Quick question about Shuttering Ply/Footings

[zappastix]

Hi

Is it permissible to add a "ply bottom" to shuttering for residential footings?

At the moment we have a two sided and two ends for the box.

Because we are running out of time (due to lots of problems) I want to only have
to call the BI back once - so that we can get the OK for concrete delivery.

There will be a wide gap around the box because we have got to put it together
in situ - so the BI should be able to see what type of ground it is.

Or does the concrete have to make contact with the ground?

We hope to remove the ply once concrete has set
(have you seen the price of it from Wickes - £260 for 10 8' x 4' sheets) criminal.

Thanks.

Stephen

 

[RedHerring2]

This doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Why would you want a ply bottom to footings? How can you remove it afterwards? Yes, the BCO will want to see the condition of the bottom of the trench, irrespctive of the ground around it. And, finally, the BCO will say, "What is that?".

 

[zappastix]

Thanks that is what I wanted to know.

We thought by using a "bottom" this would give us a perfect flat surface.

 

[theoldun]

Short answer no, no, no.
Your shutter is your excavated foundation trench.
You only use shutter if your banks have collapsed and you wish to save on concrete.
oldun

 

[zappastix]

You only use shutter if your banks have collapsed and you wish to save on concrete.
oldun

uummm read this oldun (we've got it out now)

//www.diynot.com/forums/building/help-very-urgent-digger-truck-stuck.291574/

 

[Norcon]

Shouldn't you have a structural engineer involved to have a look at this hole in the ground you have dug?
He should be able to assess and test the bearing capacity of the soil and underlying strata and advise on the best type of foundation.
Maybe piles and ground beams would be a better option or a raft?
Pouring concrete unto a mire of uneven wet mud is not a good option.

 

[theoldun]

oldun
uummm read this oldun (we've got it out now)
//www.diynot.com/forums/building/help-very-urgent-digger-truck-stuck.291574/[/QUOTE]

Things happen. Saw 40 tonne 360 stuck once. Took them a week to get it out. Knew the driver, He was a good one as well but he hit running sand and down he went.
As stated above shutter your banks, but no ply on bottom. Concrete always goes on terra firma in this situation.
Hope you are better shuttering hands than digger drivers, other wise you will loose the lot.
oldun