Topic 6

Floors: the surfaces with their necessary supports which provide accommodation to the users to live at
different levels in a building are called floors.

Components of a floor: the floor is essentially consists of the following two components

1. Sub Floor: Usually made of compacted earth or concrete, provides a stable base.
2. Floor Covering: Can be made of various materials like tile, brick, cement concrete, etc., providing
a walking surface.

Ground Floors: the floors constructed at plinth level of different buildings are called ground floors.

Types of Ground Floor:

 Murrum or Mud: The ground floor having murrum or mud as its top layer. It is often used in
rural or temporary structures or unimportant buildings due to its availability and low cost.

 Tile: The tiles used in tile floor may be of any desired color, size and thickness. Commonly used
in bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas for its durability and easy maintenance.

 Brick: Offers a traditional and sturdy option. These floors are suitable for stores and godowns
etc.

 Cement Concrete: Provides a strong and long-lasting surface suitable for heavy-duty use in
residential, industrial or commercial buildings.

 Terrazzo: Known for its decorative appearance, often used in high-end buildings like modern
residential units, hotels religious buildings or public spaces.

 Timber: Gives a warm and natural feel, commonly used in residential buildings, hill stations,
auditoriums and interior spaces.

 Rubber: Rubber sheet floors are suitable for use in shops, offices, theaters, and public libraries
etc, where noiseless floors are desired.

 Asphalt: Asphalt floors are used in schools, factories and other important buildings.

 Linoleum: It consist of linoleum sheets consists of a mixture of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour
and pigments. It is tough and used for hospitals, canteens, residential, office and industrial
buildings.

 PVC: these floors are made of PVC tiles or sheets. They are suitable for residential and office
buildings.

 Mosaic: It consists of small tiles or small regular shaped marble cubes, square or hexagonal
embedded into cementitious material. Mostly used in residential and industrial buildings.

 Glass: These floor consists of structural glass. It is used only in special situations wherever it is
desired to admit light into the basement through the top flooring.

Suspended Floors:
  Timber: Provides flexibility and insulation, often used in residential buildings or areas where a
softer feel underfoot is desired.

 Steel Joist and Flagstone: Commonly used in industrial or commercial buildings for their strength
and durability.

 Jack Arch: Offers a lightweight solution suitable for spanning large areas, commonly used in
industrial buildings.

 RCC Floor: Reinforced concrete floors are robust and suitable for heavy loads, commonly found
in high-rise buildings or industrial structures.

 Reinforced Brick Floor: Offers a traditional yet sturdy option, often used in residential or
heritage buildings.

ABRASIVES IN FLOORS

Abrasives in floors are materials added during the construction or finishing process to increase the
floor's resistance to wear and tear. These abrasives, such as sand or crushed stones, are mixed into floor
coverings like concrete or epoxy to enhance durability and provide traction, making the floor less
slippery. They help prevent slipping accidents and extend the lifespan of the floor, especially in high-
traffic areas like corridors, industrial floors, or outdoor spaces.
Topic 8

Stair case details

These are continuous stairs along which there is no change in direction on any flight between two
successive floors.

The stair may consist of either one single flight or more than one flight (usually two) with a landing.
These types of stairs sometimes have only 1 flight of stairs.

2. Quarter Turn Stairs

When the direction of the flight is changed at right angles either to the left or to the right, quarter-turn
stairs are used. The change in direction can be affected by either introducing a quarter-space landing or
providing winders at the junction of two flights

3. Half-turn stairs/ U-turn stairs: Half turn stair is one that has its direction reversed or turned
through 180° by introducing a half-space landing or winders. This type of stair is commonly used
in residential buildings and public buildings.
4. Dog-legged stairs
The dog-legged stairs consist of two flights of steps that run in opposite directions. No space is
provided between the flights in the plan.
5. Open newel stairs or Open well stairs.
The open newel staircase is very similar to a doglegged stair. There is a well opening between
the flights and it may be used to accommodate a lift.
 6. Circular Stairs:

The overall diameter of such stairs (winders) may range from 1 m to 2.5 m. The stairs are not
comfortable as they are full of winders and continuously change the direction.

7. Bifurcated Stairs

These stairs are very common in modern aristocratic symmetric public buildings at their entrance which
appears as a prominent feature.

The stair has a wide flight at the bottom, which bifurcates into two narrower flights, one turning to the
left and the other to the right at the landing.

8. Spiral Stairs

A spiral staircase is a structure that is built around a central post that acts as an axis for its steps.

Types of stairs according to material used

1. Wooden Stairs: Constructed using wood for both the framework and steps, providing a
traditional and aesthetic appeal suitable for various architectural styles.

2. Concrete Stairs: Built using concrete for the structure and steps, offering durability and strength,
commonly found in both indoor and outdoor settings.

3. Metal Stairs: Made from materials like steel or aluminum, providing a sleek and modern look
while ensuring sturdiness and resistance to corrosion.

Lifts, Elevators, Ramps and Escalators

Lifts (or Elevators): Lifts, also known as elevators, are commonly found in tall buildings like skyscrapers,
apartment complexes, and office buildings. They help people move vertically between floors quickly and
efficiently, saving time and energy. Additionally, lifts are often installed in hospitals, shopping malls, and
hotels to provide accessibility to people with mobility challenges or those carrying heavy loads.

Ramps: Ramps are installed in various locations to provide accessible pathways for people with
disabilities or those using wheeled devices such as strollers, shopping carts, or wheelchairs. They are
commonly found at building entrances, public facilities, parking garages, and transportation hubs like
train stations and bus stops. Ramps ensure inclusivity and ease of movement for all individuals,
regardless of mobility limitations.

Escalators: Escalators are typically located in busy public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, train
stations, and metro stations. They serve as convenient alternatives to stairs, transporting people
smoothly and continuously between different levels of a building or facility. Escalators enhance the flow
of foot traffic in high-traffic areas, providing a comfortable and efficient means of vertical
transportation.