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Concrete Tilt-Up QA:Your Checklist for Flawless Panel Erection

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Concrete Tiltwall   Checklist       1.   Verify the slab is clean, smooth, and free of defects that could affect the panel face.     2 .   Ensure that the bond breaker is applied evenly and completely across the casting surface and allowed to cure per the manufacturer's instructions.     3.    Ensure the bond breaker is confirmed to be compatible with any slab sealants and panel surface treatments.    4.   Ensure the panel location, dimensions, and openings are square and accurate (± specified tolerance).     5.    Ensure that the reveal strips and chamfers are properly installed, secured, and straight/plumb.       6.    Ensure that the rebar size, spacing, lap length, and clearance (cover) are correct per shop drawings.               7. Ensure the lifting and bracing inserts are the correct type, size, l...
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Cracks in the Foundation: Unmasking the Failure of a Houston Police Station

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  Building Failure  My Geotechnical Firm performed a Geoforensic investigation of a recently built Police Station in the Houston area. They noticed floor cracks and wall damage throughout. The original design required the footers to be constructed 6’6” below the finish floor elevation. During their pit investigations, they found that the footers were only constructed to a depth of 40” instead of the designed depth of 55”. They also found that there were no void boxes under the grade beams as shown in the design. Void boxes are used in areas of expansive soil to allow the soil to swell into the voids instead of lifting the foundation. They also found that the soil under the slab was highly expansive with a PI of 33 to 44. Through their soil investigation, they determined that the PVR was 1.9”. This is the total movement under wetting conditions of the foundation. In their estimation, spread footers were an inadequate design.   Negative drainage was found ...
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