A step usually consists of a tread and a riser supported by wires. A staircase is a structure consisting of several steps leading from one floor to another. Stairs in all types of residential and public buildings should be located so as to provide the easiest and fastest possible service to the building. The main function of stairs is firstly to provide a means of communication between different floors. Secondly, it also serves as an escape from the upper floors in case of fire.
Steps and stairs should satisfy the following requirements:
- Strength and Stability: The stairs should be designed like floors such that they are strong and stable enough to carry the anticipated loads safely due to the weight of the people using them and also the weight of the furniture or equipment being carried up or down through them.
- Fire Resistance: The stairs should be made of fire-resisting material and should be connected to different floors, such that they provide safe means of escape in the event of fire.
- Sound Insulation: The stairs should have adequate insulation against sound from external sources.
- Weather Resistance: The stairs if exposed to open air should offer sufficient resistance to weather elements such as rain and heat.
- Comfort: The proper design of steps and proper location of stairs in a building offer several advantages such as comfort and efficiency in vertical movement, natural light and ventilation and safety in emergency.
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