Escalator

Escalator Classification Based on Utilization

Escalators are divided into two categories based on their utilization:

1. Commercial

As can be understood from the name, this type of escalators are installed in commercial buildings, such as small and large shopping malls.

2. Infrastructure

This type of escalators are utilized in high-traffic environments, such as subway stations, airports, train stations, overpasses, etc.

Escalator Classification Based on Installation Environment

Escalators are divided into three categories based on their area of installation:

1. Indoor

Indoor escalators are used in closed environments where the ambient temperature is controlled and they are not exposed to elements such as rain and snow.

2. Semi Outdoor

These types of escalators are installed outside the building; nonetheless, a roof has been designated above them to protect against the direct downpour of rain and snow. Obviously, since these escalators are installed outside the building, they are not in a temperature-controlled environment, and therefore, based on the geographic location of installation environment, in comparison to the indoor escalators, some optional extras will be added to them, such as cooling system, which is used for high temperatures, heating system, which is used for low-temperature conditions, etc.
To enhance the performance of the escalators, based on the geographical location and customer requirements, there are specific optional extras to choose. Please contact La Grazia for more information.

3. Fully Outdoor

These escalators are installed outside the building without any roof or other overhead covers. As a result, they are completely exposed to the elements, such as rain, snow, etc. These types of products will have a vast set of features, i.e. hot-dip galvanized truss treatment, high-rate motor and electromagnet insulation, etc. Even though this type of device is capable of functioning in all weather conditions, it is recommended that a roof be installed over them for safety concerns. For example, in case the escalator is installed without a roof, the passengers may be forced to use them with their umbrellas spread over their heads in rainy or snowy conditions, which may cause them to lose balance or trip over.

To install an escalator in projects, the following items should be considered:

1. Elevation Height (H)

Elevation height is defined as the difference between two building floors, calculated from the finished surface level of the lower floor to the finished surface level of the upper floor.

2. Escalator Angle (A)

Escalators are manufactured in 30-degree and 35-degree configurations. The 30-degree and 35-degree escalators can both be used for elevation heights of up to 6 meters. However, for elevation heights of more than 6 meters, only the 30-degree escalators can be selected.

3. Width Measurements in Escalators (a)

The standard escalator pallet widths are divided into three categories: 600 millimeters, 800 millimeters, and 1000 millimeters. The fruitful device width (c) corresponding to each of pallet widths are 1200 millimeters, 1400 millimeters, and 1600 millimeters respectively and the fruitful construction pit width (d) corresponding to each of pallet widths are 1260 millimeters, 1460 millimeters, and 1660 millimeters respectively.

4. Horizontal Length (L)

Based on elevation height, and after choosing the appropriate angle, following the formula for each angle, the horizontal length will be determined, which is equal to the horizontal spacing between two structure beams (R1, R2).

5. Ceiling Opening Length (OL)

In order to install an escalator, an opening must be considered in the higher floor with suitable length. The opening length must be designed in a way that the vertical spacing between step surface and ceiling opening is never less than 2.30 meters in any place. This vertical spacing is considered to create a safe passenger headroom.

NOTE: To calculate the ceiling opening length, we need the upper floor thickness (FT).

6. Pit Opening Length (PL)

In order to install an escalator, a pit must be considered in the lower floor with suitable length, in a way that the escalator truss and lower section inner equipment can be located beneath the surface of the lower floor. As a result, the escalator floor plate will be at the same level as the lower floor finished surface.

7. Middle support (Detail S)

For escalators with elevation heights of more than 6 meters, a middle support should be considered to prevent buckling in the middle section of the escalator.

8. Number of Horizontal Steps

For the safety of the passengers, there must be a number of horizontal steps in the entrance and exit paths of each escalator. This allows them to stabilize themselves and maintain their balance upon entering and exiting the escalator by placing their feet on a suitable horizontal surface. The minimum required horizontal steps in the entrance and exit of each escalator must be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4.

9. Nominal Speeds of Escalators

The highest allowed speed in escalators is 0.5 meters per second.

10. Loads which escalators exert on building structure

The loads which escalators exert on building structure include escalator self weight, live load and dynamic load. A margin of safety is then calculated and added to the total load. The final result is exerted in up to 3 locations.

The two main loads (R1 – R2) are exerted on the construction beams designed in upper and lower floors (Detail G). For escalators with elevation heights of more than 6 meters, a middle support should be considered to prevent buckling in the middle section of the escalator. The third load (R3) is exerted on the middle support.

Escalator Type: GRZ – 35° – H ≤ 6000

Escalator Type: GRZ – 30° – H ≤ 6000

Escalator Type: GRZ – 30° – 6000 < H ≤ 9000

Middle Support (Detail S)

Construction Beam (Detail G)

Suspension Point Detail (Detail Z)

Escalator Width Measurements