May 15, 2013

ASTM International Committee F14 on Fences has recently approved two new standards: ASTM F2957, Specification for Ornamental Aluminum Fence Systems; and ASTM F3000/F3000M, Specification for Polymer Privacy Insert Slats for Chain Link Fabric and Privacy Chain Link Fabric Manufactured Containing Pre-Installed Privacy Slats.

Ornamental Aluminum Fence Systems
ASTM F2957 was developed by Subcommittee F14.35 on Architectural Metal Fence Systems. The new standard defines minimum selection criteria and test procedures to ensure product users that an ornamental aluminum fence system has sufficient strength to withstand reasonable loads and forces, and has the appropriate combination of material and organic coating surface protection to withstand effects of corrosion and weathering over an extended period of time.

“Until ASTM F2957, all ornamental metal fence specifications pertained to steel fence systems,” says Larry Burkholder, product and training manager, Digger Specialties Inc., and an F14 member. “The need existed for the creation of a standardized ASTM aluminum fence specification.”

The standard lists required physical dimensions for residential, commercial and industrial fences systems. ASTM F2957 contains two structural test methods: a vertical load assembled panel test and a picket test. The standard also includes specifications on surface finish testing, including adhesion testing, corrosion/salt fog (spray) resistance, impact resistance and weathering resistance.
 
Polymer Privacy Insert Slats
ASTM F3000/F3000M is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F14.40 on Chain Link Fence and Wire Accessories. ASTM F3000/F3000M covers both inserted slats that are placed into chain link fabric after the fence has been installed as well as slats that are pre-inserted into chain link mesh during the link weaving process.

According to William Ullrich, principal, Link Consulting LLC, and an F14 member, there is a wide range of uses for privacy slats in fences. Homeowners will use them for yards, but slats will also be used to provide privacy to industrial areas.

“The information within F3000 will help consumers and specifiers select the type of slat and design that is best for their application was well as provide a guide for proper installation,” says Ullrich. “The standard also includes recommendations to assist in the selection of the proper framework and installation due to added wind load forces on the completed fence.”

The new specification provides privacy slat design configurations and the materials to be used for such slats. Instructions for constructing a fence framework to accommodate the inclusion of privacy slats is detailed as well as recommendations for installing the slats.

ASTM F3000/F3000M will be used by architects and engineers to develop material and installation specification requirements within contract documents for a project or for selected products and designs approved and inserted in U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Manufacturers will use ASTM F3000/F3000M to ensure their products’ compliance to the standard, while consumers will now have a means to review specifications for screening products to help in their purchasing decisions.

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ASTM Committee F14 Next Meeting: June 25, 2013, ASTM International Headquarters, West Conshohocken, Pa.
Technical Contact: (ASTM F2957) Larry Burkholder, Digger Specialties Inc., Bremen, Ind., Phone: 574-546-5999; lburkholder@diggerspecialties.com; (ASTM F3000/F3000M) William Ullrich, Link Consulting LLC, Annapolis, Md., Phone: 410-849-2610; bullrich.link@comcast.net 
ASTM Staff Contact: Thomas O’Toole, Phone: 610-832-9739; totoole@astm.org 
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9375