DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering
Department of Construction
Technology and Management
Building Construction II
CoTM 3072

VERTICAL CIRCULATION
Brain storming
Circulation?
Ramp?
Stair?
Escalator?
Elevator?

What
What
What
What
What

is
is
is
is
is

VERTICAL CIRCULATION

Circulation is the movement of people and goods

between interior spaces in buildings and to
entrances and exits

CLASSIFICATION OF VERTICAL CIRCULATION SYSTEMS

Vertical circulation systems may be divided into two

classes.
Class I systems are intended for movement of both
people and goods and include ramps, stairs,
escalators, and elevators.
Class II systems, including dumbwaiters and
vertical conveyors, in contrast, may not be used for
movement of people.

...................

Class I systems may be divided into two subclasses, A and B.

Class IA systems can be used by people
both under normal and emergency
conditions as a means of egress (away out).
This class includes ramps, stairs, and
escalators (powered stairs) that meet
requirements for means of egress.
Systems not acceptable as an emergency
means of egress comprise Class IB.

RAMPS

When space permits, a sloping surface, or

ramp, can be used to connect different levels or
oors
Ramps are especially useful when large
numbers of people or vehicles have to be
moved from oor to oor.
adopted for public buildings, such as railroad
stations, stadiums, and exhibition halls.
And they are either legally required or highly
desirable for all buildings, especially to
accommodate persons in wheelchairs

Ramps have been built with slopes up to 15% (15 ft

in 100 ft), but 8% is a preferred maximum.
With the 8% maximum slope and a story height of,
say, 8 ft, a ramp connecting two oors is 100 ft long
The ramp need not be straight for the whole
distance, however. It can be curved, zigzagged (Fig.
16.1b),or spiraled.
Level landings, with a length of at least 44 in in the
direction of travel, should be provided at door
openings and where ramps change slope or
direction abruptly

Types of ramps: (a) straight ramp; (b) zigzag ramp.

....................

Ramps and landings should be designed

for a live load of at least 100 lb/ft2.
Railings should be designed for a load of
200 lb applied downward or horizontally
at any point of the handrail or for a
horizontal thrust of 50 lb / ft at top of rail.
Guards higher than the minimum required
guard height of 42 in should be designed
for 50 lb / ft applied 42 in above the oor

.................

Inside Ramps
Outside Ramps
Powered Ramps

Assignment-one
Discuss in detail the different among Inside
Ramps, Outside Ramps, and Powered Ramps.
( In group of five or peer-learning group)

STAIRS

Less space is required for stairs than for ramps,

because steeper slopes can be used.

Stairs are set of steps leading from one floor to another

and are provided in building to afford a means of ascent
and descent between various floors of a building.

The room or enclosure of the building in which the stair

is located is known as stair case. The opening or space
occupied by the stair is known as stair way.

.
Types of Stairs
Generally, stairs are of the following
types: straight, circular, curved, or
spiral, or a combination

Types of Stairs
2
Flights

1
Flight

Definition
Flights Between
Landings

Straight
Open Riser

Dogleg
Closed
Riser

Straight Open
Riser

Stair
Types

Double Closed Stair

Stair
Types

Stair
Types

Double Open Sided Stairs

In this case one side is closed while the other is

open

Note The Bracketed Stairs refers to

decoration & Cut String

Also Known as Cut String

Quarter Turn Stair

Open Newel Stair

Spine String
Stair

Types of Stairs

Geometric

Spiral

Types of Stairs

Quarter Turn

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

Parts of Stairs

LANDINGS
Half Space Landing

Change stair direction 180

Landing width = width of stair (min
750mm)
Used in Dogleg Stairs

Quarter Space Landing

Change Stair Direction 90

Landing Width & Length = Stair
Width
Forms Quarter Turn Stair (min
750mm)

Intermediate Landing

Allows the Stair to continue in same

direction
Required where more than 18 Risers
May be used to give a rest
Width = Stair Width
Length = Stair Width or greater

Quarter Space Landing

Quarter Turn Stair

Winders

Materials Used in Stair

Construction
The selection of materials for the construction of stairs
depend up on:
The availability of materials and ease of transportation
Funds
Desired life of building
Aesthetical importance
Freedom of design
Expected fire resisting quality
Thus, stairs may be made either of timber, bricks,
stones, mild steel, Wrought iron, or plain and reinforced
concrete.

