Mastering Unpredictable Movement – Earthquake-Ready Stairs
Stair system technologies developed for seismic movement
Sponsored by Construction Specialties
During seismic events, occupant safety becomes the highest priority. But, designing for resiliency means we must also create structures that can protect building contents, limit structural damage, and reduce recovery time. This course will explore new stair system technologies developed to drift with seismic movement to eliminate system failure and the occupant and structural risks that often occur as a result.
Photo Courtesy of Construction Specialties, Inc.
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING LAB, UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO Stair concept being tested under earthquake simulation.
Founded in 1948, Construction Specialties (CS) is a family-owned, specialty building products manufacturer. CS provides solutions to challenges that architects, designers, building owners, facility managers, and contractors face every day. Since inventing the first extruded louver, CS has become a global leader in all our product categories: Acrovyn® interior wall protection, impact-resistant doors, entrance flooring, expansion joint solutions, architectural louvers, sun controls, architectural elements and privacy curtains + tracks. Drawing upon our decades of experience, CS provides extensive services resulting in high-quality products found in some of the world’s most significant architecture. For more information about CS products and solutions, please visit c-sgroup.com.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in November 2021
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- List factors that have led to imbalances in design and safety building codes that are defining national, state, and local policies.
- Discuss how typical stair systems contribute to structural failure during seismic activity compromising occupant safety.
- Communicate the importance of stair safety for occupant and first responder egress and ingress during and after seismic events.
- Explain the concepts and benefits behind new technology designed to create movement within stair systems.
- Specify new earthquake-ready stairs to protect buildings from seismic movement and increase occupant safety during seismic events.
