ASTM F2611-23

Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing

ABSTRACT
This guide establishes the material selection, system design, and layout requirements, aas well as installation procedures for chain link security fence systems intended to substantially increase the difficulty to penetrate, thereby, increasing intrusion delay time. Selection criteria are provided herein for the following materials and fencing components: chain link fabric; fence framework including line posts, terminal posts, and rails; barbed wires; barbed tape obstacles; tension wire; fittings; post ties, rail ties, and hog rings; swing gates; slide gates; and vehicle crash gates. Installation procedures for passive anti-ram systems are also provided herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the material and installation for selection in the design of a security chain link fence system. The proper material selection, system installation and layout can substantially increase the difficulty to penetrate; thereby, increasing the intrusion delay time.  
1.2 This guide does not purport to address all of the physical protection security concerns. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish the appropriate design for the level of physical protection required and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements or limitations prior to use.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 It is recommended that Guide F1553 be followed for the format of this guide.  
1.5 This guide is not intended to set specific requirements for chain link security fencing. It intends to cover the considerations or options pertinent to the design and construction of chain link security fencing.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2023
• ICS: 77.140.65 - Steel wire, wire ropes and link chains
• ICS: 91.090 - External structures
• Technical Committee: F14 - Fences
• Drafting Committee: F14.50 - High Security Fences and Perimeter Barriers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2611-15 - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F1553-11(2022) - Standard Guide for Specifying Chain Link Fence
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023

Overview

ASTM F2611-23, "Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing," provides essential guidelines for material selection, system design, layout, and installation procedures for chain link security fence systems. Published by ASTM International, this standard is aimed at enhancing intrusion resistance and delay times, making unauthorized entry significantly more difficult. The guide assists users in choosing the appropriate materials, components, and configurations for effective perimeter protection, supporting the security needs in various commercial, industrial, and government settings.

Key Topics

• Material Selection: Criteria for selecting suitable chain link fabric, fence frameworks (posts, rails), barbed wires, barbed tape obstacles, tension wire, fittings, ties, and hog rings.
• System Design and Layout: Recommendations for fence placement, integration with grading and drainage, and considerations for supporting intrusion detection devices and surveillance systems.
• Installation Procedures: Instructions for site preparation, fence erection, tensioning, and attachment of security features such as barbed wire, barbed tape, and anti-ram systems.
• Security Enhancement Methods: Guidance for increasing security by:
  • Using smaller mesh and heavier gauge wire to resist cutting and climbing.
  • Burying mesh or anchoring bottom rails to deter digging.
  • Adding anti-ram cables or passive anti-vehicle barriers.
  • Restricting visibility with slats and securing critical posts and gates.
  • Placement and securing of gates, with swing and slide options.
• Compliance and Documentation: Emphasis on reviewing referenced standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and documenting installation and material specifications.

Applications

Chain link security fencing designed in accordance with ASTM F2611-23 is critical for safeguarding a wide range of facilities. Key application areas include:

• Critical Infrastructure: Airports, power plants, military bases, and other sensitive facilities requiring high-security perimeter fencing.
• Commercial and Industrial Sites: Manufacturing plants, warehouses, logistics centers, and data centers where protection against intrusion and vandalism is essential.
• Government and Institutional Properties: Correctional facilities, government buildings, schools, and public utilities often require enhanced perimeter barriers.
• Transportation and Logistics: Rail yards, ports, and transportation hubs benefit from security fencing to deter unauthorized access and theft.
• High-Risk Civil Sites: Locations subject to potential terrorist threats can integrate crash-rated vehicle barriers and anti-ram features as outlined in the guide.

Related Standards

For complete and effective design and deployment, several referenced ASTM and industry standards are integral to the chain link security fencing ecosystem:

• ASTM A392, A491, F668, F1043, F1083, F1345: Specifications for various coatings, materials, and fabrication requirements for steel chain link fencing components.
• ASTM F567: Standard practice for installation of chain link fences.
• ASTM F626, F934, F900, F1184: Coverings for fence fittings, standard colors, swing gates, and slide gate specifications.
• ASTM F1910, F1911, F1664, F1665: Specifications for long barbed tape obstacles, installation, and polymer-coated wire products.
• ASTM F2200, F2656, F2781: Automated vehicular gate construction, crash testing of vehicle barriers, and performance testing for forced entry and impact resistance.
• UFC 4-010-01, UFC 4-040-01: Department of Defense criteria for anti-terrorism and minimum standards for buildings.
• Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute WLG 2445: Wind load guide for post selection and spacing.

