Build Slab Forms and Set Control Lines

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one completed perimeter slab-edge form system installed to the approved line, top elevation, and profile; established interior screed references; and one completed Slab Form and Control Line Inspection Record recording the reference corner, slab benchmark, perimeter dimensions, both diagonals, top elevations, screed-reference locations, thickened-edge and joint locations, any identified conflicts and their resolution, and a formal release signature authorizing base and reinforcement work to begin.

B. Assessed Slab-Form Schedule

Item	Reference Used	Standard	Purpose
Perimeter dimensions	Reference corner	Match approved slab plan within the plan's stated tolerance	Confirm overall slab size
Diagonals (both)	Opposite corner pairs from the reference corner	Match each other and the plan within the stated tolerance	Confirm the slab perimeter is square
Form-top elevation	Slab benchmark	Match the approved finished-slab elevation	Control screed elevation at the perimeter
Screed references	Slab benchmark	Match the approved finished-slab elevation and required slopes	Control screed elevation across the interior
Thickened edges, steps, depressions	Reference corner and slab benchmark	Match the approved slab plan dimensions	Confirm designed thickness variations before base work
Construction-joint locations	Reference corner	Match the approved joint layout	Confirm joint spacing is planned, not improvised

C. Document and Control-Point Takeoff

• Controlling documents: approved slab plan, thickness, finished-floor elevations, slopes, depressions, thickened-edge details, joint layout, embed schedule, and stated tolerances, assembled before any layout begins.
• Protected controls: the Project 1 benchmark and building reference corner, inspected for condition before re-establishing the slab benchmark and reference corner.
• Form materials: form lumber or the specified forming system, stakes, kickers, braces, spreaders, screed-rail or grade-pin stock, fasteners, and release agent, selected to the project specification.
• Escalation contact: a named designer or engineer identified before layout begins, for use if a conflict is found in Step 17.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Perimeter dimensions	Within the tolerance stated on the approved slab plan; if no tolerance is stated, treat any measured difference as a conflict requiring escalation per Step 20
Diagonals	The two diagonals differ from each other by no more than the tolerance stated on the approved slab plan; both diagonals match the plan-calculated diagonal within the same tolerance
Top elevation	Matches the approved finished-slab elevation as verified from the slab benchmark, at every measured point along the perimeter form
Screed references	Match the approved finished-slab elevation and any required slope, verified from the slab benchmark at every established reference point
Thickened edges, steps, depressions, joints	Location and dimension match the approved slab plan
Bracing and stake condition	Every stake, brace, and kicker resists hand-applied lateral pressure at the form line without movement
Procedure	Document review, layout, form construction, screed-reference establishment, verification, conflict resolution, and photographic recording completed independently

E. Preparation — Document Review and Site Inspection

1. Review the approved slab plan, thickness, dimensions, finished-floor elevations, slopes, depressions, thickened edges, joints, openings, embeds, and tolerances. Confirm the document set is complete before proceeding to Step 2.
2. Confirm that underground work, subgrade preparation, and required inspections are complete or coordinated. Obtain written confirmation before disturbing the graded surface with stakes or equipment.

F. Establishing References and Layout

1. Re-establish the slab benchmark, reference corner, perimeter lines, and construction offsets. Confirm each re-established reference against the protected Project 1 controls before marking any edge.
2. Mark slab edges, thickened sections, openings, blockouts, steps, recesses, and construction-joint locations. Mark every location directly on the ground or on temporary layout stakes before form material is cut.

G. Form Material Selection and Preparation

1. Select straight form lumber or the specified forming system, stakes, braces, kickers, fasteners, and release agent. Confirm every material matches the project specification before use.
2. Inspect materials for warp, damage, contamination, and incompatibility. Set aside any material that fails inspection.
3. Cut and label form members by slab edge and location. Label each piece so it can be matched to its marked location during assembly.

H. Form Construction

1. Position the first form line to the controlling horizontal and elevation reference. Set the form to the reference corner and slab benchmark established in Step 3.
2. Stake and fasten the form while maintaining line and top elevation. Check top elevation at each stake before fastening.
3. Install adjoining form runs, corners, curves, steps, depressions, and blockouts. Verify each corner angle with the framing square before fastening.
4. Use spreaders, templates, or diagonal controls to establish the required dimensions and square. Confirm both diagonals as each section is completed, not only at the end of the layout.
5. Install external braces and kickers to resist placing and screeding forces. Space bracing according to the form design and the planned placement method.

I. Interior Control References

1. Establish screed rails, grade pins, wet-screed references, laser controls, or other approved interior elevation references. Verify every interior reference against the slab benchmark before relying on it.
2. Mark required slopes and drainage transitions. Record the slope value and direction at each marked transition.
3. Install sleeves, edge isolation, construction joints, or embedded forms included at this stage. Confirm each item's location against the approved slab plan before securing it.

J. Release Preparation and Protection

1. Apply form-release agent only to approved contact surfaces. Keep release agent off screed references, embedded items, and construction-joint surfaces.

K. Verification

1. Verify perimeter dimensions, diagonals, top elevation, thickness references, slopes, openings, and control-line locations. Compare every measured value to the approved slab plan and stated tolerance.
2. Check stake spacing, brace stability, joint tightness, access, and screed path. Apply hand pressure at the form line to confirm stability at each stake and brace.

L. Cleanup, Correction, and Release

1. Remove debris and protect the form system from equipment and weather damage. Clear loose material, cutoffs, and fasteners from inside the form area.
2. Correct every failed dimension or unstable condition. Identify whether the outstanding item is a conflict requiring designer or engineer direction, and stop work on any unresolved conflict until direction is obtained.
3. Complete the slab-form inspection record before base and reinforcement work proceeds. Photograph every verified form section and screed reference. Sign and date the release section of the record.