What is Pour?
A pour is the process of placing concrete continuously without interruption, forming the foundations, slabs, and structural elements that a building depends on.
Definition
Purpose
Cold joints are weak planes that are the result of stopping and restarting a pour. The new concrete butts against partially set concrete. The main reason for avoiding them is that the construction process treats a pour as a planned, continuous event rather than as something done in stages. Timing, crew size, equipment, and mix design all have to be coordinated so the concrete is placed without gaps or delays.
Examples of Use
- Foundations: Concrete is poured into preformed trenches or footings to form a stable, uniform base for the structure above.
- Concrete Floor Slabs: Residential and commercial slabs are poured in one go, then screeded and finished before the surface sets.
- Columns and Walls: Pouring concrete into vertical formwork must be done at a controlled rate to prevent blowouts and ensure even consolidation.
- Infrastructure: Bridge decks and retaining walls are poured in carefully sequenced stages to control load and prevent weak points in the structure.
Related Terms
Notes
- A cold joint forms when a pour is interrupted long enough for the first placement to begin setting before the next one goes in.
- Vibration during pouring concrete removes air pockets and ensures the mix consolidates fully around reinforcement.
- Hot weather shortens working time; cold weather slows curing. Both conditions require adjustments to the concrete casting plan.
- Volume, access, and finishing requirements all factor into how a pour is sequenced on a job site.
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