rebar stake length?

[jacksoncrew]

I am engineering a large shade structure, and am wondering what would be adequate, insufficient, and overkill rebar stake lengths for securing structures to the playa. I am scrounging up some 1/2 and 3/4 inch rebar scrap, and am testing out a system of 4-15" stakes welded to the corners of a 5" square plate to pound into the playa.

Also, what is the best method of removing stakes? I was planning on hitting them from side to side with a sledge, but maybe a lever system would be more effective...

Thanks for the info![/img]

[Archantael]

I am engineering a large shade structure, and am wondering what would be adequate, insufficient, and overkill rebar stake lengths for securing structures to the playa. I am scrounging up some 1/2 and 3/4 inch rebar scrap, and am testing out a system of 4-15" stakes welded to the corners of a 5" square plate to pound into the playa.

Also, what is the best method of removing stakes? I was planning on hitting them from side to side with a sledge, but maybe a lever system would be more effective...

Thanks for the info![/img]

Start here: http://www.geocities.com/potatotrap/tech/rebarfaq.htm
Follow up reading here: http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... rebar.html

The first link is to Bob Stahl's rebar page and for 6 years now on the playa his advice on securing structures has NEVER FAILED ME. I'd definitely give it a look....

[Lassen Forge]

I have run (so far) 2 1/2 foot 1/2" with the top 6" candycaned, hammered into the ground to where I have a halfcircle loop sticking up, the rest is buried. Good for 75-80 MPH with a big tent and/or dome/shade structure.

Removal? Go to a OLD hardware or 4 wheel drive place and get a hi-lift jack. Or find one on ebay. Worth their weight in platinum! Slip the end in the loop (or tie a stout rope between the lift point and the rebar) and comes right out.

You can pull sunken truck axles with one of these. You may need a board to go under the jack, but they work wonders!

bb