Agyefi-Mensah, S; Kpamma, Z E and Hagan, D E (2022) Stair step geometry compliance with standard specifications for safety and usability: A study of selected university buildings in Ghana. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 40(1), pp. 20-39. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: Compliance with standard specifications in stairway design and construction, particularly the step geometry, is imperative for the safety and usability of stairs. The purpose of this study, was to assess the compliance of stair step geometry parameters with standard specifications in selected public buildings in Ghana. Specifically, the study investigated the prevalence of deviations in step geometry parameters from standard provisions; how significant these deviations are in comparison, and by theoretical association, the potential risk of accidents. Design/methodology/approach: Field measurement of the geometric parameters of a total of 1954 steps in 204 flights of stairs within 28 university buildings was undertaken using a calibrated Multi Digit Pro + digital spirit level and a tape measure following the Nose-to-Nose Method. The results were analyzed using in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Minitab 18 and interpreted based on mean values, one-sample t-test and percentages. Findings: Although some parameters generally complied with standard specifications, dimensional inconsistencies in risers and treads of adjacent steps were most prevalent, and significantly at margins far above standard specifications. The findings of the study show the unique limitation of the step geometry design requirements specified in the current Ghana National Building Code and the National Building Regulation, and by association, the potential risk of accidents and discomfort in the use of stairs in public buildings such as those on university campuses. Practical implications: The observed deviations in the dimensions of risers and treads point to a lack of strict compliance with standard specifications in the design and construction of stairs. Apart from engaging skilled artisans, and intensifying supervision in stair construction, development control authorities in Ghana need to strengthen inspection of stairs during construction to ensure and enforce compliance. Originality/value: Findings of the study provide insight into stairway design, as well as stair safety and usability in a developing world context, and allows for a more comprehensive study of stair-related accidents and discomfort associated with stairs in public buildings as a basis for the review of standards and codes in Ghana and other developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | dimensional variations; Ghana; safety; stair step geometry; university buildings; usability |
| Index terms: | usability, developing country, discomfort, geometry, specification, Ghana, design and construction, deviation, dimension, compliance, field-measurement, building regulation, inspection, methodology, public building, variation, supervision, building code |
| Subjects: | development economics, construction type, financial and cost management, user-centered design, mathematical modelling, regulatory law, contractual arrangements, Geography, health safety and environment, health risk and incident analysis, research methods, contractual condition, health monitoring assessment and metrics, quality assurance, data collection methods, control systems |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Project Management, Research Practice, Quality Management, Cost Management, Legal Issues, Health and Safety, Contract Administration, Design Practice, International Construction, Procurement, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here