Galvanized Column In Soil. 1

[Cambridge99]

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.

 

[ishvaaag]

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.

 

[csd72]

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.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

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.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 

[jike]

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

 

[rowingengineer]

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

 

[cntw1953]

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.

 

[southard2]

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

 

[cvg]

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.