In our work at Meadows Analysis, there are times we move beyond heavy machinery and look at stress analysis from a structural and architectural point of view. A recent project included providing fabrication drawings for a residential apartment complex that required in-house access to their spa via an aesthetically appealing set of stairs.
Our engineering team had a review of requirements and received a base design using a single stringer with supports. The design was minimized to provide aesthetic appeal and our job was to ensure strength and reinforcement were adequate.
You can see the solid modeling assembly above included handrails that were altered to give an elegant, flowing, open feel while complying with codes.
While we may work on loads for industrial stairs in material handling or manufacturing facilities, our in-house engineering and drafting team enjoyed some latitude in creativity while ensuring a functional output. Form and function become a fun challenge to mix up the ongoing work of engineering analysis and design.