M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

Standard Specification for

Chain-Link Fence

AASHTO DESIGNATION: M 181-93

1 SCOPE B 750 Specification for Zinc-5 3.2 Metallic coated steel posts, rails, or
percent Aluminum Misch- gate frames are furnished in two grades
metal Alloy in Ingot Form for as follows:
1.1 This specification covers materials Hot-Dip Coatings
used in the construction of fences and 3.2.1 Grade 1 steel posts, rails, or gate
gates comprised of (a) chain-link fence D 1499 Operating Light and Water frames may be round or other shapes and
fabric and (b) posts, rails, ties, bands, Exposure Apparatus (Carbon- shall have a hot-dip zinc interior and
bars, rods and other fittings and hardware Arc Type) for Exposure of exterior coating as prescribed in this
designed to support-the fabric in a Plastics specification.
vertical, taut position. D 1535 Specifying Color by the 3.2.2 Grade 2 steel posts, rails, or gate
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be Munsell System frames shall be round pipe or tubing
regarded as the standard. D 1729 Visual Evaluation of Color manufactured by electric resistance
Differences of Opaque welding and shall have an exterior
Materials coating of hot-dip zinc plus an organic
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS topcoat and a zinc-rich or hot-dip zinc
D 2247 Coated Metal Specimens at interior coating or Grade 2 posts may be
100 Percent Relative aluminum-coated inside and outside.
2.1 The following specifications and Humidity
standards form a part of this 3.3 Type IV fabric is furnished in two
E 376 Measuring Coating Thickness classes of coating as follows:
specification. by Magnetic-Field or Eddy-
2.1.1 AASHTO Standards: Current (Electromagnetic) 3.3.1 Class A-extruded or extruded and
Test Methods bonded PVC-coated wire shall be coated
M 111 Zinc (Hot-Galvanized)
with zinc by either the hot-dip or
Coatings on Products F 467 Nonferrous Nuts for General electrolytic process prior to being coated
Fabricated from Rolled, Use with PVC.
Pressed, and Forged Steel F 468 Nonferrous Bolts, Hex Cap
Shapes, Plates, Bars, and 3.3.2 Class B-bonded PVC-coated wire
Screws, and Studs for shall be coated with zinc by either the
Strip General Use hot-dip or electrolytic process prior to
M 120 Zinc Metal (slab zinc) F 1083 Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc having a PVC coating thermally fused
M 232 Zinc Coating (HotDip) on Coated (Galvanized) Welded and bonded to a primer that has been
Iron and Steel Hardware for Fence Structures thermally cured onto the zinc-coated
T 65 Mass of Coating on Zinc- G 23 Light and Water Exposure wire.
Coated (Galvanized) Iron or Apparatus (Carbon-Arc 3.4 Type I fabric is furnished in two
Steel Articles Type) for Exposure of classes of coating as follows:
T 68 Tension Testing of Metallic Nonmetallic Materials 3.4.1 Class C has a specified coating
Materials G 26 Light and Water Exposure mass of 366 g/m2 (1.2 oz/ft2).
T 213 Mass of Coating on Apparatus (Xenon-Arc-Type) 3.4.2 Class D has a specified coating
Aluminum-Coated Iron or for Exposure of Nonmetallic mass of 610 g/m2 (2.0 oz/ft2).
Steel Articles Materials
3.5 Type I tension wire is furnished in
2.1.2 ASTM Standards: 2.1.3 American National Standards: three classes as follows:
B 26 Aluminum-Alloy Sand H 35.2 Dimensional Tolerances for 3.5.1 Class 1 has a minimum coating
Castings Aluminum Mill Products mass of 244 g/m2 (0.8 oz/ft2).
B 85 Aluminum-Alloy Die 3.5.2 Class 2 has a minimum coating
Castings 3. CLASSIFICATION mass of 366 g/m2 (1.2 oz/ft2).
B 108 Aluminum-Alloy Permanent 3.5.3 Class 3 has a minimum coating
Mold Castings 3.1 Chain-link fabric, posts, rails, ties, mass of 610 g/m2 (2.0 oz/ft2).
B 117 Salt Spray (Fog) Testing bands, bars, rods and other fittings and 3.6 The type of fabric and type of
B 209 Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and hardware covered by this specification framework need not be the same.
Plate shall be composed of the following Types
of material, as specified:
B 211 Aluminum-Alloy Bars, Rods 4. DESCRIPTION OF TERMS
and Wire Type I-Zinc-coated steel.
B 221 Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Type II-Aluminum-coated steel.
Type III-Aluminum alloy. 4.1 Unless the context clearly indicates
Bar, Rod, Shape and Tube
another meaning, the terms used herein
B 429 Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Type IV-Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)coated
steel. shall have the meaning as defined in
Structural Pipe and Tube Section 101, Definitions and Terms
Guide Specifications for Highway
195
M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

