Building services

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE (HONS) IN ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING SERVICE
[ BLD60903 / ARC2213 ]
Case Study of Building Service in Public Buildings
PREPARED BY
TUTOR : MR. AZIM SULAIMAN
LAI TZE XUAN
LIM SHEN
MICHELLE SIAW WI WEE
RACHAEL CHEONG
TAN JEE KHIUM
TAY JING HENG
0318056
0323209
0325883
0319926
0324827
0325230

1
2
3
Project Introduction
Introduction To The Building
Introduction of site
Passive Fire Protection System
Literature review
Separation of fire risk areas
Fire rated doors
Fire rated walls
Assembly Points
Emergency escape route
Fire escape staircase
Emergency exit signage
Fire rescue access
Active Fire Protection System
Literature review
The Three Stages
Fire Alarm Bell
Manual Call Point
Fire Control Panel
Fire Intercom System
Fire Hydrant System (Wet Riser)
Fire Hydrant System (Hose Reel)
Portable Fire Extinguisher
Fire Sprinkler System
1.1
1.2
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Air Conditioning System
Literature review
Split Unit Air Conditioning System
Variable Refrigerant Flow System (VRF)
Zoned Control Unit
Variable Refrigerant Flow System (VRF) Components
5 Mechanical Ventilation System
Literature review
Type of Mechanical Ventilation
Supply ventilation system
Exhaust ventilation system
Balanced ventilation system
6 Mechanical Transportation System
Literature review
Elevator System Configuration & Specs
Types of Elevators
Components of Elevator System
Operation of Elevator System
Safety Features
7 Conclusion
8 References
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5

1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to the building
The chosen building is Epic Residence, a 21-storey new high rise
development located off Bandar Puchong New Town in Bandar Bukit
Puchong. With a total of just 300 units, Epic Residence is an exclusive
and lowly dense residence built on 2.3 acres of prime, freehold land in
Bukit Puchong.
The main concepts for the high rise apartment is based on security,
spaciousness, accessibility such as proximity with main highways and
commercial areas as well as feature filled with facilities such as a
swimming pools and gyms.
For this case study, we will be focusing on the Northern section of the
apartment block (Tower A) as most of the ducting, machineries and the
key components of building services are located at this part of the
building.

1.2 Introduction to the site
Located in a 2.3 hectares of prime land in Bandar Puchong New Town, it is
located very close to an existing car park which serves several
shophouses at the side. The site is mainly accessed by car as it is not
close to any LRT or train stations and it is connected by major highways,
thus the need for large amount of parking bays below the apartments. The
site is surrounded with low and medium density housing, several shoplots
and supermarkets. The site is also very close to a sports center and
schools in the North.
Like most apartments and high-rises built today, climatic studies around
the site do not play a big role in terms of building design and layout as the
building internal climate and systems are managed mechanically and
electronically using ventilation and air-conditioning.
The building instead focuses on the comfort of its occupants, the safety of
the building and the accessibility of the building as the apartments are
spacious, the fire system are integrated and the large amount of parking
spaces. This building is also designed to comply with many UBBL
requirements such as implementation of the fire safety and building
structures such as material and design layout.

FLOOR PLAN
II.
II.
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN

FLOOR PLAN
II.
II.
REPETITIVE FIRST TO FOURTH FLOORPLAN

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
II

II. Acting as a physical barrier between spaces to prevent the spread of fire,
prolonging the time for victims to escape. They are constructed with
materials that are capable of up to 2 hours of fire resistance rating.
2. Safe means of escape.
I. Assembly point
An area that is large enough to accommodate the expected maximum
occupancy of the building being evacuated in the event of fire.
II. Emergency escape route
Emergency escape route plan is to provide easy and nearest route out of
the building to safe assembly point.
III. Fire escape staircase
I. Different kind of stairway for emergency escape in the event of fire, they
shall be protected from exposure to fire risk throughout their descend down
the staircase to the final exit at ground level.
IV. Emergency exit signage
1. Ensuring that emergency exits in your building are clearly marked with Exit
2. signs can reduce confusion and injury in the event of an emergency.
V. Fire rescue access
VI. Fire Department access means an approved route that is always available
for use by fire trucks and is designed to meet fire equipment load
requirements.
2. PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
2.0 Literature review
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) provides breaks and barriers to fire and the
spread of combustion products within buildings, between buildings and to the
exterior environment, keeping the fire from spreading quickly and providing
time to escape for people in the building.
PFP system is apart of the building fabric and is to provide inherent fire safety
and protection, by responding against flame, heat and smoke, toxic gases; and
is to maintain the fundamental requirements of :
1. Building / Fire compartmentation
I. Separation of fire risk areas
II. To contain the fire to within the zone of origin and to provide some
protection for the rest of the building and its occupants by reducing
the spread of fire through allocating the fire risk area carefully.
II. Fire rated doors
III. Fire door act as a protective opening and provide a specific degree of
fire protection to the opening. It also compartmentalise a fire to stop
the smoke and flames spreading from one section to another. They are
usually located at the emergency exit or staircase.
III. Fire rated walls
IV. It’s a wall that subdividing a building to prevent the spread of fire and
having a fire resistance rating and structural stability. Firewalls are
usually blank, parapeted and are non-load bearing.

