About Metal FoundationsMetal Fin Pipe Foundations (MFPF) are application specific, hydraulically installed foundations that are used as an alternative to concrete foundations to support a wide variety of structures. The foundation configuration consists of a steel pipe with a series of steel fins welded longitudinally to the pipe (the size, thickness and length of the pipe and fins all vary depending on the design criteria). A steel top plate is welded to the end of the pipe to accommodate mounting of the structure for which it is designed. Typically, each foundation is constructed utilizing ASTM A-36 or A-572 Grade 50 steel. Depending on the application and environment, the MFPF can be protected from corrosion by applying a hot-dip galvanized zinc coating that will provide protection for as long as 75 years. The MFPF is specifically designed to support the loading conditions of numerous structures such as: overhead signs, cantilever sign structures, high mast lighting poles, power distribution and communication towers, strain poles, traffic light poles, twin cantilever signs, retaining walls, and air curtain walls. The MFPF can also be designed to support standard bearing loads. To date Metal Foundations (Formerly SAFE Foundations) has installed numerous foundations across the country and overseas, airport runway direction signage, airport NAVAIDS lighting systems for each of the above referenced structures in a wide variety of soil conditions. The MFPF is installed utilizing a hydraulic press arrangement based upon the specific soil conditions occurring at each foundation location. Our design program establishes criteria utilized to select the anchor components necessary to provide sufficient resistance to install a foundation. An appropriately sized shaft is drilled for each required anchor. The anchors are placed in the drilled shafts and set hydraulically using special installation tooling. The foundations are then hydraulically pressed into place, pulling off the anchors and ensuring that the minimum design compression capacity (injection load) is achieved. The injection load is measured and recorded for each installation, thus providing the actual capacity of each foundation and eliminating the need for additional testing. The design approach for each MFPF remains the same regardless of the structure being supported. The process begins with an analysis of the loads each structure transmits to the foundation. These loads include overturning moment, lateral shear, torsion loading (about the vertical axis of the pole structure) and vertical loading parallel to the long axis of the pole structure. The design input also includes site specific soil conditions such as soil shear angle, unit density of soil, and unconfined compressive strength. The structural design inputs and soil information are normally provided by the client. |
