Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
(OP)
Hi,
I inherited a project that requires something I've never had to do before. One of the agencies is requiring us to fence in a 10 acre wet pond because of steep sideslopes (not my design). This is fine, except there is a 75' wide spillway that discharges into this pond. The spillway is made of soil cement and is flat.
Design parameters:
100 year stage above spillway is 4' and velocity is less than 5 fps. We are wanting to use a chain-link fence. I really don't want to put anything across this spillway but it's the only way to "close off" the pond from the public.
Any ideas?
I inherited a project that requires something I've never had to do before. One of the agencies is requiring us to fence in a 10 acre wet pond because of steep sideslopes (not my design). This is fine, except there is a 75' wide spillway that discharges into this pond. The spillway is made of soil cement and is flat.
Design parameters:
100 year stage above spillway is 4' and velocity is less than 5 fps. We are wanting to use a chain-link fence. I really don't want to put anything across this spillway but it's the only way to "close off" the pond from the public.
Any ideas?





RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
1. Fence is installed and then "removed" by flood waters. Who pays to replace fence and clean debris out of pond? Contractor/engineer/fence company/locality?
2. Sturdy fence is installed, but is clogged with debris during a storm event, surround areas flooded, residents sue the locality/owner.
3. No fence installed, some member of the public goes for a swim (despite the otherwise fenced area) and drowns. Family sues locality/owner.
Fences in general define boundaries. If someone wants to get in, they will. One of my clients was successfully sued because someone willingly climbed over a fence into an obviously dangerous area and was killed. The main argument was the fence was "insufficient" to prevent entry.
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
second option is to put the fence either upstream or downstream of the spillway weir control section so that water elevation does not rise and blockage does not impede flow through the spillway. This will require the top of the fence to be below the maximum water surface elevation. fence is likely damaged during design flood and has to be repaired. also expensive
preferred option in my opinion is no fence and signs that say danger - stay out of spillway.
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
I like your idea, but wonder what some bored redneck, a 12-pack of beer and a 4x4 will be able to do with the space truss on Saturday night... I guess about the same as with the breakaway fence...
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
DMcGrath is right to point out the liability. Present the options to the client, let them decide and document it.
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
Have you run a quick cost estimate on how expensive it is for 2650 LF of fence? I'm thinking the materials alone will run about $20,000. (with labor $30,000-40,000)
I'd check with the client and see what they would rather do. Redesign might cost about the same, but the final product will be much nicer.
RE: Chain-Link Fence Across Spillway
The authorities have repeatedly rejected substitution of fencing. Their argument is: that kids will somehow manage to find a way into the facility. When kids do find a way in, and get into trouble, the fence is a severe obsticle to rescue efforts.