Standard Operating Procedure for Cement Concrete (CC) road construction, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance with relevant IS Codes for civil construction projects.
To establish a structured process for the construction of Cement Concrete (CC) roads, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance with relevant IS Codes for civil construction projects.
This procedure applies to all CC road construction projects, covering material selection, surface preparation, concrete laying, curing, and quality control as per IS codes. It includes main access roads, internal pathways, and service corridors within construction projects.
Ensures project execution as per design and safety standards
Monitors work progress, verifies material quality, and ensures proper execution
Coordinates manpower and ensures adherence to specifications
Perform excavation, mixing, pouring, and finishing tasks
Conducts material and concrete testing to ensure compliance with IS codes
Implements safety protocols to prevent site accidents
Ensures timely availability of quality-tested materials as per specifications
Establishes proper alignment, levels, and gradients for road construction
Cement (OPC/PPC), Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Water, Admixtures, Reinforcement Bars
Excavators & Loaders for earthwork, Compactors for subgrade preparation
Concrete Mixer, Batching Plant, Transit Mixer, Vibrators
Slipform Paver, Manual Paving Equipment, Concrete Screeds
Leveling Instruments, Straight Edge, Templates for surface finishing
Water Sprayers, Curing Compounds, Hessian Cloth, Plastic Sheets
Trowels, Bull Floats, Edgers, Joint Cutting Saws
Slump Cone, Cube Molds, Schmidt Hammer, Compression Testing Machine
As per IS 516:1959 to verify concrete strength (28-day strength ≥ 30 MPa)
As per IS 1199:1959 to check workability (75-100mm for road concrete)
For subgrade and sub-base layers to verify minimum 97% MDD
Maximum deviation: ±10mm longitudinal, ±5mm cross-section
Aggregate testing for gradation, shape, strength, and cleanliness
Maximum 3mm deviation under 3m straight edge
Concrete placement temperature 5°C to 35°C, monitoring during curing
Maintain W/C ratio ≤ 0.45 for durability and strength
Helmets, gloves, safety boots, and high-visibility vests mandatory for all personnel
Use barricades and signage for public safety and proper traffic diversion
Ensure proper grounding of all electrical equipment and ELCB protection
Only trained operators with valid licenses to operate machinery
Use protective gloves and clothing to prevent cement burns and dermatitis
Mandatory safety goggles during mixing, pouring, and cutting operations
Maintain first aid station on site with eye wash facility and trained personnel
Regular hydration breaks and shade provision during hot weather
Problem: Fine cracks appearing on surface during setting.
Solution: Apply fog spray/evaporation retarder, use windbreaks, schedule pours during cooler times, and begin curing immediately after finishing. Consider adding polypropylene fibers to the mix.
Problem: Flaking or peeling of surface.
Solution: Ensure proper air entrainment, avoid excess water in the mix, use proper finishing techniques (no finishing while bleed water is present), and provide adequate curing period with consistent moisture.
Problem: Test cubes failing to meet target strength.
Solution: Check cement quality, verify W/C ratio, ensure proper gradation of aggregates, improve mixing time/technique, and verify curing conditions. If detected early, consider longer curing; if structural, conduct core tests for further evaluation.
Problem: Edge damage along joints.
Solution: Create joints at proper timing, ensure joint sawing depth is correct (1/4 of slab depth), use proper joint filler materials, avoid heavy loads on new pavement, and ensure proper concrete consolidation at joints.
Avoid concrete pouring during extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall; ideal temperature range: 15-25°C
Ensure proper camber (1:50 to 1:60) for effective drainage and prevent water ponding
Vibrate concrete in systematic pattern to avoid over or under-vibration (15-30 seconds per point)
Cut contraction joints within 4-12 hours of concrete placement depending on setting time
Consider automated sprinkler systems for large projects to ensure consistent moisture
Use chilled water, ice, or set-retarding admixtures to control setting time in hot weather
Always conduct site trials of concrete mix before full-scale production
Use experienced finishing crews for better surface quality and reduced rework
By following this Standard Operating Procedure, CC road construction can be executed efficiently, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance with IS codes. Proper execution and strict adherence to safety measures will result in long-lasting and low-maintenance roads. Regular quality checks and documentation will help maintain the highest standards throughout the construction process, resulting in durable infrastructure that withstands the test of time and provides reliable service throughout the project's operational life.