Response Evaluation of Stairways in RC Frames Under Earthquake Ground Motions.

Stairways, the primary vertical emergency exit routes in multistory buildings, are critically important for egress and access during earthquakes and fires. Seismically damaged stairways have delayed evacuation, impeded efforts of rescuers and fire fighters, complicated salvage and restoration operations, and resulted in deaths and injuries. The seismic behavior of typical stairway systems is not well understood, and few code provisions are directed toward the problem of stairway design. This paper initiates the study of the performance of stairways in earthquakes. The past seismic performance of stairways is reviewed and classified by damage type.