Fence Inspection & Construction Checklist

The following Construction and Inspection Checklist provides a list of items covering the basics for your concrete fence project. It may also be used during the bidding process and at preconstruction meetings to ensure that all special provisions are complied with. Always check with local building codes, document any changes to the plan in writing and notify the fence design engineer with any concerns.

REVIEW FENCE PLANS FOR:

A. Compliance of site to latest site plan

  • Does the site plan and fence layout in both height and length coincide with the current Site Plan?
  • Are the changes in direction within the capabilities of the fence system (3°, 15°, 45°, 90°)?
  • Does the fence design contain a castellated system (post block one course higher than panel) as recommended? If not, is it possible to change to this format?
  • How are slopes and grade changes accounted for during the fence layout?
  • If the fence systems utilizes pile caps and if there is a downward slope on either side of the fence, is the slope taken into consideration so as to not expose the pile cap?
  • Have site utilities been accounted for? Have all respective local utility companies been contacted (Use your local “Call Before You Dig” hotline)?
  • Does the dimensional layout of the fence take into consideration panel block width vs. utility locations so they correspond and do not conflict?
  • Are there any recommendations for changes to the site plans to accommodate the fence?

B. Review of Reported Soil Conditions with On-Site Soils Engineer

  • Are on-site soils consistent with soil parameters used in the fence footing design?
  • Does the site show indications of multiple types of soil, and has this been accounted for?
  • Is there evidence of landfill areas on site?

C. Review of Above Grade Water Management with Project Civil Engineer

  • Has the surface runoff been accounted for in the site design?
  • If storm drains become inoperable where will the water migrate to?
  • During renovation of land will temporary drainage be an issue?
  • Is the final grading planned to prevent erosion of the base materials under the pile caps (if applicable) and the panel section?

D. Review of Design Loads and Surcharges

  • Has the proper wind or seismic loads been accounted for?
  • Is the site exposure consistent with the design requirements?
  • During construction are there any temporary surcharges that should be considered?

CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST

A. Layout and Pile Installation

  • Verify that the fence layout in both height and length coincide with the current site plan.
  • Mark pile locations for fence elevations and changes in fence direction.
  • Identify changes in fence height.
  • Determine and locate the proper pile depths and diameters.
  • Verify that site soils meet the design standards.
  • Verify that the correct type and color of fence block has been ordered and delivered to the job site.
  • Confirm that the proper size and quantity of steel reinforcement, including the steel stirrups located in the horizontal bond beams, have been delivered to the site.
  • Verify that the layout jigs have been built to the designed fence lengths and are at that job site.
  • Determine how the concrete will be delivered to the job site for the post footings and the cores of the post block.

B. Post and Panel Installation

  • Identify cracked or damaged block prior to installation and placed aside.
  • If color variances are noticed in the product, notify the fence manufacturer to investigate. Do not place any suspect blocks.
  • Ensure proper shimming is performed to maintain tolerances with respect to the horizontal alignment of the block courses.
  • Ensure vertical alignment of the fence panel is within tolerances. Vertical alignment should be checked and the panel realigned prior to the installation of additional bond beams, or every four courses.
  • Ensure that the post blocks are properly centered on the pile/pile cap. If piling alignment is off, make necessary adjustments prior to pilaster construction and commencement with the fence construction.
  • Ensure that the mortar bed for the placement of the first pilaster block is no thicker than 1 in. (25 mm) thick.
  • Prior to the pouring of the concrete in the post blocks, ensure that the vertical rebar alignment is set to allow for a minimum 1 in. (25 mm) clear cover between the rebar and the inside of the post block.
  • Determine whether the bond beams will be pre-cast and delivered to the site or constructed by casting them on-site.
  • When placing horizontal steel in the bond beams, ensure single lengths are used. Do not splice or butt sections together.
  • Verify that the proper grout mix consisting of a fine aggregate mix is scheduled for bond beam construction and at the job site.
  • Ensure by visual inspection that proper consolidation is occurring in the bond beams during grout placement using vibrator.
  • If pre-casting bond beams, check the bond beam prior to placement for cracks or any other sign of damage that may have occurred during manufacturing, storage or shipping. Discard damaged or cracked bond beams.
  • Does the panel block overlap the post block a minimum of 1 in. (25 mm) on each end? Confirm that compaction testing will or will not be required under the fence panels.
  • If it is, who is responsible, at what locations along the fence and what coordination will be required?

C. Finishing

  • Confirm if testing is required of the grout (panel / post blocks). How often? Who is doing the testing?
  • Confirm that the AB Fence Caps have been properly installed and adhered.
  • Determine what method will be used to verify construction materials, methods, and sequences of construction. (ie: written documentation of as built, full time inspector on-site, photographic documentation.)