Specification

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3.5 GUARDS AND HANDRAILS
3.5.1 Engineering
3.5.1.1 Guards and handrails shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of
200 pounds applied at any point and in any direction at the top of the guardrail
or handrail and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure.
3.5.1.2 Guards and Handrails shall be designed and constructed to resist a load of 50
pounds per linear foot applied horizontally at the required guardrail height and a
simultaneous load of 100 pounds per linear foot applied vertically downward at
the top of the guardrail. Note: The loading of 3.5.1.1, 3.5.1.2 and 3.5.1.3 shall not
be applied simultaneously.
3.5.1.3 Guard infill (pickets, balusters, etc.) shall be designed and constructed to resist a
50-pound horizontal load applied over a one square foot area at any point in the
system.
3.5.2 Materials
3.5.2.1 All guards, handrails, and handrail brackets shall be aluminum construction alloy
6061-T6 or 6005-T5.
3.5.3 Design
3.5.3.1 Handrail gripping surface shall be smooth and continuous throughout ramp
sections, steps, and landings/platforms, returning to a guard or wall that is not
more than 1/4” from the end of the handrail termination.
3.5.3.2 The handrail shall be 1-1/2” diameter tubing. The top of the handrail shall be 36”
above the walking surface. The height of the handrail above the finish surface
“shall be uniform, not less than 34” (864 mm) and not more than 38” (965 mm).”
3.5.3.3 Optional child handrail shall be 1-1/2 “diameter tubing. The top of the child
handrail shall be 25” above the walking surface.
3.5.3.4 Guards shall form a protective barrier of 42” high, minimum. Guards shall be
designed such that a 4” sphere cannot pass through any opening.