Sliding gates are linear, laterally opening gate systems for driveways, industrial sites, and security-sensitive areas. They combine wide clear openings with space-saving motion and are made from steel or aluminum profiles, guided on foundations with running and guiding elements. In planning, installation, refurbishment, and especially during deconstruction, sliding gates touch on central topics of concrete and steel construction. This creates interfaces to tools and methods provided by Darda GmbH for concrete demolition and special deconstruction, strip-out and cutting, and special operations.
Definition: What is meant by sliding gate
A sliding gate is a gate system whose leaf moves laterally in parallel to the fence or hall line. A distinction is made between cantilever sliding gates, whose gate leaf “floats” on roller carriages over foundation anchors, and ground-guided systems that roll on a running rail. Typical components are the gate frame, infill, running gear (roller carriages or running rollers), guide post with upper guide rollers, end stop, drive unit with controller, and safety components such as a light barrier and safety edges. Load transfer is provided by concrete foundations that absorb the horizontal loads from the gate travel and carry them into the ground.
Design and operating principle of a sliding gate
Sliding gates operate via a load-bearing frame profile that transfers forces into the running and guiding elements. Gate travel is straight-line; end positions are secured mechanically and electrically. In automated systems, a drive with rack or friction wheel provides motion, controlled via key switch, radio, or access control systems. Safety is supported by safety edges, light barriers, and defined trigger forces in pinch zones.
Construction elements in detail
Running gear and guidance
- Cantilever solution: roller carriages on base plates, mounted on a concrete foundation with anchor groups; the gate floats without a floor track.
- Ground-running: running rail (e.g., C- or V-profile) in a concrete bed; running rollers in the gate frame; guidance at the top of the post.
- End stops and catch devices for safe limitation of gate travel.
Foundations and supports
- Pad or strip foundations of reinforced concrete that accommodate settlements and horizontal loads.
- Embedded components: anchor plates, threaded rods, embedded items for drive and controller.
- Drainage and frost protection to prevent heave and corrosion damage.
Drive and control
- Electromechanical drive with a rack on the gate profile or a friction wheel on the running profile.
- Soft start, soft stop, and end position monitoring.
- Interfaces to access control, fire-protection logic, and operating modes (automatic, manual, service).
Planning: space requirements, clear opening width, and foundation design
The lateral run-back zone governs site and facility planning. As a rule of thumb, the sliding gate requires at least the clear opening width plus space for the counterweight and end stops. Foundations must be sized to safely absorb self-weight, wind loads, and impact loads. For ground-guided gates, the rail’s concrete bed must be permanently frost-free and level; for cantilever gates, the anchor forces of the roller carriages are decisive. Planning also accounts for cable routes for the drive and sensors as well as maintenance clearances for rollers, guides, and drive.
Materials, corrosion protection, and infills
Gate frames often consist of galvanized steel profiles; in aggressive environments of stainless steel or coated steel. Infills range from bar mesh to sheet panels. Surface protection (hot-dip galvanizing, duplex systems) extends service life and reduces maintenance effort. Different materials alter the natural frequency and running characteristics; the guide and drive design is adapted accordingly.
Safety and operation
Technical rules for gate systems and electrical equipment apply to sliding gates. In practice, significant aspects include pinch and shear points, overtravel distances, emergency release, operators’ fields of view, and behavior during power failure. Safety components such as light barriers, safety edges, and torque limitation minimize risks. Legally compliant design depends on the specific case; concrete requirements must always be aligned with the project, the use, and the local regulations in force.
Installation, adjustment, and maintenance
- Foundation construction including embedded components and curing.
- Installation of base plates, roller carriages or running rail, and guide post.
- Placing, aligning, and locking the gate frame.
- Installation of drive, rack/friction wheel, limit switches, and safety elements.
- Functional test, torque and force measurement, documentation.
Maintenance includes lubricating bearings, checking fasteners, testing safety functions, and correcting the gate travel geometry. Irregularities such as increased running resistance, scraping infill, or vibrations indicate wear, settlement, or corrosion.
Deconstruction and dismantling of sliding gate systems
Deconstruction often takes place within existing structures: limited space, proximity to utilities, preservation of adjacent components, and requirements for low dust and vibration. Controlled, selective methods are used here. Darda GmbH enables such work with hand-held hydraulic tools with hydraulic power packs that deliver high performance in a compact form factor.
Selective separation of steel components
- Steel profiles of the gate frame, racks, and running rails can be cut precisely with steel shears or Multi Cutters, without fire risk.
- Combination shears support switching between cutting and crushing at hard-to-reach nodes.
Removal of concrete foundations
- Concrete crushers fragment reinforced foundation heads in a controlled manner and reduce vibrations compared to percussive tools.
- Rock and concrete splitters create crack lines in the concrete to divide foundations into transportable blocks—advantageous near sensitive infrastructure or in special operations.
- Rock splitting cylinders propagate cracks in a controlled, verifiable way where pinpoint load transfer is required.
These approaches match concrete demolition and special deconstruction as well as strip-out and cutting when gate systems are removed from existing buildings or perimeter installations, or relocated.
Refurbishment and conversion: foundation strengthening and rail replacement
Refurbishments often involve renewing running rollers and guides, replacing the rail, or repairing foundations. Cracks in foundations, insufficient bearing widths, or corroded anchors require partial demolition. Concrete crushers allow rebar exposure, while rock and concrete splitters release components section by section without damaging adjacent surfaces. Steel components are cleanly removed with steel shears; power supply is provided by compact hydraulic power packs.
Application environments and specifics
- Industry and logistics: high duty cycles, large gate leaves, robust running gear, weather-resistant foundations.
- Infrastructure and plant premises: integrated access control, connection to safety logic, defined emergency operation.
- Tunnel portals and depots: limited construction space, wind loads at portal locations, elevated corrosion protection requirements; low-vibration methods are preferred for deconstruction.
Typical defects and how to address them
- Foundation settlement: results in skewed gate travel; remedy through underpinning or partial foundation replacement, prepared selectively with concrete crushers.
- Corrosion on frame and running rails: leads to increased rolling resistance; replacement of affected sections is possible with steel shears.
- Bearing damage on roller carriages: manifests as noise and vibration; precise dismantling of the area, often in combination with combination shears for tight work zones.
Occupational safety, environment, and logistics
Work on sliding gates requires a hazard assessment, cordoning off the work area, and coordination with operations and traffic. Dust and noise reduction, material separation (steel, concrete), and orderly haulage are part of a sustainable approach. Hydraulic tools help through low spark generation and reduced vibrations, which is particularly advantageous in sensitive areas.
Terminology and distinction
Sliding gates differ from swing gates (rotating opening) and folding gates (segmented folding). Within sliding gates, the terms cantilever and ground-guided shape planning and execution. For adjacent components such as plinth walls, wall panels, or thresholds, controlled separation of concrete and steel is central during deconstruction or conversion—a field in which tools like concrete crushers and rock and concrete splitters are frequently used.