ALUMINUM BRONZE

NICKEL-SILVER STAINLESS STAINLESS STEEL

STEEL NICKEL-SILVER ACRYLIC / WOOD MALLEABLE IRON

ENGINEERING DATA

Availability of complete structural information enables architects and designers to make proper use of Blums component systems to provide safe, durable handrail installations. The designer can engineer installations to conform to specic building code loading criteria or can establish design requirements for a given installation on the basis of anticipated trafc exposure. The ve major considerations for the structural design of handrails are: 1. Structural loading criteria as established by governing building codes or special design requirements. 2. Properties of railing materials and allowable stresses for design. 3. Elements of sections for railing components. 4. Load, stress, and deection relationships expressed as formulas for engineering design. 5. Proper attachment and sound supporting structure. CODE REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS Structural requirements for railings usually are expressed in one of two ways, depending on governing codes and regulations. Some of these specify an applied loading distributed uniformly along the rail while others specify loading concentrated on the top rail. The designer should consult governing codes, local ordinances, project specications, and regulatory authorities to determine requirements for compliance. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Refer to page iii for information regarding handrail dimensions mentioned in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and ANSI 117.1-2004. ALLOWABLE STRESSES To provide adequate safety factors, the engineering profession assigns to each material an allowable design stress which is usually expressed as a specic fraction of minimum yield, or sometimes as a smaller fraction of minimum ultimate strength. Allowable stresses vary with the composition and temper of the material and also, to some degree, with the kind of shape and the direction of stress. Yield strength is the point of stress (in pounds per square inch) at which material fails to return to its original position after the stress has been removed and takes a permanent set. Minimum yield is dened as the test value exceeded by 99% of a large number of specimens. For non-ferrous metals, the yield point is arbitrarily dened as the point of stress at which permanent set is a specic fraction of 1% of the length of the test piece (0.2% offset as shown below or 0.5% elongation). Ultimate strength is considerably higher (see graph).
Typical Ultimate Typical Yield Minimum Yield Allowable Stress Minimum Ultimate

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS Below is a table of metals used in the architectural components described in this catalog, together with their yields, allowable stresses, and moduli of elasticity. These mechanical properties have been established by producers of the various materials.
Material Allowable Bending Stress for Design (psi) Expected Modulus of Minimum Elasticity Yield (psi) (psi x 106)

Aluminum 6061-T6, shapes major axis shapes minor axis Aluminum 6063-T6, shapes major axis shapes minor axis Aluminum 6063-T52, bars and shapes Aluminum 6063-T52, tubing Aluminum 6063-T832, drawn pipe Bronze C38500, extruded Bronze C38500, handrail moulding and tubing Bronze C38500, rectangular tubing, bars and shapes Red Brass C23000, drawn pipe, ASTM B43 Nickel-Silver C79800, extruded Stainless Steel type 304, extruded, ASTM A276 Stainless Steel type 304, hot-rolled, ASTM A276 Stainless Steel type 304, cold-formed Stainless Steel type 304 round tubing (as welded) Carbon Steel C1010, roll-formed, ASTM A29 Carbon Steel C1010, hot-rolled, ASTM A29 Acrylic/Wood LOADING DIAGRAM
FV FH

19,500 27,700 15,200 19,700 12,600 11,300 24,800 9,700 14,500 21,200 11,000 24,000 15,000 18,000 15,100 30,000 16,800 16,800 3,760

35,000 35,000 25,000 25,000 16,000 16,000 35,000 16,000 24,000 35,000 18,000 40,000 25,000 30,000 28,000 55,000 28,000 28,000 4,975

10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 17.0 18.0 28.0 28.0 28.0 28.0 29.0 29.0 1.8

P w

h h h1 h1

STRESS (lb/sq in)

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
Uniform horizontal loading, perpendicular to the rail (lb/ft). Span between centerlines of posts or brackets (in). Horizontal force, perpendicular to rail applied at top of post (lb). Horizontal force, perpendicular to rail at any point along the railing (lb). Vertical force, perpendicular to rail at any point between posts (lb). Height of post. Distance from point of load application above top of attachment (in). h1 = Distance from top of post attachment to top of reinforcing insert (in). Sx & Sy = Section modulus about the x- or y-axis respectively (in3). lx & ly = Moment of inertia about the x- or y-axis respectively (in4). k = Stiffness of member. C = Distance from the neutral axis to the extreme ber of any section (in). E = Modulus of elasticity (psi x 106). R = Stiffness ratio. Pf = Load proportion factor. Fr = Reaction Factor. * Values for w (uniform load in lb/ft) are converted to lb/in by dividing by 12. w* L P FH FV h = = = = = =

0.2% OF GAUGE LENGTH

STRAIN (inches/inch)

ELEMENTS OF SECTIONS Properties of sections of JB handrail mouldings, posts, and support sections are listed on page 124. For properties of bars, shapes, and tubes, see pages 105-122.

