Construction Practices
Good concrete can still be ruined in the ninety minutes after it leaves the mixer. This guide covers the practices that decide whether placement succeeds — treating construction joints properly, respecting the 1.5 m free-fall guidance, curing long enough for the cement actually used, striking formwork at the right age, and protecting pours from heat and cold per IS 7861.
The answers quote the exact IS 456:2000 and IS 7861 clauses, and each one connects to a calculator you can use at the point of placement.
The 10 most-asked questions — click any question for the full code-referenced answer
- C-1 What is the minimum curing period for OPC and PPC concrete as per IS 456?
- C-2 What is the recommended cover for different structural members?
- C-3 How is formwork removal time determined for beams, slabs, and columns?
- C-4 What is the maximum free-fall height allowed for concrete placement?
- C-5 What are construction joints and how should they be treated?
- C-6 How should cold joints be prevented during large pours?
- C-7 What is the importance of compaction and how is it achieved?
- C-8 What precautions should be taken for concreting in hot weather?
- C-9 What precautions should be taken for concreting in cold weather?
- C-10 What is the recommended procedure for de-shuttering vertical and horizontal members?
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