We are planning to build a fence at the new place. I had an idea for an earthbag/sheet metal fence, and an earthbag/conduit fence. I want to consider earthbag pillars with corrugated sheet metal in between the pillars where privacy is needed. I want to consider earthbag pillars with conduit in areas where there needs to be transparency. Ideas for securing the metal and conduit to the bag pillars would be helpful. Check out the rudimentary drawings below, and then tell me, do you have any advice for securing the metals to the earthbag pillars? Thanks.
9 comments:
I think that the wind forces on the sheet metal would be very significant. The sheet metal itself may need a good bit of support behind it to keep it in place.
Good luck on finding the fence you want!
I agree with barney, how bout stacked rock pillars ?
I can't answer your question, because I have no experience or knowledge about working with sheet metal. But have you thought about either piercing the metal to decrease the wind resistance, or using conduit in greater density where you need privacy. Thus, the materials are consistent, just less or more in number as you need them.
A few thoughts/questions on your proposed fence.
1. Can you or a friend work with metal(weld)?
2. How will you be tying your stacked earth bags together?
Basically vertical lumber or metal would be secured to the stacked pillars.
Metal or lumber is then secured (horizontally between the pillars)to these vertical pieces at the top and bottom .
Metal or lumber "nailers" are vertically secured approximately every two feet.
The tin is then secured to the "nailers".
The conduit fence could be placed between the bags or they could be secured to metal or lumber which is then supported much the same way as the tin fence would be.
This is of course a very brief description. Should this be of interest to you, I would be happy to email you more specific ideas.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
Barney, it's possible. I don't want to use wood... it doesn't do well in the desert sun.
Comeca, Thanks!!
OGT, stacked rock pillars are an option... not my favorite on the appearance scale, but on the list. I will be looking at options... thanks!
Kris Watson, I thought about piercing the sheet metal. I've seen other fences of wood 4"x4" posts with sheet metal and it doesn't catch the wind. But we do have some crazy wind here, and it seems like a danger. Thanks for your help!
Richard, The bags are secured with barbed wire in between in each layer. I'm probably going to build some test pieces to see what happens. Thanks for your suggestions!
http://books.google.com/books?id=5TLCbGmcGLUC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
I.think.you.will.need.to.hammer.about.20".pieces.of.
re-bar.thru.the.bags.for.a.pillar...
Just.to.stabilize.
Frann, I have (and love) that book. I got mostly caught up on reading your blog this morning with the semester almost over and time to read again. The Goddess party looks like fun. The periods crack me up... brilliant work-around for a non-functioning spacebar. I think the rebar is a good idea. I have some pointy poles and wondered about knocking them down through each pillar. There are tons of examples around the area where people didn't use rebar or reinforcement that have stood the test of time, but they don't have the sheet metal inserts. Thanks for the advice!
A tall column of earthbags without reinforcement will fall over, especially with sheets of metal roofing to catch the wind.
I suggest reinforcing the earthbags like this: pour concrete footers with four pieces of rebar embedded, one per side, to make an earthbag column approximately 18"x18"x4' high. Stack gravel bags inside the rebar. Joining the rebar with a few ties between bags will add additional strength. Bend and weld the rebar together on top. This creates a rebar 'cage' around the bags. Plaster as soon as possible so the bags don't deteriorate. Use recycled conduit, etc. as fence poles between the columns.
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