Concrete foundation for a cantilever sliding gate
Concrete foundation for a cantilever sliding gate:
- ensures the stability of the cantilever gate
- its own weight counterbalances the weight of the gate, preventing it from tipping over and transferring forces to the ground, so it is advisable to follow the optimal foundation dimensions
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Optimal foundation dimensions
The optimal foundation dimensions for anchoring a cantilever sliding gate depend on several factors that interact with one another. The key gate measurement is the clear opening width, which the gate spans (the distance from post to post).
The gate extends about 20 cm beyond this dimension to allow for mounting and gate guidance. You also need to add the part of the structure that holds the gate in place when closed and ensures that the cantilever gate behaves like a beam suspended in mid-air. This part may vary depending on the required gate load capacity or the available space on the property (for example, if you have limited space for a cantilever gate). The total length of the gates we design is therefore typically about 45% greater than the clear opening width (so allow enough space for the gate to open).
The gate is anchored to the foundation using support rollers, which allow it to travel and transfer the tensile and compressive forces caused by the gate's weight. Correct positioning is important. To minimise the loads on both the foundation and the gate structure, you need to position the rollers as far apart as possible. But not too far apart: when the gate is at either end of its travel, the roller assemblies must not run out of the guide profile or hit the stops mounted inside the C-guide profile.
For typical gate widths ranging from 2.5 to 10.0 m, we provide recommended foundation dimensions. For other dimensions, you can choose an appropriate value between the adjacent sizes. The gate height does not affect the size of the concrete foundation. The foundation dimensions are optimised for safety and economy, taking into account that the soil at the installation site may be of poorer quality (so we have slightly over-dimensioned our recommended sizes). Minimum foundation depths, taking into account frost depth a minimum foundation depth of 80 cm is recommended (the frost depth is 127 cm in the municipality of Oravská Polhora and 78 cm in the municipality of Patince). The foundation is designed to support a gate structure made from commonly used and preferred profiles (80x40x2mm, 60x40x2mm, 40x40x2mm).
Of course, you can adjust the foundation dimensions to suit your specific requirements, but always remember to account for: the overall gate dimensions; the spacing of the guide rollers; space for a possible electric gate operator (and its associated wiring); soil quality; sufficient counterweight in the rear foundation (for long gates with a clear opening wider than 6.5 m); and the minimum distance between anchor holes and the edge of the foundation.
Put simply ...
The recommended drawings are suitable for 90% of situations; follow them and the job should go smoothly. Of course, this is not the only correct approach, and you can adjust all the dimensions depending on the situation.
I. Foundation for a cantilever gate with a clear opening up to 6.5 m
DRAWING KEY:
X - distance between mounting plates (for gates up to 6.5 m)
ŠP - clear opening width
MD - roller mounting plate (for the dimensions of the mounting plate for a specific version, see roller).
Y - recommended minimum distance from the edge of the foundation (determines how far the gate will stand off from the fence). This depends on the specific conditions, but a distance of 50–100 mm is recommended.
* - space that can be used for the gate operator or, if needed, a post for side guidance
Z - distance from the edge of the opening (ŠP) to the mounting plate (MD) - depends on the type of roller assembly:
Foundation drawing
Calculating dimension X
II. Foundation for a cantilever gate with a clear opening over 6.5 m
To provide a more economical solution, foundations for gates with a clear opening wider than 6.5 m are designed as two separate foundations of different dimensions, reflecting their different functions.
DRAWING KEY:
X - distance between the foundations (for gates over 6.5 m)
ŠP - clear opening width
MD - roller mounting plate
Y - recommended minimum distance from the edge of the foundation (determines how far the gate will stand off from the fence). This depends on the specific conditions, but a distance of 50–100 mm is recommended.
* - space that can be used for the gate operator or, if needed, a post for side guidance
Z - distance from the edge of the opening (ŠP) to the mounting plate (MD) - depends on the type of roller assembly:
Foundation drawing
Calculating dimension X
For more information, contact us and tell us about your project. We'll answer any questions we can.
Author: Ing. Ján Kubíček
Please note: The recommended procedures may vary depending on the situation. Use of these recommendations is at the installer's discretion. The techniques described are not binding and are not the only way to proceed. The author accepts no liability for damage caused by following these recommendations.
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