Building Codes Both residential and commercial building codes specifically state safety rails shall be provided when the vertical grade between different surfaces exceed a fixed vertical height. Commercial codes further define minimum load requirements that the guards are to provide. Building codes generally require guards (protection) atop retaining wall structures and are applicable to fencing and pedestrian rail systems placed atop segmental retaining wall systems. Residential Codes The International Residential Code (IRC) states, Section R312 - Guards, states “guards are required when raised surfaces are located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The guard shall not be less than 36 inches (3 feet) in height. The requirement for guards applies to porches, balconies, decks, ramps and raised surfaces (i.e. retaining walls).” Commercial Codes The International Building Code (IBC), Section 1013 – Guards, states “guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, mezzanines, industrial equipment platforms, stairways, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The guard shall provide adequate strength to meet the load requirements of Section 1607.7. Section 1607.7.1 requires guards and handrails to resist a load of 50 pounds per linear foot applied along the top, and Section 1607.7.1.1 states the assemblies and guards shall be able to resist a single concentrated load of 200 pounds applied along the top.” Sleeve-It Testing *FENCE POST (BY OTHERS) PERMANENT VEGETATION (TYP.) Rutgers University in coorperation of SLEEVE-IT 1224R FENCE FOUNDATION SYSTEM (INSTALL PER SLEEVE-IT INSTALLATION GUIDE) CAP UNIT (TYP.) EROSION CONTROL BLANKET TOP SOIL (TYP.) SRW UNIT (TYP.) IMPERMEABLE SOIL LAYER (6-INCH (150mm) MIN.) RETAINED FILL REINFORCED FILL 0.5' (150mm) (MIN.) EXISTING GRADE 0.5' (150mm) (MIN.) DRAINAGE FILL 3/4-INCH (19mm) CRUSHED ROCK OR STONE (MAXIMUM 5% FINES) DRAINAGE FILL 2-INCH (305mm) MIN. BEHIND WALL UNIT STRATAGRID (TYP.), SEE PROFILE FOR TYPE, ELEVATION AND LENGTH NON-WOVEN GEOTEXTILE (TYP.) RETAINED SOIL