No, it is not recommended to leave sonotube in the ground. Sonotube is a type of concrete form most commonly used for pouring footings, piers, and other round or cylindrical concrete structures. Once the form is filled and the concrete has set, it is not designed to withstand long-term exposure to the elements and is not intended to be a permanent part of the structure.
If left in the ground, sonotube may rot, develop holes and cracks, and attract insects or rodents, leading to structural damage and potentially creating an unsafe environment. To avoid these problems, the sonotube form should be disassembled and removed from the ground once the concrete has set.
Can you leave the concrete form tubes in the ground?
It depends on the project and the intended use. For many projects, it is possible to leave the concrete form tubes in the ground. This is especially true when they are made of cardboard, as the material will eventually degrade in the soil and not leave a permanent structural hazard.
However, when using tubes made from metal, plastic, or other materials, it is usually recommended to remove them. Leaving these types of tubes underground can cause damage to the surrounding soil or cause a structural hazard, depending on the type of project.
Therefore, when using concrete form tubes, it is important to understand the intended use and the materials involved to determine whether or not to leave them in the ground.
Can you backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete?
Yes, backfilling sonotubes with concrete is a common practice when pouring concrete foundations. Sonotubes are concrete forms commonly used to make footings for buildings and other structures. In order to secure the foundation in place, the tubes must be backfilled with concrete.
The concrete used when backfilling sonotubes should be a special blend that has been designed for use in this type of application. This blend will usually consist of Portland cement, fine rock aggregate, and other materials.
In order to properly backfill the sonotubes with concrete, it is important to clear away all debris from inside them and around the outside. Be sure to tamp down the ground and level it before pouring in the concrete mix.
Once the concrete mix is poured, be sure to vibrate it thoroughly for a uniform and solid fill. Finally, finish the surface of the concrete with an edging tool and measure the resulting slope to ensure that it is level and even.
Following these steps can ensure that the foundation of your building is safe and secure.
How long do you have to leave a Sonotube on?
It is recommended that a Sonotube should be left in place for a minimum of approximately 28 days, but the amount of time needed can vary depending on the conditions of the soil and environment. Factors such as temperature, moisture levels, type of cement mix, and the size and depth of the Sonotube can all play a role in the amount of time it needs to stay in place.
It is possible that the curing process of the Sonotube may take longer if it is larger and deeper, or if the cement is mixed improperly or made with a low-quality material. Additionally, if the temperature is low or the area experiences a lot of moisture, it may take a considerable amount of time to properly cure the Sonotube.
It is always important to wait until the Sonotube is completely cured before beginning construction on top of it.
Does a sonotube need a footing?
Yes, a sonotube typically needs a footing. The footing acts as the base of the sonotube and is generally set into a concrete slab. It is important to ensure that the footing is properly designed to support the weight of the sonotube.
Additionally, the footing may be regularly inspected for any signs of wear or deterioration, particularly if the sonotube is located underground as soil movement or other exterior conditions can cause damage to the footing.
Once the footing has been poured, the sonotube is attached to it and the concrete is allowed to cure. The footing should supercede the weight that it is trying to hold, to prevent any potential sinking or damage over time.
How deep should Sonotubes be?
The depth of Sonotubes should be determined by the needs of the project. Generally, Sonotubes should be embedded at least 12 inches in the ground for residential projects. For commercial buildings or decks, Sonotubes should be buried deeper – typically 24-30inches in the ground.
To make sure the soil is able to bear the weight of the structure and to make sure the Sonotubes are not exposed to the surface elements, they should be embedded in the soil to the right depth. It is important to make sure that when you are burying Sonotubes, you should backfill the holes with compacted soil or crushed stone and be sure to check for any settlement.
When in doubt, it is always better to embed the Sonotubes deeper to provide additional stability.
Do Sonotubes decompose?
Sonotubes are made of a cardboard-like material that is made up of wood pulp and other paper fibers. While these materials are biodegradable, they do not decompose very quickly due to their design. For instance, Sonotubes are laminate with a waterproof liner to prevent saturation from water infiltration and most Sonotubes are painted with a fireproof paint so they can withstand elevated temperatures.
The combination of all these elements makes it difficult for the material to decompose and this will ultimately depend on the environment that the Sonotube is placed in. For instance, a Sonotube in an area with a lot of moisture and humidity, like near a body of water, can decompose more quickly than a Sonotube placed in a dry climate.
In most cases, overexposure to the elements, such as natural decomposition, will break down the material but it will take several months to a few years for a Sonotube to decompose.
Can Sonotubes get rained on?
Yes, Sonotubes can get rained on. The exterior of a Sonotube is generally made of an exterior-grade paper that allows it to easily absorb small amounts of moisture and remain structurally sound. However, if a Sonotube is continually exposed to large amounts of moisture or rain, the paper may start to decay and the tube may become weaker over time.
It is also important to note that if a Sonotube is placed in a wet environment, such as a marsh, swamp, or other water-logged area, the moisture will start to seep through and the tube’s strength and integrity may be affected.
To protect a Sonotube from rainfall, it is important to take measures to make sure it is placed in a dry area and, if possible, seal the ends with plastic wrapping or another waterproof material. Additionally, if a Sonotube needs to be placed in a wet environment, it is best to use a type of Sonotube that is made with a waterproof material, such as fiberglass or a specialized polymer.
