Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
(OP)
I am designing improvements to an existing retaining wall that is located along a City street and acts as a shoreline wall with a beach on the front and the street behind it. The wall is from 3 to 10 feet high. There is a 6 foot wide sidewalk immediately behind the wall. There is an existing pipe railing mounted on top of the wall that the City would like replaced. My question is, what code would govern the design of the new pedestrian railing? I know the IBC has standards but this isn't a building or a path of egress. I'm not sure OSHA would apply since this isn't a work site. AASHTO has pedestrian railing stds. for bridges but this isn't a bridge. This is simply a half mile long sidewalk along the lakefront which also happens to be along the top of a retaining wall. Any suggestions??






RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Is the top of the retaining wall in the clear zone of the adjacent street? Should a vehicle guide rail be used?
"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Not really a bad idea when it comes to kids being around areas like this?? 10' is a long way to fall for anybody - esp a 2 year old adventurer....
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Vertical rails may capture less water and ice?? Actually those loads may really govern the design!!
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Dik
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
Anyway, if you want another go by I am sure you can find the same FDOT details online.
But the guys all make great points about the 4" spacing, this wall you describe sounds like a safety issue with children but as you stated it also may act as an ice dam. You may be dammed if you do or dammed if you don't, oh yeah, intentional pun.
I would want your client to answer this in writing to CYA. Another question for the city's attorneys instead of common sense engineering and good parenting :)
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
BA
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall
RE: Pedestrian railing on a retaining wall