Vertical circulation in public building

Ritika Pandey, Rosi Neupane, Sakshi Paodel, Ushan Shrestha

Department of Architecture, Kathmandu Engineering College,
Tribhuvan University
Kalimati, Kathmandu
Corresponding Email: *pandeyritika222@gmail.com
Abstract—Circulation is passage provided for ease of user. Usually
1) Space requrements: An easy way to identify
there are two types of circulation i.e. horizontal and vertical
stairs is to make them clearly visible. Stairs used for
circulation. Vertical circulation is one of the important component
commercial purposes should be at least 90 cm wide, have
in public building. It helps in vertical flow of user. For proper flight length of 12 steps, not exceed 40° in
a maximum
functioning of vertical circulation in public building orientation,
pitch, and avoid being flatter than 25°, with at least 2.14
space layout according to requirement of number of users and
meters of
materials is most important. Vertical circulation is categorized in headroom. A landing should not be narrower
different types depending on ease for public. Literature than
study it
andis wide; open risers can be confusing and
case study are done in detail to study about the vertical disconcerting
flow in for some people while avoiding spiral
commercial buildings. staircases in the event of tripping. A maximum of 60
people can pass through a 1525mm wide stairway
Keywords— vertical flow, steps, hoisting, powered stairs
according to the National Fire Protection Association's
''Life Safety Code”. Building height and purpose
determine the number of stair cases, so one stair case for
I. INTRODUCTION

C
IRCULATION, as usually applied in architecture,
is the movement of people and goods between
interior spaces in buildings and to entrances and
exits. Safe, convenient, rapid circulation is essential for all
buildings under both normal and emergency conditions.
Such circulation may be channeled through any of several
different types of passageways, such as lobbies, corridors,
ramps, stairways, and elevator hoist ways [1]. Having a
vertical flow of traffic in a commercial building is crucial
to its proper functioning, both in normal use and as a
design feature. The placement of elevators and stairs
influences the design of the building, so consideration
should be given to the type of vertical circulation, the
number of units needed, and their arrangement,
arrangement, and design.
Typically, commercial office buildings and apartment
buildings will reduce circulate space, so as to maximize
the amount of rentable space or apartment interiors [2].
Classification of vertical circulation system
I. Stairs
II. Elevator
III. Escalator
A. Stairs
The stairs are a structure that allows individuals to pass
between lower and higher levels by dividing a large
vertical distance into smaller vertical distances through a
diagonal series of horizontal platforms referred to as
steps that enable the passage of one level into another. As
evidenced by tower-like structures called pylons, ancient
Egyptians used them first. In a commercial building,
vertical elevations connect the different levels with the
help of several elements, such as landings, runs, steps,
handrails, railings, and newel posts-all of which must be
compliant with local standards. Usually, open tube well
stairs and dog-leeged stairs usage are mostly seen in
public buildings for easy circulation of users
23m.
2) Materials: Metal or timber stairs are noisy when
in use, while concrete stairs absorb more sound and the
materials chosen will be based on a number of factors,
including cost, client preferences, location, structural
requirements, and many more. Concrete stairs can be
crafted in situ using specialized formwork, followed by a
screed and polished, painted, or clad with another
material. One can precast concrete stairs and assemble
them on site. In addition to metal stairs, metal balustrades
can be made from light weight balusters or even mesh or
tension wires that give them a more industrial feel[3].
B. Elevator
 As a hoisting and lowering mechanism, an elevator
consists of a car or platform that travels along guides in a
shaft, or hoist way, in an approximately vertical direction,
via a shaft or hoist way, to transport passengers or goods
between two or more floors. A lift was first described by
Roman architect Vitruvius as being made of hemp rope
and powered by animals or people. An elevator contains
hoist way, machine room, guide rails, elevator cars and so
on.
1) Space requirements: For public use, there should
be one lift on every four floors with a maximum distance
of 45m to the lift lobby, and the floor space and car
capacity can be calculated by dividing each floor into
0.2m2. It is easy for two passengers to enter and leave a
car together with a 1075mm opening, as large passenger
elevators (4000 lbs. and above) usually require 1225mm
door openings, where 12.5% of the population uses them
during the 5-minute peak. It is classified as "excellent" if
the elevator interval is between 26 and 28 seconds;
"good" if it is between 28 and 30 seconds; "fair" if it is
between 30 and 32 seconds; and "poor" if it is between 32
and 35 seconds. For greatest efficiency and lowest cost,
elevator group sizes should not exceed six elevators, with
four elevators per group as a more practical approach.
Since one cannot Buildings of up to 15000to 18000

