MCMEL Aluminium products Design manual for railing systems www.mcmel.

ca

Design Manual for

1 - USES OF RAILINGS
M.C.M.E.L Railing System M.C.M.E.L. railing systems are used in homes and in
residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to
ensure safety on balconies, staircases, mezzanines or
FOR all structure over 2 steps.

DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, M.C.M.E.L. railing systems consist specifically of

vertical aluminum component parts, posts, which
CONTRACTORS & INSTALLERS. support horizontal and vertical loads. Loads are
transferred to various floors by means of anchorages
or screws. The handrails are the horizontal
components connecting the posts that transfer the
static and dynamic loads (horizontal and vertical) to
them.

The spindles are the components that fill the necessary

space for railing systems. They can be horizontal,
vertical, or a combination of both. In M.C.M.E.L.
system, these components can be constructed from
different materials such as aluminum, glass panels or
hybrid combination.

Prepared and approved by: FIGURE 1: THE COMPONENT PARTS OF A RAILING

Patrice Austin, ing.
Digitech 3D inc.

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Aluminium components have several advantageous 2 - TYPES OF M.C.M.E.L DECKING SYSTEMS

characteristics such as resistance to corrosion and bad
weather, higher mechanical resistance and are M.C.M.E.L. offers a decking system including boards
relatively lightweight. Notably for these reasons, and aluminum structure. It suits many applications
aluminium structure systems are widely used in the such as platforms, decks, mezzanines, balconies and
construction industry for the external perimeters of staircases. The structure can be designed with wood
balconies, footbridges, staircases, etc. or with M.C.M.E.L aluminum extrusions. Boards are
always fabricated with types of railing systems such as
M.C.M.E.L. is a family business that encourages a railings with basket spindles, with double handrails,
creative environment, and is always up-to-date on the with plain double handrails, with “Floret” ornaments
newest industry developments so as to offer innovative and with double handrails with “Gothic” ornament
products to its clients. The company distinguishes itself (Figure 2). Handrails, posts and spindles are shown in
by offering products that are within reach of all budgets Figures 3, 4 and 5 respectively.
while recognized for their elegance, durability, ease of
installation, and low maintenance.

This manual is a design and installation guide for

engineers, architects, designers, and installers of FIGURE 2: M.C.M.E.L RAILING OPTIONS
aluminium and wooden platform structure recovered
with aluminium boards. In this way, installers can
determine the type of beams and spacing between
them, the arrangement of component parts comprised
in the system and the specifications for all anchoring
as required.

Following codes are applicable in Platform system

design:

• National Building code of Canada 2010

• Ontario Building Code 2012
• CAN/CSA-S157-05/S157.1-05 (R2010) -
Strength Design in Aluminum

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FIGURE 3: M.C.M.E.L POST OPTIONS FIGURE 4: M.C.M.E.L SPINDLE OPTIONS

NOTCHED POST 1 5/8’’ X 1 3/4’’ OVAL SPINDLE 3/4” X 1”

POST 2’’ X 2’’ SPINDLE 3/4’’ X 3/4’’

POST 2 ½’’ X 2 ½’’

SPINDLE 3/4’’ X 1’’

POST 3’’ X 3’’ SPINDLE 1/2’’ X 3/4’’

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FIGURE 5: M.C.M.E.L HANDRAIL OPTIONS PRINCESSE Model

PRINCESSE PLUS Model

Handrail dimensions: 1 5/8" x 1 5/8"

Available Posts: 2", 2 1/2" and 3"

BARONNE Model

Handrail Dimensions: 1 5/8" x 2 5/8"

Available Posts: 2", 2 1/2" and 3"

DUCHESSE Model

Handrail Dimensions: 1 5/8" x 2

Available Posts: 2", 2 1/2" and 3"

ROYAL Model

Handrail Dimensions: 1 5/8" x 2 5/8"

Available Posts: 2", 2 1/2" and 3"
Handrail Dimensions: 2 3/8" x 2"
Available Post: 3"

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3 - PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Conforming to CSA standard S175-05 calculation of
aluminium structures, the physical characteristics of
aluminium alloys are the following:
• Modulus of elasticity, E= 70,000 MPa
• Shearing module, G= 26,000 MPa
• Linear coefficient of thermal expansion,
α = 24 x 10-6 /°C
• Poisson coefficient, ν =0,33
• Density, ρ =2700 kg/m3

The properties of the sections of the component parts

used for M.C.M.E.L platform systems are shown in
Tables 1, 2 and 3. See annex 1 for full section
properties for aluminum boards. The mechanical and
physical properties of components of the railing system
are used in order to evaluate the bearing capacity of
these components against the stress of the external
loads imposed by Codes.

