The reliability of the entire fence structure directly depends on the material of the supporting frame.
Install wooden posts, and the fence on your site will last no more than 10 years. Wood, even antiseptic, is susceptible to rotting.
Concrete is a more reliable option. But when installing such a structure, difficulties arise with fastening the purlins.
Drilling a reinforced pole is not easy, and not all developers can install embedded parts in it efficiently.
The best reasons are metal pipes for the fence– durable, easy to install and durable. On metal frame You can easily secure any fencing material - wood, profiled steel sheet, mesh, cellular polycarbonate, asbestos or cement bonded particle boards.
Budget developers are often stopped high price metal However, comparing the service life metal fence with wood, you will see the opposite.
Metal posts and veins will last at least 50 years while wooden frame During this period you will have to replace the fence 3-4 times with all the associated costs.
Profile or round pipe for the fence. What to choose?
From the point of view of science that studies the resistance of materials (resistance), the most advantageous is the circular cross-section of the pipe. With a minimum of material it provides maximum rigidity.
If we take into account the ease of installation, round pipes are inferior to profile pipes. Rectangular posts and purlins are more convenient to cut and join by welding. A flat contact surface allows all elements of the fence to be fixed more tightly and rigidly than a round one.
As we have already said, a round pipe with the same weight is stronger than a profile pipe in bending. Therefore, if you decide to buy round fence posts, you will save by reducing the weight of the metal. In addition, it is more convenient to install a round pipe in soft soil by screwing it in using a collar.
What pipe sizes should I choose for racks and purlins?
It all depends on the height of the fence, the type facing material, strut pitch and wind force.
If the fence of the site is within 1.8 - 2.2 meters, then the profile pipe for the fence made of corrugated board should have a cross-section of 80x80 mm (wall thickness 3 mm).
If a round pipe is used, then a diameter of 60 mm (3 mm wall) will be sufficient. When choosing a fence without a foundation, bury it metal poles in soft soil it will be at least 1.2 meters, and in dense soil - 80-90 cm.
The pitch of the fence posts is of great importance. Optimal - 2.5 meters. In areas with strong gusty winds, it should be reduced to 2 meters.
For low fences (less than 1.5 meters), a square pipe 40x40x2 mm or 60x60x2 mm with veins with a cross section of 30x20x2 mm or 40x20x2 mm can be used.
Approximate prices for pipes of different sizes
The range of rolled metal products and the choice of steel pipe manufacturers today is very wide. Therefore, before preparing material for the fence frame, you should familiarize yourself with market prices and estimate the optimal budget for the future fencing.
The most convenient for frame calculations are prices for pipes, calculated per linear meter of length, and not per ton. Having determined the total footage of fence posts and veins, you can easily calculate their cost.
Rectangular metal pipes for fence posts with a cross section of 40x60 mm and a 2 mm wall are sold for 110-120 rubles per 1 rm. For a more powerful fence, you will need racks with a cross section of 80x80 mm (wall 3 mm). They can be purchased at a price of 260 – 290 rubles/rm.
A profile square pipe with sides 100x100 mm and a wall thickness of 3 mm is offered on the market at prices starting from 360 rubles/rm.
The size of the veins (purlins) to which the corrugated sheet is attached is always less than the cross-section of the pillars. The main task of these structures is to distribute the weight of the cladding and transfer it to the vertical posts.
When designing a fence made of corrugated sheets up to 2 meters high, a 40x20 mm tubular profile (2 mm wall) is most often used as purlins. His average cost depending on the sales region, it ranges from 66 to 74 rubles. for 1 pm.
For higher and loaded fences, purlins from a pipe with a cross section of 60x30 mm (wall 2-2.5 mm) are used. Their purchase will cost from 95 rubles per 1 linear meter of profile.
For round steel electric welded pipes, the average cost is linear meter is this:
- 51 mm (wall 3) – from 136 rubles;
- 57 mm (wall 3 mm) – from 143 rubles;
- 60x3 mm – from 160 rubles;
- 76x3 mm – from 195 rubles;
- 89x3 mm – 242 rub.;
- 102x3 mm – 276 rub.
