Steel Structure Stair Tower

[Zengeh]

There is 30 meter high stair tower, to be design in steel. At the shorter span of the tower, or width, (i.e. transvers direction), there will be vertical braces to stabilize the tower. Wondering if i can use stair stringers in leu of vertical braces in the other direction (i.e. length or longitudinal direction).

 

[KootK]

It's been done. But you'll have to pay close attention to making sure that your load path is complete and that your analysis accounts for any flexibility introduced by the stingers likely being dog-legged etc.

 

[CDLD]

Providing tower bracing is preferred but you certainly can do it.

If the stringer is attached to a slab, you’ll only have a one bolt connection likely.
Also you should play close attention to the flexibility of the stringer/tower connection.

Another option is to provide a knee brace from the stair tower to the stringer. This way both the tower and the stringer will participate in resisting the shear.

 

[human909]

For the reasons mentioned above, no way would I do that for a 30m tower. The forces are significant. Sure you could make it work, but why?