BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 46 Location Location is important because escalators should be situated where they can be easily seen by the general public. In department stores, customers should be able to view the merchandise easily. Furthermore, up and down escalator traffic should be physically separated and should not lead into confined spaces. Traffic patterns Traffic patterns must also be anticipated in escalator design. In some buildings, the objective is simply to move people from one floor to another, but in others there may be a more specific requirement, such as funnelling visitors towards a main exit or exhibit. The number of passengers is important because escalators are designed to carry a certain maximum number of people. For example, a single-width escalator travelling at about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) per second can move an estimated 170 persons per fiveminute period. The carrying capacity of an escalator system must match the expected peak traffic demand, presuming that passengers ride single file. This is crucial for applications in which there are sudden increases in the number of riders. For example, escalators at stations must be designed to cater for the peak traffic flow discharged from a train, without causing excessive bunching at the escalator entrance.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 47 In this regard, escalators help in controlling traffic flow of people. For example, an escalator to an exit effectively discourages most people from using it as an entrance, and may reduce security concerns. Similarly, escalators often are used as the exit of airport security checkpoints. Such an egress point would generally be staffed to prevent its use as an entrance, as well. It is preferred that staircases be located adjacent to the escalator if the escalator is the primary means of transport between floors. It may also be necessary to provide an elevator lift adjacent to an escalator for wheelchairs and disabled persons. Safety Safety is also major concern in escalator design. Fire protection of an escalator floor- opening may be provided by adding automatic sprinklers or fireproof shutters to the opening, or by installing the escalator in an enclosed fire-protected hall. To limit the danger of overheating, adequate ventilation for the spaces that contain the motors and gears must be provided. It is preferred that a traditional staircase be located adjacent to the escalator if the escalator is the primary means of transport between floors. It may also be necessary to provide an elevator lift adjacent to an escalator for wheelchairs and disabled persons.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Aesthetic Consideration should be given to the aesthetics of the escalator. The architects and designers can choose from a wide range of styles and colours for the handrails and balustrades. Carrying capacity The carrying capacity of an escalator system must match the expected peak traffic demand, presuming that passengers ride single escalator. This is crucial for applications in which there are sudden increases in the number of riders. Components of escalator 48 Youtube Link: bit.ly/3z2wFit
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 49 a) Top and Bottom Landing Platforms The escalator system comprises two platforms housing curved track sections, gears, and motors. The top platform contains the motor assembly and the main drive gear, while the bottom platform holds the step return idler sprockets. These platforms also serve as anchors for the escalator truss. Additionally, they feature a floor plate and a comb plate. The floor plate provides a standing area for passengers before they step onto the moving stairs, typically flush with the finished floor and designed for easy access to machinery below. The comb plate, positioned between the stationary floor plate and the moving steps, features cleats resembling a comb's teeth. These cleats mesh with corresponding ones on the steps, minimizing the gap between the stairs and the landing to prevent objects from getting caught.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 50 b) The Truss/supporting beams The truss or supporting beam 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. c) The tracks The track system is built into the truss to guide the steps. There are actually two tracks: one for the front wheels of the steps and one for the back wheels of the steps.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 51 The relative positions of these tracks cause the steps to form a staircase as they move out from under the comb plate. On the inclined portion of the escalators, the step track is positioned to create a staircase configuration at the steps. Then, as the steps transition at the top and bottom of the escalator, the two tracks separate to allow the steps to "flatten out" at the floor plate. d) Steps The manufacturers of the steps are in three widths: 24-in, 32-in and 40-in wide. The depth of any step tread in the direction of travel shall not be less than 400mm (15.75in) and the rise between treads shall not be more than 220mm (8.5in). Most steps today are fabricated from cast aluminum, which is stronger and lighter than older escalator step construction.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 52 e)Handrail The handrail provides a convenient handhold for passengers while they are riding the escalator. Handrails should be provided on both sides of the stairs. 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. It is designed with fabricrubber railings. f) Safety device Fire protection of an escalator floor opening may be provided by adding automatic sprinklers or fireproof shutters to the opening, or by installing the escalator in an enclosed fire-protected hall. To limit the danger of overheating, ventilation for the spaces that contain the motors and gears must be provided.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM g) Rise Standard rise of the escalator is up to about 60 feet (18m) with angle of inclination to the horizontal floor level is 30 degrees. Typical escalator step rise is 8½ in (maximum). h) Rope system The rope system of the escalator is consists of electric motor, driver gear, return wheel, chain guide and inner rail. 53
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 54 j) Headroom Headroom of the escalator is measure from the level of floor or platform to the ceiling. If the headroom on the underside of the escalators is less than 2200mm, this area must be guarded to avoid hazard. The provision such as railings or solid wall is some means of meeting this requirement. i) Escalator pit The escalator pit is required at the back of the escalator. The depth and length of the pit is depending upon the rise of the escalator and width of the steps.
