245738CVE

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
OF
SLABLESS TREAD RISER STAIRS
A DISSERTATION
submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of the degree
of
MASTER OF ENGINEERING
in
CIVIL ENGINEERING
(With Specialization in Computer Aided Design)
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SAN DEEP SHARMA
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DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ROORKEE
ROORKEE-247667 (INDIA)
FEBRUARY, 1993
DEDICATED
To
My Parents
CANDIDATE'S DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in

•
this dissertation entitled FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF sLikpLEss,
TREAD RISER STAIRS in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the award of the degree of MASTER OF ENGINEERING with
specialization in COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
submitted in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of
Roorkee, Roorkee, is an authentic record of my own work carried
out for a period of about eight months from June, 1992 to
January, 1993 under the supervision of DR. G.C. NAYAK, Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Roorkee, Roorkee,
India.
The matter embodied in this dissertation has not been
submitted by me for the award of any other degree or diploma.
Dated: 42.2.93
SAIK404.0
( SANDEEP SHARMA )
This is to certify that the above statement made by the
candidate is correct to the best of my knowledge.
( G.C. NAYAK )
Professor
Deptt. of Civil Engg.
University of Roorkee
Roorkee, India.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author would like o express his profound gratitude to
Dr.G.C. Nayak, Professor, Depdrtment of Civil Engineering,
University of Roorkee, for his expert guidance, helpful suggestion
and indefatigable interest shown in the preparation of this
dissertation.
The author. is also thankful to Mt. Nirendra Dev, Research .
Scholar,. whose moral support in the times of stress has always
provided. the uplift needed.
The HP FORTRAN compiler has been an Invaluable ally.
Debugging is. fun. AlSo the .superb diagnostics have often,
suggested More intelligent - coding. For this and other gifts,
thanks go to CAD Centre, Department of Civil ' Engineering,
University of . Roorkee, Roorke,
The author likes to thank to staff of CAD Centre, especially
Mr. M.S. Rawat whose help was an indirect spur 'to the efforts.
The author would like to express his personal appreciation to
his class mates, especially Mr. D.K. Pachauri, Mr. G.B. Modha, Mr.
Ajay Kumar Mittal, Mr. I.H. Shamsi etc., who helped directly or
indirectly in the preparation of this dissertation.
Thanks are also due to 1.1r: Vinod Kumar for his devotion to
the excellent typing work of this disSertation.
..;14)NAft&i.0 &Witrun4
( SANDEEP SHARMA )
ABSTRACT
The Slabless tread riser stairs,'due to their application in
the construction of modern commercial and residential building,
has had a wide acceptance. The construction of some stairwayt
this type with approximately plane orthopolygonal axes, has
generated the interest of many architects and engineert.
In this dissertatton, the Finite ElementAethod has been used
to analyse the Slabless tread riser stairs with extraordinary
architectural possibilities. The Slabless tread riser stairs has
been analysed by the finite eleMent method to study the state of
strest.in the structure for different parametric cases. 7 The
problem has been analysed as a two dimensional, plane strain case
using the parabolic quadrilateral isoparametric .element f
serendipity family. This study showt the presence of axial
stresses, horizontal displacement§ which are completely being
ignored in coventional study. This study also thoWt that 'the
fixed end moments are less than those obtained froM conventional:
methods and vertical reactions are unequal at two ends contrary to
conventional method of analysit. The variation of axial force,
thear force. and bending moments are plotted. The resultt for BM
are compared with the conventional analysis.
TheJT software named PSPSAS has been used for finite element
analysis that runs_ on HP . Syttem 9000 series in UNIX.
Pre-proce§sor has: the capability of automatic generation of. FE.
meshet and.pott processor offers graphic modules to interpret the

analysis results. Post processor can produce methet, deformed
shape, stress vector; stress contours and stress resultant
variations. At the junction of tread and riser, a detailed stress
distribution is obtained by finite element analysis.
In addition to these, conventional analysis of these stairs
is performed for three different support condition cases and the
present analysis technique has been critically examined. A
modified analysis method is also suggested to incorporate the

effect axial deformation whiCh introduces the horizontal
thrust. The detailed analysis thus reveals'that the stairs are
folded plate like structure and membrane action causes tens.lon.
The horizontal displacement of structure plays a vital role in its .
structural behaviour.
A special study of •nonorthopolygonal stair has been carried
out by using F.E. program.

CONTENTS
Page No.
LIST OF FIGURES ix
LIST OF TABLES xi
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 GENERAL 1
1.2 BASIC STRUCTURE 2
1.3 LOADINGS AND PARAMETERS 3
1.4 OBJECTIVES 4
1.5 SCOPE OF THE THESIS
CHAPTER 2 FINITE ELEMENT TECHNIQUE 9
2.1 GENERAL 9
2.2 BASIC STEPS IN FINITE ELEMENT METHOD 9
2.3 FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION FOR PLANE PROBLEM 11
2.3.1 Description of Geometry 11
2.3.2 Variation of Unknown Function 11
2.3.3 Gradient Relationship 13
2.3.4 Macroscopic Constitutive Law 14
2.3.5 Element Characteristic Equations 15
2.4 ISOPARAMETRIC ELEMENT 16
CHAPTER 3 COMPUTER PROGRAMS 23
3.1 INTRODUCTION 23
3.2 PSPSAS PROGRAM 23
3.3 COMNIX PROGRAM 30
CHAPTER 4 CONVENTIONAL ANALYSIS STUDIES 37
4.1 GENERAL 37
vi

4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE .37
4.3 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS 43
4.4 ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE BY MOMENT DISTRIBUTION 44
4.4.1 Stairs with Intermediate Supports 45
4.4.2 'Stairs without Intermediate Supports 47
4.5 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES 49
4.5.1 Stair with Intermediate Supports 49
4.5.2 Stair without Intermediate Supports 56
4.5.3 Modified Conventional Technique 58
CHAPTER 5 PARAMETRIC STUDIES OF STAIR CASE 67
5.1 DISCRETIZATION AND IDEALIZATION OF DOMAIN 67
5.2 CASES STUDIED 68

5.2.1 Stairs without Intermediate Supports 68
5.2.2 Stairs with Intermediate Supports' 85
5.2.3 Non-orthopolygonal Stairs 108
5.3 REVIEW OF•RESULTS 108

5.3.1 Displacements 123
5.3.2 Axial Force 123

5.3.3 Shear Force 124
5.3.4 Bending Moment 124

5.3.5 Stress Concentration 125
CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 131
6.1. SUMMARY OF RESULTS 131

6.1.1 Conventional Analysis 131
6.1.2 Finite Element Analysis 132
6.1.3 Comparative Study of Results 134
vii
6.2 CONCLUSIONS 141
6.3 FUTURE SCOPE FOR STUDY 142
REFERENCES 143
APPENDIX " 145
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Page No.
Fig. 1.1 Longitudinal section of Slabless tread
riser stair
Fig. 2.1 Isoparametric mapping of a parabolic element le
Fig. 2.2 Typical Shape functions for parabolic element
of serendipity family 19
Fig. 3.1 Flow chart for PSPSAS program 25
Fig. 3.2 Flow chart of plot program 'COMNIX' 31
Fig. 4.1 Plotted values of the variation of k with n 41

Fig. 4.2 An illustrative example 51
Fig. 4.3 Unsupported stair with both ends hinged Se
Fig. 4.4 Free body diagram of hinged case 63
Fig. 5.1 Deflected shape of stair for case (A) 73

Fig, 5,2 Stress resusltant diagram for case (A) 77
Fig. 5.3 Deflected shape of stair for case (B) 79
Fig. 5.4 Stress resultant diagram for case (B) 83
Fig. 5.5 Deflected shape of stair for case (C) 87

Fig. 5.6 Stress resultant diagram for case (C) 91
Fig. 5.7 Deflected shape of stair for case (=A') 95
Fig. 5.8 Stress resusltant diagram for case (A') 99

Fig. 5.9 Deflected shape of stair for case (8') 101
Fig. 5.10 Stress resultant diagram for case (B') 105
Fig. 5.11 Deflected shape of stair for case (C') 109
Fig. 5./2 Stress resultant diagram for case (C') 113
Fig. 5.13 Deflected shape of Non-orthopalygonal Stair 117
ix
Fig. 5.14 Stress resultant diagram for
Non-orthopolygonal stair 121
Fig. 5.15 Longitudinal section of stair at central zone 127

Fig.. 5.16 Normal stress distribution diagram at section
B-B 127
Fig. 5.17 Normal stress distribution diagram at section
A-A 129
Fig. A.1 Reinforcement with bars and stirrups 147
Fig. A.2 Reinforcement with bars and inclined bars 147
Fig. A.3 Alternative reinforcement 149
Fig. A.4 Chamfered entrant corners. 149
LIST OF TABLES
Page no.
Table 4.1 Variation of k with n 39
Table 4.2 Coefficients for solving stairs with
2 to 20 treads 39
Table 5.1 Parameters and mesh details for section
5.2.1 71
Table 5.2 Stress resultants for case A 75
Table 5.3 Stress resultants for case B 81
Table 5.4 Stress resultants for case C 89
Table 5.5 Parameters and mesh details for section
5.2.2 93
Table 5.6 Stress resultants for case A' 97
Table 5.7 Stress resultants for case B' 103
Table 5.8 Stress resultants for case C' 111
Table 5.9 Parameters and mesh details for Non-
orthopolygonal stair 115
Table 5.10 Stress resultants for Nonorthopolygonal
stair 119
Table 6.1 Comparative study for case (A) 135
Table 6.2 Comparative study for case (A') 137
Table 6.3 Comparative study for case (B) 139
xi
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
A Slabless tread-riser stair is, as its name suggests, .a
stair in which the stresses due to the external loads are resisted
purely by the treads and risers which form in themselves .a plane
orthopolygonal structure. These type of stairs are also regarded
as ORTHOPOLYGONAL STAIRS.
The stairs are provided in buildings to afford the means of
ascent and descent between various floors of a building. With the
increasing participation of Architects in the field of building
construction, a building and it's components are being much and
much sounder by asthetic point of view. ,Slabless stair is a type
of stair with extra ordinary architectural possibilities. These
stairs; due to their light and slender form have aroused the
interest of many architects and engineers and their application in
the construction of modern commercial and residential building has
had a wide acceptance.
The design of coventional stairs are being done by assuming
that the waist slab, generally called as slab, carries all types
of loads so in these type of stairs the reinforcement is provided
in slab while in Slabless tread-riser stairs the loads are being
carried by treads and risers, therefore, the reinforcement is
provided in treads and risers in the form of loops.
1
There are various adventages of orthopolygonal stairs over
conventional stairs such as it is asthetically much superior
provides more head room, requires less concrete and reinforcement
but laying out difficulties, requirement of special shuttering and
skilled labour are the main disadventages. The present study is
aimed at using finite element method to evaluate the stress
resultants and it's behaviour at various cross sections of
Slabless tread-riser stairs. A comparison between conventional
method analysis and finite element anlysis for these stairs is
also presented . A critical examination of present conventional
analysis techniques is also performed.
1.2 BASIC STRUCTURE
These stairs form an orthopolygonal structure in plane. A
plane orthopolygonal structure is one whose axis lies within a
plane and consists of a continuous broken line whose segments form
approximately right angle between them.
These stairs may have different support condition and end
condition as well. In general the ends of a stair between a
flight is embedded in the walls so the ends may be treated as
fixed end however it is not true each time. If a rigid beam
exists at the beginning of the landing or if there is a thick slab
at the ends then also the ends may be assumed to be fixed. If
the ends of the stairs are supported on bearing wall then the ends
may be assumed as hinged.
2
Generally a concrete beam is provided beneath the landing to
support it. This type of case is called intermediately supported
stair case. If the support beam does not exist it is called as
unsupported stair. In fact in supported case the bending moments,
which is main criterion for designing, significantly reduce .
For the simplification of structural analysis by conventional
methOds,these types of stairs are treated as fixed or continuous
beam but this idealization ignores some fundamental aspect of
axial deformation which are discussed later An the present study
and various different combinations of end and support conditions
are also discussed-in this study.
1,3 LOADINGS AND PARAMETERS
Basically two types of loads are considered for designing a
stair i.e. Dead load, . live load. As outlined in IS:
875-1964(3) ,for stairs in residential building, office building,
etc'. where there is no possibility of over crowding, the live load
may be taken as 3 kN/m2. For other public building, the live load
2
may be taken to be 5 kN/m .
The dead load comparises of self weight of treads, risers
and landings. It is in the form of uniformly distributed load but
it may be assumed, without appreciable loss in accuracy,
consisting of a number of equivalent point load concentrated at
riser.
The various design parameters of a Slabless tread riser
stairs are as shown in Fig. 1.1 and their general variations are
as follows.
Parameters Variations in mm
LANDING (L) 900 to 1500
TREAD (T) 230 to 300
RISE (R) 150 to 200
THICKNESS OF TREAD (t ) 100 to 150

h
THICKNESS OF RISER(t v)
100 to 150
NUMBER OF .STEPS (N) 7 to 12 (in number)
The thickness of tread and thickness of riser usually kept
same for asthetic reason and also due to the fact that they resist
almost equal amount of moments.
1.4 OBJECTIVES
The study is aimed at realising following objectives
(i) To find out stress resultants at various cross-sections for
different end conditions and support conditions and their
combinations.
(ii)To study the stress distributions at different cross sections
of stairs through the concept of stresses at Gaussian points
in finite element analysis.
(iii)To compare the results of finite element analysis and
conventional methods for these stairs and critically examine
the results.
(iv) To prepare an auto-mesh generation programme to generate the
nodal coordinate and element connectivity itself.