Summary

ASTM F2611-23 is an authoritative guide supporting the secure design and installation of chain link security fences. Its practical recommendations assist in achieving robust intrusion resistance, compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhanced protection for critical assets. Integrating these security fencing principles into site planning and construction helps organizations mitigate risks and maintain resilient perimeter security.

Keywords: ASTM F2611-23, chain link security fencing, perimeter fencing, anti-ram systems, intrusion resistance, security mesh, security fence installation, perimeter protection, security fencing standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2611 − 23
Standard Guide for
Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2611; 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 A121 Specification for Metallic-Coated Carbon Steel
Barbed Wire
1.1 This guide covers the material and installation for
A392 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence
selection in the design of a security chain link fence system.
Fabric
The proper material selection, system installation and layout
A491 Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-Link
can substantially increase the difficulty to penetrate; thereby,
Fence Fabric
increasing the intrusion delay time.
A817 Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for
1.2 This guide does not purport to address all of the physical
Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire
protection security concerns. It is the responsibility of the user
A824 Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Marcelled
of this standard to establish the appropriate design for the level
Tension Wire for Use With Chain Link Fence
of physical protection required and determine the applicability
F552 Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
of regulatory requirements or limitations prior to use.
F567 Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded F626 Specification for Fence Fittings
F668 Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyolefin
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and Other Polymer-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
F900 Specification for Industrial and Commercial Steel
and are not considered standard.
Swing Gates
1.4 It is recommended that Guide F1553 be followed for the
F934 Specification for Standard Colors for Polymer-Coated
format of this guide.
Chain Link Fence Materials
1.5 This guide is not intended to set specific requirements
F1043 Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on
for chain link security fencing. It intends to cover the consid-
Steel Industrial Fence Framework
erations or options pertinent to the design and construction of
F1083 Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-
chain link security fencing.
Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- F1184 Specification for Industrial and Commercial Horizon-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- tal Slide Gates
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the F1345 Specification for Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical F1553 Guide for Specifying Chain Link Fence
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. F1664 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and
Other Conforming Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Tension
2. Referenced Documents
Wire Used with Chain-Link Fence
F1665 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Other Conforming Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Barbed
Wire Used With Chain-Link Fence
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F14 on Fences and is F1910 Specification for Long Barbed Tape Obstacles
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.50 on High Security Fences and
F1911 Practice for Installation of Barbed Tape
Perimeter Barriers.
F2200 Specification for Automated Vehicular Gate Con-
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
struction
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2611 – 15.
DOI:10.1520/F2611-23.
F2656 Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Barriers
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
F2781 Practice for Testing Forced Entry, Ballistic and Low
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Impact Resistance of Security Fence Systems
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2611 − 23
2.2 Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute: 5.1.2 Consideration should be given to the fence location to
WLG 2445 Chain Link Fence Wind Load Guide for the provide the proper offset to protect a building or provide a clear
Selection of Line Post and Line Post Spacing zone from trees, underbrush, buildings and structures. Quali-
