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handrail loads
- Thread starter exael
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bridgebuster
Active member
it's live load. It's specified in ASCE 7, IBC, AASHTO, etc.
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driftLimiter
Structural
All the handrails have to meet the requirements. Loading one side vs the other side is really irrelevant to the handrails and its connections. If there is some loading you are concerned about the in the elements supporting the handrails you might want to consider the loading on each of them simultaneously or perhaps just one side. Which ever causes the worst effect.
There is no strict limit to deflection on these but if you have a massively flexible guard rail its wont be perceived as being strong enough. Human comfort is needed for something like a guard rail.
There is no strict limit to deflection on these but if you have a massively flexible guard rail its wont be perceived as being strong enough. Human comfort is needed for something like a guard rail.
The loads are live loads and are applied in any direction, therefore it's not just horizontal, you need to also check as if it's a vertical load. Typically you check for the worst case of 50 plf and 200 lbs, this is why manytimes vertical supports are spaced at 4'-0" o.c. such that 50 plf loading is equivalent to the 200 lb point load. Deflection is a tough one for these, I'm not aware of anything other than the normal deflections for say a wall. There may be some OSHA requirements that it rebound to its original installed position. Make sure to review the codes as the loading is applied at a certain height. Many times I find that the controlling elements are the vertical supports and the connections.
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Ok, thanks. I am reviewing the load considerations because on sap2000 model, when to load the handrail with a horizontal load of 50plf the beam that supports the steps increases stress and deformation, and when to load both handrail this increases more.
The codes don't specify a lot of detail on the loading.
I would assume that vertical handrail loads and vertical live loads on the stairway itself are not combined, but I'm not aware of anything that says that.
On whether both rails are loaded- I would think that would depend on how wide the stairway is, as to whether enough people could congregate to load both railings (or whether that's considered likely, even if possible.)
OSHA has limits on stairway deflection in some cases, but they are large, and for limiting deflection on cable-type guardrails. That may be in the "construction" standards rather than the General Industry standards. (Neither would normally apply to residences).
I was thinking there was a maximum 4" gap provision in those midrails for rails accessible to kids.
I would assume that vertical handrail loads and vertical live loads on the stairway itself are not combined, but I'm not aware of anything that says that.
On whether both rails are loaded- I would think that would depend on how wide the stairway is, as to whether enough people could congregate to load both railings (or whether that's considered likely, even if possible.)
OSHA has limits on stairway deflection in some cases, but they are large, and for limiting deflection on cable-type guardrails. That may be in the "construction" standards rather than the General Industry standards. (Neither would normally apply to residences).
I was thinking there was a maximum 4" gap provision in those midrails for rails accessible to kids.
SWComposites
Aerospace
Do people really use FEMs for handrail analysis??
I would be worried about that center post connection to the pointy end of the tread.
And would be worried about the left side straight railing that doesn’t seem to have a connection to the wall, and with the column base bolts not alined with the sideways moment.
I would be worried about that center post connection to the pointy end of the tread.
And would be worried about the left side straight railing that doesn’t seem to have a connection to the wall, and with the column base bolts not alined with the sideways moment.
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