Important Measurements: Math, Physics, and Stair Safety

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Important Measurements: Math, Physics, and Stair Safety

http://www.mccarthyhomes.com.au/


The stairs are normal fixtures of a home’s architecture. Apart from being the place forphotographs for prom nights and wedding

days,

it

is

also

a

day-to-day

utilitarian component of any property that dictates the natural flow of a home.

This is why every home builder must take a look at the scientific side of the staircase

before

building

one.

Explained

below are the math, physics, and safety standards of staircases.

Angle matters The

International

Residential

Code

allows each step to be only as high as 7 ž inches. This measurement plays a key role in finding out how many steps there will be in a home

and the

architecture.

The

angle math

of

the

here

staircase’s takes

into

consideration the total rise from the first floor to the second floor in inches


. This number goes through division with the industry standard of 7 ¾ inches (it could be smaller, depending on the architect’s preferences).

This is just the vertical side. To measure

the

horizontal

angle,

the

architect has to take into account the carriage – or in other terms, total run – of the staircase. Only after defining this figure can the architect plot out the total area the staircase would take.

Weight issues Another point of consideration is the amount support.

of

weight

This

is

the

staircase

something

can

builders

address through the use of standardcompliant stringers – or the sawtooth structure that holds together the steps of a staircase. The stringers alone, however, cannot

do

all

the

work.

Thus,

it

is

important that this frame has a sturdy structural element to attach onto.


Tread measurements Once the two things above have been

taken into account, the

final

touches would involve three things: the tread, the riser, and the rail. The tread is the surface people step on – the horizontal area of the step. The riser pertains to the vertical side. Lastly, the rail is the bar on the side that prevent falls.

The tread should be around 12 inches in measurement. The riser, as mentioned earlier, cannot go beyond 7 ž

inches.

The

rail

should

be

somewhere around 34 to 38 inches from

the

tread,

and

it

should

encompass the entire staircase.

Do

note

that

international

standards require at least 80 inches of headroom in all staircases.


There is a lot more thought into staircases than what most people would think. This is not just about putting together wood planks that act as steps. As a matter of fact, builders take mathematical into

and

consideration

physical to

concepts

create

safe

staircases for any property’s residents. Resources: http://www.mccarthyhomes.com.au/ http://www.practicaldiy.com/carpentry/ staircase/staircase.php https://archive.org/stream/gov.law.icc.i rc.2012/icc.irc.2012_djvu.txt


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