laterally braced stair stringer
 

laterally braced stair stringer?
just curious, do any of you consider the top flange of a channel stair stringer braced laterally by the risers? the risers are located in the top third of the stringer.
yes usually.
if the risers or treads are connected close enough to the top fleange then they will provide at least some lateral restraint.
i have designed stairs supported only by vertical (about 10" by 3/4") plates and the only way these work is by the lateral restraint provided by the stringers.
i would be surprised if you needed it though as i usually find that the required depth to fit the rise and run governs.
csd