ASTM E894-88(2004)

Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is intended to provide data from which applicable design data can be derived for a given anchorage.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes procedures to be followed in testing the performance of the anchorage of all types of new and existing permanent metal railing systems (guard, stair, and ramp-rail systems), and rails (hand, grab, and transfer rails) installed in and for agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to railing systems and rails having major structural components made of metal and secondary components made of metal or other materials such as wood, plastics, and glass.  
1.3 The test method described can be used to determine whether the anchorage of permanent metal railing systems and rails complies with anticipated performance requirements.  
1.4 Specifically, this test method covers procedures for determining the static tension, shear, and moment resistance of anchorages for permanent metal railing systems, and rails in structural elements made of concrete, masonry, wood, and metal as well as related products.  
1.5 No consideration is given in this test method to any possible deterioration of anchorage systems, resulting from adverse environmental conditions. The performance of special tests covering this aspect may be desirable.  
1.6 Should computations make it possible to provide the needed information, testing may be employed for purposes of verification.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2004
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.56 - Performance of Railing Systems and Glass for Floors and Stairs

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E894-88(1998) - Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Replaced By: ASTM E894-88(2010) - Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Referred By: ASTM E2484-08(2015) - Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E894–88 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Test Method for
Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails
for Buildings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E894; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method describes procedures to be followed in 2.1 ASTM Standards:
testing the performance of the anchorage of all types of new E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
and existing permanent metal railing systems (guard, stair, and E488 TestMethodsforStrengthofAnchorsinConcreteand
ramp-rail systems), and rails (hand, grab, and transfer rails) Masonry Elements
installed in and for agricultural, assembly, commercial, educa- E575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of
tional, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and As-
buildings. semblies
1.2 This test method is applicable to railing systems and E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
rails having major structural components made of metal and E985 Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems
secondary components made of metal or other materials such and Rails for Buildings
as wood, plastics, and glass.
3. Terminology
1.3 The test method described can be used to determine
whether the anchorage of permanent metal railing systems and 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
method, see Terminology E631 and Specification E985.
rails complies with anticipated performance requirements.
1.4 Specifically, this test method covers procedures for
4. Significance and Use
determining the static tension, shear, and moment resistance of
4.1 This test method is intended to provide data from which
anchorages for permanent metal railing systems, and rails in
applicable design data can be derived for a given anchorage.
structural elements made of concrete, masonry, wood, and
metal as well as related products.
5. Apparatus
1.5 No consideration is given in this test method to any
5.1 Testing Machine—Any testing machine or loading sys-
possible deterioration of anchorage systems, resulting from
temcapableofimposingforcesaccuratetowithin 61%,when
adverse environmental conditions. The performance of special
calibrated in accordance with Practice E4, is suitable and may
tests covering this aspect may be desirable.
be used, provided the requirements of specified rate of loading
1.6 Should computations make it possible to provide the
and recovery are met. The testing device shall be of sufficient
needed information, testing may be employed for purposes of
capacity to prevent yielding of its various components and
verification.
shallensurethattheappliedtensionloadremainsparalleltothe
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
relevant axis of the anchorage assembly and that the applied
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
shear load remains essentially parallel to the surface of the
only.
structural anchorage element or component during testing.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1.1 Tension Test—Suitable systems for applying tension
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
forces to the anchorage assembly are shown in Fig. 1 for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
laboratory testing and in Fig. 2 for field testing. The bearing
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
plates shall be of sufficient size to prevent failure of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
surrounding structural members or components. The loading
statements, see Section 6.
device shall be attached to the assembly by means of pins or a
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.56
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
on Performance of Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings.
Current edition approved Oct 1, 2004. Published October 2004. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as E894–88 (1998). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E0894-88R04. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E894–88 (2004)
ultimate capacity tests on the assembly.The bearing plates and
connectionsshallbeofsufficientsizetopreventlocalfailureof
the structural member. The load shall be distributed by means
of a load-distribution device which makes it possible for the
force to be applied perpendicular to the long axes of the
anchors. The bearing plate and other tie-down devices provide
ameansofholdingtheanchoragememberorcomponentatthe
required elevation throughout the test. The loading devices
shall be of such material as to reduce any damage to the
loading contact area of the device to a minimum during
application of the shear force and shall be replaced when
damaged.
