What Is an HS20 Cattle Guard?

When a cattle guard is being installed on a public road or highway, the design needs to account for the vehicle loads that will cross it. Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards designed for public roadway and highway projects, with engineered designs available in a variety of sizes and configurations.

HS20-rated cattle guards are intended for applications where a higher load rating is required than a typical private-use cattle guard. Each rated cattle guard is supplied with engineering documentation identifying its applicable load rating.

 

 

HS20 Cattle Guards for Public Roads

An HS20 cattle guard is an engineered cattle guard designed to meet an established highway load rating. The HS20 designation is associated with a 16-ton axle load and is used for applications where the cattle guard must support substantial vehicle traffic.

Because requirements can vary between roadway authorities, the required cattle guard rating should always be confirmed with the agency responsible for the road before ordering. Local specifications may also address dimensions, foundations, installation, and other aspects of the crossing.

Designed for Public Roadway Applications

Public roads can carry a wide range of vehicles, including passenger vehicles, agricultural equipment, commercial trucks, and other heavy vehicles. A cattle guard installed across a public roadway therefore needs to be selected for the expected traffic and the requirements of the project.

Barn World HS20 cattle guards are designed for these types of applications and can be manufactured in different configurations to accommodate project requirements. Schedule 40 steel is used in the standard design, with other rail and pipe configurations available for specific applications.

Rail Options for HS20 Cattle Guards

The top rail design affects both the livestock-deterrent characteristics of the cattle guard and the way vehicles cross it. Barn World can provide cattle guards using different types of rail, depending on the application and engineering requirements.

Round pipe is commonly used as a top rail. Larger-diameter round pipe creates a more pronounced curved surface and can make it more difficult for livestock to obtain secure footing.

Smaller-diameter pipe provides a somewhat smoother vehicle crossing while still functioning as a livestock barrier. Flat-top designs can provide an even smoother crossing surface and may be appropriate where vehicle traffic is an important consideration.

The appropriate rail configuration depends on the requirements of the project, the livestock being contained, and the type of vehicle traffic crossing the cattle guard.

Cattle Guard Sizes and Configurations

HS20 cattle guards are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different road widths and project requirements. The appropriate dimensions depend on the roadway, fence layout, traffic, and specifications established for the installation.

For a public roadway project, it is important to determine the required dimensions before ordering. If the road authority has provided plans or specifications, those documents should be used when determining the cattle guard size and configuration.

Engineering and Load Rating Documentation

Documentation is an important consideration when purchasing a cattle guard for a highway or public road project. Barn World HS20-rated cattle guards are supplied with an engineer's stamp documenting the applicable load rating.

Having the appropriate engineering documentation can help when a project requires verification that the cattle guard meets the specified load requirements. Customers should confirm the exact documentation required by their state, county, municipality, or other roadway authority before ordering.

Cattle Guards and Livestock Control

A cattle guard is designed to create a barrier that livestock generally will not cross while allowing vehicles to pass without opening a gate. They are commonly used at fence-line crossings, pasture entrances, and roadway crossings.

Cattle guards are primarily intended for cattle and livestock with similar hoof characteristics. Barn World does not recommend relying on cattle guards as a barrier for horses, goats, dogs, or other animals that may be able to cross the guard. Horses can also be at risk of serious leg injuries if they attempt to cross a cattle guard.

Planning a Highway Cattle Guard Installation

Choosing the cattle guard is only one part of a successful roadway installation. The surrounding foundation, drainage, roadway surface, fence connections, and site conditions should all be considered during project planning.

The roadway authority may have specific requirements for the foundation and installation method. Before purchasing an HS20 cattle guard, obtain the applicable specifications and confirm the required load rating, dimensions, and installation details.

HS20 Cattle Guards for Your Project

Barn World can provide HS20-rated cattle guards for public roads, highways, and other projects requiring an engineered load rating. With different sizes, rail configurations, and design options available, the cattle guard can be specified according to the requirements of the project.

When requesting a quote, provide the required cattle guard dimensions, load rating, rail preference, and any specifications supplied by the roadway authority. This information will help determine the appropriate configuration for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions About HS20 Cattle Guards

What does HS20 mean on a cattle guard?

HS20 refers to a highway load rating associated with a 16-ton axle load. An HS20-rated cattle guard is designed for applications where the cattle guard must withstand substantial vehicle loading.

Are HS20 cattle guards suitable for public roads?

HS20-rated cattle guards are designed for public roadway and highway applications. However, the specific requirements should always be confirmed with the agency responsible for the road before purchasing or installing a cattle guard.

What vehicles can cross an HS20 cattle guard?

The appropriate vehicle loading depends on the cattle guard's engineering and applicable load rating. HS20-rated designs are intended for substantial roadway loads, but project-specific requirements should be reviewed before installation.

What size HS20 cattle guard do I need?

The required size depends on the roadway width, fence layout, traffic conditions, and project specifications. If the installation is on a public road, check the dimensions required by the responsible roadway authority before ordering.

What types of rails are available?

HS20 cattle guards can be designed with different rail configurations, including round pipe and flat-top options. The appropriate design depends on the livestock-control requirements, vehicle traffic, and engineering specifications of the project.

Are HS20 cattle guards safe for horses?

Cattle guards are not recommended as a livestock barrier for horses. A horse attempting to cross a cattle guard can potentially catch a leg between the rails and suffer a serious injury.

Do HS20 cattle guards come with engineering documentation?

Barn World HS20-rated cattle guards are supplied with an engineer's stamp documenting the applicable load rating. Always confirm the documentation required by the authority responsible for the roadway.

What information should I provide when requesting a quote?

Provide the required width and length, load rating, rail preference, and any specifications or plans provided by the roadway authority. This information helps determine the appropriate cattle guard configuration for the project.