Building / Fire compartmentation
2.1 SEPARATION OF FIRE RISK AREA
When it comes to spatial planning for building. All fire risk area should be
allocated evenly and separately to prevent from the fire to expend.
Certain spaces could also be designed with passive fire protection elements
to separate them from occupants such as voids, ducts etc. must have means
of fire separation to reduce the chances of fire to spread to other areas.
The condition and operation of fire separation materials and devices must be
checked regularly to ensure optimum performance should it be required.
UBBL section 139:
Separation of fire risk areas
The following area uses shall be separated from the other areas of the
occupancy in which they are located by fire resisting construction of elements
of structure of a FRP to be determined by local authority based on the degree
of hazed.
I. Boiler rooms and associated ducts storage area
II. Laundries
III. Repairs shops involving hazardous processes and materials
IV. Storage are of materials in quantities deemed hazardous
V. Liquefied petroleum gas storage areas
VI. Linen rooms
VII. Flammable liquid stores
II.
Storage room contains most of
the flammable liquids such as
cleaning agents, hazardous liquids
for cleaning tank.
Hence, it is important to separate
flammable materials with other
areas to avoid spread of fire.
Fig 2.1 Showing the location of fire risk area at the basement floor level

2.2 FIRE RATED DOORS
Fire rated doors can be found at the stairway of fire exit areas. The doors are
openable from the inside easily without any keys and effort required,
meanwhile it should only swing to the exit direction to prevent any confusion
for the user. Automatic door closer are considered to ensure that the door is
always close to avoid the fire from spreading.
Components of the door - Fire door seal [ Intumescent strip ]
During the fire, intumescent seal in door frame groove tend to expand under
the sense of heat from surroundings. It fills up the gap between the door
frame to its original size and prevent the smoke from entering.
UBBL section 162 (I) and (II) :
Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls.
I. Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls
II. Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be
protected by a fire door having a FRP in accordance with the
requirements for that wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these
By-laws.
UBBL section 173 :
Exit doors
I. All exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a
key or any special knowledge or effort.
Fig 2.2 Standard dimension for a fire door
Fire retardant core (solid hardwood )
not less than 37 mm
laminated with adhesives conforming
to BS 1444 “cold setting casein glue
for wood”
faced both sides with plywood to a
total thickness of not less than 43 mm
with all edges
finished with a fire rated Intumescent
strip throughout the sides
DIAGRAM
900 mm wide
2100 mm high
max.
Fig 2.3 Cross section of a door panel

2.2 FIRE RATED DOORS
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Fire rated doors can be found along with fire staircase. It is to allow occupants
to escape during fire in a short period of time

2.3 FIRE RATED WALL
Firewall is found and installed in almost every high-rise building as one of the
fire protection system. It is constructed using fire-resistance materials to
allow firewall withstand at least one hour fire to reduce the potential of fire
spreading. Epic Residence is a 20 storey high rise building in which firewall are
constructed besides fire staircases. It acts as a barrier which provides an
hour escape period for the occupants to escape through fire staircase and
door.
Firewall is made up of fire-resistance plasterboard at the external wall. It has
steel stud connected to fiberglass insulation and fire blocking at both sides
covered by fire- resistance plasterboards.
UBBL section 148 :
Special requirements as to compartment walls and compartment floors
(6) Any compartment walls or compartment floors which is required by these
By - Laws to have FRP of one hour or more shall be constructed wholly of
non-combustible materials and, apart from any ceiling, the required FRP of
wall or floor shall be obtained without assistance from any non-combustible
materials.
Fig 2.4 Cross section of fire rated wall detail
Fig 2.5 End of firewall protection allocated between framing
and exterior walls without any joint
Exterior wall
Fire wall
Construction joints
End wall fire-rated blank construction.
Freestanding

2.3 FIRE RATED WALL
Fire wall is located at both side of fire staircase to avoid spread of fire to other compartment
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN

ASSEMBLY POINT
Safe means of escape
2.4 ASSEMBLY POINT
In Epic condominium, assembly point is located at the nearest area which is
the opposite shophouse. Every occupant need to cross over the road and
escape to the opposite shophouses area during fire.
This is due to the location of Epic Condominium surrounded by existing shop
houses before construction. In order to provide a larger area for assembly
point which is further than its existing site, occupants are encouraged to
gather around at the current assembly point for safety purpose.
UBBL 1984 section 178:
Exits for institutional and other places for assembly
In building classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street
or large open space, together with staircases, corridors and passages leading
to such exits shall be located, separated or protected as to avoid any undue
danger to the occupants of the place of the assembly from fire originating in
the other occupancy or smoke therform.
Fig 2.6 Assembly point signage
Assembly point signage should
located at visible area where every
occupant can gather around the
larger area provided for them during
fire
Fig 2.7 Location of assembly point
It is acts as a centre point where signalling occupants to gather
around for safety purposes