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4 - MECHANICAL PROPERTIES TABLE 3 - SPECIFICATION OF ALUMINUM ALLOY USED FOR

Mechanical properties of the railing system M.C.M.E.L PRODUCTS
components used in M.C.M.E.L products are in
Fy Fy
accordance with the CAN/CSA-S157-05/S157.1-05 Fu
R2010) - Strength Design in Aluminum and appear in traction Compression
Table 3. 150 MPa 110 MPa 110 MPa
6063-T5
(21.8 ksi) (16.0 ksi) (16.0 ksi)
TABLE 1 - SECTION PROPERTIES OF POSTS (SEE FIGURE 3 FOR
6063-T5 205MPa 170 MPa 170 MPa
COMPLETE SECTION PROPERTIES) (6063-T54 ALLOY)
(posts) (29.8 ksi) (24.7 ksi) (24.7 ksi)
1 ¾’’ 6063-T54 230 MPa 205 MPa 205 MPa
2’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
notched (posts) (33.4 ksi) (29.8 ksi) (29.8 ksi) 3
A
353.7 399 469 504.4
mm2
(0.548) (0.62) (0.78) (0.78)
(in2)
Ixx
0.074 0.15 0.27 0.42
mm4
(0.177) (0.36) (0.65) (1.0)
(in4)
Sxx
3.8 6.0 8.7 11
mm3
(0.23) (0.37) (0.53) (0.67)
(in3)

TABLE 2 - SECTION PROPERTIES OF HANDRAILS (SEE FIGURE 5

FOR COMPLETE SECTION PROPERTIES)

Princesse
Duchesse Princesse Baronne Royale
Plus

A
226.54 178.89 317.26 174.83 274.89
mm2
(.351) (0.277) (0.492) (0.271) (0.426)
(in2)
Ixx
0.209 0.078 0.22 0.099 0.134
mm4
(0.502) (0.19) (0.528) (0.237) (0.32)
(in4)
Sxx
6.1 3.9 6.7 4.5
mm3 5.3 (0.32)
(0.381) (0.237) (0.40) (0.274)
(in3)
Iyy
0.129 0.11 0.14 0.118 0.176
mm4
(0.311) (0.264) (0.336) (0.283) (0.422)
(in4)
Syy
6.5 5.4 7.0 5.9 5.9
mm3
(0.396) (0.33) (0.427) (0.36) (0.36)
(in3)

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5 - DESIGN PROCEDURE need not be considered to act simultaneously with

the horizontal load provided for in Sentence (1).
5.1 LOADS
Loads applied on the railing systems, according to 3.4.6.5. Handrails
Ontario Building Code 2012, are mentioned in chapter
4, Rule of Calculation. Loads to consider are the 12) Handrails and their supports shall be designed
excess loads due to usage. For model with glass and constructed to withstand the loading values
(tempered, heat strengthened and laminated), the load obtained from the no concurrent application of,
includes loads due to the wind. Other loads, such as
a) a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN
the permanent load, snow load, and seismic load, are
applied at any point and in any direction for all
negligible because of the low magnitude of these loads
in relation to excess loads due to usage or the wind. handrails, and
b) a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied
in any direction to handrails not located within
5.1.1 SPECIFIED EXCESS LOADS DUE TO USAGE dwelling units.
The excess load from usage per 4.1.5.14 section of
Ontario Building Code 2012 following:
Please note that 4.1.5.14.1.a cases are excluded from
1) The minimum specified horizontal load applied this manual and designer shall consult M.C.M.E.L for
inward or outward at the minimum required height further information.
of every required guard shall be,
a) 3.0 kN/m for open viewing stands without fixed
seats and for means of egress in grandstands,
stadia, bleachers and arenas,
b) a concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any
point for access ways to equipment platforms,
contiguous stairs and similar areas where the
gathering of many people is improbable, and
c) a distributed load of:
i. 0.5 kN/m or a concentrated load of 1.0 kN
applied at any point, whichever governs,
for interior residential railings and exterior
residential railings of a building of 2
residences of less;
ii. 0.75 kN/m or a concentrated load of 1.0 kN
applied at any point, whichever governs for
locations other than those described in
Clauses a), b) and c) i.
2) Individual elements within the guard, including solid
panels and pickets, shall be designed for a load of
0.5 kN applied over an area of 100 mm by 100 mm
located at any point in the element or elements so
as to produce the most critical effect.
3) The loads required in Sentence (2) need not be
considered to act simultaneously with the loads
provided for in Sentences (1) and (4).
4) The minimum specified load applied vertically at the
top of every required guard shall be 1.5 kN/m and

