Civil Engineering Chapter 37 Homework Surface Treatments Are Also Available That Can

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152

Exercise 37

Chain Link Fence

Construction

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this exercise is to properly install chain

link fencing.

Verify utility locations before beginning

TEXTBOOK REFERENCE

Information related to this activity can be found in the

Landscape Construction textbook in Chapter 32, Fencing.

INTRODUCTION

A common fencing material used in the landscape indus-

try today is chain link. This versatile material provides

for boundary definition and enclosure, and if desired,

can be modified for use as a screen. Chain link fencing

is installed in several steps, beginning with the installa-

tion of heavy gauge corner/gate posts and light gauge

approximately 100 feet. It is not uncommon for fabric

that is stretched tightly by hand to be stretched another 1

to 2 feet using jacks or mechanical stretchers. Fabric can

be stretched over straight runs and around the outside of

curved installations, but inside curves cannot be easily

stretched. If the fence runs up a slope, corner posts must

by using a single link of fabric to join two pieces. Overlap

the pieces and start weaving this link from top to bot-

tom by rotating the link. When joined, twist a bend in

the top and bottom of the link to prevent unraveling.

Fabric pieces can be shortened by reversing this process,

straightening the bends at the top and bottom of a link

then unweaving the link from the fabric.

Follow these steps to install a chain link fence.

Setting Corner, Gate, or End Posts

• Excavate an 8 inch diameter hole to frost depth

at each corner and gate post location. Using a

permanent marker, mark posts with a line at the

correct burial depth.

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Exercise 37 Chain Link Fence Construction 153

Installing Line Posts

• Between the tops and bottoms of corner posts,

connect a stringline to guide the alignment of the

• An alternative to driving the line posts is to dig

or auger holes and place the posts in the holes.

Partially backfill the holes with gravel and adjust

the height to match the stringline. Check for level

in each direction and continue to backfill with soil.

Compact the soil after every 6 inches of fill.

Installing Framework

• Install top rail caps on each corner, gate, and

line caps slip on top of line posts and have an

opening through which the top railing runs

(Figure 37–1B).

• Place a second section of top railing through the

next line post caps and join with the first section

by sliding the nontapered end over the tapered

end of the previously installed section.

• Continue placing top rail until a section passes

over the corner post at the other end of the run.

• At the end of the run hold the top rail against the

corner post cap and mark where the end of the rail

will meet the back of the opening in the cap.

Figure 37–1 Chain link fence installation.

A. Install corner, gate, and line posts

along fence alignment

B. Install framework caps

and top rail

E. Secure fabric to posts and

rail with ties

F. Apply tension wire at bottom and

fasten to fabric with ties

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154 Exercise 37 Chain Link Fence Construction

Installing Mid Rail

A mid rail is installed on tall fences for stability, and at

each panel adjacent to corners and gates for any fence

over 4 feet tall.

• Loosely bolt the rail holder fitting around a corner

post at approximately mid level.

second fitting over the other end.

• Clamp this second fitting around the first line post.

Tighten the rail holder fitting at both posts.

• Repeat this process for every panel that requires a

mid rail.

Fabric Application and Stretching

• Roll the fabric out along the fencing run and

• Fasten clamps around this stretcher bar and the

corner post. Install one clamp for each foot of

fence height.

point to create the fabric end. For mechanically

stretched fabric, subtract an additional 2 inches

for every 10 feet of fence to locate the new end of

the fabric.

• Return the fabric to the ground and disconnect

(or add) sections of fencing to obtain the proper

length.

post, insert a single stretcher bar through the last

loop in the fabric and install clamps around the

corner post and stretcher bar. Install one clamp

for each foot of fence height.

• Loosen the jacks and remove the double stretcher

bar from the fabric.

• Attach the fabric to the top rails and posts using

aluminum fence ties. Work from the side of the

fence opposite the fabric. Place the hook end

every 4 feet along the top rail (Figure 37–1E).

Installing Tension Wire

• Attach clamps around the base of each corner post

(Figure 37–1F).

• Connect the tension wire to one clamp and

stretch tightly between the two corner posts.

• Attach the wire to the clamp at the base of the

PREREQUISITE EXERCISES

Students should have successfully completed Exer-

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Proper clothing and safety gear

• Posthole auger

• Mason’s twine

• 25 foot and 100 foot tape measures

• Socket wrench and sockets

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Exercise 37 Chain Link Fence Construction 155

EXERCISE DESCRIPTION

To complete this exercise construct a 15 foot long seg-

ment of 4 foot tall chain link fence on a level surface con-

nected to a 15 foot long segment of fence that is stepping

up a slight slope (Figure 37–2).

10′

Flat Slope

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