Building Services Project 1 Group 12

Laws of Malaysia
Uniform Building By-laws 1984
STREET, DRAINAGE AND BUILDING ACT 1974 [ACT 133]
PART VII - FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Section 168 - Staircases

(2) Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being
available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest
occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with
provisions in the Seventh schedule to these Bylaws.

(5) Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no
point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.

Figure 4.3.2.3.2 Vertical Escapes in Setia City Mall

In Setia City Mall, the emergency escapes are located at every level which are next to
the lifts, washrooms and entrance to the mall, as shown in figure 4.3.2.3.2.It is enclosed
with fire barrier doors. The emergency staircases are designed in U-shaped by having a
landing at each flight of the staircases and uses reinforced concrete because of its fire
resisting properties and low thermal conductivity.

4.3.2.3.3 Emergency Light & ‘Keluar’ sign
Emergency lighting is a battery-backed lighting device that switches on automatically
when building experiences a breakdown of the main lighting. As for exit signs are
illuminated fire safety signage indicating exit doorways and escape route. All exit signs
are mandatory life safety features in building codes and regulations.

Laws of Malaysia
Uniform Building By-laws 1984
STREET, DRAINAGE AND BUILDING ACT 1974 [ACT 133]
PART VII - FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Section 172- Emergency exit signs

(1) Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and
shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipment.

(5) Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen
watts each.

Figure 4.3.2.3.3 (a) Emergency Light at Level P3/UG (Setia City Mall, 2021)

Figure 4.3.2.3.3 (b) Emergency Light Figure 4.3.2.3.3 (c) Keluar Sign

Emergency Light and ‘keluar' signs can be seen at each of the fire doors in Setia City
Mall, as shown in figure 4.3.2.3.3 (a), figure 4.3.2.3.3 (b) and figure 4.3.2.3.3 (c). The
electricity will be cut down to prevent the leakage of electricity and explosion when a fire
occurs. Hence, emergency light which is controlled by batteries will consequently turn
on with a high level of enlightenment to show the occupants the ways out. Wordings on
any emergency lights ought to be legible from a distance of at least 30m under typical
lighting and emergency conditions.

In addition, the 'Keluar' sign will light up to show the path to the closest exits during the
cut down of power. Each 'Keluar' sign is designed as a pictogram of a man going
through a doos is utilized, with the 'KELUAR' word, and it is all in capital and in white to
make it clear from the radiant green background of the board.

4.3.2.3.4 Assembly Area
The assembly area is an area that includes an open space, simple access from the
structure, and is fit for holding the entirety of your construction's occupants securely.
During the evacuation, emergency routes and exits will lead the occupants to this
protected spot. It is an external area at least 50 feet from the structure, away from
streets and walkways utilized by emergency vehicles.

Figure 4.3.2.3.4 (a) Assembly Area Figure 4.3.2.3.4 (b) Signboard to assembly point

In Setia City Mall, every floor has signboards showing the route to the assembly area
along the escape route, as shown in figure 4.3.2.3.4 (b), which will lead the occupants
to an open space as shown in figure 4.3.2.3.4 (a).

4.4 Conclusion
In a nutshell, both systems play a key role in full fire protection. Both Active Fire
Protection System and Passive Fire Protection System perform various tasks that are
similarly as significant. Active Fire Protection takes immediate action to extinguish a fire
while Passive Fire Protection prevents fire from spreading or opposes the underlying
start. They cooperate together to alert building occupants when there is a fire breakout,
and securely contain the fire so that people may evacuate in time or potentially attempt
to suppress the fire.

From the case study, we can conclude that Setia City Mall has adequate fire protection
in accordance with the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) to ensure the sufficiency and
efficiency of the systems. Setia City Mall considers the safety of occupants as top
priority, which should be the case in every other building design. To make sure the
systems and components are able to function at all times, inspections need to be done
yearly by the official Fire & Rescue Department of Malaysia. With that, the license will
then be renewed when the rectifying issues have been verified by the officials.

