Erecting Precast Concrete Columns

[exnavy]

The wife's family (and I), have several 3.5 metre x 7 inch precast concrete columns to erect, in order to eventually provide a decent solid abode for her parents. This to replace the termite riddled home, (On it's last legs - literally!), which they currently live in. The columns are extremely heavy and can't realistically be raised manually by us (the workforce), without the distinct possibillity of somebody being killed, so my question is: Has anybody used similar sized columns on a building and if so, can you please advise as to how you raised them into position? Obviously, the use of heavy plant is an option, but there is a tight budget to work on. You probably quessed that most of it comes from my pocket. As usual!

[richard]

Brute force, jungle techniques and loads of family

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[Darius31]

The columns aren't that tall so I would suggest using a tractor. There must be a farmer that has a tractor with a forklift in the proximity of your construction site. With the help of some strong cables and creative tying it should be easy to erect those columns. Normally these columns have a iron loop at their point of inertia to lift them safely.

[PeteC]

...or a pick up truck with tow loop would do it. Most have these type loops on the back and front. We just pulled upright a 50' tree that went halfway over in a storm, and it worked well. The man used a 10 year old small model Toyota P/U. Another thing is just to tell Mom and Pop to manage it and for sure they'll have some village friends over in no time who have done similar before. Lunch and some beer probably payment enough. Pete

[Nereus]

Dig the hole, making sure that you measure it to the correct depth. Dig a small trench at an angle sloping down in to one side of the hole and back about half the length of the pole. Place a strong wide board in the hole opposite the trench so that when you start to lift the pole the end of the pole will slide down the board, and not dig into the wall of the hole. Another length of wood or a small pole to use as a prop also helps if it is really heavy.

4 locals plus 4 small bottles of Mekong. Give the Mekong fuel to the locals. Lay / roll / slide the pole into the trench that you have dug and you will find that it is halfway up already. Tell them that they are not strong enough to lift it and it will be up before you are finished! A length of rope attached to what will become the top of the pole will help control it and move it around to get it standing vertical.

[exnavy]

Thanks very much for the info everybody. Piece of cake! Cheers!