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Handrail Compliance - Sect. 1012.4, exception 3 (2012 IBC)

indyarchyguy

indyarchyguy

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Mar 28, 2013
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127
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Please see sketch attached for a custom bracket and handrail system. The question is regarding exception 3 of 1012.4. Does this NOT meet the requirements? Please throw me your comments. I appreciate it.

120D984C-A928-4AC6-B6F0-41DA268EF638_1_105_c.jpeg
 
Per the detail, the dimension of "X" (as I marked up below) must be 1-1/4 inches. The distance between the bottom of the handrail to the bracket extension to the wall must be 1-1/2 inches. However, this can be reduced by 1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch the perimeter of the handrail exceeds 4 inches. Since your handrail has a perimeter of 5 inches, the 1-1/2-inch requirement can be reduced by 1/4 inch (1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch over 4 inches). Thus, the required dimension should be 1-1/4 inches. The design as shown does not comply since the dimension of "X" would be 1 inch based on the dimensions given.
1615823410134.png
 
RLGA said:
Per the detail, the dimension of "X" (as I marked up below) must be 1-1/4 inches. The distance between the bottom of the handrail to the bracket extension to the wall must be 1-1/2 inches. However, this can be reduced by 1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch the perimeter of the handrail exceeds 4 inches. Since your handrail has a perimeter of 5 inches, the 1-1/2-inch requirement can be reduced by 1/4 inch (1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch over 4 inches). Thus, the required dimension should be 1-1/4 inches. The design as shown does not comply since the dimension of "X" would be 1 inch based on the dimensions given.
View attachment 7590
Click to expand...
THANK YOU RON.
 
Does the elbow of the support bracket ... the point where it transitions from horizontal to vertical ... need to fall inside the edge of the rail? The way its drawn, there will not be 1-1/4” at the point of the bracket.
 
e hilton said:
Does the elbow of the support bracket ... the point where it transitions from horizontal to vertical ... need to fall inside the edge of the rail? The way its drawn, there will not be 1-1/4” at the point of the bracket.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Squared away...
 
indyarchyguy said:
THANK YOU RON.
Click to expand...
RLGA said:
Per the detail, the dimension of "X" (as I marked up below) must be 1-1/4 inches. The distance between the bottom of the handrail to the bracket extension to the wall must be 1-1/2 inches. However, this can be reduced by 1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch the perimeter of the handrail exceeds 4 inches. Since your handrail has a perimeter of 5 inches, the 1-1/2-inch requirement can be reduced by 1/4 inch (1/8 inch for each 1/2 inch over 4 inches). Thus, the required dimension should be 1-1/4 inches. The design as shown does not comply since the dimension of "X" would be 1 inch based on the dimensions given.
View attachment 7590
Click to expand...
Do you have concern about the 1/2" handrail thickness?
 
indyarchyguy said:
Yes I saw that and just wondered...you would think ANSI A117.1 would have hit that.
Click to expand...
The most commonly adopted ver.s of A117.1 are the same wording in 505.7 as 2010 ADA.

The 2.25" is widest point, thus the flat bar with a 2" width and 1/2" height is actually closer to 2-1/16" for the measurement.

The 2 examples below show the measuring and I pasted the 2010 ADA Sec 505.7.

Flat bar handrails are used all the time on projects and comply with ADA, ANSI A117.1 and IBC..., the only time they get flagged is when the fabricator does not slightly chamfer the edge, that is rarely done, or should I say should never be done, the chamfer is mostly done for the applied finish adherence, though Designers try to push harder edges.

The 4" minimum, perimeter does limit to larger sizes, one we see many times they try to sneak in is 1-1/2" wide by 1/2" high, this is a size that if you don't like the feel an inspector can call non-compliance if the material is measured with calipers. Most materials are polished and cleaned removing material and normally reducing the 1.5x0.5 to be under the 4" Min.



505.7 sk01.JPG
2010 ADA for ref.
505.7 ADA.JPG
 
tbz said:
The most commonly adopted ver.s of A117.1 are the same wording in 505.7 as 2010 ADA.

The 2.25" is widest point, thus the flat bar with a 2" width and 1/2" height is actually closer to 2-1/16" for the measurement.

The 2 examples below show the measuring and I pasted the 2010 ADA Sec 505.7.

Flat bar handrails are used all the time on projects and comply with ADA, ANSI A117.1 and IBC..., the only time they get flagged is when the fabricator does not slightly chamfer the edge, that is rarely done, or should I say should never be done, the chamfer is mostly done for the applied finish adherence, though Designers try to push harder edges.

The 4" minimum, perimeter does limit to larger sizes, one we see many times they try to sneak in is 1-1/2" wide by 1/2" high, this is a size that if you don't like the feel an inspector can call non-compliance if the material is measured with calipers. Most materials are polished and cleaned removing material and normally reducing the 1.5x0.5 to be under the 4" Min.



View attachment 7607
2010 ADA for ref.
View attachment 7608
Click to expand...
So you are thinking the 1/2-inch complies even though it appears contradictory to 1012.3?
 
e hilton said:
Tbz ... where do yo7 see that 1/2” is acceptable?
Click to expand...
E/H,

Not sure of your question but,
  • the 2010 ADA and ANSI A117.1 Are silent on non-circular cross sections for the minimum "Cross Section", only stating a maximum of 2-1/4"
  • The IBC has a 1" minimum cross section, with a 2-1/4" maximum
  • All 3 require a minimum perimeter of 4" with a maximum perimeter of 6-1/4"
  • Non-of them say anything about the height for non-circular handrails
    • and the 1/2" dimension is in the vertical direction, not horizontal or angled cross section
  • Additionally, the IBC ends the required handrails charging statement with "or shall provide equivalent graspability"
So from what I am reading the 2" x 1/2" meets 2010ADA, ANSI A117.1 (latest 3 or 4 vs) and all the model IBC's 2000-2021, not sure were it says otherwise?

Been on 5 projects in the last 12 months, all University Campus or Hospital locations that have it installed and 3 were questioned, not for the 2" x 1/2", but the balusters hitting the underside. All Passed and all are accessibility main public entrances.

I guess my question back is, why do you say the 1/2" dimension does not comply?

------------------------
Indy,

as to the profile itself only being a 1/2", I am personally not a fan, for flat bars I prefer to see a minimum of 3/4", but that is just my oversized mitts talking.

I have spoken with a lot of petite women that find the 2" x 1/2" very acceptable and comfortable. Please no comments, I have done a lot of Q & A sessions with designers asking them to feel the different handrail profiles. Everyone has their own pick, the problem with designers is you need to ask them with their eye's closed to get an honest evaluation of a handrail, otherwise the eyes over ride the touch.
 
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