FENCE SECTION 727 409 SECTION 727 — FENCE
727.1Description.
This work consists of installation, repair, or relocation of fencing and gates.
727.2Materials.
A.PCC, Class B Section 1022 or Section 1023
B.Non -Shrink Grout Section 1047 .2
C.Fence Materials Section 1061
D.Grounding Rod
1.Underwriters Laboratories Approved.
2.5/8-inch Nominal Diameter.
3.8-feet long, Minimum, Unless Otherwise Specified.
4.Copper -Bonded Steel.
5.Approved Clamps for Connection the Grounding Conductor to the Ground Rod.
727.3Construction.
727.3.1 Working Drawings. Before fabrication, submit working drawings, in accordance with Section 105.4, for all metal structures with an open span length greater than 60 -inches. Ensure that working drawings include the manufacturer’s installation instructions, fence details, and calculations. Provide drawings sealed by a professional engineer registered in the State of Delaware, if required by the contract. 727.3.2 Preparation.
A.Remove obstructions to fence installation in accordance with Sections 201 or 211.
B.Grade fence line and around gate as necessary along fence line to provide proper grade and slope
in accordance with the contract. 727.3.3 Footings.
A.Excavate footings shown in the contract.
B.When encountering rock within the planned concrete footing depth, drill a hole into the rock 2 -
inches larger than the largest dimension of the post cross -Section. Drill to the concrete footing depth specified in the contract. Grout the hole around post after setting the post.
C.Place post plumb in center of the footing.
D.Place PCC, Class B in the hole around post. Tamp or vibrate the concrete around post. Ensure that
the top of the footing is finished smooth, slightly above the ground line, and sloped away from the post to prevent sitting water.
E.Do not place attachments to posts or disturb posts for 72 -hours after placing the concrete footing.
Use hand -mixed concrete only when approved by the engineer. FENCE SECTION 727 410 F. Place footings or supports for temporary fence in accordance with manufacture r’s recommendations. 727.3.4 Chain Link Fence.
A.This section applies to both vinyl -coated and non -vinyl -coated chain link fences.
B.Place posts plumb at 10 -foot centers with a tolerance of +0 and -2 feet of the contract
requirements. Space posts in a uniform manner. Place posts a minimum of 30 -inches into the footing.
C.Install terminal posts at all abrupt changes in grade, at changes in line direction over 15 -degrees ,
and at all ends, not exceeding 500 -feet between terminal posts.
D.Place top rail through intermediate post tops to form a continuous brace from end to end of each
stretch of fence. Fasten top rail to terminal post using manufacturer recommended heavy pressed steel connectors.
E.Place couplings every 20 -feet to join top rail segments. Use couplings that allow for expansion and
contraction. Obtain the engineer’s approval for expansion devices.
F.Install horizontal brace rails with diagonal truss rods and turnbuckles at terminal posts. Apply
sufficient braces to allow complete bracing from each terminal post to adjacent line posts. Install roll formed rail and brace 24 -inches apart and tubular rail and brace 30 -inches apart. Extend the rail and brace from the terminal post to the first -adjacent line post. Fasten the braces to the posts using heavy pressed steel connections and trussed from the line posts back to the terminal post with round rods as shown in the contract.
G.Equip posts with extension arms for barbed wire when required. Extend the arms at a 45 -degree
angle. Fasten the barbed wire using lock -wires equally spaced along the extension arm. Locate the top strand 12 -inches above the fabric and 12 -inches out from the fence line. Use extension arms capable of supporting a dead load of 200 -pounds at the top strand attachment point without deforming.
H.Install fence fabric on the roadway side of the posts, true to line, taut, and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Provide a separation from the fence fabric and the ground line in accordance to the Standard Con struction Details. Excavate or backfill as necessary to maintain the required gap. Span the opening below the fence using wire mesh at locations where it is not practical to maintain the gap requirements, such as small drainage swales or ditches.
I.Use chain -link bands to secure tension wire to fence posts. Attach the wire to the fence fabric
using hog rings spaced at approximately 24 -inches on center as shown in the contract.
J.Attach fence fabric to the line posts using 6 -gage wire clips spaced approximately 14 -inches apart
and to the top rail using 9 -gage tie wires, spaced approximately 24 -inches apart. Place the end connectors as close to the ends of the fabric as possible.
K.Fasten the fence fabric securely to all terminal posts using 3/16 -inch x 3/4 -inch tension bars and
11-gage pressed bands, spaced approximately 14 -inches apart, or weave the fabric integrally into lock loops on roll form sections.