How do you remove sonotube from concrete?
Removing a sonotube from concrete can be a tricky process. It generally requires a combination of methods and should be done carefully in order to avoid damaging the surrounding cement. Here are the steps you can use to remove a sonotube from concrete:
1. Mark the area around the sonotube with chalk before starting the removal process. This will help you reset the sonotube in its original position later, if needed.
2. Gently tap the sonotube with a hammer to break any adhesion from the concrete.
3. Place a scrap plywood board atop the sonotube and use a reciprocating saw or circular saw to cut through it. Make sure to keep the saw blade level with the plywood board to ensure an even cut.
4. Use a pry bar to slowly remove the sonotube. Make sure to be careful with this step as you don’t want to damage the edges of the surrounding concrete.
5. Remove any remaining bits of the sonotube from the concrete with a chisel or a hammer.
6. Re-level the surrounding area with a trowel, as needed, and clean up any residual debris.
While the above steps can help you remove a sonotube from concrete, it’s important to keep in mind that this process can make the surrounding area of the concrete susceptible to water damage, cracking, and other issues.
So, make sure to proceed with caution if you’re attempting to remove a sonotube from concrete.
Can you pour concrete around sonotube?
Yes, you can pour concrete around a sonotube. Sonotube is a type of concrete formwork used to cast concrete foundations for homes and other structures. It is typically made from heavy-duty cardboard, which is capable of withstanding the weight of wet concrete until it is cured.
Concrete poured around a sonotube should be 6 to 8 inches thick. Before pouring concrete, the sonotube should be filled to the top and leveled off with sand. A rebar is then inserted and the sonotube is set into a 12-inch deep excavated area.
After determined to fit the required grade and plumb, the concrete can be poured and leveled off with steel trowel or a vibrating or vibratory screed. Once the concrete has been leveled, it should be finished with a steel trowel and cured.
What is the purpose of Sonotubes?
Sonotubes are large-diameter cardboard concrete forms used to create concrete cylinders for structures like decks, footings, and columns. Their construction is simple: a rolled sheet of thick paper is securely taped and glued into a concrete form.
The structure is strong, lightweight, and easy to transport and install.
The primary purpose of using Sonotubes is to create concrete columns, footings, and decks, but the versatile form can also be used for other purposes such as creating pathways, foundations for building projects, fence posts, and more.
The use of Sonotubes is beneficial as they are inexpensive, easy to install, and can survive higher water saturation more effectively than traditional wood forms.
In addition, Sonotubes are also often used to create core holes for plumbing projects and to anchor fence posts. Since the form is lightweight, the holes can be dug by hand to a certain depth and size, allowing for more precise control.
The cardboard tube can then be filled with concrete to provide a reliable, long-lasting foundation.
Sonotubes are considered a good alternative to wood forms, as their tensile strength and superior water resistance make them an ideal choice for many projects where a strong formwork is necessary. The installation of Sonotubes also results in less disruption to the landscape and expense than traditional methods.
All in all, Sonotubes are an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a durable and cost-effective concrete form.
How many 80lb bags of concrete do I need for 12 sonotube?
In order to calculate how many 80lb bags of concrete you need for 12 sonotube, you need to first measure the circumference of each sonotube and calculate the total volume of concrete you need for all 12.
A standard sonotube usually has a diameter of 8 inches and a height of 12 inches. Therefore, the total volume of concrete per sonotube is roughly 11. 3 cubic feet. You can use the following equation to determine the total volume needed for 12 sonotube:
Total Volume = 12 x 11.3 = 135.6 cubic feet
To convert this to cubic yards, you can use the following equation:
Cubic Yards = 135.6 / 27 = 5 cubic yards
Now, to calculate how many 80lb bags of concrete you need, simply divide the total volume (in cubic yards) by the weight of each 80lb bag. A single 80lb bag usually yields 0. 6 cubic feet or 0. 02 cubic yards.
Therefore, you will need 250 bags of 80lb concrete to complete 12 sonotubes.
In conclusion, you will need 250 80lb bags of concrete for 12 sonotubes.
How long does concrete need before it can get rained on?
Concrete needs to fully cure before it can be exposed to rain. If a concrete slab is fresh, it may take 7 to 10 days for it to reach a strength of 800 to 1000 psi, which is the recommended strength for exterior concrete.
Generally, a freshly placed concrete can take at least 28 days to reach its full strength and be ready to be exposed to rain. After this time period, the concrete can be safely exposed to moderate amounts of rain.
Ideally, the curing process should occur in a temperate and dry environment, since rain can slow down or prevent the curing process. If a concrete slab is exposed to rain before it reaches its full strength, it may become weakened and more easily damaged.
To avoid this, it’s best to wait the full 28 days after the concrete is poured before allowing it to get rained on.
What size does Sono tube come in?
Sono tube is a large corrugated pipe that can be used for underground buildings and is available in a variety of sizes. The most common sizes tend to range from 8 – 24 inches in diameter. The larger sizes, such as 24″, are used for deep foundations and culvert applications.
The most popular sizes are 12″ and 18″ for residential construction. Sono tube lengths can vary from 10 feet up to 30 feet in length, with most sizes available in one-foot increments. The wall thickness of Sono tube also varies depending on the diameter and it is recommended to use thicker walls for large diameter, deep applications.
In addition, there are also double and triple wall thicknesses for extra strength and stability.