by Amman, Jordan has the tallest Atlantic Flagpole unsupported in the world. The 416-foot tall pole of carbon steel weighs in at staggering 190,000. A flagpole with this size requires a heavy foundation. It can support up to 600 tons. Therefore, 36 bolts made of carbon steel are bolted onto the foundation. It can withstand winds up to ninety-miles per hour, with the flag attached. It took two years for design and construction, along with cooperation from many corporations, to get it up and running.
The engineering concepts for your flagpole project are similar, although it may not be as overwhelming.
First, determine the height of your flagpole. The flag should measure 25 to 40% of the height of your pole.
A standard commercial flagpole stands thirty to thirty-five foot tall. A shorter flagpole is better if you’re looking to make a bold statement on your front lawn. Residential flagpoles typically hover between 20 and 25 feet for homes with one- or more stories.
The material you choose for your pole is another important decision. For their durability and best value, aluminum and fiberglass are the best choices. But flagpoles also come in bronze, carbon and stainless steel. Wood, though attractive, is weakest of all materials and is therefore primarily used to mount flags on walls. For fiberglass and bronze, there are many colors available. Larger flagpoles will usually require stainless steel or carbon steel.