UDC 6 2 4 (083.

75) SABS 1200 AH-1986

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED S P E C I F I C A T I O N

for

C I V I L ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

AH : GENERAL (STRUCTURAL)

A p p r o v e d by t h e O b t a i n a b l e f r o m the
COUNCIL OF THE S A BUREAU O F STANDARDS
SOUTH AFRICAN Private B a g X191
BUREAU OF STANDARDS Pretoria
on 1 3 March 1986 0001 R e p u b l i c of South A f r i c a

Telegrams : C o m p a r a t o r , P r e t o r i a
Telex : 3 - 2 1 3 0 8 - S A

Published and p r i n t e d i n t h e R e p u b l i c of South A f r i c a by t h e

South A f r i c a n B u r e a u of Standards

ISBN 0-626-07528-9 Gr 6
3 SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (structural)

CONTENTS

Clause Page Number

1 .. SCOPE ..........................................................................
INTERPRETATIONS ................................................................
5
5
2
2.1
2.2
Application.....................................................................
Applicable Edition of Standards ................................................
5
5
2.3 Definitions
Abbreviations
....................................................................
..................................................................
5
5
2.4
2.5 No Limitation by Description
Approval
...................................................
.......................................................................
6
6
2.6
2.7
2.8
Specification Drawings .........................................................
Items in Schedule of Quantities ................................................
6
6
3. MATERIALS ......................................................................
Quality and Samples ............................................................
6
6

4.
3.1
3.2 Materials and Structures on Site
PLANT
...............................................
..........................................................................
6
6
4.1 Contractor's Office and Stores
Services
.................................................
.......................................................................
6
6
4.2
4.2.1 Sanitary services
First-aid facilities
..............................................................
...........................................................
6
6
5 .4.2.2
CONSTRUCTION ...................................................................
....................................................................
6
6
5.1
5.2
Workmanship
Setting Cut of the Works
Safety
.......................................................
.........................................................................
6
6
6.6.15.3
TOLERANCES .....................................................................
Methods of Specifying ..........................................................
6
6

7.
6.2 Degrees of Accuracy
TESTING
............................................................
........................................................................
7
7
7.1 Approved Laboratories ..........................................................
................................................................
7
7

.
7.2
7.3
Methods of Test
Responsibility for Tests
MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT
.......................................................
........................................................
7
7
8
8.1 Measurement ....................................................................
Method of measurement ..........................................................
7
7
8.1.1
8.1.2 Method of scheduling ...........................................................
................................................
7
7
8.1.3
8.2
8.2.1
........................................................................
Preliminary and general section
Payment
Terms of payment ...............................................................
7
7
Contract price adjustment for structural steelwork ............ ................ 7
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.2.4
Contract price adjustment for structural concrete work
Preliminary and general section
........ ................
............................... ................
8
8
8.2.5
8.2.6
Contract price adjustment to preliminary and general amount
Withholding of payment ........................................ ... ................
................ 8
8
8.3
8.4
Scheduled Items ...............................................
Provisional Sums. Prime Cost Items. Daywork and Temporary Works
................
................ 9
9

DRAWINGS

DRAWING AH-1 Specification of Tolerances .................................................... 10

APPENDIX A . APPLICABLE STANDARDS ........................................................... 11

Second Revision March 1986

This specification supersedes
SABS 1200 AH-1983
5 SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (structural)
SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS
STANDARDIZED SPECIFICATION
for
CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

AH : GENERAL (STRUCTURAL)

1. SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the principles, general responsibilities and requirements applicable to the
construction or fabrication and erection of a structure or group of structures in concrete (cast-in-situ,
precast or prestressed), steel, aluminium or structural timber.
NOTE
a) Terminology used throughout the standardized specifications is explained because, in terms of the
conditions of contract, the Employer, the Contractor and the Engineer have certain rights and obligations
that can be exercised most equitably .when all parties have a clear understanding of the operations that
are covered by each item in the schedule of quantities. As this specification is applicable only to
construction, on a prepared site or foundations, of a structure or group of structures that fall within a
single work classification (see Annexure A to Part 1 of SABS 0120), only one item is scheduled to cover
the cost of the Contractor's obligations of a preliminary and general nature.
b) The standards referred to in the specification are listed in Appendix A.

