30' High Baseball Backstop

[Civ-StructEIT]

Hello All,

I was just asked to look over a chain link fence for a baseball backstop in New York State. They are proposing a 30' high backstop with posts spaced 10' o.c., and after running some calcs, it seems doable if I use 8 5/8" posts with a pretty good size footing. When I looked through ASTM F 567 for guidelines on Installation of Chain Link Fence, it states that "Fence post footings are limited to a maximum of 60" deep, and a maximum post height of 20'". As far as I am aware, these are just a guideline, and are not a mandatory hard ruling. Just checking to make sure I am not off base on this one.

Thanks!

 

[SlideRuleEra]

ASTM standards are not codes, just consensus documents on generally accepted practice. In the U.S., the voluntary status changes to mandatory if the standard is incorporated into an applicable code, such as IBC.

If ASTM F567 is not part of the code, it's contents are not mandatory. However, since the proposed backstop goes far beyond the standard's recommendations, suggest making your review cautiously. That is, look at typical heights of similar backstops and investigate why such a high backstop is needed (or perhaps just arbitrarily specified).

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

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[thaidavid40]

I am guessing that the fence fabric will be supported by cables strung between the posts at the top? If so, then why not treat these like directly-embedded traffic signal posts, with cable tension causing overturning moments? The simplified AASHTO method for embedded posts would serve you admirably for this.
Dave

Thaidavid

 

[StructuresDesign]

If they want slats or fabric / netting in addition to the chain link fencing, you can end up with some pretty significant wind loads. I seem to recall ending up with 10" OD posts for a 30' tall backstop in NV.

 

[bridgebuster]

I read F567 it's only applicable for fences to 20'. However, in Section 1 of the standard, it states you're precluded from doing something better. I agree with SRE; go out and look at similar installations to get an idea what others have done.

I attached a publication from the Chain Link Manufacturers' Institute. It provides some design guidance, however, they only cover fences up to 20'. Also, do a search with "golf" as the keyword. There were a few posts about fencing.

 

[bridgebuster]

Here are two links that may help.

Link

Link


Now I remember where I found the publication on CLF, SRE posted the link.