[TowerTalk] Rebar base for new 18HT installation?

[Tom Anderson]

Allen:

I would use some extra rebar if its possible.

When I poured the base fpor my W51 crank up tower I put some extra sections of rebar in the hole, usually attached to the base.  You can buy pre-cut rebar at most home improvement centers like Lowes or Home Depot.  I just used the same twisted wire recommended by folks who poured streets made of concrete.  I also used a heavier mix of concrete than what was specified.  I used what they call "6 sack mjix" suposedly the same mix they use in pouring interstate highway bridges.  My W51 base is still there, no cracks and nothing wrong with it either.

Also, while the base is curing, take a hose a lightly sprinkle the concrete top and sides several times a day for a week or more. Be sure and do it lightly, no deluges.  Curing concrete is exothermic and gives off heat while curing and the water will help the concrete cure evenly.  I did it with mine and so far no cracks in the base installed in 1992, etc.  I let my base cure for a month before attaching the tower to it and pulling it up.

Hope that helps.

Tom, WW5L


--- On Mon, 1/21/13, Allen Brier N5XZ <n5xz at earthlink.net> wrote:

> From: Allen Brier N5XZ <n5xz at earthlink.net>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Rebar base for new 18HT installation?
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Date: Monday, January 21, 2013, 11:19 AM
> I'm wondering if I need to install a
> rebar base for my new 18HT tower, or go with the standard
> "base tube assemblies" per the installation manual. The
> manual does state: "For extra security, steel reinforcing
> rods can be added to the base before the concrete is
> poured."
> 
> Tower will be installed in sandy soil (Texas Gulf Coast) and
> I am not currently planning to guy it.
> 
> Recommendations from the group?
> 
> Allen Brier N5XZ
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
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