The Tested and Proven Performance of Security Grade fying Federal building sites require specified fence set back
Chain Link Fencing Systems distances from the building in compliance with the DoD
Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, UFC 4-040-
2.3 U. S. Department of Defense:
01.
UFC 4-010-01 United Facilities Criteria, DOD Minimum
5.1.3 Consideration should be given during design of the
Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings
fence to ensure it will properly support the application of added
3. Terminology
intrusion detection devices. An integrated system using light-
ing with video surveillance requires a specific fence layout, for
3.1 Definitions, see Terminology F552.
example, the fence is recommended to be located to avoid
4. Summary of Guide blocking the view or reduce shadows.
5.1.4 Signage posted along the fence line should always be
4.1 Chain link fence systems can be designed to provide
a consideration.
greater levels of security by selecting products and configura-
5.1.5 Review Practice F2781 for testing security fence
tions that increase the difficulty to penetrate and in turn
systems, and the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute
increase delay time. Some examples; increase the height of the
Tested and Proven Performance of Security Grade Chain Link
fence, the configuration of chain link mesh size and wire
Fencing Systems.
gauge, securing the bottom of the fence by means of bottom
rail, burying the chain link mesh, adding barbed wire to the top
6. Materials and Sizes
or barbed tape to the top, side or bottom of the fence, selecting
6.1 Chain Link Fabric:
stronger framework, adding multiple fence lines to create
6.1.1 There are many chain link mesh design configura-
isolation zones, adding slats to the fencing to restrict visibility
tions; those to be considered for security fencing, in order of
when required, and adding anti-ram cable systems to resist
difficulty to penetrate are listed in Table 1.
vehicle penetration into a protected perimeter.
6.1.2 Select the chain link mesh configuration from Table 1;
5. Part 1—General choose the type of coating required from one of the following:
6.1.2.1 Zinc-Coated Steel in accordance with Specification
5.1 List the scope of work included; the performance
A392, select Class 1 or Class 2 coating.
requirements of the overall project security design criteria, the
6.1.2.2 Aluminum Coated Steel in accordance with Speci-
performance design criteria for the fence system, referenced
fication A491.
contract documents, fence design and detail drawings, material
6.1.2.3 Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel
specifications, related site work, site drawings with the specific
in accordance with Specification F1345, Class 2.
fence layout, product and data submittals, certifications, site
6.1.2.4 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and other Organic
preparation, contractor qualifications, warranties and the fence
Polymer-Coated Steel in accordance with Specification F668,
integration with other security products.
Class 2b. Select the color as listed in Specification F934.
5.1.1 Fence placement can be critical and should be well
thought out and defined by the contract specifications and 6.2 Fence Framework:
drawings. Placement should be coordinated with the grading 6.2.1 Line Posts—Fences designed to provide increased
security levels are generally of greater heights and utilize
plan to ensure it does not inhibit drainage flow by location or
debris buildup. smaller mesh sizes, both of these factors result in added wind
load resistance. Line post selection and the spacing of the posts
should be designed to meet the anticipated wind loads based on
3 the site geographical location and weather conditions. In-
Available from Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, 10015 Old Columbia
Road, Suite B-215, Columbia, MD 21046, http://www.chainlinkinfo.org. creased post sizes or specific post spacing may be needed to
Available electronically from United Facilities Criteria (UFC) Index, http://
compensate for wind loading or increased security. The Chain
65.204.17.188//report/doc_ufc.html
TABLE 1 Security Chain Link Mesh Configurations
Security Chain Link Fabric Considerations Mesh Size and Gauge
Standard Industrial Commercial Chain Link Mesh 2 in. mesh 9 gauge
Heavier 6 gauge wire more difficult to cut 2 in. mesh 6 gauge
Smaller mesh size increases difficulty to climb and time to cut through 1 ⁄4 in. mesh 9 gauge
Heavier 6 gauge wire more difficult to cut 1 ⁄4 in. mesh 6 gauge
1 in. mesh increases difficulty to climb and increases time to cut through 1 in. mesh 11 gauge
9 gauge wire increases cutting time to that of 11 gauge, above 1 in. mesh 9 gauge
Small mesh sizes eliminates finger hold for climbing ⁄8 in. mesh 11 gauge
Small mesh requires special equipment to cut through ⁄2 in. mesh 11 gauge
