Expert: Dan Griffin - 3/2/2009

Question
Hi, I have a large clear span pole building (212 x 72).  At the front of the building I have a concrete slab that measures 64 x 72, which I would like to install 6" x 6" posts and put in horse stabling.  The location of each post has a large concrete footing under it, about 2' x 2', to support the weight of an eventual loft over the stabling area.  Each post will be set on metal saddles, which are already in position and waiting for the posts.  Each metal saddle has a large hole for a bolt to go directly through the post, and they also have smaller nail holes, which I guess are for tacking the post into the saddle before securing them permanently with the bolts.  What is the procedure for installing the posts to make sure they are straight and plumb? I have lots of 2 x 4's for supporting the posts until we have them stood and secured with a header, but I could sure use any advice you make have to make this job smooth and trouble free!

Thank you for any help!

Jenny


Answer
Jenny, I assume you are talking about something similar to one of these Simpson models:
http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/post_bases.html

You can just highlight the link to see all the pictures.  Most all Simpson brackets are meant to have appropriate fasteners in ALL holes.

The prime thought here is to allow the bottoms of posts to be able to dry out or not get wet or not wick up ground moisture, all of which lead to rotting the post bottoms.

The bottom saddles are already in location and non moveable so you may as well pin them into the saddles.  I would be inclined to just install the large diameter through bolt until the structure is up and complete.  The plumb, square, and true part will need to be dealt with at the tops of the posts. Once the twisting and beating (we hope not) has all been done, it will be a simple matter to go around adding the smaller fasterners and any other through bolts.

To keep stuff standing up while assembling, it would be great if you could shoot a few scrap 2x blocks to the pavement to be able to nail off kickers to the posts.  If these holes will be a problem, you can do something similar by building an delta shaped frame at each post that is tacked to the post and pushes against the concete.