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5.2 LOAD COMBINATION 6 - STRUCTURAL ANALYSES

In cases where the only load is the surcharge due to
usage, the Ontario Building Code 2012 defines load The load distribution and the structural analysis of the
combination as follows: different railing systems are determined in accordance
with the following parameters:
• Resistance calculation to the ultimate limit • The railing system geometry such as height
states: 1.5 L and post spacing;
• Deflection calculation to the serviceability limit • Different types of railing system components
state: 1.0 L such as handrails, posts, handrail base, low rail
and bars;
For the glass panel included railing, the following • The limit conditions: the type of connection and
combinations are considered: attachment at the railing system ends as well
as the anchorage stiffness of the posts in the
1. Resistance calculation to the ultimate limit ground.
states: max (1.5L, 1.4W) • The handrail’s continuity, handrail, and post
2. Deflection calculation to the serviceability limit relative stiffness, the type of spindle, its
state: max (L, W) spacing, etc.

L: surcharge, according to the Ontario Building Code Structural design and verification has been performed
2012 according CAN/CSA-S157-05/S157.1-05 (R2010) -
Strength Design in Aluminum, CAN/CSA-A23.3-F04
W: wind load, according to the Ontario Building Code (C2010) – Design of Concrete Structures, CAN/CGSB-
2012 12.20-M89 Structural Design of Glass for Buildings.
It should be noted that the code doesn’t require the According to the Ontario Building Code 2012, the
combination of wind loads and surcharges structural analysis is carried out by the SolidWorks
simultaneously. software, a linear analysis to the limit states (See
Figure 6 for an example of our analysis).

Design tables, 4 and 5, are prepared based on the

analysis results considering different posts, the
factored load or real load if guard has been tested, and
the spacing between posts. These calculation tables
were established for a 1.06 m (42 in) railing height.

For a different height, the designer should do a more

in-depth analysis.

According to the 4.1.5.14.2 sentence of Ontario

Building Code 2012, a 0.5 kN load is horizontally
applied on the spindles or on the glass railing and it is
exerted on 100 x 100mm square. According to our
analysis, all M.C.M.E.L railing systems can resist an
applied load and it is not necessary for any verification
by the designer in order to fulfill this code requirement.

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FIGURE 6: AN EXAMPLE OF SIMULATION:

A) UNIFORM VERTICAL LOAD 1.5 KN/M
B) UNIFORM HORIZONTAL LOAD 0.75 KN/M
C) CONCENTRATED LOAD OF 1.0 KN

(a)

(b)

(c)

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NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 8 - DESIGN STAGE OF RAILING SYSTEMS

1) Choose the type of railing system;

2) If it is a railing system for:
7 - DESIGN STAGES a) a public space (4.1.5.14 CNB2010),
consider a usage load of 3 kN/m;
7.1 LOADING TYPE DETERMINATION b) a residential building of 3 stories or less, or
We consider two types of minimal specified loads, in an exterior railing for buildings of 2
accordance with the 4.1.5.14.1, horizontally applied residences or less (9.8.8.2 CNB 2015),
towards the exterior or the interior, on the minimal consider a usage load of 0.5 kN/m;
required height of a railing as follows: c) otherwise 0.75 kN/m;
3) According to the load combinations, calculate
the factored load;
7.1.1 - 1.0 KN CONCENTRATED LOAD 4) For a factored load of 1.125 kN/m (0.75 kN/m x
(IN ACCORDANCE WITH 4.1.5.14.1.B) 1,5, where 1.5 is the security factor) and
according to the type of posts chosen,
A concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point for determine the number of sections (n) and the
access ways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs minimum spacing (s) according to Table 4;
and similar areas where the gathering of many people
is improbable. 5) If the height of the railing is other than 1.06m
(42in) or 900 mm (36in), modify the spacing
according to table 6.
7.1.2.A - 0.75 KN/M UNIFORM LINEAR LOAD
(IN ACCORDANCE WITH 4.1.5.14.1.C)
Uniform load of 0.75 kN/m applied horizontally on
railings.