1-7
•-1
5
(v) To prepare the programme for calculating the nodal loads due
to dead and live load itself by input parameters.
(vi)To study non orthopolygonal stairs and stress concentration
at tread riser junctions.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE THESIS
The scope of the thesis itself may be' seen from the table of
contents. The thesis consists of six chapters. The first chapter
introduces the stairs, their structure, design parameters and
objectives. In chapter 2, the finite element method is discussed
and the formulation of finite element analysis is presented.
Isoparameteric elements are also discussed in same chapter. In
chapter 3, two very general program PSPSAS and COMMNIX are
discussed with their entire structure and flow charts are also
presented. In chapter 4, various parameteric case studies have
been performed and ,their analysis have been presented with
numerical values as well as graphically. In chapter 5,
conventional methods with their formulations are discussed and
three general cases have been solved. In chapter 6, the results
of conventional analysis are compared with finite element
analysis. The modification in conventional methods are suggested.
The scope for future work is alSo discussed in this chapter.

CHAPTER 2
FINITE ELEMENT TECHNIQUE
2.1 GENERAL
The finite element method as known today has been presented
in 1956 by Turner, Clough, Martin and ToPP(17) • In their paper
they presented the application of constant strain triangle for the
analysis of aircraft structure. Since then much progress has been
made and this method is now firmly established as a powerful
numerical analysis technique for obtaining appoximate solution to
complex engineering problems due to it's utmost importance, both
conceptually and from the computational point of view. The
fundamental concept of the finite element method is that any'
continuous quantity, such as temperature, pressure, displacement
etc. can be approximated by a discrete model composed of a set of
piece wise continuous function defined over a finite number of
subdomains. The general applicability of the finite element
method can be seen by observing the strong similarities that
exist between various type of engineering problem.
In the following section a brief description of the finite
elemnet method and it's formulation for the structural analysis of
plane stress/strain case is presented.
2.2 BASIC STEPS IN FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
The basic steps for obtaining the finite element solution to
9
(18)
a structural analysis problem are
(i) Discretization of the continuum
The continuum is seperated by imaginary lines or surfaces
into a number of finite elements. The elements are assumed to be
interconnected at a discrete number of nodal points situated on
their boundary.
(ii) Selection of displacement model
A Set of function is chosen to define uniquely the state of
displacement within each finite element in terms of it's nodal
displacements. The displacement function now define uniquely the
state of strain within an element in terms of the basic unknown
parameters (i.e. nodal displacement) of the problem. Usually
polynomials are selected as interpolation function.
(iii) Derivation of element stiffness matrices and load vectors
From the assumed displacement model, the stiffness matrix and
the load vector of each element are derived by using either
equilibrium condition or a suitable variational principle.
(iv) Assemblage of element equations
The individual element stiffness matrices and load vectors
are assembled _in a suitable manner to obtain global stiffness
matrix and load vector. The overall equilibrium equations have
been modified to account for the boundary conditions of the
problem.
(v) Solution of equations
The linear simultaneous equations resulting from the assmebly
process are solved for the unknown nodal displacements. Any
10
efficient solution technique can be used for this.
(vi) Computation of element strains and stresses
From the known nodal displacements, strains can be calculated
using the strain displacement relationship. Stresses then can be
calculated from strains using stress-strain relationship.
2.3 FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION FOR PLANE PROBLEM
Let us consider an elastic continuum in the X-Y reference
plane for which a plane stress/strain analysis is to be performed.
The finite element formulation can be done under following steps.
2.3.1 Description of Geometry
The first step in finite element formulation is to divide the
continuum into.a number of finite elements. These element may be
of different shape (1. . triangular, rectangular etc.) and of
different family (i.e. serendipity, Lagrangian etc.). Let each
element has n nodal points.
2.3.2 Variation of Unknown Function
The unknown function (displacements) can be uniquely defined
by assuming same interpolation formulae, within each element
terms of parameters generally associated with the values of the
function at the nodes of the element.
For a two dimensional problem the displacement variations are
written as
[NI{a)e = E
evt} = 1=1
v (2.1)
11
where N is the shape function corresponding to node i and it is
i
dependent on the spatial coordinates of the elements. Eq. (2.1)
can also be written as

u = [I N ..I N I {8}e (2.2)
211 I2 2" 2 n
where
vector {S}e = {u ,v ,u v , u n,v n} T

1 1 2' 2'
[1 r 1 0
21
L 0 1
u and v are the horizontal and vertical displacements respectively
of the point within the element.
The shape 'functions N should be such that they give

i
appropriate nodal displacement when coordinates of the appropriate
nodes are inserted in Eq.(2.1). In general,
Ni (xl,yi) = 1
N (x ,y ) = 0 where J i
(2.3)
n
and E Ni (x,y) = 1
1=1
Now the chosen displacement function automatically guarantees
continuity of displacements with adjacent elements because the
displacements vary by the same order along any side of the
element, and with identical displacement imposed at the nodes, the
12

same displacement will clearly exists all along an interface.
2.3.3 Gradient relationship
For plane stress/strain problems, with displacements known
within the element the infinitesimal strain at any point can be
written as
8u a
0
ax ax
ev
{c} = ay
o a
ay
au.o. av
a a
ay ax1
ay ax
(2.4)
i.e.
{e} = ILI ful
where EIJ is the displacement differential operator matrix.
Substituting Eq.(2.1) in Eq.(2.4).
= [L]M (8)e = [B] {3)e

= fB1, 132. Bill (8)e (2.5)
where [B] is strain displacement matrix, the matrix [BO is given
by
aN
i
0
8x
aN
I
[13 I =
i
0
ay (2.6)
8N aN
i I
ay 8x
2.3.4 Macroscopic constitutive law
For linear elastic material, the relationship between the
stress and strain will be of the form
iml = [D] ({c}-ic01)+icrol (2.7)
where [D] is an elasticity matrix consisting of the appropriate
material property, (mo} and (co) are the initial stresses and
initial strains respectively and for plane stress/strain problem
(m) = (2.8)
where ox, oy and T are the three components of stresses

xy
corresponding to three component of strains defined in Eq.(2.4).
For plane stress cases (i.e. mz =0) in a isotropic material
the elasticity matrix is given by
1 v 0
[D] - 1 0 (2.9)
1-v2 1-v
0 0
2
•••••
and for plane strain cases (i.e. c =0) in an isotropic material

z
the elasticity matrix is given by •■••••
1 0
1-v
E(1-v) v
[D] - 1
(1-v)(1-2v) 1-v
1-2v
0 0
2- 7-1=17)
(2.10)

and
. a = v +T ) -aEAT
z x y
In these expressions, E is the modulus of elasticity, v is
the Poisson's ratio of the material, a is the coefficient of
thermal expansion and AT is the change in temperature.
2.3.5 Element Characteristic equations
These expressions for element characteristics can be derived
using the principle of virtual work method. Let us consider an
element in equalibrium under the action of applied concentrated
load (I) }e, initial stresses (a ), initial strains {co}, body

c
forces per unit volume {b} and distributed loads per unit area
{p}.
Now applying virtual work principle (i.e. internal virtual
work is equal to external virtual work) following equations can be
obtained
[K] {8} = (2.11)
- where [K] is the global stiffness matrix given by
ne ne
[K] = E [K]e = E [B)T[D] [B] dv (2.123
e=1 e=1 v
and
ne
{R}e
= E
e=1
where
{R}e= (Fr + {F}e + {F}e + {F}e + {F}e (2.13)
a c
0 0
and Nconc.
T
{F}e = E EN ) {Pci}e (2.14)
1=1
T
IFIZ = fv EN] { b} dv (2.15)
{F}e EN)T {p} dA (2.16)

p = iv

{F}e =-fv '[B]T {o-o} dv (2.17)
{F}e [ D]{ e (2.18)

c = ENT
v o}dv
In the above given Eqs.(2.14) to (2.18) the right hand side is

the summation of equivalent point load, Nconc. are the number of
nodes where concentrated loads are applied and N i is their shape

functions at corresponding nodes.
Now solving the Eq. (2.11) thc- nodal displacement can be
obtained. By using Eq. (2.5) and Eq. (2.7) the stresses at any
point can be obtained from the relation
{ o} = ED] ([8){8}e - {c0}) {o-o} (2.19)
2.4 I SOPARAMETRI C ELEMENT

It is well known that for higher order curved elements the
evaluation of integrals in Eq.(2.12) and Eqs. (2.15) to (2.18) can

be easily carried out numerically by using Gauss-Legendre
16
quadrature rule . This reguires change of function of variables
in x and y to new functions of variables in local coordinate e and
n whose values lie between -1 and +1.
The basic idea underlying the isoparametric element is to use
the same shape functions to define the element shape or geometry
as well as,unknown functions within the element. To derive the,
isoparametric element equations, a local curvilinear coordinate
system is first introduced, then the shape functions has to be
expressed in terms' of local coordinates (i.e. g; n) in two

dimensional analysis.
Thus, for an isoparametric element, the displacement
function is defined as
u(g,n) = E u i
1=1
n (2.20)
v(,T1) = N (g'n
1=1
and the geometry is defined as
x(c,n) = E (,n) xi
i=1
E
.h
y( 07) = 141(e, n) Y i ( 2.21)
1=1
'In Eqs. (2.20) and (2.21), u and v are the displacement 4'
components and (x,y) are the coordinates of any point -(,11).
17
Similarly (xi, yi ) are the coordinates of node i while (uv) are
the displacement components.
The representation of geometry in terms of shape functions
can be considered as a mapping procedure which transforms a square
2x2 parent element in local coordinate system into a distorted
shape (i.e. a curved sided quadrilateral) in the global cartesian
coordinate system (Fig. 2.1). In present study parabolic

isoparametric element of serendipity family is used. These
parabolic elements are extremely versatile and are well tested.
For these elements, the shape functions are as follows (Fig.2.2):
For corner nodes
Ni = 1/4 (1+ 0) (1+n0) (c0+770-1) (2.22)
mid side nodes

N i = 1/2 (1- 2) (1+10) for gi= o (2.23)
2
Ni = 1/2 (1-n ) (1+%) for ni. o (2.24)
where
= no = nni
For mapping the element geometry the coordinates Jacobian matrix
(J) is required. Using Eq.(2.20).
rax ax aNi oN
Eat xi Eat xi
[x, .r]
y 7
[..11 = (2.25)
ON
ay ay E i v E— v
_ag an a 71
18
L
PARENT ELEMENT 2-DIMENSIONAL MAP
FIG.2.1- ISOPARAMETRIC MAPPING OF A PARABOLIC ELEMENT
FIG.2.2-TYPICAL SHAPE FUNCTIONS FOR PARABOLIC ELEMENT OF

SERENDIPITY FAMILY
19
By the chain rule of partial differentiation
{71 aNil aNi

(2.26)
ae ' an 7 ax ' ay e
Eq. (2.23) gives the cartesian derivatives of shape functions
required for matrix [B] in Eq.(2.19).
aN
8x
(2.27)
ON
i
ay .4
The explicit form of inverse coordinate Jacobian matrix is
[ ag ag 8x
8x ay
-1 1 -an
[J] = (2.28)
an an ay 8x
ex ay : ag
ag
5771
and it's determinant
T = ax ay ay ax (2.29)
= IJ I ag 8n ag n
For two dimensional problem the element area is given by
dA = dx dy = IJI dg do
(2.30)
dv = tdxdy = tIJI dg do
Where t is the thickness of element.
In above given expression x and y are substituted from Eq.(2.21)
21
and it is used for evaluating the stiffness, equivalent nodal
loads etc. from Eqs. (2.12) and (2.13), and for expressions
involving integral over the element. These can be expressed in
terms of the local coordinates with an appropriate change of the
limits of integration (-1 to +1). Thus the element stiffness now
can be written substituting the volume from Eq.(2.30).
+1
{1C}e = f+1
-1 -1
1 T
[13] [D] [B] t pi soldn (2.31)
Using the numerical integration technique (Gaussian-Legendre
quadrature rule) Eq.(2.31) can be rewritten as
m n
= E E T
[8] [D] [B] t IJI c c (2.32)
i j
1=1 1=1
where m and n are the number of Gaussian points in e and 71
i and C are the Gaussian weights.

