Concrete and Concrete work are the most talked about subjects or materials in the construction industry across the globe. Technology helped to create concrete with different properties and with other benefits, but the basic nature remains more or less the same. Basically, without dealing with concrete and its associated works, a Civil Engineer’s life may not move forward. Hence, this document – The Inspection and Test Plan for Concrete Work – acts as a dictionary for reference at any time.
Concrete has its uses in many structural elements. So users shall make necessary changes as per the project requirements by referring to specifications, contract documents, typical details provided with the approved drawings, etc. An illustrative figure to understand the basic structure is given at the end of this page.
What is an Inspection and Test Plan or ITP
Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and checklists form an essential part of Quality Management Systems—not only in the construction industry but across almost all sectors where quality control is implemented. They serve as master documents that define how various parameters and activities of a process are monitored, verified, and recorded, playing a crucial role during subsequent verification and auditing stages
In the construction industry, where there are a lot of activities, for a variety of trades such as structural, Finishes, Façade, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, etc. are to be completed, spanning from excavation for the foundation to handing over stage, thereby Preparation and implementation of different inspection test plans form the most crucial part of the project management system. To read more about ITP and how to prepare one, CLICK HERE
Inspection and Test Plan For Concrete Work
SECTION 1 – DOCUMENTATION REVIEW
This part deals with the review and approval requirements of the necessary documents for the concrete works. These shall be mainly drawings, mix design, materials (reinforcement, couplers), Method Statement, Formworks drawings etc.
SECTION 2 – REINFORCEMENT INSPECTION
The next important stage in the ITP for concrete work is the inspection of installed reinforcement works. These include the size and number of main and secondary rebars – where it is fixed, the stirrups, links and hooks details, anchorage and lap lengths, coupler location, and tightness. In some cases, the size of the columns changes from one level to another, where the changes in main reinforcement in the form of curtailing will be done, which is critical and to be verified as per the approved details. In addition to these, fixing other embedments and other MEP fixing and installations are also part of the inspection.
SECTION 3 – FORMWORK INSPECTION
During this stage, the different aspects of the erection of formwork for the said concrete work are inspected. These include, but are not limited to, the setting out marked for the particular structural element for which the concrete work is inspected, along with the check for Shuttering alignment, Plumb, Staging / Bra+B17:B22cings / Supports / Water Tightness. Access to the place where the work is in progress is also important from a safety point. Refer full ITP for concrete work for other points.
SECTION 4 – CONCRETE PRE-POUR INSPECTION
This part is critical as any lapses in this section cause many types of non-conformance even after many days, ie, when the result of cube strength at 28 days may fail to meet the required one. Many construction sites have a particular sampling area or at site laboratory where all the concrete trucks report for sampling before they are sent to the required location. After reporting, the respective person in charge will ensure the concrete arrived is as per the approved mix design ordered for the particular element after reviewing the delivery ticket and batch sheet. During sampling, the temperature of the concrete and the slump or flow will be measured. Cubes will also be prepared as per the requirement.
SECTION 5 – CHECK DURING CONCRETING
While concrete work is ongoing, proper supervision shall be available in order to ensure that the placing of concrete, compaction (vibration) of the same, and the continuity of operation of concrete is as per the agreed details/prevailing details for the project and/or standards and specifications. Treatment of construction joints is another major point to be taken care of.
SECTION 6 – POST CONCRETE WORK INSPECTION
Once the concreting work is completed and the structure is ready, the exposed areas shall be checked for the attained finish of the same. Any defects, honeycombs shall be reported to the concerned authority. Lines, levels, and shape are also checked. Check for stripping/ removal of formwork support, etc., after a specified duration of stripping time.is also critical. This ITP contains a particular format that can be used to approve deshuttering in large projects where proper supervision is necessary or mandatory.
Download a full customizable ITP for Concrete Work
