Laying concrete strip foundations in this weather!

[alhajeri]

Hi all, I'm a novice DIYer, I've spent the last month researching and planning pouring concrete footings for single skin wall, build the wall, lay hardcore and slabs and create a land drain!

I've dug out to depth for the footings today, hoping to pour concrete tomorrow (weather permitting). Am I best lining the trench with polythene sheeting and pouring the concrete onto that to prevent residual water in the soil from mixing with the concrete?

Watched plenty of videos where concrete is poured into trench without any formwork. Am I stupid to consider using chipboard to create formwork? Trench is 5 metres long and trying to scrimp on timber if I can avoid it!

Any responses will be much appreciated!

 

[wrathkeg]

http://www.pavingexpert.com/faq_weather01.htm

http://www.pavingexpert.com/featur03.htm

 

[pinenot]

Dig a trench is the standard industry approach, as long as the ground is suitable i.e. the sides of the trench will remain in a perpendicular (upright) angle to form the mould sides. When you use any form of timber/ply etc. then these should be removed once the concrete has set (next day during the winter months) but not dried. A we bit of cooking oil or grease rubbed onto the surface to act as a release agent, helps to...pinenot

 

[alhajeri]

appreciate the guidance, had an instinct that formwork was a bit overboard...