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["Doug Parker" <dparker10(--nospam--at)austin.rr.com>]

We have been asked by the city to provide a letter stating that the cable guardrail system in a parking garage can support a 200# load and still not allow a 4" sphere to pass through.  According to the UBC, the 200# load requirement is applicable to "handrails" not "guardrails".  Cable guardrail systems are fairly common here in Texas.  Typically, these cables are spaced at 4" on center with a 4000# prestress force in the cable.  The supports are at 15'-0" on center.  You cannot reasonably maintain a maximum clear distance of 4" when a 200# load (placed anywhere) is applied to the cable.

 

Has anyone else been asked to provide such a letter?

 

All comments and suggestions are appreciated.

 

Thank you,

Doug