5.

STAIRS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

A stair is a set of steps leading from one floor to the other. It is provided to afford the means of
ascent and descent between various floors of a building. The room or enclosure of the building, in
which the stair is located, is known as stair-case. The opening or space occupied by the stair is
known as a stairway. It should be suitably located in a building. In a domestic building the stairs
should be centrally located to provide easy access to all the rooms. In public buildings, stairs should
be located near the entrance. In big buildings, there can be more than one stairs. Stairs may be
constructed of timber, bricks, stone, steel or reinforced cement concrete. However, fire protection
of staircases is extremely important.

5.2 STAIR TERMINOLOGY

Fig. shows the section of a stair, with its components. The technical terms associated with the
design and construction of stairs are defined below:

1. Step: It is a portion of stair which permits ascent or descent. It is comprised of a tread and a
riser. A stair is composed of a set of steps.
2. Tread: It is the upper horizontal portion of a step upon which the foot is placed while
ascending or descending.
3. Riser: It is the vertical portion of a step providing a support to the tread.
4. Flight: This is defined as an unbroken series of steps between floors or between floor and
landings, or between landing and landing.
5. Landing: It is the level platform at the top or bottom of a flight between the floors. A landing
facilitates change of direction and provides an opportunity for taking rest during the use of the
stair.
6. Rise: It is the vertical distance between two successive tread faces.

7. Going: It is the horizontal distance between two successive riser faces.

8. Nosing: It is the projecting part of the tread beyond the face of the riser. It is usually rounded
off from architectural considerations.

9. Scotia: It is a moulding provided under the nosing to improve the elevation of the step, and to
provide strength to nosing.

10. Soffit: It is the underside of a stair.

11. Line of Nosings: It is an imaginary line parallel to the strings and tangential to the nosings.It is
useful in the construction of hand rails, giving the line with which the under-surface of the hand
rail should coincide.

12. Pitch or Slope: It is the angle which the line of nosing of the stair makes with the horizontal.

13. Strings or Stringers: These are the sloping members which support the steps in a stair. They
run along the slope of the stair.

14. Newel Post: It is a vertical member which is placed at the ends of flights to connect the ends of
strings and hand rail.

15. Baluster: It is a vertical member of wood or metal, supporting the handrail.

16. Balustrade: It consists of a row of balusters surmounted by a hand rail, to provide protection
for the users of the stair.

17. Handrail: It is a rounded or moulded member of metal or wood following generally the
contour of the nosing line, and fixed on the top of balusters.

18. Headroom/Clearance: It is the minimum clear vertical distance between the tread and
overhead structure (i.e., ceilings etc.).

19. Run: It is the total length of stairs in a horizontal plane, including landings.

20. Header: It is the horizontal structural member supporting stair stringers or landings.

21. Winder: Radiating steps for changing direction of a stair.

5.3 REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD STAIR

Stair is the means of vertical transportation between the floors. It should, therefore, be designed so
as to provide easy, quick and safe mode of communication between the floors. Following are the
general requirements which a stair should fulfill.

1. Location:
i. It should be so located as to provide easy access to the occupants of the building.
ii. It should be so located that it is well lighted and ventilated directly from the exterior.
iii. It should be so located as to have approaches convenient and spacious.

2. Width of Stair: It should be wide enough to carry the user without much crowd or
inconvenience. Width of stairs depends upon its location in the building and the type of the
building itself. In a domestic building, a 90cm wide stair is sufficient while in public building,
1.5 to 1.8m width may be required.

3. Length of flight: From comfort point view, the numbers of steps are not more than 12 and not
less than 3.

4. Pitch of stair: The pitch of the stairs should match with the French theory: the labour of
moving vertically is about twice that of moving horizontally, if the average human stride is
taken as 23inches.When measured in cm units, a comfortable slope is achieved when twice rise
plus going is equal to 60 approximately. Pitch should however, be limited to 30° to 45°

5. Head Room: The clear distance between the tread and soffit of the flight immediately above it
should not be less than 2.1 to 2.3m, so that even a tall person can use the stair with some
luggage on its head.

6. Balustrade: Open well stairs should always be provided with balustrade, to provide safety to
the users. Wide stair should have hand rail to both the sides.

7. Step Dimensions: the rise and going should be of such dimensions as to provide comfort to the
users. Their proportions should also be such as to provide desirable pitch of the stair. The going
should not be less than 25cm, though 30cm going is quite comfortable. The rise should be
between 10cm (for hospitals etc.) to 15cm. the width of landing should not be less than the
width of stair.

8. Materials of construction: The material used for the construction of stair should be such as to
provide
i. Sufficient strength and ii. Fire resistance.

