Walls and deep members are filled in horizontal layers, often 12 to 24 in deep, with each lift vibrated into the one below while it is still plastic. In a second sense the lift is the full height cast in one placement between horizontal construction joints, such as a 12 ft wall lift. Lift depth and pour rate together set the pressure on the forms, which is why form designers specify both.
Bring it up in two-foot lifts all the way around before you go back, or you'll blow those ties at the corner.
Also heard as
- layer
- pour lift
Related terms
Stinger
An internal concrete vibrator, or specifically the vibrating head on the end of its flexible shaft.
Cold joint
An unplanned seam left where fresh concrete was placed against concrete that had already begun to set.
Blowout
A form failure where formwork bursts open or shifts under the pressure of fresh concrete.
Formwork
The temporary molds, supports and bracing that hold fresh concrete in shape until it can carry itself.
Construction joint
A planned stopping point between two placements, prepared so the next pour bonds to it or transfers load across it.