Stairs

Dr. Sumit Khandelwal, Malaviya National Institute of

Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, INDIA

StairsFor access between different floorsMust be centrally located. If not,

approach must be clearly marked/knownMore than one stair in big buildingsRiser/tread to be decided according to

NBC provisionsMust be fire-resistantVariety of designsChoice of construction materials

Stairs: Related Terms

Stairs: Related Terms

Stairs: PlanningWidth shall be sufficient to provide

comfortable passage (domestic: 0.9-1.2 m, public: 1.2-1.8m)

Pitch between 25o to 45o

Riser shall be convenient for people of all ages (Public: normally 150 mm, Domestic: 150-180 mm)

Tread for public is 300 mm for domestic 250-300 mm

A flight shall have maximum 12 risersLanding width shall not be less than stair

widthMust have ample head room

Stair Types: Straight StairStair may have one flight or two flights with a

landingNormally open type stair with one side openSpace constraintsOnly for small buildings/ domestic buildingsAny material

Stair Types: Straight Stair

Stair Types: Quarter Turn Stair

Two flightsChange in direction, turns

left/rightDirection change facilitated

by landingWinders may also be there

instead of landing, when space problem

Stair Types: Quarter Turn Stair

Stair Types: Half Turn Stair Two or more flights Direction reversed at next

floor Direction change facilitated

by landing Landing width may be equal

to width of stair well Steps/winders may also be

used instead of landing More or less equal risers in

two main flights Most common type of stair Dog-legged or open newel

stair

Stair Types: Half Turn Stair

Stair Types: Half Turn Stair

Stair Types: Three Quarter Turn Stair

Direction changes by 270o

Normally used when height is more and limited length

Some flights have very few risers (only 3-4)

Stair Types: Bifurcated StairOne flight

bifurcates into two flights

Width of starting flights more than bifurcated flights

Normally for public buildings

Stair Types: Circular/Spiral Stair

Geometrical stairsOnly winders as

stepsContinuous

change in direction

Normally not the main staircase

Used to access areas having limited entry

Steel is them most common material

Stair Types: Circular/Spiral Stair

Stair Types: Helical StairGeometrical stairsOnly winders as

stepsContinuous

change in direction

Normally not the main staircase

Used to access areas having limited entry

Steel is them most common material