

j) Colourfastness and Lightfastness

The colour of the tiles shall be light-fast. No colour change shall be

detectable after exposure to ultra violet radiation for 28 days.
Number of test specimens shall be 5.

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 k) Acid Resistance and Alkali Resistance

Macroscopic surface examination shall not reveal any visible change for
acid resistance and alkali resistance test.
Number of test specimens shall be 5 for each solution.

l) Allowable Tolerances for Setting Tile

Plumb, level and true to line within +/- 6mm in an undivided space and +/-
1mm maximum in 300mm.

m) Stain Resistance

The stain resistance property of the homogeneous unglazed tiles is to be

built into the tiles before the firing process, and shall be restricted to the
tile surface only. The stain-resistance treatment shall not be extended to
the sides and undersides of tiles to prevent adhesion failures of
mortar/sealant joints, and debonding of tiles.

n) Slip Resistance

Values of slip resistance shall follow generally the DIN 51130R anti-slip
rating recommendation for the different usage.

In areas which are constantly wet, tiles shall not be less than class B of
the DIN 51097 standard.

1.4.4 Reference Documents

Refer to 01 02 10 Reference Standards to comply with the requirements of the

referenced Standards

1.5 Submittals
1.5.1 Submit Shop Drawings indicating in full the layout of tile patterns, including all
expansion joints and extent of tile coverage.
1.5.2 Product Data
Submit manufacturer's printed product description and instruction for preparation
and installation.
1.5.3 Submit all tiles test reports certified by an approved laboratory and any other test
certificate on the request of the Architect based on standards listed.
1.5.4 Samples
Unless otherwise indicated provide three (3) samples of all materials specified
herein.
a) Floor and Wall : 900 mm square panels of tile each type and
colour
with grouted joints mounted on hardwood edged
plywood panels.
b) Special Shapes : Each special shape
c) Sealant : 150 mm long bead, of each colour
d) All Other : Manufacturer's data, Materials literature and
samples as requested by the Architect.

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 e) At the TENDER INTERVIEW STAGE, tenderers are to submit 1 sample
each of each type of tile to the Architect’s office unless otherwise stated.

1.5.5 Submission of Test Certificates for Approval

The Contractor shall submit test certificates to cover the following items :-

a) Dimensional Tolerances

b) Straightness of Sides

c) Rectangularity

d) Flatness of Surface

e) Surface Condition

f) Water Absorption

g) Crazing Resistance

h) Modulus of Rupture

i) Scratch Hardness of Surface (Moh’s scale)

j) Colourfastness and Lightfastness

k) Acid Resistance and Alkali Resistance

The test certificates must be submitted to the Architect prior to bulk ordering. In
addition, the Contractor is to allow for sending of tiles for testing as and when
required by the Architect. The Architect or his representative at site shall select
samples at random from the consignments of tiles delivered to site from time to
time for testing.

Tiles which do not comply with minimum requirements set out in this specification
shall be rejected and the Contractor shall bear the cost of hacking of installed tiles
and all making good, removal of tiles from site and replacement with acceptable
tiles.

At the time of delivery of the tiles, the Contractor shall satisfy himself that the tiles
comply with this specification, and, if so requested by the Architect, shall submit a
certificate issued by the manufacturer that the tiles as supplied in the shipment
are of the best quality of its kind.

1.5.6 Technical Data

At the TIME OF SUBMISSION OF TENDERS, furnish current test reports,
certificates confirming country of origin for each type of tile offered. The following
for each tile type shall be provided at the time of tender submission:-
a) Country of Origin
b) Proposed Supplier / Product Code Reference
c) Actual Size of Proposed Tile (L x W x Thk)
d) Location/s Used
e)