directions respectively, and C
In Eq.(2.29) [B] and [J] have to be evaluated at each Gaussian
points ). By substituting the appropriate values the nodal

i'
displacement can be calculated.
22
CHAPTER 3
COMPUTER PROGRAMS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
For conducting the studies and achieving the objects listed
in section 1.4, a general purpose program is required. Since
finite element analysis requires a lot of computations and
manipulation so high speed digital computers and efficient
programs are the basic necessity. The expanding use of finite
element method to various branches of engineering, science and
field problem creates the necessity of pre-processors and post
processors to avoid the inaccurate input and output.
Fortunately PSPSAS, a very general purpose program, is available'
. to do the finite element analysis for plane stress/plane strain
and axisymmetric problems. COMNIX is another program which serves
as postprocessor of PSPSAS: For the analysis of Slabless
tread-riser stairs these prOgrams are used.
3.2 PSPSAS PROGRAM
This program is a general purpose .finite element program
solving problems of plane stress, plane strain and axisymmetric
cases subjected to concentrated loads, gravity and centrifugal
loads; pressure loads and thermal loads.
It is written by Dr. G.C. Nayak for linear, quadratic and
cubic quadrilateral isoparametric element of serendipity family
23
and is being used extensively all over the world. The program
(7)
details are given in book . This program uses the Gaussian
quadrature technique for numerical integration.
The program consists of a main program and 16 subroutine.
Two subroutines namely meshg and moshth have been added to analyse
the Slabless tread riser stairs, specifically. The order and
description of main program and subroutines are outlined below.
(1) MAIN PROGRAM
This program consists the main body of the program. It reads
the number of problem to be solved along with number of load

•
cases, degree of freedom at each node, counter for type of
isoparametric element, order of Gaussian integration, problem type
indicator, material properties, some counters controlling output
etc. It calls various subroutine for the solution of problem.
The flow chart of MAIN program is given in Fig. 3.1.
(a). Subroutine MESHG
This subroutine reads the various parameters of stairs (i.e.
landing, rise, tread etc.), live load, number of steps and
parametric case counter. This subroutine is called in MAIN and
discretizes the Slabless stairs into two dimensional quadrilateral
elements of serendipity family with quadratic variation. This
discretises the stairs automatically depending upon rise and
thickness of tread ratio. It also provides the boundary condition
and supporting condition by restricting the corresponding nodes in
appropriate direction. The loading data are supplied to LDATA
24
PROBLEM DATA DEFINED
MESHG
NODEXY
G DATA
GAUSSP I
SET I
LOAD VECTOR FORMATION
FOIT1
D
SFR
A
A
FEH
A
STIFFNESS FORMULATION
(LOADCASENUMBER
A
HO D
warigou RHOmvu allow

• 04sFRI
ITEX1
1FEM

H I ROSE.]
DISK DATA SET 1
SOLUTION SUBROUTINES
DI SK DI SK
DATA DATA
SOLVE I-•- SET I I -a• BSUB RESOLV SET II
2
17ri
V
STRESS CALCULATION
745T51
T
SFR
E A
S
STRP
STRESS RESULTANT CALCULATIONS

N
SFR
0
S
H
T
AUX
FIG. 3.1 FLOW CHART FOR PSPSAS PROGRAM
25
simultaneously.
(b)Subroutine GDATA
This subroutine gets the nodal coordinates, boundary
conditions and element connectivity from subroutine MESHG. If
MESHG is not called it reads the above data. Midside nodes
coordinates are calculated by calling subroutine NODEXY and the
Gaussian integration constants are obtained by calling subroutine
GAUSSP.
(c)Subroutine NODEXY
It calculates the unspecified coordinates of midside nodes
lying on the straight edge of parabolic and cubic elements.
(d)Subroutine GAUSSP
It provides the Gaussian sampling points and corresponding
weight functions for numerical integration.
(e)Subroutine LDATA
In this subroutine all the loading data are converted into
equivalent nodal loads. It also reads thermal, centrifugal loads
etc. It can deal with concentrated load acting within the
element. For. influence surface problem, the pinch load can be
generated automatically.
(f)Subroutine MOD
It forms the elasticity matrix [D] for plane stress, plane
strain and axisymmetric cases. which ever is applicable
corresponding to a suitable counter.

(g)Subroutine SFR
This contains explicit expressions of shape functions and
their first local derivatives for all three types of elements.
(h)Subroutine AUX
This subroutine computes the coordinate Jacobian matrix [J],
it's determinant and inverse as well. It also calculates
cartesian derivatives of shape function using the Jacdbian
transformation.
(i)Subroutine FEM
This subroutine computes the gradient matrix [B] and then
computes {D} [B] dv.
(J)- Subroutine SET
This subroutine forms an array IONARY of element numbers
which are arranged to get minimum band width. This then computes
the band width and the total number of elements in the banded
matrix.
(k) Subroutine STIFM
This subroutine calculates element stiffness matrices by
using numerical integration. It calls subroutine ROSB to carry
out transformation for sloping boundary, if required.
(1) Subroutine ROSB
This subroutine is called in subroutine STIFM to make
operations over the elements of stiffness matrix for sloping
boundary case.
(m)Subroutine SOLVE
This subroutine acts as a solver of linear simultaneous
equations using Gaussian elimination method. Assembly and forward
elimination is carried out and the coefficient for back
substitution are stored. The most economic use of core storage is
made by storing banded form of matrix in one dimensional array.
(n)Subroutine BSUB
This subroutine does back substitution operations to give
displacements and reactions.
(o)Subroutine RESOLV
This subroutine is called if the problem is analysed for more
than one load case. In such cases there is no need to recompute
element stiffness. Only force vector needs to be changed and this
subroutine does the same.
(p)Subroutine STRP
This subroutine computes the strains and stresses at any
point. It is called in subroutine STRESS.
(q)Subroutine STRESS
In this subroutine strains and stresses are seperately
calculated at' required points (i.eGaussian points, Nodal
points). It calls the subroutine STRP. Stresses and strains
calculations along any desired coordinate axis can be obtained if
the rotation of the areas and element number are specified.
2
(r) Subroutine MOSHTH
This subroutine calculates the bending moment, shear force
and axial force. It is called in MAIN program and this subroutine
uses the results at Gaussian integration points to evaluate the
stress resultants from the stress which it gets from subroutine
STRESS. It calls subroutine SFR and uses Jacobian transformation.
3.3 COMMIX PROGRAM
This program is originally contains the subroutines of
'PLOT88'. To make it compatible with HP system it is converted to
make use of 'STARBASE'. This program serves as a post processor
of PSPSAS program by interpreting output in different ways and
drawing different plots of the structure. It consists of one main
program and a number of subroutines.
The order and description of them are outlined below.
(1) MAIN PROGRAM
The main program reads number of problems to be plotted and
number of type of plots for one structure only. It also reads
control data and calls for the required subroutine to plot the
desired figure. The flow chart of main program is given in
Fig.3.2.
(a) Subroutine GDATA
This subroutine reads the coordinates of corner nodes. of
straight line element and also mid side nodes for curved arms as
it's geometric input data. The element connectivity and local
30
I PR 1 I PROBLEM DATA DEFINED
GDAT A I IMAXMI N
0 INT ERIOR BOUNDARY

M I NTBOD I IfoxmINI
1.P2117-1
I MESH 0' INTERIOR MESH PLOT
KAXMI N
I NTMSK
IKESIii
,
STVEC
—11E5.11? X 0 STRUCTURE MESH PLOT

FMES I NODELI
I
MORE THAN ONE TYPE OFPLOTS OF ONE STRUCTURE ( NPR > 1 1

A NBC X S TRUCTURE BOUNDARY 0
IMAXHIN I
BONDRY 1
IKESH I
NGASP 0
2
CD
11.0qdSOVNI SNO
NSTS x 0
2
t1
1-<
h::I
NSHAPE 0 0 DEFORMED PROFILE PLOT
D II HAG 0
zj
E trraoD1
F 111(1.14st-1. 1 2
S 'MESH I
tTj
2
IBONDRY J t:f
txi
V 2
IMAGE > 1 IMAGE PLOT
1-1:1
LI MAC
0
tcl
NSTCR 0 CONTOUR POINTS PLOT tzj
I CAUSSP I
STCONT SFR
. rEffn
pc)
0
tri
NTEXT 0 TEXT STRING PLOT
V
TEXT •
FIG. 3.2 FLOW CHART OF PLOT PROGRAM 'COMMIX '
31
coordinates (e,n) of the nodes of element are also read In this
subroutine.
(b)Subroutine IMAG
This subroutine consists the facility of plotting the four
images of any structure or •of a part of It in all the four
quadrent in one single plot.
(c)Subroutine INTMSH
This subroutine facilitates, as per requirement of user, to
get a plot of the mesh of a certain portion. This subroutine is
called in MAIN program, subroutine DEFSHP and subroutine STVEC if
corresponding counter IMESH is given a non zero value.
(d)Subroutine INTBOD
ThIS surboutine provides the facility of plotting only, The
boundary of the part of structure: This is called in. MAIN program
and subroutine DEFSHP by giving a non-zero value to the. counter
INBC.
,(e) Subroutine DEFSHP
This subroutine reads the displaceMent of all nodes, the
magnification factor of displacement. The coordinates of all the
nodes are modified by just adding the magnified deformation values
to the initial coordinate values and. than subroutine MESH is
called to plot the deformed shape of the structure. Deformed
shape of various section may also be 'plotted as it calls
subroutines INTMSH, INTBOD, BONDRY etc.
33
(f)Subroutine BONDRY
This subroutine provides the facility to plot the outer
boundary of the entire. structure. This reads the total number of
nodes on outer boundary, their individual number in a specific
direction (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise).
(g)Subroutine MESH
This subroutine is called in main program to plot the
original mesh of entire structure. It is also called in
subroutines DEFSHP, INTMSH INTBOD and BONDRY to plot the
respective shape and portion of the structure. This subroutine
also has the facility of calculating the total number of points
that must be calculated to get a smooth curve by joining all these
points by straight lines.
(h)Subroutine MAXMIN
This subroutine is useful if the program is being executed on
PLOTIO graphic terminal. This subroutine brings out the maximum
and minimum values of the coordinates of portion of the mesh which
is of the interest of user.
(i)Subroutine STVEC
This subroutine plots stress/strain vector on a suitable
scale of the desired Gaussian points. Arrow heads are placed at
the end of one vector out of two indicating tensile or compressive
stress/strain.
34
(i) Subroutine SFR
This subroutine contains the shape function of serendipity
family for ltnear parabolic and cubic quadrilateral element and
their first local derivatives.
(k) Subroutine GAUSSP
This subroutine gives the Gaussian sampling point and their
weighting functions upto.six points using Gaussian-Legendre rule
for numerical integration.
•(1) Subroutine AUX
The subroutine computes the coordinate of the Gaussian points
and provides them when called in subroutines STVEC and STCONT.'
(m) Subroutine .STCONT
This subroutine plots the contours of stress/strain in the
entire structure or a part of it. It also prints the values of
the contours.
(n) Subroutine NODEL
This subroutine plots the node number and element number on
the mesh of structure or a part of it when corresponding counters
NNOD and NELE are assigned a non zero value.
(o) Subroutine TEXT
This subroutine provides the facility of writing any text in
the figure for Its recognition, anywhere on the figure. -Counter'
NTEXT in main programtakes care of calling.,this subroutine.'
35
CHAPTER 4
CONVENTIONAL. ANALYSIS STUDIES
4.1 GENERAL
The analysis of Slabless tread-riser stairs, due to its
broken line form, is a cumbersome and time consuming process in
the majOrity of cases. These stairs are normally statically
indeterminate and their analysis may be approached , by using
various methods which are available for the analysis of
indeterminate structure.
In the following section present conventional analysis
technniques are dlscusSed and the stairs for three- cases are
analysed by conventional methods with the same parameters and
loads as analysed in following chapter.
4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE.
J14)
In their paper, Saenz and Martin , .presented the elastic
analysis of'orthopolygonal.stairs in a plane, fixed at both' ends
by two different methods namely ColuMn analogy and second
difference method. They simplified the problem .by taking some
assumption as presented at the end of this section: Professor
Saenz had als6 presented the analySis in a book(13) W.

