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.
