Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Nov 13, 2001 12:34am | #1

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   if the piers are no more than 12" tall.. you could probably load them tomorrow...

   if they are taller than that , you will probably want to wait 7 days for them to achieve half of their design strength...

   so... somtime between tomorrow & 7 days would be appropriate...leaving the forms in place to add temporary support would also allow for an earlier loading..

   ... i like the 6x6.. it's replacing a 4' dia, lally so skip the 4x4

   b but hey, whadda i no ?

1. 
   Ryan_C | Nov 13, 2001 12:41am | #2

   *Concrete takes 21 days to fully cure but even cautious builders will start construction after a week.I'd wait three or four days before putting a column on it.Without knowing what it's holding up, nobody can tell you definately if a 4x4 or even a 6x6 is adequate. But a 4x4 usually is enough. Steel columns are cheap and easy to install. I prefer steel.One question: Does your column have a footing? Usually a 16x16 or 24x24 concrete footing with rebar is poured under the concrete pier.

1. 
   E_Pinkston | Nov 13, 2001 12:56am | #3

   *Thanks Mike! The forms are 9 inches but I'm leaning toward waiting til monday and use 6x6's.Ryan, There was an existing 16x16 footing that I epoxied rebar into before pouring and using a bonding agent. Why do you prefer steel? I see them rusted all the time. If You use steel, do you cut them to length on site and weld on the top and bottom plates or do you have them fabricated somwhere and just pop them in?

1. 
   bill_burns | Nov 13, 2001 01:52am | #4

   *I have posts fabricated. I get 4" posts for around 75.00 cut and welded to size I need.

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Nov 13, 2001 01:57am | #5

   *e.p. we use 4" lally column.. cut on site with a 4" pipe cutter...then we jack the beam 1/4 " high.. slide the column in and let it down onto the plates..if the column comes with a welded plate , we use a welded plate.. usually it's just 4 nipples..and....if the columns are rusting, you have a water problem.. so you should fix the water problem...lally columns shouldn't be rusting...

2. 
   E_Pinkston | Nov 13, 2001 02:16am | #6

   *Mike,The reason for adding the piers to the existing footings is because of occasional water problems that the home-owners don't have the money to properly fix. What are the nipples you're referring to on the lally columns. Are they like the plates that with screw jacks? Do they not have to be permanantly attached to the post? I like the strength that steel gives but new columns at $75 a pop as bill suggests seems pricey compared to a $15 piece of wood I can cut on sight without a trip to my local welder. If the "nipples" you suggest work without welding that seems like a good way to go. How about the epoxies like J.B. Weld. Would they do an adequae job once there is weight on them? Thanks again to everyone!

2. 
   E_Pinkston | Nov 13, 2001 02:16am | #7

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   I'm replacing some lolly columns in a dug out basement that has rusted through (the columns rusted, not the basement:). I just finished pouring the footings and piers (12 inch round pier) and was curious as to how long I should wait before installing the new posts. Can I do it tommorrow when I strip the forms or should I wait a while? Also, I was planning on using 6x6 pt posts. Is this overkill? Would 4x4's be OK? Single story house so minimum load.