ASTM E894-23

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Designation: E894 − 18 E894 − 23
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. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describescovers 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 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to
inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.56 on Performance
of Railing Systems and Glass for Floors and Stairs.
Current edition approved April 1, 2018July 1, 2023. Published May 2018July 2023. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20102018 as E894 – 88
(2010).E894 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/E0894-18.10.1520/E0894-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E894 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
E488/E488M Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in Concrete Elements
E575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and Assemblies
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E985 Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings (Withdrawn 2015)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, see Terminology E631 and Specification E985.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is intended to provide data from which applicable design data can be derived for a given anchorage.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine—Any testing machine or loading system capable of imposing forces accurate to within 61 %, when
calibrated in accordance with Practice E4, is suitable and may be used, provided the requirements of specified rate of loading and
recovery are met. The testing device shall be of sufficient capacity to prevent yielding of its various components and shall ensure
that the applied tension load remains parallel to the relevant axis of the anchorage assembly and that the applied shear load remains
essentially parallel to the surface of the structural anchorage element or component during testing.
5.1.1 Tension Test—Suitable systems for applying tension forces to the anchorage assembly are shown in Fig. 1 for laboratory
testing and in Fig. 2 for field testing. The bearing plates shall be of sufficient size to prevent failure of the surrounding structural
members or components. The loading device shall be attached to the assembly by means of pins or a swivel connector to prevent
the direct transfer of bending stresses through the connection.
5.1.2 Shear Test—A suitable system for applying shear forces to the anchorage assembly normal to the plane or major axis of the
railing is shown in Fig. 3. The loading device shall be of sufficient strength to prevent its yielding during the ultimate capacity tests
on the assembly. The bearing plates and connections shall be of sufficient size to prevent local failure of the structural member.
NOTE 1—See Test MethodMethods E488/E488M, Fig. 1 for alternative test set-up with a testing machine in the laboratory.
FIG. 1 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Tensile Force to Rail, Rail Post, Flange Plate, and Flange-Plate Anchors
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
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FIG. 2 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Tensile Force to Rail, Rail Post, Flange Plate, and Flange-Plate Anchors with Field-testing
Device
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 a means of holding the
anchorage member or component at the 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 division of not more than 0.025 mm (0.001 in.), or any suitable
measurement device or calibrated sensor of at least comparable accuracy and sensitivity shall be used to measure slip of the
anchored system relative to the anchorage elements or components. The purpose of the instruments is to measure the vertical
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 division of not more than 0.025 mm (0.001 in.), or any suitable
measurement device or calibrated sensor of at least comparable accuracy and sensitivity shall be used to measure slip of the
anchored system relative to the anchorage elements or components.
5.2.3 Flexural Test—A single dial gage for the test shown in 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 application.
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NOTE 1—See Test Methods E488/E488M, 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
FIG. 4 Diagrammatic Test Set-up for Applying Force to Top of Rail Post to be Tested in Flexure for Determination of Tensile Load Reac-
tions for Rail-Post Anchors
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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 energy accumulated during testing can occur and must be given consideration.
6.2 If tests are conducted in a structure and not in a testing laboratory, exercise caution against unwanted damage to the building,
its components, and its finish.
7. Anchorage Considerations
7.1 Anchorage requirements should be based on design and performance requirements. The fastenings and fasteners used for the
anchorage to be tested shall be designed in accordance 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 justified, in accordance
with good field practice. Typical anchorages 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, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), or combinations thereof.
9. Test Specimens
9.1 Structural System—The structural elements and components of the structural assembly to be tested shall be in accordance with
and typical of the materials and configurations specified, except that the overall size of the test specimens may be reduced to such
an extent that the reduction in size is proven to be of no influence on the interpretation of the test data and findings.
9.2 Anchored System—The anchored railings and rails to be tested shall be representative of the type and lot to be used in the actual
structure.
9.3 Anchorage System—The structural anchorage elements and components to be tested shall be representative of the construction
to be used in the field.
9.4 Anchoring System—The anchoring devices to be tested shall be representative of the type and lot to be used in field
construction and shall include, insofar as feasible, all accessory devices and hardware normally required for design and use.
9.5 Anchorage Installation—Install the anchoring devices to be tested in accordance with field installation procedures to be used
in the building for which the data are applicable.
9.6 Anchorage Placement—Test all individual anchoring devices and systems used in a given installation individually.
Simultaneously test as a complete unit closely spaced anchoring devices and systems that may interact.
10. Number of Test Specimens
10.1 Determine suitable statistical parameters to evaluate the composite variability and to select the number of specimens required
to make a realistic determination of the performance characteristics of the anchorage under examination. Test a minimum of three
specimens of each type of anchorage system for each set of given conditions. A larger number of specimens may be specified
depending upon the design and variability in the quality of the anchorage devices and the anchoring elements and components.
11. Conditioning
11.1 Conditioning and Curing—If aging, seasoning, or curing conditions affect the performance and capacity of the anchorage
system, take appropriate measures in accordance with the recommendations of the anchor manufacturer, to age, season, or cure
the anchorage and anchoring system prior to testing. Report such conditions in detail. Observe their physical effects and fully
describe them in the test report.
11.2 Moisture and Tempe
...