To set a concrete tube form, start by attaching a steel reinforcing bar (rebar) to a plastic tube form to create the skeleton of your structure. Next, place the form in its intended location and secure it with metal stakes.
Assemble the steel rebar cage, making sure to alternate positioning of rebar for maximum reinforcement. Finally, fill the tube form with concrete, tamping it down as you go, and allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours.
To protect the form while the concrete hardens, you can wrap it with insulation blankets. Once the concrete has cured, carefully cut the plastic form and remove it from the structure. Your concrete tube form is now complete!.
Are concrete tube forms necessary?
Concrete tube forms are not necessary for every project that requires concrete. In most cases, other forms of concrete forming can be used. However, there are a few situations where concrete tube forms are the best option.
For example, if you need to pour a deep foundation or footing, using wooden forms may be difficult due to the depth. In this case, concrete tube forms can be used instead. They are especially useful in projects that require creating a circular foundation, such as a pool or a tower.
In addition, they are significantly lighter than other forms—making them easier to transport and install. Ultimately, whether concrete tube forms are necessary will depend on the specific project and what type of form is best suited for its requirements.
Can you leave the concrete form tubes in the ground?
It is generally not recommended to leave concrete form tubes in the ground. This is because leaving them in the ground often leads to deterioration such as rusting. Over time, the tubes can become weak and can even collapse, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
Furthermore, they can start to attract vermin and pests, and can also cause trip hazards. Additionally, in some cases, leaving them in the ground can interfere with the growth of plants and trees. The best practice is to break down the form tubes as soon as possible after the concrete has cured and then dispose of them in a responsible manner.
Does a sonotube need a footer?
Yes, a sonotube typically requires a footer. A footer is a base foundation at the bottom of the sonotube, which is typically constructed with poured concrete. The footer helps distribute the weight of the sonotube throughout the soil, rather than isolating the load at one point.
This is especially important for preventing the sonotube from settling and cracking, which can create long-term instability issues. Additionally, the footer can help prevent water from entering the bottom of the sonotube, further enhancing its durability.
For these reasons, most contractors will recommend including a footer for a sonotube.
Is rebar needed in sonotube?
Yes, rebar is often used when pouring concrete into a sonotube form. This is because the sonotube is an inexpensive way to create a cylindrical concrete form, but it is not as rigid as a solid concrete form would be.
Rebar is an important reinforcement material used to add strength to the concrete and prevent cracking. Usually, the rebar is placed vertically in the sonotube and anchored at the bottom to create a tight fit.
For larger projects, rebar is often placed horizontally in the sonotube and tied to the vertical rebar to create a reinforced concrete wall. This ensures that the concrete won’t be easily damaged by wind, rain, or other forms of pressure.
Additionally, rebar helps improve the overall structural integrity of the concrete form.
When should you remove concrete forms?
Concrete forms should be removed once the concrete has set and cured. This generally takes around 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of concrete and weather conditions. To check if the concrete is set and ready to be removed, lightly tap the surface with a hammer and listen for a dull thud – if it makes a ringing sound, the concrete is not ready to be removed.
Once the concrete is ready, the forms can be carefully taken apart and removed. Before removing the forms, make sure to brace the sides to ensure the concrete stays in place, and wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection when taking apart the forms to avoid any injuries.
How long before you can remove sonotube?
It depends on the specific project, but generally the sonotube should be left in place for at least a week before removal. This allows for the concrete to set and harden, which makes it easier to remove the sonotube and reduces the chances of damage to the surrounding area.
After a week, you should be able to gently tap the tube with a hammer if necessary to loosen it from the concrete, taking extra care to avoid scratching or cracking the surrounding area. After the sonotube has been loosened, it can be carefully removed from the area.
Can concrete forms be left on too long?
Yes, concrete forms can be left on too long, which can lead to several complications. An exposed form can become brittle from being exposed to the elements, making it more prone to cracking and allowing seizures to occur.
Additionally, if forms are left on for too long without being filled, the forms can become covered in dirt, dust, and other contaminants, which can result in a contaminated concrete slab or wall. Furthermore, removing forms too late can also cause the concrete to crack or deform more than usual, which can cause issues with its appearance and integrity.
Consequently, it is best to remove concrete forms as soon as possible after pouring the concrete. This will help to reduce the likelihood of any of the issues discussed above.
How deep do you put Sonotubes?
The depth of a Sonotube depends on the particular application and its purpose. Generally, Sonotubes are used in construction projects to create concrete pillars or columns to provide structural support, so they must be set at a depth that is sufficient to ensure the stability and security of the project.
Most building codes will require that Sonotubes be set between 12 and 24 inches deep. However, it’s always best to consult a structural engineer or your local building authority to determine the correct depth for your particular application.
Additionally, you may need to set Sonotubes deeper or lower than what is normally required in order to work with existing conditions such as the depth of a footing, beam, or slab.
What size footings do I need for a 6×6 post?
The size and material of your footings will depend on the type of soil and other conditions of the area you are installing your 6×6 post. Generally, a 6×6 post requires a footing that is 12” x 12” (30cm x 30cm).
The footing should be a minimum of 12” (30cm) deep, but in areas with weak soils, you may need to extend the footing depth two or three times this amount. Additionally, the width of the footing should extend beyond the post by at least 6 inches (15 cm) on each side.
