Construction Program Management and Inspection Guide

D–14
Appendix D: Inspections-in-Depth
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION GUIDE (5/01/04)
During concreting operations, ensure these conditions:
▼ Slurry is tested prior to concrete placement (if
applicable).
▼ Temporary casings are removed in accordance with
specifications.
▼ The discharge end of the tremie is maintained at least
1.5 m (5 ft) into concrete mass.
▼ The concrete head in tremie is maintained at least
1.5 m (5 ft) above top of slurry.
▼ The height of concrete free-fall (dry shaft only) is
limited as specified.
▼ Placement of concrete occurs within the specified time
limit.
▼ Concrete placement and volume forms are completed
for each shaft.
▼ Contaminated concrete overflows shafts until good
concrete appears.
▼ Concrete acceptance tests are performed as required.
Verify the following postinstallation steps:
▼ In open water, shafts are protected 7 days or until
concrete reaches specified strength.
▼ Permanent casing is cut off at proper elevation.
▼ Nondestructive evaluations are completed (if required).
▼ Shafts meet all applicable construction tolerances.
▼ Drilled shaft logs have been completed.
▼ All pay items have been documented.
Shallow Foundations
For more information, see “Shallow Foundations,” FHWA-
NHI-01-023.
Evaluate foundation preparation:
▼ All unsuitable materials are removed to the approved
subgrade.
▼ A shoring system is used for excavations greater than
1.5 m (5 ft) deep, or appropriate slopes are constructed.
▼ If blasting is required, the blasting program is designed
to limit overblasting.
▼ Bearing soils exposed overnight or to rain are protected
from degradation.
▼ Compacted subgrade fill meets material and compaction
specifications.
Evaluate groundwater control:
▼ The contractor has a site drainage plan to prevent
surface water intrusion.
▼ Bearing soils softened by intrusion of water are
removed prior to footing placement.
▼ The contractor has a groundwater control plan when
groundwater table is near bottom of excavation.
▼ Sump pumps are an option for controlling ground
water intrusion in cohesive soils.
▼ The contractor’s groundwater control plan includes
method(s) to control perched water tables in
cohesionless soils without causing piping (well points
are an option to control ground water intrusion in
cohesionless soils).