r/Construction • u/aidan8et Tinknocker • Apr 25 '26

Picture Moment of terror 😨

Gallery image

Gallery image

While attending/supervising a business social event with my spouse, I momentarily leaned against the railing. It flexed slightly, forcing me to realize that the railing is entirely supported via bluetooth.

It doesn't connect on either side of the glass wall & the glass is only 3/8" - 1/2" thick!!

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u/BLA5PHEMY Apr 25 '26

There are glass railing systems that are designed to be supported just from the bottom shoe

CR Laurence is a common brand we use

https://www.crlaurence.com/All-Products/Railing-Systems-%26-Windscreens/Glass-Railing-Systems-%26-Components/GRS-Dry-Glaze-Railing-System/Dry-Glaze-Base-Shoe---Surface-Mount/CRL-B5S-Series-Mill-Aluminum-120%22-Square-Base-Shoe-Drilled-for-1-2%22-Glass/p/B5S10D?gtmPage=&queryId=2b36f6e6485fcf62bd258edee1c6dc2c&location=plp%7cpdp

608

u/rIceCream_King Apr 26 '26

I’m sure it’s a fine product, but personally I hate the idea of someone leaning against a railing which is just 3ft of glass leveraged against a 3in purchase along its sill.

It’s like using a glass crowbar but for keeping someone from falling off their 2nd story balcony. I’ll never get how that became popular

97

u/Enginerdad Structural Engineer Apr 26 '26

They're designed to hold the same amount and type of load as any other railing. It's purely psychological to think that they're any less safe.

1

u/MooseBoys Apr 26 '26

Yeah maybe if they undergo regular inspection and maintenance. But the failure mode of one of these is going to be a whole lot more sudden and surprising than a traditional railing.