Question about pipe in concrete
I am building a ground mount solar array in my yard. It will be 16 panels and IronRidge racking with a foundation of six 3" schedule 40 galvanized steel pipes in concrete. The plans from the manufacturer show the steel pipes 2/3 of the hole depth. I called for an inspection before pouring concrete and the inspector was good with everything except that I have the pipes deeper in a few holes so there would be about 4" of concrete under the ends.
I Thought it was an interesting question (enough for me to join an engineering forum) but is the 1/3 hole depth concrete under the pipe as or more critical than the 2/3 hole depth for the pipe? He seems sort of hung up on having me dig deeper under the hanging posts get more concrete under them.
I can see it for a pole barn or other weighty structure, but I will have about 2000 pounds total held up on 6 poles set in almost 1 1/2 yards of concrete. (holes were dug with an 18" auger to a depth of 42 to 48")