The effect of fire on standard 8 S.W.G. and high tensile 12½ S.W.G. plain fencing wire

Abstract

With the increasing use of high tensile 12 ½ fence wire, many people associated with its use are questioning the comparability of this material with the much more common standard 8 s.w.g. wire, particularly its ability to withstand tussock fires. This project report describes a short laboratory programme devised to evaluate the performance of the two types of wire in tussock fires, and also includes a discussion on the general properties of steel which are in turn related to the behaviour of wire in a fenceline. This latter section is included in the hope that a better understanding of the properties of wire will be of benefit to all those involved in the erection and maintenance of fences throughout the country.