2. INTERPRETATIONS
2.1 APPLICATION. This specification contains clauses that are generally applicable to structural work.
Interpretations of and variations to the specification are set out in Portion 2 of the project
specification.

2.2 APPLICABLE EDITION OF STANDARDS. Each standard referred to in a standardized or particular specification
shall be deemed to be the latest edition, including all amendments issued by the relevant body, published
three calendar months o r more before the closing date for receipt of tenders.

2.3 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this specification the following definitions shall apply:
a) General
Acceptable/Approved (Approval). Acceptable to/approved (approval) by the Engineer.
Adequate. Adequate in the opinion of the Engineer.
Agreed. Agreed in writing.
As detailed. As detailed on drawings.
Aut.horized/ordered/rejected. Authorized/ordered/rejected by the Engineer.
Indicated. Indicated in or reasonably to be inferred from the contract, or indicated in writing by the
Engineer.
Instructed/directed/permitted. Instructed/directed/peritted by the Engineer.
Satisfactory. Capable of fulfilling or having fulfilled the intended function.
Service. Any pipeline, duct, cable or overhead wire for conveying, as appropriate, any fluid (including
stormwater and gas), or electricity or other form of energy for lighting or power, or telecommunication
transmissions.
Submitted. Submitted with the tender or submitted to the Engineer, a5 appropriate.

b) Tolerances
Deviation. The difference between the actual (i.e. measured) size or position and the specified size or
position.
Permissible deviation (PD). The specified limit(s) of deviation (see Clause 6).
Tolerance. The range between the limits within which a size or position must lie.
NOTE: A tolerance is an absolute value without a sign but the dimension or axis to which it applies will
be stated.

c) Measurement and payment

Schedule. The schedule of quantities.
Schedule rate. The unit rate or price entered in the schedule at which the Contractor undertakes to
execute the particular work or to provide the required material, article or service, or to do any or all
of these things, as set out in the item concerned.
Scheduled. Listed in the schedule of quantities.

2.4 ABBREVIATIONS. For the purposes of this specification the following abbreviations shall apply and shall
-~
have the meaninas aiven:
a) Abbreviations relating to standard documents
ASTM : American Society for Testins and Materials
BS : British Standard
DIN : Deutsches Institut far Normung
SABS : south African Bureau of Standards
SIS : Swedish Institute of Standards
b) Other abbreviations
BM Bench mark
CPA : Contract price adjustment
CSIR : Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
NGL : Natural ground level
PCI Portland Cement Institute
RL : Reduced level
SABS 1200 AH-1986 6
General (structural)

2.5 NO LIMITATION BY DESCRIPTION. Nothing appearing in the specification or schedule of quantities shall
limit the obligations and liabilities of the Contractor, the Engineer or the Employer under the
conditions of contract.

2.6 APPROVAL. No approval of any material or plant and its operation, or of any construction procedure to be
used, will imply any relaxation of the requirements governing the quality of the materials or of the
finished work, or relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities under the contract.

2.7 SPECIFICATION DRAWINGS. Where reference by number to a standardized specification drawing is used in
place of a written requirement, the drawing shall be deemed to be the drawing that bears that number and
forms part of the specification.

2.8 ITEMS IN SCHEDULE OF QUANTITIES. The rate or price tendered by the Contractor for a particular item
scheduled shall be deemed to cover the Contractor's profit plus the cost to him of carrying out the
operations or activities stated in the relevant subclause of Clause 8 of the applicable standardized
specification, in addition to the cost to the Contractor of carrying out such ancillary and associated
activities as the Contractor deems necessary for the completion of the Works in accordance with the
specification and drawings.
The Contractor's charges for completing an item scheduled in the preliminary and general section of the
schedule shall be interpreted to be his rate or price to cover his direct costs plus overheads plus
profits, and to include all costs and expenses that may be required for the item specified and for all
general risks, liabilities and obligations set forth or implie'd in the documents on which the tender is
based.