Features of installing a fence frame
Having decided which pipes are best to use for the fence and making a sketch of the connecting points, you can begin installation. At the same time, you need to remember that the main enemies of a solid metal fence are wind and soil. Therefore, it is best to embed stand pipes in monolithic concrete, even in the most economical “pit” way.
Simply driving or screwing pipes into the ground for a high fence is not the best option. Unstable soil gets wet, dries out, and freezes. As a result, the fence frame may become warped or tilted. A concrete “anchor” will prevent the fence of the site from losing stability or changing its geometric shape.
The profile pipe used for the racks must be turned with its wide side perpendicular to the cladding. This will maximize the rigidity of the posts in relation to the wind, which tends to bend the wide “sail” of the fence.
Fastening the corrugated sheet with bolts to the 40x20 profile pipe
Unlike a continuous fence made of corrugated sheets, installing a frame made of pipes for a fence made of steel mesh chain-link is less responsible. This design is not afraid of even hurricane winds, because the mesh does not create much aerodynamic resistance.
Here the main task is to ensure the stability of the base, therefore, sufficient penetration into the ground and concreting of the pillars is prerequisites stability of the entire structure.
Unlike the European type of house construction, Russians like to enclose their houses with fences, the higher the better. There are several design options, the most popular, and also inexpensive, are structures made from metal pipes and corrugated sheets.
Wooden structures are short-lived average term service life is 10 years, since a tree dug into the ground, even treated by special means, rots quickly. Concrete is more reliable, but installing purlins is much more difficult. Reinforced poles are not easy to drill, and not all builders can make embeds on them.
Metal pipes are quite expensive, which often stops customers. It is important to consider the service life, it is much longer. The metals that serve as the basis for the future frame are strong, durable, and easy to work with. Almost any material is attached to the frame: mesh, asbestos-bonded, cement-bonded sheets, cellular polycarbonate, wood, corrugated steel sheet. Structures last about 50 years, the lifespan of wood is 3-4 times less. A fence is a combined structure, there are several types:
- Fences covered with corrugated sheets, are distinguished by their lightweight design. They are quite durable, although under the influence certain strength noticeable dents appear, less often holes. The metal of the profiled sheet is quite thin, complemented by a metal base; it is considered the most popular type of frame.
- Chainlink– two types of mesh: metal, polymer. During installation, holes are drilled and the mesh is secured to the frame through them. These species are more common among construction sites; they often fence empty areas. Due to good review unpopular as permanent fencing.
- Wooden fences popular due to their environmental friendliness and relative cheapness. Significantly different from metal bending, the process of wood processing is simpler and less expensive.
- Gates assembled forged elements , require thicker pipes, forging weighs a lot. The profiles are unlikely to completely block the view; there will be empty space between the openwork elements. Due to their high cost, they are often used in conjunction with brick pillars.
Which pipe to make a fence from: basic parameters
Each metal base has its own set of specific characteristics to make it suitable, sometimes unsuitable, for use on a particular object. When choosing, you need to consider the following parameters:
- Material. What kind of steel forms the structure plays an important role. Galvanized steel is the most reliable, also expensive option. Black steel is used less, but is financially acceptable. The products require annual painting and removal of rust at the base.
- Diameter. The stability of the structure is directly related to the cross-section diameter. Strong winds can cause a fence held together by thin posts to fall. At a height of about 2 meters would be better suited square 80x80mm, or round 60mm. Minimum wall thickness 3mm.
- Height. Too much high fences sometimes called a “sail”, they are the ones that have to hold back the strong wind. When installing them, it is important to take into account the length, comparing it with the quality of the soil. Sometimes the soil is wet, loose, loose, and you have to increase the length to at least 15 cm. When it is not possible to independently determine the type of soil, you should contact a specialist.
Metal pipes due to more easy installation more popular than other materials. Assuming to give the fence a serious load, they are the ones who are able to withstand the gravity of the load being held, weather conditions. Among the obvious advantages of these structures, builders highlight the following:
Large types are installed only when using metal poles.
Can be used by manufacturers of frames for decorative purposes; the steel lends itself very well to painting.
Metal supports used repeatedly. The fence project will be cheaper; you can make the frame using used pipes.
