Concrete Placement Procedures

Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Superintendents, Foremen, Concrete Crews

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Purpose

Establish procedures for successful concrete placement including preparation, execution, and documentation.

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Pre-Pour Planning

Pre-Pour Meeting:

Schedule: 1-2 days before placement

Attendees:

• Superintendent
• Concrete foreman
• Finishing crew lead
• Ready-mix representative
• Testing lab (if attending)
• Pump operator (if pumping)

Discuss:

• Pour plan and sequence
• Mix design confirmation
• Quantity and timing
• Access and staging
• Weather considerations
• Testing requirements
• Finish requirements
• Curing method

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Pre-Pour Checklist

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         PRE-POUR CHECKLIST
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Project: ___________________________________________________

Pour Location: _____________________________________________

Pour Date: ____________  Start Time: _______________________

Estimated Quantity: ________ CY

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FORMS AND STEEL:
☐ Forms complete and secure
☐ Forms cleaned and oiled
☐ Dimensions verified
☐ Rebar placement complete
☐ Rebar inspection passed
☐ Chairs and supports adequate
☐ Embeds placed and secured
☐ Sleeves and blockouts placed
☐ Chamfers and edge forms

SUBGRADE/SUBSTRATE:
☐ Subgrade compacted and approved
☐ Vapor barrier (if required)
☐ Base material (if required)
☐ Substrate prep (if elevated)
☐ Debris removed

ACCESS:
☐ Truck access confirmed
☐ Pump setup location
☐ Chute reaches / conveyance ready
☐ Staging area clear

EQUIPMENT:
☐ Vibrators (working, backup)
☐ Screeds/straightedges
☐ Finishing tools
☐ Curing materials on hand
☐ Lighting (if night pour)

PERSONNEL:
☐ Adequate crew confirmed
☐ Roles assigned
☐ Finishers confirmed
☐ Testing lab confirmed

CONCRETE:
☐ Mix design approved
☐ Ready-mix notified
☐ Delivery schedule set
☐ Hot/cold weather provisions

SAFETY:
☐ PPE available
☐ First aid kit
☐ Eye wash station
☐ Safe access/egress

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Pre-Pour Inspection:

Inspector: _________________________  Date: ________________

☐ Approved for concrete placement

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Mix Design Verification

Check Before Pour:

Item	Verify
Strength	PSI matches specification
Slump	Within spec range
Air content	If air-entrained
Admixtures	Approved types
Aggregate	Size appropriate
Cement type	Per specification

Batch Tickets:

• Review first ticket
• Verify mix design number
• Check water content
• Note batch time

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Placement Procedures

General Guidelines:

DO:

• Place continuously without interruption
• Deposit near final position
• Vibrate systematically
• Maintain proper slump
• Protect from weather extremes

DON'T:

• Let concrete free-fall > 4 feet
• Move concrete laterally with vibrator
• Over-vibrate
• Add water in field (without approval)
• Place on frozen ground

Vibration:

• Insert vertically
• Penetrate into previous lift
• Remove slowly
• Overlap radius
• Don't touch rebar with vibrator

Placement Sequence:

1. Pre-wet subgrade (hot weather)
2. Verify forms and steel
3. Place concrete systematically
4. Vibrate/consolidate
5. Strike off to grade
6. Initial floating
7. Final finishing
8. Curing

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Weather Considerations

Hot Weather (over 80°F):

Action	Reason
Schedule early morning	Cooler temperatures
Shade aggregates	Reduce mix temperature
Cool water	Reduce mix temperature
Pre-wet subgrade/forms	Prevent moisture loss
Windbreaks	Reduce evaporation
Mist/fog application	Prevent plastic shrinkage
Immediate curing	Prevent rapid moisture loss

Cold Weather (under 40°F):

Action	Reason
Heat materials	Maintain mix temperature
Protect substrate	Prevent freezing
Insulate/heat after placement	Maintain temperature
Extended curing	Strength development
Test temperature	Monitor conditions
No placement on frozen ground	-

Minimum temperature for placement: 50°F and rising (typically)

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Finishing

Finish Types:

Finish	Description	Application
Screed finish	Strike off only	Covered surfaces
Float finish	Mag/wood float	Standard floors
Trowel finish	Steel trowel	Smooth floors
Broom finish	Textured	Exterior, slip resistance
Exposed aggregate	Seeded/washed	Decorative

Timing:

• Don't finish too early (brings water up)
• Don't wait too long (surface sets)
• Watch bleed water
• Test with foot pressure

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Curing

Why Curing Matters:

• Maintains moisture for hydration
• Develops design strength
• Prevents cracking
• Improves durability

Curing Methods:

Method	Application
Curing compound	Spray on after finishing
Water cure	Ponding, spraying, wet burlap
Plastic sheeting	Cover after finishing
Curing blankets	Cold weather

Curing Duration:

• Minimum 7 days (standard)
• Check specification requirements
• Longer in cold weather

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Testing Requirements

Standard Testing:

Test	Frequency
Slump	Each truck or per spec
Air content	Each truck or per spec
Temperature	Each truck
Cylinders	Per spec (typically per 100 CY)

Cylinder Testing:

Age	Purpose
7-day	Early strength indication
28-day	Design strength verification

Testing Documentation:

• Lab to provide reports
• Distribute to PM, file
• Track results
• Address low breaks

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Pour Documentation

Document During Pour:

• Start and end times
• Total quantity placed
• Weather conditions
• Any issues encountered
• Testing performed
• Crew information

Daily Report Entry:

• All of the above
• Photos
• Any deviations from plan

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Common Issues

Issue	Cause	Prevention
Cold joints	Delayed placement	Continuous pour
Segregation	Improper handling	Proper placement
Plastic shrinkage	Rapid drying	Wind/sun protection
Honeycomb	Poor consolidation	Proper vibration
Surface defects	Finishing too early/late	Proper timing

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Related Documents

• Daily Reporting
• Material Receiving
• Quality Inspection
• Cold Weather Protection

Template provided by support.construction. Quality concrete requires proper planning and execution.