9. Landing: Width of the landing should not be less than with of the stair flight at any case.

10. Winders: Should be avoided as far as possible, if not, should be kept at lower end of flight.
These are not suitable for public buildings.

11. Step Proportions: The rise/going of each step in one flight and in flights and landing between
floors should be equal. Any variations may spoil rhythm. The rise/going are proportioned so as
to ensure comfortable access.
5.4 CLASSIFICATION OF STAIRS

1) CLASSIFICATION OF STAIRS ACCORDING TO THEIR LAYOUT (FUNCTION)

A)Straight Stairs B)Turning Stairs

A.1.without intermediate landing
A.2.with intermediate landing
B.1) Quarter Turn Stairs
B.2) Half Turn Stairs
i) Dog-Legged Stairs
ii) Open Well Stairs
B.3) Three-Quarter Turn Stairs
B.4) Bifurcated Stairs
B.5) Continuous Stairs
i) Circular Stairs
ii) Spiral Stairs &
iii) Helical Stairs

 Each of the Turning Stairs are of 3 Types

a) Newel Stairs

b) Well or Open-Newel Stairs, &

c) Geometrical Stairs

2) CLASSIFICATION OF STAIRS ACCORDING TO MATERIAL USED

a) Wooden or Timber Stair

b) Stone Stair

c) Metal or Steel Stair

d) R.C.C. Stair

e) Bricks Stair
TYPES OF STAIRCASE

1. Straight Flight
In this type, this stair runs straight between the two floors. It is used for small houses where there
are restrictions in available width. The stair may consist of either one single flight or more than one
flight (usually two) with a landing as shown in fig.

2. Quarter Turn
A quarter turn stair is the one which changes its direction either to the left or to the right, the turn
being affected either by introducing a quarter space landing or by providing winders.

Quarter turn stairs are of two types:

2.1 Newel quarter turn stairs

These stairs have the conspicuous newel posts at the beginning and end of each flight. At the
quarter turn, there may either be quarter space landing or there may be winders. Two forms of this
type are shown in fig.

2.2 Geometrical Quarter turn stairs

In geometrical stairs, the stringer as well as the hand rail is continuous, with no newel post at the
landing. Two forms are shown in fig.

3. Half turn Stairs

Half turn stair is the one which has its direction reversed, or changed for 180°.Such stairs are quite
common. These may be of three types:

3.1 Dog-legged or Newel Half turn stairs

This name is given because of its appearance in sectional elevations. It comes under the category of
newel stairs in which newel posts are provided at the beginning and end of each flight. These may
be of two forms: i) With half space landing, & ii) With quarter space landing and winders.
Generally, the former type (i.e.. without winders) is more common, as shown in fig. There is no
space between the outer strings of the two flights.

3.2 Open well / Open newel Half turn Stairs

Open well or open newel half turn stair has a space or well between the outer strings. This is the
only aspect in which it differs from the dog-legged stair. The additional width is required between
the two flights; the space between the two strings may vary from 15cm (min) to 100cm. When the
space left is more, a small flight containing two to four steps may be introduced at the turn,
between the two quarter space landing, as shown in Fig. Otherwise, for small width well, a half
space landing may be provided as shown in Fig.

3.3 Geometrical Half turn stairs

The essential features of such stairs are that the stringers and the handrails are continuous, without
any intervening newel post. These may be either with half-space landing or without landing.

4. Three Quarter Turn Stairs

A three quarter turn stairs has its direction changed three times with its upper flight crossing the
bottom one. It may either be newel type or open type or open newel type. Such type of stair is used
when the length of the stair room is limited and when the vertical distance between the two floors is
quite large.

5. Bifurcated Stairs
This type of stair is commonly used in public buildings at their entrance hall. The stair has a wider
flight at the bottom, which bifurcates into two narrower flights, one turning to the left and the other
to the right, at the landing. It may be either of newel type with a newel post as shown in fig. or of
geometrical type, as shown in fig. with continuous stringer and hand rails.

6. Continuous Stairs
Continuous stairs are those which do neither have any landing nor any intermediate newel post.
They are, therefore, geometrical in shape. Continuous stairs may be of the following types:

6.1 circular stairs

6.2 spiral stairs, and

6.3 helical stairs

6.1 Circular Stairs

A Circular staircase makes good use of restricted space and have elegant look which have the metal
support pole and support for treads also. Upper hand rail and treads are made of same material and
color which looks attractive with steel handrail.

Circular stairs are shown in fig. Spiral stair is shown in fig. Such a stair is usually made either of
R.C.C. or metal, and is employed at a location where there are space limitations. These are also
used as emergency stairs, and are provided at the back side of a building. All the steps are winders.
The stair is, therefore, not comfortable.
6.2 Spiral Stairs

A Spiral staircase twists around a central support of pole. Such staircase is useful where space is
limited but may give difficulties, however when you need to take large objects such as furniture,
upstairs. Most of the spirals are made from steel that are welded together. In this picture, treads are
made of wood which looks elegant and open treads are tightly attached with the support pole that
makes it not safer for kids.