3. MATERIALS
3.1 QUALITY AND SAMPLES. The Contractor shall, when so ordered by the Engineer, deliver to the Engineer's
office on the Site samples of materials to be used in the 'Works. Materials that do not conform to
approved samples in respect of quality or workmanship (or both) may be rejected.

3.2 MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES ON SITE. Earth, stone, gravel and sand, and all other materials excavated or
existing on the Site, shall not become the property of the Contractor, but will be at his disposal so far
only as they are approved for use in the contract. Existing structures on the Site shall remain the
property of the Employer and, except as and to the extent required elsewhere in the contract, shall not
be interfered with in any way by the Contractor.

4. PLANT
4.1 CONTRACTOR'S OFFICE AND STORES. Except where, in terms of the contract, others are to provide an office
and storage facilities for the Contractor, he shall supply and maintain all necessary offices and
shelters for his workmen and adequate and suitable sheds for the storage of materials and equipment.
Sheds for the storage of material that may deteriorate or corrode if exposed to the weather shall be
weatherproof, adequately ventilated and provided with raised floors.

4.2 SERVICES
4.2.1 Sanitary Services. Sanitary services that are provided by the Contractor shall comply with the
regulations of the local authority concerned and shall be so located that they are convenient to all
points where work is in progress.
4.2.2 First-aid Facilities. The Contractor shall provide adequate first-aid facilities for his employees.

5. CONSTRUCTION
5.1 WORKMANSHIP. The workmanship throughout the construction process shall be such that the finished
structure is sound, incorporates no hidden flaws or voids (other than those shown on the drawings or
ordered) and complies with the requirements of the drawings and the specifications.

5.2 SETTING OUT OF THE WORKS. The methods of setting out employed by the Contractor shall be such that they
ensure positive control of the line and the level of all construction, and shall have been approved.
Pegs that have been placed by the Engineer and that are likely to be disturbed during construction shall
be referenced by the Contractor and shall be carefully protected. From the information given on the
drawings, the Contractor shall calculate the position or level, or both, of all intermediate points
required by him for the proper control of the Works.
Bench marks will be established to the same datum as that of the reduced levels shown on the drawings.
As these bench marks may be disturbed during the execution of the work, all setting-out pegs and marks
shall be referred to at least two bench marks. Any discrepancy discovered between bench marks shall be
referred immediately to the Engineer.

5.3 SAFETY. The Contractor shall at all times observe proper and adequate safety precautions on the Site.
Where adequate safety precautions are not being observed, the Engineer may order the Contractor to comply
with minimum safety requirements at the Contractor's expense, and compliance with such an order will not
absolve the Contractor from any of his responsibilities and obligations under the contract.

6. TOLERANCES
6.1 METHODS OF SPECIFYING. Tolerances may be specified in several different ways, as indicated in Example 1
in Drawing AH-1. In the case of linear dimensions, position,,verticality, level, squareness and bow,
permissible deviations shall, unless otherwise stated, .be both positive and negative and of equal
numerical value. (This facilitates the insertion of correct tolerance values and allows for deviations
occurring in opposite directions.)
In certain cases permissible deviations (PD) may be positive or negative but not equal (see Examples
l(b), (c) and (d) in Drawing AH-1). Deviations such as twist and bow edge do not usually have any
positive or negative sense. In such cases the permissible deviation is assumed to be positive and is
equal to the tolerance in numerical value.
Example 2 in Drawing AH-1 shows, on an exaggerated scale, the deviation that may be found on the Site
compared with the permissible deviation specified for the placing of a column.
7 SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (structural)

6.2 DEGREES OF ACCURACY. The Contractor shall construct each of the various parts of the Works to the degree
of accuracy specified. The degree of accuracy may be one of the following:
a) Degree of Accuracy I11 for use where a high degree of accuracy is unnecessary, e.g. mass foundations.
b) Degree of Accuracy I1 for what is commonly called "good work".
c) Degree of Accuracy I where the use of special. as opposed to normal, methods or materials (or both)
are warranted despite the probability of higher costs than will be incurred by the application of
Degree of Accuracy 11.
Except where another degree of accuracy is specified in a standardized specification or the project
specification or given on the drawings, Degree of Accuracy I1 shall apply.