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ALUMINUM
JuliusBlum&Co.Inc.

NICKEL-SILVER STAINLESS

STEEL ACRYLIC / WOOD

BRONZE

HANDRAIL AND POST PROPERTIES ELEMENTS OF SECTIONS

HANDRAILS
y

CARLSTADT POSTS
y x x

HANDRAIL
Shape Area Ix

Minor Axis Sx

Cx

Iy

Major Axis Sy

Cy Minor Axis Sx Major Axis Sy Cy

0.284 6501 1.054 6502 0.740 6503 0.739 6511 0.386 6512 0.291 4416 0.927 4428 0.569 4429 0.403 4435 0.746 4441 0.594 4529 0.684 4530 5530 0.779 4531 0.527 4532 0.557 4533 0.937 4534 5534 0.669 4535 5235 0.799 4536 0.434 4537 0.359 4538 5538 0.806 4539 0.670 4572 5572 0.701 4573 1.054 4574 5274 0.919 4575 0.645 6488 5288 0.426 6489 5289 0.440 6402 1.250 6407 1.680 6436 0.741 6437 0.879 6530 0.810 6531 0.573 6532 1.090 6540 0.628 6901 1.387 6902 1.227 6903 0.361 6904 0.726 6905 1.414 6906 2.051 6907 1.441 6929 0.557 6930 0.779 6931 0.527 6932 0.684 6933 0.670 6934 0.669 6935 0.843 6939 1.845 6984 1.079 6985 0.805 6986 2.237 6987 0.746 6988 0.946 8521/22/23 8.924 8542 5.238 8561/62 12.170 8571 1.563 8591 8.415
4488

0.011 0.017 0.008 0.014 0.006 0.008 0.021 0.017 0.008 0.018 0.024 0.059 0.023 0.011 0.018 0.457 0.017 0.024 0.017 0.010 0.194 0.013 0.008 0.016 0.020 0.014 0.011 0.108 0.083 0.088 0.159 0.210 0.032 0.023 0.039 0.312 0.042 0.034 0.013 0.072 0.026 0.058 0.031 0.018 0.023 0.011 0.059 0.013 0.017 0.024 0.085 0.021 0.017 0.104 0.056 0.019 1.967 1.192 2.680 0.135 1.729

0.046 0.067 0.033 0.050 0.031 0.034 0.073 0.041 0.022 0.044 0.055 0.100 0.052 0.030 0.042 0.372 0.040 0.052 0.040 0.028 0.202 0.035 0.032 0.059 0.053 0.033 0.044 0.144 0.098 0.104 0.268 0.336 0.082 0.056 0.084 0.284 0.106 0.084 0.029 0.118 0.089 0.161 0.077 0.042 0.052 0.030 0.100 0.035 0.040 0.053 0.225 0.056 0.040 0.277 0.084 0.075 2.420 1.362 3.298 0.154 2.128

0.250 0.107 0.107 1.000 0.256 0.629 0.457 1.375 0.235 0.314 0.280 1.125 0.341 0.126 0.168 0.750 0.238 0.189 0.137 1.375 0.236 0.136 0.121 1.125 0.291 0.232 0.231 1.000 0.416 0.209 0.215 0.969 0.375 0.104 0.119 0.875 0.406 0.349 0.328 1.062 0.432 0.291 0.258 1.125 0.586 0.616 0.429 1.438 0.449 0.300 0.267 1.125 0.358 0.108 0.133 0.813 0.425 0.260 0.231 1.125 1.229 0.785 0.571 0.916 0.427 0.208 0.214 0.969 0.454 0.344 0.323 1.063 0.423 0.171 0.176 0.969 0.346 0.095 0.116 0.813 0.958 0.661 0.481 1.375 0.369 0.175 0.200 0.875 0.239 0.299 0.266 1.125 0.268 0.654 0.476 1.375 0.376 0.654 0.476 1.375 0.437 0.232 0.232 1.000 0.250 0.152 0.152 1.000 1.250 0.108 0.144 1.250 0.845 0.412 0.347 1.188 0.844 1.311 0.807 1.625 0.594 0.422 0.386 1.094 0.625 0.799 0.532 1.500 0.395 0.315 0.315 1.000 0.411 0.132 0.175 0.750 0.465 0.616 0.493 1.250 1.099 0.034 0.068 0.500 0.396 0.709 0.540 1.313 0.409 0.520 0.438 1.188 0.448 0.109 0.125 0.875 0.612 0.519 0.377 1.375 0.297 1.167 0.718 1.625 0.358 2.195 1.171 1.845 0.402 1.263 0.777 1.625 0.425 0.260 0.231 1.125 0.449 0.300 0.267 1.125 0.358 0.108 0.133 0.813 0.586 0.616 0.429 1.438 0.369 0.175 0.200 0.875 0.427 0.208 0.214 0.969 0.451 0.343 0.323 1.065 0.375 0.932 0.746 1.250 0.367 0.676 0.492 1.375 0.413 0.254 0.254 1.000 0.375 1.658 1.106 1.500 0.662 0.648 0.471 1.375 0.250 0.285 0.285 1.000 0.812 22.530 8.190 2.750 0.875 5.040 3.250 1.550 0.812 56.940 15.184 3.750 0.875 1.487 0.820 1.813 0.812 21.701 8.070 2.869

