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Installation Questions:

  1. Why are there 6 rings on the Bigfoot if it will only fit 2 size tubes?
  2. How much concrete does it take to fill the Bigfoot?
  3. How much concrete does it take to fill the Bigfoot and construction tube?
  4. Do I have to use Rebar or steel reinforcement with the Bigfoot Systems® Footing Forms?
  5. How do I install Rebar?
  6. Do any issues arise with regard to differential settling when using Bigfoot on less than solid ground?
  7. How does hillside installation work?
  8. Does Bigfoot Systems Inc have plans to increase the size of the "flanges"around the base of the footings for"spiking the product to the earth" in above ground applications?
  9. How deep do the footings need to be in the ground?
  10. Do you have to fill the whole system with concrete or can you fill the bottom with gravel?
  11. Do you have to take the form off after it is poured?
  12. Do I need to level the construction tube?
  13. At what height above the surface do I need to cross brace?
  14. Can one Bigfoot Systems® Footing Form be used as a funnel to pour concrete into the system?

Installation Questions:

1. Why are there 6 rings on the Bigfoot if it will only fit 2 size tubes?

Tubes come in S/M/L sizes so they can nest the tubes inside each other for ease of shipping and storage. For example 8 inch tubes are sized as follows: small- 7.5 inches, medium- 8 inches and large- 8.5 inches.

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2. How much concrete does it take to fill the Bigfoot?

Concrete volumes are included on the Bigfoot Systems® Footing Form label as well as here on the website. View our Concrete Volumes Tables.

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3. How much concrete does it take to fill the Bigfoot and construction tube?

Concrete volumes tables are on the website. Click here to view our Concrete Volumes Tables .


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4. Do I have to use Rebar or steel reinforcement with the Bigfoot Systems® Footing Forms?

Yes, it is recommended.

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5. How do I install Rebar?

Pour concrete using a Bigfoot inverted on top of the tube as a funnel. Insert 3 or 4 rebar rods into the tube, down to the air holes in the Bigfoot. To determine the length of rebar, measure the distance from the top of the tube to the air holes located on the Bigfoot Systems® Footing Form before you place it in the excavation and backfill.

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6. Do any issues arise with regard to differential settling when using Bigfoot on less than solid ground?

The Bigfoot Systems ® Footing Form must be placed on undisturbed soil or 4 to 6 inches of compacted, crushed gravel or stone. As with any construction project, the more solid the ground, the less likely movement will occur.

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7. How does hillside installation work?

This method should be treated as an above ground application—unless the system can be backfilled. Hillside construction is always difficult. For pier construction with Bigfoot, dig into the hillside to establish a solid base, make sure the footing is secure, then follow installation instructions .

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8. Does Bigfoot Systems Inc. have plans to increase the size of the "flanges"around the base of the footings for "spiking the product to the earth" in above ground applications?

Not at this time. when you drill the 3/8 inch hole in the detent marks at each rib location in the Bigfoot, place the drill at a 45° angle, and then drill the hole. Doing it this way, leaves enough flange for the spike to grab.

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9. How deep do the footings need to be in the ground?

They need to be placed 4-6 inches below the frost line. If there is no frost then Bigfoot footings must be backfilled up to 2 feet to hold it in place while pouring. See below grade installation.

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10. Do you have to fill the whole system with concrete or can you fill the bottom with gravel?

You must fill the whole system, footing form and construction tube combined. Do not use gravel to fill the Bigfoot. Click here to check out concrete volumes required in our Concrete Volumes Tables .

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11. Do you have to take the form off after it is poured?

No.

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12. Do I need to level the construction tube?

Yes.

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13. At what height above the surface do I need to cross brace

If the tube extends more than 3 feet above grade it must be braced.

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14. Can one Bigfoot Systems® Footing Form be used as a funnel to pour concrete into the system?

Yes, simply place an inverted Bigfoot on top of the construction tube and pour.

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