Base Diameter of a standing pole

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    Base Diameter Pole
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the minimum base diameter required for standing poles of different shapes and lengths, specifically a cylindrical pole and a cubic pole. Participants explore the relationship between the base area, pole height, and stability, as well as the factors influencing these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the definitions and parameters of the original inquiry, particularly regarding the term "cubic pole" and what is meant by "minimum diameter."
  • One participant suggests that the base area of a pole impacts its ability to stand upright, raising questions about the relationship between pole length and base area.
  • Another participant asserts that taller poles require larger base areas for stability, noting that practical solutions often involve burying poles to a sufficient depth.
  • Concerns are raised about the cross loads that poles may experience, with a hypothetical scenario presented regarding a bamboo fishing rod in a vacuum versus an underwater tidal zone.
  • Discussion includes the concept of leverage, indicating that the base must counteract applied forces, and the importance of the weight and length of the base in relation to stability.
  • A participant expresses a desire to understand the underlying equations or theories related to pole stability and hints at sharing further illustrations in the future.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific calculations or definitions related to the base diameter of poles. Multiple viewpoints and questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the impact of pole shape and environmental factors on stability.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of terms such as "cubic pole," and the discussion does not provide specific mathematical formulas or complete answers regarding the calculations for base diameter.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring structural stability, engineering principles related to pole design, and those curious about the physics of balance and forces in various environments.

rateesh
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What should be the minimum base diameter of a 1 meter cylindrical pole ?
What should be the minimum base diameter of a 1 meter cubic pole ?
how are these computed ?
Does length of the pole impacts the base diameter ?
 
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I don't understand. Cubic pole? Base? Minimum diameter? 1-meter diameter pole?

I think you'll get more answers if you elaborate a little.
 
here is what i wanted to find out:
1. Does the base area of a pole has any impact on it to stand upright?
2. What is the relation between the length of the pole against the base area ?
 
Basically, the taller it is, the more area the base must cover. In practicality, though, they are usually just buried to a sufficient depth to ensure stability.
 
How much cross load will the pole experience? In a vacuum you could probably have a 100' bamboo fishing rod balanced on it's end with no problem. But not in an underwater tidal zone...
 
Good point, Schip.
It essentially comes down to leverage. The base must be sufficient in or opposed to the same direction as an applied force to counteract that force. If the latter, the weight of the base is critical. If the former, it must be long enough without regard to weight. In the case of a buried pole, the ground becomes the base, and the structural integrity of both it and the pole are the determining factors.
That's still not a complete answer, but I hope it clarifies things a bit.
 
Thanks Danger & schip666!, your answers did bring in some understanding. This is a "Just to know" question, but am curious to crack the equation/function/theory behind it. any direction is appreciated. May be i will try to post an image about it in the future.
 

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