(2)
Benjamin , gave .the formulae to determine the fixed end moment
37
of these stairs without landing as given below.
R/T)
+ I
2 /I
P.n.T (n -1) r t
M -
12 n
(4.1)
n-1 R/T
1 + n I /I ]
r t
where P is the concentrated load acting at the edge of riser, n is
the number of steps. T is the tread, R is the rise. I is the

r
moment of inertia of riser and I is the moment of inertia of
t
tread.
The Eq.(4.1) may also be written as

M = M'k (4.2)
where k is the factor by which fixed end bending moment for a case
of fixed beam,.with identical condition, has been increased. The
value of this factor was also given by him in tabular form as
shown in Table 4.1, and in graphical form as shown in Fig. 4.1.
(1)
Benjamin also discussed the stairways with equal landing
at both ends and gave following expression assuming length of
landing is a multiple integer of the tread width
2
- P.n.T(n -1) 1+p -pA
(4.3)
12 n 1+n-1
[ p-pB
where
R/T
P I /I
r t
(2m)(m+1)(3n-2m-1); B = 2m
A -
2
n(n -1)
38
TABLE 4.1: VARIATION OF k WITH n
R/T
n
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
2 1,1667 1,2000 1,2308 1,2593 1,2857 1,3103 1,3333

3 1,1052 10 250 1,1429 1.1591 1,1739 1,1875 1.2000
4 1,0769 1,0909 1,1034 1,1148 1,1250 1.1343 1.1429
5 1,0606 1,0714 1,0811 1,0897 1,0978 . 1,1046 1,1111
6 1,0503 1,0588 1,0667 10737 1,0804 1,0857 1,0909
7 1,0425 1,0500 1,0566 1,0625 1,0678 1,0726 1,0769
8 1,0370 1,0415 1,0492 1,0543 1,0588 1,0629 1,0667
.9 1,0328 1,0385 1,0435 1,0479 1.0519 1,0556 1,0588
10 1,0294 1,0345 1,0390 1,0429 1,0465 1,0497 1.0526
11 1,0267 1,0312 1,0353 1,0389 1,0421 1,0450 1,0476
12 1,0244 1,0285 1,0323 1,0355 1,0384 1,0411 1,0435

13 1,0224 1,0263 1,0297 1,0327 1,0354 1,0378 1,0400
14 1,0209 1,0244 1,0275 1,0303 , 1,0328 1,0350 1,0370
15 1,0194 1,0227 1,0257 1,0282 1,0306 1,0326 1,0344
16 1,0182 1,0212 1,0240 1,0264 1,0286 1,0305 1,0323
17 „ 1,0171 1,0200 1,0226 1,0242 1,0268 1,0286 1,0303
18 1,0161 1,0189 1,0213 1,0234 1,0253 1.0274 1,0286
19 1.0153 1,0178 1,0201 1,0221 1,0239 1.0255 1,0270
20 1,0145 1,0169 1,0191 1,0210 1,0227 1,0243 1,0256
TABLE 4.2: COEFFICIENTS FOR SOLVING STAIRS WITH 2T0 20

TREADS
Coeffl. Nktolbcr of rcpt "H"

cienIS
3 4 5 6 7 R 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 IR 19 20
A 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4,50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.nn 7.50 R.00 8.50 9.00 9,50 10.00
II 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00 9.50
C 0.25 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.25 3.00 3.00 5.00 6.25 7.50 9.00 10.50 12.25 1.1.00 16.00 18.00 20.25 22.50 25.00
0.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 2.50 4.00 7.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 27.5n 75.00 .15.50 56.00 70.00 84.00 101.00 120.00 142.50
39
n" = No. of Step& or treads.
k = Factor to be:muitiplied to the
Equivoient Stab Ftxed End Bending
Moment. Nei° to get the Actual Fixed.
End Bending Moment '/Y1.
0 0
For all Curves tv r.th so
that Iv/Ih= 1•00.
0
4 6 g to 10. i6 la 90
u- i -u
No. of Steps ‘ri. 11■••
I -
FIG. 4.1: PLOTTED VALUES OF THE VARIATION OF

k WITH n
41
M is the number .of landing 'treads' and other variables are .-same
as mentioned earlier.
DeschapelleS also studied the. case and preSented the formulae
to calculate the fixed end moment for stairs without landing as
giVen below
pi, , n(n2-1)(1+k1)
FEM - (4.4)
12 n+(n=l)k
[ l
where k = R/T.
1
His analytical study published in Havana(4),
(5) treated the matter objectively

The paper by Dianu, et al.
and gave the analytical solution procedure by two methods. i.e.
column analogy and moment distribution method. They presented the
Solution steps for odd number and even number of ste0s, with and
without landings; with and without intermediate support. . They
also discussed the design stages and reinforcement detailS.
4.3 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
Present conventional analysis techniques are based on certain:
assumptions. Following assumptions have been adopted in these
analysis methods.
1. The structure is plane (two dimensiOnal), neglecting possible
three dimensional stress. interrelations
2. Dead and live loads are concentrated on the edge of riser
L+3
3. Risers deflect vertically (relative rotaton of the two ends
of the riser being equal to zero)
4. External load is carried only by the treads and risers.
4.4° ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE BY MOMENT DISTRIBUTION
The analytic solution technique is presented by Dianu et

(5)
al. in their paper and is being presented in this section.
By using the stress-strain method the expression for the
fixed end moment for stairs without landing and with an even or
odd number of steps can be derived. The expression may be stated
as
FEM = 2 CPT-M (4.5)
where FEM is the fixed end moment of the stairs and M is the
moment at the centre of span of a statically indeterminate
structure (i.e. stairs) subject to actual loads and given as
C+D(1+k)
M = PT A+KB (4. 6)
The coefficients used in Eqs.(4.5) and (4.6) for an even
number of steps, are
2
n-1,....= n D _ n(n -1)(n -2)
A= 2; B= 2 ; 16, (4.7)
2' 48
If the stair consists of an odd number of steps, Eqs.(4.5) and
(4.6) are valid but the coefficients will be modified as

n-1 (n+1)(n-1)
A = B = C -
16
D - (n-1)(n+1)(n-3) (4.8)
48
44
In both the cases
R
K- It
(4.9)
r
n —N+2
and N is number of steps-or treads.
The coefficients A,B,C and D for stairs with steps varying.
from 2 to 20 may be found from Table 4.2.
The cases with equal. landings at both ends may have different
support condition as outlined in following section. The sign
convention is kept such that the clock-wise moments at Joints are
assumed as positive and vice versa. The mid span moment are
positive with tension at the bottom fibre.
4.4.1 Stairs with Intermediate Supports
This case of stair is shown in Fig. 4.2. The fixed end
moment at 1 and 1' for the section 1-1' may be determined, for
stairs with an even or odd number of steps, from Eq. (4.5).
The fixed end moment at 1 and 2 or 1' and 2' for the section 1-2
or 1'-2' may be found as
= _ q(L-T)
2
(4.10)
MI-2 142-1 12
Now moment distribution can be applied as for a continuous beam.
The rigidity of section' 1-1' is found from .
EI
t
K
1-1'
= K -
'-1 T(A+KB) (4.11)
".5
where A,B and K are coefficients with the value as given in Eqs.
(4.7) or (4.8) and (4.9). The rigidity of landing is found from
4E1
1
K K (4.12)
1-2 - 2-1 - L-T
The distribution coefficients are
4
r1-2 -
KL
4+
A+KB
r1-1' 1 - r1-2 -
1 (4.13)
4(A+KB)
KL
where
(L-T) It
KL
T I
r
I
R t
and K = - .
T
The transmission coefficients are
r1-2 r1-1'
-
1-2 2 ' Y1-1' 2
(4.14)
The structure being symmetric, the moment distribution may be
done for only half of the structure.
After p operation of distribution and transmission, the final
bending moments at different points are found as
M = M -(M +M )
1-1' 1-1' 1-1' 1-2
1=1
46
M = M -(M ,+M r
1-2 1-2 1-1 1-2 1-
1=0
r r
M = M -(M +M 1-2 1-1'
2-1 2-1 1-1' 1-2 2 21
1=0
r .r
Mc m m 1-2 1_1, (4.15)
1-1' ,1-2 2 ti7
21
1=1
Here M is computed from Eq. (4.6) while p is taken depending upon
desired accuracy.:
The reaction at Support.. 1- and •2 is given by -
M +M
= AP q(L-T)
R1 2 - (L-T) (4.16)
R = AP -+ q(L-T) (4.17)
2 2
where
A = -
2
4.4.2 Stairs Without intermediate supportS
For the analysis of this case of stairs same procedure as
given in section 4.4.1 may be followed but the effect Of.supports
would be eliminated. By virtue of load symmetry the:reactiOn R

1
and R are zero and the vertical displacements of points l and 1'
are equal. However; the elimination of supports causes variation

in the moments'of the structure.
The fixed end moment may be determined by allowing for
deformation symmetry. For this purpose a yield y is imparted to
the supports so that a unit moment will appear in each landing.
The unit moments introduced by yield are then balanced for each
joint and then additional reactions are determined using
expression given below
i=p
r1-1'
MY
1-2 = 1 - 1 '
i!
0 2
r
MY = r1-2 1p 1-1'
2-1 2
1=0 21
i=p r
1-1'
MY ,= - E
1-1 1=1
21
MY +MY
y 1-2 2-1
R - (4.18)
1 L-T
Since the reaction R does not exists so the increments of moments

1
are
AM - flr
2-1 y -1
2
R1
R
1 my
AM - (4.19)
1-1' R
y -1'
1
4-8
and the final moments at the ends and mid span .of stairs are
M = M + AM
2-1 2-1 2-1
M = M + AM
1- ' 1-1' 1-'
- ( 4 . 20)
.c
=11' "M 1-1'
4.5 ILLUSTRATIVE. EXAMPLES
In this cases two cases of'Slabless tread-riser stairs are
solved using conventional analysls methods. The, two cases have,
same end condition i.e. fixed. at both end but one is
intermediately supported and in other case there is no
intermediate support. These cases have been analysed with same
parameters and loads as in case A 'and case A' to make .
Comparative study between conventional and finite.eleMeht analysis .
Methods_ One case of stairs with both ends hinged_ and without
intermediate Support has been also analysed by modified
conventional technique.
4.5.1 Stair with intermediate supports.
The stair (Fig. 4.2) is analysed under following step by step
procedure
(a) Data
Length of landing L = 1.2 m; Tread T = 0.255 m, Rise R =
0.180 m;
Thickness of tread t = 0.15 m; thickness of riser t v = 0.15

h
49

m; number of steps n = 11
2
Live load = 4kN/m
(b) Calculation for load P and.q
One meter width is considered and load per riser is
calculated as
Dead load of tread = 0.255x0.15x25 = 0.956 kN/m
Dead load of riser = 0.180x0.15x25 = 0.675 kN/m
Live load per step = 4x0.255 = 1.020 kN/m
So load on edge of each riser P = 2.651 kN
Uniformly distributed load on landing
q = 44.(1.0x0.15x25) = 7.75 kN/m
(c) Calculation of Constants
11 11-1 (11+1)(11-1)
A = = 5.5; B - 5; c - 7.5;
2 2 16
(11-1)(11+1)(11-3) 20;
D - -
48
h=
I = I
h v
0.180
K -
0.255 - 0.7059
50 -24 S 73
51
ILLUSTRATIVE
(d) Cal-Culation of::MOMents
Indeterminate moment at the centre of:..§pan of stair
C+D(1+K)
M
A+KB
20(1+0.7059)
= 2.651x0.255x7.5+
5.5+5x0.7059
M = 3:416 kN-m
P1xed end moment- at support 1 and 2

M.1-1' = 2CPT-M
2x7.5x2.65x0.255 - 2.116
= 7....0241(Wm
= __7.75x(1.2-0.255)2
12
M1-2 = 0.576 kN-m.
m - 775 x.(1.20.25512
2-1 = 12
M2-1 = 0.576 kN-m
(e) Calculation of distribution coefficients
r
1-2
+KB
53
where
KL = (L-T) _ 1.20-0.255 - 3.706
0.255
4
r1-2 - 3.706
4+
5.5+5x0.7059
r1-2 = 0.9069
r1-1' = 1 - r1-2 = 1-0.9069
ri _ l, = 0.093
Transmission coefficients are
r
Y = 1-2 0.9069
1-2 2 2
Y = 0.45395
1-2
r1-1'0.093
Y
1-1' 2 2
Y = 0.0465
1-1'
(f) Calculation of final moments
Using Eq. (4.15)
M = 7.024-(7.024-0.576) [0.093' X 0.093)2+(0.093)3}.

1-1' 2 2 '"
2 23
M = 6:709 kN-M
1-1'
54
_._
M- =-0.576- ( 7.024-0.576 ) (0.9069) 0.093+ ( 0.093)2(O. 09j)
2 2 3 +' •
2 2
1-2 =-6.709 kN-M
M2_ 1 = O. 576-(7.024-0.576) ( 0.9069 ) , +0.093+ ( 0.093 ) 0.093)34..

2 2 2 3
2 2
=-2,490 kI471,1
3: 116+ ( 7.- 024-0.575 )
3.259 kN-M
) Calculation of StippOrt Reactions
= 5.5 x 2.651 7.75 (1.2-0.255) (-6.709 - 2.490)

2 (1.2 - 0.255)
= 27.977 04
= AP + q(L-T) - R
= 5.5 x 2.651 + 7.75 (4.2-0.255) - 27.977
55

4.5.2 Stair Without Intermediate Supports
For the analysis of this case the parameters and loads are
assumed to be same as given in preceding section. The procedure
steps will be same from step (a) to step (g). The further analysis
steps are outlined below
(h) Determination of additional reaction
using Eq. (4.18) following may be find out
2
M = 1-0.9069 [1+ 0.093 (0.0934 (0.093)3
1-2 2 22 23
y
M = 0.0489
1-2
y 0.9069 0.093 (0.093)2(0.093)3+
M2-1 = 1 - [1 +
2 2 22 2
y
M = 0.5244
2-1
y 0.093 (0.093) 2(0.093) 3

1-1' 2 2
2 3
2
•
MY = - 0.04828
1-1'
56
Additional Reaction
•y = 0.0489 + 0.5244
R
1 (1.20 - 0.255)
y
R = 0.6067 kN
1
(i) Calculation of final moments.
Since Reaction R does not exits, the increments of moments

1
are.
27.977
AM - x 0.5244
2-1
0.6067
AM = 24.1819 kN-M
2-1
27.977
AM x (-0.04828)
1-1' 0.6067
AM = -2.2264 kN-M
1-1'
Final moments are as given
M 2-1 = -2.490 + 24.1819 = 21.6919 kN m
M = 6.709 - 2.2264 = 4.4826 kN m