7. TESTING
7.1 APPROVED LABORATORIES. The testing laboratories of the SABS, the CSIR, the PCI, the relevant government
departments and local authorities and t.he Engineer, will be deemed to be approved laboratories in which
tests or design work required in tenns of the specification may be carried out.

7.2 METHODS OF TEST. All testing shall be carried out and interpreted in strict accordance with the methods
specified in the relevant SABS, EIS, ASTM or DIN specification(s) or in the applicable standardized
specification.
Except where testing in accordance with a particular standard has been specified, where conflict exists
between any two methods, the methods given in SABS, BS, ASTM or DIN standards shall, in that order, take
precedence.

7.3 RESPONSIBILITY FOR TESTS. The Contractor shall carry out, at his own cost, such tests as he considers
necessary to satisfy himself that his work is sound (see 5.1). The Engineer may order such additional
tests as he considers necessary to prove compliance with the specification. The cost of such additional
tests shall be borne
a) by the Employer if the results of the additional tests indicate that the Works or the part of it that
was subjected to the tests comply with the applicable requirements, and
b) by the Contractor if the results indicate that the Works or the said part of it do not so comply.

8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

8.1 MEASUREMENT
8.1.1 Method of Measurement. Except where otherwise specified in Clause 8 of a standardized specification or
in the project specification or in the preamble to the schedule, all items in the schedule shall be
measured and shall cover the operations as recommended in the standard system of measurement of civil
engineering quantities for South Africa and South West Africa published under the title Civil engineering
quantities.
8.1.2 Method of Scheduling. The whole of the work may be scheduled for pricing as a lump sum, with or without
items covering rates for variations, or for pricing the items scheduled in terms of 8.1.3, 8.3, 8.4 and
the relevant subclauses of Clause 8 of the applicable standardized specification(s).
8.1.3 Preliminary and General Section
8.1.3.1 Contents
a) A preliminary and general item is provided to cover the Contractor's charges for compliance with the
requirements of the conditions of contract and with the specification, as well as his charges for the
provision, maintenance and removal of his Site establishment and for the provision of such Engineer's
offices and facilities as are specified in the project specification.
b) Provision will be made in the schedule for a lump sum to cover the cost to the Contractor of
supplying, commissioning, maintaining and eventually dismantling and removing plant, tools and equipment
and of complying with any other obligations of a preliminary and general nature in terms of the contract.
c) The same section of the schedule may include items to cover prime cost items, provisional sums,
daywork and temporary works.
8.1.3.2 Tendered sum. The sum tendered in the schedule for the preliminary and general item shall cover the
Contractor's direct and overhead costs and profit and all other costs of complying with the obligations,
liabilities, risks and requirements associated with such item.
8.1.3.3 Contractor to price P and G and establishment item. The Contractor shall price all the items scheduled
in the preliminary and general and site establishment section of the schedule. These items and prices
will form the sole basis for cost evaluation in the settlement of any claim for additional costs in
respect of this section of the schedule. In the absence of a price against any item, no claim in respect
of additional costs or charges for provision of any of the duties, services, facilities or obligations
required in respect of that item will be considered.

