Stair Design

[hke10]

I designed typical stairs and I designed stairs with slight curve. But I have not design a 360 degree stairs. Does anyone have a referrence to recommend or an advise on how to approach such design. I have been looking for a book or paper reguarding this subject.I have not found one. The stair will be supported at both ends only.

 

[Rafat125]

I have modelled a freestanding stair recently in SAP2000. The results of stresses are a bit confusing at the kinks and at column tops (if any). So you should carefully judge them.

If you can get any books or references please feel free to inform me too.

Regards--

Rafat125

 

[hokie66]

First step: tell your architect you need a support under the landing.

If he is silly, as a lot are: design each flight to cantilever from the floor.

But as a third step, if you are determined to make a curved stair work, search this site for other examples. I recall at least one within the last year.

 

[COEngineeer]

Hmm I dont know hokie, I see a lot of concrete stairs with no support in the middle. the stairs are supporting each other continously.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[slickdeals]

It works like a truss I assume. The flight of stairs from Level 1 - first landing works as a compression strut and the second flight of stairs work in tension. Obviously, a lot of torsion is induced in the beams supporting the stair above.

 

[jike]

I believe hke10 is inquiring about a 360 degree curved stairs. I have seen one of about 270 degrees at an airport constructed of concrete. slickdeals is describing a straight stair with an intermediate landing(not curved).

 

[hke10]

The stair looks like a horse shoe without intermediate landing. It spans between floor. I am going to try to get the architect to place 2 supports. I think they are open to this idea. Even though, the stringer spans between the supports still curving especially the center span. I have seen curved stairs in museums and galleries. There should be some information or guidance published on how to designed curved stringers. I am looking for such information or help.

Thanks for all who are participating in this discussion.

 

[jike]

I would describe a horseshoe as 180 degree since it turns back on itself. There are many of these. One that comes to mind as you describe it is in Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta. It uses concrete walls as handrails with a landing at the curve.

Two steel examples which come to mind are at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Air and Space Museum in DC.