The architect spec out ABU66R because the building inspector would not allow the way that I have done it in the past. See attached (post anchors without ABU66R). The post was just toe-nailed to a double 2X8. Remember this is rough cut so a 6X6 is 6 inches by 6 inches.
Initially, I thought the post anchors would be less than $10 per post and I need 30. However, they are almost $30 but since I do so much business….., I can get them for $20 each!!! Still $600 for post anchors?
Does anyone have any ideas on how to save $600 and increase the hold down power? Thanks
Edited 5/5/2006 10:49 pm ET by bhackford
Replies
Are you using stainless post bases?
I doubt it at 20 a pop, if you're using Z-max I think you're getting hosed, we get them for about 15 a piece
The 5 1/2 "6X6" bases are $10. It is when you get into the "R" series that the cost is out of control.
we get the rough sized bases for around 15 per.
Have you shopped around at all?
Are they "zmaxed" because it has to sit on a 2X8 that sits on a concrete pier? Who do you buy them from?
We get ours from our local lumber yard.
To be honest I don't know if they are Z-Max or not. Never had a situation as of yet where we used an ACQ or similiar treated post, only Cedar set on the concrete.
What do you think about isolating the base from the treated beam using Ice & Water Sheild or something similiar?
According to the Simpson Strong Tie website, that connector provides 2300 lbs of uplift? And you need 30 of them? I would think an embedded strap(s) would give you sufficient uplift numbers. I would look through their catalog and find something equivalent and then go back to the architect or engineer.
That is a really good idea since ABU66R do not come in zmax and would need to be custom dipped. So it is $20 per plus dipping, or start cutting ice guard in crazy shapes. Thanks for the advice.
What's the difference between the 66 and the 66R? I suppose I could go to the Simpson website and figure it out, but I'm lazy, it's Saturday, and I'd like a little instant gratification. ;)View Image
66 is for regular dimensional lumber. It will fit a post 5 1/2 by 5 1/2.66R is for rough cut lumber. So, 6X6 is really 6 inches square not 5 1/2.
Boy, I wish I had known about the R series before I notched the bottom of my posts and the beam they were sitting on. The pressure treated 6x beam I had was somewhere in between rough dimensions and nominal dimensions, so it was probably for the best that I notched everything down to fit the standard series. But I sure wouldn't want to do that 30 times.-Rich
How about just an L-shaped piece of steel imbedded in the concrete with a straight blade sticking out. Slot the post and slide over the blade, then thru-bolt a couple or three times.