Predictika · Concrete form orders

An AI sales agent's Sonotube order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for Sonotube concrete forms for a contractor: the form type, the diameter and length, the planned pour, any Tube Base footing form, and the weather and stripping plan. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the specifications Sonoco publishes for these forms and returns a verdict, every reason and the concrete volume it computed.

Scope: Sonotube Round, Finish Free, Commercial and Builder Tube forms with Tube Base footings: diameter and length ranges, pour limits, rain exposure, stripping time, footing fit and concrete volume. See everything this validator covers

This validator models orders for four Sonotube concrete form types as described in Sonoco's public Sonotube brochures and FAQ (read October 6, 2026), not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Diameter and length — Round forms are listed in diameters up to 36 inches in 12 foot lengths; Finish Free from 12 to 48 inches in 12 and 20 foot lengths; Commercial from 6 to 60 inches in 12 and 20 foot lengths; Builder Tube in 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch diameters in 4 foot lengths. Another length is available on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so it goes to a person.
  • Pour limits — the forms are designed to be poured in a single lift; Round forms are designed for a 12 foot full liquid head and Commercial and Finish Free for 20 feet; a Builder Tube is poured up to three feet above the backfill line and without mechanical vibrators.
  • Weather and stripping — Sonoco publishes 24 hours of water exposure for standard forms and 72 hours for Commercial forms with RainGuard; strip 24 to 48 hours after the pour (24 hours is the usual minimum) and no later than five days.
  • Tube Base footings — the TB 22 fits 8 and 10 inch forms, the TB 28 fits 8, 10 and 12 inch forms and the TB 32 fits 12, 14, 16 and 18 inch forms, with the concrete volumes Sonoco lists (2.0, 4.5 and 7.0 cubic feet).
  • Concrete volume — the volume per form is the geometric cylinder volume for the diameter and pour height, which agrees with Sonoco's published Round form table to within 0.002 cubic yard; an order that states a different volume is blocked.

Any Sonotube order that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (Sonoco publishes none, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), Sonovoid and BlastMaster products, other Sonoco tubes and cores, structural design (Sonotube forms are not designed to carry structural loads), joined-form pour rates, and dealer terms. Assumptions: the Finish Free form is read as having the same 20 foot head rating as the Commercial form (the FAQ groups them), no rain limit is applied to Finish Free or Builder Tube forms because none is stated for them, and diameters in between the listed sizes are accepted within each published range.

The AI sales agentBuilds the form order from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Diameter and length ranges that differ by form typeOnly with care
Each form type has its own diameter range and standard lengths, so a rule per type works, but the ranges have to be kept in step with the brochures.		The type, diameter and length are in one request and all the ranges are checked on every call.
A pour limit that depends on the form typeOnly with care
The allowed pour height changes with the type and also depends on the form length, so two rules have to agree.		The pour height is compared with both the form length and the type's published limit in the same pass.
A footing form that fits only some diametersEasy
A compatibility rule per footing model; routine in a product-rules CPQ.		The same rule, checked together with all the others.
A volume computed from a diameter and a heightOnly with workarounds
The concrete volume is arithmetic on two inputs and a stated figure has to be compared with it, which takes extra formulas that interact with the other rules.		The volume is computed and compared with the stated volume together with every other rule.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the order is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The diameter of 38 inches is outside the published standard range for the chosen form type (Round 6 to 36, Finish Free 12 to 48, Commercial 6 to 60, Builder Tube 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches).
2The diameter of 5 inches is outside the published standard range for the chosen form type (Round 6 to 36, Finish Free 12 to 48, Commercial 6 to 60, Builder Tube 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches).
3The diameter of 10 inches is outside the published standard range for the chosen form type (Round 6 to 36, Finish Free 12 to 48, Commercial 6 to 60, Builder Tube 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches).
4The diameter of 62 inches is outside the published standard range for the chosen form type (Round 6 to 36, Finish Free 12 to 48, Commercial 6 to 60, Builder Tube 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches).
5The diameter of 14 inches is outside the published standard range for the chosen form type (Round 6 to 36, Finish Free 12 to 48, Commercial 6 to 60, Builder Tube 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches).
6The planned pour of 4 feet exceeds the 3 feet published for this form type (full liquid head rating; for Builder Tube, three feet above the backfill line).
7The planned pour of 14 feet is taller than the 12 foot form, and the forms are designed to be poured in a single lift.
8The form is expected to stand in the weather for 25 hours before the pour, more than the 24 hours published for this form type.
9The form is expected to stand in the weather for 73 hours before the pour, more than the 72 hours published for this form type.
10The plan strips the form 121 hours after the pour; Sonoco says the form should not be left on the column for more than five days (120 hours).
11The plan strips the form 23 hours after the pour; Sonoco gives 24 hours as the usual minimum stripping time, so a person should confirm it.
12The plan uses a mechanical vibrator, which Sonoco says not to use with Builder Tube forms.
13The chosen Tube Base footing form is published for specific Sonotube diameters and does not include 12 inches.
14The chosen Tube Base footing form is published for specific Sonotube diameters and does not include 14 inches.
15The chosen Tube Base footing form is published for specific Sonotube diameters and does not include 20 inches.
16A length of 16 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
17A length of 10 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
18A length of 24 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
19The order states 0.500 cubic yards of concrete per form; the form diameter and pour height give 1.862 cubic yards.
20The order states 1.865 cubic yards of concrete per form; the form diameter and pour height give 1.862 cubic yards.
21The order quantity of 0 forms is not at least one.
22The form length of 0 feet is not at least one foot.
23A length of 0 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
24The plan strips the form 130 hours after the pour; Sonoco says the form should not be left on the column for more than five days (120 hours).

