Set Up Tremie for Piles – Pre-Pour Setup QA Checklist

Definition: Set up tremie for piles is a focused pre-pour setup checklist for site engineers, covering pipe diameter, seals, embedment planning, and initial charge verification before concrete placement.

Confirm approved tremie diameter against mix and aggregate limits.
Leak-test couplings and seals before lifting into position.
Plan embedded length and initial charge volume with records.
Interactive, commentable, export options with QR code traceability.

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Checklist

Set up tremie for piles is the critical pre-pour verification that ensures the tremie pipe, joints, embedment plan, and initial charge are ready before concrete placement. This tremie setup checklist focuses on tremie pipe diameter, gasketed couplings, section lengths, priming method, and initial charge planning. It aligns with a tremie concreting setup while deliberately excluding pour execution steps such as continuous placement and withdrawal control. By validating dimensions, smooth bores, leak-tight seals, calibrated tools, and embedment strategy, you avoid blockages, segregation, slurry contamination, and stoppages. The outcome is a leak-free, correctly sized, clean pipe with a documented plan for minimum embedment and initial charge volume per approved project specifications and authority requirements. Use this for bored piles, barrettes, or cased shafts where tremie methods are specified. Start the interactive mode to tick tasks, add comments, attach photos, and export PDF/Excel with a QR-secured record.

This checklist de-risks tremie concreting by confirming internal diameter suitability, smoothness, and cleanliness, then validating couplings, gaskets, and torque. It prevents leaks and blockages before any concrete is introduced into the pile.
Embedment is planned using surveyed levels and section lengths to maintain minimum submergence beneath slurry. The method ensures the tremie reaches base elevation and stays embedded without relying on ad-hoc adjustments during placement.
Initial charge calculations are documented to fully prime the tremie and displace slurry or water, with capacity checks on the hopper and compatible bottom devices. Crew roles, stop criteria, and calibration records are captured for accountability.
Interactive online checklist with tick, comment, and export features secured by QR code.

Pre-setup Documentation

1. Verify approved method statement, ITP, and drawings match pile ID, design diameter, and tremie method; record revision numbers and approvals.
2. Confirm concrete mix maximum aggregate size is compatible with tremie internal diameter; attach calculation showing compliance per approved project specifications.

Tremie Pipe and Diameter

3. Measure internal diameter of each section with calibrated calipers at three orientations; record readings and confirm within approved tolerance per specifications.
4. Borescope the full internal bore; ensure smooth surfaces, no weld protrusions, rust scale, or loose debris; upload clear photos of representative sections.
5. Measure each section length and total assembled length with a steel tape; log cumulative length to the nearest millimetre and compare to plan.

Seals and Couplings

6. Inspect gaskets and O-rings for cuts, flattening, or hardening; replace any damaged parts; record part numbers and batch/lot evidence.
7. Dry-assemble one joint and torque bolts/collars using a calibrated torque wrench; record torque values and tool calibration certificate validity.
8. Hydrostatic test an assembled joint with water to the specified pressure and hold duration; acceptance: no leakage or pressure drop; store gauge photo with timestamps.
9. Confirm quick-release cap/plug or non-return device at the tremie tip is installed, secure, and compatible with the chosen initial charge method; capture close-up photos.

Assembly and Cleanliness

10. Pull a foam pig or sponge swab through the bore until it exits clean; bag debris; attach before/after photos to demonstrate cleanliness.
11. Mark section numbers and cumulative length increments in durable paint at joints; photograph markings legibly for later reference during assembly.
12. Fit certified lifting eyes, clamps, or guides; verify Working Load Limit (WLL) exceeds lifted mass; upload images of tags and certificates.

Embedment and Length Planning

13. Survey platform level, current slurry/water level, and pile cut-off; compute required overall tremie length to maintain minimum embedment throughout placement; attach calculation sheet.
14. Prepare a section change plan listing spare sections, order of addition/removal, and responsibilities; have the crew review and sign the plan.
15. Conduct a dummy lowering test with a weighted probe or spare section inside casing/hole to confirm free passage to base; record depths and video/photo evidence.
16. Verify bottom device (plug/valve) mass and operation per manufacturer; acceptance: opens reliably under initial head; attach datasheet and functional test notes.

Initial Charge Planning

17. Calculate initial charge volume to fully prime the tremie and displace slurry from the tip; include allowances per approved project specifications; attach signed calculation.
18. Check hopper or charging bucket capacity against required initial charge; measure internal dimensions or use manufacturer data; mark capacity and photograph.
19. Confirm the selected priming method (plug, valve, or pre-filled pipe) and sequence; brief the crew; upload toolbox talk attendance and method summary.
20. Define communication channels and stop criteria for blockage or leakage during initial charge; record emergency contacts and escalation flow in the checklist.
21. Coordinate concrete delivery timing to ensure initial charge availability within transport/workability limits; attach delivery schedule and mix ticket template.

Pre-setup Documentation

22. Verify calibration dates for calipers, tape measures, pressure gauges, and torque wrenches; upload current certificates and tag photos.
23. Create or confirm the Inspection and Test Plan hold points for diameter checks, leak tests, and length verification; capture reviewer approval and signatures.
24. Photograph the assembled tremie tip, seals, and section markings; enable geotagging; store in the project QA folder with pile ID references.
25. Complete final pre-start sign-off confirming scope excludes pour execution; obtain superintendent and inspector digital signatures in the app.

