TubeBase

TubeBase plastic square footing forms are used in conjunction with Sonotube forms.

When you use this innovative product, excavation, backfill and pouring concrete become a one-step process. The result is lower costs due to savings in time, labor and materials.

Benefits of TubeBase

Cost and time efficient prefabricated plastic footing form, used in lieu of conventional wood forming method.
Allows for simultaneous forming of concrete footings and column.
TubeBase easily facilitates the use of rebar through our unique corner perforations to tie the rebar, providing for additional structural integrity. (Use of rebar should be designed and approved by a qualified engineer.)
Square design provides a larger base area coverage and structural stability for the footing and column.
Square design prevents potential uplift of form in case of frost.
Compatible with 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16” and 18” Sonotube concrete forms.
Square design allows for additional soil bearing capacity.
TubeBase wedge system accommodates all types of Sonotube Concrete forms.
TubeBase protects the footing from the intrusion of water thereby increasing the quality of the footing.
Made entirely from recycled plastic.

TubeBase Applications

If you haven't used a Sonotube concrete forming tube, you haven't discovered the most cost-effective way to create a diverse range of round columns or posts.

Its rain-resistant properties and smooth interior make it one of the most versatile construction products on the market. The following list includes some of the more common end uses, but it's not anywhere close to being inclusive:

Additions Antennas Arbors Barns Basketball Net Poles Bollards Children’s Playground Clothes Lines Cottages/Camps Decks Docks Fencing Flag Poles Garages Gate Posts Gazebos Greenhouses Hammock Poles	Light Poles Lolly Column Forming Mail Boxes Mobile Homes Moorings Pergolas Porches Port Cochere Prefab Homes Raised Decks Satellite Dishes Sculptures/Statues Signs Storage Sheds Sun Rooms Tennis Court Lights Verandas Volleyball Net Poles

Installation

Below grade/ground installation tips

Excavate hole to a depth to avoid frost penetrating under pier. (Typically 4’ to 6’.)
Apply Sonotube form to TubeBase footing form.
Cut off excess plastic at top of wedges to desired Sonotube form size.
Attach Sonotube form to TubeBase footing form with a minimum of 4, 1” screws.
Place TubeBase footing form at desired location. (On undisturbed soil or 4”-6” of compacted crushed stone or gravel.)
Install footing rebar if required. (Rebar installation should be approved and designed by a qualified engineer and meet all building code requirements.)
Level/plumb Sonotube form/TubeBase footing form prior to backfilling.
Sonotube form and TubeBase footing form combined cannot exceed/extend 24” or more above grade/ground.
Have inspected by building inspector as required by different municipalities.
Backfill making sure Sonotube form remains level/ plumbed at desired location.
Prior to pouring concrete into Sonotube form invert spare TubeBase on top of Sonotube form to act as a funnel for concrete pour.
Pour concrete.
Install anchor bolt to accept bracket as required.

Above grade/ground installation tips

For any TubeBase footing form project which requires the combined use of a Sonotube form and TubeBase footing form to exceed/extend 24” above ground/grade when pouring concrete, the Sonotube form MUST be braced to prevent movement of Sonotube form while the concrete is curing. (Conventional methods: Strapping or 2X materials w/stakes; wooden collar; frame with side braces)

For more information about TubeBase footing forms, visit the Sound Footings web site.