Construction, AASHTO 1978 or as NOTE 1-These details may be covered in characteristics as prescribed in this
amended. whole or in part by accompanying the order specification.
with design drawings and notations thereon.
4.2 Chain-link Fence Fabric-A fencing
material made from wire helically wound 7. MANUFACTURE (Fabric)
and interwoven in such a manner as to CHAIN-LINK FENCE FABRIC
provide a continuous mesh without knots
or ties except in the form of knuckling or 7.1 Wire used for zinc-coated chain-link
of twisting to form the selvage of the 6. MATERIALS (Fabric) fence may be coated before or after
fabric. weaving into fabric. Fabric that is zinc-
4.3 Knuckling-The selvage obtained by 6.1 Base metal for Type I, II, and IV coated after weaving shall be hot-dip
interlocking adjacent pairs of wire ends chain-link fence fabric shall be steel of galvanized in a continuous process and
and bending the wire back into a loop. such quality and purity that, when drawn the coating shall not be applied to the
to the size of wire specified and coated as fabric in roll form. Wire that is zinc-
4.4 Tivisting-The type of selvage coated before weaving into fabric may be
obtained by twisting adjacent pairs of specified, the finished fabric shall be of
uniform quality and have the properties either electrolytically zinc-plated or hot-
wire ends together in a close helix of 1.5 dip galvanized.
machine turns, which is the equivalent to and characteristics as prescribed in this
three full twists and cutting the wire end specification. 7.2 Wire used for aluminum-coated steel
at an angle. The wire ends beyond the 6.2 Wire used for the manufacture of chain-link fabric shall be coated before
twist shall be at least 6.4 mm (1/4 in.) fabric that is zinc-coated, aluminum- weaving into fabric.
long. coated, or PVC-coated before weaving 7.3 Wire used for PVC-coated chain-link
shall meet the requirements of this fence shall be coated before weaving into
specification and shall be capable of fabric.
5. ORDERING INFORMATION being woven into fabric without the
coating cracking, flaking, or peeling to
8. WEAVE (Fabric)
5.1 Orders for chain-link fence fabric such an extent that any of the coating
purchased to this specification shall material can be removed by rubbing with
include the following information: the bare fingers. 8.1 The wire shall be woven throughout
5.1.1 Quantity of fabric (Section 17). NOTE 2-Loosening or detachment during the
in the form of approximately uniform
adhesion test of superficial, small particles of square mesh, having parallel sides and
5.1.2 Number of gates. horizontal and vertical diagonals of
zinc, aluminum, or PVC formed by
5.1.3 Type (Section 3) and if mechanical polishing of the surface of the approximately uniform dimensions. The
applicable, Grade or Class. coated wire should not be considered cause for top and bottom of the fabric shall be
rejection. knuckled or twisted as specified in
5.1.4 Size of mesh.
6.3 Zinc used for hot-dip galvanized or Section 13.
5.1.5 Size of wire.
electrolytically zinc-plated coatings shall 8.2 A typical diamond count for each
5.1.6 Height of fabric. standard height is shown in Table 7.
be of any grade of zinc conforming to the
5.1.7 Diamond Count, if specified. requirements of Specification M 120. Other diamond counts are permissible
5.1.8 Type of selvage, if nonstandard. 6.4 Ingot or pig aluminum used for provided they are consistent within a lot.
coating shall conform to the following The purchaser has the option to specify
5.1.9 For Type IV fabric, the class of
impurity limits: the diamond count in the order, Section
PVC coating and for Class A fabric
5.1.7.
whether an extruded coating or an Copper, max, percent.................................0.10
extruded and bonded coating is required. Iron, max, percent......................................0.50
5.1.10 Color, if applicable. 9. SIZE OF MESH (Fabric)
6.5 Vinyl used for coatings shall be
5.1.11 Type and class of tension wire. polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The PVC shall
5.1.12 Type, grade, size, shape and be plasticized and thoroughly 9.1 The size of mesh shall be as indicated
number of or spacing of posts, rails, rods compounded so there is full dispersement in Table 6. The permissible variation
and other fittings. of pigments, stabilizer, and other from the specified size of mesh shall be ±
5.1.13 Certification, if required. components. 3.2 mm (⅛ in.).
5.1.14 AASHTO Designation and date 6.6 Type III chain-link fence fabric shall 9.2 The size of mesh shall be determined
of issue. be made of aluminum alloy wire meeting by measuring the minimum clear distance
the requirements of ASTM Specification between the wires forming the parallel
5.1.15 Exceptions to this specification,
B 211, Alloy 6061-T89 or T94. The sides of the mesh.
or special requirements, if any.
finished fabric shall be of uniform quality
and have the properties and

TABLE 1 Miscellaneous Aluminum Alloy Fittings and Accessories

Aluminum Alloy
Nomenclature Type of Material
Alloy and Temper ASTM Designation
Rail and brace ends, post tops and turnbuckles Castings 356.0-T6, 712.0-T5, 713.0-T5, A360.0, 360.0, 413.0 B 26, B 85, B 108
Gate hinges, barbed wire extension arms, and
Castings Same as above
other fittings
Stretcher bars and bands Bar 6063-T6 B 221
Truss or brace rods 6061-T6 B 221
Flat band ties Sheet 3003-H14 B 209
Bolts 6061-T6 F 468
Nuts 6061-T6 F 467

