Support Posts
Free standing box section steel support posts with duct entry and inspection plates, concreted 1m plus into the ground, are always recommended. Masonry may be added for cosmetic reasons, but it should not be relied upon alone. Minor impact from a car almost certainly causes greater repair works with brick piers, than a gate supported by the right steel. Also the operator often has a more suitable fixing off steel than masonry. The support should be strong enough not just to hold up the gate, but also to withstand minor impact or a reasonable number of people climbing over it, without failing.
With installations carried out on suspect terrain, subterranean links may be necessary. A common form of link may be an RSJ across the drive at a suitable depth, preventing each support structure from moving.
