Solutions for Solid Rock

Solid rock shelf

Hard Rock Fencing

It all started a few years back with a very difficult contract to build approximately 4 km of fence for the BC Cattlemen’s Assoc. This particular fence was built over solid rock. We used ministry spec materials and procedures. This included the construction of countless rock Jacks and A-frames. It was costly in both material and labour. Since then, we have set out to find a new way. A cost efficient and more practical way. In searching other industries we found and adapted machinery and methods to handle this task. Since the beginning, many modifications have been made to ensure we are delivering the best product. Our new method is approved by the Ministry of Forests and the BC Cattlemen’s association. We have successfully used this new method in the construction of over 10km of agricultural range fence over very solid ground. This will set the new standard for fencing over hard solid rocky ground in British Columbia.

Rock jack brace posts

The old way

The problem with fencing in hard rock is the inability to set posts to the required depth. As you can see in this photo, these posts are weak as they are only 18” in the ground. A huge amount of weight is needed to give them strength. The amount of labour and material involved in constructing these rock jack brace posts is immense, making it a costly procedure

The new way

The photo on the right shows two braces drilled at 48” using 5”-6”x8’ posts. There was only 6” of soil in this area. Solid rock below. Much faster, stronger and less materials involved.

Superior product

When we build over solid rock, the fence construction looks the same as if the ground was good. Most people look at a completed project and think to themselves ‘wow that looks good’ and ask ‘how was the ground?’

DTH Hammer drilling fence posts

First we drill a hole, then vibrate the post to the specified depth. The theory is the same as using a pilot hole made by a steel probe (in good ground). It’s just a bit bigger and through solid rock. When the post gets vibrated in, it is STRONG! VERY STRONG!

Down the Hole Hammer drilling for fence posts

Saving time, saving money

The time saving is huge as it only takes 5-8 minutes to drill a hole, depending on the depth. Generally we put 4-5”x7’ line posts to 36” and 5-6”x8’ brace posts to 45” depth.

DTH hammer drilling fence posts winter

Winter projects

We now have the ability to work through the winter. Options are endless. One example is areas of hard sheet rock. Water will sit on top of this sheet rock and will not drain, sometimes all year, making access difficult. Now we come in during the winter, while the water is frozen and drill through. Frost isn't a problem anymore as we just drill through it. This process of fencing has opened a window of opportunity. Please bring your ideas and we can bring the solution.

Winter fencing

4” DTH hammer bit

Winter drill projects

Hard rock DTH Hammer drilling fence posts

Countless options for post installation

We are able to drill 4” and 5” holes with our current set up. Using a bigger hammer and bit we can get bigger holes if needed. We are open to suggestions and will work together to achieve a solution for hard ground fencing.

We can also drill for galvanized steel pipe and chain link.

I feel drilling and using 2 3/8” drill steel in this application and welding steel rails can be another option. This practice is commonly used in the lower 48. It would make amazing livestock handling systems, rather then the use of free standing livestock panels.

The options are endless, please bring your ideas.

Managing hard ground

There are many ways to manage hard ground conditions where fence posts cannot be properly driven to the required depth. When applicable, DTH hammer drilling is probably the best method.

It isn’t the only method.

Moving the fence is one option.

Rock jacks and A-frames are still a very good ministry approved method.

If the proposed fence line is filled with large broken rock or boulders, we can build a rock fence. This procedure involves the stacking of large boulders a min of 48” high.

Another way is to drill smaller 1”1/2” holes and use metal T-post as line posts. This method is only recommended in very remote, hard to access or low pressure areas. It costs about the same as DTH hammer drilling. The problem with Metal T-posts is that they bend and rot quite easily.

Solid rock

4-5”x7’ treated fence post being driven 36”

6km of range fence was drilled, fence installed and seeded