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How does a Bigfoot footing work?

A Bigfoot footing is a type of footing used in RV and motorhome construction. It is made from steel or aluminum and is designed to bear the weight of the unit, be it a trailer, fifth-wheel, or motorhome.

The main advantage of the Bigfoot footing is that it distributes the weight evenly and has several contact points to help reduce the stress on any single point. The Bigfoot footing is constructed with a plate on the bottom and several verticals that run from the plate to the frame of the RV.

The plate on the bottom of the footing helps absorb some of the shock from bumps in the road and also helps reduce the vibration caused by road noise. The verticals of the footing extend to the frame of the RV to transfer the load of the unit evenly to the ground.

Bigfoot footings are designed to be adjustable, so they can be adjusted to level the RV on uneven ground. This helps reduce axle strain and improves stability. All in all, a Bigfoot footing is an important design element of any RV as it helps to evenly distribute weight, absorb some of the shock from the road, and provide a stable footing for level and safe travel.

How much concrete does it take to fill a Bigfoot?

It depends on the size of the Bigfoot that you are trying to fill. As the average adult Bigfoot can vary in size among different species, there is no exact amount of concrete that can be used to fill a Bigfoot.

Generally speaking, it would take several cubic yards of concrete to fill a Bigfoot, depending on the size of the space it is being used to fill. In most cases, it would be more economical to use concrete blocks or bricks, as they are more efficient to use and take up less space.

Additionally, using concrete blocks or bricks would make it easier to shape the Bigfoot and create the desired features.

What is a footing for a deck?

A footing for a deck is an underground support structure that provides a solid foundation on which the deck or other structure is built. It is typically comprised of a concrete, steel, or brick foundation that has been poured into a shallow trench.

Footings are designed to transfer the weight of the deck to the ground beneath it and should be deep enough to ensure stability. In addition to providing support and stability, footings are also designed to keep water away from the structural materials of the deck.

Without proper footings, the deck may become unstable over time due to shifting and lot conditions. Footings also help to prevent the deck from sinking due to soil movement. Three most common types of footings are:

Concrete Footings: Concrete footings are the most commonly used type for decks as they provide good stability and are quick and easy to install. The total depth of the concrete footing depends on the type of soil and climate in the area where the deck is being erected.

Steel Footings: Steel footings are more expensive than concrete footings but can last longer and can be used in situations where the ground is hard to dig. It’s important to ensure that the steel is properly galvanized and that the deck is adequately supported.

Brick Footings: Brick footings are a great alternative if you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option as they can provide a more natural look. In addition, they are strong and last longer than concrete.

However, they can be more expensive and more time consuming to install.

Do Sonotubes need footings?

Yes, Sonotubes typically require footings for maximum stability. Footings are concrete foundations that are placed below the surface of the ground to provide a solid footing for the Sonotube. Without footings, the Sonotube can shift over time due to soil movement, increased weight, or vibrations caused by wind, rain, or other forces.

Footings are especially important when installing Sonotube in high-traffic areas or areas with a higher likelihood of ground movement due to soil or weather conditions. Additionally, when installing a Sonotube, it is often recommended to excavate the area and pour concrete footings at least 12 inches deep into the ground.

This ensures that the Sonotube will have a balanced base and be able to support the intended load.

Do I need to put rebar in sonotube?

It depends on what you’re using the sonotube for. Generally, if you’re pouring concrete into a sonotube you should use rebar, as it will increase the strength and stability of the structure. Rebar is essentially a length of steel rods that are set into the concrete during the pouring period, and provide structural reinforcement to the concrete.

Without it, the concrete will likely be weak, and the structure may be unstable. Additionally, using rebar helps to reduce cracking, and it also allows the concrete to better withstand bending and other stress.

However, if you’re simply using the sonotube for aesthetic purposes, such as to create a fence or column, you may not need to use rebar. If you decide to skip using rebar, it’s important to ensure that the sonotube is securely placed in the ground and that the concrete is adequately cured.

If you’re unsure, be sure to consult a professional or seek advice from your local building department.

How do you remove sonotube after pouring concrete?

