Yes, it is important to remove the concrete form tube once the concrete has cured and hardened. The form tube will prevent the concrete from being able to properly expand and contract with the natural seasonal changes of temperature and humidity.
This could lead to the concrete cracking or crumbling away from the form tube over time. It is also important to ensure that all forms and reinforcements such as rebar are also removed before any further work is done on the concrete.
It is also beneficial to coat or seal the exposed concrete as soon as possible to protect it from the elements and further wear and tear.
Should Sonotubes be removed?
It depends on the situation. Sonotubes are concrete forms used to create a strong, round foundation or column. Generally, they are meant to stay in place and provide support to a structure, but in some cases, they may need to be removed.
For example, if the structure built with Sonotubes is no longer being used, it may be time to consider removing them. It’s important to consider the condition of the Sonotubes before starting the removal process.
If they are in poor condition, a professional should be consulted to assess the removal process and ensure it is being done correctly and safely.
When removing Sonotubes, it’s important to ensure you are doing it safely and with the necessary equipment. The Sonotube should be cut into smaller pieces and removed in a way that doesn’t damage the existing foundation.
Sufficient precautions must be taken to ensure the area is safe and personnel are protected.
In short, yes, Sonotubes can be removed if necessary, however it is important to consider the situation carefully and make sure the right equipment and personnel are used prior to starting the process.
How do you remove sonotube after pouring concrete?
Removing a sonotube after pouring concrete can be a tricky process depending on the soil and environmental factors that were present during the placement and curing of the material. Generally, the size of the sonotube will determine the difficulty and the best way to approach the removal process.
If the sonotube is larger than 20-24 inches in diameter, then the job will become more involved as there will be larger forces pushing against the sonotube from the cured concrete. If the sonotube has become embedded in concrete due to setting too deep or the concrete cracking and shifting, then a more aggressive removal method may be necessary, such as using a sledgehammer to break apart the concrete or an air hammer to vibrate the concrete away from the tube.
In some cases, simply letting the concrete cure and splicing the tube in two pieces will be the most efficient option. In this situation, you should tow the sonotube away in two pieces, as this will result in a cleaner break compared to one piece, which may lead to unwanted concrete spillage.
Once the sonotube has been detached from the concrete, you should dispose of it in the proper manner. If the sonotube is found to be leaking or defective in any way, special care should be taken while removing and disposing of it.
Additionally, you may want to wait a few days after the sonotube is removed before attempting to remove any leftover concrete debris. This will give the concrete more time to set and make removal easier.
Can you leave concrete forms in the ground?
Yes, concrete forms can be left in the ground in certain situations. This is typically done in order to create more intricate shaped foundations, walls and other concrete structures. The formwork can be made of wood, metal, or plastic and is held in place while the concrete is poured and consolidates.
The forms are usually left in place after the concrete solidifies to provide extra support and strength to the structure. However, when leaving forms in the ground there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
These include making sure the formwork is waterproof, properly supported and anchored in order to prevent any shifting or movement during the pouring and curing process, and that any in-ground irrigation or drainage systems will not be affected by the formwork.
When done correctly, leaving formwork in the ground can save time and money on construction projects while providing a more durable finished structure.
What happens if you dont water concrete?
If you don’t water concrete, it could affect the strength and durability of the finished product. Without water to hydrate the cement, the concrete mix will be dry and brittle. This will cause the concrete to shrink and crack, leading to weaker bonds and a less durable structure.
Additionally, water allows all the components of the concrete mix, such as the sand, cement and aggregate, to bond together. Without water, the concrete will be weak and will not be able to withstand the stresses of the environment.
Another problem that can arise from not watering concrete is efflorescence, which occurs when water evaporates from the concrete and deposits salts on the surface. This can weaken the concrete and lead to a build-up of dangerous and unsightly salt deposits.
How long does 4 inches of concrete take to cure?
It typically takes concrete 4 to 7 days to properly cure after being poured, depending on a variety of factors such as temperature and humidity. At temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a concrete slab that is 4 inches thick should take between 4 and 7 days to fully cure.
In lower temperatures, and in certain mixes, the curing time can increase significantly. Additionally, in higher temperatures, humidity and wind can also affect the curing time. In general, the basic rule is to let the concrete cure for at least 28 days, especially for exterior applications.
The best approach is to wait the full 28 days before doing any heavy load bearing activities on the concrete.
Will pressure treated wood rot in concrete?
Yes, pressure treated wood can still rot in concrete. Although pressure treated wood is designed to resist rot and decay, it is still susceptible to moisture and extreme temperatures. Concrete can cause increased levels of moisture in the wood, especially if it is not sealed properly.
Additionally, concrete can act as an insulator in extreme temperatures, trapping heat and increasing the temperature of the wood. This can accelerate the rotting process. Therefore, in order for pressure treated wood to be used successfully in concrete, it is important to seal the wood with a waterproof sealant and ensure that temperatures will not become too extreme.
Can Sonotubes get rained on?
Yes, Sonotubes can get rained on. Sonotubes are made of heavy-duty paper or cardboard which can become saturated with water or moisture if exposed to rain. This is why it’s important to make sure that the Sonotubes are properly sealed to prevent any water or moisture infiltration.