Calculation of the number of fence posts
The number of metal pipes cannot be neglected for the sake of reducing operating time, labor costs or cost. When the horizontal purlins do not fit together clearly, the entire rack looks unreliable; it is better to redo it. The number of supporting floors determines the reliability of the structure; it requires stiffeners. You can calculate it using a special formula: divide the area of the site according to the distances between the supports, including the calculation of the cross-section. Profile views The allotted distance is usually 2 - 3 m, for round ones - 2-2.5 m. The heavier the structure, the smaller the distance between the supports. The lightest fences - mesh, corrugated sheets - imply a distance of 4-6 meters.
Which type is better
There are two main types: round, profile. Each type is good in its own way, but there are some differences:
- Section of round supports at minimum costs the material is more durable. There are thinner ones, they can still withstand considerable loads, and can be easily screwed into soft soil with a collar.
- Rectangular purlins It is more convenient to install to profile pipes. Due to the flat surface of the contact edges, welding takes place better, forming a more durable structure. They are easier to cut, which significantly reduces working hours.
What is the optimal pipe thickness for a fence?
An important role in the correctness of calculations is played by the height, the distance between the posts, the speed of wind gusts, and the type of main material of the fence. So, for example, a distance of 2 meters between the corrugated frame racks is suitable for a profile rack with a section of 80x80 and a wall thickness of 3mm.
For a round base, a diameter of 60mm with a wall of 3mm is sufficient. You can dig in supports of these parameters without a foundation, but you will have to deepen them to almost a meter when the soil is loose, 80 centimeters is dense (for a fence 2 meters).
Small fences about 1.5 meters high are supported on frames of profile pipes with a section of 60x60, 2 mm thick, round pipes with parameters 40x40, 2 mm thick.
Features of installation of pipes for fencing
The process is almost identical to the installation of all load-bearing structures. Digging is not a difficult task, the preparation of sections takes place without the participation of a team of builders, the task is quite within the power of two workers. It takes place in stages, so in order to carry out all the work correctly, you need to:
- Mark the area where the fence is to be installed. Driven wooden pegs are connected to each other with a well-tensioned thread. You will get identical straight lines. You need to make sure that all the pegs are straight, otherwise the supports will also be driven in crookedly, which means either the frame will turn out uneven or the structure will have to be dismantled.
- The number of pegs should be equal to the number of posts. That is, it is necessary to make calculations so that when replacing wooden temporary blanks with permanent metal fence held on tight.
- In place of the pegs, a recess is dug for future pillars. It is more convenient to do this with a hand drill, experienced builders make do with a simple shovel. The quality of the soil plays a very important role: the softer the soil, the easier it is to work.
- There are two options for installing a pole. First, it is simply placed in a hole, compacted with soil. The stand will hold much stronger if you fill the hole with sand, then pour it with water, then add more sand, it is better to additionally cement it.
- First, the outer pillars are installed. A thread is stretched from pillar to post, thanks to which the rest are fixed. This makes it easier to make the frame more even, because the thread should lie on top at one level.
- The pipe must be strictly vertical and level. When organizing these measurements, a special building level is used. Reliable wooden supports - spacers - are built around the concreted rack; it will harden evenly and last longer.
- Having placed the tables vertically and evenly, from above to below, the hole is filled with medium-sized crushed stone. It additionally fixes, especially a very important component when the soil is soft or clayey. After compaction, the crushed stone is covered with round-grain sand and finally bitonized. The heavier the fence, the more crushed stone will be needed to stabilize it.
- Logs that are welded strictly horizontally are mounted only after cement mortar completely frozen. After the welding seams have cooled (except of stainless steel), goes through the final stage - an anti-corrosion primer is applied, although this is not necessary, then painted. Sometimes a canopy is installed at the top of the pipe, then precipitation, dust, and insects do not get inside.
The durability of the fence is directly related to how correctly the frame material is chosen. Metal supports are quite easy to install, easy to maintain, and last a long time. Comparing other types, one can highlight versatility and durability. It is a mistake to confuse support pipes with other rolled metal products for water supply or gas. All frames are manufactured in accordance with GOST standards.