Removing a sonotube after pouring concrete is a relatively simple process, but it is important to make sure that it is done safely and correctly. To begin, you should inspect the concrete to ensure that it has cured properly, as any premature removal can risk damaging the structure of the slab that you have formed.

Once this has been done, you can proceed with the removal of the sonotube.

The first step is to score the outer edge of the sonotube with a concrete saw. This will make the tube easier to cut and break apart. Once the scoring is complete, it is time to begin cutting the tube itself.

If your tube is large, you may need to use an angle grinder or other larger cutting tool to make the cuts quicker and more efficient. Use the saw to cut the tube along the scored lines and work around the entire circumference of the tube in order to cut through it completely.

Once the tube has been cut into manageable sized pieces you can begin to extract them from the concrete. If the tube is still partially intact, you may be able to simply pull the pieces up out of the concrete.

However, if the tube has shattered or broken apart completely, you will need to use a shovel or concrete saw to remove the individual pieces. Take caution when removing the pieces, as any sudden movements could create cracks in the concrete and damage the slab.

When the pieces have been eliminated, use a tight wire brush or other abrasive tool to clean the concrete surface, removing any left over shards or debris. This will ensure that the surface is even and ready for finishing.

After the surface is clean and the concrete has dried, you can finish the slab in whatever manner you choose, such as tiling, staining, or painting.

Can you backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete?

Yes, you can backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete. Backfilling is a process in which you fill a cavity, such as a column foundation or a wall, with a material such as gravel, soil, or crushed stone to provide stability and support.

Sonotubes are large, ridged cardboard tubes filled with concrete to serve as the foundation for footings and columns and are a popular option when building a structure. By using a pre-made Sonotube form, you don’t need to pour concrete on-site, but instead you can backfill it with a material and then pour concrete over top of it.

The backfill material helps to support the form and helps to keep it in place. So, you can backfill Sonotubes with a material such as gravel, soil, or crushed stone before pouring concrete to help provide stability and support for your project.

How much does Sono tube cost?

The cost of Sono tube can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the tube, the type of material the tube is made out of, and the quantity that you are purchasing. Generally, Sono tubes can range from approximately $10-$50 apiece, but prices can be higher depending on the factors mentioned above.

In addition, you may also have to factor in any customization you may request, such as cutting or aluminum end caps, as well as any shipping and handling costs if you choose to have the tubes delivered.

If you have a large order or require specific customization, you may be able to negotiate better pricing with the supplier.

How deep should sonotube be?

The depth of sonotube depends on the application, but it is generally recommended to sink the tube at least a few inches below the ground for maximum stability. For heavier structures, a deeper sonotube is often needed.

Generally speaking, the deeper the better to provide the best support for the structure being built. The circumference of the tube should also be taken into account, as it impacts the stability of the footing and the structure overall.

A larger circumference will provide more stability and the tube should be at least one and a half times wider than the post or column it will be supporting. It is also important to ensure the tube is firmly set in the earth so that it does not move over time as the ground and climate change.

In areas prone to wild temperature fluctuations, deeper sonotube installations may also be beneficial.

What is the purpose of a sonotube?

A sonotube is a large piece of cardboard tubing that is used to form concrete columns in construction projects. It is often used to construct footings, piers, and post holes for fences and decks. Sonotubes are generally made out of heavy-duty recycled corrugated cardboard which is spiral wound so that it is stronger and can hold up to the weight of wet concrete.

The inner diameter of the tubing can be custom-manufactured to support a specific form. It is common for the bottom portion of the tube to be filled with sand or gravel when pouring to ensure that the concrete is well-supported.

Once the concrete is dry, the sonotube can be removed, leaving behind a finished column. The purpose of a sonotube is to provide a simple and effective way to create concrete columns without having to use complex construction methods.

It is reusable, cost efficient, and is a great solution for many construction projects.

What is the material for concrete forms?

Concrete forms, sometimes referred to as molds or shapes, are rigid structures used to contain and shape freshly poured concretes. They are usually made of steel-reinforced panels or plywood, but can also be made of other materials like fiberglass, plastic, and cardboard.

