Concrete deck footings - how to fix?
#1
08-19-09, 05:58 PM
Join Date: Aug 2009
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Concrete deck footings - how to fix?
It seems that we have improperly mixed the concrete for our little 12x12 low-ground deck. Upon removing the sonotubes it appears that the concrete has pockets of air where no cement has mixed in. I am looking for ideas on how to fix (is it even possible?) as I am not looking forward to pulling those out (6x70lb each). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0214_sm.JPG
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0219_sm.JPG
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0223_sm.JPG
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0214_sm.JPG
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0219_sm.JPG
http://snooper.homeunix.org/pub/tmp/PICT0223_sm.JPG
#2
08-20-09, 06:34 PM
The footings are only supposed to be a few inches above grade, just enough to let the water run off. You were supposed to let them dry with a bracket in them & use a 4x4 between them & the beam. As you fill a tube with cement, always push a pinch bar in them a few times, when it's about half full & when it's full, to let the air out.
At this point, I'd leave it alone. I think it will hold.
At this point, I'd leave it alone. I think it will hold.
#5
08-23-09, 04:40 AM
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Thanks for the feedback - I ended up putting cement patching compound into the voids. I think we should be ok as long as the voids underground don't fill up with water and freeze, but I am going to put a sheet of 6 mil plastic over the beams to shield the posts to keep them dry. Next time (we're fencing, too) I will be poking the wet mix until I can poke no more ;-)
#6
08-23-09, 03:53 PM
Hold an electric sander against the rod next time, it moves the slurry water in the mix to fill voids. Back fill with gravel, under and around the piers, too. They should be on a footing to help prevent frost-heave. And wrap with poly.
Building a deck: expert advice from ... - Google Books
How Aggregates Prevent Frost Heave
SULIS - Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: U of MN.
Some insulation around them helps as well: ESB: Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
Be safe, G
Building a deck: expert advice from ... - Google Books
How Aggregates Prevent Frost Heave
SULIS - Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: U of MN.
Some insulation around them helps as well: ESB: Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
Be safe, G
