[TowerTalk] [Tower Talk] Solutions for Tower Base in Fresh Water?

[Jim Lux]

On 3/19/12 6:49 AM, Larry Libsch wrote:
> Group -
>
>           The tower is self standing,  adding to the difficulties. Thanks
> for much good advice from many respondents. Sounds like we need to do
> some serious rethinking.
>

Freestanding, unguyed..

Then you're all set.  Assuming you talk to an Engineer with some local 
experience, it's mostly a matter of building a suitable base that can 
take the overturning moment.  Since other people put up tall towers 
around you, there's clearly sufficient engineering knowledge potentially 
available.

The base will probably be bigger than the one in the mfr plans, just 
because the "bearing strength" of your soil might be less.  On the other 
hand, just because your soil is wet doesn't mean it's less strong (for 
instance, imagine a bed of packed gravel.. it could be quite a bit 
stronger than soft squishy wet silt)

Clearly, though, you need to get some local expertise.. (ARRL has 
Volunteer Consulting Engineers.. maybe there's one in your area?.. or 
you can find someone to do the job for a fairly small sum)