General Contractor

PS=Ø® Revolutionizing The Construction Industry

by allowing early starts for major subcontractors and it is so Simple.

A costly problem of concrete construction is the schedule delay caused by the gapped delay strip. Major subcontractors are delayed from starting work in this bay see figures below. Longer schedule delays are caused by the concrete floor gap in the traditional delay strips (i.e., technology used for over 100 years) in concrete construction. Further, the great conflict between cost and schedule versus quality.

PS=Ø® is the answer, to the 100 year old construction dilemma. PS=Ø® eliminates the delay gap. Since this no gap non-delay strip is no longer on the critical path, the PS=Ø® no gap non-delay strip can be grouted/locked much later allowing for more of the concrete shrinkage to occur improving: concrete quality, while reducing contractors overhead cost by shortening the construction schedule.by months when compared to the old traditional way.

Delays are caused by the concrete floor gap of the traditional delay strip used to minimize concrete cracking due to shrinkage
The longer the delay strip is open the less the concrete cracks, improving concrete quality
The gap in the concrete floor requires floor gap forming and shoring to stay in place or the forming needs be replaced for concrete casting to fill the floor gap. Backshoring must stay in place
SCHEDULE PROBLEM – no mechanical, plumbing and electrical nor partition nor exterior façade etc. can be done in this bay until floor gap is closed by casting concrete. The delay is a minimum of 28 days. Delays of up to 90 days or more is now common.
This costs time in the construction schedule which is money in the project overhead costs for the general contractor and all effected subcontractors
The REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION – PS=Ø® – no delay strip shown below
- PS=Ø® allows for the shrinkage without the delaying floor gap
- PS=Ø® can create self-supporting slabs to eliminate all backshoring
- PS=Ø® can produce even better quality concrete by grouting (i.e., locking the system) much later as there in no delay in starting sub-contractors
The PS=Ø® REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION:
- was developed by structural engineers
- mechanical coupler technology has a 50 plus year proven history
- is ICC-ES tested and approved and IBC/ACI code permitted
- is easy to install and proven in 100s of projects
- specified by the largest engineering companies
- used by the largest contractors saving months on their schedules on major projects
General Contractor’s Options:
- Use the PS=Ø® SOLUTION for better concrete, saving time, and money
- Use the traditional gapped pour strip with the long schedule and greater project overhead costs
Are your sub-contractors aware of the PS=Ø® SOLUTION?
- PS=Ø® can help
  - By educating your sub-contractors on the REVOLUTIONARY PS=Ø® SOLUTION
  - By offering you a list to knowledgeable, experienced sub-contactors

Traditional Concrete Construction

All concrete shrinks

The delay strips delays the subcontractors especially mechanical, plumbing and electrical due to the floor gap of the traditional delay strip and all the forming and shoring that remains in place

Elevated concrete construction traditionally has a floor gapped delay strip to reduce shrinkage cracking

The delay strips improve concrete quality – long delay is better quality concrete

Traditional DELAY Strip Construction

PS=Ø® Revolutionizing The Construction Industry

PS=Ø® Revolutionizing the Construction of elevated concrete construction eliminates the traditionally floor gap delay strip to reduce shrinkage cracking
The PS=Ø® No delay strips further improving concrete quality by allowing even longer open times for even better quality concrete
The PS=Ø® No floor gap, No delay strip allows the subcontractors especially mechanical, plumbing and electrical to start months earlier, than the traditional method
PS=Ø® REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION eliminates traditionally required forming and backshoring simplifying and speeding construction for subcontractors that follow
PS=Ø® can improve concrete quality by grouting much later 120 days or more without delaying the project schedule

PS=Ø® Revolutionizing Concrete Construction

Items Affected by Using PS=Ø®

In the concrete building construction process, the general contractor (GC) is responsible for overseeing the entire project and ensuring that it runs smoothly from start to finish. The GC’s role involves coordinating various trades, managing schedules, maintaining budgets, and ensuring that the work meets the project specifications and quality standards. Several key factors are important to the general contractor, including evaluation of new technology leading to more economical construction
1. Budget and Cost Control
- Managing Costs: The GC is responsible for ensuring that the concrete work stays within the budget. This involves overseeing material procurement, labor costs, and any unforeseen expenses related to the concrete work, such as formwork, reinforcement, or additional concrete mixes.
- PS=Ø®shortens the construction schedule that reduces overhead cost for the general contractor and many subcontractors.
- PS=Ø®saves time and work for the concrete contractor by eliminating leaving forming in place to later cast the traditional gapped delay strip. Backshoring to the ground for traditional delay strips is eliminated. These two items allow for clear open floor availability for other subcontractors months sooner creating the schedule acceleration that save money.
2. Project Planning and Scheduling
- Timely Execution: The GC is responsible for creating a detailed project schedule, ensuring that the concrete work is completed on time without causing delays for subsequent tasks like framing, electrical, and plumbing work.
- PS=Ø® shortens the construction schedule that reduces overhead cost.
- Critical Path Management: Concrete work is often on the critical path of a construction project, meaning any delays can affect the entire project timeline. The GC must manage and track progress closely.
- PS=Ø® no gap and no delay strip remove the traditional delay strip from the critical. Thus, shortening the construction schedule that reduces overhead cost.
3. Safety and Compliance
- Safety Management: The general contractor is responsible for creating a safe work environment for all employees on the site. This includes adhering to safety regulations, providing proper training, and implementing safety protocols to minimize accidents.
- PS=Ø® no gap and no delay strip remove gap in the traditional delay strip providing for safer construction.
- Regulatory Compliance: GCs must ensure the project complies with all local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations to avoid legal issues and project delays.
- PS=Ø® no gap and no delay strip is code permitted. Thus, code compliant.
- Coordination and Supervision: The GC is responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Ensuring these teams work efficiently and according to the project timeline is critical.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring that subcontractors deliver high-quality work and comply with project specifications is a key focus for the GC, as they are ultimately responsible for the finished product.
- Contracts and Payments: Managing subcontractor contracts and payments is essential for maintaining strong working relationships and keeping the project on track.
4. Subcontractor Management
- Coordination and Supervision: The GC is responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Ensuring these teams work efficiently and according to the project timeline is critical.
- PS=Ø® no gap and no delay strip is code permitted. Often the concrete subcontractor initially does not see the benefit that the general contractor sees and thus, must by convinced by the general contractor see for the benfit of the entire project.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring that subcontractors deliver high-quality work and comply with project specifications is a key focus for the GC, as they are ultimately responsible for the finished product.
- Contracts and Payments: Managing subcontractor contracts and payments is essential for maintaining strong working relationships and keeping the project on track.
5. Coordination with the Concrete Contractor
- Clear Communication: The GC needs to communicate closely with the concrete contractor to ensure the correct concrete mix, reinforcement details, and placement techniques are used. Any changes or adjustments in design or execution should be clearly communicated to avoid errors.
- Monitoring Progress: The GC must track the progress of the concrete contractor’s work to ensure it aligns with the project schedule. This includes monitoring the timing of concrete pours, curing, and subsequent work like formwork removal or applying finishes.
- PS=Ø® shortens the construction schedule that reduces many subcontractors’ overhead costs.

