Square tube upright post rust prevention

[bluedog225]

I am putting in a bunch of hot dipped galvanized 4” square tubes in concrete to support a solar array. Clay holes all hold water. They will have bolts through them and post caps to keep water from entering through the top. Bottoms are not sealed.

I‘m trying to decide if I should put vent holes in these posts to let them have some air circulation to keep them dry. I was thinking something like a 1/2” hole and put a piece of steel in the hole and push or ratchet it down to form a little hood over the hole on top and depressed area at the bottom. Hope that makes sense.

Or just leave these relatively sealed and not worry about it? I suspect water will seep in through the bottom section embedded in concrete.

Thanks

 

[Superbowl]

Put 3" of gravel in the hole before you concrete the posts in so water will drain.