Pile Cut-offs at an angle 1

[Dinosaur]

I am looking for a spec that calls for piles or other posts to be cut off at an angle to help prevent rainwater from penetrating the end grain. The railroad industry once did this when the original telegraph lines were installed, but I don't know where to go now for an example. I have proposed this in our highway construction specs and have been asked to substantiate it. Common sense is not adequate justification to many. Thx

 

[dik]

I would protect the ends of the piles rather than cut them at an angle to promote run-off.

Under normal conditions, I would not permit piles to be cut off at an angle.

Dik

 

[Dinosaur]

I guess I was not clear.

If you were going to install a sign supported by a wood post, would you think it unwise to cut the top of the post at an angle to prevent rainwater from attacking the top of the post?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Dinosaur - The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) specification for "Wood Poles, Stubs, and Anchor Logs" may give you something to reference. Paragaph 9.2 "Sawing", on page 29, allows (but does not require) a slope of 2:12. Here is the link

http://www.usda.gov/rus/regs/bulls/1728f700.pdf

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net