Bootheal
Senior Member
Working on a personal pond project. Have acquired a few used floating concrete docks approximately 8’ x 8’. Each block is cast with a 5/8” hole, the length of the blocks on each side. Cable is intended to thread through each block and secure a group of blocks together.
To keep tension on the cables, I plan to use a vehicle coil spring on each of the two cables. Springs will be on the exposed end. I’m considering using 3/8” cable.
Main question is, each cable is going back to a precast concrete block (deadman). This will eventually be underground. What kind of lifespan would you expect for the cable and clamps???
Will a galvanized cable with smaller wire (more flexible) be better or worse in this application?
Will the clamps loose their grip and allow the cable to slack? I think I saw recommended 4 clamps - just add a couple more for giggles?
Is there a better way?
At the first joint, there’s a 6x8 to space the block off enough to prevent concrete to concrete contact. 2nd joint only has a 2x8 spacer. Planning on a group of three blocks total.
The base of the anchor block is at full pool. Emergency spillway is 1’ higher (not expecting to ever have this activate) so although unlikely, it could possibly float. Takes about 12” of water to float a unencumbered block. Not sure what dirt packed around three sides would add to the block ballast. So the deadman is a CYA plan.
Thoughts on any of this? Especially, the cable underground.
I’m already thinking about partially leveling #2 & #3 blocks to help with tensioning the springs and allow the water level do it’s thing, eventually!
Appreciate any suggestions. Working with cable is not something I’ve done. Don’t have a swedging crimping tool, so trying to make all connections mechanical.
Mike
To keep tension on the cables, I plan to use a vehicle coil spring on each of the two cables. Springs will be on the exposed end. I’m considering using 3/8” cable.
Main question is, each cable is going back to a precast concrete block (deadman). This will eventually be underground. What kind of lifespan would you expect for the cable and clamps???
Will a galvanized cable with smaller wire (more flexible) be better or worse in this application?
Will the clamps loose their grip and allow the cable to slack? I think I saw recommended 4 clamps - just add a couple more for giggles?
Is there a better way?
At the first joint, there’s a 6x8 to space the block off enough to prevent concrete to concrete contact. 2nd joint only has a 2x8 spacer. Planning on a group of three blocks total.
The base of the anchor block is at full pool. Emergency spillway is 1’ higher (not expecting to ever have this activate) so although unlikely, it could possibly float. Takes about 12” of water to float a unencumbered block. Not sure what dirt packed around three sides would add to the block ballast. So the deadman is a CYA plan.
Thoughts on any of this? Especially, the cable underground.
I’m already thinking about partially leveling #2 & #3 blocks to help with tensioning the springs and allow the water level do it’s thing, eventually!
Appreciate any suggestions. Working with cable is not something I’ve done. Don’t have a swedging crimping tool, so trying to make all connections mechanical.
Mike