rambarde

Rambarde is a protective barrier installed along the edge of stairs, balconies, terraces, decks, and other elevated or open edges. Its primary function is to prevent people from falling and to define the boundary of a space. On stairs it commonly works in concert with the main handrail, providing a continuous barrier on the side opposite the wall. In Francophone contexts, rambarde may be used interchangeably with garde-corps or balustrade.

Construction: A rambarde typically consists of a top handrail, a series of support elements such as balusters or vertical posts, and an infill that can be solid or open. In some designs the barrier is continuous with a parapet. Materials range from wood and wrought or stainless steel to aluminum, glass or stone. The choice of material affects appearance, durability, and maintenance.

Applications and design: Rambardes appear in residential, commercial, and public architecture. They may be traditional or contemporary in style, and are often customized to meet architectural intent and safety requirements. They may also serve as wind breaks or aesthetic features.

Safety and standards: Building codes set requirements for height, stiffness, and the spacing of openings to minimize fall risk. Typical heights are around 0.9 to 1.1 meters, and openings between vertical elements are constrained to limit passage of small objects or children. Installation must consider the forces exerted by users and the structure of the underlying construction.