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Scott McIntosh-Mize
Senior Member
Username: scott_mize_ccs_csi

Post Number: 109
Registered: 02-2009


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 09:16 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Friends and colleagues:

ASTM E985 - Standard Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings

ASTM has withdrawn the referenced standard with no replacement.

The reason appears to be the one quoted in another thread, namely that ASTM's policies require that their standards be updated within 8 years of issue (or re-issue). If, for whatever reason, the standard is not reviewed within that time frame, it is withdrawn.

Question: On the topic of handrails, what standard (if any) have you been using in lieu of ASTM E985?
James Sandoz, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: jsandoz

Post Number: 223
Registered: 06-2005


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 09:48 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

How about ASTM E 894 - Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings and ASTM E 935 - Standard Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings?
Ronald L. Geren, FCSI, AIA, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 1482
Registered: 03-2003


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 10:11 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I leave it up to the building code, which establishes minimum loading and dimensional requirements.
Ron Geren, FCSI, AIA, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
www.specsandcodes.com
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1128
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 10:15 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thanks for the heads-up Scott. I agree with Ron. That and ADA. I'm not sure what the purpose was for the ASTM spec. It's not like the Code requirements are new.

James, I would include the test methods to verify compliance with Code and ADA requirements.

Just curious, does anyone specify manufacturers for standard steel tube railings and pickets?
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey

Post Number: 843
Registered: 01-2008


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 10:24 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I believe ASTM E985 is a fabrication standard.

I restrict myself to the code mandated performance requirements.

While I am on the line, who amoung you readers is attending ARC-US 2017 in Miami commencing Nov 16th?

Thanks,

Wayne
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1129
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 10:26 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I'm planning on being there.
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Scott McIntosh-Mize
Senior Member
Username: scott_mize_ccs_csi

Post Number: 110
Registered: 02-2009


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 10:40 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thank you, gentlemen.

I'll probably end up deferring to the building code as well.

I have a call in to a contact at a railing manufacturer. I expect him to know the state of the art in his industry. If he gives me anything more than we've discussed here, I'll be sure to post it.

Thanks again.
Mark Gilligan SE,
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan

Post Number: 833
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 03:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Pay your structural engineer to address the relevant issues. The standard is not needed.
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1130
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 04:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Mark, is that a commercial message from our favorite Structural PE?
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid

Post Number: 339
Registered: 10-2003


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 04:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

You can continue to reference a retired standard if you have a need for it. Include the date of the standard to clarify what you used.
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru
Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski

Post Number: 2131
Registered: 07-2002


Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 05:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

From a CSI buddy with R & B Wagner, Inc.:

The statement is correct. However in lieu of a replacement, people are still using the ASTM E985 standard as a reference point.
Additionally people are leaning on the IBC codes as well as manufacturers test data and ICC ESR accreditation.

Hope this helps.
Mark Gilligan SE,
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan

Post Number: 834
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2017 - 08:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I am not currently soliciting work of the type mentioned.

The fact that the standard has been retired should not be a problem since compliance with it is not necessary to comply with the code. In fact blind reliance on the standard does not necessarily insure that the code will be complied with or that the railing system will be safe. This is where you need a structural engineer, more likely the engineer of record on the project.

If you mistakenly believe that you need this standard I believe that there is no problem with specifying compliance with a retired standard as long as the contractor can obtain a copy.
Robin E. Snyder
Senior Member
Username: robin

Post Number: 775
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2019 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Does anyone happen to have access to ASTM E985 that i can review?
Marc Chavez
Senior Member
Username: mchavez

Post Number: 496
Registered: 07-2002


Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2019 - 10:38 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

send me a note marcchavez@deltek.com
Ronald L. Geren, FCSI Lifetime Member, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSC, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 1554
Registered: 03-2003


Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2019 - 10:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Robin, it is available on MADCAD, which you should have access to through SCIP.
Ron Geren, FCSI Lifetime Member, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSC, SCIP
Brett Scarfino (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2019 - 05:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

ASTM's "Reading Room" might have it freely available for viewing access (though I've found most are antiquated versions).

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