Division 03 Concrete
Aesthetic Deviation in Division 03 Concrete submittals
Short answer
A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample. Default grade in Division 03 Concrete: Fix and Resubmit.
A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 03 Concrete submittals.
What to look for in Division 03 Concrete
Applies primarily to architectural concrete:
- Form finish class (as-cast, rubbed, sack-rubbed, sandblasted, bushhammered)
- Exposed aggregate finish (size, color, exposure depth)
- Integral concrete color (pigment dosage and color match)
- Precast panel finish and texture (acid-etched, sandblasted, polished, form-liner pattern)
- Concrete stain or sealer appearance (gloss level, color)
- Form-liner pattern for architectural cast-in-place
Common examples in Division 03 Concrete submittals
Aesthetic deviations in concrete are easy to miss on paper because the sub describes a finish in words while the architect approved a physical sample, and the two rarely match exactly.
- Confirm the submitted finish names a specific form-liner product and pattern (Fitzgerald, Scott System, RECKLI) and that the pattern repeat, joint layout, and rustication match the architectural elevations, not just a generic "board-form" label.
- Check integral color by pigment product and dosage (Davis Colors, Solomon) stated in pounds per sack or percent of cement weight, and verify the color number against the architect's approved chip, since a substituted oxide load shifts the cured tone.
- For exposed-aggregate work, look for the aggregate source, gradation, color, and target exposure depth (light, medium, heavy retarder), plus whether a chemical surface retarder or sandblast method is specified.
- Verify the precast finish class against PCI MNL-117 sample-panel terminology and confirm a range panel, not a single best-case sample, is referenced.
- Watch for as-cast surface tolerances: bug holes, form-tie hole treatment, color uniformity between pours, and Class A through D surface designations.
- Confirm cure-and-seal or stain products name a gloss level and color that match the approved mockup.
On one job a sub swapped a 4 lb/sack iron-oxide dose for 2 lb to cut cost, and the entire plaza slab cured two shades light against the approved sample. Catching the dosage on the submittal would have saved a full tear-out.
How severe is it?
Default grade: Fix and Resubmit. Owner-sensitive; the PM confirms against the approved sample before accepting.
Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 03 severity rules.
What the PM should do
Stamp the submittal Revise and Resubmit. Mark the deviation, return the relevant spec passage as a redline, and have the sub correct and re-send before fabrication or installation.
Other deviation categories in Division 03
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify that a concrete finish description in a submittal matches the architect-approved sample rather than just a generic label?
Require the submittal to name a specific form-liner product and pattern - such as a Fitzgerald, Scott System, or RECKLI product with its pattern number - and confirm the pattern repeat and rustication layout against the architectural elevations. A generic 'board-form' label is not enough. For integral color, check that the pigment product (Davis Colors, Solomon), dosage in pounds per sack or percent of cement weight, and color number match the architect's approved chip exactly.
What exposed-aggregate concrete details should a project manager check in a Division 03 submittal before accepting the finish description?
Look for the aggregate source, gradation, color, and target exposure depth - typically described as light, medium, or heavy retarder application or sandblast depth. The submittal should also identify whether a chemical surface retarder or sandblast method achieves the exposure. For precast, verify the finish class against PCI MNL-117 terminology and confirm that a range panel (not a single best-case sample) is referenced to bound acceptable variation.
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