The structural design criteria for TECRail®
are derived primarily from AASHTO
railing structural requirements and OSHA
safety rail performance specifications. These nationally recognized
standards provide a basis for establishing minimum requirements
of railing systems. The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines (ADAAG) specifies
sizes and shapes for handicapped railings.
The unique strength and resiliency characteristics
of TECRail® products
are derived from their patented construction. All the glass
reinforcing strands are continuous and run longitudinally
through the entire length of the rail or post. Posts have
no sections cut out and are continuous through the mid-rail
fittings to assure maximum strength.
With minimal deflection in the rails, there
is negligible longitudinal stress in the bell of the fitting.
As a result, the fitting stress is mainly shear. The shear
strength of the fitting is several times that needed to support
the railing at failure loads. In those cases where there may
be a cantilever load on the top rail extending from the fitting,
a bored fitting is used along with a continuous rail.
The performance of TECRail®
systems subjected to OSHA and
AASHTO design loading conditions
is summarized below:
OSHA
- Rail deflection with 200 lb. load at midpoint
of 8’0"span ............. 1.53
in.
- Post deflection with 200 lb. load at the
top of post .................... 2.05 in.
- Rail stress, percent of yield ......................................................... 14%
- Post stress, percent of yield ........................................................ 24%
- Fitting stress, percent of yield .................................................... 6%
AASHTO
- Rail deflection, 71 lb/ft resultant, 6'6”
span ............................... 1.18
in.
- Post deflection with 325 lb. load at top ..................................... 2.28
in.
- Rail stress, percent of yield ....................................................... 13%
- Post stress, percent of yield ...................................................... 35%
- Fitting stress, percent of yield .................................................... 9%
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