8.2 PAYMENT
8.2.1 Terms of Payment. The terms of payment shall conform to the relevant clauses of the applicable
conditions of contract.
8.2.2 Contract Price Adjustment for Structural Steelwork. Unless otherwise stated in a special condition of
contract or in the project specification, payment for a structural steelwork lump sum contract or for all
items scheduled in the structural steelwork section of the schedule, as applicable, shall be adjusted by
amounts calculated from the applicable of the formulae and subject to the conditions set out in (a) and
(b) below, the formulae and conditions, with the exception of the conditions given in (b) (a), being
essentially those of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA).

NOTE: The value of excluded items ((b) ( 2 ) below) and percentages of M, L, Lw and Lb ((b) (3) below) that
are to be used in the formulae are set out in an appendix to the tender (or in a special condition of
contract or in the project specification).
SABS 1200 AH-1986 8
General (structural)

a) Formulae
1) For supply, fabrication and delivery:

PI = POX -(
M x ME1 +-
L x LE1
1-
MSI LSI

2) For erection and, where applicable, pa king and other on-site operations:

P$ = PO x (
Lw x Lw E1 + Lb x Lb E1
)
LW SI Lb SI

Where
PI = contract price after adjustment
PO = Contract price before adjustment as stipulated in the tender/contract
M = Proportion of the contract. price to which ,

i) the SEIFSA steel price index (all types) Table E shal.1 apply for structural work, or
ii) the SEIFSA price index for plate (mild steel) Table M shall apply in the case of tank work
and plate work
L = Proportion of the contract price to which the SEIFSA index of actual labour cost (Table C3)
shall apply
Lw = Proportion of erection contract price to which the SEIFSA index of statutory labour cost (field
force) Table C2, journeymen employees, shall apply
l,b = Proportion of erection contract price to which the SEIFSA index of statutory labour cost (field
force) Table C2, rates E to I, shall apply
EI = .Relevant index or price at the end of the escalation period
SI = Relevant index or price at the start of the escalation period
b) Conditions
1) The value of PO at the date of tender shall be the sum tendered.
The -proportion
- to be regarded as fixed shall be 10 X and the balance shall be subject t.o adjustment in
accordance with the formula for fabrication or erection, as appropriate.
2) Where applicable, the total price, at. the date of tender, (of materials that are to be supplied under
the contract but regarded as excluded items (see NOTE above) and thus not included in the value of PO, is
set out elsewhere in the contract.
3 ) The value of each of the quantities M, L, Lw and Lb shall be the relevant percentage stated elsewhere
in the contract (see NOTE above).
4) For the purposes of the formula for manufacture the escalation period for M shall be the period from
the month of t-enderto t.he month before the month in which the goods are ready for despatch.
5 ) For the purposes of the formula for manufacture the escalation period for L shall be the period from
the month of tender to the month in which the goods are ready for despatch.
6) In,termsof the formula for erection the escalation period for Lw and Lb shall be the period between
t.he month of tender and the month in which erection has been performed.
7 ) As and when each portion of the goods is ready for despatch, a contract price adjustment shall, in
relation to each such portion, be made in respect of appropriate proportions of the total contract price.
8 ) Save only for additional work or variations ordered to be carried out after the due date for
completion, the CPA to be applied to certificates relating to work done or materials supplied after the
due date for completion, shall be half the amounts calculated by inserting in the formulae given in
(a)(l) and (a)(2) above, as applicable, the indices L, M, w'I and Lb applicable at the due date for
completion. (See Subclause 1.2.1.7 of Section AH of Part 3 of SABS 0120.)
9) CPA claims calculated on one or more provisional or preliminary index figures shall be final claims.
10) CPA claims shall be submitted within 180 d after t.he date of each delivery in the case of contracts
for manufacture.
11) CPA claims shall not be subject to retention.
8.2.3 Contract Price Adjustment for Structural Concrete Work. The cont.ract price for a structural concrete
lump sum contract (or subcontract) or for all items scheduled in that section of the schedule, as
applicable, shall be subject to adjustment in terms of the app:licable conditions of contract.
8.2.4 Preliminary and General Section. Payment for the pre1iminar:y and general item will, subject to the
provisions of 8.2.2 and 8.2.5, be effected as follows:
50 % of the sum tendered will be paid in one single payment as set out in the first progress certificate
issued after the Contractor's obligations have, in the opinion of the Engineer, been discharged. Payment
of incremental amounts (calculated by the division of the sum :remaining of the tendered sum by the number
of months of the original period of contract then remaining) will be authorized in each of the subsequent
progress certificates until the sum tendered has been paid.
8.2.5 Contract Price Adjustment to Preliminary and General Amount. The payment of the amount tendered in
respect of the preliminary and general and establishment item :shall be subject to cost adjustment applied
in accordance with the conditions of contract, subject to the terms of 8.2.6.2.
8.2.6 Withholding of Payment
8.2.6.1 should the Contractor fail to continue to provide all or part. of the services or to meet all or part of
the obligations and liabilities required of him in a part.icular period, payment of all or part of the
relevant incremental amount for that period may be withheld until the required service has been provided
or the obligation or liability has been discharged.
8.2.6.2 When a payment. which has been withheld in terms of 8.2.6.1 is subsequently paid, the cost adjustment
factor to be applied to the delayed payment will be the factor that would have applied if the payment had
not been withheld.
9 SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (Structural)

