Guard Rails in a Marina/Harbor

[stephensnelson]

I've got a small project installing some lighting, benches, etc. near a sea wall which is 6ft across, flush with the ground, and 4-5ft above the water surface. I've explained to the client that guard rails are a must under IBC 1013.1 but am getting a lot of push back as the client feels they can justify this as a "pier" or "loading dock" and fall under the exception. I still don't feel comfortable that this satisfies the requirement but wanted to see if anyone has worked more extensively in marinas or harbors and is familiar with the issue of guard rails in these locations.

 

[msquared48]

I know of a lot of situations around here with rock and CIP concrete walls with no barriers like that - most for access and view. Can you post a picture of the situation?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[stephensnelson]

The issue I'm having is that with rock or other breakwaters there is a slope to the waters surface. If I took a header of this thing I wouldn't be able to get back up. Thanks for the response and let me know what your thoughts are.