commonsense regarding building a flag pole

[gene so]

Hello,

I am building a flag pole here in northern New Mexico, at 6,500 ft. at the end of the Rockies. It is being constructed of schedule 40 ( heavy wall) pipe of three pieces - 3 1/2", 3" and 2 1/2" pipes in basically 20 ft. lengths. Before I went to college and started seeing my patients, I was a certified welder in three states. Total cost will be well under $80.00 when complete, lacking the truck and halyard.

While I believe the structural fabrication will be adequate and the physics tables I have consulted informed me that the depth of the foundation had to be 89 inches deep in order to withstand the high winds that sweep off the Rockies, there are things I do not know about this process and would appreciate experienced advice, who does not have a commercial interest.

The truck; what will stand up to long term exposure? I know better than to go anywhere near nylon pulleys and wheels. I will be using Milspec flags because they are the only thing I am aware of that can stand the gaff of these bright sun and high wind conditions.

The cord for raising and lowering the flags ( federal, state and also visitors states)

I am seeking a system to be attached to the flagpole that, when it is raised in place, can be easily freed from the mast, so we do not have to create a tall scaffold to release the raising mechanism. I will be using cables and a 1 ton duallie truck pulling through a snatch block at a 90 degree angle so that nobody can possibly be hurt in this very remote region of the United States. Since the point I will be pulling on the pole from will cause an extremely concentrated force in just one area I am interested in spreading that force over a longer portion of the pole.

Thanks in advance or your helpful advice.

Gene S.

[Robin Hickman]

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GREETINGS, Gene So !!!

Welcome to the USA-FLAG-SITE Forums !!!


I am NOT a mechanical, structural, or construction engineer (and I don't play one on TV!), so I don't think that I'll be of much help with any of the technical aspects of your project. But..... I am curious.

How tall will your planned flagpole be?

What size will the flags flying from it be?

If the base (foundation) for your planned flagpole is supposed to be 89" deep, what is the diameter (square or round) supposed to be? Assuming you'll be pouring concrete for the base, what will the total cubic footage and how much will it weigh?

What is the average wind velocity at the proposed site for your flagpole? Any idea as to velocities of the "peak" wind gusts?

I understand your concern about the stress placed on the pole when rasing it, but will that stress be more or less than the peak stresses placed on the pole when all flags are flying and the wind is really HOWLING???

Have you thought of using a "hinged" base for your flagpole? You set the overly heavy & large base first. Attach the extra heavy-duty hinged base plate on top of that. Then attach your flagpole to the hinge and pull it up from horizontal to vertical. It will "swing up" much easier that way. The long-term bonus is that if the truck and/or halyard need to be replaced, you'll be able to easily swing the pole down to do it.


REMEMBER : "I am NOT a mechanical, structural, or construction engineer (and I don't play one on TV!)". I'm just curious!


Thank You for bringing your Flag-related question to our Forums !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[gene so]

Hello Robin,

The more insights the better. Flagpole height? finished= 54 feet. Flag size- good question! 10 x 14 will be tooooo large. What do you suggest? I will have the federal flag and the smaller state flag every day. Guests will rate having their state flag flying when they come. Base diameter of the concrete pour?= 24 inches round diameter, with two arms reaching over five feet as lever arms to counteract wind torque. Cu ft. of concrete? I don't know! I have a 9 cu foot concrete mixer and will pour till the entire form is full. Whatever it will weigh it will be huge amount more than the flagpole. Wind speeds here at 6,500 feet on the foothills of the Sange de Cristos?= all over the map. The winds often blow lightly all day to some degree. It gets noticeable at 30mph. major all day winds are in the 50's, its maxxed here at 105 , but I have not seen it at that speed; I merely don't want this pole to fall down! Average?- 5 to 25.

As I stated in the original note the base is a two piece hinged construction. Before I went to college dealing with large cranes, raising this would be no big deal. In this, the 4th largest state with the 3rd smallest population and little equipment accessibility, raising this flagpole will be a big deal.

[gene so]

Another two points suggested by others:
The procedures and materials for painting the pole properly for long term benefit? I know about Rustoleum as a primer, what do you suggest for the long term finish coat?

It was stated to me that having the halyard running inside the flagpole would stop the slap of the wind for the halyard on the flagpole and lengthen its life. I don't know how to do this properly, but the idea sounds reasonable. If the halyard stays outside, what size should it be and what type of material?

Thanks again,
Gene So