196
M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

TABLE 2a Breaking Loads 10. BREAKING STRENGTH (Fabric)

Specified Diameter of Types I, II, and III
Coated Wire and Type IV's Metallic Breaking Loads
Coated Core Wire 10.1 Wire constituting the fabric shall
Type IVA Core meet the minimum breaking strength
mm gage Type I or II kN Type III kN
Wire kN shown in Table 2 when tested in
4.88 6 9.650 6.940 9.655 accordance with Method T 68.
3.76 9 5.740 4.135 5.740 Specimens to establish conformance to
3.05 11 3.780 2.715 3.780
A this requirement shall be individual
PVC coating may be mechanically removed prior to testing, if desired.
pickets from a section of the fence fabric,
sampled in accordance with Section 18.
TABLE 2b Breaking Loads The specimens shall be of sufficient
Specified Diameter of Types I, II, and III length so as to be firmly gripped in the
Coated Wire and Type IV's Metallic Breaking Loads testing machine after straightening. The
Coated Core Wire actual gage length (distance between
Type IVA Core jaws) of the specimen shall be limited to
mm gage Type I or II lbf Type III lbf
Wire lbf the undeformed length of wire between
0.192 6 2170 1560 2170 the two adjacent straightened bends.
0.148 9 1290 930 1290
0.120 11 850 610 850
A
PVC coating may be mechanically removed prior to testing, if desired. 11. SIZE OF WIRE (Fabric)

11.1 Chain-link fabric shall be

TABLE 3a Mass of Metallic Coating Type I or II Fabric fabricated from wire diameters as
Mass of Coating of Uncoated Wire Surface necessary to meet the requirements of
Specified Diameter of Coated Wire
Type I Zinc Table 6. The diameter of the wire shall
Type II Aluminum
Class C Class D
mm gage be determined as the average of two
g/m2 g/m2 g/m2
readings taken at right angles to each
4.88 6 366 610 122.1
3.76 9 366 610 122.1 other on the straight portion of the
3.05 1l 366 610 106.8 parallel sides of the mesh and measured
to the nearest 0.02 millimeters (0.001
in.). The permissible variation from the
TABLE 3b Weight of Metallic Coating Type I or II Fabric specified diameter of the wire shall be ±
Mass of Coating of Uncoated Wire Surface 0.13 mm (0.005 in.), Note 3.
Specified Diameter of Coated Wire
Type I Zinc
Type II Aluminum 11.2 For Type I or II fabric, the
Class C Class D
mm gage
oz/ft2
oz/ft2
oz/ft2
specified diameter is the coated wire
0.192 6 1.2 2.0 0.40 diameter. Measurement shall be made on
0.148 9 1.2 2.0 0.40 the coated wire and allowed tolerance
0.120 11 1.2 2.0 0.35 applied to the coated diameter.
11.3 For Type IV fabric, the specified
diameter is the metallic coated core wire
diameter, and the PVC coating shall not
TABLE 4a Mass or Thickness of Type IV Coatings
Specified Diameter of Metallic Mass of Zinc Coating of PVC Thickness Range be used when determining wire size. The
Coated Core Wire Uncoated Wire Surface Class A Class B allowed tolerance, Section 11.1, shall be
mm gage g/m2 mm mm applied to the metallic coated core wire
4.88 6 122.1 0.38 to 0.15 to diameter.
3.76 9 91.5 0.64 0.25 11.4 For Type III fabric, the specified
3.05 11 91.5 All pages All pages diameter is the finished wire diameter.
NOTE-The PVC coating shall not he used when determining wire size.
NOTE 3-On metallic coated wire, the
tolerances apply to uniform areas of coated
TABLE 4b Weight or Thickness of Type IV Coatings wire. Irregular deposits of coating shall be
Specified Diameter of Metallic Mass of Zinc Coating of PVC Thickness Range ignored.
Coated Core Wire Uncoated Wire Surface Class A Class B
in. gage oz/ft2 in. in.
0.192 6 0.40 0.015 to 0.006 to 12. HEIGHT OF FABRIC (Fabric)
0.148 9 0.30 0.025 0.010
0.120 11 0.30 All pages All pages
12.1 Chain-link fabric shall be
NOTE-The PVC coating shall not be used when determining wire size.
furnished in the standard heights shown
in Table 6. The height of fabric shall be
the overall dimension from ends of twists
TABLE 5 Standard PVC Colors or knuckles. Permissible variation from
Munsell Units (ASTM Method D 1535 and Practice D 1729) the specified height shall be ± 25.4 mm
Medium Green Dark Green Black (1 in.) for standard selvage.
Hue 7.5G to 2.5G 0.1G to 7.5G See chroma tolerance
Value 3.5 to 4.5 2.3 to 3.3 1.3 to 2.1
Chroma Greater than 6 1 to 4 Max/0.5 (any hue)

