Steel in soil connundrum
Steel in soil connundrum
(OP)
I have a client that wants to hilti a cantilever steel post (for a sign) to a slab, but IN a planter...with soil. I have advised protecting the steel with some sort of concrete pedestal / sonotube/etc, but they want to be able to easily dig out the dirt (about 3-4' deep) and remove the sign or swap it out if need be in the future...without hacking away at concrete. Other solutions include a small spread/concrete block they can just lift into place and then anchor to that.
However, the only thing I want to focus this thread on is the steel in soil. We know it's not a good idea, especially in a planter where there are sprinklers, and especially when we have fasteners, welds, and anchor holes. In my book, not good to have this stuff exposed in the dirt.
My client has offered using a waterproofing paint that is spec'd for the masonry (going on inside of planter) but I just don't know...gut says no, but I don't have a real good reason for saying so...
Anyone have any insight or experience with this in general or specifically with the CMU water proofing "paint"?
However, the only thing I want to focus this thread on is the steel in soil. We know it's not a good idea, especially in a planter where there are sprinklers, and especially when we have fasteners, welds, and anchor holes. In my book, not good to have this stuff exposed in the dirt.
My client has offered using a waterproofing paint that is spec'd for the masonry (going on inside of planter) but I just don't know...gut says no, but I don't have a real good reason for saying so...
Anyone have any insight or experience with this in general or specifically with the CMU water proofing "paint"?






RE: Steel in soil connundrum
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RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
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RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
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RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
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RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
I would also think about putting to the client in writing, perhaps with a simple e-mail, a recommendation that they thoroughly inspect the steel every 5 years and take recordings of steel wall thickness. There is no guarantee they will implement these recommendations, but at minimum you will always be able to prove that you advised it.
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
I still don't get why you don't use stainless. Do you really think the client wants to pay you to write this CYA letter or even inspect the steel every 5 years?
Have you had it priced out both ways?
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
I was under the impression that this was a small sign as you indicated it would attach to a slab. It should not be a problem to get a stainless member for that.
If it is big, then yes, that could be an issue of significant cost and lead time.
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
Bituminous paint is a simpler option, however if shortcuts are taken with the application your structure will deteriorate without anyone knowing about it.
I would never use steel sections that are not treated to be in direct contact with soil - it just isn't good practice.
RE: Steel in soil connundrum
it is indeed a small sign on a slab in a planter, about 10' tall. My client is a large sign company that rolls these out like clockwork so although stainless steel "could" be procured, they prefer to use what they have on their shelves where possible to keep manufacturing flowing.
Normally I spec bituminous paint or a two-part epoxy for smaller things, bituminous only for a bit larger, and sometimes even just go with concrete cover for much larger ones with larger expected service lives. They don't like the bituminous because it is "messy" (says them).
Thanks for all feedback!