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 1.5.7 Indemnities and Warranties for
a) Tiles Adhesives and Bonding Agent (5 years)
Prior to commencement of the tiling work, the Contractor shall provide to the
Employer a 5-years Indemnity and warranty against any defect, deterioration,
failure, lack of fitness, non-satisfaction of performance specifications or other
requirements under the Contract or other faults in the tile adhesive and bonding
agent work. The Contractor will be required to remedy, repair and make good any
defects or damage during the indemnity period.
If, in the opinion of the Contractor, the foregoing Specifications are insufficient for
him to provide the indemnity and warranty, then he shall allow in his tender for
upgrading the Specifications as necessary to enable him to so indemnify.
1.6 Manufacturer's Representative
1.6.1 The Contractor shall direct the representative or approved distributor to visit the
site at start of the work of this Section and verify that the Sub-Contractor's
workmen are fully instructed and trained in the handling and application of
products. Ensure that only trained supervisors carry out related works.
1.7 Qualifications of Sub-Contractors
1.7.1 Sub-Contractors
The Works of this Section shall be performed by a Sub-Contractor who is a
Specialist. The term 'Specialist' is used in this specification, shall mean a firm of
established reputation, which is regularly engaged in, and which maintains a
regular force of workmen skilled in the handling, application and installation of
ceramic / homogeneous tiles and the following works:
a) Screeding
b) Plastering
c) Waterproofing
1.7.2 Qualifications of Sub-Contractors
Sub-Contractors, in order to obtain approval for doing work of this Section, shall:
a) Submit evidence of being bona fide Sub-Contractors specializing in the
Works as described above
b) Submit evidence of having been in said business continuously, under their
present name, for a period of five years
c) Submit a list of at least five projects of similar work the firm has completed
within the past three years, giving the job location, name of owner, owner's
telephone number, and dates on which the work started and completed.
d) Be approved by Manufacturer’s authorised representative and the
Architect.
1.8 Site Inspection
Prior to starting any works of this Section, the Specialist Sub-Contractor shall inspect all
surfaces to be laid with ceramic / homogeneous tiles. Report to the Contractor any
conditions, which prevent the proper application and installation of any materials and
components, and any corrective measures required. Commencement of the Works in this
section shall deemed as acceptance of surfaces and site conditions by the Specialist Sub-
Contractor.

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2. PRODUCTS
2.1 Materials
2.1.1 Acceptable Types of Ceramic / Homogeneous Tiles
Refer to Appendix 1.
2.1.2 Ceramic and Homogeneous Tiles
a) Floor Tiles
Homogeneous, porcelain and ceramic tiles shall be of the sizes shown on
the Finishes Schedule.
Colours and texture of tiles shall be in accordance to control samples
viewed at the Architect’s office and issued during tender period; final
selection shall be subject to Architect’s selection and approval. Provide
all necessary shapes and trimmers of same tile for curbs, depressions,
corners and elsewhere as may be required. Skirtings shall be rounded
on top edge where no other tile occurs above same.
b) Wall Tiles
Homogeneous, porcelain and ceramic tiles shall be of the sizes shown on
the Finishes Schedule.
Colours and texture of tiles shall be in accordance to control samples
viewed at the Architect’s office and issued during tender period; final
selection shall be subject to Architect’s selection and approval. Provide
all necessary shapes and trimmers of same tile for corners and elsewhere
as may be required. Tiles for external corners of walls shall have factory
finished bird’s mouth.
c) Allow for sufficient quantity of porcelain tiles to toilet areas indicated for
"accent" insert tiles in selected multiple standard colours as shown on the
drawings. The accent tiles location may be indicated in the submitted
shop drawings to be submitted by Contractor.
d) Tolerances
The sizes specified shall have a maximum tolerance of +0 / -1mm of the
specified size.
e) Surface Condition of Porcelain, Ceramic and Homogeneous Tiles
The products when delivered to site shall be free from objectionable
surface blemishes such as projections, depressions, flakes and crazes.
Tiles which do not comply with the above shall be rejected and the
Contractor shall replace the rejected tiles to the satisfaction of the
Architect, at the Contractor’s cost and time.

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 2.1.3 Glass and metal mosaic Tiles
a) Glass and metal mosaic tiles shall be of the following size:
15 x 15 x 4 mm thick mosaic tile shall be mounted in reverse on glass
fibre mesh in square flat sheets weighing 7.5 to 8.5 kg per m2. Colours
shall be as selected by the Architect from manufacturer’s full range.
2.1.4 Substrate, Adhesive and Grouting Materials
a) Substrates (Screed and Render Backing)
i) Screed System
1) Screed system with a moisture content of less than 3 %
using the Speedy moisture tester and compliance with
Category A soundness classification in accordance with
BS 8204, which is to be tested and verified with the BRE
test apparatus; both tests to be conducted 7 days after
screed installation.
2) The screed system shall consist of the following
components:
I) Bonding Agent
Bonding slurry ( eg. using Mapei’s Topcem
Pronto with Planicrete 50 )
II) Screed
Proprietary pre-packed screed consisting of
admixture. (eg. Maipei’s Topcem Pronto)
ii) Render System
Refer to Section 09 24 00 Portland Cement Plastering.
iii) Pool and Water Feature Substrates
Screed requirement as above. Note compatibility and well bonded
requirement with waterproofing membrane
b) Adhesives
i) Floors and Walls Applications
Adhesives shall be as follows:
For concrete or masonry substrates, use a high performance
adhesive belonging to the C2T class with properties in compliance
with EN 12004 and ISO 13007-1.(eg. Mapei’s Keracrete +
Keracrete powder).
For all drywall lining backed substrates, use a high performance
cementitious adhesive belonging to C2FTE class in compliance
with EN 12004 and ISO 13007-1 requirements and also the S2
(Highly Deformable) classification under EN 12002 and ISO
13007-1. (eg. Mapei’s Elastorapid).
i) Pools and Water Features Applications
Use adhesive as specified for concrete substrate but ensure that
adequate bonding is achieved in total system incorporating
waterproofing membrane and backing plaster. Allow a minimum
of 3 weeks curing time before filling pool with water.

