1. All About Glass Railings and Guardrails
Navigating Codes and Testing Standards for Monolithic and Laminated Systems
Presented by C.R. Laurence Co., Inc.

2. The Glass Railing Market Continues to Grow, as Glass Remains a Preferred Building Material for Both Architects and Owners
Provides Transparency and a Modern Aesthetic
Provides Nearly Unlimited Decorative Potential
Enhances Security and Energy Performance
Adds Long Term Value to Building

3. This Creates Increased Opportunities for Glazing Contractors, and the Glass Industry as a Whole
With these Opportunities Come Challenges that Put Your Projects, Your Reputation, Your Company, and the Life and Safety of People at Risk:
Code Updates to 2015 IBC
Misinterpretations of Code Requirements
Low-Quality Product Substitutions
Misinterpretations of Testing Standards

4. Course / Learning Objectives
Design Considerations for Glass Railing: Course participants will gain a working knowledge of typical glass railing applications, the advantages and disadvantages of dry and wet glazing techniques, code compliance, and best practices for installer-friendly systems.
Specification: Participants will be able to identify the importance of following product manufacturer and installation criteria, warranty information, and how to specify the best product for the application.
Product Types: Participants will possess a deep understanding of monolithic tempered and laminated systems, the difference between guard rails and hand rails, and other specialty components.
Industry Recommendations: Participants will understand the role of the International Code Council and other industry code bodies (IBC, IRC, ADA).

5. Glass Railing Systems Solutions for Every Application and Budget
FRAMELESS BASE SHOE SYSTEMS
STAINLESS STEEL POST SYSTEMS
POINT-SUPPORTED STANDOFFS
ALUMINUM RAILING SYSTEMS
WINDSCREEN SYSTEMS
GATE SYSTEMS

6. Base Shoe System Types Monolithic Tempered Base Shoes
Definition: a single lite of tempered glass
• For 1/2” , 5/8”, and 3/4” (12, 15, and 19 mm) Monolithic Glass

7. Base Shoe System Types Laminated Tempered Base Shoes
Definition: an assembly of two or more plies of tempered glass bonded together with an ionoplast interlayer material
• For 9/16”, 11/16”, 27/32” and 1-1/16” (13.52, 17.52, and mm) Laminated Glass

8. Hand Rail or Guard Rail?
Balustrades, Hand Rails, and Guard Rails

9. Hand Rail or Guard Rail? Hand Rail Installed to Provide Guidance
Top of Handrail Shall Not Be Placed Less Than 34” and No More Than 38” Above Landings, Ramps or the Toe of Step
Hand Grip Portion of the Hand Rail Shall Not Be Less Than 1-1/4” and No More Than 2” in Cross Sectional Dimension

10. Hand Rail or Guard Rail? Guard Rail Installed to Prevent Falls
Top of Handrail Shall Not Be Placed Less Than 42” in Height (Commercial) and 36” in Height (Residential)
1-1/2” to 4” Guard Rail Cap

11. Hand Rail or Guard Rail?
Understanding the Differences and Building Codes

12. Know the Code | Cap Rail or Handrail Required?
International Code Council: Glass Balustrade Guard
ICC ESR : Top Rails (2009, 2012, 2015 IBC)
A top rail is required for a code-compliant guard installation. The term “cap rail” denotes the same thing as “top rail” and the two may be used interchangeably.
Exception: A top rail shall not be required where the glass balusters are laminated glass with two or more plies of equal thickness and the same glass type when approved by the building official and be designed to withstand the loads specified in Section
Note: Using a rigid ionoplast interlayer is required when not using a top rail or cap rail.

13. Know the Code | Cap Rail or Handrail Required?
Guardrails Can Be Installed with a Cap Rail (Top Rail/Guard) or a Handrail. Both Systems Increase:
Safety
Aesthetics
Performance
We Typically Recommend One or the Other, Unless the Installation is On a Stairway or Ramp where a Handrail is Required per ADA
NOTE: The System Must Be Approved by the Building Official, and Be Designed to Withstand the Loads Specified in Section

14. Know the Code | 2015 Code Updates
Section 2407 Glass in Handrails and Guards
Materials. Glass used in handrail, guardrail or guard section shall be laminated glass constructed of fully tempered of heat-strengthened glass. Glazing in railing in-fill panels shall be of an approved safety glazing material that conforms to the provisions of Section For all glazing types, the minimum nominal thickness shall be 1/4. Exception: Single fully tempered glass complying with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSNI Z97.1 shall be permitted to be used in handrails and guardrails where there is no walking surface beneath them or the walking surface is permanently protected from the risk of falling glass.

