ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Performance of Glazing in Permanent Railing Systems, Guards, and Balustrades
 N E2353

Annotation

These test methods cover procedures to be followed in testing the performance of glazing in permanent railing systems, guards and balustrades including components such as rails and swing gates or other forms of required guardrail opening protection installed in and for assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, stadiums, recreational, and residential buildings and other structures such as towers or elevated platforms.

These test methods are applicable to such railing, guard, and balustrade systems having glass or other glazing materials as the major structural component or the infill panel including swing gates and other forms of guardrail protection.

These test methods can be used to determine whether permanent rails, guards and balustrades including components, having glass or other glazing material comply with requirements of performance specifications, codes, norms, and standards.

Specifically, these test methods cover procedures for determining the static strength, impact performance, and postbreakage characteristics of railing systems, guards, and balustrades, including a component with glass or other glazing material installed in one, two, three and four-side support systems fastened to concrete, masonry, wood, metal, and related products.

No consideration is given in these test methods to any possible deterioration of the railing, guard, or balustrade system or their connections and fasteners as resulting from adverse environmental or in-service conditions. The performance of special tests covering this aspect may be desirable.

These test methods are limited to the application of loads and impact resistance described herein. Whenever uniformly distributed loads are to be resisted by a railing system, guard, or balustrade in accordance with governing specifications, codes, norms, and standards, the effects of such loads on the member stresses shall be determined by calculation and the corresponding concentrated and linear loads shall be tested. Should computations make it possible to provide the needed information, testing can be employed for verification.