Palisade
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A palisade (derr. Latin ‘palus’ meaning stake) is a wall or fence typically comprising individual vertical elements bound together to form a sturdy barrier, usually for the purposes of creating a secure enclosure. Palisades are typically made from timber or metal stakes. The visual effect may be of a wall or fence, depending on whether there are gaps between the uprights.
[edit] Historical use
Historically, palisades were made from tree trunks arranged without gaps and rising up to 4m in height. The tops would usually be pointed like a pencil to create a more effective deterrent. They were quickly and easily built from materials that were often readily available. Because of this, a palisade might have been built as a temporary wall around a castle until a more permanent stone wall could be constructed.
Ancient Greek and Roman military camps would often be encircled by palisades, and such constructions were also common in medieval Germany and colonial America.
[edit] Modern variants
![]() |
Wooden palisade fencing can resemble a traditional picket fence. However, contemporary palisades (pictured above) are just as likely to be made from steel, comprising slender uprights with gaps of less than 100mm between. They are very difficult to climb, provide high levels of security and damage resistance, and have proven popular for schools and on industrial sites.
A typical construction for galvanised steel palisade fences up to 3m high is to have two horizontal rails – an upper and lower – although for taller fences additional rails can be included at higher levels. The uprights (or ‘pales’) are typically fixed to the horizontal rails using galvanised bolts. Special uprights are set into shallow concrete pad foundations at intervals determined by the manufacturer’s specification.
Individual pales are available in various profiles such as W- or D-shaped with spiked heads to provide more effective deterrents.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.