Placement in Wall Forms

When constructing walls, beams, or girders, place the first batches of each layer at the ends of the section, then proceed toward the center to prevent water from collecting at the form ends and corners. For walls, stop off the inside form at the construction level. Overfill the form for about 2 inches and remove the excess just before the concrete sets to ensure a rough, clean surface. Before placing the next lift of concrete, deposit a 1/2 to 1 inch thick layer of sand-cement mortar. Make the mortar with the same water content ratio as the concrete and with a 6 inch slump to prevent stone pockets and help produce a watertight joint. View 1 of Figure 62 shows the proper way to place concrete in the lower portion of high wall forms. Note the different types of drop chute that can be used to place concrete through port openings and into the lower portion of the wall. Space the port openings at about 10-foot intervals up the wall. The method used to place concrete in the upper portion of the wall is shown in View 2 of Figure 62. When placing concrete for walls, be sure to remove the spreaders as you fill the forms.