The base plate was cast too large - it has now been shortened - is that okay?

The structural engineer should have been brought on board. I hope for the person responsible who sawed off the part that they did it without consulting the structural engineer. Or they know what they are doing and it has no impact on the structural integrity. But probably no one here can say that with certainty (!). Therefore, contact the responsible structural engineer/architect. Or an external building surveyor, etc.

Also check all processes, ground electrodes, etc. to see if the dimensions are still correct. Often measurements are taken from the nearest edge, and if that was off by 16 cm, this may possibly affect other connections as well.

Check all processes as well, foundation earth electrode etc., to see if the dimensions still fit.

Foundation earth electrode: good keyword - where something is casually cut off on the short route from a floor slab, the suspicion is not entirely unfounded whether it was even complete at all or, in the perception of the contractor, just a simple sponge cake.

The foundation earth electrodes should be in the correct position despite the 16 cm too long base plate... that's what we were told...

I wouldn't rely on verbal commitments if I were you. Someone has to approve it and then be liable in case of damage resulting from the aforementioned defects.

#Today I inspected my floor slab before concreting; if 16cm were cut off at the edge, half of the edge reinforcement would be gone, which usually doesn't make a structural engineer happy!

We have meanwhile contacted the engineer who created the structural analysis of our foundation slab. He in turn contacted the construction manager of the foundation slab.

The following correspondence:

Hello Mr. ***foundation slab construction manager***,

we received the email below from the client today.
Please provide feedback on which measures were carried out locally so that we can assess them structurally.

Best regards

*** foundation slab structural engineer***

Hello Mr. ***foundation slab structural engineer***,

we cut back the foundation slab by 16 cm in the areas according to the attachment and then applied two coats of sealing slurry and coated the edges with bitumen to prevent the reinforcement from corroding.

Due to the earth breakouts during excavation, we cast the frost apron very wide. Attached are also some pictures.

If you have any questions, you can call me.

Best regards

***foundation slab construction manager***


Hello Mr. ***foundation slab construction manager***,

we have structurally examined the relevant areas. Due to the load-distributing effect of the frost apron, the omission of the reinforcing bars is justifiable from a structural point of view. The load-bearing capacity of the construction is ensured. There are no structural concerns regarding the construction.

Note: I have directly included Mr. ***client*** in the distribution list as he contacted our office by phone.

Best regards
*** foundation slab structural engineer***



Now we hope that everything is really in order!