Palisade
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A palisade (derr. Latin ‘palus’ meaning stake) is a wall or fence typically comprising individual vertical elements bound together to form a sturdy barrier, usually for the purposes of creating a secure enclosure. Palisades are typically made from timber or metal stakes. The visual effect may be of a wall or fence, depending on whether there are gaps between the uprights.
[edit] Historical use
Historically, palisades were made from tree trunks arranged without gaps and rising up to 4m in height. The tops would usually be pointed like a pencil to create a more effective deterrent. They were quickly and easily built from materials that were often readily available. Because of this, a palisade might have been built as a temporary wall around a castle until a more permanent stone wall could be constructed.
Ancient Greek and Roman military camps would often be encircled by palisades, and such constructions were also common in medieval Germany and colonial America.
[edit] Modern variants
Wooden palisade fencing can resemble a traditional picket fence. However, contemporary palisades (pictured above) are just as likely to be made from steel, comprising slender uprights with gaps of less than 100mm between. They are very difficult to climb, provide high levels of security and damage resistance, and have proven popular for schools and on industrial sites.
A typical construction for galvanised steel palisade fences up to 3m high is to have two horizontal rails – an upper and lower – although for taller fences additional rails can be included at higher levels. The uprights (or ‘pales’) are typically fixed to the horizontal rails using galvanised bolts. Special uprights are set into shallow concrete pad foundations at intervals determined by the manufacturer’s specification.
Individual pales are available in various profiles such as W- or D-shaped with spiked heads to provide more effective deterrents.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.