Smooth surface

[ICE]

California code. Plans call for a smooth surface behind handrail at ramps. There is split face cmu that, according to the inspector, must be ground smooth 18" above and 6" below the handrail. Is this in the code?

I won't know the code cycle until after lunch.

Okay, I found it. 1012.7 which says no sharp or abrasive surface but no dimensions other than the word adjacent.

As long as the minimum clearance is met, would a thick coating of epoxy whatever meet the code? I see it used in park bathrooms. It is smooth and not abrasive.

 

[Mech]

Don't know. Can it be painted smooth with the assistance of block filler and paint?

 

[MASSDRIVER]

Don't know. Can it be painted smooth with the assistance of block filler and paint?

Little caulk, little paint, makes ADA a pain in the taint.

Brent.

 

[Mech]

D'oh! Time for me to wake up. I read Split Face CMU but my mind thought typical CMU with porous openings that could be filled in.

 

[mtlogcabin]

The intent is to not scrape your hand on the wall while using the handrail.

1.5 " clearance is not much. Maybe the installation of a 4" to 6" plate parallel to the handrail will meet the intent, but then again so would a 2" clearance in my book for the majority of the population out there.

 

[ADAguy]

New or existing condition? If new a band of smooth face block could be used, or block could be set back creating a recess for the handrail.

 

[ICE]

This is an existing store remodel. Sixty feet of existing handrail and another 45' of new ramp handrail. My thought is that some of the protruding block face might be knocked off and then a clear epoxy 3/16" thick would render it okay.

Okay should have a definition in chapter I I .

 

[lpiburn]

It's not the same section, but I would use 2009 ANSI A117.1 figure 609.3 as a guide. It prohibits projecting objects 12" above and 1 1/2" below a grab bar. Those dimensions make a little more sense than 18" above and 6" below. I would think that the same reasoning applies for handrail graspability.