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Foundation Footing Quality Check Procedure

Standard operating procedure for footing construction ensuring structural integrity, durability, and serviceability through proper inspection and testing methods in accordance with Indian Standards (IS Codes).

Structure Type: RCC Footing Quality Priority: High Validity: All Projects
1

Objective

To establish a comprehensive quality control procedure for Foundation Footing Construction, ensuring structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and durability through proper inspection and testing methods in accordance with Indian Standards (IS Codes).

2

IS Code References

Inspection Stage IS Code Description
Foundation & Soil IS 1904:2019 Code of Practice for Foundation
Excavation & Setting Out IS 3764:1992 Safety Code for Excavation
Reinforcement Checking IS 456:2000, IS 2502:1963 Concrete & Rebar Detailing
Concrete Mix Design IS 10262:2019 Mix Design & Aggregate Quality
Concrete Testing IS 516:1959 Cube Test for Strength
Backfilling & Compaction IS 2720:1992 Methods of Test for Soils
Waterproofing IS 2645:2003 Integral Waterproofing Compounds
3

Pre-Construction Inspection

A
Site Preparation & Soil Assessment
  • Verify soil bearing capacity matches structural design assumptions
  • Check ground water table level and dewatering requirements if any
  • Ensure site is cleared of vegetation, organic materials, and debris
  • Verify soil compaction if done and test results are available
  • Check drainage provisions around foundation area
IS 1904:2019 IS 1498:1970
B
Layout & Setting Out
  • Verify center lines, grid lines and reference benchmarks
  • Check footing dimensions and locations as per approved drawings
  • Ensure proper marking of excavation boundaries
  • Verify levels and reduced levels (RL) of foundation base
  • Check diagonal measurements to ensure rectangularity
IS 1904:2019 IS 962:1989
C
Excavation Check
  • Verify excavation depth matches foundation design requirements
  • Ensure proper slope/shoring to prevent cave-ins as per IS 3764
  • Check excavation base is level, firm, and free from loose soil
  • Verify dewatering arrangements if groundwater is encountered
  • Ensure safety provisions for workers in deep excavations
IS 3764:1992 IS 1904:2019
D
PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) Bedding
  • Verify PCC mix ratio (typically 1:4:8 or 1:3:6) as per design
  • Check thickness of PCC (minimum 75-100mm)
  • Ensure PCC extends beyond footing dimensions (50-75mm on all sides)
  • Verify level and compaction of PCC surface
  • Check curing of PCC layer for minimum 24-48 hours
IS 456:2000
4

RCC Footing Construction Inspection

A
Formwork Check
  • Verify formwork dimensions match structural drawings
  • Ensure formwork is rigid, properly supported, and leak-proof
  • Check proper application of form release agent/oil
  • Verify cleanliness of formwork (free from debris, dust, water)
  • Ensure proper alignment and verticality of formwork sides
  • Check stepped/sloped footing formwork if applicable
IS 14687:1999 IS 456:2000
B
Reinforcement Inspection
  • Verify bar size, spacing, and positioning as per structural drawings
  • Check for proper placement of bottom and top reinforcement mats
  • Ensure adequate concrete cover using appropriate spacers/chairs (minimum 50mm at bottom)
  • Verify proper lap length for bar splices (if any)
  • Check dowel bars for columns are properly positioned and secured
  • Ensure reinforcement is free from mud, oil, paint, loose rust
  • Verify development length of column dowel bars into footing
IS 456:2000 IS 2502:1963 IS 1786:2008
C
Concrete Mix & Pouring Check
  • Verify concrete grade (typically M20 or M25) as per design
  • Check for admixtures if required (waterproofing, workability)
  • Conduct slump test (recommended slump 75-100mm)
  • Ensure proper pouring sequence and method (avoid segregation)
  • Check for proper compaction using vibrators
  • Verify concrete cube samples are taken for testing
  • Check final level of concrete matches required top of footing level
IS 10262:2019 IS 456:2000 IS 1199:1959
D
Waterproofing (If Required)
  • Verify waterproofing material specifications if needed
  • Check application of waterproofing agents in the concrete mix
  • Ensure external waterproofing membrane is properly applied
  • Verify all construction joints are properly treated
  • Check for proper termination of waterproofing at ground level
IS 2645:2003 IS 456:2000
5

