Modelling Spiral Stair 1 (Autocad Modelling)

[rpadc2002]

This is for Autocad Modeller
Since the lower version of Autocad (Autocad 2009 and below) dont have stair template features, here is one method on how to model a spiral stair

Step 1 -Establishing the parameters
- create a circle (outer stair boundary) diameter : 6.0 mtrs
- offset it inside (inner stair bounddary) offset command : 2meters (stair width)
- offset it once more for stair center reference (change its color and linetype for easy referencing)
- trim it to where your stair start and end.



Step 2 - Create a Helix
- in any view ( isometric, i prefer) create a helix using the following properties
bottom radius: 1 meter, top radius: 1 meter, height: 3.5
- and another helix ( for outside stair perimeter guide)
bottom radius: 3 meter, top radius: 3 meter, height: 3.5
use circle's center point as their basepoint center



Step 3 - Creating the Stair Base
- I will not show here to shift between viewport. Just refer to F1 University ( help files i mean) all viewport querries.
On top viewport, i create a rectangle (length: 2meter, depth .5 meter), then position it at your stair base.
- And of side view ( front view in my case) rotate that rectangle ( 90 degree) and move it downward around 30cm.



Step 4 - Sweep
- using the sweep command, sweep the rectangle to the helix ( either on the inner or the outer helix)



Step 5 - Creating the Reference Points
- Tips, create the top and front viewport on another paperspace so you can easily shift from each view when you need to.
- Another tips, for you to see clearly the point reference, change the point mode and size accordingly.



- On top view, subdivide the inner reference line into 20 ( stair rise: 175mm, floor height: 3.5m,
therefore 3.5 / .175 = 20 . I want my last step of the stair to be a part of the curves so i divide it into 20 units
- And on front view, create a reference a vertical reference line, 3.5 meter long ( floor to floor height equivalent) then
divide command, divide it into 20



Step 6 - Slicing the Stair Parts
- On top view port, using the slice command, slice the projected stair in the middle ( to make sure other parts
will not affected otherwise you have to unite them later).

Command: slice
Select objects to slice: (select the stair)
Select objects to slice:
Specify start point of slicing plane or [planar : (select circle's center point)
Specify second point on plane: (select the created reference point during divide command)
Specify a point on desired side or [keep Both sides] <Both>: (hit enter)



Step 7 - Finalizing the Steps ( Slice)

- Go now on your front view, with the help of top view on the side as you visual reference, and with the help
of the reference points along the vertical lines as your slice point, slice each steps.
- Tips, activate ortho mode and snap mode ( might be end point in my case)

Command: slice
Select objects to slice: (select the stair first step)
Select objects to slice:
Specify start point of slicing plane or [planar : (select first reference point on the vertical lines)
Specify second point on plane: (move your mouse across the first step and click on it)
Specify a point on desired side or [keep Both sides] <Both>: (click on the lower part so the upper part will be erase)

- Tips, you may erase the reference point after using it so as not to confused you of which should come next.
- Continue and finish all other stair parts



Step 8 - Activating the shademode, here is now the initial stair view



Now the Ballusters and Railings

[rpadc2002]

BALLUSTERS AND RAILINGS

Step 9 - Balluster and Handrail Profile
- Create now your ballusters in 3d and handrail profile, save it a hide it for the meantime



Step 10 - Handrail Referencing
- Go now to stair front view, copy and move the 2 helix at 900mm up ( you may refer the exact location of this
base on your design), Hide the original for future reference.



Step 11 - Helix Offsetting
- We need to offset the helix so that our railings will not fall the stair edge.
- Select the helix ( you may choose any of the two, in my case i select first the bigger one), double click on it
or press CTRL 1 to activate its properties.
- Change its Bottom and Top Radius ( refer this to your design, in my case i offset it 75mm away from the edges)
- Do it also the other helix



Step 12 - Establishing the Ballusters Location
- Now on isometric mode ( or in your top view) divide the helix into 40 units
- Do the same procedure with the other.
- Then erase the points you dont need





Step 13 - Creating the Balluster Blocks
- Create new layer ( any name will do)
- Then any viewport ( front view in my case) select one reference point, change its layer to the new one you have created
- Then make it as block ( perform block command)



Step 14 - Distributing the Block to the Reference points
- Go into isometric mode, with the help of the snap tools, copy and distribute the blocks into the
reference points along the helix line



Step 15 - Baalluster Block Editing
- Unhide now the ballusters you created, copy one profile ( control C not the copy tools of Autocad)
- Double click on the block you have created earlier to bring up the block editor dialog box



Step 16 - Finalizing the Balluster Block
- On Block Editor dialog box, paste now now the balluster ( Control V ), arrange it position it. You may want to check the base point of the block if its properly alligned, you can go to 3d view mode and rotate the scene, then recheck.



Step 17 - Final Balluster
- Closed and accept the changes. Do again the procedure in case the balluster is not properly alligned

[rpadc2002]

Step 18 - Handrails
- Copy now the handrail profile and paste it on the helix starting point.
- Go to isometric view for proper alligning
- use 3drotate command if you need to fine tune its orientation
- Sweep it to the helix



And now the finish Stair with railing, i added some more ballusters on the outer part





Hope this helps!

[AubreyM]

Nice tutorials Ronel! You put a lot of work into these.
To bad I don't use AutoCad

[Russell L. Thomas]

Nice tutorial Ronel, thanks!

[NoOneImportant]

very nice tutorial