How much re-bar, in regards to spacing, is needed for a 12" diameter sono tube? I'm thinking that 4 1/2" diameter re-bar in a square pattern sunk around 2' in the ground would be fine. Also there will be a footer of around 6"--12" deep.
These sono tubes will be holding up my 14' x 28' Builders Cottage and a 7' x 28' lean too addition. Tubes will be spaced roughly 5 1/2' apart.
That's what I used with my 12 in. tubes, with a couple of rings to strengthen it. I had heard that you shouldn't have the bars directly in the ground as it could start to rust and travel up the metal. Maybe not a real concern though. I bent mine in a U shape and propped them up off the bottom with small stones before I poured.
Yup, they should be propped off the bottom and not touching the dirt. Don't use a clay brick because they will wick up moisture. I think this rule is important where the rebar is lying horizontally along footings. Maybe not a big issue with rebar vertically in a post.
Do keep the rebar 2" from the side of the form.
Yes, do not drive them into the ground.
There are several plastic chairs you can purchase for this usage. They are very inexpensive. If you do not have a construction outlet close there are a couple mail order places on the net and the big box stores carry a few.
Thanks for the info about not letting the re-bar touch the ground. Had to re-search what a "chair" is, but when I saw them at the lumber yard I realized that I had seen these before. Will use the chairs for sure in the footers.
Now the sono tubes that Lowes and Menards have run a +/- 1/2" difference in diameter! Is this normal?
QuoteNow the sono tubes that Lowes and Menards have run a +/- 1/2" difference in diameter! Is this normal?
Yep. So they can ship and store them more efficiently.
That's what I was thinking.....for storage.