5.0 Mechanical Transportation System
5.1 Introduction
Helping people to move around in buildings is the primary function of the transportation
structure in buildings. The Mechanical Transportation System is an energy-using service
that allows people to travel from floor to floor in multi-storey buildings. Common types of
mechanical transportation systems include:
● Lift
● Paternoster
● Escalator
● Travelator

5.2 Literature review
5.2.1 Elevator
An elevator is defined as a permanent lifting equipment serving two or more landing
levels, including a car for transportation of passengers and/or other loads, running at
least partially between rigid guide rails, either vertical or inclined to the vertical by less
than 15° (Janosky, 1999).

In the past, most elevators had to be controlled through a centralized machine room.
Today, there are elevators that have an inbuilt safety mechanism and therefore do not
require a machine room.

There are four main types of elevators:

5.2.1.1 Traction Elevator

Figure 5.2.1.1 Traction Elevator (The Platform Lift Company, 2021)

In a traction elevator, the cab is raised and lowered by traction steel ropes or belts on a
pulley system. A figure of a Traction Elevator is shown in figure 5.2.1.1. They can be
geared or gearless and both model types are driven by alternating current (AC) or direct
current (DC) electrical motors. (Hussey, 2020)

5.2.1.2 Hydraulic Elevator

Figure 5.2.1.2 Hydraulic Elevator (The Platform Lift Company, 2021)

A figure of a Hydraulic Elevator is shown in figure 5.2.1.2. A hydraulic elevator lifts a cab
by using a fluid-driven piston that is mounted inside of a cylinder. The necessary fluid
has traditionally been oil-based but can be replaced with vegetable oil to decrease the
environmental impact. (Hussey, 2020)
5.2.1.3 Machine-room-less (MRL) Elevator

Figure 5.2.1.3 Machine Room-less (MRL) Elevator (SML Elevator Sdn Bhd, 2021)

A figure of a Machine Room-less (MRL) Elevator is shown in figure 5.2.1.3. A Machine
Room-less (MRL) elevator does not have a separate room for housing the elevator’s
motor. The specially-designed motor is installed directly in the hoistway, either at the top
or bottom of the shaft. (Scherzer, 2020)

5.2.1.4 Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator

Figure 5.2.1.4 Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (Direct Lifts Australia, 2021)

A figure of a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator is shown in figure 5.2.1.4. The pneumatic
vacuum elevator represents a new concept evolved from the idea of pressed air applied
in the pneumatic elevator replaced by a vacuum air idea. The pneumatic vacuum
elevator is able to transport people between building floors without using any
cables, counterweight, or pulleys. (Mahel Mohamed, Abdul-Kareem Mohamed, Ali Naji,
2018)
5.2.2 Escalator
An escalator is a moving staircase conveyor transport device for carrying people
between floors of a building. An escalator functions on a pair of rotating chain loops that
pulls a series of stairs in a constant cycle, moving a lot of people a short distance at a
good speed. (P.Saravanan; K.Rajasuthan, 2014)
Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of
people is required. They occupy the same physical space as a staircase, generally have
no waiting time and allow a greater flow of people.
Escalators are often installed in pairs, with an up escalator and a down escalator
adjacent to each other, while a single escalator may be changed to go up or down
according to the direction of heavier traffic at different times of the day. (P. Saravanan;
K. Rajasuthan, 2014)
Escalators have four typical configuration options:
5.2.2.1 Single Escalator

Figure 5.2.2.1 Single Escalator (Shandong FUJIZY Elevator Co., Ltd., 2021)

Small covering area, flexible escalator arrangement. Only fulfills one-way intermittent
flow of passengers. Suitable for small-sized shopping spaces.
5.2.2.2 Scissored Escalator

Figure 5.2.2.2 Scissored Escalator (Shandong FUJIZY Elevator Co., Ltd., 2021)

Larger layout, takes up more space. Can fulfill one-way continuous flow of passengers,
mainly suitable for small and medium department stores.
5.2.2.3 Criss-Cross Escalator

Figure 5.2.2.3 Criss-Cross Escalator (Shandong FUJIZY Elevator Co., Ltd., 2021)

Minimizes structural space requirements by "stacking" escalators that go in one direction
and minimizes conveying time, is frequently used in department stores or shopping
centers.
5.2.2.4 Multiple Parallel Escalator

Figure 5.2.2.4 Multiple Parallel Escalator (Shandong FUJIZY Elevator Co., Ltd., 2021)

Two or more escalators together that travel in one direction next to one or two escalators
in the same bank that travel in the other direction. Fulfills two-way continuous flow of
large passenger flows. Fit for public traffic centers and large scale shopping centers.

