Lift installations in steel frame buildings are conventionally supported either directly by the steel frame, or by concrete floors which in turn transmit the loading onto the frame. Whilst the frame and lift installation are separate and distinct packages, the detail of each can have a significant effect on the cost, buildability, programming and performance of the other.
This publication is the result of a joint initiative from the UK lift and steel industries. It continues a programme of research initiated by the Steel Construction Review and carried out by The Steel Construction Institute into building interfaces. It incorporates the studies on the interface requirements of standard lift installations, carried out by The National Association of Lift Makers (NALM) through the NALM Forum.
The publication provides an overview of standard electric lift installations of the type normally used in steel frame buildings. It appraises and recommends various methods of attaching guide rails, landing doors and other items of lift equipment to the building. The document also recommends acceptable guide rail spans for lifts of various speeds, deflection limits for guide rails and their supporting structure and design loads for structural elements supporting the lift installation. It provides a basis for standardising key design details, and where necessary will assist building designers to develop structural components and construction details in advance of a lift supplier being appointed.
The publication is written for use by architects, engineers, steelwork contractors, lift engineers, site managers, clients and developers.