Standard Construction Specifications Part 3 Abu Dhabi High Quality -

Standard Construction Specifications (SCS) in Abu Dhabi serve as a critical technical framework for civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Specifically, focuses on the technical requirements for

and road-related structures, ensuring uniformity and quality across the Emirate's transportation network Overview of Part 3: Pavement

Part 3 of the Abu Dhabi SCS details the materials and construction methodologies required for the development and rehabilitation of roads. It is primarily managed under the guidance of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) Key components typically addressed in Part 3 include: Material Requirements

: Strict criteria for asphaltic and Portland cement types used in pavement construction. Execution Standards standard construction specifications part 3 abu dhabi

: Step-by-step methods for subgrade preparation, laying base courses, and final surfacing. Geotextiles and Stabilization

: Technical property requirements for geotextiles used in underground drainage, soil separation, and stabilization to prevent structural failure. Rehabilitation

: Specific guidelines for the maintenance and renewal of existing pavement structures. Related Standard Specifications Surface preparation: Abrasive blasting (Sa 2

While Part 3 is dedicated to Pavement, it functions within a broader ecosystem of Abu Dhabi's construction codes: Part 1 – Roads

: General requirements, purpose, and scope of road projects. Part 4 – Concrete Works

: Specifications for concrete mix designs, reinforcement, and formwork for minor structures. Sewerage System Design (Section 3) : Developed by the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) moisture-resistant cement board."

, this section governs the design of foul water gravity sewers, manholes, and pumping stations. Compliance and Application

Use the 3-part specification to reach architects and planners online

Title: Standard Construction Specifications – Part 3: Execution and Workmanship Jurisdiction: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Applicable Standards: Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM), and International Best Practices.

5. Painting and Coatings (Section 3.9)

• Surface preparation: Abrasive blasting (Sa 2.5) for metal; washing + neutralization for masonry.
• Paint types: For exterior – elastomeric acrylic (to bridge hairline cracks up to 1 mm). For interior – low-VOC emulsion (< 50 g/L) to meet Estidama/Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
• Number of coats: Primer + 2 undercoats + 1 finish coat (minimum DFT 120 µm for external walls).

STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

1. Masonry and Blockwork (Section 3.1)

• Blocks: Must be autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) or hollow cement blocks complying with UAE.S 1735.
• Mortar: Minimum 1:3 cement-sand mix (by volume) for load-bearing walls; 1:4 for partitions.
• Reinforcement: Bed joint reinforcement at 600 mm vertical intervals for seismic zones (Abu Dhabi classified as moderate seismicity).
• Tolerances: Plumb deviation ≤ 6 mm per 3 m storey height.

Division 3.4 – Painting & Coatings (Section 03600)

Abu Dhabi’s UV index (up to 12+) destroys substandard paints within months.

• Alkyd vs. Acrylic: Alkyd (oil-based) banned for interior walls due to VOC limits. Low-VOC acrylic emulsion mandatory.
• Exterior Coatings: Must pass QUV accelerated weathering test (1500 hours minimum, per ASTM G154).
• Anti-Graffiti: Mandatory for public infrastructure (underpasses, elevator interiors) using sacrificial or permanent clear coats.

Violation #3: Incompatible Backer Board in Wet Areas

• The error: Using standard gypsum board behind bathroom tiles.
• SCS Part 3 rule: Only cement backer units (Permabase, HardieBacker) or closed-cell foam boards with polymer-modified mortar.
• Fix: Demand supplier delivery notes specifying "Class A1 non-combustible, moisture-resistant cement board."