High-tensile fencing was developed in New
Zealand several years ago and is now coming into use
in Florida. This fencing system uses smooth 12-1/2
gauge wire with a yield strength of 200,000 pounds
per square inch, or a strength of 1,600 pounds for
each wire. Conventional fencing wire normally has a
yield strength of less than 60,000 pounds per square
inch. A conventional 12-1/2 gauge wire will yield at
tensile force of less than 500 pounds and break at less
than 550 pounds.
Each wire in a high-tensile wire fence is
stretched with 250 pounds of tension. The wires are
held along posts or combinations of posts and spacers
called battens, stays, or droppers. The wire is flexible
enough to bend, wrap, tie in knots, or to be clamped
with crimping sleeves. Tension in the wire is
maintained by permanent in-line stretchers or tension
springs. The use of high tension in the wire reduces
sag in the wire. The higher tension in the wire
requires the use of strong end- and corner-brace
assemblies. Some advantages of high-tensile fencing
are that it: • has no barbs to injure livestock,
• has a longer life,
• has low maintenance needs,
• has a neat appearance,
• is easily electrified,
• is less expensive for most applications than
barbed or woven wire fences,
• requires less time to erect,
• requires less time to repair, and
• requires fewer posts.
The main disadvantage of high tensile fencing is
that cattle may slip through the smooth wire easier if
the wire is not electrified. Also, animals tend to rub
on non-electrified smooth wire fences. |
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