ᐅ When are Pergolux point foundations load-bearing?

Hello,

I have installed six pier foundations in several stages underneath our terrace. Two pergolas from Pergolux will be set up here.

The foundations measure 40x40 cm (16x16 inches) or 50x40 cm (20x16 inches) and are each about 50 cm (20 inches) deep. Below them is a gravel layer approximately 30 cm (12 inches) thick.

The oldest foundation is about 8 days old, the newest one 4 days.

In recent days, the temperature has been around 10°C (50°F), sometimes up to 14°C (57°F), but at night it has dropped to around 5°C (41°F).

When can I start assembling the Pergolux and secure it to the foundations? The attachment will be done using stainless steel (V4A) concrete screws. Each Pergolux weighs about 200 kg (440 lbs) fully assembled. The larger foundations each support both pergolas placed side by side.

Thank you very much.

Theoretically only after 30 days. I would just do it after a week...

I still need to build mine this year as well. According to Pergolux, point foundations measuring 85x85x85 cm (33.5x33.5x33.5 inches) should be made, but I think that’s quite excessive. Are the sizes you mentioned sufficient? I don’t have any experience with this yet, as I have only poured concrete for fences and posts so far.

I personally think that’s exaggerated. You just need to be careful how you install the base plates. With anchor bolts, you should have enough concrete around them; otherwise, it could break out. That’s why I prefer to use concrete screws for added safety.

Regarding my question: I would like to start the installation the Saturday after next. That means the oldest foundation would be about 19 days old, the youngest about 13 days.

Our installers waited 4 weeks before starting the assembly, but they are from a professional company and guarantee the installation.
Why the rush? Here, the temperature is still between 0 and 10°C (32 and 50°F), and it’s February.
Wait until April and everything will be fine.

I don’t see a problem with this now. Concrete doesn’t cure evenly; it hardens quickly at first, then more slowly. The masons often start working on the intermediate floor 1-2 days after pouring the concrete.

I also think 85x85x85 is massively overkill. 40x40 should be sufficient, especially with 200 kilograms (440 lbs) distributed over multiple footings. Regarding wind loads, that’s also enough if it bonds well with the surrounding soil or gravel. For anything that expands, leave at least a 10cm (4 inch) clearance around the edge. Ideally, a bit more.