embedded steel pole
embedded steel pole
(OP)
I have a client who is looking to embed some steel members in the ground to support some solar panels. I have never heard of this and he is convinced that it can be done. Aside from the corrosion issues, how would you calculate the capacity of a steel section embedded into the ground….. would you use the same equations as for sheet piling? Or is this something that would require load testing?
This seems like something he would need to consult a geotech on…. But the project is nowhere near that point yet.
This seems like something he would need to consult a geotech on…. But the project is nowhere near that point yet.






RE: embedded steel pole
Most likely i would think a concrete encasement around the steel would be wanted to provide the corrosion protection and so mass for stability and such, but I'm no geotech so I may be missing something.
RE: embedded steel pole
RE: embedded steel pole
RE: embedded steel pole
For one thing, it appears as if 1807.3 applies to embedded sections that are square or round. Even if I assume that my WF section is rectangular the section also references table 1806.2 for vertical loads. I wouldn't have much of a cross section to resist vertical loading so I am not sure if the section is still valid.
I suppose I could run some rough numbers using section 1807 to see what type of embedment I would get.
RE: embedded steel pole
I never considered you were using an WF member. Anytime I'm using this section it's in conjunction with a pipe or tube...and my vertical loads are minimal relative to lateral.
RE: embedded steel pole
Precautions:
1- Manufacturer loadings are based on Stowe position and this is often about 50 mph wind speed.
2- With HP sections, unless the moment is low due to short stanchion, pipe sections work better.
3- If the stanchions are tall, say 10 ft plus, a composite foundation design may work better. You will see the bending moment is too much for driven HP pile, and you may need to encase it in concrete pier in the upper soil zone.
4- If the client insists on concrete less system, the pile foundation Section needed for lateral and moment loads will be much heavier than the stanchion section. So you will need two HP or HSS sections.
RE: embedded steel pole
RE: embedded steel pole
You will need a Geotech.
RE: embedded steel pole
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I have been called "A storehouse of worthless information" many times.
RE: embedded steel pole
http://www.macleandixie.com/products/index.asp?DEP...
haven't spec'd this yet but ran across this on a same situation.
Unfortunately CHEAP pole foundations are the norm for these little "structures". I don't know why they even engage the services of engineers on this because they never listen and argue the whole way about how expensive it is to do what ever is prescribed. I will never do one of these again.
RE: embedded steel pole
RE: embedded steel pole