Grade Beam, Leaving Plywood Forms

personalt

I had a grade beam pour over piles that we backfilled( before the pour) almost all the way to help keep the forms straight. The soil is really bad so we wanted to take some extra steps to keep the plywood from flexing..

The plywood is fully below grade. Is there any reason I cant leave the plywood in place or is that a not allowed?

I frequently see in my area see 100 year old wood grade beams in perfect shape because they are not exposed to air so I would imagine they wouldnt rot and even if they did I dont see why it would matter unless it effects the concrete itself.

Is there any reason why I cant leave the plywood in place?

reveivl

It won't damage the concrete, but it does attract termites, ants etc. if they are a problem in your area it's best to get rid of any food for those destructive little critters.

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Peladu

If I had the option, I would leave it there also.

If there is no inspection, then I would leave it.

If there is to be an inspection, then call the inspector and see if it's allowable.

Even if the wood were to rot away, it's not like there would be too much of a void left to cause the soil to move in the future.

And if the customer asks, just tell them that it's extra, extra support and that you usually charge more for it, but this time you are not going to.

My vote is to leave it ... save a dime with labor and with a dumpster.

Some guys would reuse the wood for the sub-floor...I am serious.

personalt

There isnt an ant/termite problem in the area.

My structual engineer came out to inspect before we poured but the next inspection will not be until until we backfill over all of this.

reveivl

w/o bugs I'd leave it.

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stacker

would be my greatest concern.if there is even a chance that those hungry azzholes could get to it,id pull it.or treat it and leave it.

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Tscarborough

The wood used 100 years ago was not today's plywood. I would remove it if I was doing it, or require it to be removed if it was being done for me.

rino1494

Ehhh.........I would remove it too.

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MC Excavating

I would remove it. I think it looks tacky and unprofessional. Yeah no one will see it or know its there once its backfilled, but I would. That kinda stuff just bothers me.

Why did you form for concrete if its below grade?

Did you over excavate the trench for a reason or by accident?