Careful with filling the pipe with concrete, as it can shrink when it cures,
leaving a gap between the concrete and the steel pipe, thus letting it carry
vibration again.

>From my experience, the wetter the mix the greater the shrinkage. It can
often be tempting to wet the mix to make it more pourable, but this can
cause problems later with shrinkage and reduced strength.

Would the extra weight cause problems for your footing? It may cut the sway,
but you end up with a long term lean developing, esp if the dirt around your
footing gets wet.

There are bonding agents to help new concrete stick to old. Make sure your
old concrete is clean and roughened up to give some purchase. Chip it up
with a chisel or jackhammer and if you still have any doubts, drill some
holes and stick in expanding bolts to act as reo.

A cheaper solution: If you've got room for guy wires, try using 1/2 to 3/4
inch steel rod instead. Thread it at each end and then you can use adjusting
nuts to pull it all very tight. Would make it all very rigid. The rods could
also be used to give you final adjustment for alt/az.

Good luck

Colin James

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