1-1'
M = 3.259 + 2.2264 = 5.4854 kN m
57
(j) Calculation of Reactions
R = AP + q(L-T)
2
R2 = 5.5 x 2.651 + 7.75 (1.2-0.255)
R2 = 21.904 kN
4.5.3 Modified Conventional Technique
It may be observed that stairs, due to membrane action,
subjected to thrust. The fixed end moments will also be less
than those calculated from present analysis techniques. The
present conventional analysis techniques assume the stairs as a
straight line structure, neglecting the bent partion of stairs
thus giving larger fixed end moments and ignoring horizontal
thrust.
Here a case of intermediately unsupported stairs with both
end hinged is solved by using strain energy method (Fig. 4.3).
The method gives more reliable stress resultants.
The problem is solved under following step by step procedure
(a) Data
Length of landing L = 0.9 m; Tread T = 0.28 m; Rise R = 0.15m;
Thickness of tread t =0.1Sm ; Thickness of riser t = 0.15 m ;

h v
Number of steps = 9 ; Live load = 3.5 kN/m2
(b) Calculation for loads
One meter width is consideredOniformly distributed load on straight
portion
q =3.6+(1.0x0.15x25)=7.25 kN/m
1
58
H
C/D
LZ
E-1
C
U)
59
Uniformly distributed load on bent portion
(0.28x0.15x25+0.15x0.15x25+3.5x0.28)
q2 - 9.2589 kN/m
0.28
(c) Calculation of Reactions
Considering the free body diagram (Fig. 4.4)
and applying strain energy method to bent portion.
Taking moment about c
HBx 1.2 + 9.2589 x 2.52 x (2.52/2) - V x 2.52 = 0

B

H = 2.1 V - 24.4990 (4.21)
B B
Moment M at a distance s from point B along the member is given

s
by
2
M = 10.5321s - 3.7738 s
s
Since moment is independant of reaction the bending strain energy
due to reaction will be absent
Axial force P at a distance s from point B along the member is

s
given by
P = 0.9029H + 0.4299 V - 9.2589 x 0.9029 x 0.9029 S

s B B
Replacing the HB by V2 from Eq. (4.21)
PS= 2.326 V - 29.6683 s

B
a
PS = 2.326
a vB
61
auBC 1 2.7911
8VC AE so 5.4103 V
B - 69.0084 s
1
[15.1007 V - 268.7960]
B
AE
From minimum energy principle
avBC
- 0
0 Vc
15.1007 V - 268.7960 = 0
B
V = 17.800 kN
B
Substituting this value in Eq.(4.21)

HB=12.881 kN
From static equalibrium
V = 9.2589 x 2.52 - 17.801

C
V = 5.532 kN
C
and
HB = HC = 12.881 kN
From static equalibrium of portion AB
V
A = 7.25 x 0.62 + 17.800
V
A = 22.295 kN
H
A = H = 12.881 kN
62
0
0 01 W
Cf)
C.)
411.
141
1-4
410
,4111
'407
114
,4111,4
4110
C
11
41114
4P.
11
41104
141
4111
1.11
411
1141
,s,
114
411.
0-4
481
141
4111
0-4
411
1.4
O
441
1-44
4110
41,
114
4111
411.
4111.
411
4610
I-4
1141
C
<14
111
4111
0-4
410
0-41
40
114
1110
10-4
410
14011
4
0.1_1
-41P
111 0
114
1141
10-4
461,
141
411
114
gte,
74-W'
114 Fx4
410
114
(24
4110
1.4
400
141
63
From static equalibrium of portion CD
Vd = 7.25 x 0.62 + 5.532
Vd = 10.027 kN
H = H = 12.881 kN
d C
Moment at the centre of span
Mc=V Ax1.88-q1 x0.62x1.57-q2x1.26x0.63-H x0.6

A
M =22.295x1.88-7.25x0.62x1.57-9.2589x1.26x0.63-12.881x0.6
M =19.779 kN-m.
c
65
CHAPTER 5
PARAMETERIC STUDIES OF STAIRCASE
6.1 DISCRETIZATION AND IDEALIZATION OF DOMAIN
For the finite element analysis of Slabless tread-rise stairs
the solution region is discretized in a number of elements. The
element used is two dimensional eight noded quadrilateral
isoparametric element of serendipity family. In the
discretization process the thickness of landing and thickness of
tread is divided into two parts to get a more accurate solution.
Because of the identical cross-section throughout landing,
dividing the landing into more than two elements along the depth
will not produce more accurate results but will increase
computational efforts.
Although the stair is a three dimensional structure yet it is
considered as a two dimensional plane strain case since geometry
and loading do not vary significantly in third dimension. For
analysis purpose the length in third direction is assumed to be
uniform (1 m).
The structure is discretized in, such a way that a node must
necessarily appears under a concentrated load, at a re-entrant
corner or at the point where geometry changes abruptly. The
boundary conditions have been imposed by restricting the nodal
displacements in corresponding directions.
67
The finite element solution based on the shear deformation
theories suffers from locking for thin laminates(6). To circumvent
this difficulty reduced integration is used. The order of
integration used is reduced from 3x3 to 2x2, the reduction in the
order of integration in computing stiffness matrix of an
isoparametric element generally has the effect to reduce the
values of the stiffness of an element below the value that the
exact integration produces.
5.2 CASES STUDIED
A number of cases have been solved by finite element analysis
for different support and end conditions. For all cases following
material properties have been taken
1. Grade of concrete = M20

7 2
2. The Young's modulus of elasticity (E) = 2.55x10 kN/m
3. The Poisson's ratio (v) = 0.15

3
4. The density (p) = 25.0 kN/m
The cases may be broadly categorised into two as given below.
5.2.1. Stairs without Intermediate Supports
These type of stairs are not supported elsewhere except at
the ends. The ends of the stairs may be supported on a concrete
beam'or on a bearing wall. The landing slab may also be continuous
with floor slab so these different end conditions effect the
stress resultants in the stairs. An extensive study has been done
to observe the behaviour of stairs under different end conditions.
68
These cases with different end conditions are discussed as given
below.
Case A: Stairs with both ends fixed
This is the case when ends of the stairs are supported by
concrete beam or the landing slabs are continuous with the floor.
In this case the nodes situated at the boundary are assumed to be
restricted in both direction (i.e. x,y) so the ends of the stairs
have neither displacement nor. rotation. The various parameters
and mesh details for this case are given in Table 5.1. The mesh
for.this case has 88 elements and 387 nodes.
The deflected shape for this case is shown in Fig. 5.1. The
displacements (deformations) are 10 times magnified to plot this
deflected shape. It is to be noted that the stair deform in such
a way that it takes a shape like a catenary therefore, catenary
action is present there producing thrust in the stair.
All the three stresses and principal stresses are calculated
and from these stresses stress resultants have been computed in
the program. The stress resultants, namely bending moment, shear
force and axial tension have been computed at various cross
sections on which Gaussian points lie. In this case there are 34
such cross sections and at these cross sections the stress
resultants are given in Table 5.2. The Table 5.2 also contains
the reactions, fixed end moments and horizontal reactions at the
ends.
69
The variations of stress resultants along the longitudinal
section of stair have been plotted and shown in Fig. 5.2.
Case B: Stairs with both ends hinged
If the landings rest on exterior bearing wallsor on small
beams, the end conditions of the stairs are changed and the stairs
behave like a simply supported structure having both ends hinged.
To provide this boundary condition, the centre node of the ends
are restricted in both directions and other nodes are restricted
in y direction only. The ends of the stairs, now, will have
rotation at the support.

6
The various parameters and mesh details for this case are
given in Table 5.1. The mesh for this case has 58 elements and
253 nodes.
deformations are magnified for 10 times to plot this deflected
shape. The stresses and strains have been studied at each
Gaussian points and from these stresses, stress resultants at
various cross sections computed and presented along with support
reactions and horizontal reactions at the ends of stair in

Table 5.3.
70
TABLE 5.1 : PARAMETERS AND MESH DETAILS FOR SECTION 5.2.1
S. No. Particulars Case A Case B Case C
1 Parameters :
(a)Landing (m.) 1.200 0.900 1.500
(b)Tread (m. ) 0.255 0.280 0.300
(c) Rise (m. ) 0.180 0.150 0.200
(d) Thickness (m. ) 0.150 0.150 0.150

of
tread
(e) 'Thickness (m. ) 0.150 0.150 0.150

of
riser
(f) Number (N) 9 7 10

of
steps
(g) Overall span (m. ) 4.695 3.760 6.000

of
stair
(h) Flight span (m. ) 1.80 1.20 2.20

2
(i) Live load (kN/m ) 4.00 3.50 4.50
2 Mesh details :
(a)Elements (NE) 88 58 95
(b) Nodes (NP) 387 253 418
(c)Boundary (NB) 10 10 10
nodes
co co O
I
rr rr 11
I
0- W 03
Z Z Z
FOR CASE
IFT I:
I
Ir
U
DEFLECTED SHAPE
ll
a
73
TABLE 5.2 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE A
x coordinate Shear force Thrust Bending moment

S. No of
cross section
(m.) (kN/m) (kN/m). (kN-m/m)
1 0.000 (25.683) (-5.923) (-22.016)

2. 0.054 26.165 -5.923 -20.595
3. 0.201 25.024 -5.923 -16.827
4. 0.309 24.211 -5.923 -14.174
5. 0.456 23.069 -5.923 -10.693
6. 0.564 22.298 -5.923 -8.298
7. 0.711 21.153 -5.923 -5.050
8. 0.803 20.461 -5.921 -3.137
9. 0.907 19.661 -5.925 -1.052
10. 0.967 18.057 -5.925 0.091
11. 1.028 18.047 -5.925 1.186
12. 1.222 15.281 -5.907 3.369
13. 1.283 15.274 -5.904 4.295
14. 1.477 12.205 -5.946 5.911
15. 1.538 12.220 -5.927 6.651
16. 1.732 9.405 -5.894 7.681
17. 1.793 9.399 -5.888 8.250
18. 1.987 6.293 -5.861 8.728
19. 2.048 6.284 -5.868 9.109
20. 2.242 3.461 -5.860 9.004
21. 2.303 3.442 -5.866 9.213
22. 2.497 0.555 -5.875 8.544
23. 2.558 0.573 -5.889 8.579
24. 2.752 -2.146 -5.957 7.344
25. 2.813 -2.141 -5.955 7.213
26. 3.007 -4.798 -5.988 5.466
27. 3.668 -4.773 -5.996 5.175
28. 3.262 -7.475 -6.013 2.919
29. 3.323 -7.467 -6.015 2.467
30. 3.549 -10.242 -6.019 -0.670
31. 3.696 -10.230 -6.017 -2.177
32. 3.788 -11.807 -6.013 -3.172
33. 3.892 -12.603 -6.014 -4.440
34. 3.984 -13.281 -6.014 -5.629
35. 4.131 -14.418 -6.018 -7.668
36. 4.239 -15.231 -6.017 -9.266
37. 4.386 -16.374 -6.017 -11.592
38. 4.494 -17.203 -6.017 -13.402
39. 4.641 -18.345 -6.018 -16.019
40. 4.695 (-18.128) (-6.065) (-17.020)
Notes:(i) (-) indicates 0 shear, tensile thrust and hogging

moment
(ii) Stress resultants in parentheses have been calculated
from reactions at nodes situated at the ends of stair.
75
BENDING MOMENT ( k N - mim
THRUST (k N /m )
7
DISTANCE
STRESSRESULTANT
• " CU
in
• 1
.•• 1-4
LL
I. 1-1-.11...1-I..1 .1-1...1.4.1 I L.i LJ. I -I 1.1.111S)-.1.
SINUITS38 SS3ES
77
Ca
1-4
U)
b
PE
D SHA
ECTE
DEFL
SI
to
In
79
TABLE 5.3 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE B

S. No of
cross section
(m.) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN-m/m)
1. 0.000 (20.904) (-13.669) (0.000)