5.2.3 Travelator
Moving ramps or sidewalks, also called travelators, are specialized forms of escalators
developed to carry people and materials horizontally or along slight inclines.
(P.Saravanan; K. Rajasuthan, 2014)

Travelators are installed in pairs to keep opposite flows of people moving their
designated direction. Travelator may be a pallet-type similar in appearance to escalator
steps that have metal or rubber grip surfaces, or a moving belt type, which have rubber
or mesh metal walking surfaces that move over metal rollers, and feel more flexible
underfoot.

5.3 Case Study

Figure 5.3 Mechanical transportation system in Setia City Mall

The mechanical transportation system in Setia City Mall is shown in figure 5.3, which
includes the location of elevators, escalators and travelators in the mall.

5.3.1 Elevators in Setia City Mall

Figure 5.3.1 (a) Elevators in New Wing Figure 5.3.1 (b) Elevators in Old Wing

The elevators in the new wing and old wing are shown in figure 5.3.1 (a) and figure 5.3.1
(b).

Laws of Malaysia
Uniform Building By-laws 1984
STREET, DRAINAGE AND BUILDING ACT 1974 [ACT 133]
PART VI- CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Section 124- Lifts

For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main
access level at least one lift shall be provided.

PART VII- FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Section 152- Openings in lift shafts

(1) Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into protected lobby
unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of
the local authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type
industrial and other special buildings as may be approved by the D.G.F.S.

(3) No glass shall be used for in landing doors except for vision in which case
any vision panel shall or be glazed with wired safety glass, and shall not be
more than 0.0161 square metre and the total area of one of more vision panels
in any landing door shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre.

5.3.1.1 Type of Elevator
Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevator
Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevators are traction elevators that do not have a machine
room above the elevator shaft. The machine is located in the override space and can be
accessed from the top of the elevator cabinet when maintenance or repair works are
required. A control unit that is adjacent to the elevator shaft on the highest landing and
within 150 feet of the machine houses the control boxes. This elevator requires less
space, is energy efficient, and efficiently satisfies the speed and travel requirements of
mid-rise buildings.

5.3.1.2 Building Management System

Figure 5.3.1.2 Control Room in Setia City Mall (Setia City Mall, 2021)

The building management system in Setia City Mall provides central monitoring and
control of all M&E services in the building. The control room will be notified immediately
if faults are detected in the elevator system.
5.3.1.3 Elevator Components
5.3.1.3.1 Car
An elevator car is the vehicle that travels between different elevator stops carrying
passengers and/or goods. It usually consists of a heavy steel frame surrounding a cage
of metal and wood panels.
5.3.1.3.1.1 Elevator Car Type
Standard elevator car/cabin can be classified according to the number of entrances and
their locations as follows:

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.1 Types of Elevator Car (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

● Normal Cabin
● Open Through Cabin
● Diagonal Cabin
In Setia City Mall, the most common elevator type is the Normal Cabin type. It is used
to transport the general public between floors.
5.3.1.3.1.2 Elevator Car Components
5.3.1.3.1.2.1 Car Sling

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.1 Components of a Car Sling (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The car sling is a load carrier element in the elevator car. The components of a Car
Sling are shown in figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.1. The car sling isolates vibrations caused by
running. They may come with a braking or without a braking system. The main
components of a car sling are the upper transom, lower transom and side frame.
5.3.1.3.1.2.2 The Elevator Cabinet

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.2 Components of an Elevator Cabinet (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Elevator cabinets are completely enclosed by walls, floors and ceiling, the only
permissible opening being are the car door, emergency trap door and ventilation
apertures. The components of an Elevator Cabinet are shown in figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.2
which include:

● Car Floor
● Car Ceiling
● Car Walls
● Front Panels
● Car Operating Panel COP
● Hand Rail
● False Ceiling
● Emergency Trap Door Assembly
● Balustrade
● Car Apron/Toe Guard

5.3.1.3.1.2.3 Car Door
5.3.1.3.1.2.3.1 Car Door Type and Operation

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.1 (a) Single Speed Center Opening Elevator Car Door

Single Speed Center Opening Elevator Car Doors consists of two power operated
panels that part simultaneously with a brisk, noiseless motion, as shown in figure
5.3.1.3.1.2.3.1 (a). Compared to side opening car doors, it permits faster passenger
loading.

