GSA Courthouse Management Group
Mechanical Lift Analysis
U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
COURTHOUSE MANAGEMENT GROUP
MECHANICAL LIFT ANALYSIS
(ACCESSIBLITY METHOD FOR ACCOMMODATION
OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEOPLE IN U.S. COURTHOUSE COURTROOMS)
SECTION ONE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The intent of this Analysis is (a) to develop a comprehensive understanding of the
fundamental problems with current lift system designs and installations and (b) provide
recommendations that serve as the basis for detailed performance criteria to eliminate
these problems on future projects.
The main considerations that would lead to better functional performance are:
Recognizing only two fundamental lift design concepts
appropriate for the courtroom well environment;
Standardizing the lift platform and pit dimensions;
Developing planning guidelines, that effectively integrate
the lift with other functional elements in the courtroom well;
Formulating standard architectural details for all finish conditions, and
incorporating them into the bidding documents;
Optimizing the remote location of equipment;
Refining the operation of the gate interlock system; and
Formally removing the platform grab rail requirement.
FEASIBLE LIFT SYSTEMS
The two generic system designs most practical for this application were found to be: the
hydraulic/scissors lift, with a remote hydraulic pump, and the cantilevered platform lift,
incorporating a tower or mast element housing the operational apparatus. (Refer to the
HDR Architecture, Inc.
Section 1-1
Previous Page
