stairway construction

[olaf]

In one of our landscape architecture projects construction of 2 stairways is included.
The stairways are intended to connect a terrain level difference between 4 and 6m.

Until now we designed only small stairways with 1-2 flights on natural embankment.
Therefore we intend to ask a structural engineer for construction details but before we want inform ourselves a bit more about possible solutions and design details to look at. (I noticed the forum constribution some day ago about stairways)

Now the problem.
Both objects have to be placed not on a soil embankment but as an additional element to
an existing limestone retaining wall.

Due to available space constraints (in case 1) and the design task(case 2) the block-steps have to be placed
in 90° angle to the existing wall (case 1) and along the wall (case 2) thus creating an entrance appearance
to the next terrain level.

Uncertainity occured about the following problems
1) what kind of construction below the block steps (steel frame, reinforced concrete ?)
2) what kind of earth foundation to choose
3) connection of the stairway with the existing wall / or not

Until now I found very little material about stairways. Most publications treat the problem in a more general way,
not very instructive for our situation.

Hope that I described the probem sufficiantly. Any hint is appreciated.
Perhaps specialized publications are availabe ?

 

[Lutfi]

Olaf,

The architectural graphic standards handbook by Ramsey contains good stair material. I responded to the stair issue. I happen to be a lucky guy to have worked with thousands of stairs. They pose an interesting challenge not only due to geometry but the method of construction. if you can fax to me or scan a sketch of the proposed lay out, I may be able to give you more help. Forgive me because I am a typical engineer. I think with sketches not words.

 

[claudio35]

Does anyone know of some suppliers for stair treads fabricated of aluminum extrusions?

 

[smcadman]

Do not mean to hijack this thread...
Does anyone know of some suppliers for stair treads fabricated of aluminum extrusions?
Claudio, McNichols is where you need to try, we have used them many of times.

http://www.mcnichols.com/ecommerce/english/pages/products/treadgrip/tg_main.htm

Flores

 

[claudio35]

thanks very much for your reply. As a matter of fact I have already been to their web site and have found what I was looking for.