197
M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

13. SELVAGE (Fabric) (0.022 in.) shall be removed with a knife between 3 mm (⅛ in.) and 6 mm (¼ in.)
or file to a size which will pass through long to produce a tab. Attempt to remove
the circular gage. the 2 mm (1/16 in.) strip of coating by
13.1 Fabric with 50.8-mm (2-in.) pulling the tab. The lot shall be
mesh, and less than 1.8-mm (72-in.) high 14.6 The method of determining mass
or thickness of coating shall be as acceptable if the coating breaks rather
shall be knuckled at both selvages. Fabric than separates from the core wire on all
1.8-mm (72-in.) high or higher shall be follows:
three specimens.
knuckled at one selvage and twisted at 14.6.1 Type I or IV zinc coating, the
the other. mass of zinc coating shall be determined 15.3 Accelerated Aging-PVC coated
in accordance with Method T 65. wire from which the fabric is woven shall
13.2 Fabrics with mesh size less than withstand exposure for 1000 hours
50.8-mm (2-in.) shall be knuckled at both 14.6.2 Type II, aluminum coating, the without failure at a black panel
selvages. mass of aluminum coating shall be temperature of 62.8°C (145°F) when
13.3 The selvages specified in Section determined in accordance with Method T tested in accordance with ASTM
13.1 and 13.2 are the standard selvages. 213. Recommended Practice D 1499. Type D,
Other selvages may be supplied only if 14.6.3 Type IV, PVC coating, Class A, E, or F apparatus described in ASTM
specified by the purchaser. CAUTION- mechanically strip the PVC coating from Practice G 23 or Type BH apparatus
twisted selvages for fences less than 1.8 the metallic coated wire and measure the described in ASTM Practice G 26 shall
m (72-in.) high are not recommended be- minimum and maximum thickness of the be used for the test. The product shall be
cause of consumer safety considerations. PVC coating with a suitable micrometer. construed to have failed the test if:
14.6.4 Type IV, PVC coating, Class B, 15.3.1 The wire fails to withstand the
14. MASS OR THICKNESS OF strip the PVC coating by chemical means mandrel bend test described in Section
COATING (Fabric) and determine the diameter of the 15.4.
metallic coated core wire. Scrape the 15.3.2 Shrinkage of the PVC coating is
coating from one side of the wire and greater than 5.2 mm/m (1/16 in./ft) of
14.1 The mass of coating on Type I measure the reduced diameter with a wire.
fabric shall be not less than as shown in micrometer. The thickness of coating at
Table 3 as determined from the average this point is the difference between the 15.3.3 There is a significant change in
of all specimens representing the lot and measurement obtained and the measured color or gloss of the PVC surface as
not less than 336 g/m2 (1.1 oz/ft2) or 549 diameter of the metallic coated core wire. determined by visual inspection.
g/m2 (1.8 oz/ft2) on an individual In a similar manner, determine the 15.4 Mandrel Bend-The mandrel bend
specimen of Type I, Class C, or Class D thickness of coating at right angles to the test shall be performed on an individual
fabric, respectively. first determinations. picket removed from the fabric. The
14.2 The mass of coating on Type II specimen may be any length of wire over
NOTE 4-When removing PVC coating by
fabric shall be not less than as shown in scraping take care not to remove any of the 305 mm (12 in.) and shall include _both
Table 3 as determined from the average metallic surface. bends and straight sections but shall not
of all specimens representing the lot and include either twists or knuckles. The
not less than 92 g/m2 (0.30 oz/ft2) on an PVC-coated wire when subjected to a
individual specimen of 3.76 and 4.88-mm 15. PROPERTIES OF TYPE IV, PVC- single bend at -28.9°C (-20°F) around a
(0.148 and 0.192 in.) diameter wire or COATED WIRE (Fabric) mandrel no larger than 10 times the
76.3 g/m2 (0.25 oz/ft2) on an individual diameter of the wire shall not exhibit
specimen of 3.05-mm (0.120in.) diameter 15.1 The PVC-coated wire from which breaks or cracks in the PVC coating.
wire. the fabric is woven shall have a 15.5 Color-Unless otherwise
14.3 The minimum metallic mass of demonstrated ability to conform to the stipulated by the purchaser, the color of
coating on the wire for Type IV fabric following requirements. the PVC in both Class A and Class B
and the thickness of PVC shall be as 15.2 Adhesion Test-Class A, extruded fabric shall be in accordance with the
specified in Table 4 as determined from and bonded, must conform to the standard colors contained in Table 5.
the average of all specimens representing requirements of Section 15.2.1. Class B, 15.5.1 Compliance with this requirement
the lot. bonded, must conform to the shall be determined by comparison of
14.4 The mass or thickness of coating requirements of Section 15.2.2. Class A, specimens of the PVC-coated wire to
shall be determined on one or more extruded, is not subject to adhesion test. standard flat specimens of fused film of
pieces, as specified by the purchaser, of 15.2.1 Three specimens from each lot approximately the thickness specified for
wire removed from the fabric. These shall be tested. Measure a distance of 19 the PVC coating to be applied to the
specimens may be of any length over 305 mm (¾ in.) from the end of the specimen. wire, and measuring at least 38 by 38 mm
mm (12 in.) but preferably about 610 mm With a regular hand grip wire stripper (1½ by 1½ in.).
(24 in.) and shall include both bends and exert maximum hand pull parallel to the 15.5.2 Standard flat specimens for the
straight sections but shall not include axis of the wire. Attempt to remove the evaluation of color of Class A PVC
either twists or knuckles. measured portion of the vinyl sleeve from coating shall be prepared by milling,
14.5 Test specimens of Type I or II the core wire. The lot shall be acceptable calendering or compression molding
fabric shall be free of lumps, heads, and if the vinyl sleeve is not capable of being PVC pellets, using temperatures
drops of coating material, as determined removed from the core wire on all three approxima-ting those to be used in the
by passing the specimen through a specimens. extrusion process.
circular gage, no more than 1.3 mm (0.05 15.2.2 Three specimens from each lot 15.5.3 Standard flat specimens for the
in.) thick having a diameter 0.56 ± 0.03 shall be tested. Make two cuts parallel to evaluation of Class B PVC coatings shall
mm (0.022 ± 0.001 in.) greater than the the axis of the wire through the coating, be prepared by thermally fusing PVC
specified diameter of coated wire. Any approximately 2 mm (1/16 in.) apart and at powder onto a suitable base, using
lumps or protrusions which will increase least 13 mm (½ in.) long. With a knife, temperatures approximating those to be
the diameter by more than 0.56 mm peel back a section of the coating used in the powder coating process.
198
M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

