GSA Courthouse Management Group
Mechanical Lift Analysis
PROBLEM ISSUES
RELATED TO DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
The following is a summary of the major functional problems discovered during this
Analysis:
System Design
There is lack of standardization by manufacturers for lift platform and pit sizes.
The net useable area of the platform is dictated by code, but the gross area varies
by manufacturer. Platform design variations among manufacturers are minimal
and could be eliminated by provision of an industry standard.
Operation of the electromagnetic
lock system, interconnecting all the gates is sporadic.
Problems with these systems are largely due to any one of three factors.
(1)
Continuously powered system, which at times this may lead to an
overheated condition;
(2)
Misalignment of lock components during construction; or
(3)
Fatigue on the gates caused by inadequate support at the hinges.
It is difficult to maintain a fixed position over extended periods (hydraulic lifts
only).
The dependence on hydraulic pressure to maintain a given landing stop height
over an extended period is an issue because continuous pressure has been difficult
to achieve in every instance reviewed in the Analysis.
Architectural Design
Custom platform configurations are unstable.
The standard system components are designed for a given load distribution. If the
size and shape of the platform deviate from the manufacturer's design standard
the system may be over-stressed to the degree of deviation from the original
design intent.
Eighteen different configurations of the platform and/or the enclosure were
incorporated at the 21 installations visited during this Analysis. (Refer to the
INSTALLATION CONFIGURATIONS diagram at the end of this section.)
Section 3-2
HDR Architecture, Inc.
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