The amount of concrete required to fill a sonotube depends on the size of the tube and the diameter of the hole you need to fill. Generally, it takes an average of 60 pounds of concrete mix to fill a tube with a 10-inch diameter hole.
You’ll need to adjust the amount according to the diameter of the hole you’re filling. For example, a 12-inch diameter hole would need approximately 75 pounds of concrete mix.
In addition, the thickness and height of the sonotube also affect how much concrete you will need. For example, sonotubes come in 12-inch, 24-inch, and 36-inch sizes, and for each size, there is also a range of thicknesses, such as 1/8th-inch, 1/4th-inch, and 1/2-inch.
The thicker the tube, the more concrete it requires. For example, an 12-inch sonotube with a 1/2-inch thickness would need about 4 cubic feet (about 178 pounds) of concrete mix.
The bottom line is that it is important to calculate the amount of concrete mix you’ll need before purchasing it. You may consider asking your local hardware store or home improvement center for advice on the right type and quantity of concrete mix.
Do I need rebar in sonotube?
Rebar may or may not be needed depending on the intended use for the sonotube. If the sonotube is used for fencing or a mailbox post, then no rebar is necessary. However, if the sonotube is being used for a support structure like concrete footings, then it is highly recommended to use rebar for increased strength and stability.
When putting rebar in the sonotube, it is important to install vertical stakes for support and to cut the length of rebar to fit properly. The bars should then be placed in the middle of the hole, evenly spaced apart, and bent inward at the top so that it overlaps and has good support.
Finally, mix and pour the concrete, while making sure to vibrate and consolidate it so as to fill all of the gaps around the reinforcing steel.
How many cubic feet is an 80 lb bag of concrete?
An 80 lb bag of concrete generally covers 0.6 cubic feet when mixed with water. Therefore, a 80 lb bag of concrete is equal to 0.6 cubic feet.
How do you calculate concrete bags?
To calculate how many concrete bags you need for a project, you will need to first calculate the volume of concrete needed. You can do this by calculating the length, width, and depth of the project in cubic feet, and multiplying those three numbers together.
When you have the total volume of concrete needed, you can then divide that number by the amount of concrete that each bag can cover. Different concrete bags will have different coverage amounts, so it is important to check the bag for the manufacturer’s recommended coverage per bag.
Once you have the total number of bags needed, you can round up to make sure you have enough concrete. It is better to have extra on hand, just in case.
How long do concrete piers need to cure?
Concrete piers need to cure for at least 28 days before they can support heavy loads. The full curing time to obtain the full strength of concrete is typically 28-90 days dependent on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
During the curing period, the concrete should remain wet, so it is recommended that the kraft paper or plastic coverings used to temporarily protect the pier from the elements should be kept intact. Additionally, the placement of the pier should be maintained and undisturbed, as movement can lead to weak and unstable support.
During the curing period, regular inspections of the concrete piers should be made to ensure proper curing and set-up.
How do you remove sonotube after pouring concrete?
The process for removing a sonotube after pouring concrete will depend on the size and shape of the form. Before attempting to remove the tube, it is important to allow the concrete to cure. By curing, the concrete will reach a desired strength and allow for an easier removal process.
For small or single sonotubes, remove the screws and lumber at the top and bottom of the tube and then gently tap the form with a mallet. The form should crack in multiple places and break apart easily.
For larger forms, like those that have been used for projects such as a round house foundation, the form can be cut using a heavy-duty saw such as a reciprocating saw or a circular saw. Start at the top of the tube and trace a line along the scored circumference.
Score around the circumference of the entire tube and then use either a saw or a concrete breaker to cut through the tube.
Once the form has been cut, remove the pieces and collect the debris for disposal. Clean the area and use a broom to pick up any concrete particles that remain.
With all forms, please take caution and wear appropriate safety gear such as goggles and protective gloves.
Do you leave sonotube in the ground?
No, it is not recommended to leave sonotube in the ground. Sonotube forms, also known as concrete columns or cardboard tubes are designed to be temporary foundations for concrete pouring projects, such as footings and posts.
Because of this, they are not meant to be buried in the ground. Leaving them in the ground can cause them to deteriorate over time due to moisture, decomposition and insects. Furthermore, the weight of the soil can cause them to collapse and the roots of nearby trees can cause them to break apart.
Although it is not recommended to leave sonotube in the ground, they can be encased in concrete prior to being buried to provide additional support and strength, as well as protection from moisture and the elements.
