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Wind loading – structural advice required??
Hi All
Please see attached a design which has been approved by the customer and informally by the planning officer, however, just getting second thoughts about whether or not this will be strong enough – ie, wind loading etc.
The overall width is 2.75m, post height above ground 3m. The posts are 6" square section timber pre-treated from the timber merchant and we’ll treat them at least 2 more times. The lower 9 panels are modular and will be changed with tenants – we have left gaps between them for visual appeal and to reduce wind loading. The sign is double sided – looks identical from both sides, panels are 4mm dibond. Posts will be at least 1m into 2′ dia ground sleeves that are will have substantial conbcrete around them. We’ll insert into ground sleeves and top up with concrete.
Anyone have any comments on whether from experience this structure is likely to stand up to strong winds?
*** We have a second similarly sized job but with Ali posts – Ashby kindly calculated that it would be OK with 114mm dia posts, so seems 6" square wooden ones should be strong enough for this one.
Many Thanks
MackyCheers
Macky
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4 Replies
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Macky,
posts should be fine, i would have concerns regarding the strength of the panel intersection points. Letting a little wind force its way through these gaps could lead to them becoming a week point especially when owners get involved with changing the panels.Kev
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the structural integrity is actualy down to the cross piece and verticals (if any) that the panels are attached to, what did you intend to use?
Peter
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i would question the post material mate, all else seems fine… even 75mm round steel plastic coated street/road posts would be fine. cheaper too!
wood is wood as we know, i know it is treated, but regardless it Will weather, if not getting weaker it will decay in the looks department.as peter has said, the cross sections etc will come into play. how will they be fixed and using what material?
ground foundation stated is more than adequate, if not overkill… what many don’t seem to realise is spec from others is based on worst case scenarios.
if you have a loose ground surroundings then obviously wider and deeper foundation is needed. if you are digging into clay with soncrete and all sorts through it… hell no… you have a good foundation and only a fraction of what is stated is needed. -
Hi All
The cross memebers to which the panels will be fixed are 3" square timber, end posts will be morticed out to accept them, not yet decided on the mechanical fixings to hold them together, there will be some 45 degree cross bracing out of sight behind the panels. Want to assemble the whole wooden frame in the workshop – take to site and then fit all the panels. Panels will be attached with FK-Moore brass scews with chrome flat headed covers.
Got to be wooden posts to get past planning in this specific location though but will remind them in writing that they will need treating again every year etc.
Don’t mind over kill on the foundations though – is it just me or do you worry when you lie in bed at night listening to the gale force winds outside and wondering if all my signs will still be intact in the morning!!
Cheers
Macky
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