|
| I'm constructing a PVC high tunnel using the electrical conduit with flared ends. My plan is two per section to produce an eight foot width. I'm struggling with the best way to deal with the bottom edge. I have access to eight foot cedar 2x8s at $4 each from a local saw mill. But I'm not sure how to anchor them and get a forty foot foundation. Advice appreciated |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Hi, If I am picturing this correctly... You could simply use the metal conduit clamps to secure the conduit to the 2x8 with. You may be able to drill holes and tap in rebar for you conduit to slip over. I think I would go with 4x4's, drill holes using a spade bit, and put the conduit into the holes. I did something similar with my cold frame..
Regards, Stephen |
|
- Posted by Cole_Robbie none (My Page) on Sat, Feb 9, 13 at 18:02
| A treated 2x6 is a standard baseboard. Anchor it with stakes or posts driven into the ground. The corners are the most important, as your end hoops will receive the most force against them from the wind. If you want your sides to raise up for ventilation, you'll need a "hip board" down each side, which is typically a 2x4. The plastic attaches permanently to the hip board. Below that, it is typically held down with weights or clamps. Stringing a zig-zagged rope along the sides for billow control is a popular idea. That prevents the wind from pushing the plastic inward. |
|
- Posted by bmoser z6PA (b2m2@moserproduce.com) on Thu, Feb 14, 13 at 20:05
| Both suggestions are good advice. You need to anchor your baseboard (2x8) at regular intervals, not necessarity within the couduit. Rebar is common but you could consider fence posts that provide better "Grab" to the ground, and more importantly, would allow you to sink a screw or insert a bolt through the post and baseboard to hold the foundation down. You could also dig corner cedar posts(2x8 would suffice) 30-36" deep and anchor to them. All the base strengthening can remain once your PVC fails. |
|
- Posted by MichiganFarmer none (My Page) on Fri, Feb 15, 13 at 8:11
| I think all the above mentioned would work fine. I have designed greenhouses and hoophouses utilizing the frame to contain the pvc pipe rather than re-bar. By creating this framework I was able to gain more head room and with flip out vents on the bottom I have extended the size of the greenhouse. |
|
- Posted by MichiganFarmer none (My Page) on Fri, Feb 15, 13 at 8:13
| Here is another picture from this winter. This has survived without any issues in Northern Michigan. Our snowfall total is typically several feet (not all at once), but the greenhouse has held a lot of snow on it. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Greenhouses & Garden Structures Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.