A dog-legged stair is a type of half turn stair which has no space between the outer strings of

two flights. It can be in two forms of landing; with half space landing (which is most
common form) or with quarter space landing and winders. It is named ‘dog-legged’ because
of its sectional elevation resemblance to dog’s leg.

Principles of design

i. Location: It should be located in a central position in a room so that the staircase

easily accessible from all parts of the floor. As well as lighting and ventilation should
be maintained on the staircase.
ii. Flight length: Minimum 3 risers are to be provided on a flight but should not have
more than 16 risers for comfortable traversing through the staircase. A landing is to be
provided to break the continuity.
iii. Pitch/Slope: The recommended slope for a staircase is between 25⸰ -40⸰. Slope
should not be kept less than 15⸰ but if it exceeds 55⸰ would be too steep to transverse.
iv. Landing: The width of the landing should not be kept less the width of the tread in
the flight.
v. Step ratio: Rise to going ratio of both flights of the staircase should be kept same. If
there is deference in the ratio, can ruin the space and the person traversing through the
staircase would feel uncomfortable.
Suitability: A dog-legged stair is most suitable:

 On economical use of space; A dog-legged stair is most suitable when much space is
not available (Usually where the space available is equal to twice of the tread width).
 Privacy of the floors needed to be maintained such that there is no direct visibility
(sight) between two floors.

Method of construction

It can be constructed of the following materials.

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC): This is the one which widely used; it is strong, hard
and fire resistant. It is usually cast-in-situ with the variety of finishes. But also can be pre-cast
RCC. The main structure (flight) is made by RCC but balustrade, newel posts and handrail
maybe made of timber or aluminium.

Timber: It is light in weight and easy to construct, but it has very poor fire resistance. It is
used only for small rise buildings. Timbers used should be free from fungal decay and insect
attack also should be well treated before used. Strings are the support for the stair and act as
inclined beams spanning between the floor and landing, a bearer or carriage way under the
treads for additional support. All other parts are made by timber as well.

Metal: It is may be mild steel or cast iron, only used as emergency stairs. It is strong and fire
resistant. It consists of rolled steel stringers (Mostly channel section), to which angle irons are
welded or riveted and steel plates are used as treads.

Stone: It is widely used at places where stones are readily available. It is quite strong, rigid
and fire resistant. Though it is very heavy .stones used should be hard, strong, and resistant to
wear. It is supported on both ends with cantilevered spandrel steps.