Securing 1.5 Kilometers of Aqueduct Without Ground Penetration
Product Used: ARMA Fence
Location: Kakabeka Falls, Ontario.
The Challenge: Securing Infrastructure on Sensitive Terrain
A utility operator needed to secure approximately 1.5 kilometres (5,000 feet) of aqueduct running alongside a public roadway.
The primary goal was to prevent unauthorized access, particularly snowmobilers during winter months who could potentially travel along or on top of the aqueduct structure.
While the need for perimeter protection was clear, the project presented several significant constraints.
The terrain surrounding the aqueduct was:
- Sloped, angle and uneven
- Environmentally sensitive
- Subject to strict ground penetration restrictions
In many areas, posts could not penetrate the ground more than six inches, making traditional fencing installation methods impractical.
Additionally, the fencing system needed to follow the natural grade of the landscape, which included varying slopes and elevation changes.
Conventional chain link fencing would have required:
- Deep post driving
- Extensive site preparation
- Concrete foundations
- Terrain modification
These methods would have increased cost, extended installation time, and potentially disrupted the surrounding environment.
The Solution: ARMA Fence System
The project team selected ARMA Fence because it was specifically engineered for challenging environments where traditional fencing systems cannot be installed.
Unlike conventional fencing that depends on deep post installation, ARMA Fence features a floating modular design that allows the system to sit above ground while maintaining structural integrity.
This provided several critical advantages for the project:
- Minimal ground penetration (less than six inches where required)
- Ability to follow uneven terrain without major site modification
- Articulation capability of up to 50 degrees to match grade changes
- Modular scalability for long infrastructure runs
Because the system is modular, installation could progress efficiently across the entire 1.5 km length of the aqueduct, adapting to the natural contours of the terrain rather than forcing the terrain to adapt to the fence.
Installation Advantages
The ARMA Fence system allowed installers to work with the terrain rather than against it.
Instead of drilling, excavating, or pouring concrete foundations, the modular fence sections were positioned along the route and secured with minimal site disturbance.
The system’s articulation allowed it to maintain consistent contact with the ground even as the slope changed. This dramatically reduced:
- Installation complexity
- Environmental impact
- Project costs
- Construction timelines
The result was a secure perimeter solution that respected both the infrastructure requirements and the surrounding environment.
The Result: Secure Infrastructure with Minimal Environmental Impact
With the ARMA Fence installed, the aqueduct is now protected by a durable perimeter barrier designed specifically for the terrain.
The project successfully delivered:
- 5,000 feet of secured infrastructure
- Effective deterrence against unauthorized access
- Minimal environmental disruption
- A long-term, adaptable fencing solution
Most importantly, the ARMA Fence allowed the project to proceed without the costly terrain modifications that traditional fencing systems would have required.
Key Takeaway
Protecting critical infrastructure does not always require heavy excavation or disruptive construction.
By using the ARMA Fence modular floating system, this aqueduct project achieved long-distance perimeter security while preserving the surrounding environment.
In locations where traditional fencing cannot be installed, ARMA Fence provides a reliable solution engineered for real-world terrain.
