Next Greenhouse Construction Question...

DrDan · Nov 18, 2001

Thanks guys - Now for the next Question...

This greenhouse measures 30' wide X 48' long. (Oh my god I must love my woman to do this). It has 13 arches that comprise the length (columns to support arches 4' on center). The end walls have columns spaced 6' O.C.

The entire framework is made up of galvanized steel.

Now then here's the question...

The engineers who designed this monstor say that you need holes dug 24" in diameter by 4' 9" deep filled with concrete to the top and then the columns are sunk into the wet concrete 18" and plumbed up. My god these people are out of their minds. We just build a 30' X 80' pole building with trusses 7 1/2' O.C. and the holes for the columns were only 15" in diameter X 48" deep. They dropped the columns into the holes and dumped a bag of premix in. A little dirt was added and another bag of premix dumped in. Dirt was then filled and tmped to grade. I can't see much sense in going heavier than this to anchor a greenhouse can you? I was thinking more like 9" holes augered to 30" deep and filled with concrete. The reason I think they should be filled all the way to the top with concrete is for rust prevention. Greenhouses are wet and if the concrete is crowned up on the column at grade level it should keep them dry. What are you guys feelings on this?

HELP!!! Here I go buying a cement mixer and auger for the tractor. And many many beers for the help!

Dr Dan

MossRoad · Nov 18, 2001

Is this green house really glass and steel? Glass is incredibly heavy compared to a pole barn. Also, a pole barn could stand to flex a little. Glass can't flex. Maybe that's why it requires heavier footings. The key word here is engineers. I'd trust them on this one.

 MossRoad

DrDan · Nov 18, 2001

Heck no it isn't glass. It's covered with polyethylene double film that is inflated with a hi-volumn low-pressure fan. Should be light...

MossRoad · Nov 18, 2001

Great. So it is really a pole barn with a double plastic bag around it /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Sounds light to me. Do they have a web site?

 MossRoad

DrDan · Nov 18, 2001

Yup they do. Here is the kit we got. It is actually a heck of alot cheaper than one of them glass ones and is cheaper to heat. Here it is:

http://www.igcusa.com/starter_commercial_greenhouse_pa.htm

MossRoad · Nov 18, 2001

Man, that is a huge greenhouse. I can't figure the footing size being so big either. The side posts go straight in vetically, so it isn't to compensate for a true arch. ????? Puzzled.

 MossRoad

DrDan · Nov 18, 2001

I'll tell you... This thing is the highest quality all the way. Been getting in parts day by day and it is all really good stuff.

LOL Buy one Moss and join the madness.

MossRoad · Nov 19, 2001

That's further down the road and alot smaller. I need a tractor, a house, a barn and a solid marriage before I go that route. I'd like to see pictures of it as you progress.

 MossRoad