Chapter 2 of 418% of exam

Preparation and Post Installation

Preparation and Post Installation is about 18% of the C-13 exam: layout and marking, posthole dimensions, and post and footing installation. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-13 Fencing study guide teaches the Caltrans tables, concrete arithmetic and bracing in depth.

Layout

Terminal posts first, then equal spaces between them, measured along the ground.

Corner
For chain link, a change in line over 30 degrees.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-3.01B
Alignment angle
Under 5 degrees for steel posts and 15 degrees for wood posts in wire fence.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-2.01B

Holes

Footing width B and depth D come from the post and fence height; slatted fence needs more.

6-foot plain line post
B = 10 inches, D = 2'-6".
Caltrans 2024 Std. Plan A85
Post length
Footing depth plus fabric height less 4 inches.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-3.02B

Footings and bracing

Plumb in two directions, tamp, crown, brace and wait before loading.

Bracing
Brace each end, latch and corner post to the nearest line post; truss rods need a turnbuckle.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-3.03
Footing concrete
At least 470 pounds of cementitious material per cubic yard.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-1.02

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