Right-Sized, Clean Tremie Pipes Prevent Blockages

Choosing and verifying the correct tremie internal diameter is the foundation of reliable pile concreting. The ID must be compatible with the approved concrete mix and largest aggregate, and the bore must be free of internal defects that snag flow or trap slurry. Measure internal diameter at multiple orientations to catch ovality, then borescope the entire length for weld beads, rough patches, rust scale, or debris. A clean, smooth pipe reduces segregation risk and lowers the hydraulic head required to maintain continuous flow later. Marking section numbers and cumulative lengths simplifies rapid changes during operations without losing embedment. Finally, ensure the total assembled length can reach the pile base and accommodate the platform level and hopper elevation. Documenting these checks creates a traceable quality record before any concrete arrives on site.

Measure ID with calibrated tools and record three orientations.
Borescope for smoothness; remove rust scale and debris.
Mark section numbers and cumulative lengths clearly.
Confirm total length reaches base from platform level.
Upload photos and measurement logs for traceability.

Leak-Tight Joints with Verified Seals and Torque

Leaks at couplings can entrain slurry and dilute the concrete during the initial charge, so seals and joints demand rigorous attention. Inspect gaskets for cuts, flattening, or aging, and replace questionable parts; record part numbers. Dry-assemble a representative joint and torque bolts or collars with a calibrated wrench, logging values against the specification. Hydrostatic testing with water validates both gasket seating and mechanical tightness—hold pressure for the required duration and photograph gauges with timestamps. Confirm the tip device—plug, cap, or non-return valve—is compatible with the chosen priming method and operates as intended. Keep tool calibrations current and attached to the record; a compliant joint today avoids costly remedial works later.

Inspect gaskets; replace damaged or aged seals.
Torque joints with calibrated tools; log values.
Hydrostatic test joints; no seepage or pressure loss.
Verify tip device suits the priming method.
Attach calibration certificates and photos.

Embedment and Initial Charge Planning Before Pour

Proper embedment planning ensures the tremie tip stays submerged beneath the fresh concrete until continuous flow is established. Survey platform, cut-off, and current slurry levels, then compute the required assembled length and a section change plan so embedment is maintained throughout. Run a dummy lowering test to confirm the path is unobstructed. Calculate the initial charge volume to prime the pipe and fully displace slurry at the tip; check that hopper capacity and elevation can deliver the necessary head. Brief the team on the priming sequence, communication, and stop criteria for leaks or blockages. This stage ends with documentation: calculations, toolbox talk records, delivery timing, and final sign-off—leaving execution steps for placement crews.

Survey levels; plan assembled length for embedment.
Dummy test confirms unobstructed descent to base.
Calculate initial charge and verify hopper capacity.
Brief crew on sequence and stop criteria.
Complete sign-off; exclude pour execution.

How to Use This Interactive Tremie Setup Checklist

Preparation: Gather approved method statement, drawings, ITP, and manufacturer data. Bring calipers, borescope, torque wrench, pressure gauge, survey gear, foam pig, and PPE. Verify tool calibrations are in date.
Open the checklist: Select the pile ID, set project metadata, and enable location/time stamping. Invite relevant engineers, QA/QC, and superintendent for collaborative review.
Start interactive mode: Tick each task as you complete it, add comments for observations, and attach photos/videos of measurements, seals, and tests directly from the device camera.
Use acceptance cues: Reference the specification fields in each item to confirm compliance per approved project specifications and authority requirements; flag nonconformances with corrective actions.
Export and share: Generate an export as PDF/Excel, including photos, comments, and timestamps. Share via QR code for site access and version control.
Sign-Off: Collect digital signatures from the engineer, QA/QC, and superintendent. Archive the signed checklist in the project folder and link it to the pile record.

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Jeny Johns Jeny Johns

Jan 07, 2026

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FAQ

Question: How do I choose the correct tremie diameter for a given concrete mix?

Confirm the tremie internal diameter against the approved concrete mix and maximum aggregate size in the project specifications. As a practical check, ensure unobstructed flow with adequate head and no risk of bridging. Document measurements at multiple orientations and keep evidence photos and calculation notes with the pile ID.

Question: What’s the best way to verify tremie joint seals before use?

Inspect gaskets for cuts, flattening, or aging; replace questionable parts. Dry-assemble and torque the coupling with a calibrated wrench, then hydrostatic test with water for the specified pressure and duration. Acceptance is no seepage or pressure loss. Record torque values, calibration certificates, pressure charts, and clear photos for traceability.

Question: How do I plan tremie embedment without covering the actual pour?

Survey platform, cut-off, and slurry/water levels, then compute assembled length to maintain minimum embedment per approved project specifications. Prepare a section change sequence and perform a dummy lowering test to confirm clear passage to base. This planning ensures submergence without describing placement or withdrawal during the pour.

Question: What is the initial charge and how is it determined?

The initial charge is the concrete volume used to prime the tremie, displacing slurry at the tip so concrete exits cleanly. Calculate the volume to fill the pipe and establish sufficient head above slurry, cross-checking hopper capacity. Record assumptions, allowances, and approvals in the checklist before any delivery arrives on site.

Question: Does this checklist include tremie pour execution steps?

No. The checklist ends at pre-pour readiness: diameter verification, seal integrity, embedment planning, and initial charge preparation. It excludes continuous placement, withdrawal control, and flow monitoring. Execute those activities per the approved project specifications and authority requirements in a separate placement checklist.