Video: Staircase engineering and design

This programme takes a look at the construction of stairs. It will explore the deceptively simple engineering in structurally efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly stairs. A direct lecture by a leading engineer and stair expert looks at how stone and timber stairs can be built without stringers and visible means of structural support.

Key learning

• How simple ply box stairs, solid timber or stone stairs stand up
• How low-tech prefabricated treads and stairs can be designed and built
• How non-cantilevered stairs transfer loads
• Stair fixings
• Stone versus concrete for strength and durability
• Structural forces on stairs and within strings
• Pre-tensioned construction problems
• The forces on stair treads and risers, shear forces and turning moments

About the contributor(s)

Steve Webb, structural engineer, Webb Yates

This programme

• To see the full version of this programme, go to NBS TV

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