Post Pour Concrete Inspection

Welcome to the BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series: Post Pour Concrete Inspection. This 20 part video series is intended to be an educational walk through of the ICF building process. From the early planning phases to pouring concrete and finishing walls, this series will provide the basic knowledge you need to have a successful BuildBlock ICF build.

In video number 16 we explain how concrete cures and provide helpful tips as you prepare for the next steps of your project.

The videos in this series are produced as a companion to the BuildBlock Installation and Technical Manuals available for free download on the Publications Page or for purchase via the BuildBlock Online Store. You can view more videos in this series via the BuildBlock Blog or by subscribing to the BuildBlock YouTube Page. 

Video Transcript

Post Concrete Inspection

In this video we will explain how concrete cures. We will also provide some helpful tips as you prepare for the next steps of construction and get ready to turn the project over to other trades.

Concrete Strength

Curing is the process in which the concrete is protected from loss of moisture and kept within a reasonable temperature range. The result of this process is increased strength and decreased permeability. Curing is also a key player in mitigating cracks in the concrete, which severely impacts durability.

It’s important to remember that curing is a process and not a measure of concrete strength. You may have heard that concrete takes 28 days to cure and reach its full strength. The 28 day stipulation provides a consistent industry-wide basis for comparing the compressive strength of concrete products but does not directly relate to whether or not a specific product meets strength requirements for a particular application. As long as the minimum compressive strength is met before the product is put into service, the timeframe should not be relevant.

Follow these strength percentages as a general guideline. After 24 hours concrete will have reached 25 percent of its design strength. After 3 days design strength will be at 50 percent. Design strength should be at 75 percent after one week. And after 28 days concrete should be at its full design strength keeping in mind that it will grow even stronger as water continues to move out. 

Next Steps

After 24 hours, walk through the jobsite and complete any cleanup. Scrape the floors clear of debris and spillage. Dust any concrete spill off walls with a soft broom, and avoid getting on bracing or scaffolding. After 3 days have passed the top plate and floor system may be installed. After 7 days the bracing system can be removed.

If the structure is going up another story the floor system should be installed before removing bracing. After 14 days the vertical bracing can be removed from doors and windows if necessary, but it is advisable to keep in place as long as possible.

Finally after 28 days all bracing, including doors and windows, can be removed if not already done.