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.

 

[jack stand]

Little to no drainage in his clay. He states that they (the holes) hold water.
I must not understand something. Why isn't your concrete well above grade?
Alternatively, ^^^ it's above grade and will not see surface water and should you drill a little breather hole at or near the 'Crete?
I probably would.

 

[bluedog225]

Concrete will be mounded above grade. Figured concrete filled hole with porous concrete and water would seep and stay. I guess that’s why underground conduit manages to fill with water even in dry times.

 

[carlaisle]

Use posts with footplates and bolt them to the concrete. A gap between the concrete and footplate large enough for the nut will eliminate your concern.

 

[bluedog225]

Use posts with footplates and bolt them to the concrete. A gap between the concrete and footplate large enough for the nut will eliminate your concern.

Yeah. I’m trying not to make this any bigger a production than it already is. I’ve cut the posts and dug the holes. When it cools off in a month or two, I’d like to set them and move on.

The simplicity of having the post embedded works for me.

They will probably outlast me unless stray current from the array does something unusual. But I like to build with some thought to longevity.

 

[Beerhippie]

Spray the inside of the posts with body cavity wax (I feel awkward writing that on an open forum)? Fluid Film?

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

That is good stuff. I think it would certainly help.