ASTM E985 withdrawn

Archive of Older Topics Archive - Specifications Discussions #6
1

Friends and colleagues:

ASTM E985 - Standard Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings

ASTM has withdrawn the referenced standard with no replacement.

The reason appears to be the one quoted in another thread, namely that ASTM’s policies require that their standards be updated within 8 years of issue (or re-issue). If, for whatever reason, the standard is not reviewed within that time frame, it is withdrawn.

Question: On the topic of handrails, what standard (if any) have you been using in lieu of ASTM E985?

2

How about ASTM E 894 - Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings and ASTM E 935 - Standard Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings?

3

I leave it up to the building code, which establishes minimum loading and dimensional requirements.

4

Thanks for the heads-up Scott. I agree with Ron. That and ADA. I’m not sure what the purpose was for the ASTM spec. It’s not like the Code requirements are new.

James, I would include the test methods to verify compliance with Code and ADA requirements.

Just curious, does anyone specify manufacturers for standard steel tube railings and pickets?

5

I believe ASTM E985 is a fabrication standard.

I restrict myself to the code mandated performance requirements.

While I am on the line, who amoung you readers is attending ARC-US 2017 in Miami commencing Nov 16th?

Thanks,

Wayne

6

I’m planning on being there.
Hope to see you tomorrow!

7

Thank you, gentlemen.

I’ll probably end up deferring to the building code as well.

I have a call in to a contact at a railing manufacturer. I expect him to know the state of the art in his industry. If he gives me anything more than we’ve discussed here, I’ll be sure to post it.

Thanks again.

8

Pay your structural engineer to address the relevant issues. The standard is not needed.

9

Mark, is that a commercial message from our favorite Structural PE?

10

You can continue to reference a retired standard if you have a need for it. Include the date of the standard to clarify what you used.

11

From a CSI buddy with R & B Wagner, Inc.:

The statement is correct. However in lieu of a replacement, people are still using the ASTM E985 standard as a reference point.
Additionally people are leaning on the IBC codes as well as manufacturers test data and ICC ESR accreditation.

Hope this helps.

12

I am not currently soliciting work of the type mentioned.

The fact that the standard has been retired should not be a problem since compliance with it is not necessary to comply with the code. In fact blind reliance on the standard does not necessarily insure that the code will be complied with or that the railing system will be safe. This is where you need a structural engineer, more likely the engineer of record on the project.

If you mistakenly believe that you need this standard I believe that there is no problem with specifying compliance with a retired standard as long as the contractor can obtain a copy.

13

Does anyone happen to have access to ASTM E985 that i can review?

14

send me a note marcchavez@deltek.com

15

Robin, it is available on MADCAD, which you should have access to through SCIP.

16

ASTM’s “Reading Room” might have it freely available for viewing access (though I’ve found most are antiquated versions).