STAIRS

Other Chapters

• Q1: Define Stairs.
  Ans: A stair or stairs is a series of steps arranged to allow people to ascend or descend between different levels of a building.
• Q2: Define Staircase.
  Ans: A staircase is a complete set of stairs including the supporting framework, handrails, balusters, and other components.
• Q3: What are the three basic components of stairs?
  Ans: The three basic components of stairs are:

  • ➔ Tread – The horizontal part where the foot is placed.
  • ➔ Riser – The vertical portion between each tread.
  • ➔ Stringer – The inclined support that holds the treads and risers.
• Q4: Define Tread.
  Ans: A tread is the horizontal part of a stair on which a person steps.
• Q5: Define Riser.
  Ans: A riser is the vertical portion between one tread and the next in a staircase.
• Q6: Define Going.
  Ans: Going is the horizontal distance between the face of one riser to the face of the next riser, measured along the line of travel.
• Q7: Define Winders.
  Ans: Winders are steps that are narrower on one side than the other and are used to change the direction of stairs without using a landing.
• Q8: Define Flight.
  Ans: A flight is a continuous series of steps between landings or floors without a break.
• Q9: Define Scotia.
  Ans: A scotia is a concave moulding used underneath stair nosings to improve aesthetics and hide the joint between tread and riser.
• Q10: Define Landing.
  Ans: A landing is a flat platform between two flights of stairs, providing a resting area and a change in direction if needed.
• Q11: Define Waist.
  Ans: Waist refers to the thickness of the inclined slab of a staircase on which the steps are built, especially in RCC staircases.
• Q12: Define Soffit.
  Ans: The soffit is the underside or bottom surface of a stair or staircase.
• Q13: Define Balustrade.
  Ans: A balustrade is a railing supported by balusters, typically found at the side of a staircase or balcony for safety and decoration.
• Q14: Define Newel Post.
  Ans: A newel post is the vertical post at the start, end, or turn of a staircase that supports the handrail.
• Q15: Define Stringer.
  Ans: A stringer is the inclined structural support in a staircase that supports the treads and risers.
• Q16: Define Head Room.
  Ans: Head room is the vertical distance between the tread and the ceiling above it. It ensures sufficient space for a person to use the stairs without hitting their head.
• Q17: Define Pitch of staircase.
  Ans: The pitch of a staircase is the angle between the line of nosing and the horizontal plane, usually between 30° to 45°.
• Q18: Name 4 commonly used staircase types in residential buildings.
  Ans: These are:

  • ➔ Straight staircase
  • ➔ L-shaped staircase
  • ➔ U-shaped staircase
  • ➔ Spiral staircase
• Q19: Write application of Ladder Stairs.
  Ans: Ladder stairs are used in places with limited space, such as lofts, attics, or mezzanines, where regular staircases may not fit.
• Q20: Write some disadvantages of straight staircase.
  Ans: Some of the disadvantages are:

  • ➔ Requires more linear space.
  • ➔ No intermediate landing, making long flights tiring.
  • ➔ Offers less privacy between floors.
• Q21: Write uses of staircase.
  Ans: Some of the uses of stairs are as follows:

  • ➔ To provide vertical circulation between floors.
  • ➔ Acts as an emergency exit in buildings.
  • ➔ Can be used architecturally as a design feature.
  • ➔ Used in maintenance and access in industrial buildings.
• Q22: Write a formula to calculate the number of Risers.
  Ans: The formula is:
  Number of Risers = Total height between floors ÷ Height of one riser
• Q23: What points do we need to consider when choosing a staircase for any building?
  Ans: Following points should be considered:

  • ➔ Available space
  • ➔ Building function and occupancy
  • ➔ Material and cost
  • ➔ Safety and building codes
  • ➔ Aesthetic appeal
  • ➔ Comfort and ease of use
• Q24: What is the best place for a staircase in any building?
  Ans: Ideally, a staircase should be placed near the main entrance or central part of the building for easy accessibility and efficient circulation. It should also comply with fire safety codes.
• Q25: Name some materials used for the construction of staircase.
  Ans: Some of the materials are:

  • ➔ Concrete
  • ➔ Steel
  • ➔ Timber
  • ➔ Glass
  • ➔ Stone
  • ➔ Cast iron
• Q26: What are the general considerations about staircase lighting?
  Ans: The general considerations are:

  • ➔ Ensure uniform and adequate illumination.
  • ➔ Use step lights or LED strips for safety.
  • ➔ Avoid glare or overly harsh lighting.
  • ➔ Emergency lighting in case of power failure.
  • ➔ Light switches should be accessible at both ends of the staircase.
• Q27: Define Bifurcating Staircase.
  Ans: A bifurcating staircase is a staircase that splits into two symmetrical flights at a landing, typically found in grand architectural designs.
• Q28: Define Elevator.
  Ans: An elevator is a vertically moving platform or cabin used for transporting people or goods between different floors in a building.
• Q29: Define Escalator.
  Ans: An escalator is a moving staircase that transports people between floors of a building automatically using motorized steps.