The soil around this area in Bourne End is chalk and flint, so it could be interesting going. The first 12 inches or so are not too bad going.
Digging has begun
Then we hit a very hard layer of chalk about 20 inches down, no way through it.
Chalk layer
The only solution is to get a pneumatic drill and drill through it to a depth where we can put in the socket post for the mast.
Hole in chalk layer deep enough for the socket post
Line up the socket to vertical and pour first concrete…
Socket lined up and first concrete poured
Keep filling with concrete. Also putting in the cable duct from the fence line to the base of the mast.
Nearly full of concrete
Finally smooth out the concrete and leave to set. The base is a couple of inches below the grass, so will cover it up with some soil and grow the grass back over it.
Concrete setting
Looks really good, Rob. The mast will be quite secure. Good thing you were able to get the use of that pneumatic drill! – Jim
Thanks Jim, yes it was lucky the builder who helped me do this had the right tools for the job. I had debated on whether to do this by myself, but Im glad I didn’t as I would have been stuck. Now need to figure out how to make the earth rods under the two flower pots at the edge child friendly.
Rob