Lesson 1Excavation and sub-base preparation: breaking out slab, forming holes, compacting sub-base, and temporary shutteringThis section covers breaking out existing slabs, excavating post holes to correct depth and diameter, preparing and compacting the sub-base, and installing temporary shuttering to control concrete shape and protect surrounding finishes.
Identify underground services before diggingBreak out slabs and cut neat edgesExcavate post holes to depth and diameterInstall and compact granular sub-baseFit temporary shuttering and spoil controlLesson 2Installing latch, stops, and locks: setting striking plate alignment, drop bolts and anti-lift featuresThis section explains how to install latches, stops, and locking devices, align striking plates, set drop bolts, and add anti-lift features so the gate closes securely, resists tampering, and meets safety and security requirements.
Select latch, stop, and lock componentsAlign latch keepers and striking platesInstall ground and intermediate drop boltsFit gate stops to limit travel arcsAdd anti-lift brackets or security pinsLesson 3Mounting hinges and preparatory checks: hinge alignment jigs, setting hinge heights, and test fittingThis section details how to mount hinges accurately using jigs, set hinge heights and offsets, verify structural fixings, and perform test fitting so that the gate leaves can be hung later with minimal adjustment and reliable long-term performance.
Select hinge type and load ratingUse alignment jigs or templatesSet hinge heights and horizontal offsetsVerify fixings, welds, and substratesTest fit dummy leaf or alignment barLesson 4Final adjustments for smooth swing: hinge preload, gap adjustments, checking closing force and self-centring if requiredThis section focuses on fine-tuning the installed gate for smooth, controlled motion by adjusting hinge preload, setting consistent gaps, checking closing forces, and verifying self-centring or hold-open behaviour where required by the design.
Set hinge preload and remove playAdjust vertical and lateral gate gapsMeasure closing force and resistanceVerify self-centering or hold-open actionCheck clearance at ground and obstaclesLesson 5Documentation and handover checklist: as-built notes, measurements, and client demonstrationHere you will prepare clear as-built documentation, record key measurements and hardware settings, complete a structured handover checklist, and demonstrate safe gate operation, maintenance points, and any warranty conditions to the client.
Record post positions and gate dimensionsNote hinge, latch, and stop settingsComplete safety and function checklistProvide maintenance and inspection guidanceConduct client demonstration and sign-offLesson 6Concrete placement, compaction, and curing: placing posts, bracing sequences, and checking tolerance during setYou will learn how to place posts accurately in concrete, sequence bracing to hold alignment, compact and vibrate the mix, and monitor plumb, level, and spacing tolerances while the concrete sets to ensure a stable, durable foundation.
Select mix, slump, and reinforcement needsPosition posts with spacers and templatesBrace posts for plumb, level, and spacingPlace, compact, and finish concreteProtect and cure concrete to specificationLesson 7Hanging gate leaves: lifting techniques, shimming for level, and balancing for neutral swingHere you will learn safe methods for lifting and supporting gate leaves, using shims to achieve level and plumb, and adjusting hardware so each leaf has a neutral, friction-free swing that aligns with design gaps and latch positions.
Select lifting gear and safe handling methodsPosition hinges and support gate weightShim leaves for level, plumb, and alignmentSet equal gaps at posts and meeting edgesTest for neutral swing and adjust hardwareLesson 8Post bracing, grout and final trim: removing formwork, filling voids, and finishing concrete around postsHere you will remove formwork safely, grout around posts or baseplates, fill voids, and finish concrete surfaces and trims so the installation looks professional, sheds water correctly, and protects steel from corrosion and movement.
Confirm concrete strength before unbracingRemove shuttering without damaging edgesGrout baseplates and fill remaining voidsFinish concrete falls and surface textureSeal joints and touch up coatingsLesson 9Preparation and site marking: establishing centerline, gate swing arcs, and locating post holes or anchor positionsThis section explains how to assess the site, mark the gate centerline, set swing arcs, and accurately locate post holes or anchor points so that the installed gate operates safely, clears obstructions, and matches the design layout.
Review drawings and verify property boundariesCheck ground levels, slopes, and drainage pathsMark gate centerline and hinge reference pointsPlot full gate swing arcs and clearance zonesLocate post holes and anchor bolt positionsLesson 10Provisioning for automation upgrade: marking and installing conduit, operator mounting plates and electrical accessYou will learn how to future-proof the installation for automation by routing conduits, placing operator mounting plates, and planning electrical access so that motors, controls, and safety devices can be added without major rework.
Review automation layout and clearancesInstall conduits for power and controlsPosition operator mounting platesProvide cable access at posts and leavesSeal penetrations and label conduits
