Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

A forum to discuss everything to do with pole vaulting equipment: poles, pits, spikes, etc.

Moderator: Barto

ClintonMagus
PV Whiz
Posts: 171
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:03 am
Expertise: Parent of a Vaulter
Lifetime Best: 11-6
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Sam Kendricks

Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby ClintonMagus » Wed Jul 21, 2010 11:38 am

We are building a raised runway that will normally be used indoors, but can be moved outdoors for street vaults, etc. Rather than build it with a 2x10 framework, we have been given a very good price on some 2.5x11.75 "engineered" wood I-beams. Of course, from a weight standpoint, this would be wonderful. We will seal all of the wood for outdoor use.

My question is, can this engineered lumber be used as a direct substitute for regular 2x10s? In other words, in this portable application, will they be as sturdy as screwed/glued 2x10s?

Thank you.

PVJunkie
PV Lover
Posts: 1037
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2002 10:40 am
Expertise: Pole Specialist, Former College Vaulter, Masters Vaulter, HS Coach, Fan, Parent, College Coach

Re: Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby PVJunkie » Wed Jul 21, 2010 2:18 pm

YES, they are structurally stronger than a 2X10. Its a shame you got the 11.75 version, I think there is a shorter version that could have reduced your weight even more.

If you use a 2X8 (7.25" tall) with 2x4's (1.5" tall) to span the 2X8 rails then put your plywood (.5" tall) on top you end up with about 9" tall. More than enough to accomodate an 8" deep box. The less mass you add the lighter you end up.

For my last runway build I made my own "joists" out of 2x4's and even with the rubber glued to each section they are manageable with 2 people.

ClintonMagus
PV Whiz
Posts: 171
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:03 am
Expertise: Parent of a Vaulter
Lifetime Best: 11-6
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Sam Kendricks

Re: Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby ClintonMagus » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:18 pm

They do come in 9.5 inch also, but they would have actually cost more than the taller ones. The distributor has an overabundance of the 11.75 in stock, and is willing to cut us a deal to get rid of some of them. He can also ship those directly from his location with the rest of the Home Depot shipment, while the shorter ones would have to be freighted separately.

We even thought about building the beams ourselves, but for the price and the labor involved, it's worth it to buy them.

ClintonMagus
PV Whiz
Posts: 171
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:03 am
Expertise: Parent of a Vaulter
Lifetime Best: 11-6
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Sam Kendricks

Re: Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby ClintonMagus » Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:08 am

Runway update:

As it turned out, a friend of mine works for the distributor and was able to make us a very good deal through the school system. he ordered the 9.5-inch beams, but 11.75-inch beams were delivered so, to cut out as much weight as possible, I cut them down to 9.5 inches.

Here is an early photo, before cross-bracing and section connectors were added:

Image

Kstumpenhorst
PV Newbie
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 7:34 am
Expertise: Former college vaulter, current high school coach
Lifetime Best: 16'5"
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie

Re: Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby Kstumpenhorst » Thu Jun 02, 2011 11:38 pm

How often did you put cross bracing on your runway? Also how wide is this runway and was it necessary to have a I joist running down the middle as well? I am starting to build one myself, and for the money I don't want to do it again. Thanks for any advice or pictures

Kyle

ClintonMagus
PV Whiz
Posts: 171
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:03 am
Expertise: Parent of a Vaulter
Lifetime Best: 11-6
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Sam Kendricks

Re: Raised Runway - Need a Carpenter's Opinion

Unread postby ClintonMagus » Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:53 pm

It is 42" wide. We didn't put cross-bracing in anywhere except at the box end. There is a LOT of bracing there. We have had folks from 90 pounds to 170 pounds on the runway for more than six months, two nights a week plus extras, and there has never been any sign of instability.


Return to “Pole Vault - Equipment”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests