HSS Column weepholes
HSS Column weepholes
(OP)
I have an outdoor 30' tall canopy made of a HSS members, architecturally exposed steel. There is a welded cap plate on the columns, and the welded base plates are embedded in 2' of concrete (architectural curb). Do you usually put a vent hole in the column?
I am afraid that the column will eventually rust somewhere (cause these things always do eventually) and then water will get into the HSS. I am thinking of adding a weephole at the base, but not sure how to drain the inside of a column embedded in concrete. Thoughts?
I am afraid that the column will eventually rust somewhere (cause these things always do eventually) and then water will get into the HSS. I am thinking of adding a weephole at the base, but not sure how to drain the inside of a column embedded in concrete. Thoughts?






RE: HSS Column weepholes
RE: HSS Column weepholes
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RE: HSS Column weepholes
RE: HSS Column weepholes
In regards to all of you talking about galvanized columns, I have never seen a galvanized tube column, which leads me to assume that 1) they are expensive and your architect will laugh in your face 2) weep holes do just fine.
We buried some steel piles in the ground the other day without galvanic protection (pipe pile foundation support). The calcs said the pipe walls would last 80 years. So yes, they do corrode, but no, you will not be around when it finally does. If this is a concern use concrete.
RE: HSS Column weepholes
You should get around a bit more. Galvanized tube columns are common, and where I am, the architects insist on galvanizing for external columns.
Steel piles are a different issue. They either depend on extra thickness for a long term corrosion allowance, or galvanic protection if in an aggressive soil environment. Appearance is not an issue.
RE: HSS Column weepholes
Do I need a weephole near the base? (note the weephole could act as the vent hole) How do I drain the water from inside the column through the weephole? I can't put the weephole at the bottom of the column because of the concrete curb, and a weephole above the curb will not have anything to direct the water thru the weephole.
RE: HSS Column weepholes