Pier mass

[el_draco]

Finally starting to contemplate the hole in the ground. I'm estimating a one tonne + mass at ground level. Does anyone have information on the best way to do this? I am considering a section of Conc. pipe 1m in diameter and about 600 to 900mm deep filled with concrete. I reckon that'll just about sit on bed rock.

[TraKtorman]

I dug a 1m by 1m x 1m hole, made a rebar cage. Used a 12" pvc pipe for the pier some rebar in that, then bolted on an adapter for the scope. It is "rock solid" but a lot depends on your soil and rainfall. the concrete pipe seems unnecessary. see happy snaps

[ChrisM]

It sounds like your foundations and connections were good if the pier is rock steady.

Have you now finished the observatory? Your fist pic suggests so and it looks pretty flash...

Chris

[TraKtorman]

Well, when is anything finished in this passtime? Yes, is the easy answer, but it has come along a bit since then and no doubt will continue to consume time and money into the future! Regards Peter

[Paul Haese]

1 cubic metre of concrete is equal to 2.4 tonne of concrete. So you will be well over a tonne with the size hole you are talking about.

[Bassnut]

This is pretty much what I did once (without the rebar), I recon its about ideal. A wider pipe is a bit over the top and could be worse with the weight causeing more saging in the ground (if not on rock).