CONCRETE JOINT & WATERSTOP TOOLS · FIELD TOOL
Concrete Joint Inspection Checklist Generator
A joint checklist depends on the joint and the stage. Before concreting, check position, face preparation, reinforcement or dowels, filler and stop-ends, and for watertight work, the waterstop's type, position, fixing and welds. At sealing, check cleanliness, edges, primer, backer rod depth, width:depth ratio and tooling.
What the Checklist Covers
| Stage |
Main checks |
| Before concreting |
Position; face preparation; rebar or dowels; filler; stop-ends; waterstop type, position, fixing, welds |
| After concreting |
Line and level; honeycombing; edges; saw-cut timing and depth; open expansion gaps; signs of seepage |
| Sealing |
Clean, dry joint; sound edges; primer; backer rod depth; width : depth ratio; tooling; batch records |
Choose the joint type, stage and whether the structure is water-retaining or below ground, then use the Print button to take the list on site.
Worked Example
For a construction joint in a water-retaining structure, checked before concreting, the generator gives 10 items. Besides the joint position, a clean and damp face and continuous rebar or dowels, it adds the waterstop checks:
- Waterstop type and size as specified.
- Waterstop centred in the joint and tied so it cannot fold or move.
- Welds and prefabricated junctions complete, with no splits or holes.
- Any hydrophilic strip fixed in full contact, away from the edges and kept dry until cast.
The list ends with stop-ends secure and grout-tight, and the inspection recorded and signed off. Answer No to water-retaining or below ground and the four waterstop items drop out, leaving 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be checked at a construction joint before concreting?
That the joint is where the drawings show it, the old face is roughened with aggregate exposed and is clean and damp, reinforcement or dowels continue as detailed, stop-ends are tight, and any waterstop is the right type, centred, fixed and fully welded.
Why do waterstop joints leak?
Most often from a waterstop that moved or folded during the pour, poor welds or site-made corners, honeycombing around the waterstop, or a hydrophilic strip that swelled before the concrete was placed.
When should saw cuts be made in a slab?
As soon as the concrete is hard enough not to ravel at the cut (usually within 4 to 12 hours, depending on temperature and mix) and before random cracks form. A depth of about a quarter of the slab is common.
