Sandberg Load Testing

The brief was to perform a series of in-house verification load/deflection tests on representative "mock ups" of the two principle balustrade systems (bal1 & bal2).

For the purposes of the testing, the mock-ups representing each of the types of balustrade systems comprised two straight lengths of glazed balustrade. System 1 spanned 2.8 metres between supports and System 2 spanned 3.5 metres between supports. Each system contained three 8.0mm thick panels of toughened glass, each panel was clamped securely to the base structure of the "mock-up" via an aluminium extrusion located along the systems bottom edge. Balcony Systems' Royal Chrome handrail was attached along the top edges of the three glass panels and its ends securely fixed to vertical abutments (neither systems containing balusters.)

The purpose of this testing was to determine the structural integrity of the barrier system whose primary function is the provision of edge protection for the building's intended users.

Testing was performed in Sandberg's Metallurgy Structures Laboratory by engineers and was carried out during 14th-16th June 2004 and was conducted in accordance with the requirements of BS6180 : 1999 and BS 6399 : 1996 for occupancy C3 and category usage (ix).

Installation of each balustrade system was carried out by Balcony System's engineers.