2.4 ASSEMBLY POINT
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of assembly point

2.5 EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTE
Each of the floor plan of a building shall indicates the shortest route to a
place of comparative or ultimate safety should an emergency evacuation be
triggered. The width of final exit doors and the escape routes leading to them
will dictate the maximum number of people who can safely occupy that floor
or a specific area within it under normal conditions of operation.It is important
to look at the stages in the process of escape and the maximum distances
people can be expected to travel.
Stage 1
Escape from the room or area of fire origin
Stage 2
Escape from the compartment of origin via the circulation route to a protected
stairway or an adjoining compartment offering refuge
Stage 3
Escape from the floor of origin to the ground level
Stage 4
Escape at ground level away from the building.
Exit route
No exit route may reduce in width along its pathway of travel from the story exit
to the final exit
FIRST TO FOURTH FLOOR PLAN
BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN
Staircase located besides
lift acts as an intermediate
for occupants to escape
from upper floor (above 5th
floor) to basement floor.
Occupants will escape from
upper floor through main
lobby at basement floor.
Fig 2.8 Indication for emergency escape route on first to fourth floor
plan and basement floor plan

LEGEND
FIRE ORIGIN
ESCAPE ROUTES
ASSEMBLY POINT
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Showing the escape routes towards the assembly point on
basement floor level

LEGEND
FIRE ORIGIN
ESCAPE ROUTES
ASSEMBLY POINT
FIRST TO FOURTH FLOOR PLAN
Showing the escape routes towards at the
first to fourth floor level

Hose reel
800 - 110 mm
above floor
2.6 FIRE ESCAPE STAIRCASE
In order to get protected from exposure to fire risk throughout their descend
down the staircase to the final exit at ground level. The stairway shall have
barriers including walls, floors, and doors to contain pressurized air generated
by mechanical means to keep smoke away from that area.
The most common type of fire escape staircase is an enclosed stairway. The
enclosure must be at least of 2 hour construction along with 1 and a half self
closing doors that swing in the direction of egress travel. The doors must
swing into the stairway enclosure except at the level of exit discharge, where
they must swing out.
No obstruction in staircases
I. There shall be no obstruction in any staircase between the topmost
landing thereof and the exit discharge on the ground floor
II. There shall be no projection, other than handrails in staircases, in any
corridor, passage or staircase at a level lower than 2 metres above
the floor or above any stair
UBBL 1984 section 168 (i):
Staircases
Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of
egress via at least two separate staircases
2-hour
enclosure
walls
1 ½ hour
self-closin
g door
Smoke
pressurize system
Width 1200 mm
Fig 2.9 Standard dimension for fire staircase

2.6 FIRE ESCAPE STAIRCASE
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire escape staircase.

2.7 EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNAGE
Exit signs must be clear of decorations, equipment which may impair visibility
to means of an Exit. Emergency exit signage also known as ‘KELUAR’ signage
can be found above fire doors at every escape staircase.
It is placed at at the front and back door in the main lobby. It is used as giving
direction for the occupants during emergency in the same time leads them to
the outdoor open space or assembly point.
UBBL 1984 - SECTION 172:
Emergency exit signs
I. Exit sign shall have word ‘KELUAR’ in a plainly legible not less than
15mm height with the principle stroke of the letters not less than 18
mm wide
II. The exits and access to such exit shall be marked by readily visible
signs and shall not be obscured by decorations, furnishing or other
equipment
III. The sign with the reading of ‘KELUAR’ should indicating the direction
shall be placed in every location where the direction of the travel to
reach the nearest exit.
IV. All exit signs should be illuminated continuously during period of
occupancy.
NFPA 101 Requires that exit signs be installed not
less than 80 inches above the finished floor to the
bottom of the sign.
The word "Exit" in legible letters shouldn’t be
smaller than
6 inches high.
The main stroke of the letter should be 3/4 inch
wide.
Fig 2.10 Dimension of ‘’KELUAR’’ signage

2.7 EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNAGE
Emergency exit signages are located at the entrance and exits of a building. While mostly could be
found above the door of a stairway.
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN

2.8 FIRE RESCUE ACCESS
Fire rescue access allow the fire trucks to get in place especially to the
location which easily access to the fire hydrant for firefighting and rescue
activities without any obstructions.
The building site plan should provide adequate driveway widths, turning radii,
and parking space on firm, level surface for fire apparatus as well as
unobstructed access to the building to enable high reach appliances, such as
the turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms, to be used and also to enable
the pumping appliances to supply water and equipment for firefighting.
Fire apparatus turning radii (R) commonly vary from 28 to 40 ft and vehicle
length (L) from 40 to 65 ft for ladder trucks and from 20 to 40 ft for pampers.
Public street
MAIN LOBBY
UBBL 1984 Section 225 (2) :
Detecting and extinguishing fire.
Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than
91.5m away from the nearest point of fire brigade access.
Fig 2.11 Turning circles – required where accessway is in excess of 100m

