Q31. A decorative moulding fitted under the nosing to conceal the joint between the tread and riser is called a:
  • Soffit
  • Scotia
  • Fillet
  • Apron

Correct Answer: B. Scotia

Solution:

A scotia is a concave moulding, often used for decorative purposes. In stair construction, it's placed under the nosing to provide a neat, finished appearance at the junction of the tread and riser.

Q32. A continuous, uninterrupted series of steps between two landings is known as a:
  • Flight
  • Run
  • Balustrade
  • Going

Correct Answer: A. Flight

Solution:

This is the definition of a flight. A staircase is typically composed of one or more flights connected by landings.

Q33. Which type of stringer has the top edge cut to follow the shape of the treads and risers?
  • Closed Stringer
  • Wall Stringer
  • Cut Stringer
  • Box Stringer

Correct Answer: C. Cut Stringer

Solution:

A cut stringer (or open stringer) is saw-toothed or cut out so that the profile of the steps is visible from the side. The treads sit on top of the cut sections.

Q34. The angle that a staircase makes with the horizontal is called its:
  • Going
  • Pitch
  • Soffit
  • Headroom

Correct Answer: B. Pitch

Solution:

The pitch, also known as the slope or rake, is the angle of inclination of the staircase, determined by the ratio of the total rise to the total going.

Q35. A staircase that is structurally supported by a wall on one side, with the steps appearing to float without support on the other, is a ________ stair.
  • Dog-legged
  • Cantilevered
  • Open newel
  • Spiral

Correct Answer: B. Cantilevered

Solution:

In a cantilevered stair, the treads are fixed into a supporting wall at one end and are free on the other. This creates a minimalist, "floating" appearance as the visible means of support are hidden.

Q36. For safety, the minimum height of a handrail above the pitch line of the stairs is typically:
  • 600 mm
  • 750 mm
  • 900 mm
  • 1200 mm

Correct Answer: C. 900 mm

Solution:

Building codes generally specify a minimum handrail height of around 900 mm (approx. 36 inches) measured vertically from the nosing line to ensure it is at a comfortable and safe height for most users to grip.

Q37. To prevent small children from falling through, the maximum clear space permitted between balusters is usually:
  • 100 mm
  • 150 mm
  • 200 mm
  • 250 mm

Correct Answer: A. 100 mm

Solution:

The "4-inch sphere rule" is a common building safety standard, which translates to approximately 100 mm. This ensures the gap is small enough that a small child cannot fit their head through it.

Q38. The main difference between a spiral stair and a helical stair is that a helical stair:
  • Is always made of steel
  • Does not have a central post
  • Can only turn 90 degrees
  • Has no handrail

Correct Answer: B. Does not have a central post

Solution:

A spiral stair winds around a central column. A helical stair, often called a curved stair, follows a helical path but has an open well or void in the center instead of a post, usually requiring more complex stringer support.

Q39. The first step at the bottom of a staircase, often wider and with a curved front, is known as a:
  • Landing Step
  • Winder Step
  • Flyer Step
  • Curtail Step

Correct Answer: D. Curtail Step

Solution:

A curtail step is an enlarged, often decorative, first step. Its side profile typically curves around to meet the newel post, creating a grander start to the staircase.

Q40. Another ergonomic rule for stairs states that the product of the riser and tread (in inches) should be between:
  • 50-60
  • 70-75
  • 90-100
  • 110-120

Correct Answer: B. 70-75

Solution:

This is another design guideline used to check stair proportions. For example, a common 7-inch riser and 10.5-inch tread would have a product of 73.5, which falls comfortably within the 70-75 range.

Q41. In a reinforced concrete staircase, the minimum thickness of the slab measured perpendicular to the soffit is called the:
  • Going
  • Waist
  • Throat
  • Header

Correct Answer: B. Waist

Solution:

The waist is the structural thickness of the RC stair slab. It is the smallest dimension of the slab, measured perpendicularly from the soffit to the line connecting the inner corners of the steps.

Q42. The open space in the center of a staircase that has multiple flights turning around it is the:
  • Soffit
  • Pitch
  • Well hole
  • Headroom

Correct Answer: C. Well hole

Solution:

The well hole or stairwell is the central open space around which the flights of an open newel, dog-legged, or geometrical stair are arranged.

Q43. A stair with parallel flights that are separated by a well hole wide enough to be visually significant is an:
  • Open Newel Stair
  • Dog-legged Stair
  • Bifurcated Stair
  • Geometrical Stair

Correct Answer: A. Open Newel Stair

Solution:

This defines an open newel stair. Unlike a dog-legged stair where flights are immediately adjacent, an open newel stair has a distinct, planned open space between the flights as they turn.

Q44. According to building codes, the minimum superimposed live load to be considered for the design of a staircase is typically:
  • 1.5 kN/m²
  • 3.0 kN/m²
  • 5.0 kN/m²
  • 7.5 kN/m²

Correct Answer: B. 3.0 kN/m²

Solution:

Structural design codes (like IS 875 Part 2 in India) specify minimum live loads for different building areas. For stairs, a value of 3.0 kN/m² is commonly used for residential buildings, while it can be higher (e.g., 5.0 kN/m²) for public buildings with higher foot traffic.

Q45. The vertical distance between the floors connected by a staircase is the:
  • Going
  • Pitch
  • Total Rise
  • Flight Length

Correct Answer: C. Total Rise

Solution:

The total rise is the overall vertical height that the staircase must cover, measured from the finished floor level of the lower floor to the finished floor level of the upper floor.