What checks will you do before slab concreting? | Q & A

As a site engineer, you must ensure structural safety, quality, and workmanship before concrete is poured.

1. Drawing & Design Checks

• Latest approved structural drawings available

• Slab thickness, reinforcement details verified

• Bar diameter, spacing, and layout as per drawing

• Extra bars at:

  • Cantilevers

  • Openings

  • Edges

2. Reinforcement Checks

• Correct steel grade (Fe500 / Fe500D)

• Proper lap length and development length

• Laps staggered, not at same location

• Proper anchorage into beams

• Steel properly tied and stable

3. Cover & Spacing Checks

• Cover blocks of correct thickness (typically 15–20 mm for slabs)

• Bars not touching shuttering

• Uniform spacing maintained

4. Shuttering / Formwork Checks

• Formwork:

  • Rigid and leak-proof

  • Properly supported (props, shores)

  • Correct slab thickness maintained

• Line, level, and camber checked

• Shuttering oil applied

5. Cleanliness & Preparation

• No debris, wood pieces, or binding wire

• No standing water on shuttering

• Reinforcement free from mud, oil, rust flakes

6. Embedded Items & Services

• Electrical conduits fixed and secured

• Plumbing sleeves and openings provided

• Inserts, sleeves, and fixtures in position

7. Concrete-Related Checks

• Approved concrete grade (M20 / M25)

• Concrete source finalized (RMC / site mix)

• Slump value specified

• Cube moulds ready

• Admixture dosage confirmed

8. Equipment & Manpower Readiness

• Needle vibrators working and spare available

• Adequate labor available

• Transit mixer / pump planned

• Power backup arranged

9. Safety Checks

• Proper access for workers

• Safety rails at slab edges

• PPE for workers

• Barricading below slab

10. Approval Before Pouring

• Engineer/consultant inspection completed

• Pour card / checklist signed

One-Line Interview Answer (Perfect)

Before slab concreting, I check reinforcement as per drawings, cover, shuttering, cleanliness, embedded services, concrete quality, equipment readiness, and safety approvals.

Common Follow-Up Interview Questions

Q: What is the minimum cover for slab reinforcement?
A: Generally 15–20 mm, depending on exposure.

Q: Why is camber provided in slab shuttering?
A: To compensate for deflection after removing props.