2.8 FIRE RESCUE ACCESS
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire rescue access

ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
III

3. ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
In the case of a fire outbreak, the active fire protection system will activate in
response to the said event. These actions could be initiated as either
automated responses or through manual operation. They can be broadly
categorised into few stages, namely:
I. Fire Detection
In the event of a fire, fire detectors will detect the danger and initiate some
form of response. These systems include smoke detectors, heat detectors
and the like.
II. Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm systems function primarily to prevent loss of life, secondarily to
minimise property damage. They come in many forms, such as bells, speakers
or electromechanical horns, Sometimes lights are incorporated alongside
sound to increase its effectiveness.
III. Fire Response Triggers
During the event the alarm system does not go off, one can manually activate
it through various devices. Our building has two such devices installed
throughout - manual call points and fire control panels. Located at highly
visible places, they are linked to a centralised system with end stations at
the guardhouses with further connections to the local fire station.
IV. Fire Intercom System
In case of emergencies, one can engage in direct communications with the relevant
party through this system.
V. Fire Sprinkler System
Once fire is detected on the premises, sprinklers will spray water to suppress the
fire. Water is directed from the designated bomba water tank, reserved specifically
for this purpose.
VI. Fire Hydrant System
The fire hydrant is located beside access points for the fire department’s use.
Primarily used to combat large fires, the water is highly pressurised to quickly
extinguish fires.
VII. Fire Extinguisher System
Small fires that do not warrant firefighter’s immediate attention can be suppressed
using these portable fire-fighting devices. Fire extinguishers are classified
according to their choice of fire suppressant.

Solutions to combat fire
3.1 THE THREE STAGES
The active fire protection system is split into 3 parts:
● Detection stage
● Notification stage
● Action stage
1.
II.
Active Fire Protection Flow Chart

3.2 FIRE ALARM
Fire alarms are installed at access points for maximum effectiveness. Once
activated, it keeps ringing until the fire department deactivates it. Depending
on locality, the sound used can be either a bell, horn or siren sound.
The fire alarm system has several objectives:
● To detect outbreaks of fire and warn occupants
● To activate fire safety systems
● To inform the local fire department
● T o monitor fire safety equipment
Figure 3.2 Placement of fire alarm at fire exits
Figure 3.1 Fire alarm system
UBBL 1984 Section 237
Fire Alarms
1. Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to
these By-Laws.
2. All premises and buildings with gross floor area excluding car park and
storage areas exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres
in height shall be provided with a two-stage alarm system with
evacuation (continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected
section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in
adjourning section.
3. Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by
action of a master control.

3.2 FIRE ALARM
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Locations of wall-mounted horn speakers, ceiling-mounted loudspeakers
LEGEND
HORN SPEAKERS
LOUDSPEAKERS

3.3 MANUAL CALL POINT
Once confirmation of a fire is established, one can raise an alarm manually
through these devices. Manual call points require a two-action process to
prevent unwanted activation - break the cover glass or plastic, followed by
activating the switch within. Once activated the alarm can only be reset at
the Fire Control Panel (FCP).
Manual call points and bells to be along escape corridors or beside exit and
staircase doors, such that no occupant need travel more than 30 metres to
reach a call point
Figure 3..4 Placement of manual call point at fire exits
Figure 3.3 Manual Call Point

3.3 MANUAL CALL POINT
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Locations of wall-mounted manual call points
LEGEND
MANUAL CALL
POINTS

3.4 FIRE CONTROL PANEL
This panel receives information from environmental sensors placed throughout
the building and formulate responses according to the data.
Depending on feedback, it can determine the location and severity of the fire,
as well as monitor the sensor’s operational integrity.
Formulaic responses include informing the personnel on standby or an
automated information relay of said fire event to the local fire department.
Figure 3.6 Fire control panel at guardhouse
Figure 3.5 Fire control panel
Fire Command Centre
1. Large or tall buildings over 30.5m or exceeding 9,290 sq. metres in
gross area require Command and Control Centre to be located at
designated floor with direct telephone connection to Bomba..
II.

3.4 FIRE CONTROL PANEL
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire control panel
LEGEND
FIRE CONTROL
PANEL

3.5 FIRE INTERCOM SYSTEM
The system is a two-way emergency voice communication system in case of
an emergency that requires personal assistance. The wall device is usually
installed at the emergency exits for rapid access.
All intercom systems are connected to the master control panel located at
the guard house. It is also hardwired to contact the local fire department
Figure 3.7 Fire intercom system Figure 3.8 Fire intercom system at pump room

3.5 FIRE INTERCOM SYSTEM
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Locations of fire intercom systems
LEGEND
FIRE INTERCOM
SYSTEM

3.6 FIRE HYDRANT SYSTEM (WET RISER)
The fire hydrant system can be split into two categories:
● Dry riser
● Wet riser
Wet riser is a network of pipes filled with water for firemen to use for
fire-combating purposes. Unlike the dry riser system, whereby water flows
through the pipeline when the fire department starts pumping water into the
system; wet risers are constantly pressurized to ensure an immediate water
supply for fire-suppression purposes.
Epic Residence,being higher than 30.5 metres, uses the wet riser system.
Wet risers
1. Wet riser system to be provided in buildings with top most floor more
than 30.5m.
2. Wet riser to be provided to every staircase which extends to the roof.
3. Each stage of wet riser to be no more than 61.0m except in cases may
be permitted to 70.15m.
II.
Figure 3.9 Wet riser inlet
Figure 3.10 Wet riser inlet outside pump room

