Designation: F3204 − 16

Standard Guide for

Design and Construction of Welded Wire Fence Systems for
Security Purposes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3204; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Steel Industrial Fence Framework

1.1 This guide provides assistance for the site security F1083 Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-
engineer to select the proper components required to design a Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
site-specific, welded-wire physical security perimeter barrier. F1665 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and
Other Conforming Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Barbed
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the Wire Used With Chain-Link Fence
physical protection security concerns, if any, associated with its F1910 Specification for Long Barbed Tape Obstacles
use. It is the responsibility of the user of the standard to F1911 Practice for Installation of Barbed Tape
establish the appropriate design level of physical protection F2453 Specification for Welded Wire Mesh Fence Fabric
required and determine the applicability of regulatory require- (Metallic-Coated or Polymer Coated) for Meshes of 6 in.2
ments or limitations. [3871 mm2] or Less, in Panels or Rolls, with Uniform
1.3 Specification F2453 is to be used in conjunction with Meshes
this guide. 2.2 American Society of Civil Engineers Standards:3
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded ASCE/SEI 7-10 (or latest edition) Minimum Design Loads
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical for Buildings and Other Structures
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions—Refer to the terminology listed in Specifi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the cation F2453.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Classification
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific 4.1 The welded wire mesh selected for security systems is
hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards. classified in Specification F2453 in accordance with the
following coatings:
2. Referenced Documents 4.1.1 Type 1, consists of welded wire mesh manufactured
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 from wire zinc-coated prior to being welded into fabric, known
A121 Specification for Metallic-Coated Carbon Steel as galvanized before welding.
Barbed Wire 4.1.2 Type 2, consists of welded wire mesh manufactured
A307 Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts, Studs, and from uncoated wire, the fabric of which is subsequently
Threaded Rod 60 000 PSI Tensile Strength zinc-coated after fabrication, known as galvanized after weld-
F934 Specification for Colors for Polymer-Coated Chain ing.
Link Fence Materials 4.1.3 Type 3, consists of welded wire mesh manufactured
F1043 Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on from wire coated with zinc-5 % aluminum-mischmetal alloy
(Zn-5A1-MM) before being welded into fabric, known as zinc
5 % aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel before welding.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F14 on Fences 4.1.4 Type 4, consists of welded wire mesh manufactured
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.50 on High Security Fences from wire zinc-coated prior to being welded into fabric, known
and Perimeter Barriers. as galvanized before welding, and subsequently polymer color
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2016. Published November 2016. DOI:
10.1520/F3204-16.
coated.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
the ASTM website. Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 F3204 − 16
5. Ordering Information 6.2.3 Rails: Top, intermediate and terminal post brace rails
5.1 When ordering or specifying welded wire mesh fence when specified shall be in accordance with Specification
systems for security applications, the appropriate mesh type, F1043, Heavy Industrial Fence Framework; Group IA, (F1083
mesh description, fence height, post size, post spacing, allow- schedule 40 pipe) Group IC (Electric resistance welded pipe)
able mesh-to-framework attachment methods, and finish or Group II (Roll-formed steel shapes).
should all be defined to ensure that welded wire mesh panels 6.2.4 Polymer-coated Framework: Specify the type of coat-
and all associated system components will be compatible in the ing in accordance with Specification F1043 and the color in
total system installation. accordance with Specification F934.
6.3 Barbed Wire
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.3.1 When specified, select the type and coating from one
6.1 Welded Wire Mesh Panels of the following:
6.1.1 Finish
6.1.1.1 If Type 2 galvanized mesh is selected, the panels 6.3.2 If metallic coated steel barbed wire, specify Specifi-
shall be completely and uniformly zinc-coated by the hot-dip cation A121 design number 12-4-3-14R having four-point
process in accordance with Specification F2453 after welding, barbs spaced 3 in. [76 mm] on center or 12-4-5-14R having
shall be free from excessive accumulations of zinc in the four-point barbs spaced 5 in. [127 mm] on center.
apexes of mesh openings, and free from bare spots. 6.3.3 Aluminum Metallic-Coated: Specify Coating A for the
6.1.1.2 If Type 4 color coated mesh is required, specify type strand wire and aluminum alloy barbs.
of coating, color, and thickness of finish in accordance with 6.3.4 Zinc Metallic-Coated: Specify Coating Type Z, Coat-
Specification F2453. Specification F934 is noted for color ing Class 3.
selection, though color coating shall not be limited to the listed 6.3.5 Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy (Zn-5Al- MM)
colors. Metallic-Coated: Specify Coating Type ZA, Coating Class 80.
6.2 Framework 6.3.6 Polymer-coated barbed wire shall be in accordance
6.2.1 Line Posts: Fences designed to provide increased with Specification F1665; Specify coating type Class 2b, select
security levels are generally of greater heights, utilize smaller barb spacing, Type I spacing at 5 in. [127 mm] on center or
mesh sizes and heavier gauges, and these factors result in Type II spacing at 3 in. [76 mm] on center. The color shall
added wind load resistance. Line post selection and the spacing match the system in accordance with Specification F934.
of the posts should be designed to meet the anticipated wind
loads based on the site geographical location and weather 6.4 Fittings
conditions. Increased post sizes or specific post spacing may be 6.4.1 The nuts and threaded portions of fasteners used to
required to compensate for wind loading or increased security. secure welded wire mesh panels to the framework must either
Determine the wind load requirements for a minimum 105 mph be inaccessible from the attack side of the fence structure with
up to 170 mph wind according to ASCE/SEI 7-10 or consult the threads peened, or, if exposed, must be tamper-proof,
the fence system manufacturer. After calculating the post peened, or welded to prevent removal. Fasteners and fittings
spacing and post dimension, select the post specification and shall be of sufficient size, strength and design to prevent
protective coating from Specification F1043, Heavy Industrial removal of the fabric.
Fence Framework; Group IA Round Steel Pipe (Specification 6.4.2 Fittings used in securing mesh panels to the frame-
F1083 Schedule 40), Group IC Round Steel Pipe (Electric work shall have a strength that closely approximates the load
Resistance Welded Pipe), Group II Roll-Formed Steel Shapes strength of the specified threaded fastener (see Specification
(C-Sections), Group IV Alternate Design. A307).
6.2.2 Terminal Posts: End, corner, or pull posts are to be in
accordance with Specification F1043, Heavy Industrial Fence 6.5 Barbed Tape Obstacle
Framework; Group IA (Specification F1083 schedule 40 pipe), 6.5.1 Barbed Tape: When specified, select the diameter,
Group IC Electric Resistance Welded Pipe). Select the terminal design and configuration in accordance with Specification
post size based on the line post size. F1910.