Shape

Area

Ix

Cx

Iy

230 0.308 233B(294)* 1.021 283(295)* 1.412 280 0.373 436E 0.655 4830(830) 0.726 6423(423) 1.555 6424(424) 3.430 6427(427) 1.926 6430(430) 0.726 6434 1334 0.930 6435 0.871 6458(458) 1.110 6459(459) 1.030 8571* 1.563

0.050 0.052 0.072 0.064 0.029 0.096 0.201 0.445 0.208 0.096 0.237 0.210 0.177 0.201 0.135

0.100 0.133 0.184 0.128 0.078 0.192 0.321 0.712 0.303 0.192 0.379 0.337 0.258 0.322 0.154

0.500 0.390 0.390 0.500 0.370 0.500 0.625 0.625 0.687 0.500 0.625 0.625 0.687 0.687 0.875

0.095 0.146 0.385 0.193 0.087 0.241 0.201 2.153 0.496 0.241 0.851 0.710 0.529 0.708 1.487

0.126 0.223 0.426 0.193 0.140 0.297 0.321 1.566 0.409 0.297 0.619 0.516 0.508 0.679 0.820

0.750 0.655 0.905 1.000 0.622 0.813 0.625 1.375 0.789 0.813 1.375 1.375 1.042 1.041 1.873

* Aluminum, for use with stainless steel posts Tubing

T6 temper

GLASS RAILING SECTIONS

y y x x y x y x

Railing Number

Area

Ix

Minor Axis Sx Cx

Iy

Major Axis Sy Cy

1130 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1154 1155 1430 1432 1433 1472 1230 1231 1233 1235 1330 1332 8662 1141 1142 1143

1232

1452 1453 1473

1333

0.874 1.245 2.414 1.980 1.632 2.250 1.442 1.638 0.501 0.643 0.712 0.909 0.766 0.980 1.442 2.360 0.840 1.245 11.062 4.353 6.828 7.199

0.227 0.632 0.416 0.296 1.910 1.488 1.105 1.875 0.142 0.358 0.630 1.570 0.202 0.518 1.160 2.704 0.236 0.632 3.954 6.068 10.206 12.497

0.236 0.500 0.583 0.300 1.030 1.488 0.721 1.024 0.154 0.280 0.386 0.867 0.223 0.409 0.743 1.471 0.262 0.500 3.954 4.106 5.449 6.598

0.962 0.295 0.311 0.950 1.263 0.717 0.574 1.250 0.714 0.970 0.619 1.566 0.988 1.022 0.817 1.250 1.855 1.947 1.113 1.750 1.000 9.196 2.821 3.260 1.532 1.268 0.845 1.500 1.831 1.989 1.136 1.750 0.927 0.183 0.192 0.950 1.280 0.395 0.316 1.250 1.632 0.643 0.429 1.500 1.811 1.520 0.762 2.000 0.907 0.278 0.292 0.950 1.177 0.585 0.468 1.250 1.568 1.229 0.819 1.500 1.838 2.772 1.584 1.750 0.901 0.324 0.340 0.950 1.263 0.717 0.574 1.250 1.000 30.152 9.420 3.201 1.478 2.314 1.851 1.250 1.873 5.121 4.097 1.250 1.894 6.735 4.898 1.375

Unless designated as T6 temper, all aluminum alloy is in the T52 temper. The values of these elements of sections are approximate andwhile they have been ascertained with carethey cannot be guaranteed. See p. 129 for properties of Connectorail pipe and reinforcing bars.

Tubing

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ENGINEERING DATA RAILING FORMULAS

BENDING MOMENTS AND STRESSES Determination of bending moments and stress in structural railing members follows conventional engineering design procedures. The resisting momentcalculated from the Section Modulus (S, which equals I/C) and Allowable Design Stress (fs)must equal the Applied Bending Moment (M).