When installing Sonotubes, it is recommended to use a plastic wrap and/or roofing felt to protect the Sonotubes from the weather elements. Additionally, using a concrete sealer on top of the Sonotubes before backfilling will help to further protect the Sonotubes from rain and moisture.
Having the Sonotube properly sealed and protected from the rain will help ensure its longevity and longevity for the structure being built.
Can you backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete?
Yes, Sonotubes can be backfilled with a combination of gravel and concrete mix before pouring concrete. This practice helps to ensure the finished concrete foundation is structurally sound, level, and properly drained.
Before backfilling, the Sonotube should be set in place and shimmed to the proper elevation. A gravel base should then be placed in the bottom of the Sonotube and tamped down with a tamper. After that, concrete mix should be filled to at least 3” above the top of the Sonotube, and then tamped down to make sure the concrete is evenly distributed around the tube.
Finally, the remaining area of the Sonotube should be filled with clean gravel and tamped down for a smooth finish. Once the Sonotube is backfilled, the concrete pour can then be made, either alongside the tube if possible, or from the top with a concrete pump.
Can concrete forms be left on too long?
Yes, concrete forms can be left on too long. When forms are left on too long, they start to exert greater pressure on the surrounding concrete, which can cause cracking or uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the longer the forms are left on, the greater the chance that the edges of the concrete become damaged where the forms were in contact, resulting in a less professional-looking finish.
Additionally, removing forms too late may also leave unsightly stains on the concrete surface when hardened concrete adheres to the forms. For this reason, concrete forms should be removed as soon as possible to ensure the best possible finish.
How long do you leave forms on concrete walls?
Concrete walls are a durable and reliable option for forms if you need to use them, but their longevity will depend on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, forms should be left on concrete walls for at least a few weeks, as this will allow them to harden and cure properly before being removed.
It is also important to monitor the wall during this time to make sure it is not cracking, bulging, or cracking excessively, as this can indicate problems that need to be addressed before the forms are removed.
Additionally, if you are using any type of chemical treatments, it is important to observe the manufacturer’s instructions in order to ensure your forms provide a long-lasting installation.
How far down do Sonotubes go?
Sonotubes typically go down to a depth of 7 feet below ground level, depending on the diameter. When determining the depth of the Sonotube, it’s important to ensure that the tube is at least twice as deep as the frost line in your area, or the depth of frost penetration during the coldest months of the year.
This will help to ensure that your Sonotube is well protected from shifting temperatures or the frost heaving that can come with extreme temperature changes. Additionally, the depth of your Sonotube should also take into account things like the structural load that will be put on the post and the potential for water or soil build-up in the tube, both of which could affect the stability of the post.
It is best to consult a structural engineer or other professional on the correct length of Sonotube needed for each particular project.
How deep do concrete piers need to be?
The depth of a concrete pier depends largely on the type of construction and soil structure of the location it is being used in. Generally speaking, the deepest the pier should be is the total amount of the height of the structure plus any specified height in the building codes.
In locations where there are higher wind and seismic forces, the pier must be set much deeper to provide a necessary level of safety. In softer soil types, such as a clay or peat soil, the depth of the pier should be increased to ensure a firm footing and good stability.
Additionally, in most cases, concrete piers should be embedded in the soil an additional 6 inches below the base of the structure, to provide additional support.
How many bags of concrete does it take to fill a sonotube?
The number of bags of concrete required to fill a sonotube depends on the diameter and height of the tube. Generally, it will take between 6 and 8 bags of concrete to fill an 8” diameter sonotube that is 10’ long.
To fill a 12” diameter sonotube of the same length, it will generally take 15-20 bags of concrete. If the sonotube is longer than 10’ in length, the number of bags required will increase accordingly.
Additionally, the weight of the concrete and the brand of concrete used can also affect the number of bags needed to fill a sonotube. It is always best to have a professional asses the concrete requirements for the job, as each project is different and the amount of concrete needed can vary significantly depending on the size and specifics of the project.
How do you pour footings with sonotube?
When pouring footings with sonotube, the process should begin by digging the footing area so that it is at least one foot wider than the sonotube. After this, the footing area should be lined with four inches of gravel, which should be tamped and sloped outward to allow proper drainage.
Once this is done, the sonotube should be set up in the hole, set to the desired height, and leveled.
Next, it’s time to pour the concrete. If the footing is meant to be used with a concrete block wall, the concrete should contain fiber mesh. This is a polypropylene fiber mesh that is mixed into the concrete and helps lock the concrete blocks into the footing.
Once the concrete is in the sonotube, it should be leveled and troweled.
Once the concrete has been poured, it’s important to let it cure for at least a week. During this time, it’s important to keep any foot traffic away from the concrete. After the concrete has had sufficient time to cure, the sonotube can then be filled with concrete to create the footing for a foundation or a deck.
Once the concrete has been poured and has cured, the sonotube can be removed, leaving behind a strong, structurally sound footing. As long as all of the steps were followed correctly, the footing made out of a sonotube should last for many years.