TABLE 1 Recommended Mesh Size and Wire Gauge as Produced in PanelsA

Vertical Mesh Horizontal Mesh Wire Diameter Wire Diameter Panel Width for Post Spacings Panel Length
Wire Diameter (mm)
Spacing (in.) Spacing (in.) Gauge (in.) 6, 7, 8, and 10 ft. (in in.) (Height) (ft)
0.5 2.0 11 0.120 3.06 74, 86, 98, 122 6–21
0.5 3.0 10.5 0.128 3.25 74, 87, 99, 123 6–21
0.5 3.0 9 0.148 3.77 74, 87, 99, 123 6–21
0.5 3.0 8.5 0.155 3.94 74, 87, 99, 123 6–21
0.5 3.0 6 0.192 4.88 74, 87, 99, 123 6–21
0.75 3.0 4 0.225 5.72 74, 87, 99, 123 6–21
A
Panels available up to 10 ft 6 in. in width (not all meshes) and 21 ft in length. The vertical mesh spacing is the distance measured from the top to the bottom. The horizontal
mesh opening is the distance measured from left to right.

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 F3204 − 16
7. Installation mended not to hog ring the two fabrics together leaving the
7.1 Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation buried mesh free to adjust to possible movement due to frost.
instructions. Security, location, terrain, and other design pa- In lieu of burying mesh, install a concrete grade beam of the
rameters must also be factored into proper installation tech- width and depth required for security, soil conditions, and frost.
niques and fittings usage. 7.3.3 When connecting panels to line and terminal posts,
connection points shall not exceed 15 in. (381 mm). When
7.2 Caution Regarding Wind Loads—Framework and con-
crete post footings must be designed to withstand the expected connecting panels to horizontal rails, connection points shall
wind load forces. not exceed 15 in. (381 mm). For added security, mesh can be
attached (sandwiched) to the terminal post using a galvanized
7.3 Positioning Welded Wire Panels steel strap having a minimum cross section of 1 1⁄2 in. (38 mm)
7.3.1 When welded wire panels are installed continuously by 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) with holes spaced 12 in. (305 mm) on center
on the attack side of the fence they shall be firmly affixed in to accommodate minimum 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) carriage bolts that
such a manner that the attack side of the post and rails are on are to be bolted through the strap, the mesh, and through the
the same plane (to enable secure attachment of the welded wire terminal post.
panels to the framework). Install the mesh panels, with the
7.3.4 Exposed edges of cut welded wire panels are very
direction of the larger horizontal mesh opening pattern of the
sharp and should be avoided. Overlapping panels more than the
panel running either horizontal or vertical. When installed
stated minimum above is the normal practice and is acceptable.
between posts, welded wire panels shall be securely fastened to
both vertical and horizontal framework members. The overlap 7.4 Grounding to Earth: Grounding of the security fence
of adjacent panels shall be securely attached using the specified systems, when required, shall be in accordance with local code,
system’s attachment method. and be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
7.3.2 Panels shall have no more than a 1-in. (25-mm) space
between the bottom of the mesh and grade. Backfilling should 7.5 Barbed Tape: Barbed tape shall be installed in accor-
be performed where appropriate. Additional security can be dance with Specification F1911.
obtained by burying a separate section of polymer coated mesh
of the same gauge and mesh as the adjacent mesh a minimum 8. Keywords
of 24 in. (610 mm) below grade. Overlap the buried mesh with 8.1 barbed tape; high security; panels; security fencing;
the fence mesh a minimum of 6 in. (153 mm). It is recom- welded wire fence

FIG. 1 Center to Center

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 F3204 − 16

FIG. 2 How to Describe Mesh Spacing

FIG. 3 Below Typical 0.50 x 3.00 in. Mesh

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