standing water in pier/footing holes
Building a large shed on poured concrete piers, 48″ deep. Had holes dug about 3 weeks ago, didn’t get time to set up sonotubes and pour (this is a “spare time” project at my place), and 2 weekends ago we had 9 inches of rain. Last weekend another 3. These holes are filled to the brim, and when I bailed them out, the bottom couple feet filled right back in. Oddly, the water level is not the same in all the holes (water is higher in holes where grade ascends). I say odd because at first I thought I was looking at a freakishly high ground water level, but if that were the case wouldn’t the water level be the same in all the holes?
Do I have to just wait it out, or is there some way to keep the water out of the forms long enough to pour and cure? I was planning on wrapping the tubes in 6 mil poly anyhow to prevent frost jacking, maybe there’s a way to seal them at the bottom?
I’m not very experienced with concrete and foundations, but I know enough to realize that pouring in these conditions will make for some pretty weak concrete. But I have the time and the help this week, and things will start freezing up here soon (Maine). Would love to figure out a way to get this done.
Any tips?
Thanks.
Edited 10/18/2005 8:10 pm ET by Megunticook
Edited 10/18/2005 8:11 pm ET by Megunticook
Replies
Suck 'em dry with a pump or siphon and be sure to muck out the bootms.
Hurry up and put in your concrete mix.
Done.
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we pour in water every day, but then our water table usually 18 inches down. pour a dry mix, about a three. start in a corner, piling high above water table. let the concrete roll into the water pushing the water out the other end. do not mix with water, try to slide the concrete under. hit with vibrator only once, just to move.
Perhaps you could scoop as much water out as possible. Then use the quick-setting concrete mix from a bag to soak up the remaining water to form a base. Then immediately pour your other cement mix on top while the quick-set is still wet.