5.1.3 Flexural Test—A suitable system for applying tensile
forces to the top of the rail post is shown in Fig. 4. The
necessary test devices shall fulfill the requirements given in
5.1.2 and be applicable to the flexural test.
5.2 Anchorage Slip and Railing-System or Rail Deflection
Measurements:
5.2.1 Tension Test—Two dial gages, having a smallest
NOTE—See Test Method E488, Fig. 1 for alternative test set-up with a
divisionofnotmorethan0.025mm(0.001in.),oranysuitable
testing machine in the laboratory.
measurementdeviceorcalibratedsensorofatleastcomparable
FIG. 1 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Tensile Force to
accuracy and sensitivity shall be used to measure slip of the
Rail, Rail Post, Flange Plate, and Flange-Plate Anchors
anchored system relative to the anchorage elements or compo-
nents.Thepurposeoftheinstrumentsistomeasurethevertical
movement of the anchored system with respect to such points
on the structural members or components which can serve as
reference points without being influenced by the force applied
by the anchoring system (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The slip to be
used for the evaluation of the findings shall be the average
deformation indicated by the two dial gages, measurement
devices, or sensors.
5.2.2 Shear Test—A single dial gage, having a smallest
divisionofnotmorethan0.025mm(0.001in.),oranysuitable
measurementdeviceorcalibratedsensorofatleastcomparable
accuracy and sensitivity shall be used to measure slip of the
anchored system relative to the anchorage elements or compo-
nents.
5.2.3 Flexural Test—Asingledialgageforthetestshownin
Fig. 4, having a smallest division of not more than 0.25 mm
(0.01 in.), or any suitable measurement device or calibrated
sensor of at least comparable accuracy and sensitivity shall be
used to measure the horizontal displacement of the top of the
rail post relative to its original location prior to load applica-
tion.
6. Hazards
6.1 Possible injury to personnel and damage to the test
equipment and instrumentation prior to, during, and after load
application by any unexpected release of potential strain
FIG. 2 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Tensile Force to
energyaccumulatedduringtestingcanoccurandmustbegiven
Rail, Rail Post, Flange Plate, and Flange-Plate Anchors with
consideration.
Field-testing Device
6.2 If tests are conducted in a structure and not in a testing
laboratory, exercise caution against unwanted damage to the
swivel connector to prevent the direct transfer of bending
building, its components, and its finish.
stresses through the connection.
7. Anchorage Considerations
5.1.2 Shear Test—A suitable system for applying shear
forces to the anchorage assembly normal to the plane or major 7.1 Anchorage requirements should be based on design and
axis of the railing is shown in Fig. 3. The loading device shall performance requirements. The fastenings and fasteners used
be of sufficient strength to prevent its yielding during the for the anchorage to be tested shall be designed in accordance
E894–88 (2004)
NOTE—See Test Methods E488, Fig. 2, for an alternative test set-up with a testing machine in the laboratory.
FIG. 3 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Shear Force to Rail Flange, Rail-Post Flange, and Flange Anchors
with the specified materials and applicable specifications and
shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s or
designer’s specification or, where specific deviations are justi-
fied, in accordance with good field practice. Typical anchor-
ages are shown in Appendix X1 in diagrammatic form.
8. Test Selection
8.1 Only that particular test needs to be performed that is
considered necessary to provide information required by the
requesting party, testing agency, and regulatory body involved.
9. Test Specimens
9.1 Structural System—The structural elements and compo-
nents of the structural assembly to be tested shall be in
accordancewithandtypicalofthematerialsandconfigurations
specified,exceptthattheoverallsizeofthetestspecimensmay
bereducedtosuchanextentthatthereductioninsizeisproven
to be of no influence on the interpretation of the test data and
findings.
9.2 Anchored System—Theanchoredrailingsandrailstobe
tested shall be representative of the type and lot to be used in
the actual structure.