15.5.4 The color of the standard flat rolls, then only one roll shall be selected 20. CERTIFICATION AND
specimens shall be determined in for the sample. REPORTS (Fabric)
accordance with ASTM Method D 1535 18.2 Sample rolls selected shall be
and Practice D 1729. inspected for weave (Section 8), size of 20.1 When specified by the purchaser
mesh (Section 9), diamond count (8.2), in the contract or order, a manufacturer's
16. WORKMANSHIP (Fabric) wire size (Section 11), height of fabric certification that the material was
(Section 12), selvage (Section 13), and manufactured, sampled, tested, and
length of roll (Section 17). inspected in accordance with this
16.1 Chain-link fabric shall be 18.3 Test specimens shall be taken specification and has been found to meet
produced by methods recognized as good from the outside end of the sample rolls the requirements shall be furnished.
commercial practices. Excessive and tested for breaking strength (Section When specified in the purchase order or
roughness, blisters, sal-ammoniac spots, 10) and, if applicable, mass or thickness contract, a report of the test results shall
bruises, flaking, frozen knuckles, or other of coating (Section 14). be furnished.
defects if present to any considerable
extent shall provide a basis for rejection. 18.4 If material tested fails to meet
PVC coating shall be without voids and any of the requirements of this 21. PACKAGING, MARKING, AND
without tears or cuts that reveal the specification, the roll sampled shall be LOADING (Fabric)
substrate. rejected and two additional rolls shall be
tested from the same lot, both of which
shall meet the requirements in every 21.1 Each length of fabric shall be
17. STANDARD LENGTH OF respect or the lot represented by the tightly rolled and firmly tied. Each roll of
ROLLS (Fabric) samples will be rejected. fabric shall carry a tag showing the
18.5 The manufacturer may elect to length, kind of base metal, kind of
test for breaking strength and mass or coating, specified wire size, mesh size,
17.1 The standard length of roll shall height of fabric, and the name or mark of
be 15 m (50 ft) ± 1 percent except as thickness of coating before weaving the
wire into fabric; however, the purchaser the manufacturer.
otherwise agreed upon at the time of
purchase. reserves the right to sample and test wire
from the complete fabric for compliance. TENSION WIRE
17.2 The length of roll shall be
determined by unrolling a roll of fabric
on a flat surface and exerting tension by 19. INSPECTION (Fabric) 22. MATERIALS AND
appropriate means to remove all slack. MANUFACTURE (Tension Wire)
The tension applied shall not reduce the
actual height of the fabric by more than 19.1 The engineer, or his
5.2 mm/m (1/16 in./ft) of height or by representative, shall have free entry, at all 22.1 Tension wire shall be steel coil
more than 12.7 mm (½ in.), whichever is times, to all parts of the manufacturer's or spring wire.
less. fabricator's works that concern the
manufacture or fabrication of materials
furnished under this specification. Each 23. SIZE OF WIRE (Tension Wire)
18. SAMPLING AND NUMBER OF product or article furnished under this
TESTS (Fabric) specification shall be subject to 23.1 The diameter of the metallic
inspection at the factory, fabricating coated wire shall be 4.50 ± 0.13 mm
plant, in laboratories of the purchaser's (0.177 in. ± 0.005 in.) as determined
18.1 A lot shall be 50 rolls or fraction
choosing or at the point of delivery. The from the average of two readings taken at
thereof of chain-link fabric of the same
engineer reserves the right to sample and right angles to each other. The diameter
size and type, offered for inspection at
test each product or article subsequent to shall be measured on any one of the test
one time. One roll from every lot shall be
acceptance at the place of manufacture or specimens or it may be taken on the
taken at random as a sample for test
fabrication, to determine conformance unsampled length of wire furnished. The
purposes. However, in no case shall less
with the requirements of this diameter shall be measured in an area
than two rolls from ii,, entire quantity
specification or to verify a certification. with uniform coating.
offered for inspection be sampled and
tested, except when the entire quantity
offered for inspection is less than 10

