This part of BS 8500 describes methods of specifying concrete and gives guidance for the specifier.
This British Standard complements BS EN 206-1. It provides United Kingdom national provisions where required or permitted by BS EN 206-1. It also covers materials, methods of testing and procedures that are outside the scope of BS EN 206-1, but within national experience.
The guidance for the specifier is given in an annex to this standard. This annex provides guidance on the concrete quality to specify for selected exposure classes, intended working life and nominal cover to normal reinforcement. It does not give guidance on stainless steel and non-metallic reinforcement. Guidance on nominal cover to reinforcement for structural and fire consideration is available in other publications, e.g. structural design codes of practice.