Small mesh with larger wire, maximum security ⁄2 in. mesh 9 gauge
Penetration time is increased to cut through small mesh ⁄8 in. mesh 11 gauge
3 5 1 3
Metric Equivalents: 2 in. (50 mm,) 1 ⁄4 in. (44.45 mm), 1 in. (25 mm), ⁄8 in. (16 mm), ⁄2 in. (13 mm), ⁄8 in. (10 mm)
6ga. 0.192 in. (4.88 mm), 9 ga. 0.148 in. (3.76 mm), 11 ga. 0.120 in. (3.05 mm)
F2611 − 23
Link Fence Manufacturers Institute’s, Guide for the Selection 6.5.1 Metallic-coated steel tension wire should be in accor-
of Line Posts and their Spacing, WLG 2445, guides the dance with Specification A824. Select the type of metallic
designer through the process to select the post size and post coating from one of the following as listed in Specification
spacing. After calculating the post spacing and post dimensions A817.
select the post specification and protective coating from
6.5.1.1 Type I Aluminum metallic-coated 0.40 oz/ft
Specification F1043, Table 3, Heavy Industrial Fence Frame- (122 g ⁄m )
work or Specification F1083.
6.5.1.2 Type II Zinc metallic-coated (galvanized), Class 4
2 2
6.2.1.1 Terminal Posts—End, corner, or pull posts are to be
1.20 oz/ft (366 g/m )
in accordance with Specification F1043, Table 3, Heavy
6.5.1.3 Type III Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal metallic-
2 2
Industrial Fence Framework or Specification F1083. Select the
coated, Class 100, 1.0 oz/ft (305 gm )
terminal post size based on the line post size in accordance
6.5.2 Polymer-coated tension wire should be in accordance
with Table 2.
with Specification F1664. Specify Class 2b coating and color
6.2.1.2 Rails—Top, intermediate and terminal post brace
to match the fence system in accordance with Specification
rails when specified should be in accordance with Specification
F934.
F1043, Table 3, Heavy Industrial Fence Framework or Speci-
6.6 Fittings—Fittings are to be in accordance with Specifi-
fication F1083. See Specification F1043, Table 3 rails and
cation F626. All fittings are recommended to be steel having a
braces for recommended size.
hot dipped galvanized coating with a recommended minimum
6.2.1.3 Polymer-coated framework, specify the type of coat-
2 2
1.20 oz/ft (366 g/m ) of zinc coating of the surface area.
ing in accordance with Specification F1043 and the color in
6.6.1 Post caps, barb arms, top rail sleeves, rail and brace
accordance with Specification F934.
rail ends and boulevard bands should be manufactured using
6.3 Barbed Wire—When specified, select the type and
pressed steel.
coating from one of the following:
6.6.2 Barbed wire arms are available in various configura-
6.3.1 If metallic coated steel barbed wire, specify A121
tions to accommodate three to six strands of barbed wire, select
design number 12-4-3-14R having 4- point barbs spaced 3 in.
the design to meet the security requirement.
(76 mm) on
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2611 − 15 F2611 − 23
Standard Guide for
Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2611; 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
1.1 This guide providescovers the material and installation standards for selection in the design of a security chain link fence
system. The proper material selection, system installation and layout can substantially increase the difficulty to penetrate; thereby,
increasing the intrusion delay time.
1.2 This guide does not purport to address all of the physical protection security concerns. It is the responsibility of the user of
this standard to establish the appropriate design for the level of physical protection required and determine the applicability of
regulatory requirements or limitations prior to use.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 It is recommended that Guide F1553 be followed for the format of this guide.
1.5 This guide is not intended to set specific requirements for chain link security fencing. It intends to cover the considerations
or options pertinent to the design and construction of chain link security fencing.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A121 Specification for Metallic-Coated Carbon Steel Barbed Wire
A392 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
A491 Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
A817 Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire
A824 Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Marcelled Tension Wire for Use With Chain Link Fence
F552 Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
F567 Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence
F626 Specification for Fence Fittings
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F14 on Fences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.50 on High Security Fences and Perimeter
Barriers.
Current edition approved July 1, 2015Sept. 1, 2023. Published July 2015October 2023. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