Traditional Gapped Delay Strip

Forming and backshoring are necessary. Using longer delay strips to enhance concrete quality leads to extended construction timelines.

PS=Ø® No Gap Non-Delay Strip

The PS=Ø® no gap non-delay strip system creates self-supporting slabs, requiring only reshoring. This eliminates the cost of backshoring and allows floors to be available sooner to all following trades, accelerating the entire progres.

Items Unaffected by Using PS=0

6. Quality Control and Performance
- Concrete Quality: The general contractor must ensure that the concrete mix, placement, and curing processes meet the specified quality and strength requirements outlined in the structural engineer’s plans.
- Inspection and Testing: Regular inspections, including slump tests, compression tests, and rebar placement checks, must be scheduled and monitored by the GC. Any defects or issues need to be addressed promptly to avoid structural problems.
- Formwork and Finishing: The GC is responsible for ensuring that formwork is properly set and aligned before the concrete pour and that the finishing of concrete surfaces (e.g., floors, walls) meets the project’s specifications.
7. Risk Management and Problem Solving
- Weather-Related Risks: Weather conditions can have a significant impact on concrete work, particularly when it comes to curing and placement. The GC must plan for weather contingencies, such as protecting concrete from rain or extreme temperatures, or adjusting schedules if poor weather could compromise quality.
- Managing Unforeseen Issues: If issues arise, such as soil conditions requiring different foundation solutions or defects in the poured concrete, the GC is responsible for quickly addressing these problems. This might involve coordinating with the concrete contractor, structural engineer, and owner to find solutions without significantly impacting the budget or schedule.
8. Contract and Legal Responsibilities
- Managing Subcontractor Contracts: The GC is responsible for hiring the concrete subcontractor and ensuring that all contractual obligations, including scope of work, budget, and timeline, are met. This also includes handling payments and ensuring that subcontractors are properly compensated for their work.
- Liability and Warranty Management: The GC assumes liability for the overall construction quality, including the concrete work. Ensuring that the concrete contractor provides warranties for the work and addressing any warranty claims or defects after project completion is part of the GC’s responsibility.
9. Change Order and Design Flexibility
- Handling Design Modifications: During construction, design changes related to the concrete work may occur. The GC must manage these changes effectively, ensuring they are documented, budgeted, and approved by the owner and design team before implementation.
- Mitigating Impact on Schedule and Budget: The GC must assess the impact of change orders on the project’s overall timeline and budget, coordinating with the concrete contractor to minimize disruption and rework.
10. Post-Construction and Closeout
- Final Inspections and Approvals: Once the concrete work is complete, the GC must ensure that all inspections and approvals are completed. This may include final testing for concrete strength and ensuring that the concrete meets the project’s performance requirements.
- Punch List and Deficiencies: The GC is responsible for ensuring that any deficiencies in the concrete work are addressed before the project is closed out. This may include fixing surface defects, repairing cracks, or ensuring that all concrete elements meet quality standards.
11. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
- Waste Management: The GC must ensure that concrete waste is properly managed and disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations. This includes managing leftover concrete, formwork materials, and any other byproducts of the concrete work.
- Sustainable Practices: In some projects, the GC might be required to incorporate sustainable practices such as using environmentally friendly materials, minimizing concrete waste, or recycling materials, especially in green building certifications like LEED.
12. Handover and Documentation
- As-Built Drawings: Ensuring that the final as-built drawings reflect the actual construction is crucial for future maintenance and repairs. The GC must make sure these documents are accurate and include any changes made during the construction process.
- Warranty and Maintenance: The GC is responsible for providing the owner with necessary warranties and maintenance instructions for the concrete structure, ensuring that the building remains in good condition over time.
In summary, the general contractor in a concrete building construction project is focused on managing the schedule, budget, quality, and safety of the concrete work while coordinating with the concrete contractor and other trades.PS=0 shortens the construction schedule that reduces overhead cost making all the previous items easier to achieve.
By maintaining close oversight of each stage of the process and ensuring communication between all parties, the GC ensures the project is delivered successfully and meets all expectations. The to achieving the potential success is to communicate the improved schedule to all subcontractors so the entire build team can take advantage of this improved technology.