When should saw joints be made?

• A. As soon as possible to control where the crack.
• B. After curing.
• C. Before pouring any concrete.
• D. Only after the panel erection.

Answer: (A)

Saw joints are placed while the concrete has set enough to support a cut but before it becomes too hard, so the crack will form along a deliberate, planned line. Making the joint as early as feasible ensures the crack follows the joint path, giving you a predictable, controlled failure plane and a cleaner surface. If you wait until after curing, cracks can form in uncontrolled ways and the joint may not align with the intended location or depth. Cutting before pouring is not possible, and cutting only after the panel erection isn’t how tilt‑up practice works, since joints are cut into the panel during or soon after casting to control cracking before erection.