Timber
Metal
Stone
Glass

Assignment-Two
Discuss in detail types of stairs based on
material used. ( In group of five or peerlearning group)

Timber Stairs

Metal Stairs

Concrete Stairs

Stone Stairs

Glass Stair

Combination of
Materials

Definitions

Rise & Going must stay the same within

ight

Straight stairs are stairs along which there is no

change in direction on any ight between two
successive oors.
There are several possible arrangements of straight
stairs. For example,
they may be arranged in a straight run with a single
ight between oors, or a series of ights without
change in direction.
Also, straight stairs may permit a change in direction at
an immediate landing.
When the stairs require a complete reversal of direction
They are called parallel stairs.
When successive ights are at an angle to each other,

...................

Circular stairs when viewed from above

appear to follow a circle with a single
center of curvature and large radius.
Curved stairs when viewed from above
appear to follow a curve with two or more
centers of curvature, such as an ellipse.
Spiral stairs are similar to circular stairs
except that the radius of curvature is small
and the stairs may be supported by a
center post. Overall diameter of such

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD STAIR

Stairs should be designed so as to provide easy, quick and
safe mode of communication b/n the oors. The following
are the general requirements which a stair should fulfil.
A. Location:
It should be so located as to provide easy access to the
occupants of the building.
It should be so located that it is well lighted and ventilated
directly from the exterior.
It should be so located as to have approaches convenient
and spacious.
B. Width of stair:
It should be wide enough to carry the user without much
crowd or inconvenience.
Width of stairs depends up to its location in the building and
the type of the building itself.

....................
If a domestic building, a 90cm wide stair is
sufficient while in public building, 1.5-1.8m
width may be required
C. Length of flight:
From comfort point of view, the number of
steps are not more than 12 and not less than
3.
D. Pitch of stair:
Its ascent should be relatively easy.
Stairs for public building should have a pitch
of 38 and for private buildings the pitch
should not be more than 42.

...................
Head room:
The clear distance b/n the tread and soffit of the
ight immediately above it should not be less than
2.1-2.3m
F. Balustrade:
Open well stairs should always be provided with
balustrade, to provide safety to the users.
Wider stairs should have hand rail to both the sides.
G. Step dimensions:
The rise and going should be of such dimension as to
provide comfort to the users.
Their proportion should also be such as to provide
desirable pitch of the stair.

....................

The going should not be less than 25cm, though the

30cm is quite comfortable.
The width of landing should not be less than the width of
a stair.
The rise should be b/n 10cm (for hospitals, etc.) to 15cm.
The following rules are used as a guide line to obtain
satisfactory proportion of steps in a stair.
2*

Rise + Going = 50 -70 [cm]

Rise + Going = 40-45 [cm]
Rise * Going = 400-450 [ cm 2]
Adopt Rise= 14cm and Going= 30 cm as standard; then for
every 20mm subtracted from going, add 10mm to the rise.

For example, 15cm x 28 cm, 16cm x 26 cm, 17cm x

24cm

Stair Requirements

Winders

Treads that are tapered

Must have same rise as the ights
Maximum of 3 treads per quarter turn
Must be same width at centre on widths
< 1m
If stair > 1m same width 400mm from
inside handrail

Winders

Calculate Stair
No Restriction on Going

Best Going
2R + G Between 550 to
700
Midpoint = 625

Determine Total Rise

Select suitable Rise

= 2700
Say 175mm

Divide Total Rise by Rise = 2700/175 =

15.429
Either 15 or 16 Risers
= 2700/15 = 180mm
2700/16 = 168.75mm
Use 180mm is closer to 175mm

Determine Best Going

BCA states that going must be within the

range
2 x Rise (R) + Going(G) = 550 to 700
We can assume that the best answer is
the Midpoint (550 + 700)/2 = 625
Best Going 2R + G = 625
Best Going G = 625 2R

Calculate Stair
No Restriction on Going

Best Going
2R + G Between 550 to
700
Midpoint = 625

Determine Total Rise

Select suitable Rise

= 2700
Say 175mm

Divide Total Rise by Rise = 2700/175 =

15.429
Either 15 or 16 Risers
= 2700/15 = 180mm
(Use)
2700/16 = 168.75mm
Determine Best Going 2R + G = 625
G = 625 2R
Best Going for180 Riser 265 = 625 2 x 180
Either
Rise 180
Going 265

