Basic Civil Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Stairs”.
1. The vertical portion between each tread on the stair is called:
a) Going
b) Nosing
c) Winder
d) Riser
Answer: d
Clarification: Tread is the place where we step on. It is the horizontal portion. The vertical distance between consecutive treads is called the riser. It may or may not be present (open stair effect).
2. The figure below represents a:
a) Dog-legged stairs
b) Turning stairs
c) Straight stairs
d) Well stairs
Answer: a
Clarification: It is the most common stairs in schools, houses, other buildings. The flights are at right angles.
3. Baluster in a stair is the _________ member supporting _________
a) Horizontal, handrail
b) Vertical, landing
c) Vertical, handrail
d) Horizontal, landing
Answer: c
Clarification: The baluster is usually wooden or metallic. It is a vertical member provided at specific intervals and is used to support the handrail.
4. How many types of stairs are there based on the material?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 8
d) 6
Answer: b
Clarification: The five materials used in stairs are stone, metal, wood, R.C.C. and brick.
5. Speed of an escalator is usually:
a) 10-20m/min
b) 30-45m/min
c) 40-50m/min
d) 25-30m/min
Answer: d
Clarification: Escalators are electronically moving stairs. They can carry heavy traffic of people. The speed is kept at a minimal of 25-30m/min so that people of all age groups can access it.
6. The space housing the stairs is called:
a) Staircase
b) Stair room
c) Stair head
d) Stair space
Answer: a
Clarification: Staircase is also used to refer to the stairs, handrail, balusters, other structures as a whole. The space housing and all these are also called staircase.
7. Which IS code gives details about wooden stairs?
a) IS 2634
b) IS 2643
c) IS 1634
d) IS 1643
Answer: c
Clarification: IS 1634 gives the code of practice for the design and construction of wooden stairs for houses.
8. __________ stairs are a variation of L shaped stairs.
a) Winder
b) Spiral
c) Half turn
d) Switch back
Answer: a
Clarification: L shaped stairs have a bend, at 90o usually. The bend is achieved by adding a flat landing at the bend transition point. In winder stairs, instead of a flat landing, triangle steps are provided.
9. The decorative cap to the top of a newel post is called:
a) Finial
b) Fillet
c) Easing
d) Apron
Answer: a
Clarification: Newel post is a large baluster used to anchor the handrail. It is usually given a decorative cap to hold on to and is called a Finial.
10. How many types of stone stairs are used?
a) 2
b) 5
c) 4
d) 3
Answer: b
Clarification: These stairs are used in places where durable and hard stones are available locally. The five types are rectangular, spandril, tread and riser, cantilevered tread and built up steps.
11. After how many stairs is a landing provided in public, residential places?
a) 18
b) 20
c) 12
d) 16
Answer: c
Clarification: Generally, after 10 to 12 steps a landing is to be provided. A person can comfortably walk 10-12 steps without getting exhausted. A landing can be given after a maximum of 16 steps and not more than that. A floor requires 2 flights.