Analysis and design of staircases against seismic loadings

Abstract

In this work all types of staircases are studied with respect to: First, earthquake design requirements and second, their complex interactions with the multistory space frame in which they belong. In the first case the essential influence of the vertical component of the earthquake's acceleration on the structure's performance is examined. In the second case the staircases' behavior is studied, as well as the important role that they play as structural seismic connections, in the response and behavior of space structures. In particular, external staircases, which connect structurally independent multistory systems are studied. In addition, in this work, a multistory external staircase that connects buildings in an area of high seismicity is analyzed. Staircases that present special design challenges due to gravity and earthquake loadings are also investigated. These structures include staircases with a free landing as well as helical cases. This work, beyond its theoretical interest, may prove important to practicing engineers as well, since it contains (almost) all types of staircases.