Moreover, for both cases, we separately apply a

uniform vertical load of 1.5 kN/m on the railing in
accordance with sentence number 4.1.5.14.4 of the
Ontario Building Code. Also, a 0.9 kN concentrated
load or a 0.7 kN/m load divided in two vertical and
horizontal directions on the handrails, only for the
handrail design in accordance with 3.4.6.5.12 sentence
of Ontario Building Code 2012.

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FIGURE 7: M.C.M.E.L HANDRAIL OPTIONS TABLE 4 – LOAD NON-FACTORED 0.75 KN/M

TABLE 4 - REGULAR HANDRAIL - SPACING BETWEEN POSTS AT

0.75 KN/M

Number of sections (ns) 2’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’

Height of 42”

N=1 (tested)
1524 2134 2438
(60) (84) (96)
N=2 (tested)
1372 1829 1829
(54) (72) (72)
N≥3 (simulated)
1219 1524 1676
(48) (66) (66)
Height of 36”
STANDARD HANDRAIL
Spacing
between the N=1 (simulated)
1829 2438 2925
posts (s) (72) (96) (115)
[mm(in)] N=2 (simulated) 1676 2134 2134
(66) (84) (84)
N≥3 (simulated) 1372 2030 2030
(54) (80) (80)

TABLE 4.2 - CONTINUOUS HANDRAIL WITH SPINDLES (2 POSTS

WITH NOCHED 1 5/8 X 1 ¾ POST BETWEEN) AT 0.75 KN/M

Number of
Dist. 2 ’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
sections (ns)
Height of 42”

Spacing Post to 1524 1524 1524

between the notched (60) (60) (60)
N=1
posts (S)
(tested) Post to 3048 3048 3048
[mm(in)]
Post (120) (120) (120)
Post to 1524 1524 1524
N≥2 notched (60) (60) (60)
(simul.) Post to 3048 3048 3048
Post (120) (120) (120)
Height of 36”
Spacing Post to 1829 1829 1829
between the notched (72) (72) (72)
N=1
posts (s)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
[mm(in)]
Post (144) (144) (144)
CONTINUOUS HANDRAIL (Fig. shows one 1829 1829 1829
Post to
noched, but maximum of two noched 1 5/8 X N≥2 notched (72) (72) (72)
1 ¾ can be installed between Posts) (simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
Post (144) (144) (144)
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GLASS GUARDRAILS: FIGURE 8: DESIGN DE SYSTÈMES DE RAMPES POUR

PATIOS
MCMEL also proposes glass panel guardrails. These
guardrails meet the requirements of the National
Building Code, for resistance and deformation under
loads impose by Code. The tempered glass used is 6
mm thick. The tempered glass complies with to the
CAN/CGSB-12.1 M90 standard. The maximum
acceptable length of guardrails is presented in the
following table 4.3

TABLE 4.3 - CONTINUOUS AND STANDARD HANDRAIL WITH

GLASS (2 POSTS WITH NOCHED 1 5/8 X 1 ¾ POST BETWEEN)
AT 0.75 KN/M

Number of
Dist. 2 ’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
sections (ns)
Height of 42”

Spacing Post to 1524 1524 1524

between the notched (60) (60) (60)
N=1
posts (S)
(tested) Post to 3048 3048 3048
[mm(in)]
Post (120) (120) (120)
Post to 1524 1524 1524
N≥2 notched (60) (60) (60)
(simul.) Post to 3048 3048 3048
Post (120) (120) (120)
Height of 36”
Spacing Post to 1829 1829 1829
between the notched (72) (72) (72)
N=1
posts (s)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
[mm(in)]
Post (144) (144) (144)
Post to 1829 1829 1829
N≥2 notched (72) (72) (72)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
Post (144) (144) (144)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The handrail not supported by a foot support is always
limited to 72 inches (1.8 m). A foot support is a spindle
elongated to be attached to the floor.