6.3 Helical staircases

Helical staircases, sometimes referred to as curved staircases, lead you upstairs in a flowing arc.
This makes these staircases ideal for retail, showrooms and other public spaces, but they also look
glamorous in an office or residential location. Helical staircases are a statement, often used as a
main staircase or exclusive staircase. These stairs frequently consists of two rolled stringers, with
the treads attached between them. Helical staircases do not have a central column setting it apart
from spiral stairs.

A helical stair, shown in fig. , looks very fine but its structural design and construction is very
complicated. It is made of R.C.C. in which a large portion of steel is required to resist bending,
shear and torsion.

7. Timber Stairs
Timber stairs are light in weight and easy to construct, but they have very poor fire resistance. They
are used only for small rise residential buildings. They are unsuitable for high-rise residential
buildings and for public buildings. The timber used for the construction should be free from fungal
decay and insect attack, and should be well-treated before use.

8. Stone Stairs
Stone stairs are widely used at places where ashlar stone is readily available. Stone stairs are quite
strong and rigid, though they are very heavy. Stone used for the construction of stairs should be
hard, strong and resistant to wear. Stones are fire resistant also.

9. Brick Stairs
Brick stairs are not very common, except at the entrance. However, brick stairs of single straight
flight are often made in village houses. The stair consists of either solid wall, or also, arched
openings may be left for obtaining storage space. The brick steps need frequent maintenance.
Hence these may be faced with stone slabs. Alternatively these steps may be cement-plastered at
the top of treads and side of risers.
 10. Metal Stairs
Stairs of mild steel (MS) or cast iron are used only as emergency stairs. They are not common in
residential and public buildings, though they are strong and fire resistant. This is because they are
not good looking and also, they make lot of noise when used by users. They are commonly used in
factories, godowns, workshops, etc.

11. R.C.C. Stairs

R.C.C. stairs are the one which are widely used for residential, public and industrial buildings.
They are strong, hard wearing and fire resisting. These are usually cast-in-situ, and a variety of
finishes can be used on these.

5.5 PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED WHILE PLANNING AND DESIGNING A STAIR

1. Design of Layout

a) Number of Risers (R) = (Total Height of Floor) / (Height of Riser)

b) Number of Treads in a Flight (T) = (Number of Risers-1) = (R-1)

2. Risers & Treads OR Step Proportions

• The following dimensions of Rise and Tread are generally used for different buildings:-

SL NO. TYPE OF BUILDINGS DIMENSIONS

a Residential buildings 160MM X 260MM
Public buildings such as 150MM X 280MM OR
b
Theatres, Colleges, Banks etc 140MM X 300MM
c Industrial buildings 190MM X 250MM
d Hospital Buildings 100MM X 300MM
The other combination of i) 150MM X 280MM; ii) 160MM X 260MM;
e
Rise & Going would be iii) 170MM X 240MM
It should be noted that the rules given above only act as guide but the actual dimensions of going
and rise depend upon the space available, height of the building and layout of the stair.

3. Pitch of the Stair:- The pitch or slope of the stair should not be more than 40° and should not be
less than 25° for comfortable ascend and descend.

4. Width of stair: - The width of a stair must not be less than 0.85 m so that a person going up can
pass a person coming down without any difficulty. The minimum width of stair in a residential
building should be 1.05 m whereas in case of a public building, a minimum width of 1.5 m is
desirable.
5. Length of flight: - The number of steps in a flight should not be more than 12 otherwise it
becomes difficult to move up and down the flight. The minimum number of steps in a flight should
be 3.
In public buildings, maximum number of treads in each flight is limited to 9

6. Width of landing: - The width of landing should not be less than the width of its stair case.

7. Head room: - An adequate head-room must be provided. It should not be less than 2.1 m.

8. Winders: - They should be avoided as far as possible. But they are to be provided when the area
of staircase is limited. In such case, winders should be placed at the lower end of a flight. In a
quarter space i.e. 90° turn, only three winders should be provided.

9. Hand rails and balustrades: - A stair should be provided with a hand rail along with
balustrades to provide assistance, comfort and safety to the users. The height of hand rail should
neither be more than 0.85 m nor less than 0.75m.

10. Materials: - The stair should be constructed from sound materials preferably of fire resisting
quality. It should be constructed of R.C.C. according to building bye-laws being followed in the
locality.

11. Location: - The staircase should be located in such a position that it is easily and quickly
approached. A central position in a building would be ideal. Both light and ventilation should be
available especially at turning points. In a residential building, the stair should be located near the
main entrance and screened from outside for privacy. In public buildings, it should preferably be
located obvious from the main entrance.