15. Know the Code | Key Considerations
International Building Code: Glass Handrails & Guards
IBC : Support (2009, 2012, 2015 IBC)
(Each handrail or guard section shall be supported by a minimum of three glass balusters or shall be supported to remain in place should one baluster panel fail. Glass balusters shall not be installed without an attached handrail or guard.
STABILIZING END CAPS WHERE REQUIRED

16. Know the Code | International Code Council
Structural Strength & Testing Data
Code Compliance
ICC ES Data
1.0 EVALUATION SCOPE
Compliance with the following codes:
2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 International Building Code® (IBC)
2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 International Residential Code® (IRC)
ICC-ES Approval replaces LARR or Local Requirements

17. Know the Code | ADA Considerations
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
ADASAD 505: Handrails
Handrails are required on ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) and on certain stairways. Handrails are not required on walking surfaces with running slopes less than 1:20.
ADASAD 505.4: Handrail Height
Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces.
ADASAD 505.6: Handrail Clearance
Clearance between handrail gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum.
NOTE: The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), per NFPA 101—Life Safety Code, requires 2-1/4 inch clearance

18. Know the Code | ADA Considerations
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
2015 IBC 101.6: Handrail Extensions
Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser.
At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same direction of the flights of stairs at stairways and the ramp runs at ramps.

19. Standard Glass Thickness Options
Glass Types
Standard Glass Thickness Options
a) Monolithic Tempered Glass
• 1/2” (12 mm)
• 5/8” (15 mm)
• 3/4” (19 mm)
b) Laminated Tempered Glass
• 9/16” (13.52 mm)
• 11/16” (17.52 mm)
• 27/32” (21.52 mm)
• 1-1/16” (25.52 mm) (With Ionoplast Interlayer)

20. Laminated Glass| Edge Quality Considerations
With Adoption of 2015 IBC, the Use of Laminated Glass Continues to Increase
CHECKLIST: Increased Exposed Edge Applications
Standard Tolerance for Laminated Glass Edge Mismatch Can Be Up to ¼” (ASTM C1172, SECTION 8.5.1)
Always Get a Sample of the Edge from Your Temperer to Review with Your Customer and Architect
Communicate the Expectations of the Edge Quality
Just Because You Can Omit a Cap Rail, Doesn’t Mean You Should. Cap Rails can Conceal Mismatched Laminated Glass Edges
NOTE: ASTM C1172, SECTION 8.5.3: “For some laminated applications where the edge of the laminate are exposed, tighter length and width tolerances may be requested by the customer. Consult the supplier to determine their capabilities.

21. POLISHED EXTERNAL ARRIS
Laminated Glass| Edge Quality Considerations
Typical Edgework Options
SEAMED
POLISHED DOUBLE ARRIS
POLISHED EXTERNAL ARRIS
Ideal For Exposed Edge Conditions on Laminated Glass Railing Systems

22. Glass Types | Interlayer Considerations
Laminated Glass Interlayers: Ionoplast vs. Traditional PVB

23. Typical Applications Stairs (Guardrail & Hand Rail)
Attractive Frameless Design
Great for Almost Any Stair or Ramp
Designed for Interior or Exterior Use

24. Typical Applications
Stairs (Guardrail & Hand Rail)

25. Typical Applications
Balconies (Guardrail)

26. Typical Applications
Balconies (Guardrail)

27. Typical Applications
Bridge (Guardrail)

28. Typical Applications
Landings (Hand Rail)

29. Typical Applications
Ramp Platform (Guardrail)

30. Typical Applications
Floor Opening (Guardrail)

31. Taking the Mystery Out of Load Requirements and Testing
Manufacturers must design, engineer, and test glass railing systems to meet the load requirements set forth by the IBC.
Work with manufacturers that can provide engineering reports from a certified agency confirming compliance with ICC AC439 load standards

32. Testing Requirements International Building Code: Load Requirements
Handrails and Guards. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a load of 50 pounds per linear foot (plf) (0.73 kN/m) applied in any direction at the top, and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure.
Concentrated Load. Handrails and guards shall be able to resist a single concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89 kN) applied in any direction at any point along the top, and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure.
Intermediate Rails. Intermediate Rails (all those except the handrail), balusters, and panel fillers shall be designed to withstand a horizontally applied normal load of 50 pounds (0.22 kN) on an area equal to 1 square foot, including openings and space between rails.

