Before we could begin building the security fence system at Cedarville, there was something else to work through: the specification itself.
A large Midwestern utility came to us with a preliminary three-page specification. Over the next four months, our Engineering team worked closely with their standards team to develop a more comprehensive 11-page version, drawing on IEEE standards, the customer’s requirements, and our own engineering experience.
It wasn’t simply a matter of agreeing on every requirement. Some evolved through discussion and compromise. Others called for us to stand firm on the engineering standards we knew were essential to quality and performance.
And that collaboration didn’t end with the specification. It continued through the development of a new gate configuration and into the field, where installation experience led to further improvements.
These are the kinds of designs that stick with you because you helped to develop and turn a design concept into reality."
— Earl Coble, Mechanical Engineer, Product Development
A 924-linear-foot security fence system, 10 feet high, with barbed wire angled 45 degrees outward.
- 924 Linear Feet of Security Fencing
- 8' Fence (1-ft Underdig + 1-ft Barbed Wire)
- 15' Swing Gate + 15' Cantilever Gate
- 24-Inch Flat Sheet Security Topper
- Barbed Wire Angled 45 Degrees Outward
- Full Design, Engineering, and In-Field Guidance
Some solutions aren’t found in the specifications. They’re developed through collaboration, experience, and a willingness to think differently.
Developing the Right Solution
The gate presented an unusual challenge. The utility had relied primarily on swing gates and was hesitant to adopt cantilever gates because of past problems with ice buildup that made them difficult to operate.
To address those concerns, Earl and the Engineering team developed a combination gate for a 30-foot opening, with a cantilever gate on one side and a conventional swing gate on the other.
But the customer didn’t want a center post separating the two. That meant figuring out how two very different gates could meet, lock together, and operate independently.
The finished design allowed the cantilever gate to handle everyday access, while the swing gate could also be opened when vehicles or larger equipment needed the full 30-foot opening.
Field Experience
During installation at Cedarville, the team identified an opportunity to improve the system’s top banding. The original design required extensive cutting and modification in the field, followed by touch-up painting that raised concerns about potential corrosion.
The installation team brought the issue back to Engineering. Together, they developed a revised approach that eliminated the need to cut and modify the top banding in the field, reduced installation time, and resulted in a cleaner, more finished appearance.
Protection isn’t just about barriers – it’s about control. VANQUISH Security Solutions keeps your assets safe, your operations running, and your future secured.