Elevator Traffic Handbook: Theory and Practice

‘The authoritative and extensive case studies will help inform technologists, architects, planners and other engineers interested in vertical transportation schemes. Part handbook and encyclopedia, this book is a solid contribution to this aspect of transportation.’ – e-streams

The authoritative and extensive case studies will help inform technologists, architects, planners and other engineers interested in vertical transportation schemes..Part handbook and encyclopedia, .this book is a solid contribution to this aspect of transportation. – e-streams

The author of this handbook possesses expert and authority status when it comes to elevator technology. – e-streams

My work in the lift industry started in early 1968, when I was an academic at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). At that time the Encyclopedia Britannica listed four books on lift technology. Of these, the most important to me was “Elevators and Escalators” by George Strakosch (1967). This book, now in its third edition (1998), provided me with an excellent start to what has become my life’s work. Strakosch brought together, in one place, a wide wealth of knowledge, much of which still stands today and readers who do not possess a copy would be advised to acquire one.

By 1977 my student, friend and colleague, Sergio dos Santos, now Rector of Minho University, Portugal, and I decided to share the results of our research by writing “Lift traffic analysis, design and control”, republished 1985. That book underscored the practice described in Strakosch with mathematical and computer analysis. Although the content of the book remains valid today, other authors have entered the field and have contributed to the theory and practice of lift traffic design and control.

In this book, I have attempted to bring together in one place a complete treatment of elevator traffic design and control. In addition to my work in the subject, the book draws on the work of other authors in the field, which I have included, commented on, extended, agreed with, or disagreed with. The interpretations are mine, as are the mistakes.

The early chapters concern well-established practice that is generally accepted. The latter chapters contain a more philosophical discussion and present controversial aspects that may require further refinement. I would like any comments and challenges to come to me in this continuing debate.My career has lead me through industry, research, teaching, consulting, code making and training. I have written this book for everyone involved in traffic design and traffic control of lift (US: elevator) installations. I have based it on theory arising out of practice. Lift traffic design is a practical science.