Fahison
Water added to the mix
High- Cause:
- To make pouring easier or because the truck was delayed.
- Impact:
- Concrete weaker than the drawings require.
Stage 2: Concrete WorksSlab Concreting
Slab Concreting
During and After the Pour
The slab is the biggest pour in the house, and after it you can't fix anything without breaking out. We attend the pour and check the concrete and how it is poured and compacted, then come back after the formwork is removed to inspect the slab. 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
Slab Pour ChecksIllustration
Monitored during the pourInspected after formwork removal
What Is Slab Concreting?
Slab concreting is the pour of the slab and beams together on top of the columns. The slab 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 the slab carries the floor above and protects the house from water. A pour stopped in the wrong place, neglected curing in the heat, or early prop removal all show up later as cracks, sagging or leaks.
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 slab 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.
Pour Plan
Pour sequence, construction joint location if work stops, and worker walkways over the rebar.
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 slab pour, from the arrival of the first concrete truck to the end of the pour.
The slab is the biggest pour in the house, combining the beams, slab and services in one go. We confirm the concrete is as specified, the pour is continuous and well compacted, and the rebar and services don't move.
Key Items We Inspect
Delivery Tickets
Concrete type and strength grade matched to the drawings, 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 the concrete in the beams and slab, especially where beams meet columns.
Slab Thickness and Level
Slab thickness and surface level during levelling.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Pour stopped in the wrong place
High- Cause:
- Concrete delay or pump breakdown.
- Impact:
- A weak point in the slab and a likely water leak spot.
Walking on and displacing rebar
Medium- Cause:
- No walkways for workers over the rebar.
- Impact:
- Top rebar pushed down and weakness at the beams.
Shifting conduits
Medium- Cause:
- Services not secured before the pour.
- Impact:
- Blocked or broken electrical conduits.
Inspection 2 of 2
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Post-Pour Inspection
When: After the slab formwork and props are removed.
After the formwork is removed, the underside of the slab and beams shows its true condition. We check for honeycombing, sagging and cracks before the slab is covered with plaster and gypsum.
Key Items We Inspect
Honeycombing and Voids
Underside of the slab and beams free of honeycombing and exposed aggregate.
Exposed Rebar
No rebar or cover spacers visible on the slab underside.
Sagging and Flatness
Slab underside flat, with no sagging of the slab or beams.
Cracks
Slab and beams free of cracks.
Openings and Services
Electrical conduits and openings in their places as per the drawings.
Prop Removal
Props not removed before the time set by the structural engineer.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Honeycombing under the beams
High- Cause:
- Insufficient compaction or mix water leaking from the formwork.
- Impact:
- Rebar exposed to moisture and a weakened beam.
Early prop removal
High- Cause:
- Rushing to reuse the props elsewhere.
- Impact:
- Sagging or cracks in the slab.
Surface shrinkage cracks
Medium- Cause:
- Neglected curing in the heat.
- Impact:
- Later water leaks and a weakened 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 slab inspection (formwork and rebar) before booking the concrete.
- Make sure the pump and concrete trucks are ready for a continuous pour.
Avoid
- Pouring before the formwork and rebar are handed over.
- Allowing water to be added to the mix on site.
- Removing props before the time set by the structural engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Slab Concreting.
What is a construction joint?
The point where the pour stops and is continued later. If it isn't properly planned, it becomes a weak point in the slab.
When are slab props removed?
As set by the project's structural engineer. Removing them early causes sagging or cracks in the slab.
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 slab pour from start to finish.
How much does the slab concrete inspection cost?
From 700 AED.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Concrete Works.
Slab Pour Coming Up?
Tell us the date, and we'll attend the pour and arrange the follow-up inspection with you.