History of 200lb Railing Load
History of 200lb Railing Load
(OP)
Anyone know the origin of railing loads? I found the 200lb requirement in the 1968 building NYC code but not earlier NYC codes. Any info on where/when it originated and the source of 200lbs?






RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
gjc
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
Assume 50 lb/foot sideways load at the top of the railing (then at the 3 ft - 6 inch limit), and a 4 ft interval between posts. presto! 200 lbs sideways force on each post. That then gets written up as a limit for the rail.
But there really has never been a "measurement" justifying why 50 lb/ft is a proper design rule either.
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
It looks like it came from this publication:
American Standard Safety Code for Floor and Wall Openings, Railings and Toe
Boards, ASA A12-1932.2
"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 of the top rail. [Section 7.3(d)]"
Where the ASA got it is anyone's guess.
Regards,
DBronson
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. -MLK
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: History of 200lb Railing Load
Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. -MLK