Starting a new build in the Midwest. Forms just off the basement walls and we noticed a massive “crack” that runs along the entire back wall and into an engineered vault that is going to have a patio poured over top.
There was someone onsite who told us that they got a cement truck stuck in the mud and it took more than 2 hours to get it out. Then, they poured it on top of the already curing concrete causing this cold joint. It seems massive to me. I have no idea how much water they added to keep it viable.
I am meeting our contractor and the foundation sub at the site tomorrow. We are sick to our stomach over this. How screwed are we?
By their nature cold joints are weakened points in the pour and when against soil are also potential water penetration points. They can be corrected but I do recommend you have a foundation Engineer review this condition to write an effective correction plan. Make sure it is your Engineer and not the Builder’s Engineer for obvious reasons.
This is your standing to hold the builder and contractor accountable. They both should have been sure the job site was accessable to tailgate a wall. If it wasn’t, then they should have used a pump. Regardless, they should have to pay for any repairs.
Btw, this is a cement truck
so what was the fix? i’m curious if there are any pictures of it. i’ve done a lot of concrete work as a union carpenter, biggest job by far was the stack foundations at john amos and riding the stack up. we used slip forms for that and ended up with a huge cold joint when they stopped the pour for a week. you can still see the color difference after 12 years, maybe more. there was so much rebar in it they didn’t need the concrete. that’s what they said anyway. i know it was my longest shift ever worked for pay when i pulled a 36 hour day welding supports for the anchor bolts while they poured. we finished up when they were a foot below the top. i’d like to see the fix for this one if possible.
