The Connecting Stair construction was carried out to provide safe and permanent access to the overhead water tank structure at Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP).
This stair ensures maintenance accessibility, operational convenience, and structural safety for personnel who need to access the water tank platform.
Purpose of the Connecting Stair
The staircase was designed to:
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Provide safe vertical circulation to the tank platform
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Ensure easy access for inspection and maintenance
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Maintain structural integration with the existing tank
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Withstand daily operational use and environmental exposure
Since water tanks require periodic cleaning and monitoring, a durable RCC stair was necessary instead of a temporary ladder system.
Structural Planning and Layout
Before construction, the following were ensured:
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Proper stair width for safe movement
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Comfortable riser and tread proportions
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Adequate landing space (if required)
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Alignment with tank entry point
The staircase was positioned to maintain structural balance and efficient load transfer to the supporting elements.
Reinforcement Work
Reinforcement detailing plays a key role in staircase strength.
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Main longitudinal bars placed along the slope
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Distribution bars provided perpendicular to main bars
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Adequate anchorage ensured at both ends
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Proper cover blocks used for durability
Since the stair connects to an existing structure, careful dowel anchoring and bonding were maintained to ensure composite action.
Formwork and Casting
After reinforcement inspection, shuttering was installed:
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Side supports fixed firmly
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Bottom shutter aligned along the designed slope
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Proper bracing provided to prevent displacement
Concrete casting was carried out in a continuous process:
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Concrete placed from bottom to top
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Needle vibrator used to avoid honeycombing
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Surface finished smoothly for uniform steps
Curing was maintained adequately to ensure long-term durability and crack resistance.
Engineering Considerations
While constructing the connecting stair, several factors were carefully addressed:
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Working at height
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Proper slope alignment
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Safe connection with existing water tank structure
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Structural stability under live loads
Attention to these details ensures safety, longevity, and usability of the structure.
Conclusion
The Connecting Stair Construction at CRP is a vital structural component that enhances accessibility and operational efficiency of the water tank system. Though comparatively smaller than primary structural elements, staircases require high precision in alignment, reinforcement detailing, and finishing.
This project reflects the importance of integrating functionality with structural integrity in every component of construction work.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss the tendering process further. Your interest and support are greatly appreciated!
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