A monolith is a concrete structure or element poured in a single, uninterrupted operation. Because there are no cold joints or construction joints, the entire mass cures as one cohesive unit, ensuring maximum structural integrity and water tightness. Massive monoliths require careful temperature control to prevent thermal cracking as the core heats up during hydration.
We're pouring the foundation footing and the lower wall as a single monolith to keep groundwater out.
Pouring a monolith requires a continuous supply of ready-mix trucks; a break in the supply chain will create an unintended cold joint.
Also heard as
- Monolithic pour
Related terms
Cold joint
An unplanned seam left where fresh concrete was placed against concrete that had already begun to set.
Construction joint
A planned stopping point between two placements, prepared so the next pour bonds to it or transfers load across it.
Pour
The act of placing concrete, or one placement itself, in everyday jobsite speech.