Pole Base Plate Corner Cuts

[Greatone76]

We have a pole base plate with the corners cut at 45 degree into he anchor bolt holes on the base plate. It appears that these have been done for a reason. Is this just a fabrication thing? Is there a purpose for these cuts at the corners?

 

[JAE]

Maybe a sketch?

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[KootK]

I've often wondered about this myself. Options:

1) Something to do with galvanizing.
2) Something to do with outdoor durability.
3) Something to do with installation tolerances.

@JAE: imagine a regular, square base plate with four AB in the corners. Draw a line from the each bolt hole out to the nearest corner. Now make that line a 1/2 slit cut into the plate. Add a slight chamfer to the plate at the corners and you're there. OP to confirm..

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Greatone76]

Pic attached

 

[Greatone76]

As KootK Describes

 

[jayrod12]

My first thought when I saw these is drainage?

 

[KootK]

My first thought when I saw these is drainage?

I'm changing my answer to this.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

A trend that I've noticed:

1) If it's an outdoor highways structure, often it'll have the slots.
2) If it's an outdoor building structure, it'll never have the slots.

I suspect that this something where building engineers can pick up some smart detailing tips form our transportation brethren. Hopefully one of them will show up here.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[bridgebuster]

Many years ago, an old timer told me (a current old timer)to always clip the corners for everything because it will minimize the chance of developing a crack in the plate due to some unexpected movement. Maybe he was on to something.

 

[bootlegend]

Maybe drainage is the reason, but I've wondered if that detail came about from a fabrication efficiency angle. The slotted detail could be burned on a table without the head being lifted to move over to burn the holes. Most of these I've seen are on light or sign base where there are multiples of the same baseplate.

 

[BUGGAR]

We do this in the electric utility industry. It's for drainage. We typically do this on baseplates supported on nuts in lieu of grout. I think we do it for the same reason the lady cuts the ends off her turkey every Thanksgiving.

 

[SAIL3]

if I remember correctly, it is for drainage...a base pl that uses leveling nuts can form a pocket where moisture can accumulate...I once brought up the question that these slits could compromise the base pl and was told that they are usually on a base pl that is not grouted and the portion of the base pl that resists any load is from the anchor bolt inwards towards the pole/col......

 

[KootK]

was told that they are usually on a base pl that is not grouted

This would explain why I see his in highway structures but not outdoor building structures.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[hokie66]

What goes around, comes around.

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