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Galvanized Column In Soil.

Galvanized Column In Soil.

Galvanized Column In Soil.

(OP)
I have a contractor that would like to place a galvanized column directly onto a pad footing below grade instead of bring a concrete pier above ground.  
What is the easiest way to protect the galvanized column from the soil?
Is the galvanizing enough? Probably not.   

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

Normally a plynth of the more impervious concrete at hand would be used at least. Also, once constructed, seal well the access to water from above with silicon, others last little.

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

Bituminous paint up to ground level.

Helical piles are galvanised and if you google it you will find plenty of information on the performance of galvanising in soils.

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

Check the pH of the soil. We have areas with acidic soil, and we are lucky if we get 10 years out of galvanized CMP culverts. We usually use SICPP, and have to use RCP when we can't use plastic.

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RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

Encase column in concrete or 2 heavy coats of bituminous coating.

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

What is the environment? that is soil conditions, covered or uncovered, how deep are we talking, water table height, water table salt content, close to the coast ect? If the conditions are mild, then the problem point is normally 150-200mm above and below where the soil stops. If the conditions are greater than mild, then we need more info.

Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

The column might have noticeable displacement at the floor level due to larger curveture (as opposed to curveture starts on top of pedestal near/at floor level). Other than not look so good, you may need to pay attention to joint (slab/column) details to accommodate the anticipated deformation.

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

Don't do it.  If it falls down you will be the one everyone blames.  If absolutely must consider placing a note on your plans stating that the below grade column requires monitoring and maintenance.  I hate stuff like this.  Perhaps you could place gravel and clean sand around the column to improve drainage of water away from the column.

John Southard, M.S., P.E.
http://www.pdhlibrary.com

RE: Galvanized Column In Soil.

place the gravel and clean sand below the column base otherwise you may encourage water to drain into the granular layer. better to encase in concrete or raise the top of footing above grade.

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