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pwd77 · Aug 14, 2008, 07:01 PM

I would like to make a post (or two) to protect my heat pump which is very close to our driveway.

I was thinking of something like I have seen protecting fire hydrants and such. They appear to simply be a concrete post about 4" or so in diameter, likely reinforced with rebar

I can wing it, but I was hoping for suggestions by someone who knows about such things. Am I correct about the construction? Suggestions for a form to use? How much rebar?

(for some reason I think I would prefer a concrete post better than a steel post set in concrete)

Thanks!

Fr_Chuck · Aug 14, 2008, 07:27 PM

Large carboard tube for a form perhaps or even large PVC pipe that you fill with concrete and use rebar inside.

Flying Blue Eagle · Aug 14, 2008, 07:34 PM

PWD77 - You can take ply wood and make any size post you want , yes they do put rebar in concrete posts, If you make it leave one side of the form off so rthat you can pour it a lot easier and make it look better,when you pour it take a hammer and lightly tap on the sides to make it to not have any honey combs in the concrete( HOLES),;;Use at least 3/4 inch rebar in the post ( 4 pcs.) running vertical, Make you some kind of bracket to hold them in place until you pour and hold them inside the form at least 3/4 inch, Good Luck And GOD BLESS ::: F.B.E.

hkstroud · Aug 14, 2008, 08:14 PM

A 4" or larger PVC pipe, 2' in the ground, filled with concrete should do it. You can put in a rebar but the tensile strength of the pipe should be sufficient. Nothing short of a fair size oak tree is going to stop a speeding vehicle but this should take care of the bumping, scraping type accidents. The PVC can be painted and should last forever.

pwd77 · Aug 15, 2008, 07:02 AM

This is great, thanks for all the feedback

I'm leaning toward a 4" PVC with rebar for the quick-n-easy approach

rtw_travel · Aug 15, 2008, 08:10 AM

I bought about 6' of 8" diameter aluminum pipe from a scrap dealer, dug a hole and then filled the pipe & hole with concrete. Round the concrete off at the top of the open pipe to give a nice finished edge. Put a circle of reflective tape aroudn the top to reduce the chance of cars hitting them. It looks nicer than PVC or bare concrete and was not too expensive.

I use them as posts on either side of our cottage driveway, so I can put a chain across in winter.