The Foundation of Quality: A Complete Guide to Concrete Inspections
Concrete Inspection
Concrete inspections play a pivotal role in
the construction lifecycle, particularly during the foundational phase. These
inspections verify that the concrete work adheres to engineering specifications, building codes, and industry standards. By
conducting thorough inspections, potential issues can be identified and
corrected early, avoiding costly repairs and keeping the project on schedule.
This blog delves into the comprehensive
procedures involved in concrete inspections for commercial foundations. It
explores the critical stages of the inspection process, including
pre-placement, during placement, and post-placement inspections, and pier construction. Each stage is
integral to ensuring that the concrete foundation meets the requisite quality
standards and performance criteria.
Concrete Inspection Checklist
Proper Pier Construction
The Structural drawings will show you the design of the piers.
This
must be done with extreme accuracy, using strings, batter boards, and a transit
or laser level to ensure correct spacing and alignment.
Check the bell diameter and confirm that it is in compliance with the design.
Check the depth of the pier to confirm that it is per the design.
Water must be pumped out of the pier if it is
more than 3” deep. If there is a lot of water, then you may have to perform a
dewatering procedure. Consult with the engineer to determine the approved
method of dewatering the area.
Install the specified reinforcing steel. Check it with the design drawings.
Provide a steel casing if need be. Remove the steel casing after the pour.
Concrete Inspection Checklist
1.
Have the formwork surfaces been cleaned?
2. Have they been properly patched?
3. Have the formwork surfaces been cleaned?
4. Have the forms been coated with a form release?
5. Is
the reinforcing steel cleaned and rust-free?
6. Is the reinforcing
steel of the proper manufacturer?
7. Check the placement
of the rebar versus the drawings.
8. Are bolsters and/or
chairs in place?
9. Is the rebar properly
tied?
10. Check that chamfer strips, Nailer strips, and chases are accurately placed, aligned, fastened, and protected.
11. Check that
expansion, construction, and contraction joints are provided, required, or
indicated. Meet with the concrete foremen on this.
12. Is there to be saw
cutting after the slab is poured? When?
13. Check that the forms
provide for features such as doors, openings, etc., and that they are
removable.
14. Ensure preparations
for patching are made as soon as practicable, and methods are approved if
required.
03200 Concrete
Reinforcement
1. Check that the grade of
steel delivered to the job site is identified as required.
2. Check that
the reinforcing steel is installed according to the approved drawings and
of the grade and size indicated: bar length, bar diameter, and bar-to-bar spacing.
3. Check that required
clearances of steel from the earth and forms are provided.
4. Check splice lapping,
length of splicing, and staggering of splices as required.
5. Check that the reinforcement
is cleaned of all loose or flaky rust or scale, dried concrete, oil, bond
breaker, and any other foreign material that might reduce the bond. Verify tags
are removed.
6. Check to see if the rebar
is tied and supported securely to prevent displacement during the concrete
placement.
7. Verify reinforcement spacers, wires, chairs, and supports are provided in the required type, size, and finish.
8. Check that embedded
items are securely anchored in place and in the proper location.
9. Check that embedded
items are supplied and installed as required. Generally, review the drawings
for anchor bolts, piping, sleeves, conduits, boxes, special items, etc.
10. Check that the
embedded items are suitably protected from damage during the placement of the
concrete.
11. Check the tolerances
of the rebar.
12. Ensure there is an
agency inspecting the rebar if it is required.
03200 Before
concrete is being poured.
1. Do you have a
concrete testing agency on-site if necessary?
2. Check that the
cylinder measuring equipment and slump cones are on site and samples are
properly taken.
3. Verify that the age of the
concrete is within the specified or required time limit and that delivery
tickets contain the proper information.
4. Does the concrete
superintendent know what to do in case of?
Rain?
Form failure?
Unacceptable concrete?
5. Did you check the
anchor bolt placement, the location, the size, and that they are per the
approved drawings?
03200 Concrete
Placement
1. Allow no water to be
added to the mix at the site unless you are located more than an hour from the
batch plant.
2. Is the concrete being
properly vibrated?
3. Is the concrete being
properly finished and cured? (According to the specifications)
4. Is the saw cutting
being done at the proper time? Do you have a layout plan?
5. Are the lines to be
saw-cut properly marked?
6. Check that the curing
methods are started as soon as possible. Verify the curing compound is as
required and compatible with subsequent finishes.
7. Confirm loading and
traffic are controlled over surfaces to protect the concrete.
8. Confirm methods of
repairing defective areas, removal of fins, form marking ties, etc., on formed
surfaces are understood and provided as soon as possible upon the removal of
the forms.
03200 Slab Wrap
Check
1. Has the depth of the
exterior and interior beams been checked before the installation of
the poly?
2. Check the depth of
the slab to be by the drawings.
03200 Float
Check
1. Check the
installation and location of recessed areas, porches, and patios.
2. Check the proper
float for the brick ledge.
3. Check that the doors
are properly located and cut in.
4. Check to see if this
project requires a city inspection before pouring.
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