I fs = S fs = M C
This translates into railing formulas as described below. RAILS: Connections between posts and rails are assumed to be free to pivot. Distribution of loads through multiple spans decreases maximum bending moment in horizontal members. The effect of different numbers of spans may be taken into account by varying the Bending Moment Constant (K). Calculation of Unit Stress (f) and Length of Span (L) are accomplished by using the following formulas: 1. For uniform vertical or horizontal loads (w):

INTERNALLY REINFORCED POSTS The load-carrying capacity of a post with reinforcing insert is limited by the allowable bre stress at one of three points. 1. The post at the top of the insert, above which it is not reinforced. 2. The insert at its base, at the highest point of its attachment to the supporting structure. 3. The post at the same point of attachment. The lowest of these three loading limits controls design for the combined post and reinforcing insert.
P

M= f= L=

w 12 L2 K w 12 L SK
2

M = S f
K = 8 for one or two spans K = 9.5 for three or more spans of a continuous rail

Point of attachment

h1

Floor

f K S w 12 M = S f
K = 4 for one span K = 5 for two or more spans of a continuous rail 1. Post at top of insert:

2. For concentrated loads (F) applied at mid span:

M=

FL K FL f= SK SK f L= F

Moment in post (top of insert): M = P (h h1) Fibre stress in post (top of insert): f= M P (h h1) = S S fs S h h1

Note: Values of K are dened based on the maximum bending moment developed under various numbers of spans.

Loading limit: P =

POSTS: Posts act as vertical cantilever beams in resisting horizontal thrust applied at the top rail. Bending moment produced by horizontal thrust normally controls design and post spacing may be calculated using the following equations. 1. For uniform horizontal loading (w):

At the point of contact between the railing post and the reinforcing insert, the deection of each is assumed to be the same but the resisting force of each is a function of its Moment of Inertia (I) and Modulus of Elasticity (E). The resultant combined Reaction Factor (Fr) at the top of the insert is determined as follows:

M=P h f= w 12 L h S

P = w 12 L L= Sf w 12 h

M=Sf

h Ep Ip Fr = 0.167 + 0. 333 + 2 h1 3 Er Ir
Er and Ir refer to the reinforcing insert Ep and Ip refer to the post The loading limits for points 2 and 3 are then determined as follows: 2. Insert at base:

2. For concentrated horizontal loading (Fh): When concentrated loading is specied, the horizontal load on the top rail is distributed among several posts adjacent to the point of loading. The load distribution is a function of the relative stiffness of post and top rail and of the number of spans in the railing. For a straight run of railing it may be calculated with the aid of the graph on page 130. This calculation will show what proportion (Pf) of the total load any one post may have to sustain. To the extent that it is less than 100%, it will justify the use of lighter and more economical construction. The following equation applies:

Moment in insert: M = P (h h1) Fibre stress in insert: f= M P Fr h1 = Sr Sr f s Sr Fr h1

M=P h f= Fh h P f S

P = Fh P f

Loading limit: P =

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ENGINEERING DATA RAILING FORMULAS

3. Post at base: Moment in post: M = P h (Fr h1 )

Fibre stress in post:

f=

M P h (Fr h1) = Sp Sp

Loading limit: P = h (F h ) r 1 COMBINED HANDRAIL SECTIONS When two sections of the same metal are combined by being fastened together to form a handrail (e.g. a steel moulding mounted on a steel channel), the sections develop the same deection under load but act independently about their respective neutral axes.

f s Sp

DEFLECTION CONSIDERATIONS Excessive deection of a railing under load, even though it meets strength requirements, will give the user a feeling of insecurity and may cause tripping or stumbling. Lateral deection of posts or vertical deection of horizontal rails under load are computed as followsthese formulas must be used with caution: For posts without reinforcing insert:

P h3 w 12 L h3 or 3EI 3EI

For posts with reinforcing insert of similar or dissimilar material:

=
Steel handrail with steel channel

P (h h1)

3 Ep Ip

P h3 (h h1)

3 Ep Ip + (Er Ir )

[(

Where Ep and Ip apply to post Er and Ir apply to reinforcing insert For rails (concentrated load, F):

Ia and lb are the moments of inertia of the two sections. Since the Section Modulus (S) equals I C, the combined value for S of the two sections would be:

S=

Ia + Ib Cmax

F L3 K EI

(Cmax is either Ca or Cb, whichever is greater)

In the railing formulas, substitute the above equation for the value of S whenever combined sections of the same material are used. COMBINED SECTIONS OF DISSIMILAR MATERIALS To compute the loading of combined sections of dissimilar materials (e.g. a bronze handrail mounted on a steel channel) calculations involve the determination of the relative portion of the load carried by each section. The load distribution is a function of the relative stiffness of the two sections, which is determined by the Moments of Inertia (I) and their Moduli of Elasticity (E). The distribution of the total load between two sections is determined as follows:

where K = 48 for simple span 66 for two or more spans, load on end span 87 for three or more spans, load on intermediate span For rails (uniform load, w):