2.. 0.059 20.770 -13.664 1.242
3. 0.221 19.596 -13.664 4.505
4. 0.352 18.676 -13.673 7.012
5. 0.548 17.238 -13.671 10.537
6. 0.647 15.267 -13.680 12.176
7. 0.723 15.286 -13.670 13.323
8. 0.927 12.538 -13.668 14.139
9. 1.003 12.566 -13.664 15.083
10. 1.207 9.907 -13.693 15.349 .
11. 1.283 9.922 -13.695 16.092
12. 1.487 7.458 -13.745 15.823
13. 1.563 7.462 -13.739 16.382
14. 1.767 4.953 -13.855 15.585
15. 1.843 4.996 -13.862 15.958
16. 2.047 2.281 -13.858 14.632
17. 2.123 2.302 -13.851 14.804
18. 2.327 -0.401 -13.866 12.947
19. 2.403 -0.422 -13.850 12.915
20. 2.607 -3.172 -13.816 10.459
21. 2.683 -3.215 -13.818 10.219
22. 2.919 -5.690 -13.819 7.050
23. 3.081 -5.635 -13.816 6.134
24. 3.212 -7.631 -13.816 5.271
25. 3.408 -9.086 -13.816 3.631
26. 3.539 -9.977 -13.825 2.381
27. 3.701 -11.158 -13.825 0.673
28. 3.760 (-11.418) (-13.826) (0.000)
Notes:(i) (-) indicates it shear, tensile thrust and hogging

moment
81.
83
t
1
.•
ES)
.
511E1198 MEC
THRUST( kN/m)
•
in
Eli
7'%
• •
STRESSRESULTANTDIAGRAMFOR CASE
Case C: Stairs with one end fixed and other hinged
This is a case when two ends of stair have different end
conditions. A case has been taken when upper end of stair is
assumed to be fixed due to reasons discussed for case A and lower
end is assumed to be hinged due to reasons discussed for case B.
The appropriate boundary conditions are applied. The various
parameters and mesh details for this case are given in Table 5.1.
The mesh for this case has 95 elements and 418 nodes.
deformations .are magnified 10 times to plot the deflected shape.
The stress resultants at various cross sections passing through
Gaussian points along with support reactions, fixed end moments
and horizontal reactions at the ends of stair has been presented
in Table 5.4.
5.2.2 Stairs with Intermediate Supports
In these type of stairs, which are most common, the landings
are supported on beams. These beams provide support to the
landings and thus reduce the bending moment in the structure
significantly. This case is analogous to the continuous beam
supported at two points. These beams are provided at a distance
equal to tread from the beginning of landing. A number of cases
have been analysed by finite element analysis to study the
85
behaviour for different end conditions of stairs with intermediate
supports. Three cases have been discussed in this section, with
different end conditions, as given below.
Case A': Stairs with both ends fixed
The end conditions are same as in case A. The stair is
supported at two intermediate points at landings. The various
parameters and mesh details are given in Table 5.5. The mesh for
this case has 88 elements and 387 nodes.
The deflected shape for this case is shown in Fig. 5.7 by
magnifying the deformations 250 times. It is to be noted that in
this case the deformations are much less in comparison of case A.
The stresses and strains are find out at each Gaussian
point. These quantities and stress resultants as well, are
greatly reduced for this case.
The stress resultants along with support reactions, fixed end
moments and horizontal reactions at the ends of stair are shown
in Table 5.6. Variations of st ress resultants along the
longitudinal section of stairs are shown in Fig. 5.8.
Case B': Stairs with both ends hinged
In this case the end conditions are similar to as that of
case B, but in addition to the end supports it is having
intermediate supports also. These intermediate supports are
86
I T
87
•
ft
a
it
1
t-i
1•I
t i
DEFLECTED SHAPEOFSTAIR FOR CASE

TABLE 5.4 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE C

S. No of
cross section
1. 0.000 (54.936) (-43.058) (-55.387)

2. 0.063 54.248 -43.057 -51.931
3. 0.237 52.821 -43.057 -42.659
4. 0.363 51.764 -43.055 -36.029
5. 0.537 50.350 -43.056 -27.186
6. 0.663 49.257 -43.056 -20.871
7. 0.837 47.831 -43.055 -12.463
8. 0.963 46.745 -43.048 -6.465
9. 1.137 45.248 -43.040 1.501
10. 1.232 43.076 -43.031 5.718
11. 1.318 43.097 -43.039 9.450
12. 1.532 39.708 -42.966 9.686
13. 1.618 39.689 -42.982 13.127
14. 1.832 36.789 -43.109 12.655
15. 1.918 36.702 -43.136 15.840
16. 2.132 33.596 -43.161 14.729
17. 2.218 33.614 -43.169 17.638
18. 2.432 - 29.877 -43.123 15.775
19. 2.518 29.822 -43.133 18.360
20. 2.732 26.805 -43.206 15.803
21. 2.818 26.801 -43.201 18.123
22. 3.032 23.954 -43.060 14.956
23. 3.118 23.999 -43.028 17.032
24. 3.332 20.652 -42.881 13.290
25. 3.418 20.748 -42.888 15.082
26. 3.632 17.297 -42.962 10.523
27. 3.718 17.229 -42.989 12.018
28. 3.932 14.394 -42.907 6.836
29. 4.018 14.413 -42.921 8.082
30. 4.232 10.942 -42.919 2.189
31. 4.318 11.022 -42.893 3.141
32. 4.563 7.403 -42.927 -3.232
33. 4.737 7.356 -42.936 -1.953
34. 4.863 5.411 -42.910 -1.127
35. 5.037 3.995 -42.905 -0.314
36. 5.163 3.285 -42.881 0.149
37. 5.337 1.827 -42.878 0.592
38. 5.463 0.760 -42.860 0.755
39. 5.637 -0.668 -42.857 0.763
40. 5.763 -1.634 -42.856 0.617
41. 5.937 -3.061 -42.856 0.211
42. 6.000 -3.565 -42.858 0.000
Notes:(i) (-) indicates IT shear, tensile thrust and hogging

moment
89
BENDING MOMENT (kN -Wm)
-- THRUST (kWm)
FIG. 5.6 :STRESSRESULTANT DIAGRAMFORCASE
CM
..tilthiliallitailsiaLlatuatttilentitt.artili 'el
Litlalitiiiu iltitst,14tuluiduilltaidttel!
q eA22`ncniRrii
Banns3a SS3ES
91
TABLE 5.5 : PARAMETERS AND MESH DETAILS FOR SECTION, 5.2.2
S.No. Particulars Case A' Case B' Case C'
1 Parameters :
(a)Landing (m.) 1.200 0.900 1.500
(b)Tread (m.) 0.255 0.280 0.300 .
(c)Rise (m.) 0.180 0.150 0.200
(d)Thickness (m. ) 0.150 0.150 0.150

of
tread
(e)Thickness (m.) 0.150 0.150 0.150

of
riser
(f)Number (N) 9 7 10
of
steps
(g)Overall span (m.) 4.695 3.760 6.000

of
stair
(h)Flight span (m.) 1.80 1.20 2.20

2
(i)Live load (kN/m ) 4.00 3.50 4.50
2 Mesh details :
(a)Elements (NE) 88 58 95
(b)Nodes (NP) 387 253 418
(c)Boundary (NB) 12 12 12
nodes
93
CL w
II
Z Z Z
95
FIG. 5.7: DEFLECTEDSHAPEOFSTRIR FORCASE (A ' )
TABLE 5.6 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE A'

S. No of
cross section
( m. ) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN-m/m)
1. 0.000 (-4.928) (-10.095) (2.024)

2. 0.054 -5.349 -10.095 1.747
3. 0.201 -6.490 -10.095 0.876
4. 0.309 -7.327 -10.095 0.131
5. 0.456 -8.468 -10.095 -1.032
6. 0.564 -9.307 -10.095 -1.989
7. 0.711 -10.448 -10.095 -3.444
8. 0.803 -11.162 -10.095 -4.437
9. 0.907 -11.967 -10.095 -5.639
10. 0.967 20.821 -10.095 -5.638
11. 1.028 20.820 -10.095 -4.375
12. 1.222 18.164 -10.092 -2.403
13. 1.283 18.164 -10.091 -1.302
14. 1.477 15.499 -10.098 0.153
15. 1.538 15.502 -10.095 1.092
16. 1.732 12.848 -10.087 2.029
17. 1.793 12.846 -10.091 2.808
18. 1.987 10.184 -10.082 3.228
19. 2.048 . 10.184 -10.078 3.846
20. 2.242 7.481 -10.087 3.750
21. 2.303 7.480 -10.079 4.204
22. 2.497 4.824 -10.067 3.584
23. 2.558 4.820 -10.067 3.876
24. 2.752 2.202 -10.061 2.739
25. 2.813 2.202 -10.059 2.873
26. 3.007 -0.423 -10.062 1.233
27. 3.068 -0.419 -10.061 1.207
28. 3.262 -3.067 -10.059 -0.941
29. 3.323 -3.065 -10.060 -1.127
30. 3.549 -5.716 -10.062 -3.973
31. 3.696 -5.716 -10.062 -4.815
32. 3.788 10.458 -10.062 -4.719
33. 3.892 9.653 -10.062 -3.674
34. 3.984 8.939 -10.062 -2.820
35. 4.131 7.798 -10.062 -1.588
36. 4.239 6.962 -10.062 -0.792
37. 4.386 5.821 -10.062 0.149
38. 4.494 4.985 -10.062 0.731
39. 4.641 3.844 -10.062 1.381
40. 4.695 (3.424) (-10.062) (1.577)
Notes:El) (-) indicates It shear, tensile thrust and hogging
moment
97
BENDINGMOMENT( kN- m /m)
E
THRUST(kWm)
—to
6
ffi
LU
tn
a:
U
re
z
CY
DISTANCE CM. )
CC
(1)
LU
CY
LU
CY
••
■._1..4 A ttLi... t- s-J- L. J -L. I.-t .4--t. L. _I ..1_ L.1_1
SINti1TS38 SaLLS
99
I. II I.
z z z
wm
FIG. 5.9: DEFLECTEDSHAPE

TABLE 5.7 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE B'

S. No of
cross section
1. 0.000 (-4.747) (-7.884) (0.000)

2. 0.059 ' -5.175 -7.884 -0.294
3. 0.221 -6.347 -7.884 -1.225
4. 0.352 -7.298 -7.884 -2.119
5. 0.548 -8.721 -7.884 -3.691
6. 0.647 15.022 -7.884 -3.924
7. 0.723 15.022 -7.884 -2.796
8. 0.927 12.423 -7.883 -1.166
9. 1.003 12.424 -7.883 -0.233
10. 1.207 9.832 -7.884 0.865
11. 1.283 9.832 -7.884 1.602
12. 1.487 7.240 -7.888 2.171
13. 1.563 7.237 -7.888 2.714
14. 1.767 4.629 -7.897 2.747
15. 1.843 4.630 -7.897 3.095
16. 2.047 2.044 -7.902 2.595
17. 2.123 2.045 -7.901 2.748
18. 2.327 -0.540 -7.903 1.717
19. 2.403 -0.540 -7.903 1.677
20. 2.607 -3.135 -7.900 0.116
21. 2.683 -3.136 -7.899 -0.120
22. 2.919 -5.716 -7.900 -2.393
23. 3.081 -5.715 -7.900 -3.317
24. 3.212 - 7.622 -7.900 -3.089
25. 3.408 6.199 -7.900 -1.732
26. 3.539 5.249 -7.900 -0.982
27. 3.701 4.077 -7.900 -0.229
28. 3.760 (3.650) (-7.900) (-0.000)
Notes:(i) (-) indicates It shear, tensile thrust and hogging
moment
103
Ls...LA..11.1...1_1.1-1
u
I\
4..1
105
rq
5S3NIS
;4
- - - THRUST( k N/m
BENDING MOMENT(k N- m/m)
• II
STRESSRESULTANTDIAGRAMFOR CASE
provided by the beams. The parameters and mesh details of this
case are given in Table 5.5. The mesh for this case has 58
elements and 253 nodes.
deformations have a magnification factor 250. In this case also
the stress resultants are significantly reduced due•to support
conditions. These resultants, along with fixed end moments,
support reactions and horizontal reactions at the ends of stair
are given in Table 5.7. The variations of stress resultants along
the longitudinal section for this case are plotted and shown in
Fig. 5.10.
Case C': Stairs with one end fixed and other hinged
The support conditions'of this case is identical to case C
except two additional supports, provided intermediately in the
form of beams. The parameters and mesh details for this case are
shown in Table 5.5. The mesh of this case has 95 elements and 418
nodes.
The deflected shape of this case, with deformations magnified
125 times, is shown in Fig. 5.11.
The stress resultants along with support reactions, fixed end

• moments and horizontal reactions at the ends of stair are
presented in Table 5.8 and their variations along the longitudinal
section of stair are shown in Fig. 5.12.
107
5.2.3 Non-orthopolygonal Stairs
In these type of stairs, riser are made inclined and the
stairs are not truely orthopolygonal. In these type of stairs, the
tread increases for the same flight span and same number of steps
in comparison with that of an orthopolygonal stairs. In fact in
these stairs the tread overlaps by some amount providing more
space to rest the foot. These type of stairs are mainly being
constructed in Rajasthan state in India.
These type of stairs are also analysed using finite element
method and parameters and mesh details for a specific problem are
given in Table 5.9. The mesh for this case consists of 74
elements and 325 nodes.
The deflected shape with a magnification factor 10 is shown
in Fig.5.13. .The stresses and strains for this case is also find
out at each Gaussian point and the stress resultants are computed
by using these values. The stress resultants along with reactions
at support, fixed end moments and horizontal reactions at the ends
of stair are shown in Table 5.10. The variationsof stress
resultants along the longitudinal section of stair are shown in
Fig. 5.14.
5.3 REVIEW OF RESULTS
The finite element analysis results present some interesting
phenomenon. These are being presented in this section.
108
W
4f1
I II I
Z Z Z
109
DEFLECTEDSHAPE OFSTAIR: FOR CASE
TABLE 5.8 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR CASE C'
S. No of
cross section
1. 0.000 (-7.059) (-16.494) (3.697)