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RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 10 - DESIGN STAGE OF RAILING SYSTEMS

1) Choose the type of railing system;
2) If it is a railing system for:
d) a public space (4.1.5.14 CNB2010),
9 - DESIGN STAGES consider a usage load of 3 kN/m;
e) a residential building of 3 stories or less, or
9.1 LOADING TYPE DETERMINATION an exterior railing for buildings of 2
We consider two types of minimal specified loads, in residences or less (9.8.8.2 CNB 2015),
accordance with the 9.8.8.2 sentence of the Ontario consider a usage load of 0.5 kN/m;
Building Code, horizontally applied towards the exterior f) otherwise 0.75 kN/m;
or the interior, on the minimal required height of a 3) According to the load combinations, calculate
railing as follows: the factored load;
4) For a factored load of 0.75 kN/m (0.50 kN/m x
1,5, where 1.5 is the security factor) and
9.1.1 - 1.0 KN CONCENTRATED LOAD according to the type of posts chosen,
(IN ACCORDANCE WITH 9.8.8.2) determine the number of sections (n) and the
minimum spacing (s) according to Table 5;
A concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point for
access ways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs 5) If the height of the railing is other than 1.06m
and similar areas where the gathering of many people (42in) or 900 mm (36in), modify the spacing
is improbable. according to table 6.

9.1.2 – 0.5 KN/M UNIFORM LINEAR LOAD (IN

ACCORDANCE WITH 9.8.8.2)
Uniform load of 0.5 kN/m applied horizontally on
railings.

Moreover, for both cases, we separately apply a

uniform vertical load of 1.5 kN/m on the railing in
accordance with sentence number 9.8.8.2 of the
Ontario Building Code. Also, a 0.9 kN concentrated
load or a 0.7 kN/m load divided in two vertical and
horizontal directions on the handrails, only for the
handrail design in accordance with 3.4.6.5.12 sentence
of Ontario Building Code 2012.

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FIGURE 9: M.C.M.E.L HANDRAIL OPTIONS TABLE 5 – LOAD NON-FACTORED 0.50 KN/M

TABLE 5.1 – REGULAR HANDRAIL - SPACING BETWEEN POSTS AT

0.50 KN/M

Number of sections
2’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
(ns)
Height of 42”
Spacing
N=1 (tested)
1905 3048 3048
between (75) (120) (120)
the posts
(s) N=2 (simulated)
1715 2134 2286
[mm(in)] (68) (84) (84)
N≥3 (simulated)
1524 1905 2095
(60) (84) (84)
STANDARD HANDRAIL Height of 36”
Spacing 2286 3048 3048
between N=1 (simulated)
the posts (90) (120) (120)
(s) N=2 (simulated) 2095 2540 2747
[mm(in)] (83) (100) (108)
N≥3 (simulated) 1829 2286 2540
(72) (90) (100)

TABLE 5.2 – CONTINUOUS HANDRAIL WITH SPINDLES (2

POSTS WITH NOCHED 1 5/8 X 1 ¾ POST BETWEEN) 0.50 KN/M

Number of
Dist. 2 ’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
sections (ns)
Height of 42”

Spacing Post to 1524 1524 1524

between the notched (60) (60) (60)
N=1
posts (S)
(tested) Post to 3048 3048 3048
[mm(in)]
Post (120) (120) (120)
Post to 1524 1524 1524
N≥2 notched (60) (60) (60)
(simul.) Post to 3048 3048 3048
Post (120) (120) (120)
Height of 36”
Spacing Post to 1829 1829 1829
between the notched (72) (72) (72)
N=1
posts (s)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
[mm(in)]
Post (144) (144) (144)
Post to 1829 1829 1829
CONTINUOUS HANDRAIL (Fig. shows one notched
N≥2 (72) (72) (72)
noched, but maximum of two noched 1 5/8 X (simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
1 ¾ can be installed between Posts) Post (144) (144) (144)

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GLASS GUARDRAILS: FIGURE 10: HANDRAIL SYSTEM – DESIGN FOR

BANISTERS
MCMEL also proposes glass panel guardrails. These
guardrails meet the requirements of the National
Building Code, for resistance and deformation under
loads impose by Code. The tempered glass used is 6
mm thick. The tempered glass complies with to the
CAN/CGSB-12.1 M90 standard. The maximum
acceptable length of guardrails is presented in the
following table 5.3