= =

5 w 12 L4 for simple spans 384 E I w 12 L4 for two or more spans 145 E I

Load Carried by A =

Total Load E I 1+ b b Ea Ia

There are few, if any, regulations or code requirements limiting deection in a railing but ASTM has put forth the following criteria regarding Maximum Allowable Deection (max) in their specication E985. For horizontal load at midspan:

Load Carried by B = Total Load Total Load Carried by A y cxa cxb B xb y

Individual calculation to determine the bre stress for each material, using the load portion of each section, will then determine which section controls design; namely, the section giving the lesser result (see example 6 on page 128).

max = h 24 + L 96
For horizontal load at top of post:

xa

max = h 12
For vertical load at midspan:

max = L 96
In many instances, the anchorage of the railing to the oor, tread or fascia is subject to a degree of rotation which will add an indeterminate amount to the deection on the post and rail. Anchorage and supporting structure must be as secure and rigid as possible.

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ENGINEERING DATA EXAMPLE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

These sample problems demonstrate how engineering data provided by Julius Blum & Co. Inc. can be used to obtain solutions to practical handrail design problems. Problems are solved by equating the maximum bending moment resulting from applied loading to the resisting moment determined from geometrical section properties and allowable stress. This method can be used to obtain solutions for most installation and loading conditions. EXAMPLE 1: DETERMINE MAXIMUM POST SPACING REQUIREMENTS: Uniform load, w = 50 lb./ft. Railing height, h = 38 in. MATERIAL SPECIFIED: Post: #423 aluminum, 6063-T52 Allowable stress, f s = 12,600 psi (refer to page 123); Section modulus, S = .321 in3 (refer to page 124). DETERMINE: Maximum post spacing (simple span), L (in) Resisting bending moment, M(resisting) = f s S Applied bending moment, M(applied) = w/12 L h M(resisting) must equal M(applied)

EXAMPLE 3: DETERMINE MAXIMUM SPAN FOR HANDRAIL MOULDINGS, CONCENTRATED LOAD REQUIREMENTS: Concentrated load, F = 200 lbs. MATERIAL SPECIFIED: Handrail moulding: #6489, 112" O.D. bronze tubing f s = 14,500 psi; Sx = .144 in3 The railing will be installed with more than two consecutive spans, therefore the Bending Moment Constant, K = 5 (refer to page 125). DETERMINE: Maximum span for handrail moulding, L (in)

Resisting bending moment, M(resisting) = f s S Applied bending moment, M(applied) = M(resisting) must equal M(applied) FL K fs S K L= F 14, 500 .144 5.0 L= = 52. 2 in 200 fs S =
EXAMPLE 4: DETERMINE MAXIMUM SPAN FOR A COMBINED HANDRAIL SECTION USING SECTIONS OF THE SAME METAL REQUIREMENTS: Concentrated load, F = 200 lbs. MATERIALS SPECIFIED: Handrail moulding: #6932, aluminum, 6063-T52 f s = 12,600 psi; Ixa = .059 in4; Cxa = .586 in Support channel: 2" 12" 18" aluminum channel f s = 12,600 psi; Ixb = .006 in4; Cxb = .369 in Cmax = .586 in (greater of Cxa vs. Cxb) The railing will be installed with more than two consecutive spans, therefore the Bending Moment Constant, K = 5 (refer to page 125). DETERMINE: Maximum span for combined handrail section, L (in)

FL K

f s S = w / 12 L h fs S w 12 h 12,600 . 321 L= 50 12 38 L = 25.60 in L=

EXAMPLE 2: DETERMINE REQUIRED SECTION MODULUS OF POST REQUIREMENTS: Concentrated load, F = 200 lbs. Railing height, h = 42 in. MATERIAL SPECIFIED: Post: Steel tubing allowable stress, f s = 16,800 psi (refer to page 123). DETERMINE: Section modulus, S, and select a suitable section Resisting bending moment, M(resisting) = f s S Applied bending moment, M(applied) = F h M(resisting) must equal M(applied)

fs S = F h Fh S= fs S= 200 42 16, 800

I +I Resisting bending moment, M(resisting) = f s xa xb Cmax Applied bending moment, M(applied) = M(resisting) must equal M(applied) I +I F L f s xa xb = K Cmax L= L= f s (Ixa + Ixb ) K 12,600 (.059 + .006 ) 5.0 = 35 in 200 . 586 F Cmax FL K

S = 0. 500 in3

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ENGINEERING DATA EXAMPLE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

