grade beam construction - earth form vs formed
grade beam construction - earth form vs formed
(OP)
for grade beam (conc beam spanning between piers) construction, I prefer not to allow the contractor to use earth forms because of the inability to control the vertical sides of the trench, cleanliness of the bottom of the trench due to sloughing of the soil, inability of the contractor to control beam depth and width. I have a statement in the general notes and formwork specs that grade beams shall not be earth formed. however, I get pressure on every job to allow the contractor to use earth forms for economic reasons.
any thoughts from other engineers would be appreciated.
I do allow earth forms for footings.
any thoughts from other engineers would be appreciated.
I do allow earth forms for footings.





RE: grade beam construction - earth form vs formed
Maybe you could require that the dimensions of the beam be 2 or 3 inches larger if it is bank poured thereby making cleanliness less of problem and providing the contractor the option right in the specification.
RE: grade beam construction - earth form vs formed
RE: grade beam construction - earth form vs formed
I just don't see much of an issue, but then again its not my grade beam.
RE: grade beam construction - earth form vs formed