Ladder is an important functional and decorative object of any house. This is an uneasy architectural structure, to which a number of requirements are presented, chief among which are safety, aesthetics, and reliability. Of course, it's good if the stairs to everything else will be durable and easy to use. All these requirements are almost perfectly satisfied with concrete. It is this material that will allow the ladder to become a friend of users and serve its masters with faith and truth for many years.
How to make a concrete ladder
. Advantages of a concrete ladder
Strength characteristics, decorative possibilities and operational longevity allow to say that concrete is a recognized leader among materials for stair constructions. Especially since the independent erection of the staircase of concrete - the task is quite feasible. It is concrete that can transfer almost all the hardships of intensive and frequent operation, heavy loads and any vagaries of the weather.
- It is wear-resistant: it wears away slowly and almost does not break, if you look after it.
- Can be used outdoors or indoors.
- Monolithic structures can withstand dynamic loads, since they do not have loosening elements. Users will enjoy the quietness of the concrete: there is no squeak, rattling, etc.sounds characteristic of wood and iron.
- The design of concrete structures can be much more original than wooden ones: elementary march designs, screwed or complex-compound configurations to choose - you decide only.
- Fire safety of concrete is obvious.
- Possibility to choose any variant of facing, combination with any finishing and construction materials.
Sample of a concrete ladder
Where and how concrete ladders are built
This material is advantageous for the construction of staircase structures if it is required to obtain an object capable of transferring a full range of negative influences and active operation. That is, it is advisable to apply concrete wherever a large number of people will walk. For example, concrete is ideal for decorating an entrance group, creating a path to the basement or to the attic. It is also relevant for landscape design.
Depending on the purpose of the room, where the staircase is installed, choose the type of construction: monolithic or with unbroken skews, on which the concrete steps are subsequently installed. The second option is preferable if there is a goal to facilitate the construction in a technical or decorative sense. However, it is not recommended to install this type of stairs above the recreation area, due to the presence of gaps.
It is important to understand that concrete ladders that are planned to be used inside the facility can be made only on site. All the work on the erection of concrete staircases is a separate construction stage, which must be inscribed in the construction process. This technical aspect needs to be taken into account, as wooden staircases can be installed during the finishing works, even after completion of the construction.
An example of a ladder
Stages of erection of a concrete ladder:
- collecting formwork;
- knitting and fitting of reinforcement;
- a bay of a concrete ladder.
Assembling the formwork is a complex and time-consuming stage. In case the original configuration is planned, it is better to turn to professionals. Non-standard geometry implies the availability of skills and experience in similar works.
Formwork for the future staircase is made from plywood or edging boards. It is important here not to forget about the pillars of the bar. If you plan a single-mantle structure located between a pair of walls, you do not need to make the side elements of the frame. It will be enough to draw the outline on the walls.
If the ladder adjoins the wall only on one side, the end element of the formwork and support for its installation will be required. A pair of non-negotiating parties, a 2-march version, the presence of a ladder platform significantly complicate the work. However, it's realistic to do it yourself. And if you apply an unusual design of the lower step, to trim the concrete staircase with ceramics, nickel plated, wooden or forged elements - it can very well become an amazing piece of furniture. Spiral staircase made of concrete
Scheme of work
Before the beginning of construction it is necessary to draw a ladder. At least sketchily. Surely everyone has heard that the staircase must meet standards. Let's recollect some of them:
- width of a ladder DIN 18065, according to SNiPu - 0,8-0,9m;
- standard step height - 17cm;
- width of the steps to ensure a comfortable step - at least 29-30cm;
- The height of the ladder is based on the data on the power characteristics of the upper ceiling( including the height of the floor along with the coating);
- ergonomic tilt angle - 30? , in the extreme case - 45? ;
- in the project you need to plan fences for stairs, the possibility of installing embedded parts
With increasing characteristics of the angle of inclination of the stairs, the probability of injury is greater, the level of comfort falls. If the slope reaches the limit values (45 or more degrees) in the calculations, it is better to plan the spiral staircase.
Scaffold for a concrete ladder
Base for a ladder
The weight of a finished structure depends on its parameters, as a rule, it is about one and a half to two tons. Naturally, with such indicators it is necessary to think over the basis for the ladder design. This can be a reinforced concrete beam or a foundation. If the ladder is put on the ground. It must be compacted and made of a screed. Here the allowable limit is the pressure not more than 1 kg / cm? .Take into account the weight of the finish, which later will also carry the design.
For monolithic construction it is better not to make a screed. The technology of the special foundation is applied here.
Concreting process for
stages. Structural steps of
- concrete ladder. For formwork, a waterproof 18 or 20 millimeter plywood or edged board, 3 cm thick, is required.
- For racks a building beam, up to 10 by 10 cm, is required;
- The formation of curved surfaces will require plywood up to 9 mm thick.
Along the march, the formwork is reinforced with steel rods and reinforced by cross ties. Under the embedded parts install the plugs of wood. Pour concrete, not lower than B-15.It is obligatory to fill the whole march, from the bottom step.
Finishing of the concrete ladder
The base is a heavy part of the structure, which can not always be additionally loaded. Therefore, instead of stone and ceramics, to reduce pressure on the base, a tree is often used, because it is much easier. Balustrade, steps, handrails are made of wood with the use of wrought iron gratings, various types of decors on pillars.
Concrete adopts any kind of finish, so the appearance of the concrete staircase is a matter of the owner's taste. In addition to wood, porcelain stoneware, tiles, plastic and glass are often used. Decorate the staircase and can be using highlights.
Of course, the construction of a ladder is not an easy task, therefore it is necessary to prepare for this stage as follows: familiarize yourself with the technical requirements, create a project and plan the finish. Here, as in all construction works, accuracy and accuracy are important.
Video - the process of manufacturing a monolithic concrete ladder