Calculate Stair

Use
Rise 180
Going 265

No Restriction on Going

15 Risers

14
Goings

Calculate Stair

Best Going
Restriction
on Going
2R +
G Between
550 to
700
Midpoint = 625

15 Risers

Preferred Rise 175mm

Divide Total Rise by Rise = 2700/175 =
15.429
Either 15 or 16 Risers
= 2700/15 =
180mm
2700/16 = 168.75
Use 180mm
Determine Best Going
3800/14 = 271.43 + 2 x 180 = 631. 43
(Closest)
14
3800/15
= 253.33 + 2 x 168.75 = 591
Goings
Use
Rise 180
Going
271.43

Calculate Stair
Flight with Quarter Turn

Stair width
900mm

Once an Intermediate Landing

is introduced the top ight
becomes constrained

Calculate Stair

Best Going
with Quarter550
Turnto
2R Flight
+ G Between
700
Midpoint = 625
G = 625 2R

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Rise = 165mm

2700/165 = 16 .364
16 2700/16= 168.75 (3.75
Diff)
17 2700/17= 158.824 (6.176
Diff)
Use Rise = 168.75
Best Going = 625 2R
= 625 2 x 168.75
= 287.5
1800/287.5 = 6.261
6 1800/6 = 300 (12.5 Diff)
18 1800/7 = 257.143 (30.357
Diff)

Calculate Stair

Best Going
with Quarter550
Turnto
2R Flight
+ G Between
700
Midpoint = 625
G = 625 2R

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Rise = 165mm

2700/165 = 16 .364
16 2700/16= 168.75 (3.75
Diff)
17 2700/17= 158.824 (6.176
Diff)
Use Rise = 168.75
Best Going = 625 2R
= 625 2 x 168.75
= 287.5
1800/287.5 = 6.261
6 1800/6 = 300 (12.5 Diff)
18 1800/7 = 257.143 (30.357
Diff)

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Quarter Turn

Best Going
2R + G Between 550 to
700
Midpoint = 625
625- 2 x 180 = 265

Stair width
900mm

From Previous we know

15 Risers at 180
Length of 1st Flight = 2700 900
Divide by Best Going =
1800/265
= 6.79
Going Either 1800 /6 = 300mm
1800/7 = 257mm
257.14 is Closest to 265

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Half Space Landing

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

3600/170 = 21.176
21 3600/21 = 171.429
22 3600/22 = 163.636
Use 171.429mm
Best Going = 625 2R
= 625 2 x 171.429
= 282.142
Length of 1st Flight = 4050 900
= 3150
Divide by Best Going =
3150/282.142
= 11.16
11 3150/11 = 286.364
23 3150/12 = 262.500

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Half Space Landing

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

Rise

171.429mm

Going 286.364

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Quarter Turn Winders

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

4100/170 = 24.118
24
25

4100/24 = 170.833
4100/24 = 164

Use Rise 170.833

Best Going
625 2R = BG
625 2 x 170.833 = 283.334
2650/ 283.334 = 9.353
9 2650/9 = 294.444 (USE)
10 2650/10 = 265
Rise 170.833
Going 268.75

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Quarter Turn Winders

Stair width
900mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

4100/170 = 24.118
24
25

4100/24 = 170.833
4100/24 = 164

Use Rise 170.833

Best Going
625 2R = BG
625 2 x 170.833 = 283.334
2650/ 283.334 = 9.353
9 2650/9 = 294.444 (USE)
10 2650/10 = 265
Rise 170.833
Going 294.444

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Half Space Landing

Stair width
950mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

3400/170 = 20
3400/20 = 170 Rise
Best Going = 625 2R
= 625 2 x 170
= 285
2400/285 = 8.421
8 2400/8 = 300 (15 Diff)
9 2400/9 = 266.667 (18.3
Diff)
Rise 170
Going 300

Calculate Stair
Constrained Flight with Half Space Landing

Stair width
950mm

Preferred Riser 170mm

3400/170 = 20
3400/20 = 170 Rise
Best Going = 625 2R
= 625 2 x 170
= 285
2400/285 = 8.421
8 2400/8 = 300 (15 Diff)
9 2400/9 = 266.667 (18.3
Diff)
Rise 170
Going 300
With all examples either
answer will comply and
you should consult with

ESCALATORS

Escalators, or powered stairs, are used

when it is necessary to move large numbers of
people from oor to oor.
They provide continuous movement of persons
and can thus remedy traffic conditions that are
not readily addressed by elevators.
Escalators are used to connect airport
terminals, parking garages, sports
facilities, shopping malls, and numerous
mixed-use facilities.

..................

