brudgers said:
The new ADAAG is not law, and the old one did not allow 1.5" [nominal] pipe.Ironically by your logic, 2" nominal pipe would comply with the building code and a circular cross section could have a larger perimeter than a non-circular cross section under the IRC.
And your reference to how the size in the current ADAAG was determined is pure BS.
The 1.5" dimension comes straight from NFPA 101...where it has been for a number of years (because they're the one's who've actually done the research).
Obviously, you're content with doing it wrong.
Sorry, Ben. Go back to your calculator and recheck your entries. Using the alternate calculation method a nominal 2 inch diameter pipe would afford a perimeter of 7.46 inches - NOT acceptable. I'm not sure where you got your reference from for nominal pipe dimension. Better try again.
Why are you even bringing up the IRC? As I'm sure you're aware, the ADAAG doesn't apply to any building constructed using the IRC. Whether the calculation was true or not is irrelevant to that issue. And, last timer I checked, few homes are built using steel pipe for handrails. Or is that the type of architecture you specialize in? (Just kidding)
I'm not sure where you get the idea that the 1-1/2 inch diameter was an NFPA 101 thing. The dimension was included in the 1986 ANSI A117.1 - the basis for the current ADAAG. That dimension was generated after meetings of many on the ANSI committee to submit the metrics on graspability for the last few decades. NFPA doesn't do their own research, they rely on input from outside experts who research various matters. The fact that the Life Safety Code may also have used the same original data does not make them the authors. They have and continue to say that they are not involved in accessibility issues other than as a component of egress design.
As I mentioned, I've been in contact with the Access Board as well as individuals on the A117.1 committee. They all say that the intent was to use nominal pipe size. This is clarified in the new ADAAG. It sounds like you're afraid that it will get adopted and ruin all your arguments.
(btw: the new ADAAG IS adopted - well, at least the ABA portions of it - and happily in use by a number of federal agencies. The Title III concerns of the ADA will likely be addressed soon.)
Is it possible that you just can't admit your wrong?