EGR 290 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Handrail, Baluster, Falsework
Document Summary
The primary function of stairs is to provide a means of access from one floor level to another and also provide a means of escape in case of fire. Stairs in houses are normally constructed from timber steel or concrete and a number of designs are used, dependent on the layout of the house and the space available for the staircase. Stairs, like floors, must carry the weight of the people using them, plus the weight of any furniture and equipment that may be transported over them. However, no live loads are imposed, as furniture and equipment will not be located on the stairs as they will be on floors. In domestic construction timber staircases will provide half hour fire resistance, which will be adequate. Sound insulation will be necessary on the stairs in order to reduce sound transmission from one storey to another. The main form of sound transmission on stairs is structure borne or impact sound.
