What Is Lateral Chord Displacement

WHAT IS LATERAL CHORD DISPLACEMENT?

Lateral chord displacement, in plain English we would refer to as "wag."  This term should NOT be confused with draw force, what we call "tug."

 Lateral chord displacement is nothing more than the distance a gate will vary from its true path of travel to one side or the other under conditions which may apply a side-ward force. With this condition, we are almost always talking about the load or wind deflection. The variables which will affect the deflection amount of the gate frame have to do with the construction format such as, standard construction, dual track, box frame, modular, fully welded with proper trusses, and fillers, like slats, wood, chain link gauge and the presents of signs or other adornments.

In engineering terms, deflection is the degree to which a structural element is displaced under a load. It may refer to an angle or a distance.

WHAT DOES “CANTILEVER”  MEAN

  A PROJECTING BEAM OR OTHER HORIZONTAL MEMBER SUPPORTED AT ONE OR MORE POINTS BUT NOT AT BOTH ENDS. 

 ANY RIGID CONSTRUCTION EXTENDING HORIZONTALLY WELL BEYOND ITS VERTICAL SUPPORT, USED AS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF A BRIDGE, BUILDING FOUNDATION, GATE, ETC.

“ANY BEAM BUILT INTO A WALL WITH A PROJECTING FREE END FORMS A CANTILEVER.  CANTILEVERING CAN BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTIONS AS SIMPLE AS BOOKSHELVES OR AS COMPLICATED AS BRIDGES.” 

Cantilever Gate Basic Principles

The gate is supported by two (counterbalance) posts.

The "gate proper" should be equal to the opening plus 6"

The "counterbalance" should be equal to 50% (minimum) of the gate proper.

The important element of the "counterbalance" is not weight, but length.

Pickets are not necessary on counterbalance portion, unless required by design.

Make sure you refer to UL325 for safety elements in design.

Gate must be properly braced (or trussed)

If the gate is square tubing, top rail must be 2" X 2".

If the gate is round pipe, top rail must be 2 1/2 O.D. square tube or 4" O.D. round fence pipe.

E/Z Slide Track mounts to top rail of the gate and counterbalance (i.e. overall length)

If top rail is steel IGD mounting brackets are provided; if aluminum either mounting brackets can be used or stitch welding.

Trucks (trolleys) are mounted to counterbalance posts.

Trucks run inside the E/Z Slide Track. The trucks do not move, they are fixed.

The track and attached gate slide on the trucks.

Lower guides are provided to keep gate plumb.