An escalator resembles a powered ramp in

construction. The major difference is that a
powered ramp has a continuous tread way for
carrying passengers, whereas the tread way of
an escalator consists of a series of moving
steps
An escalator consists of articulated, grooved treads
and risers attached to a continuous chain moved by a
driving machine and supported by a steel truss
framework

...................

The installation

also includes a handrail on each side of the steps that

moves at the same speed as the steps; balustrades, or guards, that enclose the
steps on each side and support the handrails; brakes; control devices; and
threshold plates at the entrance to and the exit from the tread way
The purpose of the threshold plates is to facilitate smooth passage of
passengers between the tread way and landing.
The plates are equipped with a comb, or teeth, that mesh with and are set into
grooves in the tread way in the direction of travel, so as to provide firm footing
and to minimize the chance that items become trapped between tread way and
the landing.
Each step is formed by a grooved tread portion connected to a curved and
grooved riser. The tread and riser assembly is either a single die-cast piece or is
assembled to a frame.
Both are suspended on resilient rollers whose axles are connected to the step
chain that moves the steps.
The step rollers ride on a set of tracks attached to the trussed framework. The
tracks are shaped to allow the step tread to remain horizontal throughout its
exposed travel.

...................

Escalator Speeds and Capacities

Escalators typically operate at 90 or 120 ft / min, as needed for
peak traffic, and are reversible in direction.
Slope of the stairs is standardized at 30 in the United States,
although inclines of both 30 and 35 are used in other parts of
the world.
Standard escalator widths are 32 and 48 in. Manufacturers rate
their 90-ft / min
units at corresponding capacities of 5000 and 8000 persons per
hour, although observed capacities, even in heavy traffic, rarely
exceed 2000 and 4000 persons per hour, respectively.
Although 120-ft / min escalators will move about 30% more
volume, they are rarely specified because of the potential for
adverse litigation

..................

Structural Considerations in Escalator Installation

Floor-to-oor height should be taken into account in
determining loads on supporting members.
Generally for oor-to-oor heights of less than 20 ft, the
escalator truss need be supported only at top and bottom.
Increased vertical rise can create the need for intermediate
support points.
A structural frame should be installed around the escalator well
to carry the oor and well way railing.
Inasmuch as an escalator is a mechanical device, careful
consideration should be given to the potential for noise and
vibration in design of the escalator structural supports.
Where necessary, the escalator can be mounted on vibrationisolating devices to help reduce noise and vibration.

ELEVATOR

ELEVATOR INSTALLATIONS
An elevator is a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped
with a car or platform that moves along guides in a shaft, or
hoist way, in a substantially vertical direction and that
transports passengers or goods, or both, between two or
more oors of building.
Passenger elevators are designed primarily to carry
persons.
Hospital elevators are also passenger elevators but
employ special cars, suitable in size and shape for
transportation of patients in stretchers or standard hospital
beds and of attendants accompanying them.
Freight elevators carry freight, which may be accompanied
only by an operator and persons necessary for loading and
unloading it.

THE END OF
CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER- TWO

Balconies, Bay Windows,

Terrace, Veranda,
Canopy, and Loggia

CHAPTER- TWO

Brain storming

What is Balconies ?

What is Bay Windows ?

What is Terrace ?
What is Veranda ?

What is Loggia ?

Canopy

Canopy is an overhead roof or else a

structure over which a fabric or metal
covering is attached, able to provide
shelter or shade.
A canopy can also be a tent, generally
without a oor.
Architectural canopies are supported by
the building to which they are attached.
Canopies can also stand alone, which
can meet various design needs.

.............

...............

........................

Balconies: Refers to an "open-air" platform

projecting from the interior or exterior wall of a
building and enclosed by a rail.

.....................

FLAT BALCONY

........................

POP OUT BALCONY

LOGGIA

Loggia: Refers to a covered walkway that is

open on one side usually with arches running
along the side of a building.

...........

........

VERANDA

Veranda: is a porch (covered exterior

space) that extends along an outside
wall of a building.

TERRACE

Terrace: is a term used in conjunction with many

things, however here for our purpose it gives two
meanings. A at exterior living space area paved
or partially green (grassy) outside a building but
on the same level as the inside

................

A terrace is a raised at area which

stands on the top most surface of all
the stories of a building.
However, not every building allows
access to the terrace.

BAY WINDOWS

Bay window : A bay window is an

interior space that projects (bulges out)
to the outside and is covered by a
window or some kind of wall and a roof

Assignment-Three

Differentiate the term Terrace and Balconies?

Differentiate the term Veranda, Loggia and
Canopy?

00/.?m jzx./102