Stairs and Stair Cases

Introduction: A stair is a series of steps, each elevated a measured distance, leading from one level of a structure to another. When the series is a continuous section

without

breaks

formed

by

landings

or

other

constructions, the terms flight of stairs or run of stairs are often use. A stair is to be designed to span a large

vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical

distances, called steps.

Stairs are the conventional means of access between floors in buildings. A stairs described as a set of steps leading form one floor to another and a stair case includes the part of the building surrounding the stair. Stairs should be constructed to provide real easy and safe access up and downs, with steps that are either laborious or difficult to climb within a compact area so as to take up no excessive floor area. In the building, stairs have two main functions: firstly that of normal everyday access from floor to floor, and secondly they must provide an easy and rapid escape, from the upper floor in case of emergency (as fire or earth quakes). For this reason even if most buildings have Other means of access between floors as elevators (lift) or moving stair case they must have also stairs.

The functional requirements of stair cases Stability

Protection from fire

Suitable dimensions (for normal, elders, disabled people & children) appearance

Components and Terminology

Components and Terminology

Flight: A series of steps between different levels or storey of a building landing: An area of Floor at the top of or between flights of stairs for

changing direction in the stairs & providing a resting place between long
flights of stairs. Tread: The part of the step that is stepped on.

Riser: The vertical portion of the step between steps.

Nosing An edge part of the tread that extends from the riser beneath. Winders: Winders are steps that are narrower on one side than the other.

They are used to change the direction of the stairs without landings. A
series of winders form a circular or spiral stairway.

 Stringer or string: The structural member that supports the Treads.

There are typically two stringers, one on either side of the stairs; though the treads may be supported many other ways. The

stringers are notched so that the risers and treads fit into them.
Handrail: A rail fixed parallel above the pitch line at the sides of a stair. balusters: Vertical members which support a handrail. Newel: A vertical post which might provide support for either the handrail, or support for the upper end of an outer string

 Bull Nose: when one or both sides of the stairs are open, the first
step above the lower floor may be wider than the other steps. The rounded portion of the step Is called a "bull nose".

SUITABLE DIMENSIONS FOR STAIR CASES

Riser and tread: In a flight of stairs all steps should have the same riser and same tread.

Relationship between riser and tread can be shown as

2R+T=63cm

 Convention centers, cinema, Theaters=16cm Schools, hospitals, Office buildings R= 17cm Residential Buildings R=18cm Steepness of stairs: Regular pitch: 25-36

Dimensions of step and landing

The minimum width of stairways shall not be less than 36 inches. The minimum dimension of all landings shall be 36 inches.

Measuring Head room

H=140+70/Cos Pitch : 20H=215cm Pitch : 30H= 220cm: Pitch : 45H=240cm

Classification of stair on the basis of their layout

Straight flight stair: The simplest type of stair is a straight flight between floors, with or without landings. Such a stair case occupies a long narrow area and it is a useful form of stair when the total rise is no too great. If the floor height is greater, the straight flight stair can be divided in to two flight by providing landing in length of stairs.

uses: This type of stair is suitable for a long and narrow stair case.

Elevation and plan of straight flight stairs

Quarter turn stairs