Stair Design Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended minimum number of risers per flight to prevent tripping?

Four risers

Five risers

Three risers (correct)

Two risers

What is the maximum allowable rise height for stairs?

8 inches

7-1/4 inches

7 inches

7-3/4 inches (correct)

What is the minimum height requirement for guardrails installed on open sides of stairways?

30 inches

34 inches

36 inches (correct)

32 inches

Which of the following is NOT permitted for rail designs on stairs?

Ornamental closures allowing a 4-inch sphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum clearance required between the wall and the handrail?

1-1/2 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of stairs in a building?

To facilitate movement between the levels Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most critical in the design of stairways?

Safety and ease of travel Signup and view all the answers

What must federal regulations ensure regarding elevators in public facilities?

They should provide accessibility for persons with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an alternative to elevators for moving people between floors?

Escalators Signup and view all the answers

What requirement is essential for staircases in relation to fire safety?

They should be constructed with materials of limited combustibility. Signup and view all the answers

How do dimensions of stairways affect their usability?

They affect safety and ease in use. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that staircases must achieve to ensure stability?

They must carry loads without excessive deflection. Signup and view all the answers

What role do landings play in the design of stairways?

They should integrate logically with the structural system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum thickness rule of thumb for concrete stair slabs?

Span/26 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevator is typically suited for high-rise buildings?

Gearless traction elevators Signup and view all the answers

What serves as the support structures for steel stairs?

Steel channel sections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hoisting cables in elevators?

To raise and lower the elevator car Signup and view all the answers

What do moving sidewalks primarily utilize to transport pedestrians?

Power-driven continuously moving surfaces Signup and view all the answers

In which type of building are electric elevators most commonly found?

Medium-rise buildings Signup and view all the answers

Where can steel channel sections for stairs be installed?

On bearing plates on masonry or hung from rods Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevator is likely to operate at speeds over 6 m/s?

Gearless traction elevators Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the number of treads and risers in a flight of stairs?

There is always one less tread than riser. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required width of an exit stairway based on?

The occupant load and the use group. Signup and view all the answers

How high should guardrails be at a minimum?

915 mm for dwellings and 1070 mm for all other stairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of handrails on stairways?

They must be continuous without interruption. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum length of landings in relation to stair width?

As wide as the stairway they serve. Signup and view all the answers

How should doors swing in relation to egress?

They should swing in the direction of egress without reducing landing width. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for the openings in guardrails?

A 100 mm sphere must not pass through openings up to 665 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height requirement for handrails above the leading edge of the stair treads?

Should be between 665 mm and 1070 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of accessible stairs during an emergency?

To serve as a means of egress Signup and view all the answers

Which material is NOT typically used to construct long or curvilinear ramps?

Brick Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum cross-sectional dimension allowed for handrails?

57 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of stairs does NOT follow the straight-line configuration?

Spiral Stair Signup and view all the answers

What is required for handrails in terms of graspability?

Must provide equivalent graspability in any shape Signup and view all the answers

What type of stair is specifically designed as an inclined, one-way reinforced slab?

Concrete stair Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required clearance between a handrail and a wall?

51 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ramp is best suited for accommodating a change in level along an accessible route?

Curvilinear ramp Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stairs

Stairs provide vertical access between levels
A logical integration of landings with the structural system is crucial for efficient framing
Safety and ease of travel are paramount considerations for stairs
The minimum width of an exit stairway is determined by the occupant load
Handrails project a maximum of 115mm into the required width
Landings must be at least as wide as the stairway they serve and have a minimum length equal to the stair width
Doors should swing in the direction of egress and should not reduce the landing width by more than half
Handrails are required on both sides of stairs, with a height of 665 to 965mm
Guardrails are required to protect open sides of stairs, ramps, and unenclosed openings
Guardrails protecting an open stair side can have the same height as the stair handrails
A minimum of three risers per flight is recommended to prevent tripping
Stair design is strictly regulated by building codes, especially when part of an emergency egress system
ADA accessible stairs should also serve as an emergency egress route

Concrete Stairs

Concrete stairs are designed as inclined, one-way reinforced slabs
They may act as a simple beam if constructed after floor beam supports
They are designed as a continuous beam if cast with slab supports
A structural engineer is required for design to account for load, span, and support conditions
Concrete walls require a minimum clearance of 38mm or 100mm for masonry walls
The rule of thumb for stair slab thickness is span / 26

Steel Stairs

Steel stairs are similar in form to wood stairs
Steel channel sections act as carriages and stringers
Treads may consist of concrete-filled steel pans or flat plates
Prefabricated steel stairs are available
Steel channel sections may rest on a bearing plate or be hung on threaded rods

Elevators

Elevators are used for vertical transportation of passengers, equipment, and freight
The two most common types are electric and hydraulic elevators
Electric elevators are driven by electric hoisting machinery in a penthouse
Geared traction elevators can reach up to 1.75 m/s and are suitable for mid-rise buildings
Gearless traction elevators can reach up to 6 m/s and are common in high-rise buildings

Accessibility

Accessible stairs must also serve as an emergency egress route
Handrails should be free of sharp or abrasive elements
The circular cross section of handrails should be between 32 and 51mm in diameter
Other shapes are allowed if they offer equivalent graspability and have a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 57mm
A minimum clearance of 38mm between the handrail and the wall is required
Ramps provide smooth transitions between floor levels
They are primarily used to accommodate changes in level for accessible routes or for wheeled equipment
Short, straight ramps can be constructed with wood, steel, or concrete floor systems
Long or curvilinear ramps are usually made of steel or reinforced concrete

Types of Stairs (Shape)

Straight-Run Stair
Quarter-Turn Stair
Winding Stair
Circular Stair
Spiral Stair

Types of Stairs (Material)

Concrete Stair
Steel Stair
Wood Stair

Moving Sidewalks

Moving sidewalks are power-driven, continuously moving surfaces used for carrying pedestrians horizontally or along low inclines

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential guidelines for stair design. This quiz covers safety considerations, measurements, and building code regulations that are vital for constructing safe and efficient stairways. Perfect for architecture and engineering students!