Section 32 31 13 - Chain Link Fences and Gates Specification

This is a technical specification document for the design, materials, and installation of chain link fences and gates for the Susanville/Doyle Fire Station project. The specification covers both temporary site exclusion fencing during construction and permanent fencing installation around the site perimeter.

Product Requirements

The specification mandates hot-dip galvanized (after fabrication) ferrous-metal components and accessories throughout, including a 7-foot-height chain link fence with 2-inch mesh, 9-gauge wire constructed per ASTM A116. Zinc coating must meet a minimum of 1.94 ounces per square foot, tested per ASTM A90/A90M. The fence framework consists of Schedule 40 steel pipe with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi, including 3-inch O.D. end, corner, and pull posts at 5.79 lbs per linear foot, 3-inch O.D. line posts spaced 10 feet on center, and 2-inch O.D. rails. Line posts require 9-inch diameter holes at 10-foot spacing with 36-inch depth for corner and gate posts. Top and bottom selvages must feature 9-gauge wire with twisted and barbed construction. Tension wire, barbed wire, and fittings must comply with ASTM F626, F823, A121, and A153/A153M standards. The specification also includes swing gates per ASTM F900 and horizontal slide gates per ASTM F1184 Type II Class 2, fabricated from aluminum alloy 6005A-T61 with 2-inch square members. Gate hardware, hinges, and latches must permit 180-degree opening and operation from either side. Concrete footings must achieve a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3,000 psi per ASTM C94/C94M.

Installation and Compliance

Installation must conform to ASTM F567 (Standard Practice for Installation of Chain Link Fence), including proper site preparation with clearing and grading of the fence line, excavation of post holes per specified depths and diameters, and concrete setting with 7-day curing or membrane curing before installing rails, tension wire, or fabric. Contractors must maintain vertical post alignment within 1/4 inch tolerance and ensure fencing remains true to the centerline with no more than 1/2 inch deviation. Chain link fabric installation requires ground clearance not exceeding 1 inch and must be installed taut and free of sag using tension bands and 5/16-inch carriage bolts spaced no greater than 12 inches on center. The contractor must submit shop drawings, product data, samples, certificates of compliance, and manufacturer's instructions prior to fabrication. Grounding requirements apply to all fences crossed by overhead powerlines exceeding 600 volts, with ground conductors of No. 8 AWG solid copper wire and copper-clad steel electrodes achieving total fence-to-ground resistance not exceeding 25 ohms. The specification references multiple ASTM standards, GSA specifications, and requires affirmative procurement documentation for recycled material content.