Piled Ground Beam Formwork
Piled Ground Beam Formwork
(OP)
We normally specify on the drawings that the sides and bottom of the ground beams have a Type A finish to BS8110,
thus some sort of formwork is required. Typically permanent forms such are cordeks groundform system or similar would be used.
A client, after talking to a contractor, has come back with the question do we need to use formwork or can we just cast directly against the ground, which is stiff clay (no heave precautions necessary).
Personally i dont like this as the concrete may escape into the surrounding ground (although unlikely as this is clay). Also bits of clay may fall into the concrete contaminiating it. There may also be issues with cover to the rebar. What are you thoughts on this. Do you allow ground beams to be cast directly against the ground and do you see any other potential problems in doing this.
Thanks
thus some sort of formwork is required. Typically permanent forms such are cordeks groundform system or similar would be used.
A client, after talking to a contractor, has come back with the question do we need to use formwork or can we just cast directly against the ground, which is stiff clay (no heave precautions necessary).
Personally i dont like this as the concrete may escape into the surrounding ground (although unlikely as this is clay). Also bits of clay may fall into the concrete contaminiating it. There may also be issues with cover to the rebar. What are you thoughts on this. Do you allow ground beams to be cast directly against the ground and do you see any other potential problems in doing this.
Thanks






RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
As above, no problems for the bottom form being deleted, but with extra concrete cover for extra tolerance.
RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
Here in the states, when we do this, it then requires 3" clear cover on any reinforcing bars due to irregularity of the earth.
If neat earth forms can't be achieved, then of course supplemental formwork is required.
RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
RE: Piled Ground Beam Formwork
If you are checking the reinforcement on site, you would need to keep an eye on the cover.