Post-Casting Inspection

A
Curing & Protection
  • Ensure curing begins within 24 hours of pouring
  • Verify proper curing method (ponding, wet gunny bags, curing compounds)
  • Check curing duration (minimum 7-14 days depending on conditions)
  • Ensure protection from extreme weather conditions
  • Verify no construction activity on green concrete
IS 456:2000
B
Formwork Removal
  • Check concrete strength before formwork removal (min 3-4 days)
  • Ensure careful removal to avoid damage to concrete edges
  • Inspect concrete surface for honeycombing or other defects
  • Verify dimensions of the footing after formwork removal
  • Check for proper column positioning/alignment from footing
IS 456:2000
C
Backfilling & Compaction
  • Verify suitable material for backfilling (no organic matter)
  • Ensure backfilling in 200-300mm thick layers
  • Check proper compaction of each layer (95% of standard proctor density)
  • Verify compaction testing if required
  • Ensure backfilling on both sides of footing to avoid uneven pressure
IS 2720:1992
6

Testing of Footing Concrete

Test Purpose IS Code
Slump Test Checks workability of concrete IS 1199:1959
Cube Strength Test Ensures required compressive strength IS 516:1959
Rebound Hammer Test Non-destructive test for surface hardness IS 13311:Part 2
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test Checks homogeneity and cracks IS 13311:Part 1
Core Test Direct measurement of in-situ strength IS 516:1959
Water Permeability Test Checks water tightness of concrete IS 3085:1965
7

Common Defects & Remedial Measures

Defect Possible Cause Remedial Action
Honeycombing Poor vibration, high aggregate content, tight reinforcement Chipping and patching with polymer-modified mortar
Cracks Shrinkage, settlement, poor curing, thermal effects Epoxy injection, routing and sealing
Cold Joints Long delay between concrete pours Roughening, cleaning and bonding agent before repair
Water Seepage Poor waterproofing, cracks, high water table Pressure grouting, external waterproofing
Misalignment Poor formwork, improper setting out Correction using grout pads, additional reinforcement
Low Strength Poor mix design, excess water, improper curing Core testing and possible strengthening/underpinning
8

QA/QC Checklist for Footing Construction

  • Approved foundation drawings are available on site
  • Excavation dimensions and depth match design requirements
  • PCC bedding is properly laid and cured
  • Formwork dimensions match design requirements
  • Reinforcement is as per approved drawings (size, spacing, position)
  • Cover blocks are properly placed to ensure minimum cover
  • Column dowel bars are positioned correctly
  • Concrete mix design is approved and followed
  • Slump test conducted and within specified limits
  • Concrete cube samples prepared for testing
  • Proper vibration and compaction during pouring
  • Curing started at the right time and for required duration
  • Final dimensions verified after formwork removal
  • Surface defects identified and repaired
  • Backfilling done with proper material and compaction
  • Waterproofing treatment completed if required
  • Concrete test results reviewed and accepted
9

Acceptance Criteria

Dimensional Tolerance: ±10mm for plan dimensions, ±5mm for thickness
Concrete Strength: Minimum 85% of characteristic strength at 28 days
Reinforcement Position: ±5mm for cover, ±25mm for spacing
Column Position: ±5mm from center of footing
Surface Finish: No honeycombing, voids, or exposed reinforcement
Water Tightness: No visible seepage or dampness in below-grade footings
Backfill Compaction: Min 95% of standard Proctor density
IS 456:2000 IS 1904:2019
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