Research100 - Btech 3 - Francisco - Lao
Research100 - Btech 3 - Francisco - Lao
Research100 - Btech 3 - Francisco - Lao
RESEARCH 100:
ELEVATOR CONCRETE CORE
Mr. Duane Velasco | Cassius Klai Francisco & Khazumi Lao | BTECH 3 AR163-1P
Elevators have an interesting history that spans over two centuries. It all started in the
1800s, when elevators were considered a novelty rather than a practical form of transportation.
The original elevators were primarily employed in factories and mines to carry raw materials such
as coal and lumber. These early elevators were powered by steam engines or hydraulics and
were manually operated with ropes and pulleys (Melbourne Elevators, n.d.). As industry
advanced and buildings reached greater heights, the desire for more efficient and dependable
vertical transportation increased. The invention of the passenger elevator in the mid-nineteenth
century was a watershed moment in elevator history. With this innovation, elevators transitioned
from being purely functional to becoming a vital part of urban infrastructure (House of Elevators,
2023).
Elisha Otis, who devised the safety brake in 1852, was a pioneer in elevator technology.
This ground-breaking design insured that elevators would not fall free in the case of a cable
failure, making them far safer for passengers. The invention of Otis' safety brake paved the way
for the fast spread of elevator installations in structures such as hotels, department stores, and
Elevators continued to evolve in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to suit
the rising demands of taller buildings. Elevator technology was transformed with the advent of
electric motors and steel cables, allowing for faster and smoother vertical transit. These
developments enabled architects and engineers to create larger and more ambitious structures,
thereby changing the skylines of cities worldwide (Control Techniques, 2019). In the mid-20th
century, elevators further improved with the advent of automatic controls. Automatic leveling
systems ensured that elevators stopped precisely at each floor, eliminating the need for manual
operation. This innovation significantly improved passenger convenience and efficiency (Prisco,
2019).
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In recent years, elevators have undergone further technological advancements.
Intelligent elevator systems have been developed, incorporating features such as destination
waiting times and energy consumption. Another notable development in elevator technology is
the integration of internet connectivity. This allows elevators to communicate in real-time with
building managers, providing instant notifications about any operational issues or maintenance
requirements. Remote monitoring and diagnostics have made elevator maintenance more
concern for sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of buildings. Regenerative
drives, LED lighting, and energy-efficient components have all contributed to making elevators
Explore key elevator parts, mechanisms, and inclusive design for accessibility.
In order to understand how the elevator works; the parts are very important, and their
1. Car
2. Hoistway
3. Machine/drive system
4. Control system
5. Safety system
II. The hoistway, often referred to as the "hatchway" or "hatch," serves as the designated space
enclosed by fireproof walls and elevator doors, allowing for the vertical movement of one or more
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elevators, dumbwaiters, or material lifts within a building. This essential structural element
encompasses various components, including the pit at its lowest point, which houses the elevator
mechanisms, and it extends upwards until it reaches the underside of the overhead machinery
space floor or grating. In cases where the hoistway does not penetrate the roof, it terminates at
the underside of the building's roof structure. Take note that the hoistway is a fundamental aspect
of elevator systems, providing a secure and controlled pathway for vertical transportation within
Hoistway
Hoistway components
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III. Guide rails, essential components within elevator systems, consist of steel tracks shaped like
a "T" that spans the entire length of the hoistway. These guide rails can take the form of round or
specially formed sections, featuring guiding surfaces meticulously designed to direct and control
the movement of both the elevator car and its counterweights. Typically, these guide rails are
securely mounted to the sides of the hoistway, ensuring precise and safe vertical transportation
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Guide rails bracket clips
There are also some special brackets used only in special cases such as:
The combined bracket serves a specific purpose within elevator installations, being
employed when the positioning of lift equipment, such as the elevator car and counterweight,
becomes exceptionally close to each other and perpendicular at a specific juncture. In such
situations, this specialized bracket configuration is utilized to ensure proper alignment and
spacing, enabling the elevator system to function effectively and safely despite challenging
situations where the traditional setup may not suffice due to the unique arrangement of the
components.