TABLE 6b Size of Wire and Mesh

TABLE 6a Size of Wire and Mesh Specified Diameter of Types
Specified Diameter of I, II, III, and V Coated Wire Size of
Height of Fabric,
Types I, II, III, and V and Type IV's Metallic Mesh,
Size of Coated Core Wire
Coated Wire and Height of Fabric,
Mesh, mm gage in. in.
Type IV's Metallic
Coated Core Wire 0.192 6 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
mm gage mm mm 0.148 9 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
914.4. 1066.8, 1219.2, 1524, 1828.8, 2133.6, 0.120 11 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72. 84
4.88 6 50.8 0.120 11 1¾ 96, 108, 120, 144
2438.4. 2743.2, 3048, 3657.6
914.4. 1066.8, 1219.2, 1524, 1828.8, 2133.6, 0.148 9 1 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84
3.76 9 50.8 0.120 11 1 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84
2438.4. 2743.2, 3048, 3657.6
3.05 11 50.8 914.4. 1066.8, 1219.2, 1524, 1828.8, 2133.6
3.05 11 44.4 2438.4. 2743.2, 3048, 3657.6
3.76 9 25.4 914.4. 1066.8, 1219.2, 1524, 1828.8, 2133.6
3.05 11 25.4 914.4. 1066.8, 1219.2, 1524, 1828.8, 2133.6

199
M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

TABLE 7a Typical Diamond Counts

Specified Diameter of Types I, II, Diamond Count Fabric Height, mmA
Mesh Size,
III, and V Coated Wire and Type
mm 914.4 1066.8 1219.2 1524 1828.8 2133.6 2438.4 2743.2 3048 3657.6
IV's Metallic Coated Core Wire, mm
4.88 50.8 266.7 317.5 342.9 444.5 520.7 622.3 698.5 800.1 876.3 1054.1
3.76 50.8 266.7 317.5 342.9 444.5 520.7 622.3 698.5 800.1 876.3 1054.1
3.05 50.8 266.7 317.5 342.9 444.5 520.7 622.3 - - - -
3.05 44.4 - - - - - - 800.1 901.7 1003.3 1206.5
A
Diamond count not available for 25.4-mm mesh size.

TABLE 7b Typical Diamond Counts

Specified Diameter of Types I, II, Diamond Count Fabric Height, inA
Mesh Size,
III, and V Coated Wire and Type
in. 36 42 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 144
IV's Metallic Coated Core Wire, in.
0.192 2 10 ½ 12 ½ 13 ½ 17 ½ 20 ½ 24 ½ 27 ½ 31 1/2 34 ½ 41 ½
0.148 2 10 ½ 12 ½ 13 ½ 17 ½ 20 ½ 24 ½ 27 ½ 31 ½ 34 ½ 41 ½
0.120 2 10 ½ 12 ½ 13 ½ 17 ½ 20 1/2 24 ½ - - - -
0.120 1¾ - - - - - - 31 1/2 35 ½ 39 ½ 47 ½
A
Diamond count not available for one-inch mesh size.

