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IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

(OP)
I have a client that wants a glass guardrail system at the edge of their deck, but due to the existing look of their house they want the guardrail system to be all wood, or at least appear to be built with wood.
So in reviewing section 1607.8 for glass guardrail loads it refers to 2407. Under 2407 it states, "panels and supports shall be designed to withstand the loads specified in section 1607.8. A safety factor of four shall be used." So if the guardrail is not glass I only have to design the guardrail system for the 200lb point load, but since it is glass then I would have to use 400lb? This does not make sense to me since each system would consist of wood posts @ a maximum o.c. spacing but since the interior portion between the posts is glass and not wood the whole system gets huge. can someone please explain why, or the reasoning?

Thanks

RE: IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

What is your proposed distances between the vertical wood posts?

RE: IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

I interpret that section to apply to all glass assemblies, not wood posts supporting a glass guardrail, since they mention glass balusters and glass handrails and guards. The factor of safety of four probably has to do with preventing the glass from breaking before the supports fail. Is the handrail at the top of the guardrail glass? If yes, then you would need the factor of safety of 4.

RE: IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

shacked:

As you've described it the glass is only part of the infill. It sounds like this is a single family dwelling; if so, the IRC applies - not the IBC you've cited. Section 301.5 calls for an infill system to resist a force of 50 psf acting on a 1 sq ft area. The section also calls for a SF of 4 for glazed components. So I get 200 psf for the applied force - not 400 lb.

Regards,

DB

NB: The wood railing system would need to meet the 200 lb concentrated force applied in any direction anywhere along its length. The Railing force and the Infill forces do not act concurrently.

RE: IBC 2012 2407 Glass guardrail

Thanks for clearing that up DBronson. Good explanation.

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