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.1 (b) Elevator Car Door Operator (Elevator Schmelevator, 2016)

The elevator doors are normally operated by a motor-driven device mounted on top
of the elevator car, as shown in 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.1 (b). When the elevator car is leveled
with a floor landing, the power unit opens or closes the car door. A pick-up arm contacts
rollers on the hoistway door which releases the door latch. The power unit opens the car
door which in turn opens the hoistway door. The door rollers and pick-up arm may be
different in various elevators but they all work on the same principle.
5.3.1.3.1.2.3.2 Guide Shoes
Guide shoes are devices used mainly to guide the car and counterweight along the path
of the guide rails. They assure that the lateral motion of the car and counterweight is
kept at a minimum as they travel along the guide rails.
There are two types of guide shoes which are roller guides and sliding guides as shown
in figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.2 (a) and figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.2 (b).

Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.2 (a) Roller Guides Figure 5.3.1.3.1.2.3.2 (b) Sliding Guides
(BSB elevator, 2021) (Focus Technology Co., Ltd., 2021)

5.3.1.3.1.2.3.3 Door Protective Device
These devices detect obstructions to the normal closing of the elevator doors and either
causes the doors to change the door motion by stopping it, or reverses it so that it
reopens or goes into some other mode of operation, such as nudging. The devices
include:

● Safe edge
● Safety astragal
● Photoelectric device
● Electrostatic field device

5.3.1.3.2 Hoistway

Figure 5.3.1.3.2 Hoistway of an Elevator (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Hoistway, sometimes called hatchway or hatch, is the shaft where the elevator car is
located, as shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2. It is enclosed by fireproof walls and elevator doors
for the travel of elevators, dumbwaiters or material lifts. It includes the pit and terminates
at the underside of the overhead machinery space floor or grating or at the underside of
the roof where the hoistway does not penetrate the roof.

5.3.1.3.2.1 Hoistway Components

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1 Components of a Hoistway (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The components of a hoistway are shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1 and elaborated below.
5.3.1.3.2.1.1 Guide Rails

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.1 Guide Rails (AFD Industries Inc., 2021)

Guide Rails are steel tracks in the form of a “T” that run the length of the hoistway,
round, or formed sections with guiding surfaces to guide and direct the course of travel
of an elevator car and elevator counterweights. Guide rails are usually mounted to the
sides of the hoistway. A figure of Guide Rails is shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.1.
5.3.1.3.2.1.2 Counterweight

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.2 (a) Counterweight (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

A counterweight is a tracked weight that is suspended from cables and moves within its
own set of guide rails along the hoistway walls. A figure of the Counterweight is shown
in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.2 (a). A counterweight balances the mass of the complete car and a
portion of rated load. It also reduces the necessary consumed power for moving the
elevator.

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.2 (b) Components of a Counterweight (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The counterweight is composed of a steel frame that can be filled with cast iron fillers
above one another to get the required. The components of a Counterweight is shown in
figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.2 (b) and it is usually composed of the following parts:

● Top Part Assembly
● Bottom Part Assembly
● Vertical Profile
● Filler Weights
● Guide Shoes
5.3.1.3.2.1.3 Suspension Ropes (Hoisting Cables)

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.3 Suspension Ropes (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The suspension ropes are made out of steel wire ropes which act as suspensions
meant for elevator cars and counterweight. They are attached to the crosshead and
extend up into the machine room looping over the sheave on the motor and then down

to the counterweights as shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.3. There are generally 3 to 6
hoisting cables that are usually 1/2”or 5/8” in diameter.
5.3.1.3.2.1.4 Hoistway Doors

