Moving Walk

Moving walk Classification Based on Utilization

Moving walks are divided into two categories based on their utilization:

Commercial

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

Infrastructure

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

Moving walk Classification Based on Installation Environment

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

Indoor

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

Semi-outdoor

These types of moving walks 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 moving walks are installed outside the building, they are not in a temperature-controlled environment, and therefore, based on the geographic location of the installation environment, in comparison to the indoor moving walks, 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 moving walks, based on the geographical location and customer requirements, there are specific optional extras to choose from. Please contact your local La Grazia representative for more information.

Fully Outdoor

These moving walks 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 moving walk 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 a moving walk in projects, the following items should be considered:

1. Elevation Height (H)

Elevation height is defined as the height 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. Moving Walk Angle (A)

Based on their angle, moving walks are divided into two categories, the first category includes moving walks with angles of 0 up to 6 degrees and the second category includes moving walks with angles of 10 up to 12 degrees.

3. Width Measurements in Moving Walks (a)

The standard moving walk pallet widths are divided into two categories: 800 millimeters and 1000 millimeters. The fruitful device width (c) corresponding to each of pallet widths are 1400 millimeters and 1600 millimeters respectively and the fruitful construction pit width (d) corresponding to each of pallet widths are 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 a moving walk, 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 a moving walk, a pit must be considered in the lower floor with suitable length, in a way that the moving walk truss and lower section inner equipment can be located beneath the surface of the lower floor. As a result, the moving walk floor plate will be at the same level as the lower floor finished surface.

7. Middle support (Detail S)

Middle support should be considered to prevent buckling in the middle section of the long moving walks.

8. Nominal Speeds of Escalators

The highest allowed speed in moving walks is 0.65 meters per second.

9. Loads which moving walks exert on building structure

The loads which moving walks exert on building structure include moving walk 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 several locations.

The two main loads (R1 – R2) are exerted on the construction beams designed in upper and lower floors (Detail G). For long moving walks, a number of middle supports should be considered to prevent buckling in the middle section of the moving walk. The rest of load is exerted on the middle supports (R3,R4, …).

Moving Walk Drawing Middle Support (Detail S)

Construction Beam (Detail G)

Suspension Point Detail (Detail Z)

Moving Walk Width Measurements

Middle Support Heights

Middle Support Lengths

Loads exerted on the Structure