2. 0.063 -7.560 -16.494 3.234
3. 0.237 -8.989 -16.494 1.801
4. 0.363 -10.034 -16.494 0.595
5. 0.537 -11.464 -16.494 -1.266
6. 0.663 -12.507 -16.494 -2.786
7. 0.837 -13.936 -16.494 -5.076
8. 0.963 -14.982 -16.494 -6.910
9. 1.137 -16.411 -16.494 -9.628
10. 1.232 29.077 -16.494 -9.764
11. 1.318 29.078 -16.494 -7.245
12. 1.532 25.865 -16.490 -4.683
13. 1.618 25.868 -16.491 -2.443
14. 1.832 22.584 -16.498 -0.566
15. 1.918 22.580 -16.482 1.390
16. 2.132 19.366 -16.480 2.576
17. 2.218 19.360 -16.480 4.252
18. 2.432 16.082 -16.485 4.731
19. 2.518 16.077 -16.484 6.123
20. 2.732 13.046 -16.509 5.937.
21. 2.818 13.055 -16.508 7.068
22. 3.032 9.960 -16.486 6.233
23. 3.118 9.950 -16.484 7.095
24. 3.332 6.733 -16.429 5.596
25. 3.418 6.756 -16.430 6.180
26. 3.632 3.484 -16.452 3.981
27. 3.718 3.462 -16.453 4.282
28. 3.932 0.256 -16.436 1.392
29.. 4.018 0.259 -16.437 1.415
30. 4.232 -2.990 -16.430 -2.160
31. 4.318 -2.991 -16.434 -2.419
32. 4.563 -6.207 -16.434 -6.885
33. 4.737 -6.204 -16.435 -7.960
34. 4.863 11.392 -16.435 -7.614
35. 5.037 9.963 -16.435 -5.765
36. 5.163 8.908 -16.435 -4.569
37. 5.337 7.480 -16.435 -3.149
38. 5.463 6.438 -16.435 -2.267
39. 5.637 5.009 -16.435 -1.276
40. 5.763 3.963 -16.435 -0.707
41. 5.937 2.534 -16.435 -0.144
42. 6.000 (2.016) (-16.435) (0.000)
Notes:(1) (-) indicates 0. shear, tensile thrust and hogging

moment
111
E
z
Y
E
z
tV
Sri
kits.istullitdmiltis.doutghtntlittlitillstutlustiu.$44ittlatsittai:RtatttilittIlts■olmoluttlatialettlitnii
Si LTS"k SSM.S
113

TABLE 5.9:PARAMETERS AND MESH DETAILS FORNON-ORTHOPOLYGONAL STAIR
S.No. Particulars Magnitude
1. Parameters :
(a) Landing (m) 1.320'
(b) Tread (m) 0.300
(c) Rise (m) 0.150
(d) Thickness 0.100

of (m)
tread

(e) Thickness
0.100
of (m)
riser

(f) Number
7
of (N)
steps
(g) Overall span

of 4.500
stair (m)
(h) Flight span (m) 1.200
(i) Overlap (m) 0.030

length
(j) Live load (kN/m2) 4.00
2. Mesh details :
(a) Elements (NE) 74
(b) Nodes (NP) 325
(c) Boundary (NB) 10

nodes
115
ry
z
0
I
f-
CE
0
z
0
cn
(.)
117
TABLE 5.10 : STRESS RESULTANTS FOR NONORTHOPOLYGONAL STAIR

S. No of
cross section
1. 0.000 (19.374) (-5.180) (-15.649)

2. 0.054 19.282 -5.249 -14.809
3. 0.201 18.311 -5.248 -12.042
4. 0.309 17.604 -5.249 -10.107
5. 0.456' 16.631 -5.250 - 7.586
6. 0.564 15.956 -5.252 - 5.830
7. 0.711 14.984 -5.253 - 3.553
8, 0.819 14.245 -5.253 - 1.978
9. 0.966 13.264 -4.258 0.047
10 1.059 11.966 -4.884 1.274
11. 1.167 9.303 -4.202 2.414
12. 1.384 8.654 -4.044 3.952
13. 1.662 6.574 -4.349 5.414
14. 1.939 4.236 -4.700 6.271
15. 2.217 2.133 -4.923 6.490
16. 2.494 - 0.082 -5.253 6.059
17.. 2.772 - 1.840 -5.486 5.045
18. 3.049 - 4.693 -5.958 3.364
19. 3.293 - 6.773 -6.092 1.095
20. 3.474 - 7.918 -5.510 -0.191
21. 3.594 - 9.287 -5.260 -1.219
22. 3.741 -10.246 -5.261 -2.657
23. .3.849 -11.039 -5.263 -3.803
24. 3.996 -12.005 -5.267 -5.500
25. 4.104 -12.684 -5.262 -6.830
26. 4.251 -13.654 -5.263 -8.769
27. 4.359. -14.353 -5.260 -10.278
28. 4.506 -15.323 -5.260 -12.463
29. 4.560 (-15.471) -5.191 (-13.123)
Notes:(i) (-) indicates 0

shear, tensile thrust and hogging
moment
119
STRESS RESULTANT DIAGRAMFOR NONORTHOPOLYGONAL STAIR
U
L1_.1.1-1..1_11.1..1_1.1.. .1.1.1..1-1..1..1..1 /-.1..1 1.1..4 1.1-1 I.I I.t..I . 1t.L14.I.I.1 LJ
ts'
ENIS
121
5.3.1. Displacements
The stairs in each case deform to take a catenary shape. The
maximum displacement occures at centre of span. The displacement
can be broken into two parts, one horizontal displacement and
other vertical displacement. The vertical displacement is almost
same as of a beath of equal span and with same end conditions but
the horizontal displacement distinguishes the stairs behaviour to
the behaviour of a beam with same end conditons and of same span.
The maximum horizontal displacement occures at the centre of the
span of stairs. Displacement depends upon the rigidity of the
structure. Stair with fixed end conditions has smaller
displacement than the stairs with hinged end condition. The
intermediate supports also reduce the displacements significantly.
In finite element analysis the displacements also depend upon the
order of integration used for numerical integration technique.
Displacements will be less for 2x2 Gaussian integration than the
displacements obtained from 3x3 Gaussian integration.
5.3.2 Axial Force
Since the ends of stairs are not at the same level so this
difference generates axial force in the stairs throughout. Infact
it is the membrane action that causes tension in the stairs. The
axial force remains constant throughout the structure in each
case.
The stress in x direction is composed of direct stress and
bending stress. These direct stress provides axial force.
123
This concept of horizontal thrust is being neglected in
present analysis technique but it may play a significant role as

2
evident from case C where the order of axial stress Is 285 kN/m .
5.3.3 Shear Force
It is observed that upper end reaction is always greater than
the reaction at lower end. The outward horizontal reaction at the
ends of stairs form a couple and to balance this couple a moment
in opposite direction is required and there lies the basic
difference in reactions at the end supports. In the cases of
intermediately supported stairs most of the applied load is
transferred through the intermediate supports and a negligible
amount is transferred through end supports. Even in some cases it
is in negative direction.
Hence it is observed that shear force diagram for stairs,
with both end conditions being same, is not perfectly mirror
imaged about the centre as is expected to be in conventional
analysis methods. The order of shear stress in all cases except

•
one, with fixed at one and hinged at other end, solved in this
2
study is less than 0.2 N/mm which may be safely carried out by
M20 concete. For stairs with different end conditions at both
ends (i.e. case C) shear force is more at fixed support requiring
shear reinforcement at the ends.
5.3.4 Bending Moment
The fixed end moments obtained from finite element analysis
are less than those of obtained from conventional analysis
124
methods.The fixed end moments which are main design criterian,
will be less and thus a less depth is required for treads and
risers. If the inclined portion of slab is considered than the
fixed end moments will be less in conventional analysis methods
also.
It is obvious from the stress resultants variationsdiagram,
that the shape of the bending moment diagram is equivalent to that
of a beam with same supported conditions, but the sagging moment
at the centre being larger and the fixed end moments being smaller
in comparison to conventional analysis method results.
5.3.5 Stress Concentration
Observations show that the state of stress as found from
finite element analysis corresponds to the actual state of stress,
the prevailing loading being of the bending stress type.
Predictably stress concentrations tend to appear at the
re-entrant corners of the stair soffit. The concentration of the
stresses near the corners(12) is a well known fact and a slightly
increased depth of the section, by beveling the corners, is a
sound practice.
Stress distribution in the plane A-A and B-B for the central
zone of 'case A' stair (Fig. 5.15) are studied and normal stress
distribution at the section B-B (at the junction of tread and
riser) is shown -in Fig. 5.16. The normal stress distribution at
the section B-B is obtained by computing the normal stresses at
three points which lie on the plane. Computation of normal
125
stresses at more points for the plane B-B will give a smooth
stress distribution curve.
The normal stress distribution at the section A-A in shown in
Fig. 5.17.
In other zones of the stair the stress distribution type are
similar to that of central zone while the stress in the elements
near the ends doesnot generally differ from the state of stress of
a straight beam with same parameters and same supported
conditions.
126

FIG. 5.15: LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF STAIR AT CENTRAL

ZONE
--GOE12
-5032
-4001W
-30E12
-2MM
."-----.--..
ja i-1.4.4-+4-4-4-1-4-1-4-4-1-4-4-1-1-44-4-4.1•44-44-1-1-44-1-4-4-1-4-1-4-1-4-1-4-1-1-4-0-4-44-4-4-4 4 ' 14 ' 141-4-4.-4-4-4-4-14-1-4 1-4-4-1-4-6-144-4-4-6-1-0-1-4-44-4-4-4-4-1-4-4-4-4-4-
A9 22 .04 26 as AO .12 14 19 .1B 20
.....
MO IE-
21 I
amm
E'
...
i
4M2
.
: DISTRNCE Cm.) ( - ) TENSILE
mum L (+) COMPRESSIVE
E
MM2 L
FIG. 5.18 : NORMAL STRESS DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM AT SECTION B-8
127

13
CE
.cr
ATSECTION
CE
CZ
CE
DISTRIBUTION
DISTANCE(m.)
L1111.11 lialmitittiluilimtlimiltlilmt1111111t111111W.m.w.trl.nintudmi111.1ILI.Hilititilmuirl.r.d
Q m © a cs? o
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129
CHAPTER 6
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
6.1 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
The results obtained from the Conventional Analysis and
Finite Element Analysis of Slabless tread riser stairs are
summarised in this section. A Comparative study is also presented
in the tabular form.
6.1.1 Conventional Analysis
The Conventional Analysis Method results of the stairs,having
both end fixed and with intermediate supports, may be summarised
as given below for the parameters as assumed in section 4.5.1.

Fixed end moment.at both ends 2.490 kN-m (sagging)
Bending moment at the intermediate = 6.709 kN-m (hogging)
supports
Bending moment at the centre of = 3.259 kN-m (sagging)
span
Reaction at both ends = 6.073 kN (downward)
Reaction at the intermediate supports= 27.977 kN (upward)
For the same parameters the. Conventional Analysis Method results
of the stairs, having both ends fixed and without intermediate
support, may be summarised as
Fixed end moment at both ends = 21.692 kN-m (hogging)
Bending moment at support *locations= 4.483 kN-m (hogging)
Bending moment at the centre of span= 5.485 kN-m (sagging)
Reaction at both ends = 21.904 kN (upward)
The Modified Conventional Analysis Method results of the stairs
131
having both ends hinged and without intermediate supports for the
parameters as assumed in section 4.5.3 may be summarised as
Bending moment at the centre of span= 19.779 kN-m (sagging)
Reaction at upper end = 22.295 kN (upward)
Reaction at lower end 10.027 kN (upward)
Horizontal reaction at both ends = 12.881 kN (outward)
6.1.2 Finite Element Analysis
The results of Finite Element Analysis may be summarised by

.
categorising it Into four parts as:-
(a) Stairs with both ends fixed
For these stairs, without intermediate supports (case A) and
parameters as assumed in section 5.2.1 the fixed end moments are
-22.016 kN-m and -17.020 kN-m for upper end and lower end
respectively. For the same parameters but with intermediate
supports (case A ) these fixed end moments reduce to 2.024 kN-m
and 1.577M-In for upper end and lower end respectively. The
vertical reactions which are 25.68 kN and 18.13 kN at respective
end for case A become -4.93 kN and -3.42 kN. The supports mainly
carry the load in this case by providing reactions equal to 34.38
kN and 17.78 kN at the upper support and lower support
respectively. The maximum sagging moment which is 9.22 kN-m at the
centre of span for case A reduces to 4.21 kN-m for case A'. For
case A' the bending moment at the upper intermediate support is
maximum and it is equal to -5.638 kN-m. The horizontal axial
tension increases from 5.99 kN for case A to 10.08 kN for case A .
The maximum vertical and horizontal displacement, which are
13 2
-2.00 mm and -0.103 mm respectively for case A, become -0.390 mm
and -0.256 mm correspondingly for case A'.
(b) Stairs with both ends hinged
For these stairs, without intermediate supports (case B) and
the parameters as assumed in section 5.2.1 the vertical reactions
are -20.90 kN and -11.42 kN at upper end and lower end
respectively reduce to -4.75 kN and -3.65 kN correspondingly for
case B'. The horizontal axial tension reduces from 13.75 kN for
case B to 7.89 kN for case 8'. The maximum sagging moment also
reduces from 16.00 kN-m for case B to 3.10 kN-m for case B'.
Maximum bending moment for case B' occures at upper intermediate
support and it is equal to -3.92 kN-m.
The maximum vertical and horizontal displacement of stair,
which are -3.400 mm and -0.765 mm respectively for case B reduces
to -0.212 mm and -0..105 mm correspondingly for case B'.
(c) Stairs with one end fixed and other hinged
For these stairs without intermediate supports (case C), with
the parameters same as assumed in sections 5.2.1 the fixed end
moment is computed as -55.387 kN-m. This moment reduces to 3.697
kN-m for case C' with same parameters.
The vertical reactions, mainly provided by upper support, are
54.93 kN and 3.57 kN at upper end and lower end respectively for
case C reduce to -7.06 kN and -2.02 kN at respective end for case

