Handrail Bracket to 6" metal stud wall w/ 3 Layers of Drywall

[JimmyD123]

Please see attached PDF. Wagner handrail bracket attached to a 6" metal stud wall with 3 layers of drywall. The bracket is ok, and i have a sleeve welded to the back of it so that it will bear onto the studs or blocking. the issue i am having is finding a 3/8" fastener that can take the tension. Tension and dimensions are all shown on the drawing. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas. Thanks

 

[KootK]

I'd advocate a different load path here and that may improve your fastener situation.

Let's start with this: where is the 200 lb vertical shear resisted in your connection? I think it's resisted initially by bearing on the drywall.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[JLNJ]

I'll advocate for something which makes it worse.

The 1.19 is probably unconservative for the prying action lever arm.

Handrail brackets are a bugger and often don't get the attention they deserve.

edited to add: the weld size designation belongs on the left of the weld symbol.

 

[dhengr]

JimmyD123:
Maybe you should detail things this way.
1. 3 layers of 5/8" gypbd. = 1.875" thk.
2. 2" std. pipe, 1.625" long, plus a .25" thk. end pl. welded to the end of the pipe = 1.875" long. The end pl. would be approx. 2.375" o.d. to match the pipe dia., and either the round pl. or the end of the pipe could be lightly beveled to make/allow the weld. This stand-off pipe is no longer welded to the back of the Wagner handrail bracket.
3. The round end pl. is drilled with three bolt holes: one at the center as you show, for the handrail bracket and its regular bolt, and now the bracket and its bolt acts as usual. The other two holes are at 10:30 and 1:30 o’clock and immediately inside the pipe i.d. They are countersunk on the outer face for two bolts through the framing and blocking. The blocking and framing had better be good and strong in this application. These holes can be used as drilling templates when installing each stand-off pipe, and the outer two holes should be drilled right against the inner wall of the pipe at the framing. These two bolts will then bear directly on the pipe wall to take some shear, and they will combine with the center bolt to take the bending loads which have almost been doubled by the thick sht. rk.