EXAMPLE 5: CONCENTRATED LOAD LOAD DISTRIBUTION AMONG POSTS DESCRIPTION: Railing for an air terminal public areaheavy pedestrian trafc is expected. REQUIREMENTS: Loading, F = 300 lbs. Railing height = 42" at platforms; 34" at stairs Post height, h: Posts are fascia mounted; top of post attachment is 2" below walking surface. Therefore post height is railing height plus 2". Maximum opening to be no more than 4"; 12 or more spans between posts. MATERIALS SPECIFIED: Handrail moulding: #6901, aluminum 6063-T52 f s = 9,700 psi; E = 10 106; Iy = .709 in4; Sy = .540 in3 Intermediate posts: #430, aluminum 6063-T6 f s = 15,200 psi; E = 10 106; Ix = .241 in4; Sx = .297 in3 End posts: 212" 212" 316" square aluminum 6061-T6 tubing f s = 19,500 psi; E = 10 106; S = 1.247 in3 DETERMINE: Structural compliance of proposed construction. 1. Stress at base of end posts (end posts are dissimilar from intermediate poststhey have to resist 100% of horizontal load):

EXAMPLE 6: UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD COMBINED HANDRAIL SECTION OF DISSIMILAR MATERIALS DESCRIPTION: Stair railing of steel balusters, mounted between steel channel top and bottom rails, attached to square steel posts, with a bronze handrail. REQUIREMENTS: Loading, w = 50 lb./ft., horizontal and vertical. Railing height, h = 34" at stair, 42" at landings. Post spacing, L = 40"; 3 or more spans in each run. MATERIALS SPECIFIED: Handrail moulding: #4530, bronze C38500 f s = 9,700 psi; Ix = .023 in4; Cx = .444 in.; E = 14 106 psi Posts: 112" 112" .140" structural steel tubing f s = 27,700 psi; S = .316 in3 Sub-rails: 112" 12" 18" steel (C1010) channel top and bottom: f s = 16,800 psi; Ix = .005 in4; Cx = .250 in.; E = 29 106 psi DETERMINE: Structural compliance of proposed construction 1. Stress at base of post:

M w 12 L h = S S

f=

P h 300 44 = = 10, 585 psi S 1. 247

50 40 34 = 17, 932 psi 12 . 316 50 40 42 = 22,152 psi At landings: 12 . 316 At stairs:

(19,500 psi allowable) 2. Stress at base of intermediate posts at platform (L= 4 in, h = 44 in.): A. Stiffness ratio:

(27,700 psi allowable) 2. Stress on rail: Since ly of both bronze(b) and steel(s) sections is greater than I x, vertical load controls design. A. Total load:

E I Ep Ip .709 44 R= r r = = 32.36 4 .241 L h

B. Load proportion factor: (see graph, p. 130) = .230 C. Load per post: 300 .230 = 69 lb. D. Stress at base of post:

w 12 L =

50 40 = 167 lb 12

B. Load per foot on bronze, w b:

E 2 Ixs wb = w 1+ s Eb Ixb 29 10 6 2 .005 w b = 50 1 + = 26. 31 lb ft 14 10 6 .023

C. Load per foot on steel, ws:

f=

P h 69 44 = 10, 222 psi = .297 S

(15,200 psi allowable) 3. Stress at base of intermediate post at stairs (L= 4 in, h = 36 in.): A. Stiffness ratio:

w s = w wb

w s = 50 26. 31 = 23.69 lb ft
D. Stress on bronze, fsb:
2 w b 12 L2 Cmax 26. 3112 40 . 444 = .023 9. 5 Ixb K

R=

Er Ir L

Ep Ip h

.709 36 = 26. 47 4 . 241

B. Load proportion factor: (see graph, p. 130) = .238 C. Load per post: 300 .238 = 73.5 lb. D. Stress at base of post:

f sb =

P h 73. 5 36 f= = = 8, 909 psi S . 297

(15,200 psi allowable) 4. Stress on handrail at mid-span:

= 7,128 psi ( 9,700 psi allowable)

E. Stress on steel, fss:

f ss =

w s 12 L2 C max = I xs K

2 23.69 12 40 .444 2 .005 9.5

f=

Fh L 300 4 = = 444 psi S K . 540 5

= 14, 763 psi (16,800 psi allowable)

Design meets code structural requirements.
Note: Resistance to vertical loading of upper and lower steel channels is additive. Therefore the value of Ixs is doubled. The additional resistance to vertical load by the truss action of the balusters has not been considered, making the result of the calculation more conservative.

(9,700 psi allowable) Railing meets structural designers requirements.

