How to Calculate Balustrade Loading Capabilities

Ballpark Estimate

• 1

  Measure the balustrade's post size.

• 2

  Determine if the post has a circular hollow section, a square hollow section or a rectangular hollow section. (

• 3

  Measure the distance between balustrade posts.

• 4

  Compare the data you collected in Steps 1 to 4 with the loading specifications of similar balustrades and assess its nominal load capability. For example, if you are calculating the loading capability of a flat metal balustrade with 50-by-10-centimeter posts and a post separation distance of 0.9 meters, the maximum load capability will be around 0.74 KN/m --- the force exerted by a 75-kg man putting all his weight on every meter of the balustrade.

Load Capability Test

• 5

  Prepare a test load equal to the load capability you wish to test for multiplied by a security factor of 1.6. For example, if you want to test if your balustrade can withstand the full weight of an adult, prepare a test load of at least 160 kg.

• 6

  Attach the test load to a rope and tie it to the top of the balustrade. Throw the load over the balustrade.

• 7

  Observe the effects of the load on the balustrade. Measure the deflection of the balustrade railing and its posts. If the maximum deflection exceeds 25 mm, consider the test failed.