- Author
-
Templer, J. A.
- Title
- Stair Shape and Human Movement.
- Keywords
-
human behavior
|
stairwells
|
stairways
|
people movement
|
accidents
|
humna performance
|
comfort
|
human response
|
safety
|
equations
|
erosion
|
statistical analysis
- Identifiers
- straight flight stairs; helical stair; composite stairs; etiology of stairway accidents; gait elicited by stairs; stair shape and energy expenditure; human territoriality and space needs on stairs; walkway, ramp and stair capacity; erosion patterns; movement and behavioral patterns; limitations, future directions and applications; foot switch measurements; energy expended in stair climbing; stair behavior observations
- Abstract
- Stair shape in terms of layout and riser/tread geometry is circumscribed within fairly narrow limits by human gait characteristics. But the conundrum of the 'ideal' stair, that is safe and comfortable, has perplexed and intrigued architectural writers ever since Vitruvius. An examination of etiological studies of stair accidents exposes many myths that have influenced extant codes and design handbooks. Gait analysis and energy metabolism experiments were conducted in a laboratory using mechanical stair treadmill. The findings suggest that there is a range of riser and tread combinations that are congruent with human physiological responses in terms of rates of energy expenditure and the probability of missteps; and the predictive equations generated provide a tool for comparing various design alternatives. The relationship between stair and ramp width and capacity was explored and some of the human space needs quantified. Design levels-of-service for stairs and ramps are set out. Behavioral responses, in terms of routes chosen, speeds of traverse handrail use and eye movements, of people walking on the most common stair layouts were measured. It was found that people generally respond to stairs in regular, characteristic and predictable ways. Certain stair layouts are more likely to engender interpersonal conflicts and confused movement patterns that others; and certain location design factors can decrease or increase the efficiency of stairs and their vicinage.