128

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ALUMINUM BRONZE

STAINLESS

ENGINEERING DATA CONNECTORAIL SYSTEM DATA

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Material Allowable Stress (psi) Minimum Yield (psi) Modulus of Elasticity (psi 106)

Aluminum* 6061-T6 6063-T52 pipe 6063-T832 pipe Red Brass C23000 Stainless Type 304

19,500 11,300 24,800 11,000 30,000

35,000 16,000 35,000 18,000 55,000

10.0 10.0 10.0 17.0 28.0

NOTE ON WELDED PIPE RAILINGS An important consideration for welded pipe railings is the effect of welding heat on the structural properties of aluminum handrail pipe. For example, extruded pipe of aluminum alloy 6063-T52 has an allowable design stress of 11,300 psi. After welding, the allowable stress must be reduced to 8,000 psi within 1" of the weld. Since maximum bending moment generally occurs at points of support or attachment, the reduced stress will often control design. This consideration does not apply to non-welded Connectorail. LOADING TABLES The values tabulated in the following page apply to installations fabricated and erected in accordance with Connectorail specications and using Connectorail components exclusively. Chart values have been determined by assuming that reinforcing inserts are included with fascia mounted railings and with railings set into the oor, except where no insert is indicated. For these tables, various post heights have been selected arbitrarily. Values of maximum post spacing for other post heights can be interpolated easily. When Connectorail posts are surface mounted on oors, treads or stringers, using a oor ange, the entire bending moment of the post is transferred to the reinforcing insert and the allowable post loading has to be computed accordingly. The allowable load will be determined by the resisting moment of the reinforcing insert alone or the unreinforced post above the insert (h h1), whichever is less.

* Aluminum Association Specications for Aluminum Structures. American Iron & Steel Institute Stainless Steel Cold-Formed Structural Design Manual. SECTION PROPERTIES Connectorail Pipe (Aluminum, Bronze, Stainless)
Nominal Size Sched. OD Wall Area I S

114" 114" 114" 112" 112" 112" 112"

10 40 40 5 10 40 40

1.660" 1.660" 1.660" 1.900" 1.900" 1.900" 1.900"

.109" .140" .146" .062" .109" .145" .150"

.531 .669 .695 .375 .614 .800 .825

.161 .195 .201 .158 .247 .310 .318

.193 .235 .242 .166 .260 .326 .335

Connectorail Reinforcing Bars (6061-T6)

No. Sched. Nominal Size OD Area I S

7292/7295 7192 7292/7295 7492 7592/7595 9392**

10 10 10 40 40 5

112" 114" 112" 114" 112" 112"

1.667" 1.427" 1.667" 1.328" 1.585" 1.750"

2.183 1.599 2.183 1.452 1.973 .615

.379 .204 .379 .168 .310 .205

.455 .285 .455 .247 .391 .239

** Tubing with .120" wall, type 304 Stainless Steel

CONNECTORAIL TEST RESULTS 112" Aluminum and Stainless Steel PipeSingle Span
RAIL Span (L) or Height (h) Schedule Alloy and Temper 57" 10 6063-T52 Permanent Set Deection 75" 40 6063-T52 Permanent Set Deection 96" 10 6063-T832 Permanent Set Deection 96" 40 6063-T832 Permanent Set Deection 96" 5 Type 304 Permanent Set Deection POST 42" w/24" re-bar 42" w/24" re-bar 10 6063-T832 Permanent Set Deection 40 6063-T832 Permanent Set Deection 42" w/24" re-bar 5 Type 304 Permanent Set .036" .056" .080" .112" .238" .452" 340 lbs. Deection 1.006" 1.160" 1.369" 1.633" 2.131" 2.270" 2.765" 3.880" 350 lbs. 590 lbs. 490 lbs.

Load (P) 200 lbs. 250 lbs. 300 lbs. 350 lbs. 400 lbs. 450 lbs. 500 lbs. 550 lbs. 600 lbs. 650 lbs. 700 lbs. 0.2% Specied Permanent set load

.344" .388" .496" .565" .739" 1.368"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .047" .488"

.547" .669" .845" .998" 1.189" 1.654" 1.990"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .151" .656"

1.466" 1.818" 2.214" 2.483" 2.984" 3.464" 4.510"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .047" .406"

1.021" 1.317" 1.594" 1.882" 2.178" 2.488" 2.775" 3.080" 3.424" 3.754" 4.213"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .031" .192"

.867" 1.120" 1.395" 1.728" 1.992" 2.563" 2.972" 4.176" 5.591"

.025" .040" .128" .205" .322" .652" .994" 1.726" 2.886"

1.389" 1.659" 1.926" 2.206" 2.601" 2.811" 3.122" 3.484" 3.860" 4.267"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .146" .391"

1.724" 2.122" 2.537" 2.849" 3.211" 3.603" 4.278" 4.868"

.000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .000" .109" .266"

430 lbs.

440 lbs.

470 lbs.

700 lbs.

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129

ALUMINUM
JuliusBlum&Co.Inc.

