Greetings,
I’m working on an outdoor entry/arbor. The structure calls for 6×6 posts with 6×8 beams. No roof or other cross members. A question has arisen regarding the post attachment to concrete. The original design called for a Simpson column base, but I’m concerned about lateral movement since these aren’t designed for non-top-supported systems. I’m contemplating just setting the posts directly into the 24″ concrete pier instead. The pier will be several inches above grade, so it should shed water away from the wood. Any suggestions or concerns?
dg
Replies
I am assuming that the arbor has four or more legs/columns, so it would stand up by itself after assembly. Ok, a tripod would work too. In that case, the Simpson bases would work well. You will have to temporarily support the columns in a plumb position during assembly. Simpson makes that caveat about non-top supporting use, because things that are not stable in both directions will fall over...like a fence which is supported in one direction by the next post, but not in the perpendicular direction.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Depends on which column base you use. The Simpson site seems to be down and I gave away my last catalog.... but.... there are column bases that have heavy-gauge steel straps that rise on either side of the post, and then accept bolts thru the post. Those bases will give you quite a bit of resistance to lateral force. As Ed says, if you have a structure that would stand on its own anyway, they might work fine. The lighter weight bases that only rise a couple of inches and nail in with joist hanger nails.... those won't work.
The ones I'm talking about are ugly... gotta give that some consideration.
Thanks for the insight and response. We're going with Simpson's column bases as specified.
dg
I used simpson post bases for my fence post. The are about 12" or so in the ground, set in concrete, the concrete is about 18" deep. Have had the fence in place for about 5 years now, still solid.
Dan"Life is what happens when you are making other plans." - John Lennon