This has become a very controversial issue with much confusion over interpretation. There are numerous installations which are glass rail installations without a rail on top of the glass. According to the ICC, this is not code compliant in a guard situation. However, as seen by the many existing applications, tihs is not being universally applied.
Here is the code reference in the IBC:
IBC 2407.1.2: Support. 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.
This wording was put into place to protect the public in the event of an individual panel’s failure. In that situation, the remaining two glass balusters would remain in place to hold the railing and prevent people from falling.
This problem begins with the interpretation of glass balusters shall not be installed without an attached handrail or guard. Many installers — and inspectors — are taking this to mean that as long as a handrail is in place, the code has been met.
What is missing though is the limitation set out in the preceding paragraph:
IBC 2407.1.1 Loads. The panels and their support system shall be designed to withstand the loads specified in section 1607.7. A safety factor of 4 shall be used.
Cross referencing to section IBC 1607.7 regarding design loads we find this:
IBC1607.7.1 Handrails and guards. Handrail assemblies and guards shall be designed to resist a load of 50 pounds per linear foot (pound per foot) (0.73 kN/m) applied in any direction at the top and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure. . .
IBC1607.7.1.1 Concentrated Load. Handrail assemblies and guards shall be able to resist a single concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89kN), applied in any direction at any point along the top, and have attachment devices and supporting structure to transfer this loading to appropriate structural elements of the building. . .
The IBC1607.7 clearly states that the load must be met by the top of the guard (42 inches). Glass balusters will not be able to meet the 800 (4 times 200) pound concentrated load without a cap rail.
Also, the cap rail used to set on top of the glass guard must be able to withstand the load requirements on its own should one of the minimum three lites of glass fail and leave a void.
To further reinforce, the following questions were asked of the ICC via their “Code Opinion Submission Form”
- Can a glass rail system be installed without a guard on top of the glass if there is a handrail attached to the glass? In other words . . . no cap, exposedtop edge of glass at 42 inch height with a handrail mounted on the side of the glass and handrail height.
- ICC response: “No.”
- Whether the system has an attached handrail or not, does the guard (piece on top of the glass) have to meet the loading requirement if one baluster fails.
- ICC response “Yes.”
Update: The 2009 IBC has added an exception to IBC 2407:
Exception: A top rail shall not be required where the glass balusters are laminated glass (fully tempered or heat strengthened) with two or more glass plies of equal thickness and the same glass type when approved by the building official. The panels shall be designed to withstand the loads specified in Section 1607.7.
Update: The 2015 IBC has further confirmed the requirement for a Top Rail
Exception: A top rail shall not be required when the glass balusters are laminated glass with two or more glass plies of equal thickness and the same glass type when approved by the building official.
Also note that the 2015 IBC now requires all glass used in guards and railings to be laminated, tempered glass:
2407.1 Materials. Glass used as a handrail assembly or a guard section shall be constructed of either single fully tempered glass, laminated fully tempered glass or laminated heat-strengthened glass. Glazing in railing in-fill panels shall be of an approved safety glazing material that conforms to the provisions of Section 2406.1.1. For all glazing types, the minimum nominal thickness shall be 1/4 inch (6.4 mm). Fully tempered glass and laminated glass shall comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1, listed in Chapter 35.