If you are building a deck or outdoor structure, you should consider using a concrete footing that is reinforced with rebar to increase its strength. When pouring the footing, make sure you use a level to make sure the footing remains level and straight.
You will also want to make sure you use the correct ratio of cement to sand and gravel when mixing the concrete and that you use a vibrating tool during pouring to help the concrete levelled and spread evenly.
For lighter loads, you may be able to use different types of footing such as precast concrete footings, wooden footings, or steel footing systems. These should still be tiered and levelled, but may not need to be as deep in the ground as a reinforced concrete oncrete footing.
Finally, always make sure regardless of the type of footing you are using and soil conditions of the area, to use proper anchoring to secure your 6×6 post firmly in the ground.
In summary, the footings for a 6×6 post should be 12” x 12” and at least 12” deep. Depending on your soil type and the size of the load being supported, you may need to extend the depth of the footing further and consider using a reinforced concrete footing with rebar or another type of footing such as precast concrete footings, wooden footings, or steel footing systems.
Make sure to use a level to maintain levelness and use proper anchoring to secure the post firmly in the ground.
How many bags of concrete does it take to fill a sonotube?
The amount of concrete needed to fill a sonotube will depend on the size of the sonotube. Generally, a sonotube with a 10-inch internal diameter and 8 foot length will require about 25 bags of concrete for a fill.
However, a sonotube with an 18-inch internal diameter and 8 foot length will require about 54 bags to fill. It is important to remember that each bag of concrete yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet of concrete.
Therefore, you will need to figure out the total amount of cubic feet needed and then divide that by 0.45 to arrive at the total number of bags needed.
Can I reuse sonotube?
Yes, it is possible to reuse sonotube. Sonotube is a thick cardboard material typically used as forms to pour concrete columns. Since it is made of a durable material, it can be reused in a variety of different projects, such as making planters or forms for stamping concrete.
If you want to reuse sonotube, it is important to wash it off with soap and water to remove any dirt and debris that may have collected on it, then reinforce the tube with additional material, such as concrete mesh, before you start your project.
Additionally, if the tube is to be used outdoors, it is important to seal it and paint it with a waterproof sealer to help protect it from rain, sun, and other weather conditions.
Are insulated concrete forms reusable?
Yes, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are highly reusable and can be utilized in multiple applications from building walls and foundations to creating landscape edging and garden beds. ICF blocks are made of dense foam and generally feature two sides with interlocking edges.
They can be put together to create a form, which is then filled with concrete, providing a complete insulation barrier. ICF blocks are designed to be reusable and can be adjusted, cut, and joined back together in different ways to create various forms and shapes.
Additionally, they can easily be disassembled and then used by another contractor to create a different application. Because ICF forms are so durable and reusable, they are commonly employed in a variety of commercial and residential building projects, offering both convenience and cost-efficiency.
Do you remove sonotube after concrete sets?
The answer as to whether or not you should remove the sonotube after concrete sets is that it depends on what the sonotube is being used for. In most cases, the sonotube should be removed after the concrete has set and been given time to cure.
This removal process should be done carefully and with the help of a circular saw and an appropriate blade for cutting concrete.
If the sonotube is intended to act as formwork for a structure, then the tube should stay in place during the curing process and be removed once the concrete has completely cured. It is important not to rush this step as the sonotube provides additional strength to the concrete during the curing process.
Once the concrete is strong enough to hold its shape, the sonotube can be carefully cut out.
In cases where the sonotube is included as part of a larger structure and is expected to remain permanently, the removal process is not necessary. It is important to keep in mind that the sonotube is hollow and any water that finds its way inside can cause it to break down over time if it is not properly sealed.
If the sonotube is not to be removed, it is recommended that the opening be sealed with a suitable material after the concrete has set.
In conclusion, the answer to whether or not you should remove the sonotube after concrete sets really depends on the purpose of the tube. In most cases, the sonotube should be removed after the concrete has set and been given time to cure.
In cases where the sonotube is part of a larger structure, the removal process is not necessary and the opening should be sealed to help protect it from water damage.
Can Sonotubes get rained on?
Yes, Sonotubes can get rained on. Sonotubes are made of corrugated paperboard, which is treated to become highly water resistant. This means that the paperboard can withstand light amounts of rain without becoming overly saturated.
However, Sonotubes are generally made to be used in conjunction with a waterproofing system of some sort and it is not recommended that they be exposed to heavy rains for long periods of time without adequate protection.
Additionally, proper preparation is necessary to ensure good water resistance before any Sonotube installation; this includes sealing any overlaps or gaps with a caulk or mastic, as well as providing backfill with a waterproof liner.
In order to ensure the best protection, it is advisable to consult with a professional contractor before installing Sonotubes.
How long do you leave forms on concrete walls?
Forms should be left on concrete walls for as long as necessary to ensure the concrete has completely cured and achieved its desired strength. Specific curing times vary based on the type and form of concrete that is being used.
Generally, the curing time can range between 24 and 72 hours, but it is best to plan for longer curing times if possible. Once the desired curing time has passed, the forms can be carefully removed and the concrete wall will be ready for use.