Pole barn project in Mississippi

crewguy · May 27, 2012

Hello group.
I have purchased a 30'X48'X12' pole barn kit from a local metal supply company. The kit includes everything but concrete. I have set my work lines and drilled the hole for a corner post. The first problem I have is that the structure is setting on red clay, I mean- HARD red clay! I used steel spikes for my work lines. I had to use a spike to beat a hole on the ground and then drive a wood spike in the ground- to hold the braces for plumbing the first pole. Does anyone else have any suggestions that would make this easier? I have 13 more posts to set + I have to set forms for the concrete foundation. I will set all poles and the form for concrete, building a form to allow for a 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 siding notch.

EddieWalker · May 27, 2012

I'm not sure what your asking, but I love red clay. Of all the varieties of clay, red is one of the most stable and easy to compact. It sheds water very well, but also holds moisture just under the surface for very long times.

If it's too hard to pound wood stakes into, rebar works great and it's easier to pound into hard soil.

Are you drilling holes for posts? Or digging footings for concrete?

I've found that once you break through the crust, its easy digging. In my area, it's anywhere from a few inches thick to almost a foot. This time of the year, I would be surprised if it was more then a few inches thick.

Eddie

crewguy · May 27, 2012

I am setting posts. I drive a sharpened 2x4 stake (about 24" long) into the ground, and screw an 8' 2x4 to [it and the post] to hold plumb until said post is set. When I get posts set I will pour the concrete foundation. That's when I will have to drive a bunch of wood stakes to brace the form boards.

EddieWalker · May 27, 2012

I got it.

Are you buying the better, thicker, stakes? There are the cheaper ones that just break apart when you try to hammer them into the ground. Then there are the good ones that work fine. At least in my red clay I've never had it so hard that the good stakes wouldn't go in.

Eddie

Dr Dave · May 27, 2012

How about steel stakes, use them to set posts, then reuse for forms,they cost more but can be used over and over,or sell them when done.

Dave

crewguy · May 28, 2012

Today I set 7 of the 14 posts. Although the print indicates 14' posts, I am using 16' posts. They are set 3' deep. It will be a week before I tie the posts together, setting the trusses. Will the posts twist in the heat?

EddieWalker · May 28, 2012

I've never had any trouble with 6x6's twisting or bowing. Anything smaller and it's a good chance that some of them will start to bend on you. It's not the heat, it's the drying process. They come wet and as they dry, they bow, twist and turn.

The sooner you can lock them into place, the better you will be.

Eddie