TABLE 5.3 – CONTINUOUS AND STANDARD HANDRAIL WITH

GLASS (2 POSTS WITH NOCHED 1 5/8 X 1 ¾ POST BETWEEN)
AT 0.50 KN/M

Number of
Dist. 2 ’’ 2 ½’’ 3’’
sections (ns)
Height of 42”

Spacing Post to 1524 1524 1524

between the notched (60) (60) (60)
N=1
posts (S)
(tested) Post to 3048 3048 3048
[mm(in)]
Post (120) (120) (120)
Post to 1524 1524 1524
N≥2 notched (60) (60) (60)
(simul.) Post to 3048 3048 3048
Post (120) (120) (120)
Height of 36”
Spacing Post to 1829 1829 1829
between the notched (72) (72) (72)
N=1
posts (s)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
[mm(in)]
Post (144) (144) (144)
Post to 1829 1829 1829
N≥2 notched (72) (72) (72)
(simul.) Post to 3657 3657 3657
Post (144) (144) (144)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The handrail not supported by a foot support is always
limited to 72 inches (1.8 m). A foot support is a
spindle elongated to be attached to the floor.

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11 - HEIGHT MODIFICATION COEFFICIENTS 12 - POST ANCHORING

In the majority of cases, the height of the railing is The anchorage of the base of the posts to the floor of
42 inches. In the cases where the height is different, the component part is very important to ensure an
railing height modification coefficients such as those adequate performance of a railing system. According
laid out in Table 6 can be used: to the type of floor (concrete or wood) and the type of
railing system, it is essential to put an adequate
anchorage system into place.

TABLE 6 - RAILING HEIGHT MODIFICATION COEFFICIENTS It is to be noted that the resistance and good structural
performance of a railing depend not merely on carrier
Height coefficients Height coefficients component parts such as posts and handrails, but in
Height for loads due to for loads due to large part to the anchoring of the posts to the floor
usage wind surface. In the case of a
500 mm wooden floor, it is also necessary to ensure that the
2.1 _
(20 po) floor in question is of a sufficient rigidity to bear the
loads imposed by the railing posts. Here are the
600 mm
1.75 _ minimum recommended anchorages:
(24 po)
700 mm
1.50 _
(28 po)
800 mm
1.30 _
(32 po)
900 mm
1.20 _
(36 po)
1 067 mm
1.0 1.0
(42 po)
1 100 mm
0.95 0.90
(44 po)
1 200 mm
0.88 0.76
(48 po)
1 300 mm
0.80 0.65
(52 po)
1 400 mm
0.75 0.56
(56 po)
1 500 mm
0.70 0.50
(60 po)
2 000 mm
0.54 0.30
(78 po)

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FIGURE 11: REQUIRED ANCHORAGES FOR A TABLE 7 - ULTIMATE LOADS FOR ANCHORS AND SCREW
CONCRETE FLOOR – RAILING SYSTEM TESTING IN CONCRETE

POST 3’’ x 3”

Anchor 4 x Titan ¼ X 2 ¾

Ultimate Horizontal load

applied at height 1067mm
(42’’) of the post (according 1.67 kN (374 lbs)
to tests carried out by the
manufacturer M.C.M.E.L)
Bottom screws
Failure mode (connecting post and
base plate) failure

Ultimate Horizontal load

applied at height 1067mm >1.65kN (370 lbs)
Notched post 1 ¾” x 1 ¾” (42’’) of the post
4x Titen ¼” x 2 ¾”
Galvanized steel anchors Anchor pullout and/or
Failure mode (Not govern)
concrete failure

Post - 3 in x 3 in
4 x Titen ¼ X 2 ¾
Galvanized steel anchors

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FIGURE 12: REQUIRED ANCHORAGES FOR A

WOODEN FLOOR – BALUSTRADE SYSTEM
When the railing is used on deck frame maiden with
wood, composite or solid PVC, the anchors must be
installed in transverse 2” x 6” (one of these materials)
beams between the main beams of the structure. The
following images show how to position these beams.

The image below shows the position of the posts and

the transverse 2” x 6”x beams.

For every type of post

4 x Lag screw 5/16 X 4 in
Galvanized steel
2” x 6” spruce beam min. (vertically)

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FIGURE 13: ANCHORING PLATES CONFIGURATION –

FOR ALL TYPES OF FLOOR

IMPORTANT NOTE: it is very important to make

sure that posts are install in correct orientation to insure
a maximal resistance of the guardrail. In every case,
anchoring plates should be oriented perpendicularly to
the direction of the handrail (see figure 13). For
corners, the orientation has no importance because
there is an handrail in both directions, as shown in the
figure 13. These orientations should be respected for
all types of floor.

