Concrete Pour Pre-Pour Inspection Checklist
For: Field engineers, special inspectors, GC site supervisors, structural EORs
Concrete is the trade with the lowest tolerance for rework. Once it sets, mistakes become demolition. This pre-pour inspection covers the items that can still be fixed with a truck on the way and the ones that absolutely must be verified before the chute drops.
References: ACI 301-20 · ACI 318-19 §26 · ASTM C31/C31M · ASTM C143/C143M
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Documentation & Submittals
Approved mix design on-site, matches structural drawings
ACI 301 §1.6.1
Concrete delivery ticket reviewed before unloading
Inspector qualifications + ICC/ACI certifications verified
Reinforcing steel mill certs available for spot-check
Formwork
Forms plumb and level — laser/plumb-bob check at 4 corners
Tolerances per ACI 117
Form ties properly spaced, no over-stress signs at corners
Forms cleaned of debris, snow, ice, standing water
Bond breaker / form release applied if reusing forms
Bracing adequate for hydrostatic head — calc on file for >4 ft pours
Embeds (anchor bolts, sleeves, electrical PVC) at correct elevation + offset
Reinforcing Steel
Bar size, spacing, count match drawings — RFI on any deviation
ACI 318 §25
Cover verified at top, bottom, sides per exposure class
Lap splices meet length requirement (no shortcuts)
ACI 318 §25.5
Hooks and bends at corners present and oriented correctly
Wire ties or plastic ties at intersections — no missing ties at edges
Rebar free of mill scale flakes, oil, paint that breaks bond
Chairs/bolsters in place — no rebar touching forms or grade
Weather & Site Conditions
Air temp ≥40°F (cold weather provisions if not, ACI 306)
Air temp ≤90°F (hot weather provisions if not, ACI 305)
No rain forecast within 4 hours of finishing
Wind speed acceptable (high winds = surface dehydration risk)
Test Specimens & Pre-Pour Sign-off
Slump test cones + tamping rod + scale on-site, calibrated
ASTM C143
Cylinder molds (4×8 or 6×12) on-site, marked, capped, ready
ASTM C31
Air content meter + calibration check
Inspector pre-pour sign-off captured (photo + name + time)
Run this on your phone
Run this checklist on every site, capture defect photos inline, generate a sharable report at the truck. All offline.