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 iii) Agglomerates and Artificial Marble
Use a fast-setting adhesive system with rapid hydration
properties classified as C2F/S1 in compliance with EN
12004/EN12002 and ISO 13007-1. (eg. Mapei’s Granirapid)
c) Grouts
Material shall be a high performance cementitious grout with high
durability and suitable for use in pools. ( eg. Mapei’s Keraclor FF or GG
depending on required joint width.)
For highly polished surfaces with joints of 1.5 mm width use an unsanded
grout. (eg. Keracolor SF)
2.1.5 Mortar Mix
1 part by weight Portland cement, 1 part by weight sand gauged with latex thin set
mortar additive in accordance with manufacturer's printed instructions.
2.1.6 Repair to Stained Tiled Surface
a) Acidic Surface Renovation
Remover shall be to Architect’s approval, used in accordance to
manufacturer's recommendation.
b) Heavy Duty Cement, Mortar & Lime Remover
Remover shall be to Architect’s approval, used in accordance to
manufacturer's recommendation. The use of raw acid or other non-
approved cleaning chemical is not allowed. The works affected including
base screed, waterproofing, adjacent planter soil, trees, and the like will
be rejected and shall be replaced by the Contractor at his own cost and
time.
2.2 Delivery, Storage and Handling
2.2.1 Deliver materials, other than bulk items, in manufacturer's unopened containers
fully identified with grade labels, name brand, type, class, size, colour, pattern,
and the like. Store all materials above ground and protect from weather and
damage from any source. Store in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
2.3 Spare Stock
2.3.1 The Contractor shall allow for sufficient quantities of the various individual tiles
from the same production batch for rectification works during the Defects
Notification Period.
2.3.2 The Contractor is to provide 2% of each type of tile of the total quantity from the
same production batch to be handed over to the Employer after DLP.
3. EXECUTION
3.1 Inspection
1.1.1 Conditions of Surfaces to Receive Tile:
a) Substrate surfaces to receive tile shall be firm, dry, clean and free of oily
or waxy films and free of any defects detrimental to the Work. Do not
proceed with the work until defects have been corrected.
b) Grounds, anchors, plugs, hangers, and bucks, electrical and mechanical
work in or behind tile shall be installed prior to proceeding with tile work.
3.2 Preparation
1.2.1 Prepare substrates as may be required to remove curing compounds or other
substances that would interfere with the proper bond of mortar or adhesive for tile.
Rinse with water if required.

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 2.2.2 Seal substrate with sealer as recommended by the manufacturer of mortar or
adhesive.
3.3 Installation
1.2.1 General Requirements
a) Centre tile in spaces with tiles of equal widths at opposite walls, with no
tiles less than 1/2 tile wide.
b) Cut and drill tile and trim shapes without damage to exposed faces. Rub
cut edges smooth with Carborundum stone.
c) Joints in floor tile shall be perpendicular and parallel to walls. Locate
expansion joints and accessories before tile is installed. Tile panel sizes
shall not exceed 9 square metres.
d) Joints in tile shall be flush with tile face. Use uniform joint widths of 3mm
for ceramic and homogeneous tiles, and 2mm for tiles unless otherwise
shown on Drawings.
e) Space expansion joints through exterior tile and setting bed at spacing
and locations indicated. Caulk with sealant, omitting grout.
f) Align joints in floor, wall and skirting units.
g) Thresholds
Install using same method as specified for floor tile.
h) Grind and fit tile at intersections, against trim and at built-in fixtures and
fittings so that plates, escutcheons and collars overlap cuts.
i) Extend the work into recesses and under or behind equipment and fixture
to form a complete covering without interruptions, unless otherwise
shown.
1.2.1 Thin Set Mortar and Tile Installation
a) All floor tiles shall be installed by the thin set method.
b) All wall tiles shall be installed by the thin set method.
c) Installation of thin set floor tile
i) Clean base surface thoroughly. Dampen if very dry but do not
saturate. Float thin set mortar over area no greater than can be
covered with tile while mortar remains plastic. Comb mortar with
notched trowel within 10 minutes of applying tile to form key to
receive floor tile. Finished mortar bed thickness shall be 2mm to
3mm after beating in.
ii) Press tile firmly into freshly notched mortar bed. Beat in and
adjust tile before initial set takes place. Press and beat tile into
position to obtain 100 percent contact with the mortar, without
voids. Rib-backed tile shall also have a thin application of mortar
on the back of each tile prior to placing on the mortar bed.
iii) Where face mounted mosaic floor tile is used, remove paper and
glue within one hour after tile is set and adjust all tiles that are out
of line or level. Use no more water than is necessary in removing
paper and glue.
d) Installation of thin set wall and skirting tiles
i) Backing surfaces shall not be soaked prior to applying mortar.
Dampen dry backings only as needed to achieve cure.

