Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
(OP)
I am designing a catwalk for a customer but there is too much deflection in the beam supporting the walking surface (beam a). The client argues that the handrail provides two additional support points against deflection, but I disgree. Does it help? If so, how do I calculate the amount that it helps? Thanks. (see attachment)






RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
A 3 dimensional analysis would have to be done to know for sure.
It depends upon how the handrail interacts with the beam, the various stiffnesses of the componets, connection details, slip between pieces, stress levels, etc.
If the client knows better, why isn't he designing it?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
Is there actually a limitation on beam deflection in this case? It might make more sense to consider for checking deflection.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
Try to discourage the client from his request.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
Unless the handrail can act like a truss you can not count on it for gravity loads (deflection). The beams that connect at the handrail going back to the wall could provide a lateral brace thus reducing the unbraced length of the beam which could allow for a smaller beam to be used to resist gravity loads. Although by doing this you would increase the deflection. You were correct in only using the end supports for the deflection calculations.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
As mentioned, bracing the handrail is an issue.
If the client wants it, why not give it to him?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
I don't think the deflection can be calculated directly. You have to determine the rigidity of the individual beam in the system, and distribute the loads accordingly. The amount of the deflection shoild be identical for both beams.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
It looks like a case of a tail wagging a dog. I know these are difficult economic times and money is important, but ........
My 2 cents, I suppose.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
Is this a existing structure, then what is problem strengthening beam A.
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?
RE: Does a handrail provide additional support against defelction?