F2611 - 11.F2611 – 15. DOI:10.1520/F2611-15.DOI:10.1520/F2611-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2611 − 23
F668 Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyolefin and Other Polymer-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
F900 Specification for Industrial and Commercial Steel Swing Gates
F934 Specification for Standard Colors for Polymer-Coated Chain Link Fence Materials
F1043 Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
F1083 Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
F1184 Specification for Industrial and Commercial Horizontal Slide Gates
F1345 Specification for Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
F1553 Guide for Specifying Chain Link Fence
F1664 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Other Conforming Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Tension Wire Used
with Chain-Link Fence
F1665 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Other Conforming Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Barbed Wire Used
With Chain-Link Fence
F1910 Specification for Long Barbed Tape Obstacles
F1911 Practice for Installation of Barbed Tape
F2200 Specification for Automated Vehicular Gate Construction
F2656 Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers
F2781 Practice for Testing Forced Entry, Ballistic and Low Impact Resistance of Security Fence Systems
2.2 Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute:
WLG 2445 Chain Link Fence Wind Load Guide for the Selection of Line Post and Line Post Spacing
The Tested and Proven Performance of Security Grade Chain Link Fencing Systems
2.3 U. S. Department of Defense:
UFC 4-010-01 United Facilities Criteria, DOD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions, see Terminology F552.
4. Summary of PracticeGuide
4.1 Chain link fence systems can be designed to provide greater levels of security by selecting products and configurations that
increase the difficulty to penetrate and in turn increase delay time. Some examples; increase the height of the fence, the
configuration of chain link mesh size and wire gauge, securing the bottom of the fence by means of bottom rail, burying the chain
link mesh, adding barbed wire to the top or barbed tape to the top, side or bottom of the fence, selecting stronger framework, adding
multiple fence lines to create isolation zones, adding slats to the fencing to restrict visibility when required, and adding anti-ram
cable systems to resist vehicle penetration into a protected perimeter.
5. Part 1—General
5.1 List the scope of work included; the performance requirements of the overall project security design criteria, the performance
design criteria for the fence system, referenced contract documents, fence design and detail drawings, material specifications,
related site work, site drawings with the specific fence layout, product and data submittals, certifications, site preparation,
contractor qualifications, warranties and the fence integration with other security products.
5.1.1 Fence placement can be critical and should be well thought out and defined by the contract specifications and drawings.
Placement should be coordinated with the grading plan to ensure it does not inhibit drainage flow by location or debris buildup.
5.1.2 Consideration should be given to the fence location to provide the proper offset to protect a building or provide a clear zone
from trees, underbrush, buildings and structures. Qualifying Federal building sites require specified fence set back distances from
the building in compliance with the DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, UFC 4-040-01.
5.1.3 Consideration should be given during design of the fence to ensure it will properly support the application of added intrusion
detection devices. An integrated system using lighting with video surveillance requires a specific fence layout, for example, the
fence must is recommended to be located to avoid blocking the view or reduce shadows.
5.1.4 Signage posted along the fence line should always be a consideration.
Available from Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, 10015 Old Columbia Road, Suite B-215, Columbia, MD 21046, http://www.chainlinkinfo.org.
Available electronically from United Facilities Criteria (UFC) Index, http://65.204.17.188//report/doc_ufc.html
F2611 − 23
5.1.5 Review Practice F2781 for testing security fence systems, and the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute Tested and
Proven Performance of Security Grade Chain Link Fencing Systems.
6. Materials and Sizes
6.1 Chain Link Fabric:
6.1.1 There are many chain link mesh design configurations; those to be considered for security fencing, in order of difficulty to
penetrate are listed in Table 1.
6.1.2 Select the chain link mesh configuration from Table 1; choose the type of coating required from one of the following:
