FDOT Standard Plans Index 515-062: Pedestrian/Bicycle Railing (Aluminum)

Design Criteria

Design Criteria Structures Design Guidelines ( SDG 6.8); FDOT Design Manual (FDM)

Design Assumptions and Limitations

Design Assumptions and Limitations This railing is not applicable for shielding drop-off hazards for motor vehicle traffic. This railing is applicable for cases where a pedestrian or bicyclist drop-off hazard exceeds 5'- 0" or when a drop-off hazard is less than 5'-0" and is required by design or permit stipulations. Refer to FDM 222 for the definition of vehicular, pedestrian and bicyclist "drop-off hazards".

Indexes 515-052 and 515-062 are similar in form and function. Select which of these railings to use at a given site based on District preferences, aesthetic or finish color requirements, corrosion concerns, theft potential issues, fabrication issues, weight of railing and any other project specific requirements. In some cases, both of these railings are acceptable for use and the selection of which to provide is left to the contractor by the use of Pay Item 515-2-1BB.

See Index 515-061 for special requirements and modifications for use on bridges. A handrail is required where there are 3 or more steps and on ramps with a grade steeper than 5% to conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Expansion joints shall be spaced at a maximum 35'-0" (differs from Index 515-052).

Railing must be continuous across a minimum of two posts. For the railing anchorage to provides stability against overturning, the concrete foundation (sidewalk, retaining wall, curb, etc.) must meet or exceed the requirements in this Standard For the purpose of these instructions, the following definitions shall apply: 4" Sphere Rule - Clear openings of the railing below 42" height shall reject the passage of a 4" diameter sphere and clear openings above 42" height shall reject the passage of an 8" diameter sphere. 6" Sphere Rule - Clear openings of the railing below 27" height shall reject the passage of a 6" diameter sphere and clear openings above 27" height shall reject the passage of an 8" diameter sphere.

Refer to the SDG for locations where the 4" Sphere rule is applicable. Providing adequate sight distance always takes priority over the 4" Sphere Rule. Aesthetics play a crucial role in the determination of which railing infill type should be specified for a particular project.

Alternate Infill Panel designs within the Standard Plans, include those that meet the 6" Sphere Rule and others that meet the 4" Sphere Rule. Custom Infill Panels must be designed to meet the Design Criteria live load, and the Standard Plan s Instructions Topic No. 625 - 010 - 003 Index 515 - 062 Pedestrian/Bicycle Railing (Aluminum) applicable 4" or 6" Sphere Rule.

When designing Infill Panels, aesthetics is important; however, line of sight and safety issues must be a priority. Typically the clear space between the top and intermediate horizontal rails provides for adequate sight distances, however, for railing installations adjacent to sloped intersections, the infill area between the intermediate and bottom horizontal rails may still adversely affect the sight distance. Of the standard infill alternatives that meet the 4" Sphere Rule, the standard "Type 2 - Chain-Link" infill alternative creates the least obstruction to sight distance through the infill areas.

When a colored coating is desired and the additional cost is justified or reimbursed by the requesting local agency, then specify a coating complying with AAMA 2605, "Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels", (American Architectural Manufacturers Association, 2011) except that only fluoropolymer based powders are permitted. See FDM 127 for responsibilities of Local Maintaining Agencies.

Payment

Payment Item number Item Description Unit Measure 515-2-1BB Pedestrian / Bicycle Railing, Non Specified, 42" (Type___) LF 515-2-1BB Pedestrian / Bicycle Railing, Non Specified, 48" (Type___) LF 515-2-3BB Pedestrian / Bicycle Railing, Aluminum Only, 42" (Type___) LF 515-2-3BB Pedestrian / Bicycle Railing, Aluminum Only, 48" (Type___) LF

What your plans must show

Plan Content Requirements for this index — the SPI's checklist for designers.

• Standard Plan s Instructions Topic No. 625
• - 062 Pedestrian/Bicycle Railing (Aluminum) Standard Plan s Instructions Topic No. 625
• - 062 Pedestrian/Bicycle Railing (Aluminum)