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✅ Pre-Pour Concrete Checklist

Use this checklist before every concrete pour to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.

Why Pre-Pour Checks Matter​

Pre-pour inspections prevent:

  • Rejections - Failed inspections mean removal and repour
  • Cost overruns - Fixing issues after pour is expensive
  • Schedule delays - Failed pours delay entire project
  • Safety issues - Proper prep prevents accidents
The Golden Rule

If you're not sure, don't pour. It's easier to fix before concrete than after.

24-48 Hours Before Pour​

Subgrade Preparation​

  • Subgrade compacted - No soft spots, proper density
  • Moisture content correct - Not too wet, not too dry
  • Grade checked - Elevations match plans
  • Slope verified - Drainage slopes correct
  • Vapor barrier installed (if required)
  • Gravel base installed (if required)
  • Reinforcement supports - Chairs, bolsters in place

Forms & Reinforcement​

  • Forms installed - All forms in place and braced
  • Form alignment checked - Straight, plumb, level
  • Form elevations verified - Top of form at correct height
  • Form bracing adequate - Won't blow out under pressure
  • Form release applied - If using forms again
  • Rebar installed - Size, spacing, lap splices correct
  • Rebar tied - Wire ties secure
  • Rebar cover verified - Minimum cover per code
  • Dowel bars installed (if required)
  • Keyways installed (if required)
  • Embedments located - Anchor bolts, sleeves, inserts

Utilities & Penetrations​

  • Conduit installed - Electrical, data, etc.
  • Plumbing penetrations - Pipes, sleeves in place
  • HVAC penetrations - Ductwork, sleeves
  • Embedded items - Anchor bolts, inserts, plates
  • Expansion joints - Location and type correct
  • Control joints - Location marked (if saw-cut later)

Day of Pour​

Weather Check​

  • Temperature forecast - Above 40°F (or protection plan)
  • No rain expected - Or protection plan ready
  • Wind conditions - Not too windy for finishing
  • Sun protection - Shade or covers if hot
  • Frost protection - Heaters ready if needed

Equipment & Materials​

  • Concrete ordered - PSI, slump, mix design confirmed
  • Truck access verified - Can reach pour location
  • Pump truck arranged (if needed)
  • Vibrators ready - Working, clean, operators trained
  • Finishing tools ready - Screeds, floats, trowels
  • Curing materials ready - Curing compound, blankets, etc.
  • Testing equipment ready - Slump cone, cylinders, etc.

Site Preparation​

  • Access routes clear - Trucks can get in/out
  • Pour area clean - No debris, standing water
  • Forms clean - No mud, debris inside forms
  • Rebar clean - No mud, oil, rust
  • Water source available - For cleanup, curing
  • Washout area prepared - For truck cleanup

Safety​

  • Safety briefing conducted - Pour crew informed
  • PPE available - Boots, gloves, eye protection
  • Barricades installed - Keep non-essential personnel away
  • Traffic control - If near roads or traffic
  • Fall protection - If working at height
  • First aid kit - On site and accessible

Final Pre-Pour Inspection​

Forms​

  • Forms tight - No gaps, no leaks
  • Forms level - Top of form at correct elevation
  • Forms plumb - Vertical forms straight
  • Forms braced - Adequate bracing for concrete pressure
  • Form oil/release applied - If reusing forms

Reinforcement​

  • Rebar size correct - Matches plans
  • Rebar spacing correct - Matches plans
  • Rebar cover adequate - Minimum per code (usually 3")
  • Rebar tied securely - Won't move during pour
  • Lap splices correct - Length and location per code
  • Wire mesh installed (if required) - Proper overlap

Subgrade​

  • Subgrade compacted - No soft spots
  • Grade correct - Elevations match plans
  • Moisture appropriate - Not too wet, not too dry
  • Clean - No debris, standing water, mud

Embedments & Penetrations​

  • Anchor bolts - Location, size, height correct
  • Sleeves - Location, size correct
  • Inserts - Location, type correct
  • Conduit - Location, size correct
  • Expansion joints - Location, type correct

Testing​

  • Test cylinders ordered - 2-3 cylinders per pour
  • Slump test equipment ready - Cone, rod, base plate
  • Air content test (if required) - Air meter ready
  • Temperature test - Thermometer ready

During Pour​

First Truck​

  • Slump test performed - Within spec (usually 3-5")
  • Temperature checked - Within acceptable range
  • Air content tested (if required) - Within spec
  • Cylinders made - 2-3 cylinders for testing
  • Concrete placed - Not dropped from height
  • Concrete vibrated - Proper consolidation
  • Concrete screeded - To correct elevation

Quality Checks​

  • No segregation - Concrete uniform
  • Proper consolidation - No honeycomb, voids
  • Rebar not displaced - Stays in position
  • Forms holding - No bulging, leaking
  • Elevation correct - Top of concrete at right height

Post-Pour (Immediate)​

Finishing​

  • Screeded - To correct elevation
  • Bull floated - Initial smoothing
  • Edged - Clean edges around forms
  • Joint tooled - Control joints cut/tooled
  • Final finish - Broom, trowel, etc. as specified

Curing​

  • Curing started - Within 30 minutes of finishing
  • Curing method - Compound, blankets, water, etc.
  • Curing duration - Minimum 7 days (or per spec)

Protection​

  • Protected from traffic - Barricades, signs
  • Protected from weather - Covers if needed
  • Protected from damage - No heavy equipment nearby

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

MistakeConsequencePrevention
Pouring on wet subgradeSettlement, crackingCheck moisture, wait if needed
Wrong PSI mixRejection, removalVerify mix design before ordering
Inadequate form bracingForm failure, blowoutOver-brace, check calculations
Insufficient rebar coverCode violationUse chairs, check before pour
Pouring in bad weatherPoor finish, cold jointsCheck forecast, protect if needed
Not testing slumpWrong consistencyTest first truck, every truck if needed
Not making cylindersCan't verify strengthMake cylinders before finishing

Quick Reference: Minimum Cover​

LocationMinimum Cover
Footings3"
Walls3" (exposed to earth)
Slabs3/4" (not exposed to weather)
Slabs1-1/2" (exposed to weather)
Beams/Columns1-1/2"
Don't Rush

A failed pour costs 10x more than waiting a day to fix issues. Take the time to check everything before pouring.