[TowerTalk] screw anchors

[Pete Smith]

It's probably worth pointing out that ANY anchor scheme that relies on galvanized steel hardware below ground is exposed to the same potential for galvanic action; some pretty serious tower people around here make it a practice to coat any galvanized hardware that will be below ground with asphalt roofing cement before installing it. 

73, Pete N4ZR

At 03:24 PM 1/16/2006, k0dan wrote:
>This topic has generated many threads. I was one of the "screwees" but I'd
>like to point out there have been TWO types of failures reported.
>
>One type described anchors being pulled out of "soupy" soil, as you put it.
>Therein lies one set of issues.
>
>The other type (mine) occured due to long-term deteriroation of the anchor's
>materials, due to galvanic action of the soil + moisture. And therein lies
>another set of issues, which as far as I know have not been well documented
>in the amateur radio community.
>
>I'm not defending or attacking any hardware or design criteria, I'd just
>like to point out that those of us who are putting screw anchors directly
>into soil should be aware that their materials may be subject to
>environmental factors which could change their design over time.
>
>This thread has been very informative, and another recent post shared that
>great Hubbel "anchor encyclopedia". All my installs took place before this
>reflector existing, according to manufactuer's specs, and before the web as
>we know it. Wish I'd had this info and discussion previosuly!
>
>Good luck to all.
>
>73
>Dan
>K0DAN
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Carrington, Walter" <Walter.Carrington at umassmed.edu>
>To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 10:36 AM
>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] screw anchors
>
>
>> In winter in MA (wind chill -30 last night),  my screw anchors will hold
>any tower up till the steel fails.  When the ground thaws in the spring it
>becomes much less secure. The screw anchor failure I read about happened
>when heavy rain turned the poor ham's soil to soup.  I imagine that
>professional installation of screw anchors involves testing the soil.
>>    By spring I hope to have a real tower up.
>> --Walter K1CMF
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