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.4 Hoistway doors can be seen from each floor of the building

The hoistway door is a part of each landing and can be seen from each floor of a
building. In Setia City Mall, this is also the case, as shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.4. These
doors are usually opened or closed by electric motors, but during emergencies it can be
forced open manually.
The difference between the elevator car doors and the hoistway doors is that the
elevator car door travels through the hoistway with the car but the hoistway doors are
fixed doors in each landing floor.
5.3.1.3.2.1.4.1 Hoistway Door Type
Automatic Door
The center opening automatic doors consist of two power operated panels that part
simultaneously with a brisk, noiseless motion. The hoistway door locking mechanism
mechanically locks each hoistway door. They are also interconnected electrically to
prevent operation of the elevator if any of the hoistway doors are open.
5.3.1.3.2.1.5 Buffers
A Buffer is designed to stop a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit
and to soften the force when an elevator runs into the pit during an emergency. They
may be of polyurethane or oil type in respect of the rated speed.

.

Figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.5 Oil Buffers

Oil Buffers are used in Setia City Mall, as shown in figure 5.3.1.3.2.1.5. It cushions a
descending car or counterweight by using a combination of oil and springs. The oil
buffers are located in the elevator pit. Routine cleaning and painting is needed to assure
maintenance of proper performance specifications of the buffers. The oil in the oil
buffers also has to be checked from time-to-time.
5.3.1.3.3 Control Unit

Figure 5.3.1.3.3 Control Unit adjacent to the elevator shaft on the highest landing (IGV Group, 2021)

The control unit is installed on the top floor next to the landing doors, as shown in figure
5.3.1.3.3, giving control to the hoisting motor which is installed on the hoistway side
wall. This controller is situated behind a locked cabinet which has to be unlocked using
a key for maintenance, repair or emergency purposes.
This is where the signals of each floor’s controls go and are translated through the
system to give orders to the motor. There is a software installed in a computer that
monitors the travel patterns, along with specific instructions that have been programmed
into the control unit with the resting locations and signal priorities.
5.3.2 Escalators in Setia City Mall

Figure 5.3.2 An escalator in Setia City Mall

An escalator in Setia City Mall is shown in figure 5.3.2.

5.3.2.1 Type of Escalator
Step Type Escalator
The step type escalator is the most common type of escalator today. The escalator’s
metal grooved steps are linked together and driven by a motor-driven chain on tracks.
The escalator steps are mounted on hinged circles, and the track is beside the steps.
This type of escalator is safer than most other forms of escalators.
5.3.2.2 Escalator Arrangement
5.3.2.2.1 Parallel Escalators

Figure 5.3.2.2.1 Parallel Escalators in Setia City Mall

Escalators go in opposite directions, placed side by side to each other.
● Maximum flow- Passenger flow within the building is maximized
● Passenger comfort- More space for people in comparison to single escalator
arrangement
● Promotional purposes- Both sides of the escalator can be used for
promotional purposes

5.3.2.2.2 Multiple Parallel Escalators

Figure 5.3.2.2.2 Multiple Parallel Escalators in Setia City Mall

Two escalators travel in one direction placed next to two escalators in the same bank
that travel in the opposite direction.

● Swift movement- allows fast movement of people over two or more floor
levels, particularly suitable for public service buildings, office buildings or large
department stores.

● Cost effective and efficient- Cheap and serves its purpose of transporting
people.

● Attractive features- acts as a visual node in the center of retail stores.

5.3.2.3 Operating System
An escalator is made up of a set of interlocking steps, powered by an electric motor.
A pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears rotate to move the steps along while a
larger metal structure called a truss encases the entire mechanism to connect the
floors. The steps then move about like a conveyor belt, entering into a special guide
system at the top and bottom of the truss to create a level platform for passengers to
board or exit.

5.3.2.4 Escalator Components
5.3.2.4.1 Landing Platform

Figure 5.3.2.4.1 Details of a Landing Platform (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The details of a landing platform are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.1. The curved sections of
the tracks are housed in the landing platforms, as well as the gears and motors of the
steps. The motor assembly and the main drive gear is located at the top platform,
while the step return idler sprockets are at the bottom. These sections also anchor
the ends of the escalator truss.