L.When tying into an existing fence, attach the existing fence to terminal posts of the new fence
where indicated in the contract. FENCE SECTION 727 411 M. Install electrical grounds at intervals of no more than 2,000 -feet and directly below locations where an electrical line passes over the fence. Drive the rod vertically into the ground until the top is approximately 6 -inches below the soil surface. Clamp copper conductor to the rod and to the fence to complete the ground.
1.If rock is encountered and acceptable earth grounding by driving as described above cannot be
achieved, the engineer may direct use of a grounding grid. Exothermically weld direct buried rods end -to-end to bond fences in a continuous series such that an ac ceptable ground can be achieved.
N.When placing a coated fence, repair damaged coating in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendation.
O.Gates.
1.Vehicular Gates.
a.Install the fabric to match the fence in the frame by means of tension bars and hook bolts.
Equip each frame with 3/8 -inch diameter adjustable truss rods. Use ball and socket type bottom hinges designed to carry the weight of the gate on the post footin g. Use a wrap - around adjustable type upper hinge.
b.Equip gates with a positive -type latching device, with a provision for padlocking. Provide drive
gates with a center plunger rod and catch and semi -automatic outer catches to secure the gate in the opened position. Provide vehicular gates capable of ope ration by 1 person that swing open 180 -degrees .
c.Install the vehicular gates such that the bottom of the gates are 3 -inches to 5-inches above the
ground when closed and at least 3 -inches above ground at all points of the gate swing.
d.Refer to the contract for additional information not included here.
2.Walking Gates.
a.Provide walking gates 4 -feet wide that match the fence height.
b.Equip the walking gates with approved latches, stops, locking devices, and approved devices
to allow padlocking.
c.Ensure the same ground clearance for walking gates as required for vehicular gates.
727.3.5 Bridge Safety Fence.
A.Construct bridge safety fence in accordance with Section 727.3.4 and the bridge safety fence
details in the contract.
B.Make longitudinal rails parallel to the top of parapet. Set all posts normal to the top of parapet for
roadway grades of 6 percent or less. For grades over 6 percent set the posts plumb.
C.Install the chain link fence true to line, taut, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Position the parts and rails before placing fabric. 727.3.6 Right -of-Way Fence.
A.Place metal right -of-way fence posts plumb and in accordance with the Standard Construction
Details. FENCE SECTION 727 412 B. Attach metal post braces to metal end posts, intermediate end posts, corner posts, and gate posts. Set metal posts and braces in concrete footings in accordance with the contract.
C.Place 2 braces on corner posts and intermediate end posts, 1 on each side of the posts in the main
line of the fence.
D.Place 1 brace on end posts and gate posts in the line of the fence.
E.Brace line posts in both directions at intervals of no more than 500 -feet.
F.Install fence fabric in accordance with the contract.
G.Refer to Sections 727.3.4.H through 727.3.4.K for further guidance on fence fabric installation.
H.Refer to Section 727.3.4.M. for further guidance on installing electrical grounds.
I.Refer to Section 727.3.4.O.1 for further guidance on installing vehicular gates.
J.Refer to Section 727.3.4.O.2 for further guidance on installing walking gates.
727.3.7 Post and Rail Fence.
A.Follow the manufacturer ’s installation instructions. Provide wood or vinyl fence material in
accordance with the contract.
B.If the contract includes gates, install gates in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
727.3.8 Vertical Slat Fence.
A.Install the fence true to line and ensure grade and top elevation uniformity. Place the vertical
boards on the roadway side of posts and backers and maintain a minimum of 1 -inch and a maximum of 6 -inches of separation from the vertical boards and the ground line unless otherwise shown in the contract. Install the vertical boards of the fence before cutting or shaping the top.
B.If the contract shows gates, install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
727.3.9 Decorative Fence.
A.Construct the decorative fence in accordance with the contract and the manufacturer ’s
installation instructions.
B.Center and align post base plates when the contract specifies aluminum fencing. Anchor on
concrete foundations with a neoprene pad, or approved equivalent, between the aluminum base plate and concrete surface.
C.If the contract includes gates, install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
727.3.10 Temporary Construction Safety Fence.
A.Space posts no more than 10 -feet apart. Obtain approval from the construction safety fence
manufacturer for alternate spacing.
B.Use 8-inch self-locking nylon safety ties for securing the fence to the post.
C.Install bottom rail edging for cane detection by the visually impaired between 2 1/2 -inches to 6-
inches above the surface of the sidewalk or pathway.
D.Relocate the safety fence as necessary to perform construction activities.
FENCE SECTION 727 413 E. Remove construction safety fence and associated debris at the direction of the engineer at the end of construction activities.
F.If the contract includes gates, install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
727.3.11 Repair Fences and Gates.
A.Ensure that materials and construction methods required for repairs conform to the applicable
requirements for the fencing types described in Section 727.3.
