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 WorksFooting Concreting
Footing Concreting
During and After the Pour
A pour can't be redone. We attend the footing pour and check the concrete delivered to site and how it is poured and compacted, then come back after the formwork is removed to inspect the footing. If you're dealing with the contractor directly, we sit down with them before the pour and set the plan.
From 700 AED
2+1Inspections plus pre-planning
- Specialised Engineers
- Photo Report
- All Emirates
Footing Pour ChecksIllustration
Monitored during the pourInspected after formwork removal
What Is Footing Concreting?
Footing concreting is the first pour in the house, and the columns and all the loads rest on it. The footing concreting inspection takes place on the day of the pour and again after the formwork is removed, with our engineers confirming the concrete meets the specification and was poured, compacted and cured correctly.
The inspection matters because pouring mistakes can't be seen once the concrete hardens: excess water in the mix weakens it, insufficient compaction leaves voids, or starter bars shift during the pour. After that, the only fix is breaking out or strengthening.
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 footing pour day to plan the pour step by step: concrete type, pump and vibrators, samples, and curing method after the pour, so nothing is left to guesswork on the day.
What Do We Agree on with the Contractor?
Concrete Type
The strength grade required by the structural drawings, and the supplying plant.
Pouring Equipment
Pump, vibrators and enough workers for a continuous pour.
Starter Bars
How the column starter bars are secured so they don't move during the pour.
Tests and Samples
Slump test and cube sampling during the pour.
Curing
Method of water spraying or covering after the pour.
Inspection Schedule
The pour date, and when we return after formwork removal.
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
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Pour Supervision
When: During the footings pour, from the arrival of the first concrete truck to the end of the pour.
Concrete hardens within hours, and any mistake during the pour stays in the footing forever. We make sure the concrete delivered is what was specified, and that it is placed and compacted properly.
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
Using the vibrator throughout the footing, neither too much nor too little.
Starter Bar Stability
Column starter bars staying in place and no rebar movement during the pour.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Insufficient compaction
High- Cause:
- Vibrator not used, or rushing.
- Impact:
- Honeycombing and voids inside the footing.
Shifted column starter bars
High- Cause:
- Pouring directly onto them or weak fixing.
- Impact:
- Columns off the gridlines.
Delayed concrete delivery
Medium- Cause:
- Traffic or a distant plant.
- Impact:
- The mix starts setting before the pour, weakening the bond.
Inspection 2 of 2
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Post-Pour Inspection
When: After the formwork is stripped, during the curing period.
Once the formwork is stripped, the footing shows its true condition. We inspect its surface and dimensions and make sure curing is going properly, before it is waterproofed, backfilled and hidden.
Key Items We Inspect
Honeycombing & Voids
Footing surface free of honeycombing and exposed aggregate.
Exposed Rebar
No rebar or cover spacers showing on the concrete surface.
Dimensions & Levels
Footing dimensions and level according to the drawing.
Starter Bar Locations
Column starter bars aligned with the gridlines after the pour.
Curing
Regular water spraying or covering after the pour.
Cracks
Footing surface free of cracks.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Honeycombing on the footing sides
High- Cause:
- Insufficient compaction or mix water leaking from the formwork.
- Impact:
- Rebar exposed to moisture and a weakened footing.
Neglected curing
Medium- Cause:
- Footing left without water spraying or covering in the heat.
- Impact:
- Shrinkage cracks and lower strength.
Early formwork removal
Medium- Cause:
- Rushing the schedule.
- Impact:
- Broken edges and a deformed footing surface.
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
- Let us know the pour date well in advance so we can attend.
- Request the footings inspection (rebar and formwork) before booking the concrete.
- Have the structural drawings and delivery tickets ready on site.
Avoid
- Pouring before the rebar and formwork are handed over.
- Allowing water to be added to the mix on site.
- Leaving the footing uncured in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Footing Concreting.
What is honeycombing?
Voids and exposed aggregate on the concrete surface, usually caused by insufficient compaction or mix water leaking from the formwork. It weakens the concrete and exposes the rebar to moisture.
Why shouldn't water be added to the mix on site?
Extra water makes pouring easier, but it lowers the concrete's strength once it hardens, so it ends up weaker than the drawings require.
What are cube samples?
Samples taken from the concrete during the pour and sent to the lab to confirm the concrete 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, pouring method, curing and inspection schedule. Ideal for owners dealing directly with subcontractors, from 500 AED.
Do I need to request both inspections?
No, you can request either one on its own. But together they cover the footing pour from start to finish.
How much does the footings concrete inspection cost?
From 700 AED.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Concrete Works.
Footing Pour Coming Up?
Tell us the date, and we'll attend the pour and arrange the follow-up inspection with you.