Hi all, I have lurked here for a while and as we are about to start building our yurt I thought I would start a thread on it to ask some questions and solicit advice as I'm sure others have either had the same questions or will soon!
Site info: We own 40 acres in Northern Utah where we don't need a permit to build our yurt...yay! 7,900 feet. Usually 5+ foot of standing snow in the winter. Gentle 5% slope/grade.
Yurt info: We decided on a 20' Pacific Yurt because we got a good deal on a kit that someone purchased a few years ago but never built (still on skids!) and
was super nice with answering our dumb questions thus far. Got the extra
and snow/wind kit. Plan on building the platform 3-5' above existing grade.
Build Equip: Kubota BX25D, a 'mini tractor' (
This one). Can dig up to 7' deep holes. Also got a super deal on a concrete mixer at Harbor Freight (
This one)...$125!
Builder info: I'm pretty handy but have never poured concrete footings. The platform is by far my main concern.
Question thus far: I'm ready to start digging and I plan on using Pacific's 20' platform plan found
HERE. I'm using Bigfoot Systems footing/sonotube system and will be sinking Simpson EPB 44 post holders (
THESE) into the top of the sonotubes. My main question is has anyone who used this combination (or is smart with these things...) used Re-bar in the sonotube? Did you bend the end of the rebar so that it fits in the 'curls' of the EPB44?
Thanks, will update this thread as things progress!