Standardization News

ASTM International Committee F14 on Fences has recently approved two new standards: F2957, Specification for Ornamental Aluminum Fence Systems; and 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

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 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. 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

F3000/F3000M is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F14.40 on Chain Link Fence and Wire Accessories. 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, the use of privacy slats in fences ranges from homeowners to landfills, dumpster areas or junk yards.

"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.

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 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.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: (F2957) Larry Burkholder, Digger Specialties Inc. • Bremen, Ind. • Phone: 574-546-5999 • (F3000/F3000M) William Ullrich, Link Consulting LLC • Annapolis, Md. • Phone: 410-849-2610 | O ASTM Staff: Thomas O'Toole • Phone: 610-832-9739 | Upcoming Meeting: June 25 • ASTM Headquarters, West Conshohocken, Pa.