The problem with concrete around the pole in clay is the freeze heave and dry cycles. In the winter, freezing and thawing action causes heave and expansion that wants to move it around which is why you get the post below the freeze level. During the summer, unless you are in the rain belt, the clay dries up and pulls away (retracts) from the post and concrete around it. That is when cracks in ground appear and some get so wide you can stick your hand in it. Then the wind loading action against the barn makes the posts move ever so slightly enough to begin wallowing out the post hole and you lose the support. Packing the hole with sand or small limestone allows the fines to move with the clay as it expands and retracts. Not allowing the ground to dry out helps in that regard and probably some parts of the country doesn't see what dry clay does just like some parts of the country doesn't deal with the freeze level.
You will also notice that clay in the early spring after it has gone through the freeze cycle is much softer and less compacted due to the process which makes it easier to dig and auger. The summer drying process just compacts the clay to make it very difficult to dig and auger.
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Today's Featured Article - Sunday Drives - by Cowboy. Summer was finally upon us here in Northern Maine. We have two types of industry up here, one being "Forestry" (Wood Products) and the other "Farming" (Potatoes). There is no shortage of farm tractors and equipment around here! I have been restoring old Farm Tractors for the past 6 years, and have found it easier and less expensive to hit all the auctions and purchase whole tractors for parts needed. My wife who works at a local school, and only has weekends and summers off, while on t
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