Combined bracket
A combination bracket plays a crucial role in elevator installations by allowing for the
simultaneous mounting of both counterweight rails along with one rail of the elevator car. This
configuration is especially useful when space or structural constraints necessitate a compact and
manner, the combination bracket contributes to the smooth and effective operation of the
elevator system, ensuring that it can navigate the hoistway safely and reliably even within limited
spatial confines.
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Combination bracket
efficiency and safety. It consists of a weighted carriage that moves within its dedicated guide
rails, running parallel to the hoistway walls. Suspended from sturdy cables, the counterweight
serves a vital purpose in balancing the load of the elevator car. As the elevator ascends and
descends, the counterweight moves in the opposite direction, counterbalancing the weight of
passengers and cargo. This ingenious system reduces the overall load on the elevator motor,
making vertical transportation more energy-efficient and reliable, while also ensuring the safe
Counterweight
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Counterweight components
mind. It is primarily composed of steel frames designed to accommodate cast iron fillers stacked
on top of one another to achieve the required weight balance. This integral component is typically
A- The Top Part Assembly comprises a main bent sheet metal with a thickness of 4 mm
and an 8 mm thick hitch plate for securely attaching ropes. The hitch plate features a
meticulously patterned set of holes, tailored to the size and quantity of ropes needed.
B- The Bottom Part Assembly is comprised of two steel halves, each 4 mm thick. These
halves are securely connected via a vertical profile, with one of the halves featuring a
buffer plate crafted from 8 mm thick sheet metal. This buffer plate serves to absorb and
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C- The Vertical Profile consists of U-shaped bent sheet metal components. These vertical
profiles are affixed to both the upper and bottom parts, ensuring structural integrity. While
standard vertical profiles cater to 60 filler weights stacked vertically, custom vertical
profile lengths are available for specialized configurations. Fillers can be conveniently
D- Filler Weights are meticulously crafted from cast iron, with standard lengths tailored to
the counterweight's size and gauge. The ends of these filler weights are designed for
E- The counterweight also includes separate guide rails, as detailed in the guide rail
paragraphs above. These guide rails are essential for maintaining the counterweight's
smooth and controlled movement, preventing twisting, and avoiding collisions with other
elevator components such as the car. The counterweight's design and construction are
The counterweight is equipped with sliding guides, a vital feature designed to guarantee
a seamless and friction-free journey along the entire travel height of the elevator. These sliding
guides offer versatility, allowing for adjustable gauges between the counterweight rails to
accommodate various elevator configurations and ensure optimal performance. This adaptability
ensures that the counterweight can effectively counterbalance the elevator car's weight,
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Suspension ropes play a pivotal role in the operation of traction-type elevators, serving as
the essential means for both the elevator car and counterweight. These suspension ropes are
typically constructed from sturdy steel wire and are meticulously engineered to ensure safe and
reliable performance.
In the typical setup, these ropes are affixed to the elevator car's crosshead, extending
upward into the machine room. There, they loop over the sheave connected to the elevator motor
before descending down to the counterweights. This arrangement allows for the precise control
and movement of the elevator car, ensuring smooth and controlled ascents and descents.
Typically, hoisting cables consist of a set numbering between three to six individual
ropes. These ropes typically measure either 1/2" or 5/8" in diameter, with their robust
construction and specific diameter chosen to withstand the considerable stresses and loads
associated with elevator operation. The careful selection and maintenance of these suspension
ropes are critical to guaranteeing the safety and functionality of the elevator system.
