Ornamental Metal (C-23) · Lesson 5 of 6

Guard and Handrail Loads: 200 lb, 50 plf, and the Post Base

"Guard and Handrail Loads: 200 lb, 50 plf, and the Post Base" is lesson 5 of 6 in the Ornamental Metal (C-23) Learning Hub. It opens with "What the Code Says a Guard Must Resist" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. What the Code Says a Guard Must Resist
  2. Infill and the Exceptions
  3. Turn Loads Into a Post-Base Moment
  4. Turn the Moment Into Bolt Tension
  5. Construction-Period Railings Have Their Own Test

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Concentrated load case" through "Same guard on a one- or two-family house".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Guard and Handrail Loads: 200 lb, 50 plf, and the Post Base" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Turn Loads Into a Post-Base Moment".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Turn the Moment Into Bolt Tension".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Construction-Period Railings Have Their Own Test".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Guard Loads and the Post BaseGuard post, side view (not to scale)200 lb or 250 lb2 bolts(tension)toeh = 42 inlever arm d = 6 inPosts 5 ft o.c., rail height 42 in(a) 200 lb x 42 in = 8,400 in-lb(b) 50 plf x 5 ft = 250 lb x 42 in = 10,500 in-lb (GOVERNS)Not added together (CBC 1607.9.1.1)Bolt row 6 in from toe: T = M / dT = 10,500 / 6 = 1,750 lb (875 lb per bolt)House, 200 lb only: 8,400 / 6 = 1,400 lb8 CCR 1620(c): 200 lb, rail stays 39 in or moreStatics only: the code prints loads, not bolt sizesPost base must resist 10,500 in-lb: 1,750 lb of bolt tensionInfill balusters and panels: 50 lb concentrated (CBC §1607.9.1.2)Construction-period rail, 42 in high: may deflect 42 - 39 = 3 inSources: 2025 CBC §1607.9.1-1607.9.1.2; 8 CCR §1620(c), (d); moment = force x heightCC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: What the Code Says a Guard Must Resist

2025 CBC Section 1015.2 says guards must be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.9, and Section 1014.1 says the same for handrails. Section 1607.9.1 requires handrails and guards to resist a concentrated load of 200 pounds, and Section 1607.9.1.1 requires a linear load of 50 pounds per linear foot. The 50 plf load need not be assumed to act at the same time as the 200 pound load.

Step 2: Infill and the Exceptions

Section 1607.9.1.2 requires balusters, panel fillers and guard infill, including all rails except the handrail and top rail, to resist a concentrated load of 50 pounds. Section 1607.9.1.1 has three exceptions: for one- and two-family dwellings only the single 200 pound load applies; in Group I-3, F, H and S areas not accessible to the general public with an occupant load under 50 the linear load drops to 20 plf; and roofs not intended for occupancy use only the 200 pound load. Glass guards follow Section 2407, not this lesson.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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