Written by : Nick
13-08-2023
Installing a Square Tongue-and-Groove Gate on Uneven Terrain
The project involved installing a square tongue-and-groove (T&G) gate at a farmer’s residence. The uneven terrain and lack of a straight driveway posed unique challenges.
Preparing for Installation
The customer planned to coat the gate with durable boat epoxy. This required a sturdy foundation. Given the sloping landscape, we chose to construct a legged bridge for stability. An alternative option involved laying a concrete plinth, but we dismissed this due to potential cracking over a 10-meter span.
Building the Bridge
We started with raw metal pipes. These underwent a hot galvanization process to enhance their longevity. Unlike standard aluminum profiles, the gate’s heavy-duty nature required a more robust approach. The installation began with the closing post. We securely bolted the first bridge section to it. The legs of this section were then embedded in concrete for added support.
Assembling the Bridge
We sequentially affixed each subsequent bridge section to the preceding one. We paid meticulous attention to bolting and grounding connections. Stainless steel tracks ensured seamless alignment between sections. These were firmly screwed atop the bridge.
Integrating Wiring
The complexity of the project extended beyond structural elements. We intricately routed wiring for crucial components, such as photocells, keypads, and a future camera system, through the metal bridge pipes. We used only specialized high-quality underground gel-filled wires to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Reinforcing the Motor Foundation
We reinforced and welded the motor foundation, followed by a hot galvanization process. A Roger Medio Sliding gate motor was selected for the installation. We thoughtfully integrated and welded its basement onto the side of the bridge, ensuring operational efficiency and longevity.
Ensuring Safe Power Supply
Our team securely housed the motor’s transformer in a dedicated box on the house side, complete with an isolation switch for safety. We established a dedicated low-voltage 24VAC power supply between the house and gate. Installers used a resilient 4sq mm garden cable encased within a robust underground conduit.
Addressing Wind Impact
Given the gate’s considerable size and potential wind impact, we employed a specialized catch mechanism with four rollers. This facilitated precise gate closure, contributing to both functionality and safety.
Conclusion
In summation, we successfully created an exceptionally sturdy and reliable gateway for the farmer’s residence. The project was a culmination of meticulous planning, robust material choices, expert craftsmanship, and a thorough understanding of the unique challenges posed by the environment. The farmer now has a gate that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of durability and functionality.
Farmers Gate