Chapter 7 Conveyor Travellator Spiral Lift Dumbwaiter Stair Lift Gondola/Standing Glider Other Building Transportation Paternoster Lift
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 56 CONVEYOR Conveyors are mechanical devices used to transport materials, products, and goods efficiently from one location to another within a facility or between different points in a process. They are widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, mining, packaging, and distribution, due to their ability to handle large volumes of items quickly and reliably. Conveyors help streamline operations, reduce manual labor, and improve productivity. Youtube Link: bit.ly/3KJ8DM4
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 57 Advantages & Disadvantages Advantages Inclination of allow materials (big and small) to be moved from one elevation to another easily. Unlimited opportunities to continuously load and unload items over a long period of time. To transport materials across levels with almost no limitation of heights. Can move in both directions. Allow careful control of the speed which materials are moving. It can load the materials automatically and eliminating manual unloading. No time is wasted in monitoring the material unloads. Disadvantages Hard to have a maintenance. A separate arrangement for material handling is required. Hot material cannot be transported by the conveyor. Vertical transport cannot be done by the conveyor like the materials cannot be carried to the high rise building.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 58 Types of conveyor Live Roller Conveyor Used for transport of totes and cartons on a horizantal plane in straight lines. Often used to convey heavier products. Consists of series of rollers linked together to sprocket that is attached to a motor powers the rollers. Youtube Link: bit.ly/3KIHgSE
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 59 Belt Conveyor Used to transport items through changes in elevations and around curves. Highly cost effective conveyor that can handle item even it is too small and maintains product orientation through curves. Consists of a belt made of fabric, rubber, plastic or leather which is supported by frames. Youtube Link: bit.ly/3VDdGnK
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 60 EXTENDABLE CONVEYOR Generally used in shipping and receiving for the unloading and loading of truck trailer. The unit in this conveyor is motorised enabling items to move properly and keep its position. Youtube Link: bit.ly/3KHN9iP
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 61 Benefits Efficiency: Reduces the time and labor required for loading and unloading, enhancing productivity. Ergonomics: Reduces the need for workers to carry heavy loads over long distances, minimizing the risk of injuries. Versatility: Suitable for various industries including warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution centers. Cost-Effectiveness: By improving loading and unloading times, it can lead to significant cost savings over time. Applications: Loading Docks: Efficiently moves goods in and out of trucks and trailers. Warehouses: Facilitates the movement of products within the facility. Retail Distribution: Enhances the distribution process by speeding up the transfer of goods. Overall, extendable conveyors are valuable tools for any operation that requires the frequent and flexible movement of materials, providing both practical and economic advantages.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 62 TRAVELLATOR Efficiency: Reduces the time and labor required for loading and unloading, enhancing productivity. Ergonomics: Reduces the need for workers to carry heavy loads over long distances, minimizing the risk of injuries. Versatility: Suitable for various industries including warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution centers. Cost-Effectiveness: By improving loading and unloading times, it can lead to significant cost savings over time. Applications: Loading Docks: Efficiently moves goods in and out of trucks and trailers. Warehouses: Facilitates the movement of products within the facility. Retail Distribution: Enhances the distribution process by speeding up the transfer of goods. Overall, extendable conveyors are valuable tools for any operation that requires the frequent and flexible movement of materials, providing both practical and economic advantages.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Travellator is also known as a moving walk. A travellator or moving walk is defined as a moving device on which passengers stand or walk on it. Its passenger-carrying surface remains parallel to its direction of motion and is un-interrupted. Travellator / moving walk may be installed at an incline between two floors. The same fire prevention features described for escalator apply to moving walk. Qualified travellator inspectors / expertise are necessary to perform inspections. 63 The basic operation of travellator Type of Travellator Pallet type A continuous series of flat metal plates join together to form a walkway. Effectively identical to escalators in their construction. Most have a metal surface, though some models have a rubber surface for extra traction.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 64 Moving belt These are generally built with mesh metal belts or rubber walking surfaces over , metal rollers. The walking surface may have a solid feel or a “bouncy” feel. Location of moving travellator Airport Museum Zoo Theme park Public transport Urban areas Skiing Supermarkets
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 65 Elevators that used to transport goods. Goods transported by moving round/ spiral from top to bottom or bottom to top. This lift is usually used at low height buildings. Usually installed at factories, restaurant and shopping complex. Less noise and power consumption of electrical energy low. SPIRAL-LIFT The spiral lift requires relative low-power electric motor drives thanks to its very high mechanical efficiency. Spiral lift unit can be configured easily in modular designs to suit any platform geometry and building architecture. Multiple units can be linked to the same drive train and fully synchronized. Entry/Exit Orientation-Clockwise (Right-hand) Counter-Clockwise (Left-hand).
