Today, reinforced concrete steps have become familiar to everyone, and not so long ago they were a real innovation in the field of construction. The combination of concrete and metal frame made it possible to form a durable and strong combination, which is in high demand today.
Universal material
For places with high traffic, concrete steps are best suited. On them side chips, cracks, scratches, strips from heels do not appear. They also do not deteriorate from atmospheric phenomena such as wind, rain and snow. The plane does not absorb dirt and water, it is easily washed. Reinforced concrete products are found almost everywhere, thanks to the variety of sizes, simplified installation and durability. GOST regulates concrete steps depending on their main component. And the most common are the steps of GOST 8717.1-84.
Often, a mixture of heavy, light and silicate concrete is used to produce concrete products. Created products become practically invulnerable and designed for use at temperatures up to -40 ° C. They are able to withstand 300 cycles of freezing, while the appearance and composition practically do not change. That is why concrete elements have become widespread in many countries for the transformation of territories and the construction of buildings.
Use possibilities
Concrete steps for stairs can be used for helical and marching options, fixed on a monolithic basis or braces. They have a prefabricated design, so that it is possible to easily replace one or several steps.
Such a staircase will look harmoniously both at the exit of a private house, and in a building with many floors. Concrete steps are used for stairs and in confined spaces. The prefabricated structure can have any size, width and height. But in one turn of the ladder there must be at least 15 elements.
Types
At first glance, it may seem that the steps are all the same, but they are divided into several types:
- Lower frieze step. It is a connecting element between the lower step of the stairs and the floor. It differs from the main one only by the presence of a special console, due to which the fastening on the floor slab is carried out.
- Fascia high step. It realizes the same functions as the lower one, and is located between the upper part of the stairs and the platform.
- The main steps - are used throughout the flight of stairs.
- Pad liner. It is a special step mounted after the main one. It is designed for a short load.
The types of reinforced concrete products listed above find their application in both external and internal works. Even on a small porch, the descent should have frieze steps, an insert, and main steps. So the design is able to withstand all the loads.
Material for manufacturing
To create concrete steps, use different types of source material:
- Silicate concrete. It is a modern variation of building artificial material. It is produced by mixing quartz sand, quicklime, ground lime and quartz ground sand. The material, depending on the fillers used, can be cellular, medium-dense and dense. It is often used to create supporting and supporting floors.
- Lightweight type of concrete. It is similar to pumice at the cut and is made of porous mineral and organic aggregates. It can be arbolite, vermiculite and others. It acquired its name due to the porous internal structure. The composition affects both the appearance and properties of the product. This species is characterized by increased strength, despite the heterogeneous structure.
- Heavy concrete. He is the most popular. The filling base divides it into applications and brands. It is made of gravel, sand and quartz. The resulting products have found their application in underwater, internal and ground works. It is possible to produce both individual elements and monolithic staircases.
Appearance
There are established standards and requirements for the parameters of steps and their appearance. So, on the side of the product, a specialized fastening or a loop must necessarily be present, so that the railing can be installed. Below is a nest for fixing and securing the steps. Mortgages are used to connect the kosour and stairs. Particular attention is paid to the coincidence of the axis of the step and the kosour.
Reinforced concrete structures are divided into right-handed and left-handed. Finding the fastening parts for the railing depends on this parameter. It is also worth noting the angle of elevation. Steep stairs are used to descend from the attic or porch. In this case, the appearance does not matter much, and the steps themselves have concrete dimensions up to 17 cm in height. After installation, they are usually decorated with metal overlays and decorative elements. And, thanks to a carefully selected facing, the transformation of the most unsightly stairs is possible.
Concrete steps differ in external characteristics. They are standard, made from a heavy type of material. If silicate or light version is taken as a basis, then heavy will be used as the top layer. Artificial indelible coating may be present on the surface.
The design on the kosoura can be both outside and inside the structure. The appearance of a narrow descent into the basement or a neat little staircase will not spoil the concrete and concrete steps. Dimensions products may vary, depending on the wishes of the customer, but mainly steps are produced, the height of which is 33 mm, width - 150 mm, and length - 1050 mm.
Design Addition
For a special decoration of the described structures, colored mosaic is widely used. Thanks to this, it was possible to combine fashion trends and cement strength. In addition, steps are made with or without handrails (to make the structure lightweight). But the railing should not be abandoned, to increase security. And if it is impossible to install them, it is desirable to have a supporting wall.
Advantages
Concrete steps are the best choice. They have virtually no flaws. It should be noted their main advantages:
- Practicality. If a staircase of an unpresentable gray appearance is not suitable, cladding with porcelain tiles, clinker or tiles is possible.
- Strength. No damage during heavy daily loads, also the material withstands any shock and damage.
- Universality. It can be used in any buildings, whether it is a town house, a multi-story building, an airport, a train station, a school or a hospital.
- Durability. Concrete steps will stand without chips and cracks for at least ten years.