<\/span><\/p>\nWhat loadings and forces are they designed to withstand?<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\nThe loads are expressed in kN\/m (kilo Newton metre) in simple terms this is a quantity very similar to 100Kg (220lb) of pressure per metre length. If for example it is stated that there is 1.0kN\/m it will be approximately the equivalent of one person weighing 100kg putting their full weight on one metre length.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nThere are three basic loads that are required to be met:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n(a) Horizontal loading on the handrail<\/span>
\n(b) Vertical loading on the handrail<\/span>
\n(c) Loading on the infill<\/span><\/p>\nThe horizontal loading on the handrail is called a \u201cuniformly distributed line load\u201d or UDL (basically meaning that the load needs to be calculated in a fashion that allows for even distribution of the pressure along the complete length of the element, as opposed to the sum of the load applied to one point). The vertical load on the handrail is composed of both a UDL vertical load and a point load. The load on the infill, be it glass, metal or other, is tested and calculated in two separate ways; a distributed load and a \u201cpoint load\u201d. This means the infill of the railing, balustrade or barrier must be able to withstand an evenly distributed pressure as well as a concentrated pressure on a small point.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nThe loads are tested or calculated whereby the maximum deflection under pressure must not exceed 25mm.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nAreas of Building Usage and the Loads that Apply<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\nYou can divide regulations into these basic areas:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nDomestic & Residential\u202f(Single Family Home), Internal Stairs\/Landings Etc.<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\nIn which case the handrail pressure must be able to take 0.36kN\/m. For external balconies and in light office areas non susceptible to overcrowding this is doubled to 0.74 kN\/m. This can be compared to having one averagely weighing person 75kg applying the full force of their body on every metre of the balcony.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nPublic Areas Such as Retail Areas, Bars and Restaurants<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\nThe handrail pressure must be able to take 1.5 kN\/m. This is doubled to a dramatic 3.0 kN\/m in areas such as malls, discotheques, and areas susceptible to overcrowding.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nIn relation to the loads that apply in these areas on the glass or infill panels we will show here the severe of the two loads which is the concentrated point load:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nPoint Load for Domestic & Residential\u202f(Single Family Home) Internal Stairs\/Landings Etc.<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n0.25kN\/m. For external balconies and in light office areas non susceptible to overcrowding 0.5kN\/m.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nPoint Load for Public Areas<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\nOn all public areas such as retail areas, malls, discotheques, areas susceptible to overcrowding, bars and restaurants the point load must be able to take 1.5kN\/m.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nWhen dealing with glass barrier one more element must be taken into account and that is impact resistance of the glass. A minimum of 10mm glass should be employed in balcony areas that are wider than 1.5m.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nFinally\u2026<\/span><\/b>
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