Foundation for brick pillar gateposts

[LazyMark]

Ive had a look through the forum and couldn't find what I was looking for. I need to build 2 brick gateposts where an old Victorian brick wall used to be. It needs to be 10 bricks above ground. How do I go about the foundations?
BTW, the reason the wall is being replaced is that the old one is falling over.

 

[JohnD]

when you build gateposts, a good trick is to join the two footings with lightly reinforced concrete (you can use it as a doorstep and cast it at the same time). this prevents them leaning together (or apart)

 

[LazyMark]

Wow, that was quick! Take your point, but there is a stone step in between. Admittedly it is worn, so it could be broken out. What do you reckon?

 

[dunnbrick]

yeah you can maybe break the step out if you really want. another good way is when you dig and concrete the foundations in the concrete put some small lenghts of reinforcing bar sticking out and build the pillars round the bars and when filled in the middle itll strenghten it all...

 

[JohnD]

If it's an attractive old stone step, I would try to lift it out, dig a small trench under it for the reinforced strip, turn the step over and lay it on the fresh concrete (you might need to level it with mortar) May look very nice when finished if it has an unworn face underneath.

 

[LazyMark]

Thanks John - sounds like a good idea. I'll start eating my spinach!
Mark

 

[LazyMark]

Oh yeah, how deep should the trench be and does it need reinforcing? I'm totally new to this.

 

[JohnD]

I would have thought 100mm to 150mm deep would be plenty for the trench, and as wide as the step. Yes, you do need steel reinforcing, say, 4 rods in the trench, reaching into the pier founds with the ends bent over

but under the piers wider and deeper, plus one course of bricks below the ground. I'm not too hot on walls, someone else will know better

 

[LazyMark]

You're a star, thanks
Mark