24. BREAKING STRENGTH and double the number of specimens 29.4 Miscellaneous aluminum alloy
(Tension Wire) taken from the lot. All retest specimens fittings and hardware shall be of extruded
shall meet the requirements in all respects wrought or cast aluminum alloy
or the lot represented will be rejected. conforming to the requirements set forth
24.1 The metallic coated wire shall in Table 1.
have a breaking strength of 8.675 kN
(1950 lbf) minimum and 14.2 kN (3200 27. INSPECTION (Tension Wire) 29.5 When agreed upon in writing
lbt) maximum as determined from the between the purchaser and supplier,
average of the three specimens aluminum alloy fittings and hardware
representing the lot. Breaking strength 27.1 The provisions of Section 29 may be substituted for metallic coated
shall be determined in accordance with shall apply to tension wire. steel or cast or malleable iron fittings and
Method T 68. hardware.
28. CERTIFICATION AND 29.6 Zinc, aluminum, or vinyl used for
REPORTS (Tension Wire) coating posts, rails, expansion sleeves,
25. MASS OF COATING (Tension gate frames, hardware, or miscellaneous
Wire) fittings shall comply with Section 6.
28.1 The provisions of Section 20
29.7 Zinc rich organic material for
25.1 Zinc-coated tension wire shall be shall apply to tension wire.
coating interior surfaces of Grade 2 pipe
furnished with Class 1 zinc coating shall yield a dry film with a minimum
unless otherwise specified. The mass of POSTS, HARDWARE, AND total zinc content of 87 percent by mass
coating shall be the average of the three FITTINGS of the total solids of the dried coating.
specimens representing the lot. Mass of 29.8 Material for coating the exterior
coating shall be determined in of Grade 2 pipe shall be an organic
accordance with Method T 65. 29. MATERIALS (Posts, Hardware,
and Fittings) material such as a crosslinked acrylic
25.2 Aluminum-coated tension wire urethane or polyurethane.
shall have a mass of aluminum coating
not less than 37.2 g/m2 (0.4 oz/ft2) of 29.1 Steel posts, rails, and gate frames
uncoated wire surface as determined shall be one of the following: 29.1.1 30. BENDING STRENGTH (Posts,
from the average of the three specimens Grade 1 steel posts, rails, and gate frames Hardware, and Fittings)
representing the lot. Mass of coating shall shall be of a shape approved by the
be determined in accordance with Engineer and shall be commercial quality 30.1 For any type and shape of post,
Method T 213. or better weldable steel produced by the rail or gate frame the product of the yield
open hearth, electric furnace, or basic strength and the section modulus shall
oxygen process. not be less than the product of the section
26. SAMPLING AND NUMBER OF
TESTS (Tension Wire) 29.1.2 Grade 2 steel posts, rails, and modulus of size pipe specified in ASTM
gate frames shall be round pipe or tubing F 1083 schedule 40 Table 1 multiplied by
manufactured by cold-rolling and electric 172 MPa (25000 psi).
26.1 A lot is defined as all the material resistance welding of steel strip. 30.2 The yield strength of Grade 2
of the same size and type presented at pipe shall be determined in accordance
29.2 Aluminum alloy posts, rails, and
one time for inspection. Test specimens with Method T 68, 0.2 percent offset
gate frames shall be produced of alloy
shall be any length over 305 mm (12 in.). method.
6063 and shall conform to the
Six specimens shall be taken, each from a
requirements of ASTM Specification B
different roll or piece, if possible. Three
429, Schedule 40.
specimens shall be tested for breaking 31. DIMENSION TOLERANCE
strength and three shall be tested for mass 29.3 Miscellaneous fittings and (Posts, Hardware, and Fittings)
of coating. Size of wire may be hardware to be metallic coated shall be
determined from any one of the six commercial quality steel, or better, or
specimens. cast or malleable iron as appropriate to 31.1 A tolerance of ±5 percent from
the article. The steel or iron shall have the specified mass and dimensions will
26.2 If the material tested fails to meet be permitted for steel posts, rails, or gate
sufficient strength to provide a balanced
any of the requirements of this frames.
design.
specification the lot shall be resampled
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M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

