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Testing procedure for fence posts and fence mesh

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Bogdan Radu
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43 views

Testing procedure for fence posts and fence mesh

Uploaded by

Bogdan Radu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Testing Procedure for Fence Posts and Fence Mesh (UFC

4-022-03) with Safety Considerations


Overview
This revised procedure incorporates the specific equipment used
(digital crane scale, ratchet strap with hook and keeper, and a fixed
point on a flatbed truck) to apply force and measure deflection. This also
includes necessary safety measures as per EM 385-1-1 standards to
ensure the testing process is conducted safely and effectively.

Safety Precautions
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
o All personnel must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves,
safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.
o Operators should wear a high-visibility vest if testing is
conducted in an open or active area.
2. Equipment Safety Check:
o Inspect the digital crane scale, ratchet straps, and hooks
before each test to ensure there are no signs of wear, fraying,
or damage.
o Verify the fixed point on the flatbed truck is secure and
capable of handling the applied forces without shifting or
moving.
3. Safe Work Zone:
o Establish a safe work zone around the test area with barriers
or cones to prevent unauthorized access.
o Only essential personnel should be within the immediate area
during testing.
4. Force Application Safety:
o Ensure the ratchet strap is tensioned slowly and steadily to
prevent sudden movements or overstress on the fence posts.
o Position personnel away from the line of force to prevent
injury in case of equipment failure.

1. Fence Post Rigidity Test


Purpose
To assess whether each fence post can withstand a 225 N (50 lb)
perpendicular force with minimal movement, thereby ensuring stability
and security.
Equipment
 Digital Crane Scale: Calibrated to measure and display applied
force accurately up to the required 225 N.
 Ratchet Strap with Hook and Keeper: Used to secure the digital
crane scale to the post and apply force.
 Flatbed Truck (Fixed Point): Used to anchor one end of the
ratchet strap, providing a stable force application.

Procedure
1. Setup:
o Position the flatbed truck close to the fence post being tested,
ensuring it is parked securely with brakes engaged.
o Attach one end of the ratchet strap to a fixed point on the
truck bed, and the other end to the crane scale.
o Attach the crane scale to the post at a height of 1.5 meters (5
feet) above ground.
2. Force Application:
o Gradually apply tension using the ratchet strap until the digital
crane scale reads 225 N (50 pounds).
o Maintain a steady force to avoid sudden jerks, which could
affect measurement accuracy.
3. Measurement:
o Measure the deflection at the point of force application using a
measuring tape or ruler, ensuring accuracy to the nearest
millimeter.
o The movement must be less than or equal to 19.1 mm (3/4
inch) from its initial relaxed position.

4. Recording and Evaluation:


o Record the deflection for each tested post.
o If deflection exceeds 19.1 mm, mark the post as “failed” and
proceed to additional testing.
5. Additional Testing for Failed Posts:
o If a post fails, test the next four posts on either side of the
failed post following the same procedure.
6. Remediation:
o Replace any posts that fail the rigidity test. Retest the
replaced posts to confirm compliance.
o The contractor is responsible for covering the costs of all
replacements and retests.

2. Fence Mesh Stability Test


Purpose
To verify that the fence mesh maintains integrity and does not exceed
allowable deflection under specified push and pull forces.
Equipment
 Digital Crane Scale: Used to measure applied force accurately.

Specifications of the digital crane scale:


Capacity: 300 kg
Resolution: 100 g
Large LCD display
Water-resistant membrane buttons
Functions: hold (HOLD), tare, set to "0"
ABS casing with internal aluminum structure
Supplied with stainless steel hook
Power supply: 2 x AAA battery
Dimensions: 80 x 290 x 45 mm
Selectable measurement units:
Kg - Kilograms
lb - Pounds
N - Newton
The scale has Metrological Calibration Certificate wich certifies the
accuracy of a measuring instrument by verifying that it meets
specific metrological standards
 Ratchet Strap with Hook and Keeper: To apply force via the
crane scale.

 Flatbed Truck (Fixed Point): Used to anchor the strap, providing


stability during the pull test.
Procedure
1. Setup:
o Position the flatbed truck parallel to the fence mesh panel
being tested.
o Secure one end of the ratchet strap to a fixed point on the
truck and the other end to the crane scale.
o Attach the crane scale to the center of the mesh panel.
2. Push-Pull Testing:
o Apply a 220 N (50 lb) push-pull force at the center of the mesh
panel by using the ratchet strap and crane scale.
o Observe and record any notable movement.
3. Pull Testing for Deflection:
o While pulling from the side of the post, apply a 130 N (30 lb)
pull force at the center of the mesh panel.
o Measure the resulting deflection, ensuring it does not exceed
6 cm (2.5 inches).
4. Recording and Evaluation:
o Document the measured deflection for each tested panel.
o If the deflection exceeds 6 cm, mark the panel as "failed."
5. Remediation:
o Secure, repair, or replace any panels that fail the deflection
test, and retest them to ensure compliance.
o All remediation and retesting costs are to be borne by the
contractor.
Documentation and Compliance Reporting
1. Test Logs:
o Maintain detailed logs for each post and panel tested,
including applied forces, deflection measurements, and
pass/fail status.
o Include observations and any issues encountered during
testing.
2. Safety Compliance:
o Document safety measures taken in alignment with EM 385-1-
1 standards, noting any hazards or deviations and the steps
taken to mitigate them.
3. Final Report:
o Compile all testing data, failure occurrences, remediation
actions, and retest results in a comprehensive compliance
report.
o Submit the report to the inspection authority for final
verification and approval.
4. Inspection and Approval:
o Ensure the final compliance report is reviewed and signed off
by the appropriate safety and quality control representatives
before final acceptance of the fence installation.

By following this enhanced procedure, the testing process will meet both
the UFC 4-022-03 security standards and EM 385-1-1 safety
requirements, ensuring both the structural integrity and safety of the
fence installation.

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