Setting Posts In Very Dry Ground

[MikePA]

Last evening I finished drilling the last of the 9 fence post holes that represent corners/changes in direction around our 2.5 acre pasture. Of the nine, only two showed any moisture at all in the soil (interestingly, one was at the lowest point in the pasture and one was at a high point), with the other seven it was like drilling in talcum powder. All the holes are approximately three feet deep.

What's the best method for setting 4" x 4" x 8' posts in these 'dry as dust' holes?

 

[riptides]

Gee Mike,

We just put up a pole barn and used the same set method as we always use. Drill, set, fill with dry concrete. We did let them sit overnight and rechecked in the am.

Our ground here is *most* dry. Dryest I have ever seen.

Should I be worried? About the posts?
-Mike Z.

 

[MikePA]

Mike,

Did you use a concrete mix (cement and aggregate) or just cement?

 

[TerryinMD]

Mike,

Use either stone dust or Quickrete - either will set up over time. Pour it in and tamp it a little with the tamping end of a digging iron.

Or you can try another method - drink lots of your favorite beverage to moisten the mix after pouring it into the hole. /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Terry

 

[MikePA]

Terry, after some serious consideration, I believe I will select Alternative 1. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

 

[riptides]

Mike,

I took a page out from Terry, minus the beverage onslaught.
Remember I said it was really dry around here.

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

Use either stone dust or Quickrete - either will set up over time. Pour it in and tamp it a little with the tamping end of a digging iron.

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Used a 50/50 mixture and lots of iron --- pounding.
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-Mike Z.