The materials chosen to make concrete forms depend on a number of factors, including the type of concrete pour, the size of the pour, the weight of the concrete, and the environmental conditions. For most masonry projects, plywood is the preferred material for concrete forms due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

It also has the added benefit of being able to be reused and resized without much effort. However, in some cases, you may need a material that has more strength or insulation, such as fiberglass, plastic, or cardboard.

In these cases, the specific material used for your concrete form should be chosen based on the specific requirements of your project.

Can Sonotubes be left in the ground?

Yes, sonotubes can be left in the ground. They are often used to form the foundation of a structure or to create deep pilings. For example, when building a home, installing a fence, or adding a deck, sonotubes are often installed in the ground for extra stability and support.

In these cases, it’s best to keep the sonotubes in the ground. If left in place, the sonotubes will keep the structure well-grounded and stable. The walls of the tube also keep the soil around it from erroding away.

In addition, if the tubes are sealed properly and well-maintained, they can remain in the ground for many years with no issues.

How do you hold a sonotube in place?

Sonotube is a type of concrete form used to create cylindrical columns. It is made of a heavy-weight cardboard material that stands up to wet concrete and provides a row, secure foundation for a variety of construction projects.

To ensure your Sonotube form does not shift or fall over when you are pouring the concrete, it is important to properly stake it to the ground.

To stake a Sonotube form, begin by driving two heavy-duty stakes into the ground at either end of the Sonotube, making sure the stakes are firmly in place. Drive a 6-inch screw through the top of the Sonotube and into each stake.

Next, drive two more stakes into the ground and then attach them to the Sonotube using some heavy-duty wire ties or similar restraint mechanism. You can also secure the Sonotube with tent stakes or tall screws.

Before you pour the concrete, make sure all the stakes are set firmly in the ground and that they are creating a tight hold on the Sonotube. Once you pour the concrete, allow ample time for it to dry and cure before you attempt to remove the form.

When you’re ready to remove the form, begin by cutting through the bottom of the Sonotube with a saw. Then, carefully pull the form off the concrete, being sure to remove any stakes or other hardware that may remain.

How high are Sonotubes above ground level?

Sonotubes, or concrete pillars typically used when constructing foundations for decks and other structures, vary in height depending on the size and purpose of the foundation. Most commonly, Sonotubes are used to support small structures such as decks, which may be just a few inches above ground level, or about 6 – 8 inches above the ground when accounting for the thickness of the concrete and the Sonotube wall.

However, larger projects such as basement foundations will require deeper Sonotubes, with depths ranging from 12 to 36 inches to accommodate the weight of the structure they are supporting. In these cases, the Sonotubes may be up to 3 feet above ground level.

It is important to keep in mind that the height of the Sonotubes will also be dependent on local building codes and the specific project requirements.

How do you set a concrete tube form?

Setting a concrete tube form involves several steps. First, the area to be worked on should be marked off and leveled with a shovel and rake. Then, wooden or steel stakes should be placed at either end of the area and spaced evenly along the sides to serve as the perimeter of the formwork.

Once the stakes are in place, either rigid plywood or steel form frames should be installed and secured between the stakes. For added strength and stability, diagonal bracing should be added to the frame.

Next, the tube forms should be placed into the frame and centered along the length of the frame. Care should be taken to ensure that the forms are level as the concrete is poured within. If the form gets off center or starts to warp, additional bracing should be added at either end.

Once the forms are in place, fabric cloth should be placed around the perimeter of the tube-form to protect against leaks and seepage. Then, the tube-form should be securely tied to the frame with steel tie-wire or rebar.

Finally, the concrete should be mixed and poured into the tube-form, usually with help from a concrete pump. During the pouring, the concrete should be tamped, vibrated, and leveled to ensure that it is evenly distributed within the formwork.

The amount of concrete and vibrating should be adjusted as needed as the waste material is compacted and consolidated.

Once the concrete is set, the forms should be left to cure for a few days before being carefully removed. At the same time, offers or clamps should be applied to prevent the concrete from splitting or cracking during the removal of the forms.

Once the forms have been removed, the surface should be smoothed and finished as required.