Passenger elevators in buildings are used to transport people and loads accompanied by a person. In many cases, multi-storey buildings require suitable passenger lifts: for barrier-free access to upper floors, to increase access comfort, as vertical main access in high-rise buildings or as a bed or fire brigade lift. Many manufacturers offer competent planning aids and overviews of possible technical equipment and design options.
An elevator system, also known as an elevator, elevator or elevator, usually consists of an elevator shaft with a shaft pit and shaft head, the stops, an engine room and the car, which moves up and down the shaft, usually by means of a cable or hydraulic drive.
When determining a suitable elevator, both the cabin and shaft dimensions are decisive. These dimensions are defined as follows:
Floor
plan
section
Accessibility: The model building code (and thus the state building codes derived from it) contains specifications for barrier-free access for certain buildings, depending on their use, which may also require lifts:
The requirements for the accessibility of elevators are further specified in DIN 18040-1 (for publicly accessible buildings) and in DIN 18040-2 (for residential buildings).
An elevator system is considered barrier-free according to DIN 18040 if it corresponds to at least elevator type 2 according to DIN EN 81-70 Table 1. The minimum dimensions for the elevator cabin of a barrier-free elevator are therefore 1.10 x 1.40 m, with a clear door opening of 90 cm. This allows the transport of a wheelchair user with an accompanying person. With a type 3 elevator, several people can be accommodated and it is possible to turn the wheelchair in the cabin. In the case of lifts without the possibility of turning, a mirror must be provided to facilitate reversing.
There must be an area of at least 1.50 x 1.50 m in front of the elevator system on each floor, and there should be no downward stairs opposite the elevator door. If this is not possible, the stairs must be at least 3.00 m away from the elevator door. The command transmitters at the stop and in the elevator car must also be barrier-free. For example, command givers should be mounted at least 0.90 m and no more than 1.10 m above the floor. DIN 81-70 specifies the exact requirements for command transmitters in Table 2 and provides information for extra-large (XL) command transmitters in Annex G.
Passenger elevators according to the state building code: The model building code regulates the basic requirements for the nature and execution of buildings. In addition to the condition of the shafts (see fire protection), § 39 also specifies when lifts must be installed in a building. For example, all buildings with a height (according to § 2 para. 3 sentence 2MBO) of 13 m or more must have at least one elevator that stops on all floors. Stops on the top floor, on the ground floor and in the basement can be omitted if their production is too costly. In the case of several lifts in a building, at least one of them must be able to carry prams, wheelchairs, stretchers and loads, i.e. have a car size of 1.10 m x 2.10 m and a door with a clear passage width of at least 0.90 m and be accessible from the public traffic area as well as from all apartments without steps. The exact specifications can be found in the respective state building regulations.
Passenger lifts in high-rise buildings: Since high-rise buildings (according to § 2 para. 4 no. 1MBO: buildings from 22 m high) are classified as special constructions, a special construction guideline introduced in the respective federal state may apply to these buildings, usually derived from the Model High-Rise Directive (MHHR). Alternatively, the MHHR can also be consulted directly if no corresponding regulation applies in the respective federal state. For the planning of elevator systems, the MHHR contains the following requirements:
in the vestibulesIn addition, the MHHR also contains specifications for fire brigade lifts. See encyclopedia article ► Fire brigade elevators
Fire protection: In the event of a fire, fire and smoke must be prevented from spreading through the elevator shaft to other floors. The model building code therefore stipulates that elevators in the building must have their own elevator shaft. Up to three lifts are permitted in one shaft. The following requirements apply to the room-enclosing shaft walls:
In the following cases, lifts are also permitted without an elevator shaft according to the model building code if they are safely clad
In order to dissipate smoke in the event of a fire, there must be an opening in the shaft head, with a clear opening area of at least 2.5% of the vehicle shaft floor area, but at least 0.10 m². For energy reasons in particular, it makes sense to make this opening with an approved smoke and heat exhaust ventilation device (RWG), which normally closes the opening and opens it automatically in the event of a fire.
The specific building law requirements for the fire protection of elevator systems and shafts can be found in the respective state building code.
Sound insulation: Sound insulation for elevator systems is regulated in the VDI 2566 and VDI 4100 guidelines, as well as in DIN 4109. Many manufacturers offer special soundproofing systems with built-in decoupling and particularly low-noise systems, but the building planner can also take on-site precautions:
types: Elevators can be driven by different systems. A basic distinction is made between electric and hydraulic elevators (see encyclopedia articles ► elevator, electric and ► elevator, hydraulic). Most passenger elevators are realized as rope elevators with traction sheaves or as hydraulic elevators. However, there are also drum elevators, vacuum elevators, rack and pinion elevators and initial developments for ropeless elevators that are moved by means of magnetic fields. Rope hoists are particularly used for high lifting heights and high travel speeds. For large loads and low speeds, hydraulic elevators are preferred.
Shell construction: The size and type of elevator should already be determined for the shell construction planning in order to sufficiently and economically dimension the size of the shaft, the shaft head as well as the shaft pit and any necessary machine rooms. In the new building, most of the elevator shafts will be made of reinforced concrete walls, into which the anchor rails for the attachment of the elevator guide rails and the assembly scaffolding will be installed. In the case of a masonry shaft, reinforced concrete ring girders or reinforced concrete blocks must be provided for these anchor channels. Only in rare cases or in old buildings are the elevator guide rails alternatively attached using special dowel techniques. The exact condition of the elevator shaft walls and the dimension for anchoring the elevator system must be specified by a structural engineer. Many elevator manufacturers also offer complete systems with self-supporting elevator shafts for installation in existing buildings or as a free-standing steel-glass construction.