Three pumps supply the water from the tank to the hoses. The pumps are the
jockey pump, duty pump and stand-by pump.
The jockey pump controls the water pressure during activation, and continues
to function should the duty pump unable to provide enough pressure.
The duty pump activates when the a wet riser landing valve or a hose reel gate
valve has been opened.
The stand-by pump acts as a backup in case of a failed or inactive duty pump.
Figure 3.12 Wet riser pumps
Figure 3.13 Pump room layout (Wet riser)Figure 3.11 Wet riser system diagram

3.6 FIRE HYDRANT (WET RISER)
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire hydrant system (wet riser)
LEGEND
WET RISER
SYSTEM

Figure 3.15 Wet riser and hose reel piping schematic diagram
Schedule Of Wet Riser Pumps
Description Stage 1 Stage 2
WRP1 &
WRP2 Wet
riser pumps
(Duty &
Standby)
WRJP
(Wet riser
jockey
pump)
WRP1 &
WRP2 Wet
riser pumps
(Duty &
Standby)
WRJP
(Wet riser
jockey
pump)
Head (M) 70.23 76.3 111.98 123.18
Flow Rate
(L/S)
25.0 2.25 25.0 2.25
Motor Load
(KW)
22.0 3.0 55.0 4.0
Motor Type APPROVED TYRE FIRE PUMPS
Speed
(RPM)
2800
Power
Supply
415V / 3 PHASE / 50 Hz
Figure 3.14 Wet riser schedule

3.7 FIRE HYDRANT SYSTEM (HOSE REEL)
The hose reel system exists for people to use during the early stages of a fire
outbreak. Generally serving as an early fire-fighting aid, it consists of hose reel
pumps, water tanks, hose reels, pipeworks and valves.
This system is manually operated, and is activated by opening a valve enabling
water to flow out of the hose reel. Much like the wet riser system, three
pumps function as pressure controllers to ensure the water flows out in an
arc for efficient fire-fighting purposes - the jockey pump, duty pump and
stand-by pump. Hose reels are located at every floor with an average 30 metre
reach.
Figure 3.16 Hose reel
Figure 3.17 Pump room layout (Hose reel)
UBBL 1984 Section 244 (b)
Hose reel
1. Hydraulic Hose Reels shall be located at every 45 metres (depending on
building form). Besides, fire hose reels should be located at strategic
places in buildings, especially near fire-fighting access lobbies in order
to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water for
fire-fighting purposes.
II.

Schedule Of Hose Reel Pumps
Description HRP1
(HOSE REEL PUMP DUTY)
HRP1
(HOSE REEL PUMP
STAND-BY)
Head (M) 99
Flow Rate
(L/S)
1.80
Motor Load
(KW)
4.0
Motor Type APPROVED TYRE FIRE PUMPS
Speed
(RPM)
2900
Power
Supply
415V / 3 PHASE / 50 Hz
Figure 3.18 Hose reel schedule Figure 3.19 Wet riser and hose reel piping schematic diagram

BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire hydrant system (hose reel)
LEGEND
HOSE REEL
SYSTEM

3.8 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
There are many types of fire extinguishers on the market, based on the
potential dangers on different sites. Epic Residence uses dry powder fire
extinguishers.
Fire requires oxygen, heat and fuel to happen. Dry powder fire extinguishers
deal with fires primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction, namely the fuel
component of the fire triangle. It is effective on Class A, B and C fires (A;
common combustibles, B: flammable liquids, C: gaseous fires).
Figure 3.20 Types of fire extinguishers
Figure 3.21 Dry powder fire extinguisher
Portable extinguishers
1. Portable extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with the relevant
codes of practice and shall be sited in prominent positions on exit
routes to be visible from all directions and similar extinguishers in a
building shall be of the same method of operation.
II.

3.8 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of fire extinguishers
LEGEND
FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS

3.9 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Sprinkler systems distributes water to combat fire outbreaks using a series of
water pipes supplied by a water tank. Epic Residence uses a two-way system
whereby smoke or heat detectors detect fires and promptly activates the
sprinklers at the affected area.
Sprinkler system
1. Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the
exterior wall and shall be readily accessible to the Fire Authority.
2. All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire
station to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when
activated.
II.
Figure 3.23 Fire sprinkler in emergency staircaseFigure 3.22 Fire sprinkler system

3.9 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
FOURTH FLOORPLAN
Location of fire sprinklers