The pricing policy is varied. The type of metal used by the manufacturer plays an important role. Steel is different and varied, price policy, section thickness, material strength are also different. Also important point is the cross-section itself, the wider the pipe, the more metal. And, finally, the determining factor most often is the novelty of the supports, because used ones are much cheaper. When making a second hand purchase, it is important to evaluate the appearance, especially the part that has been buried. Small rust can be easily removed with sandpaper on your own, but if the metal has begun to rot, it is better to avoid such a product. In a word, when making a permanent fence enclosing a site, you should not save money.
The construction of a fence from corrugated sheets has some features associated with the low weight of the structure, which is subject to significant lateral loads from the wind. Due to incorrectly selected materials, the fence can quickly become loose in the wind, and steel sheets bend over. Therefore, before building such fences with your own hands, you need to figure out which pillars should be used and how to install them correctly so that the structure stands for a long time and does not become loose.
Perhaps the most practical option- ready-made factory poles made of metal pipes with already welded brackets for the veins
Pros and cons of structures made from corrugated sheets
To understand the nuances of installing such a fence, you should evaluate its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are as follows:
- profiled steel sheets with colored polymer coating (usually polyester) look great on any type of fence and in combination with different materials;
- wide choose ;
- lightness and strength of the structure;
- simplicity and speed of fastening sheets, done with your own hands without the help of hired workers;
- affordable construction costs;
- long service life (about 20 years).
The disadvantage of a fence is burnout polymer coating, causing the surface to become dull and inexpressive. Therefore, when choosing pipes and corrugated sheets for a fence, homeowners are more inclined to dark colors, whose burnout is not so noticeable.
The lightness of the structure is also a disadvantage of the fence. It is well known that a light and large sail can carry a significant mass due to the force of the wind. A solid fence made of corrugated sheets is the same as a sail and it must be securely anchored in the ground on poles. Do not forget about the depth of soil freezing.
Support Structure Options
To build continuous fences from corrugated sheets with your own hands in private house construction, it is customary to use the following types of supports:
- metal racks made of round or profile pipe, other rolled metal;
- massive brick pillars reinforced concrete foundations;
- wooden posts;
- supporting elements from asbestos cement pipes.
The most popular designs are made from various rolled metal products, but most often round and round pipes are installed. rectangular section. This best option in terms of construction cost/design reliability ratio. It will only cost less wooden racks, but they are not as durable and need protection from weather conditions.
The best way to hold the sail is to increase the massiveness of the structure, which is achieved by installing brick pillars with steel pipes embedded inside them. Besides high reliability and durability, such fencing is aesthetically pleasing appearance. There is only one drawback - the high cost of construction. Less commonly implemented is the option of using asbestos-cement pipes installed on concrete foundations. To choose suitable solution, it’s worth examining all the options in more detail.
Selection of metal supports
For the installation of a fence covered with corrugated sheets, the following types of rolled metal are suitable:
- steel pipe round section, ;
- metal pipes of rectangular and square section;
- equal and unequal angles;
- channels, I-beams and even rails.
Ready-made pillars from profile pipes Given the high windage of the fence, fairly rigid elements should be used as supports, firmly embedded in the ground with your own hands. With a fence height of up to 200 cm and an installation step of 2 m, round pipes are needed, whose outside diameter is no less than 76 mm with a minimum wall thickness of 2 mm, and better - 3 mm. Their length is selected depending on the depth of immersion in the soil and under normal conditions is at least 3 m (2 m above the ground and 1/3 in the ground).
Under normal conditions This means ordinary sandy soil or loam not subject to frost. In the latter case, they are extended in such a way as to pass the entire freezing layer of soil and drop 0.5 m below this boundary.
Nuances of metal supports
If the height of the fence exceeds 200 cm or the span increases to 2.5-3 m, then the diameter of the pipes will be larger. For a standard span of 2.5 m with a height of 200 cm, you should take supports with an outer diameter of 89 mm and a wall thickness of 3 mm. To securely secure a section 250 cm high and 3 m long, you will need even more powerful racks - at least 108 mm.
IN last years supports are increasingly being used for rectangular pipes. For a standard span of 200 cm x 2.5 m, it is customary to use a 60x60 mm square pipe with a wall thickness of 3 mm, although some homeowners install thinner-walled products at their own risk. If you are building a fence with your own hands on the side of a vacant lot or other open space With strong winds, then it is appropriate to take elements of a rectangular section of 80x40 mm. At the same time, the smaller size (in in this case 40 mm) must be turned towards the vacant lot in order to ensure the rigidity of the structure.
