Troy, I have heard you talk about concrete fever, What is it?

Concrete fever is used to describe construction workers overzealous state of mind the morning of a concrete pour. This is a result of two main reasons including the following:

1. You only get one chance to get the concrete slab pour correct. Even minor issues and/or miscommunications can result in significant setbacks, or quality compromises.

2. Coordination of numerous other building elements; plumbing, electrical, mechanical and not to mention every other element of the structure itself is built upon the concrete slab or foundations.

What are some of the considerations made when pouring concrete?

Often the concrete acts as a structural element and therefore is critical to the structural integrity of the building. In addition to this there are also architectural, services and code requirements to consider. Some of these factors include the following:

1. The required strength of the concrete.

2. The Structural or shrinkage reinforcement requirements.

3. Locations, sizes and protection of services and built in elements

4. To even access for concrete trucks and pumps

Who would typically detail the concrete slab?

There are numerous professionals responsible for specifying, drawing, detailing and installing concrete. Some of these people will include the following:

1. Architect & Structural Engineer – Responsible for the specifications and drawing of the concrete slab and certification of the design.

2. Construction Manager– Organising, reviewing and delegation of tasks associated with having the slab poured on time and to the required specification.

3. Site Supervisor – Working in strict accordance with our two QA processes (Part of our BE Index). Ensuring all requirements are pre-arranged and completed to the required quality. Ultimately, ensuring a calm, professional and controlled concrete pour.

4. Concrete Tradesmen – The muscle and skill required to physically bring all the elements together in accordance with the drawings, specification and code requirements.

Who is responsible for managing the concrete Quality Assurance process at BE Projects?

At BE Projects, Our Site Supervisor, Construction Manager and Contracts Administrator strictly follow our Pre-pour and Pour Checklist that are completed a minimum of 48 hours and 12 hours (Respectively), prior to the pour. The purpose of this is to ensure that no mistakes or miscommunications have been made throughout the concrete pre-pour and pour process so that you can get it

right the first time, every time. At procurement we commence the QA process for concrete and other trades ensuring we control the quality, time and cost, therefore getting it correct the first time.

Sources of information

• Australian Standards;

• AS1379-2007

• AS3600 & the numerous referenced standards

• NCC Volume One and Two

TROY KING