Is there a solution after watering to the back fill of the cured concrete footing?
Question:1) My planned deck has about 430 sqft, 12 holes were digged and concrete were poured in. Three dry days passed and the concrete were perfectly cured.
2) We started to build the posts (6x6 and 2 feet high) ) on the piers and the girders on top of the 6x6 posts. The girders are three times 2x10s. It took us three days to complete the job & leveling the girders. We had their position secured with studs attached to the house construction. Now the 12 piers were loaded with thousands pounds evenly.
3) My mistake was, that at this time, I found the surrounding of the piers under the surface had some big hallow space which were caused by insufficient earth backfilling. I thought water them might fill and cure the hallow space, and then I did it.
4) Some expereinced people said this might cause serious displacement in the base of the peirs and causing trubles later. But I checked carefully with the levels on the 2nd day, it seemed pretty much in position.
5) Is there a solution? ThanksLot
Answers:
You need to add more dirt since the back fill has settled. If you are concerned about getting the dirt packed in better, you could pour some dry fill sand in voids then gently pack it down.
Unless you used a mechanical packer when you back filled the dirt will always settle - part of nature.
Another option is to pack the dirt down around the piers then add and pack more dirt around them.
If the piers were poured properly and soil is not eroding from around them then you have no problems - just need to add more dirt. Don't worry this happens all the time when back filling.
One other thought. I don't know how you are attaching the girders, but remember to allow future leveling of the deck via shims. Settling occurs over a period of time.
Congrats on a job well done.
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