What Foundations are Required for Height Restriction Barriers?

 

The success of any height restriction barrier installation begins long before the barrier itself arrives on site. Whilst considerable attention is often given to the overall width, finish and appearance of a barrier, the foundations supporting it are equally important.

Incorrectly specified foundations can lead to premature wear, poor operation and unnecessary maintenance issues. Conversely, a properly designed foundation will help to ensure many years of safe and reliable service.

Whether installing a height restriction barrier within a commercial car park, school, hospital, retail park or industrial premises, taking the time to correctly assess the foundation requirements is one of the most important stages of any project.

Why are Foundations So Important?

Height restriction barriers are subjected to considerable forces during everyday operation. Opening and closing movements, wind loading and the overall weight of the barrier must all be adequately supported.

Poor foundations can result in:

• Misalignment of the barrier.
• Difficulty opening or closing the barrier.
• Excessive movement of the support posts.
• Premature wear to hinges and locking mechanisms.
• Increased maintenance requirements.
• Reduced operational life.

In severe cases, inadequate foundations may require the barrier to be removed and re-installed entirely.

Investing in suitable foundations from the outset will almost always save both time and money in the future.

What Determines the Foundation Requirements?

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all foundation design for height restriction barriers. Several factors must be considered before installation begins.

These include:

• The overall width of the barrier.
• The height restriction clearance.
• The size and specification of the support posts.
• Ground conditions.
• Wind exposure.
• Vehicle movements.
• Whether the barrier incorporates locking or open position posts.

Wider barriers will naturally place greater loads upon their supporting structures and may require larger concrete foundations than narrower installations.

What Ground Conditions Should be Considered?

Before excavating any foundations it is important to assess the existing ground conditions.

Common ground types include:

• Concrete.
• Tarmac.
• Compacted stone.
• Clay.
• Mixed made-up ground.
• Reinforced concrete slabs.

Particular care should be taken where underground services may be present.

These can include:

• Water pipes.
• Electrical services.
• Fibre optic cables.
• Drainage systems.
• Gas services.

Underground service drawings should always be consulted where available before any excavation work commences.

How Deep Should the Foundations Be?

One of the most common questions asked during the quotation stage is:

"How deep do the foundations need to be?"

Unfortunately, there is no universal answer.

The foundation requirements will depend upon:

• The barrier width.
• The specification of the support posts.
• The intended application.
• Ground conditions.
• Site constraints.

Commercial height restriction barriers are commonly installed using substantial concrete foundations designed to adequately support both the barrier and any associated support posts.

Attempting to specify foundation dimensions without first considering the overall installation requirements can result in unsuitable recommendations being made.

For this reason, manufacturers will often specify foundation requirements based upon the individual project rather than adopting a standard approach for every installation.

Are Wider Barriers Heavier?

Yes.

As barrier widths increase, so too can the forces exerted upon the supporting posts and foundations.

Particular consideration should therefore be given to:

• Larger vehicle entrances.
• Industrial installations.
• Distribution facilities.
• Wider commercial access routes.
• Sites exposed to high winds.

The supporting foundations should always be appropriate for both the size of the barrier and its intended application.

Should Open Position Posts be Installed?

Many height restriction barriers incorporate open position posts designed to support the barrier whilst it remains fully open.

The benefits include:

• Improved operator safety.
• Reduced strain upon hinges.
• Improved stability.
• Reduced wear over time.
• Greater convenience for regular users.

Where open position posts are specified, suitable foundations should also be provided to adequately support their intended use.

Common Installation Mistakes

Some of the most common installation issues include:

Foundations That are Too Small

Attempting to minimise excavation requirements can adversely affect both stability and long-term performance.

Ignoring Ground Conditions

Ground conditions should always form part of the specification process. What may be suitable for one site may prove entirely unsuitable elsewhere.

Failing to Check Underground Services

This is particularly important within commercial developments and public authority installations where multiple underground services may be present.

Incorrect Barrier Positioning

Height restriction barriers should provide motorists with sufficient time to identify any restrictions before reaching the installation.

Poor positioning may increase the likelihood of drivers attempting to reverse or manoeuvre unnecessarily.

Inadequate Drainage Considerations

Standing water around foundations should always be avoided where possible. Appropriate drainage arrangements can significantly improve the longevity of any installation.

What Information Should You Provide When Requesting a Quotation?

Providing as much information as possible at the quotation stage will help manufacturers recommend the most appropriate specification.

Useful information includes:

• Barrier width required.
• Clearance height required.
• Photographs of the proposed location.
• Existing ground conditions.
• Whether installation is required.
• Any vehicle restrictions.
• Details of surrounding structures.
• Whether emergency access is required.

Even something as simple as providing several site photographs can significantly improve the accuracy of any recommendations made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a height restriction barrier onto an existing concrete surface?

In many cases, yes. However, this will depend upon factors such as the thickness and condition of the existing concrete together with the specification of the proposed barrier.

Will larger barriers require larger foundations?

Potentially, yes. Larger and wider barriers may place increased demands upon both support posts and foundations.

Are open position posts recommended?

For installations where barriers are regularly opened and closed throughout the day, open position posts can provide several practical and operational advantages.

Should I obtain underground service drawings before installation?

Where possible, yes. Identifying underground services before excavation commences can help to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.

Can height restriction barriers be supplied with installation services?

Many commercial projects incorporate both supply and installation requirements. Discussing these requirements at an early stage can help to ensure the most appropriate solution is specified.

Looking for a Height Restriction Barrier?

Aremco Barriers manufactures and supplies manual height restriction barriers for commercial, industrial and public sector applications throughout the United Kingdom. Available in a range of standard and bespoke sizes, our barriers can be supplied galvanised or galvanised and powder coated to suit individual project requirements.

Explore our full range of Height Restriction Barriers on our website for further information regarding specifications, finishes and bespoke manufacturing options.

You May Also Find These Guides Helpful

• What is a Height Restriction Barrier?
• How High Should a Car Park Height Barrier Be?
• Can I Install a Height Restriction Barrier Myself?
• What Size Height Restriction Barrier Do I Need?
• Height Restriction Barriers for Schools.
• Height Restriction Barriers for Hospitals.
• The Complete Guide to Height Restriction Barriers in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The foundations supporting a height restriction barrier are every bit as important as the barrier itself. Taking the time to properly assess ground conditions, operational requirements and installation constraints will help to ensure safe and reliable performance for many years to come.

No two sites are ever entirely identical and for that reason foundation requirements should always be considered as part of the overall specification process rather than as an afterthought. Investing in suitable foundations from the outset remains one of the simplest ways of protecting both your installation and your investment.