Suspension ropes
Roping system
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The hoistway door serves as an integral component of the building, installed at every
landing of the elevator. It's crucial to understand that while both the hoistway door and the car
door are essential for safe and efficient elevator operation, the car door bears the primary
responsibility. The hoistway door functions in a dependent capacity, synchronizing its movements
These doors can be operated in various ways, either electrically controlled by motors or
landing to prevent unintentional openings of the hoistway door and to ensure that the elevator car
The hoistway door locking mechanism plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and
security of elevator operations. These mechanisms offer a mechanical means to securely lock
each hoistway door in place, preventing any unauthorized access or inadvertent openings.
fail-safe system that ensures the elevator cannot be operated if any of the hoistway doors are
detected to be open. This crucial safety feature not only safeguards passengers and personnel
but also contributes to the overall reliability and integrity of the elevator system, preventing any
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Hoistway door interlock
Escutcheon tube
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A buffer serves as a critical safety device within an elevator system, designed with the
primary purpose of halting a descending elevator car or counterweight when it exceeds its
normal limit. Additionally, in the event of an emergency, buffers are instrumental in mitigating the
impact force as the elevator descends into the pit. The choice between polyurethane or oil-type
Two common types of buffers used in elevator systems are the Spring Buffer and the
speeds below 200 feet per minute. These buffers serve the essential role of cushioning the
elevator's descent, providing a controlled stop. Typically, Spring Buffers are positioned within the
Conversely, the Oil Buffer is more commonly utilized in traction elevators with speeds
exceeding 200 feet per minute. This type of buffer utilizes a combination of oil and springs to
effectively cushion the descent of the elevator car or counterweight. Oil Buffers, like Spring
Buffers, are primarily located in the elevator pit. However, due to their pit location, they are
including cleaning and painting, is imperative to ensure they maintain their specified performance
capabilities. Additionally, it's essential to periodically inspect and change the oil in these buffers if
they are exposed to flooding to guarantee their continued functionality and safety.
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These distinct buffer types are essential components of elevator systems, contributing to both
passenger safety and the longevity of the elevator equipment, and their suitability depends on
And lastly, the Hoistway Pit, where no light is required at the top of it since it is equipped
with a standard caged light fixture, however, the light switch must be accessible from the floor
and lasser, and the pit must be clean and dry (a drain or sump pipe is required).
Hoistway pit
Nowadays the designs in Architecture are continuously evolving as time passes by, and
gladly each day a lot of people are now appreciating the use and benefits of sustainable
architecture Fortunately people’s minds are being creative to the fact that different technology
uses are now created such as elevators. According to Adrienne Bernhard (2018), more than
seven billion elevator journeys are taken in tall buildings all over the globe, however, it has also
been noted that to keep pace with an influx of urban dwellers and rising sea levels and to build
higher is not the developers best suggestion to do so, which is why they need to devise greener
vertical transport that is safe, and sustainable ways to move residents from the ground up into
the sky, and not only that but to find ways to conserve energy when the elevator was running and
more critically when the elevator was not running (Berhard, A., 2018)
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We are now pertaining to how an elevator can be sustainable and eco-friendly
simultaneously. Since many of the elevators are making some people feel claustrophobic,
awkward, or impatient, the engineers have thought of a way for this kind of circumstance by
applying different materials such as interior paints like blue and green since these colors are
often combined to express protection of nature and environment (Slezsak, C., 2021), carpet,
wherein there are carpets made from natural, renewable fibers, tend to be the most
environmentally friendly and include sisal, seagrass, coir, organic cotton and etc (Rogers, S.A,
2020), control panels, lighting such as using LED lights since most of the Elevators use
fluorescent lighting which is not an energy-efficient; which is why LED lighting is recommended
ELEVATOR CABS, N.D), and lastly the ventilation system, and mechanical technology used to
These days, developers and manufacturers are interested in regenerative drive systems
wherein an elevator recovers some of the energy it consumes. Back in the year 2017, according
to Adrienne Bernhard (2018), the first company elevator called the Thyssenkrupp Elevator
energy and optimism–wherein the vibrant color palette, the typography, and the logo signalize
motion, positivity, and speed (ETBrandEquity, 2021), and upon their uniqueness in inventing this
elevator, is it best used during the pandemic wherein it is offering ranges from handrail sanitation
to thermal cameras to detect infected passenger; and to clean the air in the cabins efficiently,
Thyssenkrupp Elevator uses air purification with special filters as well as UV-based solutions
Green buildings are very famous for their known uses such as the use of less water,
energy, and other materials for a building’s success. However, to meet these needs the elevator
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manufacturers are enhancing products with capabilities that decrease energy consumption and
increase environmental conservation. Nevertheless, precautions have been taken note in order
to achieve an eco-friendly technology and its solutions, The first thing is the lighting wherein
LED-style lights last longer than incandescent lights and consume less energy, reducing costs
and environmental impact; and since hydraulic elevator oil can become an environmental hazard,
petroleum-based fluids are the ample substitutes that will not damage the elevator system and
are more environmentally friendly than harsh chemicals or oils (FMLink, ND).
