[EIDXA] Tower progress

[shsawyer at rockwellcollins.com]

I don't want everyone out there to faint, but ....

I am starting down the path to put up the main tower.

First step was contracting for soil test borings (required by Linn 
County). Cost for one hole 30 feet deep at tower base and soils report and 
foundation design guidance - $1700. For an extra $500 I had them do a 10 
foot test hole in the basement area of the house addition.

Second step was scheduling and having the borings done. That was 
yesterday. Made a mess of the yard. 

But I found out I have 9 feet of sand under 3 feet of topsoil. Then some 
clay, then some very fine sand, then some blue clay gumbo that is very 
hard. The water table is at 9 feet. Sand and high water table in a very 
dry year are not good things for highly loaded elevated guy anchors. I am 
very interested in what sort of foundation design recommendation that I 
get out of the Team Services. I am sure all problems can be addressed by 
the liberal application of cubic yards of concrete with the accompaniment 
of cubic money. 

Who said ham radio was a cheap hobby?!

After the report is back, then finalize tower plans and go for the permit. 
Hope to have concrete in the ground this year, then main tower up next 
spring - summer.

At this point I am somewhat glad I am doing it this way rather then flying 
by the seat of my pants, but I sure wish it was cheaper.

Steve