ABSTRACT
Planning should commence early in the design programme. Priority must be given to locating lifts centrally within a building to minimise horizontal travel distance. Two cars may be coordinated by a central processor to optimise efficiency of the lifts. Each car operates individually on a full or down collective control system. Slow- and medium-speed lifts have pairs of hardened steel cams which instantaneously contact a steel channel secured to the lift wall. Purpose-designed platform lifts can also be provided for wheelchair users in domestic and public buildings. Escalators are moving stairs used to convey people between floor levels. In high-rise buildings space for an escalator is unjustified, since the full height and the high speed of modern lifts provides for a better service. The one-directional single bank avoids interruption of traffic, but occupies more floor space than other arrangements. Travelators provide horizontal conveyance for people, prams, luggage trolleys, wheelchairs and small vehicles for distances up to about 300 metres.