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 ii) Float thin set mortar over area no greater than can be covered
with tile while mortar remains plastic. Cover evenly with no bare
spots. Comb mortar with notched trowel within 10 minutes before
applying tile. Tile shall not be applied to skinned-over mortar.
Finished mortar bed thickness shall be 2mm to 3mm after beating
in.
iii) Tile shall not be soaked. Press tile firmly into notched mortar bed.
Tap and beat to a true surface, obtaining 100 percent coverage
of mortar on the back of each tile.
f) Installation of wall and skirting tiles on Gypsum Plasterboard
Install thin set method for installation over gypsum plaster-board in
accordance with ANSI A108.4 or BS 5980.
g) Grouting and pointing
i) Tiles shall be grouted and pointed with the appropriate factory
prepared grouting mixture as hereinbefore specified. Grouting
shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's printed
instructions, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Architect
before proceeding with the work.
ii) Use sanded grout for joints which are greater than or equal to
4mm wide. Unsanded grout shall be used where joints are less
than 4mm wide.
iii) Use the proper grout for their respective locations. Joints shall be
packed full and free of all voids or pits. Tool to a uniform texture,
matching approved samples. Excess mortar shall be cleaned
from the surface as work progresses.
iv) Except for epoxy grout, any hardened grout film or haze shall be
removed using a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup machine dishwasher
detergent and 1 cup household ammonia in 9 litres of warm water.
Dampen the surface with the cleaning solution (for unglazed tile
also sprinkle fine sand, 40-60 mesh, over the surface). Allow to
soak 15-30 minutes and then use a power scrubbing machine
with a nylon pad to polish off the surface and remove film.
(Caution: Sand or acid cleaners shall not be used on glazed tile
or polished granite thresholds).
h) Tile
i) Leave or cut openings to correct sizes to receive accessories,
fittings or other items built into tile.
ii) Cut and grind tile accurately and without damage to fit openings
at intersections and against trim finish. Rub exposed cut edges
smooth with abrasive stone.
iii) Drill tile for hardware and for pipes where possible. Otherwise, at
pipes and fittings to fit tile closely so that escutcheons cover cuts.
iv) Extend tile into recesses at windows, doors or other openings.
v) Extend wall tiles behind fitments, mirrors and other applied items
of a fixed nature by a sufficient amount to ensure overlap.
3.4 Cleaning and Protection
1.2.1 Protection
a) Precaution shall be taken to protect finished work from damage by other
trades.

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 b) Where floor tile will be subject to damage or discolouration due to ensuing
construction operations or traffic it shall be protected with wood boards,
plywood sheets or craft paper, as applicable.
c) Tile work damaged or discoloured due to ensuing construction operations
shall be removed and replaced with new tile at the Contractor's expense.
d) Prevent traffic and construction by other trades/sections on newly laid tiles
by barricading areas for at least 48 hours following installation.
1.2.1 Cleaning
a) Clean grout and setting materials from face of tile while materials are
workable. Leave tile face clean and free of all foreign matter. Use
cleaning materials that are compatible with tile, grout and mortar
materials.
b) Leave finished installation clean and free of cracked, chipped, broken,
unbonded or other defective tile work.
3.5 Hydrostatic Tests on Toilet Floors
3.5.1 Hydrostatic tests shall be carried out on all toilet floors, water tanks and other wet
areas receiving tiles. In addition, such tests shall also be carried out on other
areas where in the opinion of the Architect, these are required.
3.5.2 Hydrostatic tests shall be carried out after all penetrations through the floors
concerned have been sealed up or at such other times as required by the
Architect. The test shall be carried out in the following manner:
a) Remove all debris, dirt, dust and the like; organic or inorganic, from the
surface of the areas to be tested so as to allow free and uninterrupted
contact of water with the surface to be tested.
b) A 50mm thick layer of clean water shall then be maintained on the surface
of the floor under test for a period of not less than 24 hours.
c) The underside of the floor which shall be of bare concrete at the time of
test shall be observed and all defective areas showing penetration of
water through the floor or signs of seepage or other defects, shall be made
good by the Contractor.
3.5.3 The Contractor shall arrange for an inspection to be carried out by the Architect or
his representative before such areas where remedial works are required and
where such remedial works had been instructed to be carried out, are covered up.

- END -

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