Flat top EMT Structure: Foot pads vs. Staked Feet

[dustandsnow]

Hi,

I'm building a flat top EMT structure with diagonal side walls. I had planned to put lag screws in for each leg with about 6in. above ground, slip the poles over each screw, and then guy line every outside corner and connection with lag screws. The idea was to prevent the poles from sliding around. I've seen some discussion that not using footpads could be a bad idea because the poles can dig into the playa and cause the guylines to slacken. An alternative is to use footpads or cut tennis balls on the end of each leg.

So, just curious, what people's opinions and experience are on staking each leg without footpads vs. using footpads or tennis balls?

Thanks!

[mudpuppy000]

We don't use foot pads or stakes, just guy lines (ratchet straps) at the edge of the structure and maybe a few in the middle.

[LowePro]

I've had the poles dig into playa and loosen the ratchet straps. You should do a daily check and re-tighten regardless.
Have you seen the rebar and duct-tape method? It's a 3ft straight rebar post, pounded halfway into the ground at each leg. Then duct tape liberally the exposed rebar to the leg. Sounds ghetto but playa-tested and it works. You can use this method with the foot-pads in place to prevent digging in.

[fireheadwhale]

We don't use foot pads or stakes, just guy lines (ratchet straps) at the edge of the structure and maybe a few in the middle.

That sounds hard-core!

[mudpuppy000]

Last year the center posts on our structure tended to lift up off the ground during high winds, so either staking/taping or a vertical ratchet strap from the top to a lag/rebar directly below it will help with that.