The platforms also contain a floor plate and a comb plate. The floor plate is the place
where passengers stand before they step onto the moving stairs. This plate is flushed
with the finished floor and is either hinged or removable to allow easy access to the
machinery below. The comb plate is an entrance and exit for the passengers to the
steps. It provides mounting for the comb segments and comb plate switch actuator. On
its edge is a series of cleats, which mesh with matching cleats on the edges of the

moving steps. This design minimizes the gap between the stairs and the landing, which
helps prevent objects from getting caught in the gap.

Access covers are used as an access to the pit area for inspection, maintenance, and
repairs. The lower landing access cover plates provide access to the reversing station
and step removal. The upper access cover plates may provide access to the driving
machine, bull gear, and sometimes the controller.

5.3.2.4.2 Truss

Figure 5.3.2.4.2 (a) Truss Sections Figure 5.3.2.4.2 (b) Truss Details
(Electrical Knowhow, 2013) (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The escalator truss is the structural frame of the escalator and consists of the lower
section, inclined section and upper section. The truss sections are shown in figure
5.3.2.4.2 (a).

It is a hollow metal structure that bridges the lower and upper landings. It is composed
of two side sections joined together with cross braces across the bottom and just below
the top. The ends of the truss are attached to the top and bottom landing platforms via
steel or concrete supports. The truss carries all the straight track sections connecting
the upper and lower sections. The truss details are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.2 (b).

The entire load of the escalator equipment and the steel covering is carried by the
structural truss members, which is rigid enough to maintain close operating tolerances
but will allow for building shift and vibration as it has a built-in system of shift-plates and
teflon pads.

5.3.2.4.3 Track System

Figure 5.3.2.4.3 Details of an Escalator Track System (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The details of an Escalator Track System are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.3. The track
system is built into the truss to guide the step wheels and step chain, which

continuously pulls the steps from the bottom platform and back to the top in an endless
loop. There are two tracks:

● The step wheel track- for the front wheels
● The trailer-wheel track- for the back wheels

The relative positions of these tracks form a staircase with the steps for the passengers
to step on. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the two tracks converge and makes
the steps lay in a flat sheet-like arrangement to travel around the bend in the curved
section of track. Then, the tracks carry the steps down along the underside of the truss
until they reach the bottom landing, where they pass through another curved section of
track before exiting the bottom landing. After the steps exit the bottom landing, the
tracks separate and the steps once again form a staircase configuration. The cycle is
repeated continually.

5.3.2.4.3.1 Track Assembly

Figure 5.3.2.4.3.1 Components of a track assembly (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The components of a Track Assembly are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.3.1 and elaborated
below. Three major assemblies of the tracks are:

● Upper.
● Incline.
● Lower.

The track assembly is bolted but not welded on the truss for easy removal of the tracks.

5.3.2.4.4 Steps
The steps are solid, one piece, made out of die-cast aluminum or steel. The steps are
linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop. The front and back edges
of the steps are each connected to two wheels. The position of the tracks controls the
orientation of the steps. The rear wheels are set further apart to fit into the backtrack
and the front wheels have shorter axles to fit into the narrower front track.
The components of a Step are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.4.

Figure 5.3.2.4.4 Components of an Escalator Step (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

● The Step Plate (Tread): an aluminum plate with longitudinal cleats or
grooves that run through the combs and provide secure footing.

● The Step Riser: the vertical cleat casted into the front of a step, designed to
pass between the cleats of adjacent steps, creating a combing action with
minimum clearance for safety.

● The Demarcations: visually locate the step separation and visual contrast
between the steps and the combs. It is usually yellow strips or indicated in
bold color around the step tread, but mostly located at the front and rear ends
of the tread.

● The Frame/Yoke: supports the riser, step tread and step wheels.
● Trail Wheels: guide the step and support its load on the track and prevent it

from being out of plane.
● Step Hook: activates the step up thrust safety device when the steps are not

on their plane of travel at the top and bottom inclines.
5.3.2.4.5 Handrail

Figure 5.3.2.4.5 (a) Components of a Handrail (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Passengers hold on to the handrail for safety on the escalator. In an escalator, the
handrail is pulled along its track by a chain that is connected to the main drive gear by a
series of pulleys. The components of a Handrail are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.5 (a).