6.1.2.1 Zinc-Coated Steel in accordance with Specification A392, select Class 1 or Class 2 coating.
6.1.2.2 Aluminum Coated Steel in accordance with Specification A491.
6.1.2.3 Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel in accordance with Specification F1345, Class 2.
6.1.2.4 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and other Organic Polymer-Coated Steel in accordance with Specification F668, Class 2b.
Select the color as listed in Specification F934.
6.2 Fence Framework:
6.2.1 Line Posts—Fences designed to provide increased security levels are generally of greater heights and utilize smaller mesh
sizes, both of these factors result in added wind load resistance. Line post selection and the spacing of the posts should be designed
to meet the anticipated wind loads based on the site geographical location and weather conditions. Increased post sizes or specific
post spacing may be requiredneeded to compensate for wind loading or increased security. The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers
Institute’s, Guide for the Selection of Line Posts and their Spacing, WLG 2445, guides the designer through the process to select
the post size and post spacing. After calculating the post spacing and post dimensions select the post specification and protective
coating from Specification F1043, Table 3, Heavy Industrial Fence Framework or Specification F1083.
6.2.1.1 Terminal Posts—End, corner, or pull posts are to be in accordance with Specification F1043, Table 3, Heavy Industrial
Fence Framework or Specification F1083. Select the terminal post size based on the line post size in accordance with Table 2.
6.2.1.2 Rails—Top, intermediate and terminal post brace rails when specified shallshould be in accordance with Specification
F1043, Table 3, Heavy Industrial Fence Framework or Specification F1083. See Specification F1043, Table 3 rails and braces for
recommended size.
6.2.1.3 Polymer-coated framework, specify the type of coating in accordance with Specification F1043 and the color in accordance
with Specification F934.
6.3 Barbed Wire—When specified, select the type and coating from one of the following:
TABLE 1 Security Chain Link Mesh Configurations
Security Chain Link Fabric Considerations Mesh Size and Gauge
Standard Industrial Commercial Chain Link Mesh 2 in. mesh 9 gauge
Heavier 6 gauge wire more difficult to cut 2 in. mesh 6 gauge
Smaller mesh size increases difficulty to climb and time to cut through 1 ⁄4 in. mesh 9 gauge
Heavier 6 gauge wire more difficult to cut 1 ⁄4 in. mesh 6 gauge
1 in. mesh increases difficulty to climb and increases time to cut through 1 in. mesh 11 gauge
9 gauge wire increases cutting time to that of 11 gauge, above 1 in. mesh 9 gauge
Small mesh sizes eliminates finger hold for climbing ⁄8 in. mesh 11 gauge
Small mesh requires special equipment to cut through ⁄2 in. mesh 11 gauge
Small mesh with larger wire, maximum security ⁄2 in. mesh 9 gauge
Penetration time is increased to cut through small mesh ⁄8 in. mesh 11 gauge
3 5 1 3
Metric Equivalents: 2 in. (50 mm,) 1 ⁄4 in. (44.45 mm), 1 in. (25 mm), ⁄8 in. (16 mm), ⁄2 in. (13 mm), ⁄8 in. (10 mm)
6ga. 0.192 in. (4.88 mm), 9 ga. 0.148 in. (3.76 mm), 11 ga. 0.120 in. (3.05 mm)
F2611 − 23
TABLE 2 Security Fence Post Selection
Line Post Description, outside diameter Terminal Post Description, outside diameter
2.375 in. (60.3 mm) Diameter Pipe 2.875 in. (73.0 mm) Diameter Pipe
2.25 by 1.70 in. (57.2 by 43.2 mm) C-Section 2.875 in. (73.0 mm) Diameter Pipe
2.875 in. (73.0 mm) Diameter Pipe 4.000 in. (101.6 mm) Diameter Pipe
3.25 by 2.50 in. (82.6 by 64.0 mm) C-Section 4.000 in. (101.6 mm) Diameter Pipe
4.000 in. (101.5 mm) Diameter Pipe 6.625 in. (168.3 mm) Diameter Pipe
4.500 in (114.3 mm) Diameter Pipe 6.625 in. (168.3 mm) Diameter Pipe
6.625 in. (168.3 mm) Diameter Pipe 6.625 in. (168.3 mm) Diameter Pipe
8.625 in. (219.1 mm) Diameter Pipe 8.625 in. (219.1 mm) Diameter Pipe
6.3.1 If metallic coated steel barbed wire, specify A121 design number 12-4-3-14R having 4- point barbs spaced 3 in. (76 mm)
on center or 12-4-5-14R having 4- point barbs spaced 5 in. (127 mm) on center.
6.3.1.1 Aluminum Metallic-Coated—specify Coating A for the strand wire and aluminum alloy barbs.
6.3.1.2 Zinc Metallic-Coated—specify Coating Type Z, Coating Class 3.
6.3.1.3 Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy (Zn-5AL-MM) Metallic-Coated—specify Coating Type ZA, Coating Class 80.
6.3.1.4 Polymer-coated barbed wire shall when selected should be in accordance with Specification F1665; specify coating type
Class 2b, select barb spacing, Type I spacing at 5 in. (127 mm) 5 in. (127 mm) on center or Type II spacing at 3 in. (76 mm) 3 in.
(76 mm) on center. The color shallshould match the system in accordance with Specification
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