Some vital tips to develop a column independently

A column footing generally stands for a block of concrete that is poured in the bottom of a hole with the purpose of allocating the weight provided on the column to a greater area. As a result, the columns can?t go down into the ground in due course. Given below, some useful guidelines to pour the footings independently.

Step 1 - Measure the Footing: Label the spot to locate the correct center point of the column.

After that, work out and mark out a square that is 12 inches larger regarding the size of the column, and excavate the hole. Standard depth should be 12 inches along with one extra inch for each three inches of column. As for instance, the minimum depth should be 14 inches for a six-inch column. More is always recommended.

Step 2 - Level the Bottom: The bottom of the hole should be leveled. If it is not possible to work with a shovel because of shortage of space, utilize a concrete trowel.

Then, take the measurement from the bottom 12 inches along with the depth added for column size, and fix a nail into the side of the hole at that depth on all four sides. Instead, provide a stake into the bottom of the hole, leaving that amount of the stake uncovered.

Step 3 - Measure the Concrete required: Cut a piece of wire mesh as per size of the hole, and put aside. It is assumed that minimum one full bag of concrete should be needed for the column footing or possibly more, but the formula for making perfect measurement is L x W x H / 12 to obtain the result for the number of bags required, rounded up. The height should be the distance from the bottom of the hole to the nails (or the top of your grade stake).

While arranging a column permanently, work out the concrete to fill the hole to within three inches of the top. Apply a mix containing small rocks in it since these rocks will arrange reinforcement and avoid cracking.

Step 4 - Pour the Footing: Mix the concrete based on your calculations. It is suggested not to mix excessively than required amount to fill the hole up to the nails at this time. It will be the actual footing and it should be poured discretely first, prior to adding the permanent concrete setting. Shovel or pour the concrete into the hole, but take precautions not to cave in the sides. Set the wire mesh down into the concrete, roughly halfway to the bottom.

The finishing of the surface should be smooth, but not slippery. Employ the nails as a guide for the finish depth along with them hardly over the top of the footing.

As these nails are only a guide, therefore, apply a torpedo level for leveling the footing. Allow a footing to be cured for minimum 48 hours prior to setting the column.

Step 5 - Set the Columns: While setting permanent columns, arrange one end on the footing after it is cured. Brace the column to retain it perfectly in vertical direction while checking on all sides. After that, mix the remaining concrete from your calculation and fill the hole upto three inches of the top.

Some vital tips to develop a column independently