4.0 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air such as
controlling the humidity, temperature and air movement via mechanical
systems to achieve human thermal comfort condition.Malaysia which located
near to the equator experience the warm and humid climate condition. Hence,
adopt suitable type of air-conditioning system is crucial to indoor thermal
comfort
Air conditioning system involves 2 cycles which are Refrigerant cycle and Air
cycle to remove heat from the air indoor and release the heat into the air
outdoor.
The application of different types of air conditioning system may be considered
in aspect of density of occupation, volume of the space, desired usage hours
and energy saving.
4 types of air conditioning system :
I. Centralized Air Conditioning System
II. Packaged Air Conditioning System
III. Window Unit Air Conditioning System
IV. Split Unit Air Conditioning System
4.1 Split Unit Air Conditioning System
Consists of two main parts, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit .The outdoor unit
house the important parts of AC such as compressor, condenser, capillary tubing
and expansion valve while the indoor unit house evaporator, blower fan, supply air
louvers, air filter, return air grille, drain pipe and control panel .
4.2 Variable Refrigerant Flow System (VRF)
This system can control the amount of refrigerant following several smaller air
handlers that can be individually controlled and piped back to the whole
system.The cooling medium for this system is refrigerant rather than chilled water
so cooling plant is not required in heat exchange.
4.3 Zoned Control Unit
Divides a condominium into different regions with separate temperature controls
and operate individually of each other from room to room air conditioning. This
system can only function in cooling mode or heating mode because several unit is
connected to one outdoor unit with one ductwork that channels the air from
outdoor unit throughout various zones.
4.4 Variable Refrigerant Flow System (VRF) Components
I. Compressor
II. Condensor
III. Expansion Valve
IV. Evaporator
V. Refrigerant Piping

Types of Air Conditioning System
4.1 SPLIT UNIT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Epic Residence have divided into 2 main lobbies which located separately in
north and south is using Split Unit Zoned Air Conditioning system .The
subdivision could be dictated by spatial constraints, served by a separated
‘central’ plant in a single control room.
Each building zone is supplied with conditioned air via a separate duct which
connected to both plenum boxes. A system of interlinked dampers, is arranged
such that a constant air supply is delivered to each zone duct.
From figure 4.1.1 , the ceiling mounted indoor unit is used in the main
lobbies.The blower draws in the warm room air and it passes over the
washable air filter and the evaporator to cool the indoor air and the process
continues. The air filter is used to remove any particles of dirt to provide clean
air circulation within the room. Direction of airflow can be controlled by the
horizontal and vertical louvers.
Figure 4.1 Ceiling Mounted Indoor Unit in the lobby
Figure 4.2 Ceiling Mounted Air Conditioners
Figure 4.3 Zoned Split Air Conditioning System

Types of Split Unit Air Conditioning System
4.2 VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW SYSTEM ( VRF )
This multi-split system is connected to 2 main lobbies, office and guard
house. VRF system is used in Epic Residence because of the smaller density
of occupation compare to shopping complex or office tower and also required
less outdoor plant space compared with conventional air-water system. The
distribution of cooling is accomplished using All-Air system, transported in the
ductwork, and water is not used to transfer the heat to or from the
conditioned zones to the output area. They are distributed using diffusers or
registers.
VRF system gets inputs from the user in different zones according to that
data to implements its logic in order to get the desired comfort conditions
while utilizing optimal power consumptions. The ability to adjust its own
operation hours to the outdoor and desired indoor conditions is one of the
main factors that makes VRF system energy efficient.
MS1525: 2007
Off-Hour Control
8.3.1 Zones which are expected to operate non-simultaneously for more
than 750 hours per year should be served by separate air distribution systems.
As an alternative off-hour controls should be provided in accordance with 8.4.4
8.4.4.1 ACMV system should be equipped with automatic controls capable of
accomplishing a reduction of energy use for example through equipment
shutdown during periods of non-use or alternative use of the spaces served by
the system.
Figure 4.4 Integration of Indoor Unit and Outdoor Unit
Figure 4.5 The air circulation in VRF System

Types of VRF System
4.3 ZONED CONTROL UNIT
Refrigerant piping that connect 2 lobbies and the office in VRF system
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN

VRF System Mechanism
4.4.1 COMPONENTS
I. Compressor
The conversion of low pressured gas to high pressured gas occurs in
compressor.The compressor squeezes the fluid closer together to achieve
closer molecules with higher energy and temperature. The compressor is
consists of oil separator, accumulator and liquid receiver.Refrigerant vapor
enters the compressor through the suction valve and fills the cylinder.Epic
residence is using an inverter compressors that minimize power consumption
with cooling loads.
ii. Condenser
In refrigeration system, heat is absorbed by vapor refrigerant in the evaporator.
Hot compressed air leave the compressor and condensed into liquid by the
condensing coils in order to reject the heat absorbed. It is the final step in the
refrigerant cycle, where the heat is remove to the atmosphere. Epic Residence
use the most common medium to cool the air which is All-Air Condenser
because it requires less maintenance as it does not consists of cooling tower,
water tank and chiller plant room like Air-Water Condenser.The outdoor unit
located in the open courtyard at fifth floor is easy to clean too.
iii. Expansion valve
Changing state from liquid to gas in the evaporator require expansion valve to
remove the high pressure in the liquid refrigerant which flow in from the
condenser.Expansion valve is a fixed size orifice that throttles liquid
refrigerant into the evaporator .After pressure is greatly reduced, the molecule
in the liquid refrigerant is spread and leaving the coldest refrigerant to enter
the evaporator.
Figure 4.6 VRF System Outdoor Unit
Figure 4.7 VRF System Outdoor Unit Mechanism