Racks made from corners or channels may not look as aesthetically pleasing, but with the right approach they will not be inferior in reliability. Equal angle corners can be installed single on a standard section if their size is at least 80x80 mm with a wall thickness of 6 mm. Products with a shelf width of 56-75 mm are welded in a “box” to obtain full-fledged fence posts. It’s the same with channels - you can install an 18 cm wide element alone, and cook “boxes” from smaller ones.
About brick pillars
Brick pillar with a profile pipe - base Installing a respectable fence with and filling the openings with corrugated sheets is a rather labor-intensive task and will not be cheap. Although you can save money by doing the work yourself. But by building brick pillars, you won’t have to worry about them being knocked over by the wind.
The following types of bricks are suitable for construction:
- ceramic solid or hollow;
- silicate white or colored;
- special facing.
A steel profile pipe is placed inside the brick rack as a stiffening element, and then transverse joists and the corrugated sheet itself are attached to it. Its maximum size that can only be inserted inside a pillar is equal to half a brick and is 120x120 mm. But so big sizes pipes are needed in the places where the gates are hung, and to fasten the spans it is enough to take 60x60 mm products. Steel strips for installing corrugated sheeting should be welded to them, and the opening between the brickwork and the walls of the pipes should be filled with mortar.
The construction of brick pillars is carried out on reinforced concrete columnar foundations. To do this, you will have to dig holes with your own hands to the freezing depth, hammer profile pipes into them and concrete them using reinforcement cage. Afterwards, the steel core is covered with brick to a thickness of 120 cm. The length of the rack is selected so that its top is level with the cut brickwork. To protect against precipitation, decorative canopies made of painted metal or concrete should be installed on the fence supports.
Application of wooden racks
The reliability of the supporting part of the fence can be ensured by a beam with a cross-section of at least 10x10 cm or a rounded log with a diameter of 12-15 cm. The best types of wood are pine, larch or spruce, pre-treated with an antiseptic composition. The height of the pillars is selected depending on the installation method.
Preparation wooden poles- mastic coating Wooden posts for corrugated fencing can be installed in two ways:
- Concreting or caulking the supports in the pits, having previously treated the underground part with bitumen mastic.
- Make the underground part of the racks metal by concreting sections of profile pipes with your own hands, and then attaching wooden posts to them.
Installation of a wooden fence covered with corrugated sheets is simple and, most importantly, inexpensive. Wooden crossbars are nailed between the posts, and sheets of corrugated sheets are screwed to them on the front side with self-tapping screws. From the outside, the fence looks like a solid metal barrier, no wooden parts can not see.
Asbestos cement supports
In this case, the reliability of the supporting part is facilitated by the decent weight of asbestos-cement pipes, which, upon completion of installation, are filled from the inside with concrete. Thanks to this, the height of the fence with asbestos cement posts can be easily increased to 3 m. The structure is quite heavy, and therefore must rest on a columnar or strip foundation.
Asbestos cement pipe As in the option with brick pillars, racks made of asbestos-cement pipes must be concreted in the ground to a depth of 0.8-1.5 m, depending on the height of the fence. For reliability and stability, anchoring is performed in the underground part of the supports - drilling through holes, into which pieces of periodic profile reinforcement are then inserted. When you pour the foundation of the fence with concrete, the reinforcement will firmly connect it to the post.
To install corrugated sheeting, you need to make holes in the pillars with your own hands, where you then insert bolts for fastening crossbars made of steel pipes measuring 40x40 mm. If the span reaches 3 m, then the profile will have to be taken larger. The corrugated sheet is screwed to the profiles with self-tapping screws or self-drilling screws.
The fence is an integral part suburban area. Robust design allows you to protect the territory from the penetration of unwanted persons. A good fence should also give the site an aesthetic appearance. Many site owners decide to make a fence from a profile pipe with their own hands. This option is widely popular, because the creation process does not cause difficulties. How to cope with the manufacture of a fence and what tools are needed can be found in our article.
Materials and tools for making a fence
Before you begin manufacturing the structure, you need to take care of selecting and purchasing the required materials and preparing a set of tools.
