[TowerTalk] Water in hole for tower base

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 08/04/2000 6:26:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time, ve3fu@rac.ca 
writes:

> I dug a hole for my tower last summer but didn't get a chance to pour the
>  concrete.  With all the rain we've had this summer, the groundwater level
>  is higher than last year.  As a result, the hole fills up about half way (2
>  feet) after a day or so of rain, but slowy drains away during the dry
>  spells.  Only once this summer has the hole been completely void of water.
>  
>  Is this something I should be concerned about once the tower is up?  

    Nope. The concrete dries and that's about it. 

> Do I
>  have to order a special concrete mixture to account for the extra water?

    Nope. I think 3,000 psi is what's typically spec'ed.

>  Before pouring, I plan on waiting until the hole completely drains again,
>  or renting a submersible pump.
    
    Rent the pump. It doesn't sound like your rebar cage is in yet. Rent one 
for a week - that'll give you enough time to get everything done (around 
a-hundred bucks). 

    You'll need  a dry hole: 1) so you can finish digging out the hole if 
necessary; 2) to install the rebar cage (levelling it with concrete 
flagstones - the rebar CANNOT touch the soil); 3) to install the base fixture 
and level it; 4) to get the hole inspected (right?) and 5) so you can pour 
the concrete. 

Cheers,   Steve    K7LXC
Tower Tech 

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