31.2 A tolerance from the specified 32.3.3 The interior surface of this pipe 34. WORKMANSHIP (Posts,
dimensions for aluminum alloy posts, shall have either a zinc-rich organic Hardware, and Fittings)
rails, and gate frames will be allowed in coating or a hot-dip galvanized
accordance with ANSI H35.2. zinccoating as follows:
34.1 Finished posts, rail, hardware.
32.3.3.1 The thickness of zinc-rich and fittings shall show good
32. WEIGHT OR THICKNESS OF organic interior coatings shall be not less workmanship and be reasonably free
COATING (Posts, Hardware, and than 7.620 micrometers (0.3 mils) thick from defects. All burrs at the ends of
Fittings) at any point as determined on two posts and rails shall be removed.
specimens taken for test in the manner Coatings shall be uniform and free of
prescribed in Section 35. The dried voids or excessive roughness.
32.1 Hot-dip galvanized coating coating shall be not less than 87 percent
applied to Grade 1 steel posts and rails total zinc by mass.
shall be applied uniformly to all surfaces. 32.3.3.2 The mass of hot-dip zinc 35. SAMPLING AND NUMBER OF
The mass of zinc coating shall be not less interior coatings shall be not less than TESTS (Posts, Hardware, and
than 549 g/m2 (1.8 oz/ft2) as determined 107 g/m2 (0.35 oz/ft2) as determined from Fittings)
from the average results of two the average results of two specimens
specimens taken for test in the manner taken for test in the manner prescribed in
prescribed in Section 35 and not less than 35.1 All pipe or other shapes, other
Section 35 and not less than 76 g/m2 than aluminum alloy, shall be sampled
488 g/m2 (1.6 oz/ft2) on an individual (0.25 oz/ft2) on an individual specimen.
specimen. The mass of coating shall be and tested in lots of 500 lengths or
calculated by dividing the total mass of 32.4 The zinc coating on all fittings fraction thereof of the same shape and
zinc, inside plus outside, by the total area, and hardware shall conform to all the cross section offered for inspection at one
inside plus outside, of the surface coated. requirements of Specification M Ill or M time. For posts, rails, and miscellaneous
232, whichever is applicable. accessories fabricated from aluminum
32.2 Aluminum-coated steel Grade 2 alloy, the lot shall be as defined in the
posts and rails shall have a mass of 32.5 The method of determining mass
or thickness of coating shall be as applicable specification. All fittings,
coating not less than 198 g/m2 (0.65 hardware, etc., of the same type and
oz/ft2) as determined from the average follows:
material, offered for inspection at one
results of two specimens taken for test in 32.5.1 Zinc-coated, the mass of coating time, shall be considered a lot.
the manner prescribed in Section 35 and shall be determined in accordance with
not less than 183 g/m2 (0.60 oz/ft2) on an Method T 65. 35.2 All coated steel posts, rails,
individual specimen. The mass of coating fittings, and hardware shall be sampled at
32.5.2 Aluminum-coated, the mass of the rate of one article per lot.
shall be calculated by dividing the total aluminum coating shall be determined in
mass of aluminum, inside plus outside, accordance with Method T 213. 35.3 All aluminum alloy posts,
by the total area, inside plus outside, of fittings, and hardware shall be sampled at
the surface coated. The interior and 32.5.3 Organic exterior coating, the rate prescribed in the applicable
exterior aluminum coatings shall have a existence of the organic coating can be specification.
uniform chromate chemical treatment. verified by a 15-second contact with a
copper sulfate solution (specific gravity 35.4 Sample articles shall be inspected
32.3 Grade 2 posts and rails, furnished 1.186) on three separate places of a for dimensions and mass, if applicable to
as steel pipe with a hot-dip galvanized sample in accordance with ASTM the item.
zinc plus organic exterior coating shall Recommended Practice F 1234. 35.5 Two test specimens 100
have the following masses or thicknesses millimeters (4 in.) long taken 150
of coating on the interior and exterior 32.5.4 Organic zinc-rich interior
coating, determine the thickness by millimeters (6 in.) from each end of the
surfaces. coated steel post or rail representing the
magnetic gauge operated and calibrated
32.3.1 Hot-dip zinc on the exterior shall in accordance with ASTM lot shall be taken and tested for mass of
be not less than 274 g/m2 (0.9 oz/ft2) as Recommended Practice E 376. coating (Section 32).
determined from the average results of 35.6 For zinc-coated fittings,
two specimens taken for test in the hardware, etc., test the article for mass of
manner prescribed in Section 35 and not 33. PROPERTIES OF ORGANIC coating (Section 32) as prescribed in
less than 244 g/m2 (0.8 oz/ft2) on an EXTERIOR COATINGS FOR Specification M 111 or M 232, as
individual specimen. The mass of coating GRADE 2 POSTS AND RAILS applicable.
shall be calculated from the mass of zinc (Posts, Hardware, and Fittings)
35.7 If any article tested fails to meet
on the exterior surface only. The exterior
the requirements of this specification,
zinc coating shall have a uniform
33.1 Clear organic coating on the two additional articles shall be tested
chromate chemical treatment applied
exterior of Grade 2 pipe, when placed from the same lot, both of which shall
either as a separate treatment or
over the specified zinc coating shall meet meet the requirements in every respect or
simultaneously with the organic topcoat.
the following requirements: the lot represented by the samples will be
32.3.2 The hot-dip zinc-coated exterior rejected.
33.1.1 No film cracking at 500 hours
shall be topcoated with a clear organic
exposure in a weatherometer in
coating such as urethane or polyurethane.
accordance with ASTM Practices G 23 or 36. INSPECTION (Posts, Hardware,
The coating shall not be less than 0.3
G 26. and Fittings)
mils thick at any point as determined on
two specimens taken for test in the 33.1.2 No red rust at 950 hours exposure
manner prescribed in Section 35. The to salt spray, in accordance with ASTM
Specification B 117. 36.1 The provisions of Section 19
organic coating material shall comply shall apply to posts, hardware, and
with the performance requirements as 33.1.3 No blistering or cracking at 500 fittings.
specified in Section 33. hours when tested in accordance with
ASTM Specification D 2247.

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M 181 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

37. CERTIFICATION AND 38. PACKAGING, MARKING, AND manufacturer, type of material (steel, cast
REPORTS (Posts, Hardware, and LOADING (Posts, Hardware, and iron, aluminum alloy number, etc.), type
Fittings) Fittings) of coating, and any additional data
required for proper identification or to
determine apparent conformance to
37.1 The provisions of Section 20 38.1 Each bundle or container of specified quality requirements.
shall apply to posts, hardware, and posts, hardware, and fittings shall be
fittings. identified with the name or mark of the

202