[TowerTalk] high water table vs tower base

[Richard Karlquist]

Towers typically come with documentation from the manufacturer defining
what size concrete base must be used, and the calcs are based on the
hole being dug in "undisturbed" soil, which is assumed to be good for
so many PSI, etc.  What happens if you are in an area with a high water
table such that the top few feet of soil have turned to mud; i.e., you
can push a stick into it a foot or two with hand pressure only instead
of hitting with a rubber mallet as would usually be the case.  Do you
have to increase the depth of the hole by the height of the water table?
Should concrete pilings be used instead of the traditional block of 
concrete?  Can you dry out the area immediately around the tower by 
protecting it from rain with a roof or concrete slab (like the ones
used around the top of wells).  Any ideas?

Rick Karlquist N6RK
rick@area.com

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