Timber Pile Cut Off

[mjohan]

I was looking for some suggestions on timber pile protection at the cut off. Our spec's call for (3) coats hot creosote followed by one coat of coal tar pitch. The contractor pouring the pile caps and grade beams would like to use the creosote and substitute the tar with a 15# felt. Is this an acceptable coating?

Also, when talking with the contractor I got the feeling that hot creosote was not what he had in mind. Can the creosote be applied cold?

Thanks

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Could you make a counter proposal to the contractor? Many state DOTs and other specifications require timber pile cut-offs and repairs to be protected in accordance with the latest edition of "AWPA M4" (American Wood-Preservers' Association).

Here is a link the site to purchase the latest edition - AWPA M4-02 (Very affordable at $12.00)

http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-bin/b..._id=89&startAt=11&batchSize=10&orderBy=doc_no

If the contractor does not like your spec, here is a diplomatic way to give him other acceptable choices without buying into his "home-brewed" solution.

 

[dicksewerrat]

What is his problem? He bid by the spec. Make him live by the spec. Also make sure he disposes of the cut offs in a proper manner. This was always a mystery to me. We can drive creosote coated piles into a wetland but had to dispose the cut offs as hazardous waste.