Flagpoles
Flagpoles
(OP)
I am looking for some information on flagpole design. I am conducting some preliminary research into the correction of a problem with the pin openings on a flagpole. The flagpole is an aluminum, 50', cone tapered, tilt-down (pin connection pivot point with two steel channels for supports imbedded into the concrete foundation) flagpole in an open area close to the coast line that needs to be able to withstand Category 2 hurricane wind speeds and gusts (up to 120 mph). The problem involves the holes on the flagpole itself. A hurricane hit the area in 2003 and since then these openings have been getting larger, the pins are "banging" against the openings and forcing the aluminum to roll back whenever the wind changes. Presently the flagpole is on a tilt and we are looking for some way to rectify the situation without replacing the flagpole. I have come up with a few ideas on how to right the situation, but I am unfamiliar with flagpole design and any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
NLEngineer
Thanks
NLEngineer






RE: Flagpoles
This one has failed - given the nature of Aluminium in terms of fatigue you cannot, realistically effect a repair.
Does it really have to withstand a hurricane?
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Thanks for your help pba.
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http://www.alcotec.com/qanda1.htm
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If you are to keep the existing pole can't you just replace the pins with larger ones?
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how about bushing the holes ? or use larger diameter pins ...
how much deformation has there been at the holes ? is the pole still straight (straightish) ?
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can you lower the flagpole, or do you have to repair in situ (this'll really restrict your options) ? can you access the inside face (near the pins, to rework) ? or the outside face ? i'm thinking of collars to reinforce the damaged area. can you rework the outside face (or is this restricted by the flagpole mounting) ?
how basic is your manufacturing support ... sophisticated (can do machinings), routine (rework stock material), basic (can buy common hardware and materials and beat them into shape) ?
RE: Flagpoles
But I can say that the flagpole can be lowered, and taken off the supports in order for it to be fixed.
We do not have exact information about everything right now, as this is preliminary and we're just looking at ideas at the moment. I believe the wall is about 0.188" thick and the pin diameter is about 2". I think I may be mistaken at the increase in hole size as I am trying to track down original measurements or drawings of some sort, then I'll know more.
There is also space between the pole and it's supports because there possible used to be a sleeve there.
I apolgize for the lack of info, but I myself am having a hard time tracking down certain things at the moment.
Thanks for all the help though!
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can you "precision" drill holes ... if you had to replicate the existing holes in a solid repair piece ? i'm picturing repair plates around the outside of the flagpole, the inside would be nice too (possibly manufactured off-site); then you'd need to replicate the original holes.
can you freeze fit bushings ? say in LN2. this would be a good way to repair the holes, but can be a little bit tricky ... i've never dealt with 3" repair plugs !?
why is replacement out of the question ?
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Thanks for all your ideas anyway, they've been very helpful.
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