Engine room: DIN 15306 and DIN 15309 indicate the location and size of the engine room (also called engine room) for the respective elevator size, taking into account the travel speed. As a rule, the engine room is located above the shaft in electrically operated elevators, and at the bottom of the shaft in hydraulic drives (see encyclopedia articles ►Elevator, electric and ►Elevator, hydraulic). In the case of rope elevators, the drive can also be arranged via pulleys in the middle or at the bottom of the elevator shaft, but this results in additional costs and shortens the rope life due to the deflected cables.
With a hydraulic drive, the machine room can also be located a little away from the elevator shaft. In general, the space in which the drive is installed and the shaft pit must be impermeable to oil in the case of hydraulic elevators in order to retain any liquid escaping from the machines. DIN EN 81-20 contains more precise specifications on the condition of the engine installation locations.
More and more manufacturers are offering elevators without an engine room, so-called MRL systems (machine room-less systems), so that there is increasing talk of an engine installation site instead of an engine room. Due to ever smaller drives, it is also possible in some cases to mount them directly in the shaft head (electric drive) or in the shaft pit (hydraulic drive). The safety requirements from DIN EN 81-20 also apply here. Since the MRL systems are still individual patents of individual manufacturers, precise information on space requirements, transport heights and speeds must be obtained from the respective manufacturers.
Cost-effectiveness: In addition to the required and available space for an elevator system, the cost is usually also an important point in the selection of the design. Hydraulic elevators are particularly inexpensive to purchase and maintain, but only allow a limited delivery head. Machine-room-less elevators are usually cost-intensive both in terms of their acquisition and in their maintenance and servicing, as the work has to be carried out in a confined shaft. However, the space and costs for the additional machine room can be saved. The same applies to (much more expensive) elevator systems without over/under pass. These additional costs can also be amortized in individual cases, e.g. through the elimination of complex foundation formations or if the elimination of the crossing means that roof penetration with corresponding roof adjustments can be dispensed with.
In any case, it is advisable to consult with a specialist planner or a specialist company at an early stage in order to work out the most economical solution for the elevator system to be planned.
Funding programmes: KfW supports the installation or conversion of an elevator system in its "Age-appropriate conversion" funding programme with a low-interest loan or alternatively with an investment grant. The exact requirements, conditions and grant amounts can be found on the ►KfW website .
In addition, it is possible to apply for a subsidy from the long-term care insurance if necessary. The application for this can be submitted to the health insurance company if the installation of an elevator leads to an improvement in the living environment of the person in need of care, e.g. enables or significantly facilitates home care or independent living.
The website "barrierefrei.de" also offers a ► funding program search , in which suitable programs can be searched for divided into federal states.
Inspection before commissioning: According to the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV), an elevator system must be inspected by an approved inspection body (ZÜS), e.g. TÜV or DEKRA, before commissioning. The operator is responsible for this. The obligations of the assembly company end with the placing on the market. This is when the elevator is made available to the user ready for operation and in accordance with the applicable standards and regulations.
Periodic inspection: Passenger elevators are among the systems subject to monitoring in accordance with § 15 BetrSichV (Industrial Safety Ordinance) and must be inspected by an approved inspection body (ZÜS) at specified intervals. For elevator systems, a main inspection is required every two years and an intermediate inspection in between. The BetrSichV has the character of a law and is therefore mandatory for every operator. The operator is also responsible for attaching an inspection sticker to the elevator that specifies the next inspection date of the periodic inspection and the monitoring body (ZÜS). This means that every elevator user can recognize systems that have not been tested.
DIN EN 81-50 regulates how the inspection of elevators and the individual components must be carried out.
DIN 4109 Sound insulation in building construction, requirements and verifications
DIN 15306 Lifts - Passenger lifts for residential buildings - Construction dimensions, car dimensions, door dimensions
DIN 15309 Lifts - Passenger lifts for buildings other than residential buildings and bed lifts - Construction dimensions, car dimensions, door dimensions
DIN 18040-1, Barrier-free construction - Planning principles - Part 1: Publicly accessible Buildings
DIN 18040-2, Barrier-free construction - Planning principles - Part 2: Apartments
DIN 18385, VOB Procurement and Contract Regulations for Construction Services - Part C: General Technical Contract Conditions for Construction Services (ATV) - Conveyor systems, elevator systems, escalators and moving walks
DIN EN 81-20 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts, lifts for the transport of passengers and goods, Part 20: Passenger and freight lifts
DIN EN 81-21 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Lifts for the transport of passengers and goods - Part 21: New passenger and freight lifts in existing buildings
DIN EN 81-28 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Lifts for the transport of people and goods - Part 28: Remote emergency call for passenger and freight lifts
DIN EN 81-50 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts, tests, Part 50: Design rules, calculations and tests of lift components
DIN EN 81-70 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Special applications for passenger and goods lifts - Part 70: Accessibility of lifts for persons, including persons with disabilities
DIN EN 81-71 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Special applications for passenger and goods lifts - Part 71: Protective measures against deliberate destruction
DIN EN 81-72 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Particular applications for passenger and freight lifts - Part 72: Fire brigade lifts
DIN EN 81-73 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Particular applications for passenger and freight lifts - Part 73: Behaviour of lifts in the event of fire
DIN EN 81-82 Safety rules for the design and installation of lifts - Existing lifts - Part 82: Rules for increasing the accessibility of existing lifts for persons, including persons with disabilities
DIN EN 13015 Maintenance of lifts and escalators - Rules for maintenance instructions
Directive 95/16/EC Lift Directive
VDI guideline 2566 Sound insulation of lift systems
VDI Guideline 4100 Noise Protection in Building Construction - Apartments
Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV)
Source: bauwion