Fence materials
Making a fence from a profile pipe involves the following steps:
- installation of load-bearing pillars;
- assembly of the fence frame;
- covering or filling the frame with decorative elements.
- painting metal elements.
The main material for the construction of a suburban area fence is profile pipes of various sizes.
Profile pipes can be used for the manufacture of fences, greenhouses, and other structures, for example.
What profile pipe is needed for the fence:
- with a cross section of 100*100 mm for installing posts on which the fence will be attached;
- with a cross section of 50*50 mm for the manufacture of vertical racks;
- with a cross section of 30*30 mm are used for installing horizontal struts of the structure;
- section 10*10 mm. Small profile pipes are required to fill the fence between the posts.
The size of the profile pipe for the fence determines the strength of the entire structure.
Each fence manufacturer can change the pipe sizes at its discretion. Above are the minimum dimensions of the pipes used. The main thing is that the load-bearing elements are made with a margin of safety, and that the decorative elements give the fence a beautiful appearance.
Load-bearing posts made of profile pipes for the fence are installed using concrete mortar, which is poured into the pit. This gives the finished structure additional strength.
Fence cladding can be done:
- chain-link mesh;
- corrugated sheeting of various colors;
- other materials at the request of the manufacturer.
A profile pipe for a fence made of corrugated sheets or covered with chain-link, in its basic parameters, completely corresponds to the dimensions of the pipes used in the manufacture of the fence, filled with elements of small pipes connected by welding.
To protect the structure from corrosion, all profiled pipes must be cleaned and painted.
Any fence can be additionally equipped with various decorative elements.
Tools for making and installing fencing
To make and install a fence from a profile pipe, you will need the following tools:
- welding machine and electrodes;
- Bulgarian;
- measuring instruments: tape measure, building level;
- tools for earthworks: shovel or drill.
To install gates and wickets you will need door hinges and handles, as well as a screwdriver (screwdriver) for fastening.
Stages of making a fence
Fences and fences from profile pipes are manufactured according to the following scheme:
- preparation of sketch and detailed drawing;
- fabrication of the structure;
- installation.
At the initial stage, a sketch of the fence is drawn. This drawing contains a schematic representation of the future fence. The sketch determines the installation locations of the main and decorative elements designs.
Based on the finished sketch, we develop detailed drawing designs. Unlike a sketch, a drawing of a fence made from a profile pipe should reflect the dimensions of the entire structure and each of its individual parts.
Based on the drawing, the materials required for the manufacture of the fence are calculated.
Making a fence
Fences made from profile pipes can be of two types:
- welded, that is, solid structures;
- sectional, that is, structures consisting of separate sections.
To make a welded fence from a profile pipe, you need:
- prepare all the components, that is, cut the pipes according to the drawing size;
Some pipes have deviations in dimensions. This is due to the method of production of corrugated pipes. Before cutting the constituent elements of the fence, all irregularities must be removed using a grinding machine.
- Weld the components of the structure to the intended places. Welding begins with vertical sections that are attached to load-bearing pillars. Next, horizontal fence lintels are installed, and the open space is finally filled with small pipes;
- if necessary, decorative elements are installed;
- welding areas are cleaned of accumulated deposits and scale;
- the finished structure is coated with specialized paint.
A sectional fence made from a profile pipe is manufactured in stages:
- at the first stage it is produced required amount sections that are made according to the prepared drawing;
- all sections are installed on the main pillars. To do this, you can use welding or special fastenings provided by the design.
To make a section of fencing, you need:
- weld a pipe frame;
When making the frame, it is necessary to take into account the distance between the supporting pillars.
- weld filling and decorative elements;
- clean the welding areas;
- paint finished design.
How to make a separate section of the fence can be seen in the video.
Installation of a finished structure
Installing the fence is the final stage. To install a finished structure with your own hands, you need:
- Make markings along the perimeter of the future fence. Mark the installation locations of the support pillars;
- Drill a hole under each main post. The diameter of each hole must be at least twice the diameter of the post;
- a post is installed in the finished hole and filled with concrete;
When setting up a pillar Special attention focuses on verticality and horizontality. If these parameters are violated, the fence will look lopsided. To fix the supporting structure in the desired position, braces are used, which are removed after the concrete has completely dried.