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 66 MAIN FEATURES Space Efficiency: Compact Design: The spiral configuration allows for a vertical lift in a limited floor space, making it ideal for facilities with space constraints. High Throughput: Capable of handling high volumes of products within a small footprint. Continuous Flow: Seamless Transport: Provides continuous and smooth transport of goods, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency. Constant Speed: Typically operates at a consistent speed to ensure a steady flow of products. SPIRAL-LIFT APPLICATION Airport baggage handing Medical devices Food processing facilities Beverages Printing plant/newspaper
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 67 Load Handling: Varied Load Capacities: Can be designed to handle light to heavy loads, depending on the application requirements. Stable Conveyance: Designed to maintain product stability and integrity during vertical transport. Energy Efficiency: Low Power Consumption: Efficient motor designs reduce energy usage, contributing to lower operating costs. Regenerative Drives: Some models feature regenerative drives that recover and reuse energy, enhancing efficiency. Versatility: Multiple Applications: Suitable for a variety of products including cartons, bottles, totes, and individual items. Flexible Configurations: Can be customized to handle different sizes and types of products, and can be integrated into existing conveyor systems. Construction and Materials: Robust Build: Made from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or coated steel to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. Hygienic Design: Often designed with easy-to-clean surfaces, making them suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 68 Ease of Maintenance: Accessible Components: Designed for easy access to components for routine maintenance and repairs. Minimal Downtime: Built to minimize downtime, with durable components that require less frequent maintenance. Smooth Transition: Gentle Handling: Ensures smooth and gentle handling of products to prevent damage, especially important for delicate items. Safety Features: Safety Guards and Covers: Equipped with protective guards and covers to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety. Emergency Stop Mechanisms: Includes emergency stop buttons for immediate halt in case of an emergency. Customizability: Variable Heights: Can be designed to reach different vertical heights as needed. Entry and Exit Points: Multiple infeed and outfeed points can be configured to fit specific layout requirements.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 69 DUMBWAITER A dumbwaiter is a small freight elevator or lift designed primarily for transporting objects rather than people. They are commonly found in settings such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and private homes, serving as a practical solution for moving items like food, laundry, books, and dishes between different floors. Youtube Link: bit.ly/3XjLJCA
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TYPE OF DUMBWAITER Manual Dumbwaiter: Pulley System: Operated manually by pulling ropes or chains, suitable for light loads and occasional use in homes or small businesses. Counterweight System: Features a counterweight to balance the load, making it easier to operate manually. Electric Dumbwaiter: Cable-Driven: Uses cables and an electric motor to move the car, commonly used in restaurants, hotels, and hospitals for transporting food, laundry, or supplies. Chain-Driven: Utilizes chains for movement, offering durability and suitability for heavier loads. Belt-Driven: Employs belts for operation, providing quieter and smoother performance, often used in environments where noise reduction is essential. 70
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Hydraulic Dumbwaiter: Powered by a hydraulic system, capable of handling heavier loads and offering smooth and reliable operation, typically used in industrial settings. Traction Dumbwaiter: Uses a system of ropes, sheaves (pulleys), and a counterweight, similar to traction elevators, efficient for taller buildings and capable of handling varying loads. TYPE OF DUMBWAITER 71
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 72 TYPE OF DUMBWAITER DOOR SLIDE-UP DOOR BI-PARTING DOOR SWING DOOR COLLAPSIBLE GATES
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 73 STAIR LIFT A stair lift is a mechanical device designed to help people with mobility issues ascend and descend stairs. Here are the key components and features of a stair lift: Rail: A track or rail is mounted along the side of the staircase. The rail can be straight or curved, depending on the shape of the stairs. Chair or Platform: The lift typically includes a seat or platform that the user sits or stands on. For wheelchair users, there are platform stair lifts that can accommodate a wheelchair. Motor: An electric motor powers the stair lift, allowing it to move up and down the rail. The motor can be battery-powered or connected to the home's electrical system. Controls: The stair lift has controls, usually located on the armrest of the chair or on a remote control, allowing the user to operate the lift easily. There are also call/send buttons at the top and bottom of the stairs. Safety Features: Stair lifts come with various safety features, including:
