Trade supplier for surface mounted signs

[Robert Lambie]

it will depend on the ground your fixing into and of course, the size of the sign = wind load…
if the sign isnt big and the surface is reinforced concrete then you could fix directly using long thunderbolts or a chemical fixing.

for instance i will fix projecting signs using thunder bolts to a concrete/brick/masonary wall.
pre-drill a pilot hole then self tap into the hole in the bricks using a thunder bolt.

allot comes into play doing this sort of thing but other than digging and concrete setting a cage & rod system like you get with a totem, this is an alternative for smaller stuff.

[Luke Culpin]

If you are looking to mount posts onto a concrete floor, ashby do base plates for the posts & fixings!

[Jonathan Dray]

Thanks for the replies.

The signs are quite big. Panel sizes…

1600mm x 2400mm (tray and post)
1600mm x 1400mm (tray and post)
1400mm x 900mm (plate and post)
(There are multiples)

Ideally, the client wants to fit these themselves with the option to move them to a new location at some point in the future. Hence, they’ve asked if we can supply them with plates for fitting to the existing floor rather than having to dig holes, pour concrete and then not have the option to move them.

I’ve had prices from Ashby but the plates they suggest are 600mm diameter and pretty expensive. Ashby also recommend that they’re weighted down as well as being fixed which is not ideal. The client has seen larger signs with much smaller fixing plates and I’m having trouble explaining this.

Below are some examples I found. Are these as they appear ie just bolted into the concrete somehow? Or is there some much larger fixing mechanism inside the concrete that can’t be seen?

http://signmakerinleeds.blogspot.co.uk/ … -sign.html

http://www.4corners.org.uk/products/totem-signs/12

http://www.totalsigns.eu/imagelib/siteb … lx_picvo0r

Thanks.

[Luke Culpin]

Depends on height off the ground with these signs! However I have had a 10 x 5 portrait sign quoted from ashby, which they always wind load before quoting I believe? You may just need to speak to somebody a little more in the know there! Try asking for tim, always extremely helpfull!

[Martin Pearson]

Biggest problem you have is there are probably not that many members who have a huge amount of experience with this type of work Jonathan. Like me a lot will go to people like Ashby for advice & it is likely that there isn’t a cheap option for your customer that will be safe.

deally, the client wants to fit these themselves with the option to move them to a new location at some point in the future. Hence, they’ve asked if we can supply them with plates for fitting to the existing floor rather than having to dig holes, pour concrete and then not have the option to move them.

No disrespect to your customer but what do they know about installing this type of signage safely?? I would imagine that most of the systems you see have some major structural work done below ground that you never see as it’s normally done well in advance of any sign you see being fixed in position.

[Robert Lambie]

regardless to the old saying, "the customer is not always right".
if these signs you provide are fabricated to their wishes, and they fail.
you will be held responsible…
should the signs injure someone, you will be held liable for damages… etc etc

there is lots to take into consideration as i said. most if not all those signs i looked at in your links have underground rod systems/cages etc in place and the pins are fixing into them.

ashby could very well fabricate what your asking "just to get the sale" but they wont because they done deem it safe. so i imagine they will bow out of the potential job before fabricating a potential fail.

[Jonathan Dray]

Thanks again for the responses.

Yeah I assumed those types of signs would have some kind of mechanism hidden inside the concrete, that’s why I asked the question. Just thought I’d check to see if someone knew of some type of system where this wasn’t required. Seems not.

To be honest I think Ashby would be perfectly happy to provide the signs with the 600mm plates (they came up with the spec). They’d just provide them with the caveat that they strongly recommend they’re also weighted down. This won’t be suitable so it’s a bit of a moot point really.

We’re just at the exploring options stage at the moment, no need for anyone to get upset about potential injuries or take legal action just yet. We’re not trying to hurt anybody, just trying to find a safe solution that meets the clients needs.

[Luke Culpin]

Come to think of it, I should have some photos of some 1220 x 1800 portrait post & panel system that was mounted directly onto concrete with ashby’s bases! I really think you may have spoken to a not so clever guy at ashby!

[Russell Spencer]

The links to the images for the totem signs show standard post and cage fixings. Although on the surface it looks like 4 bolts, the threaded bar is welded to a cage (or grillage) about 600 x 600 x 600mm which is set into the concrete foundation.

Another option for removeable signs is to put sleeves in the ground in concrete and slide the posts into them (about 600mm). The signs can then be removed at a later date and re-used

[Peter Dee]

quote Luke Culpin:

I really think you may have spoken to a not so clever guy at ashby!

Not difficult!