Lightweight Gateway

This is a gateway designed to be built with staves or light spars. It could be used for either a Patrol or Troop site and the materials are easy to transport.

Equipment

• 4 x 2.5m (8 ft) spars
• 12 x 1.8m (6 ft) spars
• 7 x spars 1.2m (4 ft) spars
• 36 lashing lengths – 6mm polypropylene or sisal
• 4 x 5m (16 ft) ropes for guys
• Tent pegs

Method

Using 6 x 1.8m spars and square lashings, create two similar triangular frames.

Join these triangles by lashing a 1.2 m spar inside each corner. This forms the top of the gate. (a)

Brace the base of this triangular prism with 2 x 1.8m spars.

To construct the side frames, make two similar rectangles using 2 x 2.5m and 2 x 1.2m spars and cross brace each one with 2 x 1.8 m spars. The 2.5m uprights on each frame should be spaced so that they will just fit between the front and back triangles on the top of the gate. (b)

Lay the top of the gate on one of its triangular faces. The sides of the gate are placed with the 1.2m cross pieces on the outside and the uprights are threaded into the base of the top frame.

The upper cross spars on the side frames are then lashed to the spars on the top of the gate. ( c)

We suggest that you now lash two temporary spars between the bottom to the two side frames to help retain its shape while it is being raised into an upright position. Also, tie four guys to the top corners of the side frames using a round turn and two half hitches.

Stand the gate upright and peg out the guys. Remove the temporary spars and adjust the position of the bottom of the side frames. Drive in pegs next to the uprights and lash them to the spars.

To download the complete plan and design document please Click Here