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Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 5:09 pm
by JoshL85
Hello everyone, i’ve been doing a lot of research on the forum and I can’t thank you enough for everything I have learned. Ive searched the forum but just wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I am going to be raising and anchoring a 20’ windmill in Goldthwaite Texas and it is solid rock there. Is a concrete pad the best way to anchor it? How much concrete should I use? Any helpful tips? I appreciate everyone’s help and thank you for accepting me on the forum.


- Josh

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 5:50 pm
by Windcatcher530 Dan
Josh how deep is the solid rock under the soil?

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:42 pm
by CTXmiller
Depending on the thickness of the solid rock, maybe a good base plate with 4 holes per base plate affixed to each leg. Then maybe some concrete anchors.

Welcome to the forum.

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 7:55 pm
by mtblah
Goldthwaith is west of the fault line that runs thru TX therefore the soil is thin & the rock is deep . I dont see any need for concrete but good drilled anchoring is necessary
leveling / plumb is most important

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:27 pm
by JoshL85
Sorry, just seeing this. The only soil there was hauled in, the rest is that white rock, if that makes sense.
Windcatcher530 Dan wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 5:50 pm Josh how deep is the solid rock under the soil?

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:29 pm
by JoshL85
Appreciate it fellas, what would y’all suggest for drilled anchors?

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:34 pm
by CTXmiller
Maybe something like in the image. The deeper and stronger, the better.

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 5:43 am
by 63markB
Josh, there’s windmills all over Mills County. I believe I would look around and see how some of the long standing mills are anchored. Also, talk to some of the older ranchers and see if they know. The last thing you want to have happen is for it to fail and destroy your mill.

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 6:20 am
by Kenneth
Josh, this is just a thought. I knew a guy once who would contact the fence builders. They have special bits that will drill through the rocky terrain. Not sure how big of a hole they can drill, but it is worth checking out.

Kenneth

Re: Anchoring a windmill on rock

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 6:33 am
by 63markB
I agree with Kenneth, there’s lots of fence builders in the northern hill country that have skidsteers with rock bits. They can drill four holes in quick order and then you won’t have to worry about it.