WATERWAYS FENCING

IMPORTANCE Of end ASSEMBLiES in waterways fencing

Having a well-defined boundary will save you from property disputes with neighbors. It is also a corridor to wildlife. Aside from the aesthetic value, it will also allow you to protect your riparian area from damage, soil erosion, sediments, and fecal nutrients.

Fencing minimizes the risk of cattle being bogged in the swamp causing accidental drowning and cost to one’s livelihood. Having good stock control reduces soil erosion caused by animal pressure on the land. It also improves the ground cover. Waterways fencing promotes better biodiversity and preserves the water quality.

TIPS TO MAKE A FLOOD-RESISTANT FENCE IN FLOOD PLAINS

• Try to keep fence lines parallel to the water flow.
• POST AND WIRE SPACING: Spaces in-between posts would vary according to the condition in the area. The closer the stronger and more resistant the fence is. Recommended distance between pickets of 2-3 metres.
• As a rule, waterways fencing should be built as far as possible from the water. Ideally a minimum setback of 10m from the bank and 20m for large waterways.
• A deeper setback is also recommended for areas with active erosion, unstable banks, scalding, or signs of degradation.
• Try to locate the fence higher than the highest flood possible
• Isolate fences that are at a high risk of flood damage using end assemblies.
• Running high tensile line wires without netting is recommended to minimise build up on fence line.

Different types of fencing across the waterways

When the floods have subsided. It is the best time to fix and rebuild the fences. 

Another tip is to build as few fences as possible across the waterways.

Materials to be used and structure must be taken into consideration to ensure that it would last.

things to consider when fencing in flood-prone areas

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATION: Fencing can change the water flow. Check with your local council if fencing needs approval.

Soil Type: Most soil types including clay soil or sandy soil are unstable near waterways. Having an adjustable fencing system is the best way to go because it allows you to make adjustments when there’s movement.

Adjustable System: A Drive-Tight End Assembly (2400mm) with full length pickets (1500mm) for each lug or an Exclusion Fence End Assembly (3250mm) is recommended when building the floodway fence. As this assemblies have the highest capacity and strength helping protect and isolate the water crossing from the main fence in the event of a flood.

Depth: The depth of the end strainer plays a major role. Strainer posts for flood-prone areas should be longer and deeper. The deeper the strainer, the higher the capacity . A post set at 1m (42″) has double the capacity of one set at 750mm (30″).

Driven vs Digging Hole: Strainers have more chance of staying in the ground if they are driven in undisturbed soil compared to a post that has been put in the hole and rammed with soil or concreted.

Bolt-on vs Weld-on: If end assemblies and hardware are welded on, and the fence is damaged by a flood, it is much more difficult to reuse the materials.

Like any other thing, the effectiveness of the fence relies on its regular maintenance.