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Round forms for a tall pour: Round 30 inch forms for a 14 foot pour after 30 hours in the weather

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 6 Sonotube Round forms, 30 inches in diameter and 12 feet long, for a planned pour of 14 feet. The forms will stand 30 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 48 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 2.545 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Pour height above the published limit. The planned pour of 14 feet exceeds the 12 feet published for this form type (full liquid head rating; for Builder Tube, three feet above the backfill line).
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  • Pour taller than the form. The planned pour of 14 feet is taller than the 12 foot form, and the forms are designed to be poured in a single lift.
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  • Rain exposure above what the form type is published to take. The form is expected to stand in the weather for 30 hours before the pour, more than the 24 hours published for this form type.
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2. Round forms for a tall pour: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 6 Sonotube Commercial forms, 30 inches in diameter and 20 feet long, for a planned pour of 14 feet. The forms will stand 30 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 48 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 2.545 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 6 form(s), concrete 15.271 cubic yards in total, Tube Base footings 0.0 cubic feet in total (no prices are modeled).
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3. Builder Tube with a footing: Builder Tube 12 inch forms with a TB 22 footing, a 4 foot pour and a vibrator

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 8 Sonotube Builder Tube forms, 12 inches in diameter and 4 feet long, for a planned pour of 4 feet, each with a TB 22 Tube Base footing form. The forms will stand 0 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 48 hours after it, and the crew will use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 0.116 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Pour height above the published limit. The planned pour of 4 feet exceeds the 3 feet published for this form type (full liquid head rating; for Builder Tube, three feet above the backfill line).
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  • Mechanical vibrator in a Builder Tube. The plan uses a mechanical vibrator, which Sonoco says not to use with Builder Tube forms.
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  • Tube Base footing form does not fit the diameter. The chosen Tube Base footing form is published for specific Sonotube diameters and does not include 12 inches.
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4. Builder Tube with a footing: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 8 Sonotube Builder Tube forms, 12 inches in diameter and 4 feet long, for a planned pour of 3 feet, each with a TB 28 Tube Base footing form. The forms will stand 0 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 48 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 0.087 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 8 form(s), concrete 0.698 cubic yards in total, Tube Base footings 36.0 cubic feet in total (no prices are modeled).
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5. Finish Free forms, custom length: Finish Free 42 inch forms at a custom 16 foot length, stripped after 10 hours, with a wrong stated volume

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 3 Sonotube Finish Free forms, 42 inches in diameter and 16 feet long, for a planned pour of 16 feet. The forms will stand 20 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 10 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 5.000 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Stated concrete volume does not match. The order states 5.000 cubic yards of concrete per form; the form diameter and pour height give 5.701 cubic yards.
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  • Length that is not a standard length. A length of 16 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
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  • Stripped earlier than 24 hours. The plan strips the form 10 hours after the pour; Sonoco gives 24 hours as the usual minimum stripping time, so a person should confirm it.
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6. Finish Free forms, custom length: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 3 Sonotube Finish Free forms, 42 inches in diameter and 16 feet long, for a planned pour of 16 feet. The forms will stand 20 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 10 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 5.701 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Length that is not a standard length. A length of 16 feet is not one of the published standard lengths for this form type (Round 12, Finish Free and Commercial 12 or 20, Builder Tube 4); Sonoco offers custom lengths on request and forms over 20 feet need technical assistance, so a person should confirm it.
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  • Stripped earlier than 24 hours. The plan strips the form 10 hours after the pour; Sonoco gives 24 hours as the usual minimum stripping time, so a person should confirm it.
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  • Order summary. 3 form(s), concrete 17.104 cubic yards in total, Tube Base footings 0.0 cubic feet in total (no prices are modeled).
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7. Finish Free forms, custom length: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please prepare an order for 3 Sonotube Finish Free forms, 42 inches in diameter and 20 feet long, for a planned pour of 16 feet. The forms will stand 20 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 24 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The order states 5.701 cubic yards of concrete per form. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 3 form(s), concrete 17.104 cubic yards in total, Tube Base footings 0.0 cubic feet in total (no prices are modeled).
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for Sonotube concrete forms for a contractor: the form type, the diameter and length, the planned pour, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the specifications Sonoco publishes for these forms and returns a verdict, every reason and the concrete volume it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please prepare an order for 6 Sonotube Round forms, 30 inches in diameter and 12 feet long, for a planned pour of 14 feet. The forms will stand 30 hours in the weather before the pour and be stripped 48 hours after it, and the crew will not use a mechanical vibrator. The rest of the request is on screen. The order states 2.545 cubic yards of concrete per form.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
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  5. Blocked, with three findings, all in one answer. The planned pour of 14 feet exceeds the 12 feet published for this form type (full liquid head rating; for Builder Tube, three feet above the backfill line). The planned pour of 14 feet is taller than the 12 foot form, and the forms are designed to be poured in a single lift. The form is expected to stand in the weather for 30 hours before the pour, more than the 24 hours published for this form type.
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  6. The validator returned three blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a pour limit that depends on the form type, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the form type to commercial and the length to 20 feet.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. This time the validator clears it.
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  12. All three earlier findings are cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  13. Three problems caught in one call, fixed in one pass, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer.
    14.