General
Carefully check all the plans and specifications. Concrete often appears on drawings other than structural drawings, including mechanical and electrical drawings for equipment pads. The cost of cutting and patching is often difficult to estimate. See Subdivision 02225 for demolition costs.
Always obtain concrete prices from suppliers near the job site. A volume discount can often be negotiated depending upon competition in the area. Remember to add for waste, particularly for slabs and footings on grade.
03100 Concrete Forms & Accessories
A primary cost for concrete construction is forming. Most jobs today are constructed with prefabricated forms. The selection of the forms best suited for the job and the total square feet of forms required for efficient concrete forming and placing are key elements in estimating concrete construction. Enough forms must be available for erection to make efficient use of the concrete placing equipment and crew.
Concrete accessories for forming and placing depend upon the systems used. Study the plans and specifications to assure that all special accessory requirements have been included in the cost estimate such as anchor bolts, inserts and hangers.
03200 Concrete Reinforcement
Ascertain that the reinforcing steel supplier has included all accessories, cutting, bending and an allowance for lapping, splicing and waste. A good rule of thumb is 10% for lapping, splicing and waste. Also, 10% waste should be allowed for welded wire fabric.
03300 Cast-in-Place Concrete
When estimating structural concrete, pay particular attention to requirements for concrete additives, curing methods and surface treatments. Special consideration for climate, hot or cold, must be included in your estimate. Be sure to include requirements for concrete placing equipment and concrete finishing.
03400 Precast Concrete
03500 Cementitious Decks & Toppings
The cost of hauling precast concrete structural members is often an important factor. For this reason, it is important to get a quote from the nearest supplier. It may become economically feasible to set up precasting beds on the site if the hauling costs are prohibitive.
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