The Standard Specifications for Building Works-1989 vs Standard Specification for Building Works-2005

Both specifications are entirely different when specifying concrete and its compliance requirements, causing confusions amongst designers and supervisors.

The Standard Specification for Building Works-2005 is in compliance with:

1. MS 523, (which is a total adoption of BS 5328), complies with the design requirements of BS 8110 whereas the Standard Specification for Building Works -1989 adopts MS 7.5 which was based on the design requirements of CP 114 and has long been withdrawn by SIRIM.

2. BS 6089, which specifies the acceptance criteria for testing of hardened concrete, especially when dealing with non-compliance whereas the Standard Specification for Building Works -1989 leaves the non-compliance issue to the discretion of the S.O or his Representatives.

3. Emphasize on the use of designed mix and allows provision for prescribed mix whereas Standard Specification for Building Works -1989 does not allow the use of designed mix unless prior approval is given by the S.O.

4. Two types of concrete mix allowed which are Designed Mix and Precribed mix