VRF System Mechanism
4.4.1 COMPONENTS
iv. Evaporator
The expansion valve throttles the cooled liquid refrigerant into the evaporator
to provide a heat absorbing surface. The liquid refrigerant is then boiled by the
heat gathered from the hot air indoor surrounding the evaporator and become
stream.
v. Refrigerant piping
Both outdoor and indoor piping is jacketed and insulated to reduce heat gain in
the cool air inside the refrigerant pipe. Different pipes allow both liquid and
gas to flow continuously between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit without
pressure loss in a refrigerant loop.
Before entering the various zones indoor ceiling cassette unit ,the refrigerant
pipe is connected to branch controller to control the temperature in the room
individually. Epic Residence is using cooling only systems which heating is not
available because Malaysia is hot and humid all the time.
Figure 4.9 Refrigerant pipes connecting outdoor unit and indoor unit
Figure 4.8 Cassette Type Air Conditioner Evaporator Coil

VRF System Components
4.4.1 OUTDOOR UNIT COMPONENTS
Location of the Outdoor Unit Air Conditioning System at Fifth Floor
FIFTH FLOORPLAN

MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
V

5. MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
The main function of mechanical ventilation systems is to provide and
circulate fresh air using ducts and fans into a building. Without the use of
mechanical ventilation to supply fresh air, air pollutants, moisture and odours
can build up inside a building.
Mechanical ventilation also helps providing good indoor air quality by removing
allergens, air pollutants and moisture that will cause mole problems within a
building. Mechanical ventilation are divided into three types which are, supply
ventilation systems, exhaust ventilation systems and balanced ventilation
systems.
TYPES OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION
5.1 Supply ventilation system
In this ventilation system, fresh air outside is drawn into a building through
an air intake vent and is distributed to many rooms by a fan and ductwork
system.
Supply ventilation system has a fan and set of ducts are used only for
ventilation, or an outdoor air intake that can be connected to the main return
air duct can allow the heating and cooling systems fan and ducts to distribute
fresh air into a building. Whereby the indoor air will escapes through building
enclosure and exhaust fan ducts.
II.
5.2 Exhaust ventilation system
Exhaust ventilation system is where indoor stale air is continuously exhausted out
to the outdoor environment with one or more exhaust fans. When the indoor air is
drawn out continuously, it causes the indoor spaces within a building becomes
slightly depressurized.
Therefore, this ventilation system is not appropriate for hot and humid climate. This
is because there is a risk of drawing hot outdoor air into cracks and holes of the
construction assembly in a building where it could reach cool interior surfaces and
cause moisture problems.
5.3. Balanced ventilation system
Balanced ventilation system is a combination of supply and exhaust ventilation
systems providing equal quantities of indoor exhaust and outdoor supply air flows.
This system is achieved by using two fans which one brings in fresh air and the
other exhaust the indoor air out.

Types of mechanical ventilation
Pressurization smoke control system
Pressurization smoke control system is one of the supply mechanical
ventilation and fire fighting systems that are used in Epic Residence. A
pressurization smoke control system is a system used to limit the migration
of smoke within a building during a fire event. The aim of this system is to
keep fire escape staircase reasonably free from smoke and to improve
conditions in corridors and lobbies opening onto the staircase.
In Epic Residences, each fire escape staircase and lobbies or corridors
opening onto the staircase are provided with this system to stop the smoke
from spreading into the staircase. Pressurization smoke control system
usually consists of mechanical equipment such as fans and fire dampers to
control the spread of smoke within the building. During a fire event, the fans
used in pressurization smoke control system will supply positive pressure and
fresh air into the fire escape staircase to pressurize the staircase.
UBBL section 202 :
Pressurized system for staircases
All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.75 metres in height where there
is no adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of
pressurization-
I. where the air capacity of the fan shaft be sufficient to maintain an
airflow of not less than 60 metres per minute through the doors which
are deemed to be open;
I. where the number of doors which are deemed to be opened at the one
time shall be 10% of the total number of doors opening into the
staircase with a minimum number of two doors open;
II. where with all the doors closed the air pressure differential between the
staircases and the areas served by it shall not exceed 5 millimetres
water gauge;
III. where the mechanical system to prevent smoke from entering the
staircase shall be automatically activated by a suitable heat detecting
device, manual or automatic alarm or automatic wet pipe sprinkler
system; and
IV. which meets the functional requirement as may be agreed with the
D.G.F.S
Figure 5.1 Simple diagram of a pressurization smoke control
system

Locations for pressurization diffuser blade vents
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
Location of pressurization diffuser blade vents
LEGEND
DIFFUSER BLADE
VENTS
REPETITIVE FLOORPLAN OF FIRST TO FOURTH FLOOR

