About the Stair Tool

Use the Stair Tool to design and document any typical or unique Stair, up to 1:50 design scale.

Input is available on the Floor Plan and in the 3D window, using methods similar to polyline or Wall input. During the polyline path input, instant graphical feedback shows what the resulting Stair will look like.

A Stair has one or more Segments, with Turnings (nodes) between them.

Like the Curtain Wall, the Stair is a hierarchical element.

The main Stair element consists of multiple components: Treads, Risers and Structures.

Stair components are GDL elements, which use Building Materials and/or Custom profiles.

Use Edit mode to access and customize the individual components of a selected Stair.

Customizable Rules and Standards provide the constraints, and describe local regulations. The user can choose the rules that apply to his/her project, and set the allowed ranges. As the user places the Stair with graphical input, the algorithm automatically adjusts certain geometric values of the stair, within the user-provided ranges.

In some cases, the input values and the polyline path cannot result in an adequate Stair. If such a conflict or error occurs, the ‘Solver’ pops up to help resolve it. The Solver presents multiple possible solutions to modify the Stair so as to meet regulations.

Stairs can be linked to Stories, and so can follow changes in floor height.

Stair Structure

Four structure types: monolithic, beam, cantilevered, and/or stringer.

Structure for flights and landings can be defined individually

Customize each structure for size, building material, profile, 2D appearance

Stair Finish

Components include Treads and Risers. Treads and Risers for Flights and Landings can be defined individually, and any individual Tread and Riser can be customized in Edit mode.

Optionally define custom components and save them using one of the predefined Stair subtypes.

Stair 2D sub-elements

Break Mark, Walking Line, Numbering, etc.

Symbols are 2D GDL components, completely separate from the 3D structure

Use Model View Options to define which 2D sub-elements should appear on the Stair and how to display them.