The number of bags of concrete you will need for a sonotube depends on the size, height and depth of the sonotube as well as the strength of the concrete. Generally, it takes approximately two and a half to three bags of concrete mix (each bag is usually around 60 lbs) to fill a 12-inch standard sonotube, or a tube with a diameter of 12 inches and a height of 8 feet, depending on the density of the mix.
Instead of trying to calculate this amount from the volume of the tube, it’s more accurate to calculate it from the weight so you have a better idea of how much concrete you will need. For example, a 12-inch x 8 feet sonotube requires approximately 188 lbs of concrete.
Nonetheless, it’s always best to add a little extra concrete to the purchase; this will ensure the tube is completely filled while allowing room to work in the concrete and tamp it, if needed.
Do I need rebar in sonotube?
Yes, you will need to use rebar in a sonotube. Rebar is used to reinforce concrete walls and is usually applied together with steel mesh or fabric with the intent to increase the tensile strength of the concrete.
Using rebar in a sonotube helps to prevent cracking, reduce shrinkage, and protect the sonotube from external forces, such as seismic and wind load. The size and amount of rebar used will depend on the design of your sonotube, the size of the Sonotube, and the soil and loading conditions in your area.
When installing the rebar, make sure it is of the correct length and diameter to fit in the tube and is placed in a grid formation following the manufacturer’s instructions as closely as possible. Additionally, you should make sure to use rebar caps to avoid contact with concrete and to finish the installation.
Can you leave sonotube in the ground?
Yes, it is possible to leave sonotube in the ground. Sonotubes are designed to be left in place after pouring concrete, and won’t degrade or weaken over time like cardboard forms can. It is important to remember that before pouring concrete, the sonotube should be secured to the ground and braced for stability.
In order for the sonotube to remain stable in the ground, the top edge should be level with the soil. If the sonotube is going to be left in the ground for a long period of time, then it should also be backfilled with soil to prevent water from entering.
It is also important to use waterproofing materials around the sonotube before pouring the concrete to help protect it from moisture and weather.
How do you calculate concrete bags?
Calculating the number of concrete bags required for a project can be done by determining the volume of the area that needs to be filled with concrete, and then dividing this volume by the size of the bags you are considering.
To calculate the volume, you need to have the size of the area in feet, length, width, and depth. For example, if the area’s length is 10 feet, width is 5 feet, and the depth is 4 inches, the volume would be 20 cubic feet (10 x 5 x 0.33).
To calculate the number of bags needed, divide this number by the size of the bags. For instance, if the bags are 40-pound bags, you would divide 20 cubic feet by. 3 (which is the cubic feet in a 40-pound bag) to get 66.667.
You would need 67 40-pound bags of concrete for the project.
How many cubic feet are in a bag of concrete?
The amount of cubic feet in a bag of concrete depends on the size and weight of the bag. Generally, a 60-pound bag of concrete yields 0.6 cubic feet, which is about the same as a mechanical wheelbarrow.
A 80-pound bag yields 0.8 cubic feet, enough for about one and one-half cubic feet of concrete in the form of a 4-inch slab. If you are filling a hole that is 12 inches deep, the bag would form 4 cubic feet of concrete.
A 90-pound bag yields 0.9 cubic feet, enough for about a 3-inch thick slab of concrete in the form of a 4-inch cube. A 3,000-pound (1.5 ton) bag would create 30 cubic feet of concrete.
What size sonotube for a house?
When considering the size of the sonotube for a house, you should take into account factors such as the soil type, weather conditions, and other factors. Generally speaking, for most common residential foundation types, a 12 inch diameter sonotube with a minimum wall thickness of 1/4 inch is standard for most conditions.
However, soil type and other factors can necessitate the need for a larger diameter and/or thicker wall. For instance, if you live in an area where the water table is high and the soil is sandier, you may want to select a 15 inch diameter and/or a 5/16 inch wall thickness to insure a strong foundation.
Another consideration would be the usage of a residential home. If you plan on utilizing your home and it’s foundation for other purposes such as a car lift or other equipment, you may want to consider a larger diameter and/or thicker wall in order to increase the structural load capacity of the foundation.
Ultimately, professional advice should be sought to determine the best size and thickness of the sonotube foundation for your specific project.
What is the purpose of a sonotube?
A sonotube is a round cardboard tube that is used in construction projects. It is used in many applications such as foundation construction, post hole digging, and installation of sprinkler systems. The purpose of the sonotube is to form a foundation structure that is strong and durable.
The tube can be filled with concrete or other materials and the height and diameter can be changed to suit the particular application.
The sonotube is an effective support structure because of its round shape which resists top and side pressure, as well as its sturdy corrugated cardboard construction which prevents collapse and damage.
Additionally, the cost of a sonotube is generally less than other forms of foundations, making it a more economic choice for many building projects.
In addition to providing effective structure and support, the tube may also serve other purposes such as hiding underground materials and objects, creating form liners for walls, and creating small spans of elevated areas.
Furthermore, it may also be used as a sleeve to protect wires and cables as they run through walls and over ground.
In conclusion, the sonotube is an effective and economical structure that is used in many construction projects. It provides a strong and durable foundation and can also be used for multiple purposes.
Do you remove sonotube after concrete sets?
Yes, sonotube should be removed once the concrete has set. This could take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the type of concrete mix used and the humidity and temperature conditions. It is important to remember that concrete needs to be properly cured during this time – meaning kept wet and covered – before the sonotube can be taken out.
