Property construction is an intricate process. You can’t put walls wherever you like if you have an empty land. The process involves a lot of planning and designing. One part of the construction process is the Form Board Survey.
Randomly pouring concrete without any support is not practical when building appropriately formed foundations, walls, slabs, and beams in construction. Without enough support, the concrete would run away like muck, creating a poorly constructed building. Therefore, it is essential to utilize some kind of support to confine and shape the concrete throughout the curing process, such as a mold, frame, or container that is shaped and aligned in accordance with the construction plan. That is why we have the Form Board Survey, which determines and marks the precise location, dimensions, and orientation of form boards used to contain poured concrete while constructing a foundation or other structural elements.
Today, we will learn everything about Form Board Survey. This will make the construction process easy for you.
Definition of Form Board Survey
A form board survey is a type of surveying activity carried out by licensed surveyors to mark the location of form boards on a construction site. The survey involves measuring and marking the precise position of the form boards in relation to the property lines, building lines, easements, and other relevant reference points.
It is essentially a temporary structure made up of wooden panels. Two main goals of the form board survey are to hold concrete and work as a temporary fence to mark property lines.
Importance of Form Board Survey
Form board surveying is a crucial step in the construction process, as it ensures that the form boards are correctly placed in accordance with the building plans and relevant regulations. Here are some key reasons why form board surveying is essential:
- Accuracy: Form board surveying ensures that the form boards are accurately positioned on the construction site, with precise measurements and alignment. This helps ensure the resulting foundation is level, properly aligned, and meets the design requirements.
- Shape: As mentioned earlier, a form board survey involves installing form boards to mark property lines, building lines, easements, and other relevant reference points. Without form boards, the wet concrete will be all over the place.
- Compliance: Form board surveys help ensure compliance with local building codes, regulations, and easements. By accurately marking the location of form boards in relation to property lines and easements, the survey helps prevent encroachments and potential legal issues in the future.
- Cost-effective: Accurate form board surveying helps prevent mistakes and rework during construction, saving time and money. Properly placed form boards result in a well-constructed foundation, reducing the need for costly corrections or repairs later.
- Coordination: Form board surveys facilitate coordination among different stakeholders involved in the construction process, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and local authorities. The survey provides a common reference point for all parties, ensuring that the form boards are placed correctly per the design and regulatory requirements.
What are Form Boards?
Form boards are temporary structures typically made of wood or other materials that are used as molds or frames to hold the concrete in place until it cures and becomes a solid structure. They are typically set up along the perimeter of the planned concrete pour, creating a “formwork” that defines the shape, size, and elevation of the concrete structure being constructed, such as a foundation, wall, slab, or beam.
The process of conducting a form board survey typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Survey: First, you must contact a licensed surveyor. A licensed surveyor or a qualified professional conducts an initial survey of the construction site to establish reference points, property lines, elevations, and other site details based on the construction plans or building design.
- Form Board Installation: Once the initial survey is completed, the form boards are installed at the precise locations and dimensions based on the surveyor’s markings. This may involve constructing wooden frames, aligning them with the surveyor’s markings, and securing them in place. You can do this step yourself but ensure you have the skills and expertise. It will be more cost-effective. However, rectifying the mistakes might be more costly if you do not know form board installation. A good approach is: If it is your first time, it’s better to approach a contractor who does all the work.
- Verification: After the form boards are installed, the surveyor verifies the accuracy of the form board placement. This step aims to ensure that the form boards comply with the construction plans or building design. This may involve measuring and comparing the form boards with the surveyor’s markings and making necessary adjustments.
- Form Board Survey Report: Once the form boards are accurately located and verified, the surveyor prepares a form survey report detailing the form board placement, dimensions, elevations, and other relevant information. This report may be submitted to the local authorities or building department as part of the permitting process or for compliance purposes.
Essentially a Form Board Survey uses wooden form boards to mark property lines, building lines, easements, and other relevant reference points. The form board provides an outline to pour concrete and a solid foundation shape. It is one of the essential steps of the construction process as it provides a shape and outlines for the design plan to turn into reality.
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Last modified: March 30, 2024
