How much concrete do I need to fill a Sonotube?
How do I know what size tube or tube base I need for my project and how much weight the column will hold?These answers must be provided by a licensed engineer or architect.
What is the maximum pour rate?Our listed standard wall Sonotube (12 foot length) and heavy wall Commercial (20 foot Length) are designed to be filled in a single lift with no pour rate restriction, however for best overall results, shorter multiple lifts are recommended.Call for technical assistance for column heights over 20'.
Can Sonotube fiber forms be used in water?No.Standing water should not be used for sonotube forms.Sonotube concrete forms can be resistant to wet weather conditions for up to 24 hours.For maximum strength, Sonotube Commercial concrete forms can last up to 72 hours.To prevent forms from filling with water, cover the top opening.
State precautions are needed for pouring concrete from the top of a very long Sonotube form.It's important to hold the tube in position.The free fall of concrete should be minimized by placing it with an elephant truck.
Most engineers and architects have a minimum stripping time.Usually 24 hours, but concrete masonry specifications will dictate.The recommended time before stripping is five days.
Does the Sonotube form have to be removed after the concrete has cured?It is a general practice to remove the form from exposed column surfaces.If the form is required by the local building code, there is no need to strip it.There are no hazardous chemicals in the Sonotube Round form, but there is a plastic liner on the inside of the form.
What should a contractor do if he wants to leave the Sonotube form on the column for a long time?Wrap the larger sections around the column with tie wire or straps.
Is it possible for a contractor to combine two pieces of Sonotube forms?Yes.To join two sections, use a piece of the same diameter tube 12” long.Run sheet metal screws through the wall.
What are the basic requirements for bracing?The tube needs to be braced to hold it in position, top and bottom, as well as making sure it won't break in the middle.The lengths are usually braced at the top and bottom.The form usually requires additional bracing in the middle of it.
How long does it take for concrete to be poured?A rule-of-thumb is one hour, but it can vary with temperature and concrete mix.The initial set could be delayed by several hours.The concrete can be used to increase or decrease the set times.
Does the concrete need to be vibrated?It is necessary to consolidate the concrete, remove entrapped air, and eliminate honeycombing.
Square Foot® offers useful information on Tubebase including installation practices, concrete calculator, etc.
Where can I purchase Sonotubes?Call Customer Service to find the nearest Sonotube distributor.
What is the fire rating for Sonotubes?Sonotubes are not fire rated as their intended purpose is temporary, single use concrete forms to be removed from the job site before project completion.
What is the value of a sonotube?Structural loads are not carried by sonotubes.The use of Sonotubes for any reason other than their intended purpose is done at the users own risk.
How far in the dirt do you need to put the Sonotube?Before I start pouring concrete, how far should it be put into the ground?Local building codes dictate the depth of a structural pier.The base of the pier should be deeper than the frost line and in contact with undisturbed soil.Be sure to check with your building codes inspector and licensed structural engineer.
How long can the tube be in the water?Can Sonotubes be used in water?Sonotubes are not designed to be exposed to standing water for long periods.Sometimes this is unavoidable and we can't guarantee their performance under these conditions.If ground water enters the hole that you intend to install a Sonotube, or if the soil is saturated, we recommend the use of our Commercial form, completely seal the bottom edge of the tube with duct tape, and complete the concrete pour no more than 4 hours.
Will it be an exact 24” tube?The inside diameter of sonotube can be as much as 1” larger than the stated diameter.
Where can I get recycled content information?You can call Customer Service.
How do you find ACI Specs?The Specifications must be purchased from ACI.
Where can I find the CSI Product Guide Specifications?They can be found on our website.
What type of saw do I use?A handheld saw is used.To mark out a straight guideline, you can use a wide, flat band wrapped around the circumference.
What is full-liquid-head?What is the strength rating of Sonotubes?The pressure that the concrete can exert against the form face is referred to as a full liquid head.For every foot of concrete height, the pressure at the bottom of a Sonotube is equal to 150 lbs/ square foot.Sonotube Round forms can be used for 12 feet of liquid head.Sonotube Commercial and Finish Free are designed for 20 feet of liquid head.
Are release agents required?Release agents can facilitate form removal.The use of a reactive release agent is recommended by us.For more information on release agents, talk to your distributor.
Is it possible to use Sonovoid Round forms vertically?How deep?Sonovoid Round Forms can be used in vertical applications.If you want to discuss your application, you should contact Sonoco Customer Service.
What size light pole do I need?Design guidance on specific projects or applications is not given by Sonoco.You need to talk to a qualified engineer.
What size Sonotube do I need?The rule-of-thumb is to use a tube diameter 3 times the post width, and a 12” diameter Sonotube for a 4x4” post.
How should I backfill around the Sonotube?To pack the soil, backfill it by hand in layers of no more than 12” at a time.The collapse of the Sonotube could be caused by backhoes or mechanical tampering.
Is it possible to prevent Sonovoids from floating during pour?Sputniks must be tied to the form or the solid foundation.As this may result in floating of the rebar, sonovoids should not be tied down.
Where can I get an sds for sonotubes?Material Safety Data Sheets do not apply to Sonotubes.Call Customer Service at 888-286-8823.
I want to install a Sonotube around a steel column that is tied into overhead steelwork.They should use two tubes.The tubes should be cut along their length.Wrap the first tube around the column, then wrap the second tube with a slit on the opposite side of the inside tube.screw the two tubes together if the slit on the inside tube is closed tight.If you want to hold the tubes together against the internal pressure of the concrete, we recommend steel banding or cargo straps.
Is there any special instructions for placing concrete in a joined Finish Free Sonotube?You must follow the instructions when pouring concrete when using joined Sonotube Finish Free column forms.No other published pour rates apply.
Can Sonotubes be used as shoring?Absolutely not!Sonotubes are not designed to handle the weight and pressure of collapsing soil.There is a chance of serious injury or death.
I was unable to find the wall thickness on your website.What is the outside diameter?The wall thickness is designed according to the intended purpose.The outside diameter can be as much as 2” larger than the tube size to reduce shipping costs.
If a Sonotube form has a large dent because of handling damage, will it be fixed by filling it with concrete?The dent should be removed before concrete is poured.