Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
(OP)
He have been designing aluminum guards in water treatment plants using posts that are 1.9 Sch 80 Pipe at 4'-0". The aluminum is 6061-T6.
We reviewed the design loads and we noticed that these posts are overstressed. He have seen this design on other drawings and we are wondering how other engineers are making this calculation work.
We were also wondering what other engineer use for aluminum guard post. To make the guards work we could install a solid bar in the base of the post to make it work, but this is alot of fabrication.
The design loads for the guards are typical as per code.
We reviewed the design loads and we noticed that these posts are overstressed. He have seen this design on other drawings and we are wondering how other engineers are making this calculation work.
We were also wondering what other engineer use for aluminum guard post. To make the guards work we could install a solid bar in the base of the post to make it work, but this is alot of fabrication.
The design loads for the guards are typical as per code.






RE: Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
In the US these vertical posts must resist a 200 lb. load at 42 inches above the floor (in any direction) or a 50 plf load on the top horizontal guard rail.
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RE: Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
RE: Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
Note that in some cases, upsizing a pipe/tube may be more economical than using extra joints or extra posts.
RE: Aluminum Guards in Water Treatment Plants - Aluminum Post Question
This route seems to work well. I recommend avoiding welded railing.
If your height gets much above 42" (such as side mounted railing) then you may need a solid bar at the bottom or upsized posts even with un-welded railing.