# Division 03: Concrete submittal deviations

> Source: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/
> Deviation Check - AI submittal review for General Contractors (Aliso LLC).

Division 03 covers concrete work in commercial construction: formwork, reinforcing, cast-in-place concrete, precast, grout, and related accessories. Common CSI sections submitted for review:

## Common Division 03 CSI sections

- 03 10 00 - Concrete Forming and Accessories
- 03 15 00 - Concrete Accessories (waterstops, vapor retarders, joint fillers)
- 03 20 00 - Concrete Reinforcing
- 03 21 00 - Reinforcement Bars
- 03 22 00 - Welded Wire Reinforcement
- 03 24 00 - Fibrous Reinforcing
- 03 30 00 - Cast-in-Place Concrete
- 03 31 00 - Structural Concrete
- 03 35 00 - Concrete Finishing
- 03 39 00 - Concrete Curing
- 03 40 00 - Precast Concrete
- 03 41 00 - Precast Structural Concrete
- 03 45 00 - Precast Architectural Concrete
- 03 48 00 - Precast Concrete Specialties
- 03 54 00 - Cast Underlayment
- 03 60 00 - Grouting

## The six deviation categories in Division 03 Concrete

### Manufacturer or Product Substitution (default grade: Blocker)

The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

Concrete specs frequently name specific ready-mix producers, precast fabricators, and specialty product manufacturers. Look for:
- Ready-mix producer substitutions (CalPortland, CEMEX, Lehigh Hanson, Martin Marietta, Vulcan Materials)
- Precast manufacturer substitutions (Clark Pacific, Coreslab Structures, Gate Precast, Metromont, Oldcastle)
- Reinforcing steel fabricator changes
- Admixture manufacturer substitutions (BASF/Master Builders, GCP Applied Technologies, Sika, Euclid Chemical)
- Fiber reinforcement brand changes (Fibermesh, Forta, Nycon)
- Formwork system substitutions (Doka, PERI, EFCO, Symons)
- Curing compound and sealer manufacturer changes

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/manufacturer-substitution/

### Performance Specification Gap (default grade: Blocker)

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

Key performance parameters in concrete submittals:
- **Compressive strength (f'c)** in psi at 28 days (most common: 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 psi)
- **Slump** range in inches (typical 4-6 inches for conventional, higher for SCC)
- **Air content** percentage (4-7% for freeze-thaw exposure per ACI 318)
- **Water-to-cementite ratio (w/cm)** maximum per exposure class
- **Chloride ion content** limit for reinforced concrete (ACI 318 Table 19.3.2.1)
- **Flexural strength** (modulus of rupture) for pavements and slabs
- **Modulus of elasticity** where specified
- **Rebar yield strength** grade (Grade 60 = 60 ksi, Grade 75, Grade 80)
- **Rebar size and spacing** vs structural drawings
- **Concrete cover** dimensions per ACI 318 Table 20.6.1
- **Fiber dosage rate** (lb/cy) for fiber-reinforced concrete
- **Shrinkage limit** (ASTM C157 microstrain at 28 days)
- **Unit weight** for lightweight concrete (typically 110-120 pcf)
- **Permeability** (coulombs per ASTM C1202 for low-permeability concrete)

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/performance-specification-gap/

### Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

Required certifications in concrete submittals:
- **ACI 318** compliance documentation (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete)
- **ASTM C39** compressive strength test reports (cylinders)
- **ASTM C94/C94M** compliance for ready-mixed concrete
- **ASTM C143** slump test documentation
- **ASTM C231** air content test documentation
- **ASTM C1602** mixing water compliance
- **PCI certification** for precast concrete fabricators (categories A1, C1-C4, G, S1)
- **AWS D1.4** compliance for reinforcing steel welding
- **CRSI certification** for reinforcing steel fabricators
- **Mill certificates (MTR)** for reinforcing steel per ASTM A615/A706
- **ASTM C157** shrinkage test reports where specified
- **ASTM C1202** rapid chloride permeability test reports
- **ICC-ES evaluation reports** for proprietary post-installed anchors
- **Seismic certification** for precast connections (IBC/ASCE 7)
- **LEED documentation** - recycled content (fly ash, slag), regional materials

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/missing-certification/

### Aesthetic Deviation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

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

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/aesthetic-deviation/

### Detail or Installation Mismatch (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

- **Rebar spacing** differs from structural drawings
- **Lap splice length** below ACI 318 development length requirements
- **Concrete cover** below specified minimum
- **Joint layout** (control joints, expansion joints, construction joints) differs from drawings
- **Embed plate** location, size, or anchorage differs
- **Form tie** pattern or type differs (she-bolt vs snap-tie)
- **Anchor bolt** size, embed depth, or edge distance differs
- **Post-installed anchor** type or capacity differs from engineer's design
- **Rebar coating** type differs (epoxy-coated vs galvanized vs uncoated)
- **Dowel bar** size or spacing at construction joints differs
- **Waterstop** type or placement differs from detail
- **Vapor retarder** placement (above vs below granular base) differs

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/detail-installation-mismatch/

### Submittal Package Incompleteness (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

Commonly required items in Div 03 specs:
- Concrete mix design submittals with proportions and material sources
- Trial batch test results (strength, slump, air content)
- Reinforcing steel shop drawings (bar bending schedules, placing drawings)
- Mill test reports (MTR) for reinforcing steel
- Admixture product data and compatibility letters
- Formwork drawings and shoring/reshoring calculations
- Curing compound product data
- Precast concrete shop drawings with connection details
- Precast erection drawings and sequence
- Post-installed anchor calculations and ICC-ES ESR
- Cold weather / hot weather concreting plan
- Quality control plan (testing frequency, sampling procedures)
- Concrete placement plan for mass pours

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Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/03-concrete/submittal-package-incompleteness/

## How Division 03 deviations are graded

- **Compressive strength (f'c) below spec requirement:** BLOCKER (structural capacity, building code)
- **Rebar grade below spec:** BLOCKER (structural capacity per ACI 318)
- **Missing ACI 318 compliance:** BLOCKER (building code requirement)
- **Chloride content exceeds limit for reinforced concrete:** BLOCKER (corrosion/durability, ACI 318)
- **W/cm ratio exceeds maximum for exposure class:** BLOCKER (durability per ACI 318 Table 19.3.2)
- **Air content outside range for freeze-thaw exposure:** BLOCKER (durability, ACI 318)
- **Missing PCI certification for precast fabricator:** BLOCKER (quality assurance for structural precast)
- **Missing mill certificates for reinforcing steel:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (traceability)
- **Concrete cover below ACI 318 minimum:** BLOCKER (durability and fire resistance)
- **Form finish class mismatch for architectural concrete:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic)
- **Missing cold/hot weather plan where spec requires:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (quality assurance)
- **Fiber dosage below spec minimum:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (crack control)
