Metal railing and post deflection criteria
Metal railing and post deflection criteria
(OP)
I can find no deflection criteria for metal handrail/guardrail and associated support posts. The codes all have required loadings to be resisted, but only require that the elements not be overstressed. The metal stairs manual states that deflection is important and should be considered since it goes to the "feel" of structural integrity, but gives no guidance. I may have missed it.
Can anyone point me in the right direction, or offer a rule of thumb that you've used?
Thanks in advance-
Can anyone point me in the right direction, or offer a rule of thumb that you've used?
Thanks in advance-






RE: Metal railing and post deflection criteria
(It may be of interest to note that IBC 1607.7.1.3 allows a 1/3 stress increase for railings designed using ASD)
RE: Metal railing and post deflection criteria
RE: Metal railing and post deflection criteria
The EWAG principle is used here for the proper limitation on the tolerable deflection.
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering