In modern construction, vertical movement is just as important as horizontal flow. Whether in high-rise buildings, commercial centres, or public transport hubs, lifts and escalators are essential for smooth access. This blog explores the basics, types, and key design considerations of lifts and escalators in buildings.
What is a Lift?
A lift, or elevator, is a vertical transport system that moves people or goods between different floors. It typically operates using electric motors and follows a guided path within a shaft. Lifts are an integral part of today’s buildings, offering convenience and accessibility, especially in structures with multiple floors.
Types of Lifts
Lifts come in various forms depending on the purpose, location, and mechanism:
- Passenger Lift
- For transporting people.
- Found in residential and commercial buildings.
- Goods Lift
- For moving heavy materials in warehouses, factories, and construction sites.
- Hospital (Stretcher) Lift
- Designed to accommodate stretchers, beds, and medical equipment.
- Service Lift (Dumbwaiter)
- Small lifts used in restaurants, hotels, and libraries to move items like food or documents.
- Hydraulic Lift
- Powered by fluid pressure; ideal for low-rise buildings.
- Traction Lift
- Uses ropes and pulleys; commonly used in high-rise buildings.
- Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Lift
- Requires no separate machine room, saving space.
- Panoramic or Glass Lift
- Aesthetic lifts with transparent walls used in malls, showrooms, and hotels.
Design of Lift
When planning a lift system, the following design aspects must be considered:
- Capacity and Load – Based on building type and expected usage.
- Speed – Ranges from 0.5 m/s in low-rise to 6 m/s in skyscrapers.
- Shaft Location – Centrally placed for efficiency; must follow architectural and structural design.
- Door Type – Manual, automatic sliding, or telescopic doors depending on application.
- Power Backup – Essential for emergency operation during power cuts.
- Fire and Safety Features – Includes fire-rated doors, alarm systems, and emergency intercoms.
- Shaft Inclination – Lifts are designed to travel vertically (90°). Any deviation from the vertical is not recommended, as it affects the structural integrity and safety. Inclined lifts (or diagonal lifts) are used in specific cases like hill stations or unique architecture, but require special design and approval.
IS Codes relevant to lift design include:
What is an Escalator?
An escalator is a moving staircase that continuously transports people between floors. It is widely used in high-traffic areas such as malls, airports, railway stations, and metro terminals. Escalators help maintain continuous pedestrian flow and ease congestion, especially during peak hours.
Types of Escalators
- Parallel Escalator
- Two escalators running side-by-side in the same or opposite direction.
- Criss-cross Escalator
- Arranged in a zigzag manner, commonly seen in shopping centres.
- Spiral or Curved Escalator
- Aesthetic escalator with a curved design, rarely used due to cost.
- Multi-storey Escalator
- Connects more than two floors; not common but used in large buildings.
- Outdoor Escalator
- Designed for weather resistance, used in metro stations and flyovers.
Design of Escalator
Designing escalators involves:
- Inclination – Standard angle is 30°, although 35° is also used in tight spaces.
- Speed – Normally between 0.5 to 0.75 m/s.
- Step Width – Common widths are 600 mm, 800 mm, and 1000 mm.
- Balustrade Type – Can be glass, stainless steel, or other materials for aesthetics.
- Landing Space – Needs enough room for safe entry and exit.
- Handrail and Lighting – For safety and visibility.
Inclination Angle – The standard angle of inclination for an escalator is 30 degrees. In tight spaces, escalators may be designed at 35 degrees, but this reduces comfort and may increase user risk, especially for children or elderly passengers. The angle must be consistent throughout to ensure safe stepping.
Step Geometry and Angle Tolerance – Each step must remain horizontal (0° relative to the ground) even as the escalator moves along a 30° or 35° inclined path. This ensures passenger balance is maintained.
IS and EN standards:
Lift vs Escalator – Key Differences
| Feature | Lift | Escalator |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Vertical | Sloped continuous |
| Capacity | Fixed number of people/goods | Constant flow of pedestrians |
| Space Need | Shaft, pit, and overhead machine room | Requires horizontal floor space |
| Best Use | Multi-storey access | High-traffic horizontal flow |
| Installation Cost | Generally higher | Moderate |
Common Safety and Maintenance Points
- Routine Servicing – Lifts and escalators need regular servicing to ensure safety and reliability.
- Emergency Features – Both systems should include emergency stop, alarm, and communication tools.
- Cleaning and Inspection – Dust and debris can damage moving parts, so regular cleaning is essential.
- Compliance – Must adhere to local building codes and fire safety regulations.
Conclusion🎯
As urban structures grow taller and more complex, incorporating efficient lift and escalator systems has become essential. From choosing the right type to ensuring user safety, thoughtful design helps improve the experience for everyone. Civil engineers, architects, and builders must keep these considerations in mind while planning any modern infrastructure.
FAQs
Q1. Which lift is best for a residential building?
A traction or MRL lift is ideal for medium-rise residential buildings.
Q2. How often should lifts be serviced?
Every month, with a full inspection quarterly, depending on usage.
Q3. What is the maximum height an escalator can cover?
Typically, up to 18 metres; above that, lifts are preferred.
Q4. Can lifts and escalators run on solar power?
Yes, with proper system design, lifts can be integrated with solar backup.
Q5. Is a glass lift safe?
Yes, panoramic or glass lifts are made with tempered, laminated safety glass and follow all structural codes.