[Gameboy]

Hello everyone!

I am currently located at Manila, the Philippines.

We have two competing contractor firms. Both practically offers the same terms except for the time-frame in beginning the construction after the pouring of the 2nd floor concrete.

Contractor 1: States that concrete posts and walls on the 2nd floor supporting the concrete roof will begin construction after 7 days of curing of the 2nd floor structural beams and floor.

Contractor 2: States that the same construction will begin after 14 days of curing.

Which contractor should I choose?

Other Info:
a) Both contractors will still have the scaffolding supporting the concrete beams and floor of the second floor while constructing the walls and posts for the concrete roof.
b) Climate: 2 Seasons (It is either sunny or raining.)
c) Contractor 1 initial advantage is cheaper labor cost due to lesser man-hours.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Knucklez]

sounds like the question is will the concrete acheive sufficient strength to bear the load after 7 days or not. it depends on the type of concrete being used & it's mix ingredients, the weather during the 7 days and the load going on after 7 days. this would be difficult to answer unless you happen to have all those details. it is a calculation done by the contractor's engineer who takes responsibility for the work conducted. so .. i would say .. as long as the GC has insurance and you have necessary permits .. both are acceptable options.

Knucklez

 

[jpc]

If the terms and mix designs are somewhat similar, the one with the longer waiting period could just be cautious or have a busy schedule, the longer you let it cure the better. But the only real way to be sure is if the load is sampled and tested on site or at the plant, and cylinders are made in accordance with ACI, standards. I laymans terms, they or you take a wheel barrel sample from the mixer truck before they start pouring, and the cylinders are made using 6"x12" plastic cylinder molds, and at 3 or 7 or 14 days the cylinders are taken to there or a local lab, the cylinders are crushed in a machine that measure pounds per square inch or Psi.
Contractor 1 useing the seven days is probibly fine, and that extra couple dollars you save, wouldnt hurt one bit to have some do that testing for you, then ur project and down the road if any problems come up,
good luck

 

[vsheetz]

I would suggest to discuss the difference with both the contractors and get their reasoning for the time they specified.