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 WorksTie Beam Concreting
Tie Beam Concreting
During and After the Pour
Tie beams connect the footings and carry the ground floor walls. 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 beams. 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
Tie Beam Pour ChecksIllustration
Monitored during the pourInspected after formwork removal
What Is Tie Beam Concreting?
Tie beam concreting is the pour of the ground beams that connect the footings to each other and carry the ground floor walls. The tie beam 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 tie beams are waterproofed and backfilled after the pour, so any honeycombing or uneven level disappears under the soil and shows up later in the ground floor walls.
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 tie beam 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.
Rebar During the Pour
How the rebar and stirrups 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 tie beam pour, from the arrival of the first concrete truck to the end of the pour.
Tie beams are poured in one go, then waterproofed and backfilled. We confirm the concrete delivered is as specified, and that it is poured and compacted correctly along the full length of the beams.
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 along the full length of the beam, especially where it meets the columns.
Rebar and Starter Bar Stability
Rebar, stirrups and column starter bars not moving during the pour.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Insufficient compaction at intersections
High- Cause:
- Dense rebar at the columns and the vibrator can't reach.
- Impact:
- Honeycombing at the beam's most critical points.
Pour stopped in the wrong place
Medium- Cause:
- Concrete delay or pump breakdown.
- Impact:
- A weak point in the beam.
Inspection 2 of 2
Book This Inspection
Post-Pour Inspection
When: After the formwork is stripped, during the curing period.
After the formwork is removed, the beam shows its true condition. We check its surface, dimensions and level, and make sure curing is going properly, before it is waterproofed, backfilled and hidden.
Key Items We Inspect
Honeycombing and Voids
Beam sides and underside free of honeycombing and exposed aggregate.
Exposed Rebar
No rebar or stirrups visible on the concrete surface.
Dimensions and Straightness
Beam width, depth and straightness as per the drawings.
Top of Tie Beam Level
A level top, since the ground floor walls sit on it.
Curing
Regular water spraying or covering after the pour.
Cracks
Beam free of cracks.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Honeycombing under the beam
High- Cause:
- Insufficient compaction or mix water leaking from the formwork.
- Impact:
- Rebar exposed to moisture and a weakened beam.
Uneven level
Medium- Cause:
- Rushed levelling of the concrete surface.
- Impact:
- Level differences in the ground floor walls.
Neglected curing
Medium- Cause:
- Beams left without water spraying or covering 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
- Let us know the pour date well in advance so we can attend.
- Request the tie beams 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.
- Backfilling the tie beams before they are inspected and waterproofed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tie Beam Concreting.
What are tie beams?
Ground-level concrete beams that connect the footings to each other and carry the ground floor walls.
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 tie beam pour from start to finish.
How much does the tie beams concrete inspection cost?
From 700 AED.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Concrete Works.
Tie Beam Pour Coming Up?
Tell us the date, and we'll attend the pour and arrange the follow-up inspection with you.