Research recent trends, contact suppliers for elevator plans, and integrate findings.
monitor elevator maintenance requirements. This advanced technology aids in the early
detection of potential issues, preventing them from escalating into major problems and ultimately
extending the lifespan of the elevator system (Al-Kodmany, 2023). Leading manufacturers like
ThyssenKrupp, Otis Elevator, and KONE have already introduced cloud predictive maintenance
features in their units, such as MAX, Otis ONE, and KONE 24/7 respectively. By leveraging cloud
predictive maintenance, building managers can reduce downtime and ensure smooth and
CABLE-FREE ELEVATORS
Cable-free lifts, also known as ropeless elevators, are gaining popularity in the elevator
industry. These elevators utilize magnetic levitation technology, eliminating the need for cables].
This innovative technology allows for increased flexibility in building design and has the potential
to reduce energy consumption (TechSci Research, 2023). Unlike traditional elevators, ropeless
elevators can have multiple elevator cars operating in a single shaft, resulting in higher capacity
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and shorter wait times. Additionally, these elevators can reach speeds of up to 18 meters per
second, nearly twice as fast as conventional lifts. Since there are no cables involved, ropeless
elevators require less space inside buildings and can even move horizontally. This unique feature
allows for the optimization of usable building area by up to 25% and opens up new possibilities in
hotels and commercial buildings have become a major field of application for AI. These systems,
known as Destination Control Systems, utilize artificial intelligence to optimize the flow of
their destination floors, allowing for increased speed and efficiency. By organizing stops for
passengers heading to the same or nearby floors, the number of stops and travel time can be
reduced significantly. This application of AI in elevator control has revolutionized the way
This method greatly enhances the energy efficiency of lifts, leading to a reduction in
energy consumption of up to 70%. In most cases, when lifts ascend with a light load and
descend with a heavy load, they consume significantly more power than usual. Conventional lifts
dissipate this excess power as heat, resulting in substantial energy wastage over their lifetimes.
However, lifts equipped with regenerative drives operate differently. These motors capture and
convert the generated heat into usable energy, preventing its loss as heat. This recovered energy
can be fed back into the electricity grid for reuse, resulting in substantial energy savings
Over time, hydraulic lifts have gained attention due to the environmental concerns
associated with their buried hydraulic cylinders filled with hydraulic oil. On the other hand,
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Machine Room-Less (MRL) lifts eliminate the need for a buried hydraulic cylinder, thus avoiding
the expenses and environmental issues. MRL lifts outperform hydraulic lifts in terms of
performance and ride quality because they use a gearless traction type motor. Additionally, MRL
lifts are perceived to have a higher level of quality compared to traditional hydraulic lifts as they
DOUBLE-DECK ELEVATORS
A double-deck elevator, which consists of two adjacent cabins within a single frame,
offers a solution to increase the capacity and efficiency of vertical transportation systems in
high-rise buildings (Cortes et al., 2021). By stacking two cabs, one on top of another, this design
allows more people to utilize the lift shaft simultaneously, reducing congestion and improving
efficiency. Unlike traditional single-deck elevators that stop at every floor, double-deck elevators
can accommodate higher traffic volume by serving two successive floors at once (Schroder &
Shabo, 2015). Furthermore, the use of double-deck elevators can optimize the utilization of
building core space, making it a more efficient solution for tall buildings. The ability to transport
more people within the same floor area allows for better space management in the building.
