DEPARTMENT: Civil Engineering
PROGRAM: CONDTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE NAME: ENGINEERING SOFTWARE IN CONSTRUCTION
MODULE CODE: CSTES801
Module leader: Eng. Jean Pierre NGABOYIGIHUGU
Year of study: Y4 B-Tech
Academic year: 2025-2026
Title: Design stair
S/N
NAMES
Reg No
1
Hosee MUGENZI
25RP18284
2
TUYISHIME Patience
25RP19745
3
NDAYISHIMIYE Eric
25RP20725
4
SHYAKAZURU Fabrice
25RP19928
5
NTAWUKURIRYAYO Jean Baptiste
25RP20425
6
Ange SUGIRA
25RP20619
7
MUCYO Jean Marie Vianney
25RP18849
8
KWIZERA Arsene
25RP21211
Date: 24th November, 2025
Introduction to Staircase Modeling in ETABS
Modeling a staircase in ETABS is an essential step in accurately representing a building’s
structural behavior. Staircases act not only as vertical circulation elements but also as significant
structural components that influence load distribution, stiffness, and overall building
performance. In ETABS, staircases can be modeled using a combination of shell elements,
beams, and load assignments to simulate their geometry, support conditions, and interaction with
the surrounding structural system. A clear and accurate staircase model ensures better analysis
results, improved design reliability, and enhanced safety of the structure.
The main purposes of staircase modeling in ETABS include:
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Accurate load distribution to supporting beams, columns, and slabs.
Realistic stiffness representation to reflect the staircase’s contribution to structural
behavior.
Improved analysis of seismic and lateral performance, as staircases can affect building
rigidity.
Verification of support conditions and connections between the staircase and the main
structure.
Ensuring safety and serviceability by capturing real structural response under various
loads.
A well-defined staircase model leads to more reliable design outcomes and enhances the
overall integrity of the structural system.
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Step 1: Define property in slab section to define the stair
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Step 2: Edit story and grid system in order to set the reference floor
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Edit tab
Select Edit Stories and Grid Systems
Click on it then you see this tab
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Then click on Modify/Show grid systems
Click on reference planes
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Then you see the reference planes tab.
Then click Add×4 your reference number based on your floors you have.
Then click Ok ×3
Step 3: Draw any material between slab or beam in order to take it as reference and divided it
into two equal party
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Step 4: Start to replicate when you use the beam respectively by landing dimension on the first
reference.
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Edit > Replicate
CTRL + R
Step 5: Start to draw it from base to L1 again to 1st floor or story
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Select your stair in order to make it all on story
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Then replicate it not on linear tab click on story replicate
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Then see the results
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