handrail and pos

huangyhg

handrail and post
i tried to determine if i can add a box to an existing handrail.  the existing handrail post space is at 7 foot.  if i used 50 plf applied at the top (ibc 1607.7.1), then which mean i have to use 350# to design for the post.
if i use another ibc section 1607.7.1.1 which required 200# apply at the top of the handrail post.
question #1 - can i just use a single 200# concentrated load only to check the existing handrail condition?  
question #2 – if this handrail location is not accessible to general public - can i use 20 plf to check the handrail condition?  (per exceptions #2 in group i-3, f, h and s occupancies)

check out our whitepaper library.
i assume you are talking about a guardrail.
question 1--200 # and 50 plf must both be checked--use the controlling value.
question 2--yes, if you satisfy all requirements in the code.  you cannot just say the guardrail is inaccessible to the public if you are in an occupancy which does not allow the exception.
daveatkins
dave is correct, and you would also have to add this "box" to both cases.