How dry does ground have to be to pour concrete footings?

Question

I am trying to build a deck, but the rain has been non stop in Nebraska. Just when the ground gets dry enough and we plan to pour, it rains. How dry does the ground need to be to pour concrete footings, and how long does it need after poured before it can get wet from the rain?

Answer 1

if there is minimal water in the post hole ,and you are using a common 8" dia. hole with 42 inch frostline you can dry6 pour a half of a bag60# it will cure faster in water,after 8-12 hours you can set and plumb your posts and either dry pour crete,or use a sona tube and pack gravel,which is better for drainage

and won't heave the post like concrete can if the water table

is high enough and you get a freeze. wait 24 hrs to load posts

if you have clay as we do in mich you are better using a 10" hole and sonatube,6x6 if the deck is going 2nd story

Answer 2

Without knowing the type footer your planning on using I will take a shot.

I would say your just using post holes as a footer,or something close.It should be by all rights dry,you may need to over dig a bit to find good ground again.

If overdigging presents a problem for elevations you may need to bring in some structural fill,ie road base and compact.Typically once it's poured and sets a few hours your ok.If you are looking at rain it's always a thought to cover using plastic.

I have had more than one prepped pour go south because of rain,I didn't like it but then again "it is what it is".

Good Luck

Answer 3

as long as theres no standing water in it pour it, then cover it for 3 days,

Answer 4

Concrete curing is a chemical reaction - it'll cure underwater.  The reaction, BTW, goes on for years, but it'll reach 70% of it's compressive strength in about 3 weeks.

If you can keep the top of it dry (so the rain doesn't wash it away) you can go for it, IMHO.