STAIRS - Building Materials short notes and previous year questions

STAIRS 

TERMS 

1. BALUSTRADE : combination of framework of baluster & hand rail 

2. FLIGHT : series of step without landing or break 

3. RUN : total length including landing 

4. THREAD = going + nosing 

5. RISE : vertical distance , riser : vertical member 

6. FLIERS : rectangular steps of uniform shape and size 

7. LANDING : platform between two flights 

i. Quarter space landing 

ii. Half space landing 

8. WINDERS : turning step used for changing directions 

9. STRING / STRINGER : sloping member which supports the step 

10. SOFFIT : under surface of stair 

11. HEADER : horizontal structural member supporting stair 

12. CARRIAGE : rough timber supporting steps of wooden stairs 

13. SCOTIA : additional ornamental work provided to nosing 

14. WALKING LINE : 

• approx. walking distance of people in stair 

• 45 cm from the hand rail 

15. WAIST : thickness of structural slab in case of rcc 

REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD STAIR 

• Min no of steps : 3 

• Max no of steps : 12 

• Headroom : > 2.1 m 

• Thread : 25 - 30 cm 

• Rise : 10 - 15 cm 

• Min width : 90 cm 

• Pitch / slope : 30 - 45 

Hand rail 

• If width of step minimum : hand rail on one side 

• If width of step more : hand rail on both side 

• If width of step > 1.5 m : central hand rail also provided 

Location of stair 

• Residential building : centrally 

• Public building : main entrance

CHECK 

1. T + R = 40 - 45 cm 

2. T x R = 400 - 450 cm 

3. T + 2R = 60 - 61 cm

RAMPS 

• Sloping surface 

• Hand rail on both sides 

• Slope : 1 in 10 

• For railway station : 1 in 6 

• For hospitals min width : 2.25 m

ESCALATOR 

Pitch / slope : 30* 

Speed : 45 cm / sec

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS BASED ON STAIRS