Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
(OP)
I'm doing a steel stair case with the main building engineered by another consultant. Gravity load is fairly straight forward, but the lateral load... What chapter of the ASCE would I be using? How do I get my lateral load for my shear connection to the building? I assumed I would just get an Fpx using the same Cs value from the main building. Since it is a multi story, I assume I would be using vertical distribution, so basically treating it like a regular building.






RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
That being said, I suspect that there is an ASCE section that applies. When I studied for the SE exam, I remember looking at precast wall panel attachments and there was something special for that I think. I'd expect this to be similar.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
Most of the above posts are considering seismic. If you do not have a significant seismic consideration, I would not attach the stairs to the building at any place other than their end supports. If you do, the occupants will complain daily about noisy stair traffic.
I use a form of x-bracing on the bottom of the stringers to handle lateral loading, which is very minor unless you have a seismic consideration.
As wannabeSE notes, stairs are not considered structural steel under AISC.(AISC confirms this...) I agree with his approach.
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
@wannabeSE: Yes, they are egress stairs. I figured there might be provisions in Ch. 13, but could not find anything on "stairs".
Thanks guys.
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
RE: Steel Stair Case (Lateral Design)
Last question: Since I am using 13.3.1 to determine my Fp, I'm sure I should use my live load in the operating weight, but I know there should be a percentage of it.Is it the 75% from the D+.75L+.525E combo?