Sizing Pole Bases

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necnotevenclose

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I have been asked to size a pole base for an exterior fixture that is 25'. The problem is I have never specified a pole base size before. I typically only call out the the height of the base above finished grade.

I was wondering how many people (engineers/designers/contractors) size the entire pole base and how could I learn how to size pole bases?
 
Pole Base

Pole Base

Unless you understand the dynamics of soil, wind load, etc. this is better left to the engineer.
Down here all bases must be engineered by a PE in order to get a permit to install them.
When we get quotes on bases, the number includes engineering as well as concrete.
 
necnotevenclose said:
For the people who mentioned to leave it up to a PE, are you suggesting a structural or electrical engineer?
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Thats a good question. I haven't poured bases in a long time. We use conc. poles buried 7'. The plans come from the EE with eng. notes. I think I have one in the truck.
 
I would think that ee's are trained in that as well. Would be kinda stupid to say well I have the wire tension load, the lamp load and now need to get with the structural guy to figure out soil distribution load and depth reguirements. But does happen! Around here the ee's know that and they have specific requirements.
 
The set I'm looking at is sealed by E. PILHLU P.E. FLREG. EB 000000

Also NOTE: The pole supplier shall certify that pole with fixture as specified will meet 140 MPH wind load criteria. Provide signed and sealed calculations by a registered Florida engineer.
 
Chris, With that information who is designated as the pole supplier? Is it the electrical contractor, supply house, manufacture or GC?
 
necnotevenclose said:
Chris, With that information who is designated as the pole supplier? Is it the electrical contractor, supply house, manufacture or GC?
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I don't pick em, I just stick em!

On this job we furnished the poles.
 
necnotevenclose said:
For the people who mentioned to leave it up to a PE, are you suggesting a structural or electrical engineer?
Click to expand...

That might depend on which state. Some states register/license engineers in a specific discipline. Other states do not -- an engineer may design anything that they are competent to design.

My designs (I'm an electrical PE) always call for the pole base to be designed and sealed by a structural engineer.

Another option would be to ask the pole manufacturer. Some pole manufacturers either have structural engineers on staff or have standard designs available that have a structural engineer's seal.

Martin
 
necnotevenclose said:
I have been asked to size a pole base for an exterior fixture that is 25'. The problem is I have never specified a pole base size before. I typically only call out the the height of the base above finished grade.

I was wondering how many people (engineers/designers/contractors) size the entire pole base and how could I learn how to size pole bases?
Click to expand...


Almost every job we do is speced out differently. A lot of times they are 18" diameter, 6' deep and 2' above grade. You can't very easily get your conduits, bolts and cage in there so we always go 24" diameter with an 18" cage, 6' deep and 2 or 3 feet above grade depending on the location.

The last clown that did the specifications DOUBLED up the rebar in the cages. He told me it was the first one he had done and wanted to be sure it had enough steel in it. The things weighed a TON and I couldn't lift them by myself. I cut off the dead weight and planted them because I'm a rebel.
 
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