Footers

Question 1

What is a footer?

Answer 1

An enlarge net extension of the foundation which desperses the weight of a structure into the ground.

Question 2

What does PSI mean?

Answer 2

Pounds per square inch

Question 3

what is the standard psi concrete strength in your area for footers?

Answer 3

2500 psi

Question 4

what is the acceptable percentage of calcium that can be added to concrete during cold conditions?

Answer 4

2%

Question 5

How do you calculate how many cubic yards of concrete needed in a footer?

Answer 5

1) concert inches into feet (8”/12’) 2) LxHxW 3) convert to Cubic Yards: divide LxHxW by 27

Question 6

What is a footer bulkhead?

Answer 6

Transfers weight distribution between different footer elevations.

Question 7

When and where do you use a footer bulkhead?

Answer 7

Changes in elevation. example: walkouts or townhouse steps

Question 8

Why do we use footer bulkheads?

Answer 8

holds weight when change in elevation

Question 9

Do you need extra concrete for footer bulkheads?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What is rebar?

Answer 10

steel bar that adds extra strength and support to concrete

Question 11

what is the diameter of #4 Rebar?

Answer 11

1/2”

Question 12

what is the diameter of #7 Rebar?

Answer 12

7/8”

Question 13

what is a stanchion pad?

Answer 13

concrete pier used to support a stanchion post.

Question 14

How do you determine the thickness of a stanchion pad?

Answer 14

Standard 24”x24” by 12” depth

Question 15

Grade beam

Answer 15

horizontal load bearing foundation

Question 16

floating footer

Answer 16

unformed footer used when poor soil conditions exist. it is usually wider and has rebar

Question 17

conventional footer

Answer 17

footer that is formed and trenched

Question 18

underpinning a footer

Answer 18

is a method used to increase footer strength and depth.

Question 19

On unstable ground, at what point would you convert from using sub grade block to a grade beam?

Answer 19

Once you hit frost level and there isn’t good soil.

Question 20

frost line

Answer 20

depth of frost footer (24”)

Question 21

what is the minimum forst line in your area?

Answer 21

24”

Question 22

what is the elevation of a stanchion pad in relation to the top of the footer?

Answer 22

1” below footer

Question 23

what is the maximum tolerance for a footer to be out of square and out of level in your market/

Answer 23

1/2” square and 1/4” level

Question 24

within what time period should the footer forming material be removed?

Answer 24

24 hours

Question 25

where should any excess concrete be unloaded?

Answer 25

6 mil poly

Question 26

what is a keyway?

Answer 26

groove in footer designed to provide a channel for concrete to tie into. 3 1/2”W and 1 1/2” deep

Question 27

what mix concrete do you use for a footer in your area?

Answer 27

2500 PSI

Question 28

How do you check a footer to ensure its squareness?

Answer 28

Pull diagonals on foundation plan