huangyhg

wooded balcony
i am designing a wooded balcony. the balcony is 5' x 12'. 2"x6" wood joists spanining 5' and spaced at 12" o.c.
i have not done any design calculations yet. however, i see a problem trying to meet my local code. my local code (south florida building code) states the following:
(a)all railings, guardrails, stair railings, balcony railings and other similar safeguards shall be of such design and construction and shall be so supported so as to resist a uniform load of not less than fifty (50) pounds per lineal foot or a concentrated load of not less than two hundred (200) pounds applied in any direction at the top of such barriers at any location on the safeguard, whichever condition(s) produces maximum stress(es). the reactions and stresses due to the above referenced uniform and concentrated loads shall be considered not be acting simultaneously.
(b) all intermediate rails, balusters, pickets, and other fillers shall be capable of resisting a uniform horizontal load over the gross area of not less than twenty-five (25) pounds per square foot.
i don't know if i can fix the wooded guardrail to the wooded deck and achieve the minimum requirements above. if you know of a good connection (guardrail to deck) please let me know. give me a good start. thanks...

lina...run the posts for your rail over the side of the deck and fasten to your band/header. if you use 2x4 posts and rails, you should have no trouble meeting that standard.
also, if you have a "three-sided" balcony or if the balcony has wing walls, you can fasten into the walls or make the rails contiguous enough to also meet the requirements, even with fastening your posts into the top of the deck.
simpson strongtie and other wood plate fastener companies have numerous aids for fastening wood together. check their website...

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