Cold-climate builders can pour in weather down to zero and still get a solid cure. Pumper trucks are required when pouring above-grade walls, and many builders like to use them when pouring basements, too. Most builders pour their walls in 3 ft. to 4 ft. lifts. One builder managed to pour walls up to 22 ft. Blowouts Blowouts happen.
Builders generally experience more blowouts during the first few jobs.
Developing a good understanding with your concrete supplier is the first step toward avoiding blowouts. If the delivered mix is too soupy, the extra water creates higher pressure which increases the number of leaks and blowouts. Most manufacturers recommend a five-slump mix of 3000 psi concrete. There should be a hole in the center of the plywood that has the same diameter as the rod. If a piece of foam bulges or pops, cut through the foam, scoop out some concrete and replace the foam.