5.6 Fixing the going and the rise of a step

To set out a stair it is necessary to select a suitable rise and adjust the rise to the floor to floor height
so that the rise of each step is same throughout.
In general the following rules are used as a guide.

1. (2Rise in cm) + (Going in cm) = 60

2. (Rise in cm) + (Going in cm) = 40 to 45

3. (Rise in cm) X (Going in cm) = 400 to 450

4. Adopt standard size of going and rise as 300 and 140 respectively; then for every 20mm
subtracted from going, add 10mm to the rise.
5.7 Stair Design

Design a suitable stair for a residential building in which the vertical distance between the floors is
3.3m.The stair hall measures 2.25m x 5m.Draw a dimensional plan and a sectional elevation of
staircase.
Solution:
1. Assume type of stair Dog-legged
2. Assume height of riser 150mm
3. No. of rises=R (3300/150)=22

4. No. of treads T=(R-1)=(22-1)=21,

but as for dog-legged stair, no. of landing is 1, hence total no. of treads
=(21-1) 20

5. Width of tread, using (2R + T) =600mm 300mm

6. Assume stair width 1000mm

7. Also, assume landing at mid-level, hence no. of treads in each flight = 10

8. Max. space required for 10 nos. of treads (10*300)=3000mm

(2250-2000)
9. Space left between two flights
=250mm
(5000-3000-1000)
10. Space left after reducing width of landing and horizontal length of flight
=1000mm

8.8 Design Problems

1. Straight Staircase
2. Dog-Legged Staircase
3. Open-Newwell Staircase

Straight Stairs Straight stairs with intermediate Quarter Turn Stairs

Landing
Half Turn Stairs -Dog-Legged Stairs Three Quarter Turn Stairs Geometric Stair 90° Turn

Straight stairs without / Quarter Turn Stairs Dog-Legged Stairs

with intermediate landing

Bifurcated Stairs
 QUARTER TURN STAIR SPIRAL STAIR WITH CIRCULAR STAIR WITH
WITH WINDERS CENTRAL COLUMN CENTRAL WELL

WINDERS

Helical staircases Spiral Staircase

Problem 1: A stair is to be located for an office in a stair-case hall measuring 2.5m X 5m. The
vertical distance between the floor is 3.6m. Design a suitable stair for the building. Also draw a
dimensional plan and a sectional elevation of the proposed stair.
Solution:
Assume, the width of the stair=1.2m.
Since the width of the stair case is 2.5m, a half turn stair can be provided. The direction of the flight
is reversed by the introduction of a half space landing and thus two flights shall be provided. The
width of the landing will be kept equal to the width of the stair.
Space available in the centre of the stair-case
=2500-2X1200=100mm
Since this space is limited, a Dog-Legged Stair will be provided.
Height of each flight=3.6/2=1.8m
Assuming rise of 150mm, number of risers required=180/15=12 in each flight.
Number of treads to be provided in each flight =T=R-1=12-1=11.
Keeping the width of tread as 250mm.
Space occupied by 11 treads=250X11=2750mm
Space left for passage=5000-2750-1200=1050mm.
The arrangement of the steps is shown in fig.

PLAN

Problem 2: A stair is to be located for an office in a stair-case hall measuring 4250mmX5250mm.

The vertical distance between the floors is 3900mm. Design a suitable stair for the building. Also
draw a dimensional plan and a sectional elevation of the proposed stair.

Solution: Since it is a public building, let us fix the width of stairs=1.5m. Since the width of room
is 4.25m, space left between the two flights=4.25- 2 X 1.5 = 1.25m. This suggests that we can
provide an open well-type stairs.

Let the height of risers be 15cm. Keeping two flights, No. of riser in each flight

= (1/2) X (3.9 X 100) /15 = 13

Number of treads in each flight = 13-1= 12

In public buildings, maximum number of treads in each flight is limited to 9.

Hence let us provide 5 treads in the landing portion, which can be easily accommodated in a width
= 5 X 25 =125cm, which is equal to the width of well.

Provide 9 treads in each flight. Thus there will be a total of 9 + 9 + 5 = 23 treads.

The stairs will be of quarter landing type. Total number of risers to accommodate 23 treads in three
flights will be = 23 + 3 = 26.

Height of riser= ( 3.9 X 100 ) / 26 = 15cm.

Thus the steps will have risers of 15cm and treads of 25cm. Horizontal space required for 9 treads =
25 X 9 = 225cm = 2.25 m.

Width of passage left = 5.25 – ( 1.5 + 2.25 ) = 1.50m.

The plan of the stairs is shown in Fig.

Layout of an open well type staircase