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square meter frequently have only a single service
elevator, whereas larger buildings are provided with two
or more separate service cabs.
2) Types: According to Hoist Mechanism there is
Hydraulic Passenger Elevator Hydraulic elevators where
elevators which are powered by a piston that travels
inside a cylinder and Traction/pulley passenger Elevator
which consist of a lift car and a counterweight attached to
separate ends of a cable which travel over a large pulley
wheel called a Sheave at the top of the lift shaft.  Manufacturers rate their 25m/min units at corresponding
3) Materials:The elevator car itself is constructed
with a steel framework for durability and strength. A set
of steel beams above the car, called the crosshead, span
the elevator shaft from side to side and hold the pulley for
the hoist cable. A steel structure, called the sling, extends
down the sides of the car from the crosshead and cradles
the floor, or platform. The sides of a passenger elevator
car are usually made from steel sheet and are trimmed on
the inside with decorative paneling. The floor of the car
may be tiled or carpeted. Handrails and other interior
trim may be made from stainless steel for appearance and
wearability. A suspended ceiling is usually hung below
the actual top of the car and may contain fluorescent
lighting above plastic diffuser panels. [4].
C. Escalator
Escalators, or powered stairs, are used when it is
necessary to move large numbers of people from floor to
floor. They provide continuous movement of persons and
can thus remedy traffic conditions that are not readily
addressed by elevators. Escalators should be viewed as
preferred transportation systems whenever heavy traffic
volumes are expected between relatively few floors. The
earliest working type of escalator was patented in 1892 by
Jesse W. Reno, and was actually introduced in 1896 as a
novelty ride at Coney Island, a theme park in New York.
1) Space requirements: Maximum rise 6500mm
(NCE model) Dimensions for Escalators the minimum
depth of tread in direction of travel 400mm, maximum
rise between treads is 200mm, width of tread is 600-
1000mm, maximum clearance between tread and adjacent
skirt panel is 10mm and maximum distance between
handrail centerlines—width between balustrades plus
150mmwith not more than 75mm on either side of the
escalator. Speeds and Capacities Escalators typically
operate at 25or 36m/min, as needed for peak traffic.
Standard escalator widths are 800mm and 1150mm.
capacities of 5000 and 8000 persons per hour, although
observed capacities, even in heavy traffic, rarely exceed
2000 and 4000 persons per hour, respectively. Although
36m /min escalators will move about 30% more volume,
they are rarely specified because of the potential for
adverse litigation. Structural Considerations in Escalator
Installation Floor-to-floor height should be taken into
account in determining loads on supporting members.
Generally, for floor-to-floor heights of less than 6m, the
escalator truss need be supported only at top and bottom.
Increased vertical rise can create the need for intermediate
support points. A structural frame should be installed
around the escalator well to carry the floor and well way
railing.
2) Materials: The steps themselves are solid, one-
piece, die-cast aluminum. The hollow metal structure that
joins the upper and lower landings is called the truss.
Also, it carries tracks connecting both the upper and
lower sections. [5].
REFERENCES
[1] http://freeit.free.fr/Building%20Design&Construction
%20Handbook,6ed/1999X_16.pdf
[2] Vertical Circulation Design Manual NR/GN/CIV/200/05
[3] NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®
[4] http://www.madehow.com/Volume2/Elevator.
[5] https://buildingandinteriors.com/escalators-a-professionals-guide-
for-better-planning-installation