How do I remove a concrete tube form?
Removing a concrete tube form can be done in a few simple steps. First, you will need to make sure that the concrete has completely cured and hardened (typically for about two days). Once it is ready, you can begin to loosen the concrete form.
Start by gently working the edges of the form with a hammer or a stiff putty knife. As you work your way around, the edges should begin to loosen. Once you have loosened the edges, you can then start to pull the form off.
You may need to do a bit of tapping or light hammering to get the form completely free from the concrete. It is important to be gentle as you take the concrete form off so that you do not damage the concrete surface.
Once you have the form off, you can then use a garden hose to blast off any particles left on the surface. After that, you can use a brush to remove any masonry sealer that may have been applied. Once you have the concrete surface clean, the form will be ready to be reused.
Can you backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete?
Yes, you can backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete. In fact, it is quite common to do so. This helps to ensure a stable footing for your concrete pour, as the Sonotube will create a stronger base than if you were simply pouring concrete over unprepared soil.
The backfilling material should be free of large rocks, roots and organic material, and should ideally be tamped down before the concrete pour. This helps to ensure that the Sonotube is completely filled in and the concrete will be supported evenly.
After backfilling, the Sonotube should then be inspected and leveled out before the concrete pour, ensuring a safe and secure footing.
What material is sonotube?
Sonotube is a brand of cardboard forms, commonly used to support poured concrete columns. It is a heavy-duty cardboard tube normally made from recycled paper. The walls of Sonotube are much thicker than traditional cardboard tubes, so it is stronger, more rigid and better able to withstand the weight of concrete and other materials.
This makes it a reliable and cost-effective choice for a range of construction projects. Sonotube forms can be used for a variety of purposes, including the creation of footings, columns and walls. Additionally, they can be used to line drilled holes or as a form in which to pour concrete.
Furthermore, it is an advantageous product since it is easy to install, creates minimal waste and can be customized to various shapes and sizes to meet specific project requirements.
Does a sonotube need a footer?
The short answer is yes, a sonotube needs a footer. A sonotube is used to form the support columns in a wide variety of construction projects, including decks, pillars, driveways, footings and much more.
As with any column support system, a sonotube needs a solid base on which to rest. When properly installed, a sonotube is typically filled with concrete or other types of backfill material to create a firm base.
A footer is required as it creates a stable base for the sonotube to sit upon, allowing it to distribute the weight it is carrying more evenly and reducing the danger of the structure sinking or otherwise moving from its original position.
Depending on the size and weight of the structure, a footer may consist of either a concrete block or a square of concrete poured around the circumference of the sonotube. In cases involving larger load-bearing structures, such as a deck or porch, a footer may be more extensively poured, larger, or deeper into the ground surrounding the sonotube.
In each case, it is important to take into account the weight of the structure that the sonotube is supporting, along with local building codes and regulations, in order to properly determine the exact specifications of the footer before beginning construction.
It is also important that the footer is installed correctly to ensure it is able to provide adequate support for the sonotube and the structure it is supporting.
How much does Sono tube cost?
The cost of Sonotube varies depending on the size and type of product purchased. Generally speaking, prices range from $10 to $20 per foot, with larger diameters and thicker walls being more expensive.
For example, a 10-inch Sonotube that is 10 feet long and has a wall thickness of 5/8 inch will cost around $140, while a 12-inch Sonotube with a wall thickness of 1/2 inch and the same 10-foot length will cost around $180.
Prices may also vary depending on geographic location. For customers who are looking for bulk orders, Sonotube offers discounts for orders over 500 feet or for those who buy in bulk. However, the exact discounts and prices available may vary depending on the Sonotube vendor that is being used.
Can Sonotubes get rained on?
Yes, Sonotubes can get rained on. Sonotubes, or cardboard concrete forms, are designed to be placed outdoors for an extended period of time and are resistant to water and moisture. However, the longer a Sonotube is exposed to rain, the greater chance it has of becoming saturated and therefore weakened.
Uneven drainage from the Sonotube can lead to collapsed forms, so it is important to ensure that the Sonotube is adequately supported and drained. In addition, excessively high levels of moisture can increase the chance of mold growth or termite infestation, as well as damage the structural integrity of the concrete.
To best protect the Sonotube and the concrete, it should be covered with a tarp or other waterproof cover when it cannot be completely avoided, like during heavy rain.
