Balustrade and Handrail Loading
Balustrade and Handrail Loading
(OP)
I would be interested in finding out peoples views on the required live loads required for balustrading. Here in Australia (AS 1170.1) we have some quite onerous loading provisions which I am not sure always are practical or physically achievable. For example
For private dwellings (stairways, parapets and balconies)
Point load = 0.6 kN inward or outward at any point on the handrail
Distributed load = 0.4kN/m inward or outward along handrail
For handrails and balustardes to all roofs the distributed load is 0.75kN/m
For handrails and balustrades subjeect to crowd or "panic" loads the distributed load is 3kN/m.
Another question is if you have an internal balustrade say on a stair or platform what load do you design the members/infill panels under the top rail? If it were an external balustarde the wind load would be appropriate but what about the internal scenario?
For private dwellings (stairways, parapets and balconies)
Point load = 0.6 kN inward or outward at any point on the handrail
Distributed load = 0.4kN/m inward or outward along handrail
For handrails and balustardes to all roofs the distributed load is 0.75kN/m
For handrails and balustrades subjeect to crowd or "panic" loads the distributed load is 3kN/m.
Another question is if you have an internal balustrade say on a stair or platform what load do you design the members/infill panels under the top rail? If it were an external balustarde the wind load would be appropriate but what about the internal scenario?






RE: Balustrade and Handrail Loading
As the quote (from the OSHA regulations) below notes, this is satisfied with 1 1/2" (38.1mm) nominal steel pipe or 2" diameter wooden rail.
29 CFR 1910.23 states
"(e)(3)(iv)
The anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail.
...
(e)(5)(iii)
The size of handrails shall be: When of hardwood, at least 2 inches in diameter; when of metal pipe, at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. The spacing of brackets shall not exceed 8 feet."
Imagineer
RE: Balustrade and Handrail Loading
Most designers consider that all parts of a handrail or guardrail system must meet the same loading criteria, as these are Life Safety components and thus incur high liability.
Guardrails have similar requirements, except that 0.73kN/m must be applied horizontally and 1.46kN/m applied vertically downward, simultaneously.
These are for other than dwelling units. For dwelling units, most designers consider the 0.89kN requirement to be adequate.
Additionally, there is a restriction on the spacing between ballusters. The space must be no greater than 100mm.
Ron
RE: Balustrade and Handrail Loading
RE: Balustrade and Handrail Loading
So under your question, I would apply these loads, say to an aluminum handrail, as minimum working or application loads and use allowable stress design (ASD)methods. This is just my preference when either is allowed.
Ron
RE: Balustrade and Handrail Loading