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Interpretation #5260

Original Request

  • Date: July 26, 2007
  • Requested By: Salvador A. Jurado Jr.
  • Requester E-Mail: sjuradojr@bcg.bz
  • Code Version: 2004
  • Code: BUILDING
  • Code Description: Building
  • Chapter: 16
  • Section: 1607.7
  • Topic:

  • Question: Is the 200 pound "concentrated" load addressed in Section 1607.7 allowed to be distributed over the full length of the railing, as an "assembly"? As an example: a wooden railing supported by wooden balusters or pickets spaced at 6? on center, how many of those wooden balusters can you assume resist the 200# point load? One of them, 3 of them, or all of them? In other words, how is the 200# point load distributed?

Answer on 07/26/2007 at 10:43 AM

The 200 pound concentrated load is for a load applied in
any direction at any point along the top. The 200 pound
load would be applied to the top rail, not the balusters.
The balusters need only support 50# psf. The assembly is
required to transfer the load to the structural elements
of the building. The design has to account for the load
applied from any direction at any point along the top of
the handrail or guardrail.

Commentary:

If the balusters are a structural component and not infill (as most are) they would need to transfer this load to the supporting structure without a failure in the railing. If the balusters are infill, the 200# load applied to the top rail must be transfered to the supporting structure via structural members.