Glass Balustrade 72X72 Newel Post
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Large spans can be achieved to make a Glass Balustrade using the 72X72 Newel Posts and Balcony 1 system (70mm diameter). Designed and manufactured by Balcony Systems Solutions.
Maximum spans, post distances and limitations
In this video we will explain the parameters, allowable spans and post distances of the Balcony 1 glass balustrade system using seventy-two millimetre by seventy-two millimetre (72mm X 72mm) square newel posts
The Balcony 1 System uses a specially designed handrail that is of a circular shape with a 70 millimetre diameter.
We have employed structural engineers to create a set of generic structural calculations on the application of the system in accordance with building regulations, BS6180 and BS6399.
The strength of the handrail and its rigidity determines the maximum span that the handrail can support.
So if the handrail is fixed to the wall or structure at both ends, then the handrail of the Balcony 1 System can span Three point three (3.3) metres without the need for any vertical posts.
The wall fixing is referred to in the report as “a point of support”.
Due to the way the system works and the way the glass is bonded to the rails, a corner of 90 degrees where the sides are at least ONE metre long is also considered “a point of support” and therefore the same maximum span rule applies to such a corner.
For instance if you have a 3 sided balcony starting with the handrail fixed to the wall, going out three point three (3.3) metres, turning 90 degrees and going along three point three (3.3) metres once again turning 90 degrees returning back to the wall three point three (3.3) metres – this entire run can be made without the need for vertical posts.
In theory if you kept turning 90 degrees in this way you could keep going forever without the need for posts.
So when are posts needed?
Posts are required when one or more of the following exists; when the length of the run is longer than the maximum allowable span without posts of three point three (3.3) metres, or when the handrail cannot be fixed to the structure or wall firmly at both ends of the balustrade run.
The cover posts slide exactly over the primary posts. The cover posts are manufactured to the finished height of the balustrade, the telescopic effect allows for all the tolerances required.
On occasion the primary post cannot be fixed below the finished floor level. In these case cover plates can be supplied to cover the base plate of the post.
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When posts are introduced the limiting factor is the strength of the post and this is what now determines the maximum post distances allowed.
The seventy-two millimetre by seventy-two millimetre (72mm X 72mm) newel post will form the openings that that handrail will be fixed between.
These newel posts use a primary steel post that is made from a square section sixty by sixty millimetres that has a 14mm thick base plate welded to the bottom. The base plate size is one hundred and fifty by one hundred and fifty millimetres.
The steel primary posts are usually installed under the finished floor level and on final installation are covered by the seventy-two millimetre by seventy-two millimetre (72mm X 72mm) newel post which is made in the same colour as the handrails and capped at the top.
The maximum post spacing allowed on Balcony 1 system with this type of post is two point seven (2.7) metres between post centres.
This means that once the run surpasses three point three (3.3) metres in length, posts must be introduced and the maximum span between post centres can be two point seven (2.7) metres.
Corner posts are not required and the two point seven (2.7) metres can be measured from the corner, which is a point of support.
