Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Building a Pier

I've spent the last six months bouncing from one design to another on the pier I was going to build on my pond.

Then about a month ago while clearing timber, I realized that I didn't need a pier if I built a peninsula. Water on three sides, grassy sides slopeing gently to the waters edge and a gazebo at the end.

Eddie

eddie, the peninsula is good, but it may not be an apples to apples replacement for a pier.

The pier is easier to dock a boat, better to jump off of for swimming, and provides good cover for fish.

Can you do both?

Sunil and Eddie...
In my case, I nixed the peninsula idea right away because it would take too much water square footage in return for access square footage. My proposed pond shape will not work well with a man-made peninsula. The dock will be installed directly next to a small boat launch. I anticipate the launch to be poured concrete, about 12' wide. The dock will work very nicely and efficiently with it. A covered patio at the end will be a super bonus.

I, too have thought about an earthen pier or peninsula, but think it would break up the water circulation from the aerator in my case. Great concept if it works for you.

I will be building a room that will extend from the yard out over the water. My thoughts are to use 4 inch pvc capped on the bottom and filled with concrete using a j bolt to anchor the building. I know I could use water pressure to place the pvc down in the soil but my problem is the pond was lined with clay to make it hold water. It is holding very well and I do not desire to develope a leak. Are there any suggestions , if necessary I would change from pvc?
thanks

Paul,
Hmmmm, I think I'm reading your intent correctly, but please correct me if I stray. You are considering use of a concrete filled 4" dia PVC pipe with a cap at the bottom as a vertical support member...? This being the case, an number of engineering issues come to mind: prevention of the the base being driven into the clay bottom, how to stabilize horizontal movement and shear, the compressive strength of PVC to support the vertical load. I s'pose the first issue could be resolved by borrowing the engineering that Tommy Docks uses as a "standard footpad": Tommy Docks Composition . You may be able to use a flange at the bottom of the pipe instead of a cap, fabricate your own design footpad and attach it to the flange. This may include a short spike welded to the bottom of the footpad to drive into the clay to stabilize horizontal movement at the bottom. Or, you could just use Tommy Dock hardware, or similar.
If I'm way off base, please tune me up.

This should do very well. A little make over to accept at least 4 inch pvc and it will do less damage to the clay bottom.
thanks

I have seen that rebar can be put in the pipe first, then concrete.

I also will use rebar in the pvc with concrete. I need to get to the store so I can see everything on how the pvc could be connected to the auger and such. I am presently getting ready to pour concrete for a building that got blowed over. With a concrete job there are always areas that would be nice to place concrete. Things do not move very fast after you get over 73 years old.

Deaner, if I'm moving at all at 73, I'll be lucky. BTW: great job and very unselfish with what you are doing with the Katrina victims.

Burgermeister
I have never been involved in anything similar to what I am trying to do for the Katrina victims. One thing above all I want every step to be proper and above all to run this in the most honest manner so there are no doubts. I have a very good guy working with me that feels the same way. We sent out a large mailing about two days ago (400) and the funds are never used in this manner.
Thanks for your support.

Well, I just did a little research on stainless steel post anchor units. Yikes! For 6 x 6 adjustable "galvanized", the Home Depot carries 'em for about $30 per unit. Since their vendor is Simpson, I went to the Simpson Strong-tie website and found that they manufacture the same unit in a stainless steel. Home Depot can special order them at a paltry $289 per unit. I'm leaning toward some "government work" on this part of the project.

12/1 update....
and, I found the stainless steel anchor bolts. A bit more reasonable; search for anchor bolts: McMaster Carr

Here are some 20x20 inch reinforced concrete piers for a new pond in NW Ohio.

Holy smokes, talk about heavy duty! And I thought that I was the King of over-kill. I s'pose it cures the need for any stainless steel hardware, eh?

OK, I ain't giving up! Seems that Home Depot may need a new calculator. I just found the same Simpson stainless steel post bases for $72 each....MUCH better. This makes over-kill pert' near affordable. SS Post Bases

Gainesjs
This is for you. Hope this works
http://photobucket.com/albums/b165/ahvatsa/Catfish%20pond/Pier/
The county was replacing some water crossings and the footings were a gift.

Taaa-daaa! and then there was a pier!
V nice job, Ahvatsa. What a great platform for just about anything. Throw out some of the construction spec's, ie; concrete pier dia's/depth, framing dimensions, fastener types (galv or SS). You and Jeff are my models.
Is the actual pond construction complete? Got water? I still go back and peruse your first photo-bucket collection. Anything past that?

I am building a building out over the water. Since my pond is lined with clay and packed I decided to use the screw soil anchors into the bottom about 2 feet, placed a 6 inch pvc over the anchor and hand pounded it down to solid soil, then I used rebar and concrete to fill the pvc and j bolts to anchor the wood frame. The size of the building is 20 X 30 feet. I will need a toilet installed in one corner area for those that grow older. We are about 15 feet out into the water and we are about a foot low on water so we could do the work in the deeper area.

ahvatsa :

Great looking pier/house. I do have one question. In pic # 4 is that your guard dog (lower right) fixing to eat up that board. I really laughed when I saw him in his red coat. So much for everything being bigger in Texas. Just so you will know we have a little dog too and he is great as I am sure yours is.

Paul worries:
Paul, I have been haunted by a vision that I just cannot shake outta my head. I know I have seen a unit that will provide accommodations for two, given a simple alteration by adding a couple of seats. THEN IT HIT ME.....
Shanty or winter outhouse?

(just goofin )

ahvatsa,
Nice looking dock - brilliant design!
Brettski must be inspired.

Brettski
construction specs: Printed pics of Gainesjs' project and told my #1 hand to build it! 8x10 roof area with 4' walk around. I also ask him to make it "solid as a rock". He did...There's 56 bags of concrete...I will never "hand mix" that again. Should sit in 5' and 11-12' off end.(upon completion was discovered it will be 5-6"UNDER water at spillway level. May never see in my lifetime.) Pond is complete. What's water? Going to wait until Mayish and drill a well. Will add some pics to origional soon.
ewest
Hard to believe how that "guard dog" has captured our hearts! She's only 5 mo. a Chineese Crested hairless... if that means anything. Had a BAD dream of a hawk swooping down...Let's not go there! Went to west Tx. hunting and came home to her! Had a few choice words for my wife... 48hrs. later she was going to the office with me.
Gainesjs
YES, a brilliant design. If you make it to So. Texas, Steaks are on me. Mortons or Ruth Chris...u decide.
ps I grew up with a "Jeff Gaines"

Beautiful, ahvatsa.

My first hand-mix C-ment job was also my last (so far, at least).

This all looks great but how do you install a pier when the pond is aready full?

Tuzz
Very slowly and be sure to take deep breaths when possible. It is very tough to build anything after your pond is full, The main thing to keep on your mind is how bad do I want this struture? Once you get the deep part completed it becomes much easier. We use 80 # bags and we have gone thru 70 bags and if you are in doubt ask my back. My lady said to start buying 40 # bags but they cost more.