FIG. 4 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Force to Top of
9.3 Anchorage System—The structural anchorage elements
Rail Post to be Tested in Flexure for Determination of Tensile
and components to be tested shall be representative of the
Load Reactions for Rail-Post Anchors
construction to be used in the field.
E894–88 (2004)
9.4 Anchoring System—The anchoring devices to be tested are present on the surface of the structural element or compo-
shall be representative of the type and lot to be used in field nent,provideasuitablebearingmediumbetweenthestructural
constructionandshallinclude,insofarasfeasible,allaccessory element or component and the support system, such as a paste
devices and hardware normally required for design and use. of calcined gypsum (plaster of paris) or high-strength gypsum.
9.5 Anchorage Installation—Install the anchoring devices Permit sufficient time before testing to develop the necessary
to be tested in accordance with field installation procedures to compressive strength of the bearing medium. For all types of
be used in the building for which the data are applicable. bearing media, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as
9.6 Anchorage Placement—Test all individual anchoring to their use. In the final alignment of the test specimen, ensure
devices and systems used in a given installation individually. that the force to be applied through the loading rod is
Simultaneously test as a complete unit closely spaced anchor- perpendicular to the surface of the structural members or
ing devices and systems that may interact. components.
12.1.2 Shear Test (see Fig. 3)—Position and fasten the
10. Number of Test Specimens
structural members or components in the support system in
such a way that their test surfaces are parallel to the long axis
10.1 Determine suitable statistical parameters to evaluate
of the shearing devices. For structural members with unusual
thecompositevariabilityandtoselectthenumberofspecimens
coarse-textured or finished surfaces, provide a suitable bearing
required to make a realistic determination of the performance
layer between the structural element or component and the
characteristics of the anchorage under examination. Consider
support system with a suitable bearing material as described in
triplicatetestspecimensaminimumforeachtypeofanchorage
12.1.1.
system to be tested under given conditions.Alarger number of
12.1.3 Flexural Test (see Fig. 4)—Position the railing post
specimens may be specified depending upon the design and
in such a way that the load is applied to the structural member
variability in the quality of the anchorage devices and the
horizontally and essentially perpendicular to the rail without
anchoring elements and components.
causing any local failure at the point of load application.
12.2 Mounting of Instruments:
11. Conditioning
12.2.1 Tension Test—Mount the two dial gages, measure-
11.1 Conditioning and Curing—If aging, seasoning, or
ment devices, or sensors as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Place the
curing conditions affect the performance and capacity of the
sensingelementsoftheinstrumentsincontactwithandnormal
anchorage system, take appropriate measures in accordance
to the surface of the structural anchorage element or compo-
with the recommendations of the anchor manufacturer, to age,
nent being tested in such a way as to measure displacement in
season, or cure the anchorage and anchoring system prior to
the direction of the applied load.
testing.Reportsuchconditionsindetail.Observetheirphysical
12.2.2 Shear Test—Mount the single dial gage, measure-
effects and fully describe them in the test report.
ment device, or sensor as shown in Fig. 3. Place the sensing
11.2 Moisture and Temperature Conditions (applicable only
elementoftheinstrumentagainstaplatefastenedtothesurface
to hygroscopic products)—If the prevailing moisture and
of the structural anchorage element or component in such a
temperature conditions can affect the performance of anchor-
way as to measure displacement in the direction of the applied
age systems, hold these parameters constant for a given series
load.
of tests on a given anchorage system. The choice of the
controlled conditions depends on the environment of the field 12.2.3 Flexural Test—Attach a single dial gage, measure-
conditionstobegivenconsideration.Suchfieldconditionsmay ment device, or sensor at the loading point as shown in Fig. 4.
be simulated. Testing shall begin only after the test specimens Placethesensingelementoftheinstrumentinsuchawayasto
have reached at least an approximately stable condition with measure displacement of the post top in the direction of the
regard to temperature and moisture content. applied load.
11.3 Description—Examples of typical test specimens are
12.3 Initial Loading—Apply an initial load corresponding
shown in Figs. 1-4 in diagrammatic form.The actual specimen
to approximately 5% of the estimated maximum load capacity
designandsizedependsonthespecificcaseinvolvedandsh
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