General Fencing Requirements Follow the general requirements when placing, repairing or replacing damaged fencing components: All replacement fencing components shall be installed to the most current design standard and in accordance with the Specifications and applicable Standard and Construction Details. Any exceptions to this shall have prior approval from the Engineer. In addition, all materials are to be replaced with like materials. Construct the fence to follow the contour of the ground. Place the bottom of the fence fabric at least 1 in. (25 mm) from the ground surface, but no more than 6 in. (150 mm). Clear the fence line a maximum of 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide and grade where necessary to provide a neat appearance. When the ground profile in low areas changes abruptly, use longer posts to maintain the ground clearance. Stretch multiple strands of barbed wire on the posts with 6 in. (150 mm) or less vertical clearances between strands of barbed wire. Connect the existing cross fences to new fencing, except for obviously unserviceable fences. Place corner or end posts, whichever is appropriate, at the junction with existing fences and fasten the wires in the new and existing fences to the posts. Install corner or pull posts for new fencing without placing tension on existing fence posts. At structures, fasten new fencing to end posts to permit livestock to pass through or under the structure freely, unless otherwise directed. Follow all applicable construction details and standards identified in Table 7 and in the project scope of services. Posts and Appurtenances: Follow these steps to install posts and appurtenances Replace and install the posts in the same location where possible. If the soil is Class I, II, III, or V, drive “C” and 2-3/8 in. (60 mm) tube-type line posts for all fence types at least 3 ft. (900 mm) deep instead of using concrete encasement. Encase in concrete line posts installed in marshy or swampy areas (Class IV soils). Install posts in rock according to this subsection. Encase the corner, end, and pull posts in concrete. Replace posts damaged by driving. When posts are set in concrete, fill the entire hole around the post with Class A or B concrete. Hand mix concrete for batches of 1/2 cubic yard or less. Firmly brace the posts and hold them in place until the concrete has set. Ensure that the distance between the end, pull, and corner or angle post assemblies does not exceed the following: For chain-link fence, straight line 500 ft. (150 m) For chain-link fence, curved line 250 ft. (75 m) For woven-wire fabric 330 ft. (100 m) Field fence 330 ft. (100 m) On end, pull, and corner or angle post assemblies for woven-wire fence, add additional approach posts for greater stability when necessary or as directed by the Engineer. Set posts placed on concrete walls, slabs, or solid rock in round holes 6 in. (150 mm) deep. Fill the space around the post with molten lead or cement filler approved by the laboratory. Repair the posts after cutting or drilling. Repair galvanized steel posts according to Section 645. Repair other metal posts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Treat timber posts and braces with a preservative coating of the type specified in Subsection 863.2.01. Fence Erection Install fence fabric or barbed wire when posts are set and braced, except when posts are set in concrete footings. When posts are set in concrete footings, delay installing the fabric or wire to allow the concrete to cure at least 5 days. When barbed wire fence is required, install three strands unless otherwise instructed by the Engineer. Gates Ensure that the gate assemblies are the length, height, and type designated on the Plans. Install the gate to provide a 180-degree swing. Weld the gate frames into units. Properly coat them after welding according to Section 894. Stretch fabric that matches the fence fabric taut over the gate frame. Provide gate assemblies with a positive-type locking device, padlock, and keys. Electrical Ground Wherever a power line carrying more than 600 volts passes over the fence, install a ground rod. Install the ground rod at the nearest point directly below the point of crossing. Where possible, drive the rod into the ground for a full 8 ft. (2.4 m) of penetration. In rocky soil, drive the rod slanted to provide 18 in (450 mm) of cover at the tip. In solid rock, install two ground rods at the nearest post on each side of the power line crossing where soil conditions will permit. Use clamps to attach a length of No. 6 AWG bare copper, 7-strand wire between the fence and the ground rod. Trespassing on Private Property To trespass on private property outside the right-of-way, obtain written permission from the property owner for the intrusion. Maintaining Livestock Construct the fence to prevent livestock from escaping. Schedule fence removal and new fence installation to provide continuous security of the livestock. If security is not maintained and animals or property are damaged or lost, compensate the owner or make repairs at no cost to the Department. Replace or repair damaged existing fences.
