Regulations And Construction Specifications For Glass Railings In The UK

Where do I need balustrades?

 

Railings for private homes (residences) are required when the difference in floor height is greater than 600mm.

 

 

Railings are required for all building types except residential.

On stairs with more than two risers

Where the change in ground level is greater than 380mm

 

The UK Building Regulations [B1] set out the requirement to provide barriers where it is necessary to protect people in and around buildings from falls. Popular applications of structural glass balustrades are

ㆍSteps

ㆍRamps

ㆍFloor edges

ㆍBalconies

ㆍTerrace

ㆍMezzanine floor

ㆍDeck

ㆍterraced areas

ㆍRoof edge

 

Height requirements for glass balustrades

 

The required height of glass balustrades will depend on the use of the building and is detailed in Section K of the building code (Figure 3.1). These are given in the height of the railings above the finished floor level (FFL).

 

In private residential buildings (unit dwellings), railings are required.

For open windows (except roof windows in attic extensions, see Building Regulations Part B1) 800mm

Internal railings (stairs, landings, ramps, internal floor edges, etc.) 900mm

External balustrades (balconies, roof edges, external stairs, etc.) 1100mm

 

In all other uses where balustrades are required.

When opening windows (except roof windows in attic extensions, see Building Regulations Part B1) 800mm

Stairs 900mm

Other locations 1100mm

Balconies, bleachers, etc. with fixed seating within 530mm of the balustrade 800mm

 

The height requirements for balustrades vary for commercial, assembly, and retail spaces. The purpose of these height requirements is to ensure that the railings provide adequate protection against horizontal changes, taking into account possible traffic and space use.

 

Design standards for glass railings?

There are several codes and codes of practice that specify the strength and design requirements for frameless glass balustrades. The primary requirement for a railing is to provide a protective barrier that will resist possible forces applied to it with minimal deflection and will not be penetrated.

 

When designing structural glass balustrades, we need to keep in mind the following points.

 

Line load = horizontal force at the top of the railing. Designed to mimic the force of a person leaning on the top of the railing. It is measured in kN/m and the load requirements are given in accordance with EN 1991-1-1.

 

Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) = the horizontal force applied uniformly to the middle of the railing. This applies to the entire surface of the railing. It is expressed in kN/m2 and is governed by EN 1991-1-4.

 

Concentrated load = Horizontal load designed to take into account any sudden or unexpected pressure applied to the railing surface. This is to accurately indicate the railing under sudden human influence. The load requirements are given in EN 1991-1-1 and are expressed in kN.

 

Another requirement for the design of glass balustrades is that a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass through the gap between each structural glass panel of the parapet if the area is accessible or frequented by children.

 

Load requirements for glass railings?

The load-bearing strength required for glass balustrades will depend on the use of the building and its anticipated traffic. The following table is collected from Building Regulations Part B and BS.EN.1991-1 Part 1 and Part 4.

 

Building Occupancy Level (according to Building Regulations Part B) Line load, with UDL, applied 1100 mm above the FFL, applied to the entire glazed surface below the line load height Concentrated load, applied to any part of the glazed panel below the line load height

 

 

These requirements are a safety requirement, which means that if someone falls on the railing or applies a large force, the railing will not break and therefore will not endanger the public.

 

Applicable regulations and standards

- Eurocode EN 1991-1-1, Part 1-1 General behavior - Density, dead weight, and applied loads

- Eurocode EN 1991-1-4, Part 1-4 General behavior - Wind action

- BS 6180:2011 Obstructions in and around buildings - Code of practice

- EN 12600 Glass in buildings - Pendulum test - Impact test methods and classification of flat glass

- BS 6262-4: Glass in buildings Part 4: Safety in relation to human impact - Safety Code

- BS 6262-6: Glass in buildings - Part 6: Code of practice for special applications

- Building Regulations Approval Document K

 

Types of glass balustrade

 

The code of practice lists 7 different types of protective glass barriers.

- Full-frame

- Two prismatic frames

- Clip fixing

- Bolt-on

- Freestanding -Continuous Clamp

- Freestanding -Fixing point

- Bottom socket clamp

 

Do I need continuous handrails for glass railings?

 

This is a common question for architects specifying glass balustrades.

The simple answer is no, you don't always need continuous handrails even if the glass is completely frameless.

 

According to BS6180:2011 section 8.5.2, handrails are not required.

"Handrails should always be used unless a laminated tempered glass structure is used, which will remain in place if the panel fails."

Therefore, if you are using glass specifications that will remain in place in the event of a glass panel failure, then you do not need a continuous handrail.

 

Yongsheng uses reinforced safety glass with glass fittings that have a linear load greater than 1.0787KN. well above standard requirements. Are you still worried about whether your railing meets the standard and is strong enough? Then Yongsheng is your best choice! Email: Zoey@fs-yongsheng.com