Construction Industry/Bracing sonotube

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Expert: - 8/13/2008


Question
I have 12" holes drilled and will be pouring concrete in them for pillars under the ground...supports.  I am going to cut 3 foot pieces of sonotube and stick 1 foot down the hole and leave the rest (2 foot) sticking out of the ground.  My question is, what is the best way to support the tube so once they start filling it, it doesn't move off of level?  I am guessing I can pound stakes on all four sides of the tube say 4 feet from the tube and screws 2x4 supports to them and screw the support to the sonotube.  I was thinking of using drywall screws so when I go to remove the screws later, they will break off in the concrete.  Do you think this approach will work?

Jason

Answer
Jason,

Have you ever noticed how a newly planted tree is braced?  Three pieces of scrap lumber can be strapped to the tube and then three braces to the ground with stakes to support the brace.  You should leave the braces on for at least 10 days for the concrete to cure.

I don't know where you are building, but normally, when pillars are poured to support a building above, they set on a spread foundation to avoid settlement.  

Hope this has been helpful.

Roger

Construction Industry

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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