C'. The vertical reactions in case C' are mainly provided by
supports and their values are 47.78 kN and 19.79 kN for upper
133
support and lower support respectively. The maximum sagging moment
at the centre of span is 18.40 kN-m for case C and 7.10 kN-m for
case C'. Maximum bending moment for case C' occures at upper
intermediate support and it is equal to -9.76 kN-m. The
horizontal reaction in outward direction considerably reduces from
42.96 kN to 16.47 kN for case C to case C'.
The maximum vertical and horizontal displacement which are
-7.14 mm and -2.26 mm respectively for case C reduces to -1.11 mm
and -0.694 mm correspondingly for case C'.
(d) Non-orthopolygonal stairs
For these stairs, having both ends fixed and without
intermediate supports, with the parameters as assumed in section
5.2.3 the fixed end moments are -15.649 kN-m and -13.123 kN-m at
upper end and lower end respectively. The maximum sagging moment
is 6.06 kN-m.
The vertical reactions at the upper end and lower end are
19.374 kN and 15.471 kN respectively. The horizontal axial
tension in the stair is 5.186 kN.
The maximum vertical and horizontal displacement for this
case are -4.61 mm and -1.10 mm.
6.1.3 Comparative Study of Results
The results obtained from two methods, namely Conventional
Analysis Method and FEM, are compared for case A (Table 6.1), case
A (Table 6.2) and case C (Table 6.3). Notations are as shown
in Fig. 4.2.
134
TABLE 6.1: COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR CASE(A)
S.No. Stress Resultants Conventional FEM Study Difference
Study Results Results
1. M2-1 (kN-m) -21.692 -22.016 -1.49
2. M
1-2
=M1-1'(kN-m) -4.483 -0.328 92.68
3. M =M (kN-m) -4.483 -2.761 38.41

111 1'-2'
(kN-m) -21.692
-17.020 21.54
4. 2' -1'
5. Mc (kN-m) 5.485 9.220 -68.09
6. R (kN-m) 21.904 25.683 -17.25
2
7. R (kN-m) 21.904 18.128 17.24
2

8. H (kN) 0.000 -5.994 -100
Notes: (1) (-) indicates tension, hogging moment and downward

reaction.
(ii) Positive difference indicates that the conventional
study results are more in magnitude.
135
TABLE 6.2: COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR CASE (A').
S.No. Stress Resultants Conventional FEM Study Difference

Study Results Results ( % )
1. M2-1 (kN-m) 2.490 2.024 18.71
2. M 1-2 =M 1-1 4(kN-m) -6.709 -5.638 15.96
3. M1'1 =M " (kN-m) -6.709 -4.755 29.13

1-2
pf 4
4. 4 (kN-m) 2.490 1.577 36.67
2-1
5. M (kN-m) 3.259 4.210 -29.18
c
6. R (kN) -6.073 -4.928 18.85

2
7. R (kN) 27.977 34.381 -22.89
I
8. R '
1 (kN) 27.977 17.781 36.44
9. R (kN) - 6.073 - 3.424 43.62

2
10. H (kN) 0.000 kN -10.079 -100
Notes: (i) (-) indicates tension, hogging moment and downward

reaction.
137
TABLE 6.3: COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR CASE (B)
S. No. Stress Conventional FEM Study Difference
Resultants Study Results Results ( % )

1. M 19.779 16.000 19.10
c
22.295 20.904 9.87
2. 2

3. R 10.027 11.418 -13.87
2
4. H -12.881 -13.748 -6.73
Notes: (i) (-) indicates tension, hogging moment and downward

reaction.

139

6.2 CONCLUSIONS
1. The analysis of Slabless tread riser stairs has been
developed independantly by Finite Element Analysis and the
results have been compared with that of Conventional
Analysis. It is found that the results differ appreciably.
The following differences have been noticed :-
(a) The important point which came into picture by Finite Element
Analysis is the horizontal displacement. In fact the stairs
deform like a catenary having both horizontal and vertical
displacements. The effect of horizontal displacement is being
ignored in Conventional Analysis Methods. The horizontal
displacement between ends of risers differentiate it's
behaviour from the behaviour of a straight line structure
(i.e. beam).
(b) Conventional Analysis Procedures completely ignore the axial
stress developed in the stairs. These axial thrust phenomenon
is explicity highlighted by Finite Element Studies.
(c) The reactions at the ends are unequal being higher at the
upper end. These differences are due to difference in level
of supports. Similarly, fixed end moment at upper end is
more than the fixed end moment at lower end. Both the fixed
moments are less than those obtained from Conventional
Analysis.
2. Slabless tread riser stair is a folded plated/shell like
structure and it should be analysed by keeping this fact into
consideration.
3. Present Conventional Ana lytical Procedures ignore the
141

inclined portion of stairs. In fact the membrane action of
this portion causes tension.
4. Finite Element Method is more suitable method since it may
analyse unsymmetric stairs, Unsymmetrically loaded stairs
while Conventional Analysis Methods are not capable of doing
so without a cumbersome and time consuming process. The axial
load effect may also be considered in FEM enhancing its
importance for the analysis of Slabless tread rise stairs
than any conventional analysis method.
6.3 Future Scope for Study
Besides the studies conducted in this dissertation few other
studies can be carried out on the Slabless tread riser stairs.
These include :-
(I) Stress concentration study at the conner of steps and
reduction of stress concentration coefficient after beveling
the corners.
(ii) A detailed study of Non-orthopolygonal stairs (i.e. stairs
with inclined risers) with different parameters and
different supported conditions.
(iii)This study may be extended to the study of spiral Slabless
tread riser stairs by using general shell elements.
142
REFERENCES
1. Benjamin, B.S., 'Analysis of Slabless Tread Riser Stairs',
Indian Concrete Journal, Dec. 1962, pp. 443-447.
2. Benjamin, B.S., 'Discussion on Slabless Tread Riser Stairs,'
Journal of American Concrete Institute, June 1962, Part 2,
Proc. V.59, No.6, pp. 837-864.
3. 'Code of practice for structural safety of building
IS:875-2964,' Indian Standard Institution, New Delhi.
4. Deschapelles, B., 'Analisis de los Momentos de Empotramiento
en una Escalera de eja ortopoligonal', Revista de la Sociedad
Cubana de Ingenieros (Havana), Mar. 1958, pp. 173-177.
5. Dianu, V., Istrate, M. and Momanu, Gh., 'Orthopolygonal
Stairs', Journal of International Civil Engineering, July
1971, Vol.II, No.1, pp. 8-16.
6. FEICOM-85, 'Proceedings of the International Conference held
at the Indian Institute of Bombay, India, 2-6 December, 1985.
Vol.1,Finite Element in Computational Mechanics Edited by
Tarun Kant,pp.93-101.
7. Hinton, E. and Owen, D.R.J., 'Finite Element Programming',
Academic Press (1977).
8. Irons, B. and Ahmad, S., 'Techniques of Finite Elements',
Ellis Horwood Limited, Chichester, England, 1986.
9. Mittal, S., 'Adaptive Finite Element Analysis,' M.E. Thesis,
University of Roorkee, Roorkee, 1983.
143
10. Nayak, .G.C., 'Concept of Generalised Modulus and Generalised
Stresses in Finite Element Analysis', International
Conference on Finite Element in Structural Mechanics,
Coimbatore, India 1974.
11. Reference Manual, 'HP FORTRAN77', Hewlett-Packard Company,
Cupertino 1987.
12. Sachnowski, K.W., 'Stahlbetonkonstruktionen', VEB Verlag
Technik (Berlin), 1956, p. 424.
13. Saenz," L.P., 'Calculo de Estructururas Planas de eje
ortopoligonal', College of Engineering,. Havana University,
1952, Published by Compania Editora de libros y Folletos.
14. Saenz, L.P. and Martin, I., 'Slabless Tread Riser Stairs',
Journal of American Concrete Institute, October, 1961, Proc.
V.58, No.4, pp. 353-366.
15. 'Starbase Graphic Techniques for HP 9000 Computers', Hewlett
Packard Company, Colorado, USA, 1986.
16. 'Starbase Reference Manual', Hewlett-Packard Company,
Colorado, USA, 1985.
17. Turner, M.J., Clough, R.W., Martin, H.C. and Topp, L.J.
'Stiffness and Deflection Analysis of Complex Structures',
Journal of Aeronautical Sciences, 23 (1956) pp. 805-824.
18. Zienkiewicz, 0.C., 'The Finite Element Method', Third
edition, Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi, 1986.
110
APPENDIX - A
REINFORCEMENT DETAILS
The reinforcement of this type of stairs are interesting and
typical one. Although the bending moments vary in magnitude along
the length of the stairways, yet in practice it is decided that
it is more economical to reinforce all the steps in the same way.

(5)
Stairs of this type may be reinforced in two ways
1. With continuous reinforcement bars and stirrups (Fig. A.1)
2. With continuous reinforcement bars and inclined additonal
bars (Fig. A.2)
Reinforcement of the first type is less economical than the
second. Inclined reinforcement bars carry the load at entrant
corners on the lower face of the stairs and aid in taking possible
loads from local three dimensional effects.
If the second method of reinforcement is to be used, the
continuous bars should be dimensioned so as to carry the loads
resulting from the calculated bending moment. While for the
second case of reinforcement it is necessary to provide for a
cross section equal to that to the continuous reinforcement.
Some authorities suggest provision, for engineering purposes
of a low reinforcement percentage on the compressed surface of the
particular structural element (Fig. A.3) through mounting
continuous reinforcement bars. Another type of reinforcement is
provided by forming rectangular frames which are joined to each
14.5
other by other bars and which also serve as temperture
reinforcement.
In order to minimize stress concentrations it is advisable
to round or to chamfer the entrant corner. The introduction of
haunches make it possible to achieve the most efficient and
convenient system for reinforcement with straight bars for taking
up tensile stresses ( Fig. A.4).
146
o
o
1 0
FIG. A.1: REINFORCEMENT WITH BARS AND STIRRUPS
FIG.A.2: REINFORCEMENT WITH BARS AND INCLINED BARS
147
FIG. A.3: ALTERNATIVE REINFORCEMENT
FIG. A.4: CHAMFERED ENTRANT CORNERS
149

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FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

submitted in partial fulfilment of the

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in

TREAD RISER STAIRS in partial fulfilment of the requirements for

the award of the degree of MASTER OF ENGINEERING with

specialization in COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

submitted in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of

Roorkee, Roorkee, is an authentic record of my own work carried

out for a period of about eight months from June, 1992 to

January, 1993 under the supervision of DR. G.C. NAYAK, Professor,

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Roorkee, Roorkee,

The matter embodied in this dissertation has not been

submitted by me for the award of any other degree or diploma.

This is to certify that the above statement made by the

candidate is correct to the best of my knowledge.

The author would like o express his profound gratitude to

Dr.G.C. Nayak, Professor, Depdrtment of Civil Engineering,

University of Roorkee, for his expert guidance, helpful suggestion

and indefatigable interest shown in the preparation of this

The author. is also thankful to Mt. Nirendra Dev, Research .

Scholar,. whose moral support in the times of stress has always

provided. the uplift needed.

The HP FORTRAN compiler has been an Invaluable ally.

Debugging is. fun. AlSo the .superb diagnostics have often,

suggested More intelligent - coding. For this and other gifts,

thanks go to CAD Centre, Department of Civil ' Engineering,

University of . Roorkee, Roorke,

The author likes to thank to staff of CAD Centre, especially

The author would like to express his personal appreciation to

indirectly in the preparation of this dissertation.

the excellent typing work of this disSertation.

The Slabless tread riser stairs,'due to their application in

the construction of modern commercial and residential building,

has had a wide acceptance. The construction of some stairwayt

this type with approximately plane orthopolygonal axes, has

generated the interest of many architects and engineert.

In this dissertatton, the Finite ElementAethod has been used

to analyse the Slabless tread riser stairs with extraordinary

architectural possibilities. The Slabless tread riser stairs has

been analysed by the finite eleMent method to study the state of

strest.in the structure for different parametric cases. 7 The

problem has been analysed as a two dimensional, plane strain case

using the parabolic quadrilateral isoparametric .element f

serendipity family. This study showt the presence of axial

stresses, horizontal displacement§ which are completely being

ignored in coventional study. This study also thoWt that 'the

methods and vertical reactions are unequal at two ends contrary to

conventional method of analysit. The variation of axial force,

are compared with the conventional analysis.

analysis that runs_ on HP . Syttem 9000 series in UNIX.

Pre-proce§sor has: the capability of automatic generation of. FE.

meshet and.pott processor offers graphic modules to interpret the

shape, stress vector; stress contours and stress resultant

variations. At the junction of tread and riser, a detailed stress

distribution is obtained by finite element analysis.

In addition to these, conventional analysis of these stairs

is performed for three different support condition cases and the

present analysis technique has been critically examined. A

modified analysis method is also suggested to incorporate the

thrust. The detailed analysis thus reveals'that the stairs are

folded plate like structure and membrane action causes tens.lon.

The horizontal displacement of structure plays a vital role in its .

A special study of •nonorthopolygonal stair has been carried