Iron gate footings.

Discussion in 'Builders' Talk' started by Dam0n, Jun 3, 2019.

  1. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    Soon to be installing a pair of 12ft x 6ft iron gates and pillars to keep the riffraff out. :D

    The steel pillars will sit next to brick pillars which I've yet to build. I plan to dig the footings for the steel post and pillars at the same time. Leaving the adjoining wall footings to be done when I get around to getting the wall in (there's conifer bushes there at the moment).

    How deep and how much wider than the pillars should I go for these footings? Steel mesh needed?
    Fibres?

    What mix would you recommend?

    Thanks all.
     
  2. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    What's the weight of a gate
     
  3. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    heavy! They are being made up for me at the moment. I don't know the exact weight but they won't be light...

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    Any thoughts gents?
     
  5. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    Yes, the foundation will require to be designed for the overturning moment imparted by the weight of the gate and perhaps some kid swinging on it. The actual size of the foundation will depend on the characteristics of the supporting ground i.e. sand,clay,rock, hence no quick answer.
     
    Dam0n likes this.
  6. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Need some serious foundations for gate postswith those gates.
     
    Dam0n likes this.
  7. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    Agreed, happy to go full belt and braces. Does anyone know of any reading materials I can have a butchers at that'll give me the necessary calcs?

    Thanks for the replies both of you
     
  8. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    for more feedback do a search on, Driveway entrance gates
     
  9. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    Soil Mechanics by G N Smith and any structural engineering book but its not going to be plain sailing, good luck
     
  10. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    I did one some years ago,post was steel box section & around 4' in ground surrounded by a 1mtr square block of concrete, the post then had a brick surround built around it.

    But, OP's gates hard to say without being there.

    Found this.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2019
    Dam0n likes this.
  11. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    Trouble with OPs set up is that the steel pillars don't add a substantial weight to counteract the overturning moment about the pivot point at the right hand corner of the concrete foundation unlike the surrounds in the above example. Hence bigger concrete block would be required. As stated earlier it all depends on weight of gate
     
    KIAB likes this.
  12. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Spot on.
     
  13. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Dam0n likes this.
  14. PhilSo

    PhilSo Screwfix Select

    Can't you put a bracing beam across the top, like a height restriction.
    Maybe something ornamental .

    Or bury the bracing beam under the threshold .

    PhilSo
     
    Dam0n likes this.
  15. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    I like that idea Phil. I'll have a look into burying a bracing beam.

    I was thinking of bolting the steels to the brick pillars next to them nice and high. This should help somewhat I would think?

    Thanks for the replies gents.
     
  16. Dam0n

    Dam0n Screwfix Select

    Thanks Dave. It'll be gravel so I'm not too sure how they would work over it however.
     
  17. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    If you have a buried bracing beam the gate posts would have to have a solid connection to it i.e. bolted/welded, or the posts would just pivot about the interface. Bolting steels to pillars would help as then their weight would help in counter acting the overturning force.
     
    Dam0n likes this.
  18. 3en

    3en New Member

    Could go a ground beam route. 300 X 600 footing, B785 mesh top and bottom extend this 500mm past each brick pillar. RC35 concrete.
    This will easily support what you have planned, the next tricky bit will be the baseplates for the columns that actually support your gates. Does your fabricator have much experience of this sort of thing?
     
  19. glob@l

    glob@l Active Member

    I've put off installing similar sized gates for decades because of the perceived cost, even considering making them myself. I would likely have each leaf hinged in the centre and opening inwards and against the inside of the wall to allow access to a garage.

     
  20. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    All a bit superficial, 35 concrete OTT, footing extended 500 mm past each pillar what about when gates are opened at 90 degrees, unless the ground conditions are known actual support abilities cannot be definite, B785 mesh A393 mesh more appropriate but without structural calculation just an opinion.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice