Once all the re-bar is installed, the structural engineer now needs to come back and inspect it. He will issue a field memo that it has been installed as per his specifications and he is satisfied with the work. The framer can now close up the inside of the forms and finish bracing the walls level in preparation for the concrete pour. Its a good idea to double check all the wall heights with the grades and make sure that everything is going to work out as planned ( sometimes neighbours grades may not be accurately depicted or the drawings have not been fully thought through.
If any adjustments are needed on site you will most likely have to do a revision at city hall. Once everything is ready, walls are fully closed up and properly braced you are ready to call for city inspection, you will have your field memo for both geotechincal and structural ready to turn in to the inspector. He will collect these for his file and walk aroun d and check that everything is as per plan and he also feels comfortable with everything ( although the engineers are responsible for there area, he will call out anything that is questionable ). One important item to note is that your wcb clearance letter is up to date and clearly posted on site. The inspector will refuse the inspection if it is not which will delay the project. With all of these items complete and the pass from the inspector, you are now ready to schedule the concrete pour, your placer will hopefully organize the concrete order and the pump ( if not you will need to do a calculation on the quantity of concrete, if you determine you need 43 cubic meters, then you would order 4 trucks and a balance ( the balance truck will be ordered as you get near the end of the pour since you want to get as close as possible to the correct amount, too little and you will need a second balance too much and your paying for concrete you wont be using ).
The city will also not allow pouring concrete in freezing weather, although there are additives to allow the concrete to cure during cold weather it is a good idea to wait for warmer weather to pour. The concrete pour for an average size foundation will usually take several hours and make sure your placer properly vibrates the foundation to avoid voids in the concrete. You will also want to make sure the placer puts the proper anchor bolts ( don’t worry if you forget to have these on site, all the concrete trucks carry some with them which they are happy to sell to you ), Its a good idea for your framer to be on site to make sure everything goes smoothly and deal with any issues that may arise. The concrete will need to cure for at least a day and then the framers can strip the forms. Concrete cures in 1/2 strength in 7 days 3/4 strength in 14 days and 7/8 in 21 days ( depending on temperature and exact type of mix), it is considered to be at full strength within 28 days.
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