[TheForge] gate question

[jerry Frost]

I'm with Reis. An 11 ga. frame is going to be downright floppy over 13'.
Even if you build in enough structure, think suspension bridge kind of
structure, it's going to be very flexible side to side.

Arcing the gate upwards is putting the structure in compression, steel's
weaker load deflection mode. If you make the hinge post the high end and
slope or put the top rail in a downward arc similar to a suspension bridge.
It'd only take a couple "decorative" circle, "C" or back slash shapes to
make the compressive forces conducted to the bottom rail and the whole
structure rigid without having to make it too heavy. 

If you want a practical hands on demonstration, try pulling a piece of
bailing wire apart, then push in on the ends. This means in all simplicity a
compression structure has to be too heavy to deflect under it's own weight,
dead load AND under the live load. A tensile structure only needs ONE heavy
rigid member, the compression strut, the bottom beam in a gate is the
natural choice, the rest can be cable and wire, literally. It will self
straighten when it flexes under live load, think plumb bob.

If we need to send pics and drawings you can just tap our E-dresses and we
can take the graphics to the side.

Jerry
-----Original Message-----
From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of C&J
Allcorn
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 4:12 AM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Cc: jallcorn at suddenlink.net
Subject: [TheForge] gate question




Ok guys, I've got a couple of questions.  I don't do much gate building,
some of you do and I'd appreciate the help.  2 basic questions.

I'm building a decorative gate to a client's property, about 13' long.
Question 1:  How much out of square should it be built so when hung the
"sag" or drop will make it hang square or level?  I'd really NOT prefer to
put a wheel on the swing end.

FYI, the frame is 11 ga 1.5" sq tube, pickets from 11 ga 3/4 tube, 4 each 2"
channels.  It'll be hung on one side and attached to a gate operator.

The top will curve, initial design is for the curve to go up 20" or so from
horizontal in an arc.

I'll punch the channel or the pickets to slide thru on my ironworker.  
However, when I punch the channels that are to be curved, and then bend
(roll) the curve in the channel, I realize the channel holes will be at an
increasing angle.
Question 2:  What is the best way to open the holes so that the pickets can
slide thru?  Plasma cut? Chisel? File?

I tried putting a small snip showing the overall design but the robot didn't
like it.  Just envision a gate w/ a curved top.

James

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