Staircase proportioning rule: in stair design, the commonly used comfort relationship between the rise (R) and the going/tread (G) is kept approximately equal to which value?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 600

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Designing comfortable and safe stairs involves proportioning the rise and going so that users can walk naturally. Rules of thumb relate R and G to a target value based on human gait.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Rise R and going G are measured in millimetres.
  • Use of standard ergonomic proportions.
  • Question expects the widely taught comfort rule.



Concept / Approach:
The classic Blondel formula is 2R + G ≈ 600 mm (often within 600–650 mm). This places steps within a comfortable stride range. Other variants like R + G ≈ 450 mm appear, but 2R + G is the most recognized basis for proportioning.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the intended ergonomic relationship → Blondel's rule.Select the benchmark value commonly rounded to 600 mm.Therefore, the answer is 600.



Verification / Alternative check:
Building codes and handbooks endorse ranges like R between 150–190 mm and G between 250–300 mm, which satisfy 2R + G around 600–640 mm.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 350/420/450/500 do not represent the standard 2R + G comfort target for most occupancies.



Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing the rule as a product R*G; the common comfort relation uses a sum with 2R.



Final Answer:
600

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