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13 - REQUIREMENTS OF STANDARD 7) Handrails must finish in a way that does not impede
the passing of pedestrians or constitute a risk (see
CNB2010 (Reference) note A-3.4.6.5 8).
8) Staircases and ramps must have at least one side-
The National Building code (CNB 2010, Chapter 3 handrail that extends horizontally for at least 300
concerning protection against fire, safety of occupants mm at each end (see note A-3.4.6.5. 8).
and accessibility, and Section 3.4 concerning the 9) The clearance between handrails and all surfaces
requirements relative to emergency exits): located behind them must be:
a) at least 50 mm; or
b) 60 mm if the surface located behind the handrails
3.4.6.5 HANDRAILS is rough of abrasive.
10) Handrails and their supports must be calculated
Staircases must be equipped with a handrail on at least and built to resist the highest of the following loads:
one side and, if its size is 1,100 mm or more, with a a) a concentrated load of at least 0.9 kN applied
handrail on each side. at any given point and in any given direction,
for all handrails; or
1) If the required size for a ramp or a flight of stairs is b) a uniform load of at least 0.7 kN/m applied in
greater than 2,200 mm, it is necessary to plan for any given direction, for handrails that are not
one or several uninterrupted intermediary handrails located inside a building.
spanning from one landing to the other with the 11) It is necessary to install handrails on both sides of
interval between two handrails being no greater a ramp.
than 1,650 mm.
2) The handrails must be easy to grasp along their
entire length and:
a) If they have a circular section, must have a
diameter of at least 30 mm and at most 43 mm;
3.4.6.6. RAILINGS
or 1) All emergency exits must be protected on each side
b) If they have a non-circular section, must have a by a wall or a firmly attached railing.
perimeter of at least 100 mm and at most 125 2) Subject to the qualifications in Paragraph 4), railings
mm and a transverse section of which the largest for emergency exit stairways must be of a height of
dimension is at most 45mm. at least 920 mm measured perpendicularly from the
3) The height of the staircase handrail and railing must nosing of the step to the top of the railing, and of at
be measured perpendicularly from the top of the least 1,070 mm to the periphery of the landings.
handrail: 3) Railings for emergency exit ramps and their
a) To a tangent at the nosing of the staircase steps landings must be of a height of at least 1,070 mm
serviced by the handrail (see note A-9.8.7.4.); or measured perpendicularly from the surface of the
b) to the surface of the ramp, of the floor or of the ramp to the top of the railing.
landing serviced by the handrail. Subject to the 4) Railings for outdoor staircases and landings of more
qualifications of Paragraphs 6) and 7), staircase than 10 m above the adjacent ground must be of a
handrails and railings must have a height: height of at least 1,500 mm measured
i. of at least 865 mm; and perpendicularly from the surface of the landing or
ii. of at most 965 mm. the nosing of the step to the top of the railing.
4) It is not mandatory for handrails installed in addition 5) The openwork sections of the railing of an
to the minimum required handrails to conform to emergency exit must not allow the passage of a
Paragraph 5). spherical object of more than 100 mm in diameter,
5) When railings are required, landing handrails must unless it can be demonstrated that openwork
not be higher than 1,070 mm. sections with dimensions greater than this limit do
6) Except when it is interrupted by change-of-direction not present a risk.
railings or by door openings, at least one handrail 6) Stairwell windows with a support of at least 900 mm
must continue for the entire length of the staircase high in relation to the nosing of the step or a height
or ramp, including landings (see Appendix A). of at least 1,070 mm in relation to a landing must:
a) be protected by a railing whose upper part is
located:

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i. at a height of about 900 mm in relation to a

line linking the nosing of the steps or;
ii. at least 1070 mm above the landing; or
b) be subject to and designed to resist lateral loads
for railings and walls mentioned in Articles
4.1.5.1.4. and 4.1.5.1.6.
7) Railings must be designed in such a manner that no
component part, support or opening situated
between 140 and 900 mm above the level protected
by these railings thereby permits climbing, unless it
can be demonstrated that the position and
dimension of the openwork sections that surpass
this limit do not present a risk.

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