How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
(OP)
I'm trying to help a co-worker determine how deep in the ground to the following: (5)-8" SCH STD Pipe x 30'-0" long. These are going to be poles for a netting to keep softballs from flying out of the field into the highway...crash! I'm sure there has to be a standard for stuff like this somewhere, or at least a rule of thumb.
I was thinking like a 24" diamter hole 6 feet deep and fill it up with concrete would do it, but might be overkill, so I figured someone here would know. Thanks.
I was thinking like a 24" diamter hole 6 feet deep and fill it up with concrete would do it, but might be overkill, so I figured someone here would know. Thanks.
Brian
www.mcabeeconstruction.com
Opinions expressed are my own and are not those of the company.






RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
Try this out and I think you will be o.k.Your pipe should be in the ground at least 1/4 the over all length of the pipe and your base hole needs to be 3 times the diamater of the pipe.concrete is very much needed here.it's not overkill due to wind shear and you need to factor the weight of netting it self
Good luck
Ed
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
Many thanks.
Brian
www.mcabeeconstruction.com
Opinions expressed are my own and are not those of the company.
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
IBC 2003 Section 1805.7 deals specifically with pole embedments. If you haven't converted to IBC, then UBC 97 Section 1806.8 will do it.
I would suggest creating a simple spreadsheet because it is an iterative and irritating process.
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
I do not make a habit of giving advise based on guessing.
If you do the math you will see that may design is well with in the very standards you have cited.
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
Thanks again.
Brian
www.mcabeeconstruction.com
Opinions expressed are my own and are not those of the company.
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
I mean this kindly- this forum is not usually used to solicit specific structural designs. We share approaches and experience in a general way, mostly. Requesting confirmation of embedment depth for your poles based on a brief post in this forum isn't really a fair thing to ask. There are several factors that need to be considered in answering this question, not least of which is site conditions.
Your project could get "official" really fast if the poles and nets blow down onto somebody's car or worse. Suggest you talk to a geotechnical engineer in your area. Regards.
RE: How much of the structure needs to be below ground?
Thanks for the replies and motherly lectures folks. ;0)
Brian
www.mcabeeconstruction.com
Opinions expressed are my own and are not those of the company.