Question:  I have a question I was hoping you could help me with.  Regarding type 1B pole foundations (straight pole, 4.5” OD)  We noticed that California recently updated their requirements on 1B pole foundations, making them much deeper and complicated. The requirement used to be 3’ deep with J-bolts, now it’s 5’ deep with an anchor plate.  I was wondering if you knew anything about this or could refer me to an “expert” in this area.  See the attached new requirement.  Thank you,  I appreciate your help.  We sell a lot of these and just trying to figure out what we should to offer.
Answer:  The plan you sent is valid.  You can find the whole set of plans at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/HTM/stdplns-US-customary-units-new10.htm#electrical.  Please be sure to check your contract documents before you jump on the new plans, though.  Each project should have a statement about which year of Caltrans documents were used as the basis for design.  If things are typical, it will be a gradual transition over the next couple years from the 2006 set to 2010.