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Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 336
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 04:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

The IBC gives loading requirements for handrails and top rails of guards, and for intermediate rails/infill of guards.

With structural glass railings, with glass panels supporting a handrail, how do the IBC loading requirements apply? The same section of glass serves as both the top rail of the guard and also the infill--would the "top rail" be considered the exposed top edge of glass, and the surface of glass below that as the infill?

(I've specified glass railings for years but this question has not occuured to me before)
Mark Gilligan SE, CSI
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan

Post Number: 206
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 04:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Do not get hung up in differenting between the top rail and the infill. The top rail loads are applied at the top of the assembly.

The infill loads are just to make sure that the assembly does not have weak regions. The infill loads are not added to the top rail forces. For a glass assembly that consists of one sheet of glass the infill is a non-issue.
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 796
Registered: 03-2003


Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 04:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Section 2407.1 (2006 IBC) specifically addresses glass handrails and guards and refers back to Section 1607.7.

To answer your second question, yes.

The uniform load is applied--at any direction--to the handrail and guard at the top only. This load is 50 plf.

The concentrated load requirement is applied--at any direction--to the handrail and guard at the top only, as well. This load is 200 lbs., but is not to be considered in addition to the uniform load above.

The horizontal load is to all other areas of guard (not the handrail). This load is 50 psf.

According to Section 2407.1.1, glass guards and handrails must have a safety factor of 4.

Either the cap on the guard or the handrail must remain intact should a glass panel fail, or you can provide support for the handrail or guard cap with a minimum of three panels.
Ron Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
www.specsandcodes.com

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