Question 1

Given a multistory building with a floor- to- floor height of 10 ft and an optimal riser height of 7 in., how many treads would you use for a U- shaped stair with a midlanding between floors? (The landing is not counted as a tread.)

Accepted Answer

The optimal number of treads for a U-shaped stair with a midlanding is 15. This is because the total rise of the stair is 10 ft, and the optimal riser height is 7 in. Therefore, the number of risers is 10 ft / 7 in. = 15. Since the landing is not counted as a tread, the number of treads is 15.

Question 2

In a typical prefabricated steel stair, the stringers are cut to accommodate treads and risers.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

A stair with treads cantilevered from a central column is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A spiral stair is a type of curved stair that spirals upward or downward around a central column, with each tread cantilevered from the column. Helical stairs have a wider curve and are typically supported by a stringer or wall. Circular stairs do not have a central column, and U-shaped and L-shaped stairs have landings and changes in direction, rather than a continuous spiral.

Question 4

An approximate formula generally used in determining the tread dimension (T)and riser dimension (R)in a stair is

Accepted Answer

The answer of An approximate formula generally used in determining...

Question 5

In a typical prefabricated steel stair, the number of stringers required is determined by the

Accepted Answer

The number of stringers required in a prefabricated steel stair is determined by multiple factors: the floor-to-floor height influences the overall design and structural requirements; the spanning capacity of the tread-riser units affects how much support is needed to safely distribute the load; the width of the stair dictates the spacing and number of stringers for adequate support; and the spanning capacity of the stringers themselves determines how many are needed to support the intended load without excessive deflection or failure.

Question 6

The rise of one flight of stair is generally limited by building codes to

Accepted Answer

The answer of The rise of one flight of stair...

Question 7

A riser must be vertical. It cannot be inclined.

Accepted Answer

A riser can be inclined; it does not have to be strictly vertical. Inclined risers are used in certain applications to meet specific design or space requirements.

Question 8

The minimum riser height required by building codes for a nonresidential stair is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The minimum riser height required by building...

Question 9

The stringers in a typical prefabricated steel stair are generally made of

Accepted Answer

The answer of The stringers in a typical prefabricated steel...

Question 10

A U- shaped stair has been provided between the first floor and the second floor of a building with a midlanding. This stair has

Accepted Answer

A U-shaped stair has two flights, one going up and one going down, connected by a midlanding. Therefore, the best choice is B - two flights.

Question 11

The maximum nosing projection allowed for a stair is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The maximum nosing projection allowed for a...

Question 12

The landing frame in a typical prefabricated steel stair is generally hung from the building's structural frame.

Accepted Answer

The landing frame is normally suspended from the structural frame of the building. This is done to ensure maximum stability and safety for the users of the stairs.

Question 13

In a typical wood stair, the number of stringers required is determined by the

Accepted Answer

All of the factors listed in the choices affect the number of stringers required in a typical wood stair.

Question 14

The minimum tread width required by building codes for a nonresidential stair is

Accepted Answer

The minimum tread width required by building codes for a nonresidential stair is typically 11 inches. This ensures adequate foot space for safety and comfort.

Question 15

The minimum width of a stair in a dwelling unit is

Accepted Answer

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), the minimum width of a stair in a dwelling unit shall not be less than 36 inches (3 ft). Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 16

A stair constructed without risers is generally called a(n)

Accepted Answer

An open-riser stair is one that does not have a solid riser board between each step. This creates a more open and visually striking look, but also requires greater attention to safety and building codes to ensure that the open space does not create a hazard. The other choices are either inaccurate (closed-riser stairs have solid risers) or not standard industry terms.

Question 17

In a typical wood stair, inclined beams that are cut to allow for the support of treads are called

Accepted Answer

The inclined beams that support the treads in a wood stair are called rough stringers. Finish stringers refer to the final layer of decorative wood that covers the rough stringers once the stairs are complete. Balusters are the vertical posts that support the handrail. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 18

In a prefabricated steel stair, treads and risers are generally two separate components.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a prefabricated steel stair, treads and...

Question 19

The minimum height of a guardrail in a stair is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The minimum height of a guardrail in...

Question 20

A handrail and a guardrail in a stair are synonymous.

Accepted Answer

A handrail is intended to provide support and stability for people using the stairs, while a guardrail is meant to prevent falls and provide a barrier along the open side of the stairs. While they may be installed together, they serve different purposes and are not synonymous.

Quiz 35: Stairs