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NET-ZERO SOLAR ENERGY ELEVATOR
A solar-powered elevator offers a practical solution for energy conservation in line with
the increasing popularity of solar energy. Schindler Elevator Corporation has unveiled a
prototype of a solar-powered lift system that aims to achieve net-zero energy consumption over
the course of a year. The Schindler Solar Elevator utilizes rooftop solar panels and a Hybrid
Energy Manager (HEM) to store solar energy in batteries, supplying up to 100% of the lift's
electricity needs. This innovative system allows the elevator to operate independently of the
electrical grid during power outages, avoids power peaks when lifts start each journey, and
by cloud predictive maintenance, which provides early issue diagnosis and increased longevity.
With their magnetic levitation technology, cable-free elevators are changing building design and
energy efficiency. AI-powered destination control systems optimize passenger flow for faster and
more efficient transit. By absorbing and reusing extra power, regenerative drives make elevators
capacity and efficiency. Finally, with their solar-powered and energy-efficient designs, net-zero
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solar energy elevators are paving the path for sustainable vertical transportation. These
advancements are changing the future of elevators, promising increased efficiency, sustainability,
solutions.
ELEVATOR IMPACT/S:
Elevators have indeed revolutionized our way of life, particularly in the bustling urban
landscapes of modern times. The towering apartment complexes and awe-inspiring skyscrapers
that define our cityscapes owe their existence to the invention of passenger elevators. Without
these vertical transport systems, the prospect of inhabiting such lofty structures would be an
arduous endeavor few would be willing to undertake. The impact of elevators extends beyond
convenience; they enable elderly individuals to gracefully age in the comfort of their own homes,
facilitate multi-generational living arrangements, allowing families to share their homes with
elderly parents or relatives, fostering stronger familial bonds and support networks. In essence,
elevators have not only altered the physical landscape of our cities but have also reshaped the
The vertical expansion of cities, encompassing both residential and commercial domains,
opens up a realm of significant prospects for the integration of intelligent and sustainable elevator
systems and solutions. Elevator and escalator manufacturers play a pivotal role in enhancing the
quality of life within high-rise buildings, striving to make them not only convenient but also
exceptionally comfortable and efficient. These manufacturers are leveraging remarkable strides
in control technology, which empowers them to craft increasingly intelligent and astute systems
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for the management of vertical transportation. These advancements are geared towards
achieving heightened levels of efficiency and safety, ensuring that urbanites can seamlessly
navigate the soaring heights of modern cityscapes while minimizing environmental impact.
teams to ensure that the system operates safely and efficiently, without unexpected surprises or
delays, while also causing minimal disruption to other concurrent building trades.
In a logistical context, these solutions must harmoniously align with the demands of a
Regardless of external weather conditions, the construction process should proceed seamlessly.
Innovative technology solutions are instrumental in achieving this goal, as they reduce the need
for excessive labor and enhance safety, all while improving vertical transportation efficiency
during the construction phase. Importantly, such solutions are characterized by their energy
efficiency and environmentally sustainable features. At KONE, our guiding approach has been to
view these challenges as opportunities and meet them head-on with novel, functional, efficient,
and adaptable solutions that push the boundaries of vertical transportation technology (MGSA,
N.D)
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6. Futuristic Elevator Concept (10 points):
Design a building-specific elevator concept for future architecture, visually showcasing your idea.
This elevator has been meticulously designed with an eye toward the future, considering
its potential placement in bustling high-rise buildings or offices teeming with employees and
frequent users. Positioned centrally within the building, it features separate cabins on all sides
that open independently. Given the expectation for continuous operation throughout the day, this
elevator model employs solar power to reduce its energy consumption. To further enhance its
support. This innovative feature provides real-time health data, significantly minimizing elevator
intelligence. Each floor is equipped with holographic panels displaying floor numbers, enabling AI
to analyze the most efficient routes for the elevator based on the number of passengers and
floors to be served. This capability empowers the AI to predict the required cabin space for a
specific number of people traveling to the same or consecutive floors. It orchestrates the opening
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and closing of cabin dividers, ensuring a quicker and more intelligent journey. Lastly, this elevator
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