What is Concrete Forming Tube ?
The only area where the use of these concrete forming tubes is limited is in standing water. The structures can only withstand water for about 24 hours. There are special forms that come with maximum strength that allows them to withstand wet conditions for 72 hours. In wet areas, the top should be covered so that the structure does not fill with water.
Two pieces of sonotube can be used together provided they have the same diameter. You just have to slit them vertically to fit together and then strap them above and below. You can either strap them or use sheet metal screws. Note that sonotubes are not fire rated since they are for temporary use only. They should be removed from the jobsite before the project is completed.
By using sonotube, you lessen the amount of concrete you use. And depending on the soil, you may not have to use any concrete. Sonotubes are readily available in the market from the local sonotube distributers.
What is a Sonotube used for?
Generally, concrete columns can be used in a variety of applications. Sonotubes offer an affordable and efficient method of producing different sizes of concrete columns in terms of length and column diameter. Short and wide columns are often used as sturdy bases for parking lot lamps, street signals, streetlights, and deck posts. On the other hand, tall concrete columns are majorly used for external decoration, foundational support in basements, roof support around buildings, warehouses, and more.
Sonotubes are associated with incredible cost-efficiency and strength-to-weight ratio. Sound hobbyists and sound technicians use Sonotubes cut in half vertically to enhance acoustics in sanctuaries and auditoriums. They can also be used in the construction of sound cabinets because cardboard walls don’t absorb sound waves. That makes them an ideal material. The versatility of Sonotubes is among one of their many benefits. Though they’re not reusable, they don’t require extra exterior support as it is the case with steel and fiberglass.
Choosing the right sonotubes
The maximum rate of pour
A standard wall sonotube (about 12 foot long) and a 20-foot long heavy wall commercial sonotube are designed to be filled in one lift with no restrictions on pour rate. However, to achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use multiple short lifts to equate vibration. Hire a technical assistant for concrete columns in excess of 20′.
Fire rating for sonotubes
Generally, Sonotubes are not fire rated. This is because their intended use is temporary, and single-use concrete forms should be removed from the job site upon successful project completion.
The Sonotube’s crush value
Can Sonotubes be used in water?
Though Sonotubes are created with patented water-resistant tech, they are not supposed to be exposed to stagnant water for a long period. Under these conditions, their performance isn’t guaranteed, but sometimes you can’t avoid placing them in water. In case groundwater seeps into the specific hole you plan to install a Sonotube or the soil appears to be saturated, it’s recommended to use Sonotube Commercial form, seal the bottom edge of the sonotube with duct tape, and complete the concrete pour no more than 4 hours after the Sonotube has been exposed to water.