33. Testing Requirements International Building Code: Load Requirements
Loads. The panels and their support system shall be designed to withstand the loads specified in Section A safety factor of four shall be used.
Misinterpretations:
Does not mean the Concentrated Load Test of 200 lb. should be multiplied by four, equaling 800 lb.
Applies only to the glass, not the rest of the components
The intent of the 4x safety factor is to reduce the likelihood that the glass will break under typical loading conditions:

34. Testing Requirements
International Building Code: Load Requirements
Loads. The panels and their support system shall be designed to withstand the loads specified in Section A safety factor of four shall be used.
“When we provide engineering calculations for glass, we calculate the internal stresses of the glass at the critically loaded areas, and then we compare this value to an allowed stress that is four times lower than what glass would typically break at. Hence the design safety factor of four.” – Kevin E. Perttu, P.E., and Director at Rice Engineering

35. Testing Requirements
ICC-ES Evaluation Reports and Acceptance Criteria 439
The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is a division of the ICC and the most widely accepted and trusted authority in performing technical evaluations for IBC Compliance.
ICC-ES Reports give contractors, architects, engineers, and building officials peace of mind knowing that the product will meet or exceed code, and be accepted in jurisdictions nationwide.
AC439 (Acceptance Criteria 439) represents the definitive standard for the testing of glass railing systems and IBC compliance.

36. TYPICAL ELEVATIONS & ACCEPTED MATERIALS
Testing Requirements
TYPICAL ELEVATIONS & ACCEPTED MATERIALS
GLASS PANEL STRENGTHS
SUPPORT OPTIONS

37. Testing Requirements Performance Requirements: Loading
*Special Conditions and Regional Requirements May Apply
Performance Requirements: Loading
200 lbs on the top rail in any direction, and 50 lbs on one square foot at any location perpendicular to the glass balustrade
50 plf, any direction perpendicular to rail/glass balustrade
Concentrated load, 50 lbs on one square foot area
Wind load requirements for exterior applications based on project location.

38. Testing Requirements Performance Requirements: Loading
Base Shoe Design is Critical
Per Section , loads must be transferred through the supports and to the structure.
A poorly designed Base Shoe will lead to a significantly higher deflection rate
A Shoe designed with thin walls can fail or transfer deflection and stress the anchoring bolts causing them to pull through over time
AVOID LOW-QUALITY SUBSTITUTIONS

39. Standard Installation Methods
Glass Securing Options
Dry Glaze
Wet Glaze
Mechanical Fastening
Cement Anchoring

40. Standard Installation Methods
Glass Securing Options: Dry Glaze
Once base shoe is secured, reinforced polymer tapers are used to self center the glass panels. Mechanical compression of tapers lock the glass securely in place.

41. Standard Installation Methods
Glass Securing Options: Wet Glaze
Once base shoe is secured, apply setting and centering blocks on the bottom edge of glass panel. Shim to plumb glass as required. Expanding cement is applied to area between the glass and base shoe using pouring ramp, pump, or dispenser bottle.

42. Standard Installation Methods
Features & Benefits
of Dry Glazed Systems:
Reduces Installation Time by 50%
Eliminates the Use of Messy Cement
Supports All Mounting Methods
Easily Allows You to Remove, Adjust, or Replace Glass Panels
Meets and Exceeds Code Standards
Avoids Potential Risk of Delamination that Can Occur Between Incompatible Interlayer and Cement

43. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment to Concrete

44. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment to Weld Blocks/Welded to Steel Substrate

45. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment to Concrete Steel Substrate/Fascia Mount or Angle Mount

46. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment When Embedded in Concrete

47. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment to Embedded Steel Strip

48. Standard Installation Methods
ESR-3269
ESR-3842
Typical Base Shoe Attachments
Attachment to Wood

49. Standard Installation Methods
Safe Installs
Work With a System that Allows Pre-Installation of “Drop-Side” Seal
Prevents Unsafe Leaning Over Railing During Installs
Eliminates the Need for Costly Scaffolding

50. Conclusion| Final Takeaways
Understanding and conforming to the latest codes will result in safe and aesthetically pleasing installations that meet the needs of architects and owners. It will also help prevent injury and costly callbacks while adding value to the project.
Educate your customers on available options. Specifications can be vague and it’s easy to overbid yourself out of a job, especially if it gets value engineered.
You are the glass expert. Just because the system will meet the code, doesn’t mean the architect or owner will be happy with the finished installation. You, as a design professional, need to review the drawings and existing conditions, and make recommendations.

51. Conclusion| Final Takeaways
Partner with a manufacturer that specializes in railings and can provide testing/engineering documentation and design review.
Avoid low-quality product substitutions that can lead to repercussions that are detrimental to your reputation and bottom line.
Always check with the local building official (AHJ) before starting a job

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