HS20 Rated Cattle Guards for Public Roadway Projects
Heavy-Duty Cattle Guards
When a cattle guard is being installed on a public road, the load rating is an important part of the project. Unlike a cattle guard used only on a private ranch entrance or driveway, a public-road crossing may need to accommodate heavy trucks, construction equipment, and other vehicles with substantial axle loads.
Barn World offers engineered cattle guards with HS20 load ratings for public roadway projects and other applications where a certified, heavy-duty cattle crossing is required. These cattle guards are available in different configurations, lengths, and top-rail designs to accommodate a variety of road and livestock-control requirements.
What Does an HS20 Cattle Guard Rating Mean?
HS20 is an engineered load designation used for heavy vehicle loading. An HS20-rated cattle guard is designed for a maximum axle load of 16 tons, with the engineering accounting for the stresses placed on the cattle guard structure by vehicle loading.
The rating is more than simply the amount of steel used to build the cattle guard. The engineering considers the structural design, materials, support arrangement, and the way vehicle loads are transferred through the crossing. For public projects, the appropriate rating and documentation should be confirmed with the agency or engineer responsible for the roadway.
Barn World's rated cattle guards are based on AASHTO load-rating specifications and are available for projects requiring engineered load capacity.
Understanding Cattle Guard Load Ratings
Cattle guards are available in several engineered load ratings. The rating is expressed in tons per axle rather than simply the total weight of a vehicle.
| Rating | Load Rating | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| H-15 | 12 tons per axle | Private driveways and ranch entrances |
| HS20 / H-20 | 16 tons per axle | Public roadways and highway projects |
| U-54 | 25 tons per axle | Heavy-duty applications |
| U-80 | 30 tons per axle | Extremely heavy-duty equipment |
The required rating depends on the vehicles and equipment expected to cross the cattle guard and the specifications of the project. For a public roadway, do not select a cattle guard based solely on the size or weight of the vehicles you normally expect to see. Check the requirements established by the responsible transportation agency, engineer, or project specifications.
Why Public Road Cattle Guards Need Engineered Ratings
A cattle guard on a public road can experience substantially different loading conditions from one installed at a private ranch entrance. Trucks may cross at different speeds, vehicles may have different axle configurations, and heavy equipment may place concentrated loads on individual portions of the structure.
The cattle guard must also transfer those loads safely through its rails, supports and foundation. That is why an engineered load rating is important when a project requires a specific public-road standard.
For government, municipal and commercial projects, the rating and supporting documentation can be just as important as the physical cattle guard itself. Always verify the required specifications before ordering.
HS20 Cattle Guards for Public Roadway Projects
Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards designed for public roadway and highway applications. The HS20 design provides a 16-ton-per-axle rating and is commonly specified when a project requires this level of engineered load capacity.
Depending on the project, Barn World offers both round-top and flat-top rail designs. The flat-top design can provide a smoother transition for vehicles crossing the cattle guard, while both configurations are designed to maintain the livestock barrier needed at the fence opening.
Round Rail vs. Flat Rail Cattle Guards
The top-rail configuration is another consideration when specifying a cattle guard. Round rails have a curved surface that produces a more noticeable ride as vehicles cross. Flat-top rails provide a broader surface under the tires and can offer a smoother vehicle transition.
For projects where traffic speed, roadway conditions, or driver comfort are considerations, a flat-top cattle guard may be preferred. The appropriate design should ultimately be based on the project specifications and the requirements of the roadway authority.
Barn World offers both flat-rail cattle guards and round-rail cattle guards for different applications.
Cattle Guard Length and Roadway Width
The required cattle guard length is determined by the width of the roadway or opening that needs to be crossed. Barn World offers rated cattle guards in multiple lengths, and individual units can be connected end-to-end when a wider roadway requires additional coverage.
It is important to distinguish between the width of the roadway being crossed and the depth of the cattle guard in the direction of travel. Both dimensions should be considered when planning the installation.
For wider roads, multiple cattle guards can be installed together to create the necessary crossing width. Confirm the final dimensions with the project plans before ordering.
Cattle Guard Foundations
A properly supported cattle guard is essential to the performance of the crossing. Barn World offers optional precast cattle guard foundations designed to provide a prepared support system for the guard.
The precast foundations include J-bolts positioned to correspond with the mounting holes in the cattle guard, allowing the unit to be secured without drilling the mounting holes in the field.
View Cattle Guard Foundations and Wings
Cattle Guard Wings Complete the Fence Opening
The cattle guard itself creates the livestock barrier across the roadway, but the ends of the crossing also need to connect properly to the fence. Cattle guard wings extend from the ends of the guard toward the fence line, helping prevent livestock from simply walking around the end of the crossing.
Wings are available for both round-top and flat-top cattle guard designs. They provide a finished transition between the fence and the cattle crossing and can be an important part of the overall livestock-control system.
Where Are HS20 Rated Cattle Guards Used?
Engineered cattle guards may be specified for a variety of applications where public access or heavy vehicle traffic is involved. Examples include:
- County and municipal roads
- Public highway crossings
- Government roadway projects
- Commercial and industrial properties
- Ranch entrances subject to public-road requirements
- Forestry and resource-access roads
- Other projects requiring an engineered vehicle load rating
HS20 is not automatically the correct rating for every project. Project specifications and local requirements should always be checked before selecting the cattle guard.
Planning a Public Road Cattle Guard Project
A cattle guard project involves more than selecting a length and load rating. Before ordering, consider the roadway width, cattle guard depth, vehicle traffic, required load rating, rail design, foundation requirements and how the fence will connect to the crossing.
For government and commercial projects, it is also important to have the required engineering documentation and certifications available for review. Providing the project requirements to the cattle guard supplier early in the process can help avoid ordering a design that does not meet the specifications.
Get Help Selecting an HS20 Cattle Guard
Choosing the correct cattle guard for a public roadway project can involve several specifications. Barn World can help you review the available rated cattle guard configurations, dimensions, foundations and wing options for your project.
If you are working from plans or government specifications, provide those requirements when requesting a quote so the cattle guard can be matched to the project.