[TheForge] helical railing calculations

[Bruce Freeman]

Some of you may recall that I play with math for entertainment. 
Recently, I have played with the geometry of helices, as in helical
railings for circular staircases.  The results were interesting.  The
thesis I was examining was the feasibility of constructing these
railings from four FLAT curves, each representing 1/4 rotation.  I think
the answer is yes, but I haven't tested it yet.  The question I
addressed was, what would be the radius of such a curved railing.  That,
I got an answer for.

Is this subject of any interest or use to anyone on this list?

Bruce
NJ