8.3 SCHEDULED ITEMS

8.3.1 Preliminary and General and Site Establishment ........................................
Unit: Sum
The sum shall cover the Contractor's initial costs of providing sureties, insurance of the Works and
plant, third party or public liability insurance, and unemployment insurance to cover his compliance with
the requirements of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1941 (Act No. 30 of 1941) and any other initial
financing obligations of a preliminary and general nature, such as contributions to the appropriate
Industry Training Board.
The sum shall also cover the cost of providing, establishing and commissioning on the Site such
facilities as are required in terms of 4.1, 4.2, 5.2 and 5.3, the cost of the demolition and removal from
the Site of all the above facilities, and the cost of making good and restoring the Site to the
satisfaction of the Engineer.
8.3.2 Lump sum .............................................................................. Unit: Sum
The sum shall cover the cost-sof complying with the requirements of 8.3.1 plus the cost of the provision
of everything necessary for the construction of the works and for maintaining them in terms of the
contract.
8.3.3 Variation Rates ....................................................................... Units: As scheduled
Each unit rate shall cover the cost of everything necessary to complete one unit of the item concerned in
terms of the requirements stated in the schedule or specified elsewhere in the contract. Depending on
whether the applicable variation order is to "add" or to "omit", the sum computed from the quantity
stated in the relevant variation order and the rate will be added to, or deducted from, the lump sum
given in terns of 8.3.2.

8.4 PROVISIONAL. SUMS, PRIME COST ITEMS, DAYWORK AND TEMPORARY WORKS (see 8.1.3.1). Items covered by
provisional sums, prime cost items, daywork and items of temporary works wi.11, where required, be
included in the project specification.
10
SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (structural)

EXAMPLE I :
A MANUFACTURED COMPONENT MILLIMETRES+

PERMSS IBLE DEVIATION

WORK SIZE
a

b - WORK SIZE

L
WORK SIZE
C

WORK SIZE
d

M TOLERANCE

TOLERANCE

m
EXAMPLE 2 : t.lc---l-l
POSITION IN CONSTRUCTION
e.g. A COLUMNIN PLAN
EQUAL
PERMISSIBLE DEVIATION,
AS SPECIFIED

I
I

-- -
--
SPECIFIED POSITION -
ACTUAL POSITION ,AS MEASURED,
ON SITE
-----

Drawing AH-l-Spe~ification~ of Tolerances

11 SABS 1200 AH-1986
General (structural)

APPENDIX A. APPLICABLE STANDARDS

Reference is made to the applicable issue (see 2.2) of the following standard:

SABS 0120 Code of practice for use with standardized specifications for civil engineering construction
and contract documents
Part 1 : Format and contents
Part 3 : Guidance for design

ISBN 0-626-07528.9 labs pia