Fahison
Adding water to the mix
High- Cause:
- To ease pouring or because the truck was delayed.
- Impact:
- Concrete weaker than specified in the drawing.
Stage 2: Concrete WorksColumn Concreting
Column Concreting
During and After the Pour
Columns transfer the loads of the whole house to the footings. We attend the pour and check the concrete and how it is placed and compacted, then return after the formwork is stripped to inspect every column. And if you deal with the contractor directly, we sit with them before the pour and set the plan.
From 700 AED
2+1Inspections plus pre-planning
- Specialised Engineers
- Photo Report
- All Emirates
Column Pour ChecksIllustration
Monitored during the pourInspected after formwork removal
What Is Column Concreting?
Column concreting is the pour of the columns that transfer the house's loads to the footings. The column concreting inspection takes place on pour day itself and then after the formwork is stripped, and our engineers make sure the concrete matches the specification and was placed, compacted and cured properly.
The inspection matters because a column is poured into a tall, closed formwork, so you can't see the concrete as it goes in. Any insufficient compaction or shifting formwork shows up after stripping as honeycombing or lean, and it is difficult to fix.
Pre-Planning and Pour Inspections
Start with planning with the contractor before pour day, then we attend during the pour and return after the formwork is stripped. You can request each service on its own.
Before the Concrete Contractor
Pre-Planning with the Concrete Contractor
For: Owners who deal directly with subcontractors (owner-builders).
When: Before the Concrete Contractor starts work.
The Fahison team meets the concrete contractor on site before the column pour day to arrange the pour step by step: the concrete type, pump and vibrators, samples, and the curing method after the pour, so there is no improvisation during the pour.
What Do We Agree on with the Contractor?
Concrete Type
The required strength grade according to the structural drawing, and the supplying plant.
Pouring Equipment
Pump, vibrators and enough workers for a continuous pour.
Pouring in Layers
The height of each layer and the compaction method down to the bottom of the column.
Tests & Samples
Slump test and taking cube samples during the pour.
Curing
Method of water spraying or covering after the pour.
Inspection Schedule
The pour date, and when we return after the formwork is stripped.
What Does Pre-Planning Prevent?
Improvisation During the Pour
Quick decisions under pressure, such as adding water to the mix.
Breaking Out & Strengthening
Fixing a concrete error after it has hardened is costly.
Disputes With the Contractor
Requirements are clear and agreed before the pour, not after.
Inspection 1 of 2
Book This Inspection
Pour Supervision
When: During the column pour, from the arrival of the first concrete truck to the end of the pour.
A column is poured into a tall, closed formwork, and you can't see the concrete as it goes in. We make sure the concrete is what was specified, and that it is placed in layers and compacted all the way to the bottom of the column.
Key Items We Inspect
Delivery Tickets
Concrete type and strength grade checked against the drawing, and the time it left the plant.
Water on Site
No water added to the mix after it arrives on site.
Slump Test
Carrying out the slump test to check the mix consistency.
Cube Samples
Taking and numbering cube samples for strength testing in the lab.
Vibrator Compaction
Compacting every layer with a vibrator down to the bottom of the column.
Formwork Stability & Plumbness
No bulging or leaning of the formwork during the pour.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Honeycombing at the column base
High- Cause:
- Pouring from a height without enough compaction.
- Impact:
- Voids at the column base, where loads are greatest.
Bulging or leaning formwork
High- Cause:
- Weak formwork support.
- Impact:
- A leaning column or wrong dimensions.
Inspection 2 of 2
Book This Inspection
Post-Pour Inspection
When: After the column formwork is stripped, during the curing period.
Once the formwork is stripped, the column shows its true condition. We inspect its surface, plumbness and dimensions, and make sure curing is going properly, before slab works begin.
Key Items We Inspect
Honeycombing & Voids
Column surface free of honeycombing, especially at the base.
Exposed Rebar
No rebar or stirrups showing on the concrete surface.
Plumbness
Column lean checked with a spirit level.
Dimensions & Gridlines
Column dimensions and position on the gridlines according to the drawing.
Curing
Water spraying or wrapping the column after the formwork is stripped.
Cracks
Column free of cracks.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Honeycombing at the column base
High- Cause:
- Insufficient compaction or mix water leaking from the bottom of the formwork.
- Impact:
- Weakness in the part carrying the most load.
Leaning column
High- Cause:
- Formwork not secured or moved during the pour.
- Impact:
- Unbalanced loads and finishing problems.
Neglected curing
Medium- Cause:
- Columns left without spraying or wrapping in the heat.
- Impact:
- Shrinkage cracks and lower strength.
Equipment We Use
From the Fahison equipment featured on our home page.
Tape MeasureSpirit Level
Tips Before the Inspection
To help you get more out of the visit.
Do
- Tell us the pour date well in advance so we can attend.
- Request the columns inspection (rebar and formwork) before you book the concrete.
- Have the structural drawing and delivery tickets ready on site.
Avoid
- Pouring before the rebar and formwork are accepted.
- Allowing water to be added to the mix on site.
- Leaving the columns uncured after the formwork is stripped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Column Concreting.
Why is honeycombing more common at the column base?
Because the concrete falls from a height and the rebar is dense, so if each layer isn't compacted with a vibrator, voids collect at the bottom of the column.
Why shouldn't water be added to the mix on site?
Extra water makes pouring easier, but it reduces the concrete's strength once it hardens, so it ends up weaker than specified in the drawing.
What are cube samples?
Samples taken from the concrete during the pour and sent to the lab to confirm that the concrete's strength meets the specification.
What is pre-planning?
An on-site session with the concrete contractor before pour day, where we agree on the concrete type, the pouring and curing method, and the inspection schedule. Ideal for owners dealing with subcontractors directly, from AED 500.
Do I have to request both inspections?
No, you can request either of them on its own. But both together cover the column pour from start to finish.
How much does a columns concrete inspection cost?
From AED 700.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Concrete Works.
Column Pour Date Coming Up?
Tell us the date, and we'll attend the pour and arrange the follow-up inspection with you.