Today in the PP2 lecture with Charles Prior, we discussed and researched flooring, access and stairs.
One of the interesting parts about the lecture, was the method by which you lay your foundations.
First layer- Coarse hard-core
Second layer- Type 1 hard-core
Third layer- Blinding Layer (sand)
Forth Layer- Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)
Fifth Layer – Pour concrete and polish to satisfactory finish,
We also discussed about how concrete is a great insulator, and has a high specific heat capacity, yet takes very little heat to warm up to temperature.
Lateral bracing systems were also touched upon. The way they are designed is interesting, however, not as interesting as the fact that if set up correctly, can be stronger than RSJ’s.
Vertical access
Whilst learning about vertical access, we started discussing legislation, where i came across this quote.
“Legislation is the development of the natural tolerances of the human condition.”
I like the fact that legislation is constantly developing, yet at the same time i dislike it, due to the fact that it is legislation, and it prevents the more outrageous designs in the world being physically created.
Containment-A barrier that prevents people from falling one floor to the storey below.
Flight- The part of a stair or ramp between landings that has continuous
Series steps or a continuous slope
Going- The horizontal dimension from front to back of a tread less any overlap with the next tread above.
Helical stair- A stair that describes a helix round a central void.
Ladder- A means of access to another level formed by a series of rungs or narrow treads on which a person normally ascends or descends facing the ladder.
Ramp- A slope steeper than 1 in 20 designed to conduct a pedestrian or wheelchair user from one level to another.
The rise of a stair should be between 150-170mm.
The run of the stair should be 250mm, except when disabled access is required, when 300mm is the minimum.
The standard width of the stairs, should be 1000mm.
Height of the handrail should be 900mm above the run tread.
Stairs are usually built at a ratio of 13:20.
Always one more riser, than you have runs.
C m G 