WeatherSolve Structures - Ultra Span Productive Environments for all Weathers

Windbreak Fences

 

Support structures are individually engineered to suit the access and load-support requirements of the site. Aerodynamic requirements also affect the design. For example, inclined fences may be needed to create the optimum sheltered zone. Some structural arrangements can also create unnecessary down-stream turbulence. For windbreaks, poles are spaced anywhere from 20 ft to 100 ft plus, with 60 ft being most common.

 

Free-standing Poles

The simplest form of construction is a pole concreted into a hole in the ground.

The poles are typically "I" section beams or tubular steel which can be supplied pre-drilled and galvanized for the cables and cladding system to attach to.

 

The poles may be spaced with solid beams (compression rails) between them, or anchored at each end of the fence to resist the tension in the cables.

 

Windbreak shortly after construction (temporary retaining wall is still in place). Shows lower section with angled near solid fabric attached to top of lock-block retaining wall. Blocks fit between the poles. Poles are 47ft high and 63ft apart.

 

 

Detail showing welded splice joint on free-standing pole. Also shows lockblocks fitting around pole. 

 

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Guyed or braced poles

 

Guyed or braced poles are often an economical solution- particularly for semi-circular layouts.

They are usually installed on a helical-anchor base for minimal site disruption.

They can be incorporated into existing structures such as railway trestles

There are a number of ways of bracing.

The angled system below shows a double brace for construction stability, but single braces are also effective. It also shows an inclined face to provide a ramp effect and better "throw" of the wind.

The brace may be on either side of the pole to suit access requirements. Cable guys can be used too (with vertical poles).

 

 

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A similar structure to this is also available as a moveable system. Each pole assembly is mounted on a concrete base which can be shifted with a fork-truck. (The fabric and cables are disconnected and rolled up first.)

 

We are currently developing a new range of industrial windbreaks designed to be towed by a bulldozer. Heights are up to 40ft and panel lengths are up to 50ft. - More information soon!

 

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Two views of a windbreak mounted on a railway trestle in Vermont. Trestle is used for bottom-dump railcars delivering wood-chips. Shelter is 3 panels high, each panel is approx 10ft x 50ft.

 

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Windbreak under an air-cooling tower in Nevada. Panels are near-solid at the base and increase in porosity at each height.