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 74 Seat Belt: To secure the user while in motion. Swivel Seat: The seat can swivel at the top and bottom of the stairs to allow for safe and easy dismounting. Footrest Sensors: To stop the lift if an obstacle is detected on the stairs. Emergency Stop: A button to halt the lift immediately in case of an emergency. Types of Stair Lifts: Straight Stair Lifts: Designed for staircases that go straight up without any curves or landings. Curved Stair Lifts: Custom-built to fit staircases with curves, turns, or intermediate landings. Outdoor Stair Lifts: Made with weather-resistant materials for use on outdoor staircases. Standing Stair Lifts: Designed for users who have difficulty bending their knees and prefer to stand while using the lift. Stair lifts are a practical solution for enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities or those who find it challenging to navigate stairs due to age or health conditions. They allow users to safely and comfortably access different levels of their homes without needing to remodel or move to a single-story residence.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 75 Youtube Link: bit.ly/45lSXbk
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 76 GONDOLA/STANDING GLIDER A gondola lift, as opposed to a cable car, is a means of cable transport and type of aerial lift which is supported and propelled by cables from above. It consists of a loop of steel cable that is strung between two stations, sometimes over intermediate supporting towers. The cable is driven by a bullwheel in a terminal, which is typically connected to an engine or electric motor. They are often considered continuous systems since they feature a haul rope which continuously moves and circulates around two terminal stations.Depending on the combination of cables used for support and/or haulage and the type of grip (detachable grip vs. fixed grip), the capacity, cost, and functionality of a gondola lift will differ dramatically.
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 77 Youtube Link: bit.ly/3Vouuxf
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 78 A Paternoster lift is a type of passenger elevator which consists of a chain of open compartments that move slowly in a loop up and down inside a building without stopping. It allows passengers to step on or off at any floor they wish. Here's a detailed description of its features and operation: Continuous Movement: Unlike conventional elevators that stop at each floor, a Paternoster lift moves continuously in a loop. It moves at a slow speed, allowing passengers to step on and off safely. Open Compartments: The compartments in a Paternoster lift are open and do not have doors. This design facilitates the easy entry and exit of passengers as the lift moves. Up and Down Movement: The lift operates in a continuous loop, with one side of the compartments moving upwards and the other side moving downwards. Passengers can get on from any floor and travel either up or down. No Stops: Since the lift doesn't stop at each floor, passengers need to be attentive and step on or off the moving compartments quickly and carefully. PATERNOSTER LIFT
BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 79 Safety Considerations: Due to its continuous movement and open design, the Paternoster lift poses more safety risks compared to conventional elevators. Many countries have stopped installing new Paternoster lifts due to safety concerns, although some older installations are still in use. Historical Use: Paternoster lifts were popular in Europe during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in office buildings, universities, and government buildings. Their name comes from the resemblance of the continuous chain of compartments to rosary beads used in the Pater Noster (Our Father) prayer. Modern Regulations: Modern safety standards and regulations have limited the use of Paternoster lifts. Existing installations are often retrofitted with safety features or are decommissioned. Youtube Link: bit.ly/4eeWE6J
References Barney, C., G. (2021). Elevator traffic handbook theory and practice. Taylor & Francis Limited Publisher. Chartered Institution Of Building Services Engineers, (2020).Transportation systems in buildings. Chartered Institution Of Building Services Engineers. Strakosch, R., George. (2010). The vertical transportation handbook. John Wiley And Sons. Chartered Institution Of Building Services Engineers, . (2000). Guides to ownership, operation and maintenance of building services. UK: CIBSE. Chartered Institution Of Building Services Engineers. (2010). Transportation systems in buildings. CIBSE Guide D. International Law Book Services,.(1999). Factories & machinery act 1967 (act 139) & regulation rules. Ilbs. BUILDING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 80
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