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Gothic hoophouse connectors? PVC and Metal Conduit

 
Posts: 25
Location: Deering, NH
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Looking for tips on what elbows I can use for a gothic hoophouse? The only info on roof peak connectors I can find are pre fab and too expensive (metal)
I am looking to build out of metal conduit or pvc. I am building dual purpose hoops, for this coming winter they will be used as hoops for my chickens to prep land for spring, and basic housing (locked small coops inside or attached to hoops) Most likely wooden framing on skids. Snow loads here.

Sizes I am thinking are 10-12' wide and 16-20' long.

Thanks!
 
Posts: 62
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
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One way to make connections of metal conduit is the use the next size up as a sleeve and drill through and bolt. This has worked well for repairing our smaller moveable structures that used 1/2 inch bendable with 3/4 conduit. These "moveable” structures have occasionally gone on excursions that put the early efforts of the Wright brothers to shame. This has allowed much practice in repair. I think the same can be done with 1 inch for ¾. These could be bent into angles if you wanted and "manufactured" in bulk.

Another approach is to buy as long a length as possible of conduit and use easily improvised bending jigs or a purchased bender to make the angles. We have tended to use circular sections because of the extreme wind and snow in our location. These sections can also be bent on homemade simple jigs. I have included a few pictures. The arches are 2- 10 foot sections of ¾. This is about the size range you mentioned. This structure has withstood even greater snow loads of heavy wet coastal snow and a lot of hurricane force winds. The plastic becomes a key part of the structure using this system and it is secured by UV resistant snap ties to avoid point loads. If this of any interest I can provide more details. What I can say is that it has survived some amazing storms that left commercial purchased structures a tangled mess of metal and plastic. The parts are also very modular and can be replaced easily if damage does occur.

Good luck with your building!
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The ribs and purlins of the greenhouse
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Typical snow load
 
Posts: 224
Location: east and dfw texas
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top rail for chain link fence they have built coupler or sleeve .for snow load put one down the middle and upright as close as needed.
 
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