Professional and Career Topics

For this project. I was responsible for delegated design of the stairs and railings.  The railing height was higher than normal as it was over tracks.  It is also important to provide bolted field connections where ever possible on galvanized material.  Welding of galvanized steel produces hazardous fumes and can be costly to touch up.  Keep in mind that AESS does not necessarily prohibit exposed bolts.

I have been involved with stair and rail designs for several stadiums and arenas.  Loads found in codes and specs for stadium rails often exceed that which is typically required for a guard.  A large crowd pushing against the rail should be expected and considered, it is well documented what happens when it is not.  However, rail height can vary based on where it is located at the bottom of the grandstand stairs or in the line of sight in front of seats. 

I visited the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (with ASCE), that had a drink rail at the concourse level.  It had a net on the opposite side to catch anything that falls over.  Great idea!  It will catch the glass, but not the beer, I guess that is a good case study in risk assessment.