- ready-made sections are hung on the poles or a welded lock is made according to the above-described scheme;
- gates are also installed.
All work on the manufacture and installation of a fence from a profiled pipe is considered completed.
Fences made from profiled pipes are characterized by durability, simplicity of design, combined with aesthetically pleasing and low cost. Before starting work, it is recommended to develop own project fence or use ready-made sketches. Making a fence with your own hands is possible if you have basic skills in working with welding equipment.
What is preferable to use as corrugated fence posts? The answer to this question is 99% unequivocal - a metal pipe. And absolutely right. steel pipe - the most economical and durable material, which has sufficient strength to withstand bending (primarily) loads.
Next question: Which pipe is better to use - round or square? Everything is not so clear here. Opinions are divided approximately equally. In this article we will outline our vision of this issue. We leave questions of aesthetics and design outside the brackets - “There are no comrades according to taste and color,” as they say... Issues of strength calculation of fence posts are discussed in detail in another article.
So, a square pipe undoubtedly has greater bending strength. Its moment of resistance is approximately 1.7 times greater round pipe with similar parameters (outer diameter and wall thickness). This is if you place the post parallel to the plane of the fence, as 99% of developers do. (By the way, if you place the pillars diagonally at an angle to the plane of the fence, the increase in the moment of resistance will be only 1.2 times compared to a round pipe.)
However, this installation method has a rather significant drawback: At the point where the log is attached to the pole, a corrosion center inevitably forms, which is almost impossible to stop or prevent. The fact is that in the place where the pipes overlap, a windproof cavity is formed where moisture is constantly present (after rain) and there is excellent access to oxygen. And these are two conditions under which metal corrodes extremely quickly. The presence of a weld only makes the problem worse. Within a few years, the welded joint is completely destroyed and the fence requires repair or replacement. The most unpleasant thing is that this place cannot be protected or at least reduced the rate of destruction. Metal corrodes from the inside!
Many people get out of the situation by cutting the fence joists in multiples of the pitch of the fence posts and welding them end-to-end to each post. However, in addition to significantly higher labor costs (and expenses for such installation), the rigidity of the load-bearing structure in the plane of the fence and its strength are sharply reduced. The main loaded elements of such a structure are the welds, and this is incorrect from an engineering point of view. In winter, the forces of frost heave can lift some poles. Welded joints at the same time they collapse and work like hinges (do not work). Among other things, it is required high quality welding work, because It is necessary to ensure a sealed weld to avoid corrosion problems already inside the log pipe.
Many people mistakenly believe that corrugated sheets provide additional rigidity to the structure. Unfortunately, it is not. When the fence is skewed, the sheet simply breaks at the fastening points.
In addition to the above main disadvantage of square pillars, others should be noted:
- The complexity of installation increases: in addition to ensuring verticality, you need to ensure that one face of the square is in the same plane with the fence line.
- The high cost of a square pipe - the pipe weighs 30% more than a similar round one, and costs about 35% more
- Presence of a weld seam. Square (rectangular) pipes are produced only using welded technology. Along one side there is a weld along the entire length of the pipe. The pipe begins to actively corrode, and painting practically does not prevent the occurrence of corrosion along the weld.
The logs are attached to such pillars overlapping with two short seams at the top and bottom of the logs. The connection is blown through, easily protected from corrosion by paint and serves long years and decades. Weld seam has sufficient tensile strength (more than 1.5 tons per joist). This is 15 times the load caused by storm winds (25 m/s, for a fence 2 m high with a post spacing of 2.5 m). Due to the fact that the logs are not cut, power structure The fence is made as rigid as possible and prevents a single post from protruding from the ground. The pillar, in fact, is kept from protruding by two neighboring ones.
The most optimal, perhaps even the best, solution is to use fence posts made from tubing pipes. It is thick-walled and seamless, made of high-strength steel (yield strength reaches 116 kgf/mm2, which is 5.5 times higher than that of conventional pipes). Due to the high strength of steel, such poles are much stronger than a comparable square one, and cost about 2 times less. Fences with a height of 4 meters or more can be installed on tubing poles!
Prices for tubing poles and other materials for fence construction: