The performance requirements for stairs are strength and stability, fire resistance, sound insulation, aesthetically pleasing and buildability.

For strength and stability, it just like floor slab stairs must be able to carry dead and life loads and span between supports.

For fire resistance, in multi storey buildings stairs have to be constructed of reinforced concrete. Fire escape stairs must comply with rigid requirements.

For sound insulation, the stairwell if not it not properly designed can be a passage through sound can travel easily.

For aesthetically pleasing, the finishs and handrailing and balustrading to contribute to this in addition to the shape etc.

For buildability, it must be easily constructed.


The design consideration of stairs are the number of stairs, width, maximum number of step per flight between landings, headroom. riser and tread and winder.

The numbers of stair, a minimum 2 indeoendent stairs shall be provided for residential buildings exceeding 24m in height and commercial, industrial or public buildings exceeding 15m in height or 4 storey whichever is greater.

Width, the minimum clearance for passage is 1200mm for public building and 1000mm for all other cases.

Maximum numbers if steps per flight between landings, are all straight flight stair shall not have more then 16 risers per flight.

Headroom, the minimum height gor headroom is 2100mm for public buildings and 2000mm for residential buildings.

Riser and tread, the dimensions for the riser and tread are, Riser not lesser then 175mm and Tread not more then 225/277mm. The rule of the thumb is: 2R + 1G =625mm.

Winder, not permitted in public buildings. For residential building, not more than 1 winder per 90 degree turn.