B.Fence.
1.Align all posts, fabric, and other components when attaching new fence fabric to the existing
fabric or posts.
2.Remove damaged fencing, trees, brush, and debris resulting from the repair work, from the job
site by the end of every working day.
C.Gate.
1.Align all posts, gates, fabric and other components when repairing existing gates.
2.Refer to Section 727.3.11.B.2 for further guidance on disposal of materials.
727.3.12 Relocate Fences and Gates.
A.Fence.
1.Salvage existing fence components. Reuse salvaged fence that the engineer approves for reuse.
Replace salvaged material the engineer does not approve for reuse with an approved equal. Obtaining the engineer’s approval for the replacement material.
2.Notify the engineer at least 3-days in advance before removing fencing, unless otherwise
specified in the contract. Remove, salvage, and reset existing fence components at the locations indicated in the contract. Backfill the holes left by post removals in accordance with Section 209.
3.Ensure that spacing and setting of the posts, railing, and fence panels matches the existing
contours of the grade.
B.Gate .
1.Remove the gate from the existing location and reset at the location designated in the contract.
2.Clean the gate posts of any existing debris including existing foundation concrete. The engineer
may request that the contractor supply new posts, at no additional cost to the Department, if in the opinion of the engineer the existing posts are not sati sfactorily cleaned. The size, type, and length must match the existing posts. Set the posts plumb, true to the line and grade shown in the contract. Embed each gate post in a concrete footing with minimum dimensions in accordance with Section 727.3.3.
727.4Method of Measurement.
A.The Department will measure the quantity of:
1.Fence as the number of linear feet along the line of the fence from end to end for each type of
fence placed and accepted. FENCE SECTION 727 414 2. Bridge safety fence as the number of linear feet along the line of the fence from end to end. The Department will not measure anti -climb shields or other components. The Department will include payment for these components in the linear foot cost of the bridge safety fence.
3.Gates as the number of each type of gate installed and accepted.
4.The Department will not measure fence or gate repair.
5.Relocated fence as the number of linear feet of each type of fence relocated and accepted
measured along the relocated fence.
6.Relocated gates as the number of each type of gate relocated and accepted.
727.5Basis of Payment.
A.The Department will pay the quantity of:
1.Chain link, right -of-way, and relocated fence at the contract unit price per linear foot for each
type of fence. Price and payment will constitute full compensation for:
a.Clearing and grading the fence line;
b.excavating and backfilling footings;
c.providing and placing footing concrete;
d.providing and installing grounding rods and grounding grids including clamps and conductors;
and
e.providing and erecting fence.
2.Vertical slat, post and rail, decorative, temporary construction, and bridge safety fence at the
contract unit price per linear foot for each type of fence. Price and payment will constitute full compensation for:
a.Clearing and grading the fence line;
b.excavating and backfilling footings;
c.providing and placing footing concrete;
d.providing and erecting fence;
e.providing and installing anti -climb shields for bridge safety fence;
f.removal and disposal of safety fence; and
g.maintenance or replacement of safety fence during construction.
3.New and relocated gates at the contract unit price for each type of gate. Price and payment will
constitute full compensation for:
a.Clearing and grading the gate line;
b.excavating and backfilling for footings;
c.providing and placing footing concrete;
d.providing and erecting gates; and
e.restoring disturbed areas to the original conditions.
FENCE SECTION 727 415 B. The Department will pay for repairing fence and gates at the contract lump sum price. Price and payment will constitute full compensation for:
1.Clearing and grading;
2.excavating and backfilling for footings;
3.providing and placing footing concrete;
4.removal and disposal of fencing and gate components and other debris generated by the repair
work; and
5.restoring disturbed areas to the original conditions.
ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT 727000 CHAIN LINK FENCE LF 727001 RIGHT -OF-WAY FENCE LF 727002 WOOD POST AND RAIL FENCE LF 727003 VINYL POST AND RAIL FENCE LF 727004 WOOD VERTICAL SLAT FENCE LF 727005 DECORATIVE FENCE LF 727006 TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION FENCE LF 727007 BRIDGE SAFETY FENCE, TYPE 1 LF 727008 BRIDGE SAFETY FENCE, TYPE 2 LF 727010 CHAIN LINK FENCE GATE EACH 727011 RIGHT -OF-WAY FENCE GATE EACH 727012 TEMPORARY CONSTRCUTION SAFETY FENCE GATE EACH 727013 DECORATIVE FENCE GATE EACH 727030 FENCE RELOCATION LF 727031 GATE RELOCATION EACH 727032 FENCE REPAIR LF 727033 GATE REPAIR EACH
Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025 Edition. Pages 419–425 of 779.