TYPES OF STAIRS :

Basically, there are two stair categories: service stairs and main stairs.
Either of these may be closed, open, or a combination of open and
closed.In addition, the type of stairs may be straight run, platform, or
winding.The platform type includes landings where the direction of the
stair run is usually changed. Such descriptive terms as L-type (long L and
wide L), double L-type, and U-type (wide U and narrow U) are
commonly used.

(i) Plans type :

Straight stairs Stairs with intermediate landing

L-shaped stairs Double L-shaped stairs

 U-shaped stairs 90-winder stairs

180 winder stairs Curve(arched) stairs

Spiral Stairs

(ii) Examples type of stairs :

1. Straight stairs :
A straight staircase can be defined as one having a single, straight flight of stairs that
connects two levels or floors in a building. The straight flight staircase is feasible
only if there is enough space to join two levels by an imaginary straight line.

2. L-shaped stairs

In the L-shaped (Quarter landing) staircase, two mutually perpendicular flights of

stairs are connected by a landing in between. The double L-shaped staircase
consists of 3 mutually perpendicular flights of stairs with 2 landings connecting them.
3. U-shaped stairs

A U-shaped (Half landing) staircase has 2 parallel flights of stairs connected by a

landing in between. The U-shaped stairs may be left sided or right sided as shown in
the picture below.
4. Winder stairs (pie stairs)

Winder Stairs are stairs that turn by 90 and 180 degrees, but the landing is
substituted by “pie-shaped” steps. Since there is no intermediate landing, winder stairs
are used when the space is not sufficient for Quarter Landing Stairs and Half Landing
Stairs.

5. Arched(Curved) stairs

Arched Stairs are the stairs with a flight resembling an arch in its shape.The treads
in such stairs are wedge-shaped.Though they are difficult to make, they are elegant
and graceful in appearance.
6. Spiral stairs

Stairs of this type have a stair flight resembling a circle or a part of it in its shape and
a central, vertical, support post to which wedge shaped treads are fixed. Due to the
spiral shape, such staircases can fit into small spaces. However, such staircases are not
convenient for frequent use and fast climbing.
https://www.google.com/search?q=type+of+staircase&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=
X&ved=0ahUKEwjj-vir3ZjiAhWz8XMBHU_uCYcQ_AUIDigB&biw=1366&bih=6
57#imgrc=Q4nHMGbb2044LM:

Steps for Construction of Concrete Stairs

1) Designing of concrete stairs

Designing of stairs requires through knowledge about design aspects and site study.
The factors that influence the design of stairs are height of the floor, width of the
stairs, risers depth, thread width, thickness of the stairs, angle of the stairs, load
applied on the stairs and many other aspects which requires a qualified engineer to
design the perfect stairs.

The standard dimensions for stairs components are,

Thread 9 – 9.25 Inch

Riser 7.5 – 8.25 Inch

Width 3 Feet

Flight Angle 30 – 45 Degree

2) Foundation and support for concrete stairs

The foundation on which the concrete stairs rest is to be properly constructed so that
the loads of the stairs are transferred in to ground successfully and to resist the
movement of stairs.

If the plinth beam of building is present at the start of the stairs, then the
reinforcement steels bars can be connected to them which will transfer the loads. If no
plinth beam is found, then a small concrete foundation or size stone masonry is
constructed.

To support the stairs at the top which restricts the movement of stairs is usually
done to the roof beam or slab.
3) Building the form-work for concrete stairs

The most important step when building concrete stairs is to use a proper formwork.
The angle of flight, dimensions of thread and riser are to be properly checked. Usually
while constructing a stairs attached to wall, the line of flight , thread and risers are
marked on the wall for proper fixing of shuttering or formwork.

The boards must be at least 2” thick, as to support the weight of the concrete. The whole
structure of the form, must be supported by 4×4 posts. The wooden boards are used to
create the steps and are fastened with several screws to the lateral structure of the
formwork.

4) Steel reinforcement for concrete stairs

The concrete steps are to be reinforced with steel bars so as it carries the loads
coming upon the stairs and transfer them to the ground. The number of steel bars and
size of the bars is to be calculated by a structural engineers depending upon the loads
coming on the stairs.
These steel reinforcement bars are placed in the formwork with minimum of 25 mm
spacing and is tied together.

5) Pouring of Concrete for Concrete Stairs

Pouring the concrete into the formwork is started from the below part to above.
The concrete mix plays an important role in strenght and durability of stairs. Standard
mix used for stairs are 3 part of cement, 2 part of sand, 4 part of gravel and water.

It is recommended to use a concrete vibrator while pouring the concrete to completely

fill the gaps of the stairs and to avoid the honeycomb formation.
This work is to be carried out with great care and patience , as any sudden movements
can disturb the alignment of the formworks or even collapse the formwork. It is always
recommended to pour the concrete ceiling and stairs in the same day, as to create a
strong bond between these components.

6) Removal of formwork

The stairs requires at least 21 days to dry out completely, so the removal of formwork
is to done only after 21days. In these 21 days proper curing is to done to prevents the
cracks in stairs due to thermal expansion.

After the 21 days, the formwork is removed by using a hammer and a crowbar. Work
with patience, as to avoid damaging the concrete or the edges of the stairs.

7) Finishing the concrete stairs

 Once the formwork is removed, the stairs can be finished in many ways as per the
requirement of the use. It can just be finished using trowel or float to give concrete
finish, cement tiles, granite can be installed for better appearance. Even carpet or wood
can also be used to finish the stairs.