However, while the sonotube should be removed once the concrete has set, you may find that the removal process is much easier if you leave it in place just a bit longer. Allowing the sonotube to stay in place several more days can help start to break the bond between the concrete and the formwork, which will make it easier to remove.
Removing the sonotube is not a difficult process, but it does require a bit of extra effort to make sure you’re not damaging the concrete. Use caution when taking out the sonotube – start by loosening the top and then working your way down, gradually prying off the formwork as you go.
Keep in mind that the lower portion of the formwork will be most difficult to remove, and you may need to use a hammer and cold chisel to get it off.
How do you pour concrete into a sonotube?
Pouring concrete into a sonotube is a fairly straightforward process, although it does require some preparation.
First, you will need to make sure the sonotube is firmly in the ground and secure. This can be done using a concrete foundation or rebar anchors. It’s important to make sure the sonotube is level and won’t move as much as possible.
Once the sonotube is in place, use a tape measure to make sure it is the proper height.
Next, choose your concrete. Make sure to select a mix that will hold up to the weight and pressure of the structure it supports. An alternative to concrete is quick drying cement specifically designed for sonotubes, so consider both options.
Now you are ready to pour the concrete. Place a board underneath the sonotube to catch any extra concrete, so it won’t leak into the ground. If you are planning on putting rebar in your sonotube, now would be the time to do it.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully pour the concrete into the sonotube. It’s important to fill the sonotube completely, as any excess will be weak and could compromise the entire structure.
Once it’s filled, use a trowel or other tool to smooth out the top and get rid of any air pockets.
Finally, make sure the concrete has plenty of time to set and cure. Generally, this takes about three to seven days for a standard mix and up to seven weeks for a quick-dry mix. Make sure to keep any excess water from the concrete and any other type of activity away from the sonotube during this time.
After the concrete has done setting, the sonotube will be ready to be used. With a bit of careful preparation and attention to the details, your sonotube will provide a strong foundation to support whatever structure you plan to build.
How do you hold a sonotube in place?
To hold a sonotube in place, a variety of methods can be used depending on the desired application. Generally, the sonotube must be held in the correct position while being filled with concrete, so that it can properly set and form a solid structure.
One method is to stake the sonotube into the ground with wooden stakes or rebar. Rebar provides a more secure fit, especially in sandy soil or other soft ground types. To install the rebar, begin by placing it so that it runs along the length of the sonotube, with the pronge end facing up.
Take a sledgehammer and drive the rebar into the ground, ensuring that it is secure and at least 12 inches in the ground.
Another popular method is to purchase tubes with pre-installed nuts and bolts on either end. This makes for a secure fit and is especially useful for securing sonotubes in regions with high winds or harsh weather.
These hardware pieces (usually supplied with the tube) are bolted or screwed into the ground on either end of the tube, keeping it in place.
When constructing a vertical structure, sonotubes may be held in place by installing foundation anchors. This is done by drilling into the wall, installing a masonry anchor, and then threading a steel rod into the anchor before setting the sonotube into place.
This method is particularly useful when a vertical surface must be constructed.
Finally, cement is a great way to hold a sonotube in place. This process involves preparing the soil around the sonotube and pouring cement into the prepared area around the tube, allowing the cement to dry and form a durable bond between the sonotube and the ground.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions and properly inspect the sonotube before use.
Does a sonotube need a footer?
Yes, a sonotube does need a footer. This is because a sonotube is a cardboard form that is used to pour concrete and create a round, cylindrical shape. A footer is the base that is typically placed at the bottom of the structure, and it is used to transfer the weight of the structure onto the ground and provide the necessary stability.
Without a footer, the weight of the structure will be concentrated on the soil, which may result in instability and the potential to collapse. It is also important to note that a footer will also help protect the structure from water and give it a longer service life.
Additionally, it is also recommended to use a gravel footer since it allows any moisture to move away from the structure – which can be beneficial for concrete sonotubes. Lastly, it is important to note that the concrete base for a sonotube should be flat for the best results in terms of its stability.
How do you set up deck Sonotubes?
Setting up deck Sonotubes involves a few different steps. First, you’ll need to measure and mark out the locations for the Sonotubes, ensuring they’ll fit securely into the area they’ll be installed.
Once you’ve marked the spots, you’ll need to use a posthole digger to dig them out. Next, you’ll want to pour concrete into the holes, filling them about halfway before leveling off the tops with a trowel.
After that, you can place the Sonotubes in the holes and then fill them up the rest of the way with concrete. Once the concrete has cured, you can use a circular saw or a reciprocating saw to cut the top of the Sonotubes off at the level of the deck.
Finally, you can add a layer of gravel or crushed stone around the Sonotubes for additional stability.
How deep should sonotube be?
The depth of a sonotube depends on several factors, including the size of the footings being supported, the site’s soil conditions, the amount of weight being supported, and the size of the sonotube itself.
Generally speaking, the sonotube should be deep enough so that it extends below the frost line of the area, which can vary widely depending on the region and can sometimes be as deep as 6 feet or more.
Additionally, the depth of the sonotube needs to provide adequate support based on the weight of the footings and the soil conditions. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that the sonotube be at least 18-24 inches deep when supporting a light weight structure with a typical soil type.
If a heavy weight structure is being supported, such as a building, the sonotube should be at least 2-3 feet deep. The depth also needs to be adjusted if a more stable soil type is being used as a foundation.
In some cases, the sonotube will need to be extended beyond the frost line to ensure adequate support. It is always recommended to consult a local building codes inspector or a soils engineer when determining the proper depth of a sonotube.
