Gates & fences

Gates and fences fulfill a dual function in metal construction: Safety and design.
Errors in mechanics, fastening or corrosion protection quickly lead to Malfunctions or safety defects - especially for automatic door systems or components subject to heavy loads.

As Publicly appointed and sworn expert for the metalworking trade I check and evaluate Gate and fence systems of all types - from manually operated swing and sliding gates to automatic industrial systems - on Stability, function, safety and durability.

Scope of testing and evaluation

I inspect gate and fence systems according to the recognized rules of technology and the current European safety standards:

• Mechanical function and mobility
  → Testing of pivot points, rollers, hinges and closing mechanisms.
• Safety requirements for automatic doors
  → Check the closing forces, emergency stop and safety devices according to DIN EN 13241.
• Stability and fastening
  → Evaluation of the foundations, post fixings and anchoring.
• Corrosion protection and surface coating
  → Check for zinc erosion, coating damage or contact corrosion.
• Dimensional accuracy and accuracy of fit
  → Comparison with production and assembly plans, tolerance assessment according to DIN EN 1090.
• Weld seams and joining technology
  → Checking weld seams, bolted connections and anchor plates.

Typical defects and damage patterns

In practice, similar faults that impair the function or safety of the door system occur time and again:

• Warped sashes or doors, that cannot be completely closed
• Loosened posts or inadequate foundations
• Corrosion on hinges, posts or connecting elements
• Faulty drive control For automatic doors (safety shutdown insufficient)
• Tears or seam defects on welded joints
• Contact corrosion due to incorrect material combination (e.g. stainless steel with galvanized steel)

Procedure for the assessment

• 1. Visual inspection & functional check
• Mobility, closing behavior, post stability, weld seams, surface.
• 2. Technical measurement & safety check
  Recording of clamping forces, tolerances, fastening geometries.
• 3. Analysis of assembly and maintenance documents
  Comparison with manufacturer's specifications, maintenance logs, structural analysis documents.
• 4. Evaluation & documentation
  Standard-compliant assessment in accordance with DIN EN 13241, EN 1090, ISO 12944.
• 5. Expert opinion
  Photo documentation, description of defects, recommended action and action plan.

Relevant standards and regulations

• DIN EN 13241 - Gates and doors: safety requirements
• DIN EN 12635 - Installation and operation of power-operated gates
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC - Safety of door systems
• DIN EN 1090-2 - Execution of steel structures
• DIN EN ISO 12944 / 1461 - Corrosion protection
• DASt guideline 021 - Screw connections and assembly

My range of services at a glance

✔️ Testing of manually and power-operated gates
✔️ Evaluation of the fastenings and foundations
✔️ Safety test according to DIN EN 13241
✔️ Corrosion protection assessment and material analysis
✔️ Court-proof expert reports for building owners, operators and courts

Case study

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