Figure 5.3.2.4.5 (b) Handrail Section (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The details of a Handrail Section are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.5 (b). The handrail is
constructed of four sections:

● Cotton Slider: allows the handrail to move smoothly along its track.
● Steel cable or flat steel tape: acts as a tension member, providing the

handrail with tensile strength and flexibility.
● Body Piles: a part of the inner construction components, it is located on top

of the tension members. It is made of chemically treated rubber which
prevents the layers from separating.
● Coverstock: a blend of synthetic polymers and rubber, it resists degradation
from environmental conditions, mechanical wear and tear, and human
vandalism.
5.3.2.4.6 Balustrades

Figure 5.3.2.4.6 Components of Balustrades (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

The components of Balustrades are shown in figure 5.3.2.4.6. The balustrades consist
of the handrail and the exterior supporting structure of the escalator which supports the
handrail. It is either designed as Interior Low-deck or Interior High-deck. Interior
Low-deck has interior or side panels that are usually glass panels that support the
handrail base. Interior High-deck is the side panel and is usually aluminum or steel
alloy sheets, also called solid panels.

The balustrade also refers to the individual interior panels, skirt panels, and deck covers
of the escalator. Each interior balustrade panel section is individually removable to allow
easy access to the escalator interior for cleaning, maintenance, and component
replacement.

Located at the balustrade is the Newel which is the balustrade termination at the upper
and the lower landing of the escalator houses switches; emergency stop, on/off,
up/down or directional indicator lighting. These switches can be accessed conveniently
from the floor levels.

The Emergency Stop Button is the most important feature at each Newel. The buttons
are located so that anyone can stop the escalator in case there is an emergency. An
audible alarm will be sounded when the lift cover in the switches are lifted when the
button is pushed. Power to the electrical drive motor will be shut off and the escalator
brake is applied when the button is pushed.

5.3.3 Travelators in Setia City Mall

Figure 5.3.3 Travelators in Setia City Mall

Travelators are a conveyor transport mechanism that slowly and safely moves people
along relatively short distances, either along level ground or inclined distance, such as
between two floors of a building.

Similar to using escalators, people stand on the travelator as its conveyor walkway rolls
along. Travelators are typically installed in pairs to keep opposite flows of people all
moving their designated direction.

The travelators in Setia City Mall are the Moving Belt Type, which have mesh metal
walking surfaces that move over metal rollers. They are more flexible underfoot
compared to step-type escalators. The travelators are located near the parking bay as a
convenient feature for shoppers or sellers who have to push the trolleys containing
heavy goods, as shown in figure 5.3.3. The trolleys have wheels that secure
themselves within ramp-grooves of the inclined travelators.

The components of a travelator are the same with that of an escalator.

5.4 Conclusion
Setia City Mall uses the newest technology, the MRL elevator. It is more energy-efficient
and space saving compared to a conventional elevator. The escalator and the travelator
benefits the passengers by saving time for travelling between different floor levels.
Designs were made for the mechanical transportation to operate more safely, and laws
were also enforced to achieve a safe and secure environment in the building. Through
this thorough research on the mechanical transportation systems of Setia City Mall, it
can be concluded that the construction and design of the mechanical transportation
system has achieved the UBBL requirements.

6.0 Conclusion

These service systems found in Setia City Mall have been well planned and maintained
diligently, even when the mall is undergoing an extension in its new wing as of now.
These service systems fulfill the requirements to fully support the mall and are complied
to the UBBL regulations as well as the approval of those involved in the approval
process.

Setia City Mall has proven itself to be a sustainable building that provides a safe and
secure environment for people to be in. Thermal comfort in the mall is well-maintained
with the mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems, the fire-safety systems are
constantly paid attention to in case there is a fire outbreak, and the mechanical
transportation systems effectively transport customers from floor-to-floor under safe
circumstances. There is always room for improvement, but Setia CIty Mall is already a
mall that serves its purpose and it is one of the few buildings we can refer to as a good
precedent regarding its integrated building systems.

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