PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
(OP)
Hi all I assume this is a very simple question. I need to install some PVC hand rails onto an existing dock as a replacement for some handrails that have corroded.
I need some help with how to go about anchoring them down.
My methodology so far is that I will fill the PVC with concrete and either two rebar or one rebar depending on the spacing and also use hilti epoxy to anchor the rebar down into the existing concrete.
However, Do I need to cut out the existing concrete to anchor the pvc pipe down ( I am assuming this would be the method I should take) or can I just drill into the existing concrete and put the hilti in that (directly on top of the existing concrete)? If I do need to cut out the existing concrete, how do I go about determining the depth required?
Photos of thoughts attached.
I appreciate any assistance you can provide
I need some help with how to go about anchoring them down.
My methodology so far is that I will fill the PVC with concrete and either two rebar or one rebar depending on the spacing and also use hilti epoxy to anchor the rebar down into the existing concrete.
However, Do I need to cut out the existing concrete to anchor the pvc pipe down ( I am assuming this would be the method I should take) or can I just drill into the existing concrete and put the hilti in that (directly on top of the existing concrete)? If I do need to cut out the existing concrete, how do I go about determining the depth required?
Photos of thoughts attached.
I appreciate any assistance you can provide






RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
If it is uncoated aluminium and embedded in concrete it will corrode.
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
@MotorCity I guess in a sense it is a guardrail, as it will prevent people from falling off of the dock. It will look exactly like the photo attached to this reply (you can see from that how the horizontal members are connected). I am aware of the HILTI embedment requirements. I was more so questioning how to go about determining the depth requirement of the existing concrete cut out shown in the second image of the drawing in the OP.
@TehMightyEngineer This is a handrail for a dock, which will therefore be exposed to an active corrosive environment. I assume my boss told me to use these materials due to this fact. Stainless steel could be an option, but would probably cost more.
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
The following discussion seems relevant - thread507-244205: Need to confirm bollard design for vehicle impact.
RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?
42 high guard rail (to keep people from falling) is the norm. a 36" (+/1 2 inch) "handrail" where there is stars - doesn't seem to be needed along the dock though.
You need 50 lbf/linear foot sideways at the top of the rail (at the 42 inch), or a minimum of 200 lbs per post - and usually the posts are at 4 foot intervals (US) so the force per post limit becomes the requirement.
So build three of your posts. Anchor EXACTLY as you would propose in the dock - same hole, same depth, same rebar (if you choose rebar at all) and same edge distance from the edge of the dock.
Apply 200 lbf sideways to the top of the post. If deflection is within your limits on each of the test posts, accept the design. Now, if you build your test piece with the rails between the posts, the verticals will share the load, so the total load on the posts will be less than you 200 lb requirement. But I would check the T-connection and gluing anyway.
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RE: PVC Hand Rail Anchored In Existing Concrete?