What is the thickness of a pipe clamp?

[bridgebuster]

Yes, it sounds like a crazy question. I'm reviewing a shop drawing for mounting a chain link fence to a concrete bridge parapet. The DOT standard is 2 - 3" wide x 1/4" thick pipe clamps per post. The fence supplier is proposing 3/16" thick clamps. I thought perhaps there's no availability of the 1/4" clamp.

In looking through several pipe support catalogs, MSS-SP58, and various ASTM F-series specs related to fencing none indicates the thickness of the clamps. I can calculate the adequacy of the connection but I'm just curious why no one gives the thickness.

 

[BigInch]

These pipe clamps are speciality fabricated items which the manufacturer guarantees will be adequate for the given load, or pipe size provided that maximum spans of the given pipe size are not exceeded (read the small print). We don't care a whole lot about rod diameter or the other stuff either.

I wouldn't think that 3" x 3/16" would survive one winter of road salt, never mind being smacked by a car.

 

[bridgebuster]

I had a hunch that it was based on the manufacturer's design. 3/16" works fine but I don't like it from a durability standpoint.

Thanks for the reply

 

[chicopee]

What's wrong with "U" bolt clamps?

 

[bridgebuster]

U bolt won't work with the detail. The fence posts are held by pipe clamp which are held in place by anchors drilled into the concrete.