Questions_and_Answers_Concrete_blocks_and_slabs_2-27-18.pdf

Questions and Answers Concrete blocks and slabs-compiled and summarized.

NOTE: AN OFFICIAL MODIFICATION TO THE SOLICITATION WILL FOLLOW.

Question: Reference Blocks 3-5: (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) could be more aggressive in our pricing is we had a better idea of your quantity requirements, even if this is just an historical background of what you have ordered in the past. For example, blocks 3 and 4 have a project requirement of between 0 each and 270 each. If (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) thought we are making anywhere near 270 each we would manufacture special metal slip-forming. If, on the other hand, we thought we were making 20 each, then we, and every other production shop, would use a completely different Worming technique.

ANSWER: There is no historical back ground, the example of 0-270 is the best we can provide. Amounts will vary dependent on usage.

Question: Reference Block types 2-5: (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) assumes that the dark round holes on the drawings indicate #4 (1/2 diameter) 60 grade (?) reinforcing bar. Standard practice, and (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) certification calls for a minimum of 3 inches of clearance between the block edges and any reinforcing bar. Your drawings call for a more conservative 4 inches of clearance.

This means that with perfect placement using #4 reinforcing bar the minimum slab thickness would have to be 8 ½ inches thick. Your blocks 2-5 do not meet this minimum thickness requirement. This could be solved by using 10 inch x 10 inch x 10 gauge welded wire mesh reinforcement (10x10x10) and/or by using a fiber reinforcement in the block (we do this all the time) and/or by using a thicker slab. Please advise.

ANSWER: We will need the ½” rebar, spaced 4” apart and centered top to bottom, within a 4” and 6” thick slab. Dark holes in drawings represent rebar.

Question:- On item 0002 5' x 10' x 6" concrete slab the slab is 6" thick ,But you are asking for not less than 4 - 6" angle can 3" be used to make the 6" around the slab also how thick is the angle.

Answer: 3” angle is fine. Thickness of ALL angle approximately 10 gauge.

Question: Reference block types 3 and 4: Lifting by use of embedded rebar, either hot or cold formed, is specifically prohibited by the Occupational Safety Hazards Act (OSHA) and is considered unsafe practice by everyone in the precast industry. (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) can suggest approved inserts what will safely provide the same ease of use.

ANSWER: Agree with industry standard approved inserts. Cable type

Question: Reference your block type 1: Raw steel edge protectors will corrode, expand and spall the attaching concrete surface. (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) suggests galvanization and a welded, hidden, embedded attachment of one each ¼ inch x 2 inch hex head bolt on the inside of each angle in order to attach the angle to the concrete. (REMOVED FOR BRAND NAME) also suggests that the interior reinforcing bar goes at least two ways and possibly three ways on this block.

ANSWER: The activity is ok with the edge protector style, although not mandatory, reinforcing bars-two ways is preferred, it was left off drawing inadvertently.

Question: Are the treated 6x6 timbers mandatory?

ANSWER: Any industry standard type that will withstand the elements, support the items, and allow for forklift forks to fit under and between stacked blocks. Will remain US Government property. Previously delivered usable ones can be reused if available however the USG will not be mandated to have extras on hand for this purpose.

Question: Who will unload items?

ANSWER: We have the asset to unload a flat-bed trailer/truck by forklift.

Question: Do the blocks require weight embossing?

ANSWER: We do not require the weight to be embossed.

END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS