[Boatanchors] Tower erection

[w5sum at comcast.net]

Gerry
First, WHAT KIND of Rohn Tower? Are ALL the sections straight? OR, does the 
tower get smaller as it goes up?
If it gets smaller as it goes up, and each section is 8', then you have a BX 
series of tower.  4 X 4 X 4 concrete will
be more than adequate. This is designed to be a self supporting tower ONLY 
if you have an antenna at or below
its wind load design.
The correct legs for this can be purchased, and I recomment that you buy 
them, because using a hobnob lash up
at this, the most important part of the tower, is both foolish and 
dangerous.

My method, and mind you, I use the 25G and 45G style of tower that uses a 3' 
base section that you put in the cement, is this:

First dig your hole and then put about 3 or 4" of rock in the bottom, gravel 
is best, t his is for drainage. Be sure to put a 2 X 4 frame
around the hole at the top. Then attach the legs to
the BOTTOM section of tower and stand it up in the hole with the legs 
resting on the gravel.  Attach light wire with turnbuckles
to all three legs and take them out about 20' away from the tower and attach 
them to pipe well driven into the ground.

put a 4' level on the legs one at a time and start adjusting turn buckles 
until you have the tower plumb.  When you start your pour
there needs to be one person who has only one job, and that is to 
CONTINUALLY check the level/plumb of each tower legs as
the cement is poured and keep adjusting the turnbuckles to be damn sure the 
tower stays perfectly plumb.  Once your pour is done and
you have smoothed the top of the concrete off, keep watching the plumb of 
the tower for a hour or so. If all is well, let it sit for
at LEAST 48 hours before you raise the rest of the tower.

Another thing.. do not put a ground rod in the hold and pour concrete around 
it. IF you do take a lightning strike that rod can get so
hot it will instantly crack your slab. I know this from experience.

Hope this helps.

always think  SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!!

Ronnie W5SUM

-----Original Message----- 
From: Gerry Steffens
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 6:46 PM
To: 'boatanchors mailman.qth.net'
Subject: [Boatanchors] Tower erection

My son picked up a solid, used 64 foot, free standing Rohn tower.  He lives
out in the country and is planning multiple uses.

Research has uncovered that some folks bury one whole tower section as a
base, with appropriate concrete.  He prefers not to go that direction but
rather to make a base with irons into the ground.

A 4 foot by 4 foot by 4 foot concrete mass appears to be a suitable base.

The question is what methods are used to be certain the tower is true or
plum?

Any advice or references appreciated.

TIA,

Gerry



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