STAINLESS

BRONZE

ENGINEERING DATA

CONNECTORAIL LOAD TABLES Maximum Allowable SpansPost Spacing Based on bending stress in post and insert Load: 50 lbs. per foot, applied horizontally at top rail
Post Material Pipe size Post height (h) No insert 15" insert h1 = 9" h1 = 12" 25" insert h1 = 19"

LOAD DISTRIBUTION CONSIDERATIONS The graph below is used to determine railing load distribution. It has been determined by computer analysis and conrmed by laboratory test. The formula used in determining the graph assumes that all posts are of identical material and section. 64" 52" 44" 38" 34" 78" 64" 54" 47" 41" 86" 70" 60" 52" 46" 108" 88" 75" 65" 57" 85" 73" 61" 50" 43" 89" 77" 67" 59" 52" 126" 108" 81" 67" 57" 131" 112" 98" 84" 72" 34" 31" 28" 26" 23" 51" 46" 42" 37" 32"
26" insert h1 = 20"

Aluminum 6063-T832 114" Sch. 10

LOAD PROPORTION FACTOR (Pf)

Aluminum 6063-T832 114" Sch. 40

Aluminum 6063-T832 112" Sch. 10

Aluminum 6063-T832 112" Sch. 40

Bronze (Red Brass) C23000 114" Sch. 40

Bronze (Red Brass) C23000 112" Sch. 40

30" 34" 38" 42" 46" 30" 34" 38" 42" 46" 30" 34" 38" 42" 46" 30" 34" 38" 42" 46" 30" 34" 38" 42" 46" 30" 34" 38" 42" 46"
Post height (h)

38" 34" 30" 27" 25" 47" 41" 37" 33" 30" 52" 46" 41" 37" 34" 65" 57" 51" 46" 42" 21" 18" 16" 15" 13" 29" 25" 23" 21" 19"
No insert

55" 46" 40" 35" 31" 67" 56" 48" 42" 38" 74" 62" 53" 47" 42" 92" 78" 67" 59" 52" 30" 25" 21" 19" 17" 41" 34" 30" 26" 23"

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

B C

0.5

D E F G

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

H J K L M

0.1

0.5

1.0

5.0

10

50

100

500 1000

STIFFNESS RATIO (R) k railk post

The Stiffness (k) of a rail or post is:

EI for the rail L EI for the post kp = h kr = kp

(see page 123 for denition of symbols) k The Stiffness Ratio (R) is determined as: R = r

h1 = 18"

Stainless Steel Type 304 112" Sch. 5

30" 34" 38" 42" 46"

40" 35" 32" 29" 26"

83" 71" 62" 50" 43"

85" 73" 64" 54" 46"

Maximum Allowable SpansHandrail Based on bending stress in rail. Load: 50 lbs. per foot
1 or 2 spans 3 or more spans

The Stiffness Ratio is then plotted on the graph to obtain a Load Proportion Factor (Pf). When the load proportion factor has been determined, it is multiplied by the total load to determine the load one post must sustain. If one or both ends of the railing are free standing, the end loaded condition must be assumed. If both ends of the run are laterally braced by a change in direction or attachment to a rm structure, the center loaded load proportion factor may be used.
NOTE: If end posts differ from intermediate posts in strength, the load distribution pattern becomes indeterminate and end posts should then be designed to carry 100% of the concentrated load. Intermediate posts may then be designed to the center loaded condition.

Aluminum 6063-T52 114" Sch. 10 114" Sch. 40 112" Sch. 10 112" Sch. 40

65" 71" 75" 84"

71" 78" 82" 92"

If it is desired to use longer rail spans than allowed by the limits above, alloy 6063-T832 pipe should be used. Allowable rail span for 6063-T832 pipe is usually greater than allowable post spacing. Bronze (Red Brass) C23000 114" Sch. 40 112" Sch. 40 Stainless Steel Type 304 112" Sch. 5 70" 83" 98" 77" 90" 107"

In single span railings, each post must be designed to carry the full concentrated load. When posts and rails are of identical material and section (as in pipe railing), and post spacing varies between 3 and 6 feet while post height is between 30 and 42 inches, load distribution is fairly uniform. In this situation, the greatest proportion of a concentrated load carried by any post can be estimated as follows: End posts: Intermediate posts: 2 span railing Pf = 0.65 2 span railing Pf = 0.85 3 or more spans Pf = 0.82 3 or more spans Pf = 0.60 Thus, if a 200 lb concentrated load is specied for a pipe railing, actual design load to be applied at the top of the end post is .82 200 lb (164 lb) while design load to be applied to intermediate posts is .60 200 lb (120 lb). If railing posts are reinforced, the load proportion factor for posts is about 3 percentage points higher.

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