Components of pressurization smoke control system
Pressurization smoke control system consists of certain mechanical
components. These components include HVAC fans, fire dampers, ductworks
and diffuser blade vents. During a fire event, control system such as fire alarm
system will receives signals from sensors in the field and provides outputs to
these components to start, stop, open or close.
Centrifugal smoke control fans
Centrifugal Smoke control fans are used in pressurization smoke control
system to supply air and to pressurize the fire escape staircase in the case of
a fire. These fans will supply prevailing air from outside to assert a positive
pressure through a ductwork to overcome the negative pressure of smoke.
Centrifugal smoke control fans are able to supply air and maintain positive air
pressure in the fire escape staircase. The purpose of this is to prevent fire
smoke from entering the staircase from the fire location.
Excess air pressure asserted by smoke control fan has to be avoided either by
controlling the fan speed or by pressure relief from the staircase. In order to
maintain a pressure difference within the staircase area, the air flow rate of
the fan has to be adjusted either up or down based on the construction of the
building. The fans must have suitable temperature ratings and sufficient
capacity to deliver the performance criteria of the smoke control system when
operating at a stable performance.
Figure 5.2 HVAC inlet fan
Figure 5.3 Components of a HVAC inlet fan

Fire dampers
Fire dampers that are open to pressurized fire escape staircase are controlled
based on signals from pressure sensors. The function of fire dampers is to
release excess air supplied from the HVAC fans in a closed door condition from
the fire escape staircase area. The excessive air used to pressurize the
smoke out from the staircase area is ducted to discharge directly to
atmosphere independent of the wind direction.
Ductworks
Ductworks are used to provide distribution of air to fire escape staircase and
corridors or lobbies opening onto the staircase through diffuser blade vents. In
the pressurization smoke control system, prevailing air and positive pressure
are supplied by HVAC inlet fan through the ductworks into the fire escape
staircase to pressurize the area. Air will be released to prevent unwanted
pressure build up in the adjacent spaces of the fire escape staircase.
Figure 5.4 Important components of a pressurization
smoke control system

Diffuser blade vents
Diffuser blade vents are used as an opening to allow positive pressure and
cool air supplied from the HVAC inlet fans to flow into the fire escape
staircase. Diffuser blades vents are connected to the ductworks of the
pressurization smoke control system.
Figure 5.5 Diffuser blade vent
Figure 5.6 Diagram of a diffuser blade vent
UBBL section 251 :
Smoke Vents
Smoke vents to be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke.
Where smoke venting facilities are installed for purposes of exit safety in
accordance with the requirements of this Part they shall be adequate to prevent
dangerous accumulation of smoke during the period of time necessary to
evacuate the area served using available exit facilities with a margin of safety
to allow for unforeseen contingencies.
UBBL section 252 :
Smoke Vents
Smoke vents to be openable by Fire Authority. The discharge apertures of all
manual smoke vents shall be so arranged as to be readily openable by the Fire
Authority working from the exterior.

Process of pressurization smoke control system
Pressurization smoke control system involves in three main processes, which
is air supply, pressure relief and air release. When these three processes are
combined, a positive pressure difference will be created to avoid fire escape
staircase from filling up with smoke.
1. Air Supply
During a fire event, a subsequent evacuation will cause intermittent loss of
pressure in the fire escape staircase as the staircase doors open. Therefore,
pressurization smoke control system will have supply air fans to provide
sufficient pressurization to prevent smoke to enter when door are open at the
staircase. As a result, air is supply and injected into the fire escape staircase
will be protected from smoke.
2. Pressure Relief
The air supplied from the supply fans will assert a positive pressure to
pressurize the fire escape staircase. Before the positive pressure reaches the
staircase, it will pass through the fire dampers. The fire dampers will release
the positive pressure based on the signals from pressure sensors into the
staircase area. Then positive pressure of the air will be relief and maintain a
pressure difference when door is closed in the staircase. Hence, overpressure
is avoided when staircase doors are closed. Pressure difference is required to
overcome buoyancy pressure generated by hot smoke layer and expansion of
gases due to heating, stack pressure and wind pressure in staircase.
Figure 5.7 Simple diagram on how pressurization smoke
control system works
3. Air Release
After pressurization occurred within the fire escape staircase area,
positive pressure air and the negative pressure of smoke will be released
from the staircase and its adjoining areas.

Exhaust mechanical ventilation system is used in the basement car park area
in Epic Residence. This exhaust mechanical ventilation is used to aid in
firefighting by exhausting and clearing fire smoke during a fire event. Fire
smoke will be exhaust into the ductworks of the system in order to allow
prevailing air from outside to circulate the basement car park.
This mechanical exhaust system is designed to rapidly remove smoke during
and after a fire event. Therefore, it is also a very useful firefighting system for
firefighters to deal with fire during a fire event. With the use of this system it
can avoid low oxygen areas within the basement car park area as this system
can exhaust fire smoke effectively in the case of fire.
Traditional System
The exhaust mechanical ventilation system used in Epic Residence is based
on traditional mechanical extract system. Traditional mechanical extract
system extracts fire smoke in and transports the smoke to the external
atmosphere. The ductworks are distributed evenly within the basement
carpark and also drop to a low level to provide low level extraction points.
Figure 5.8 Basement Car Park of Epic
Residence
Figure 5.9 Ductworks distributed evenly in traditional system

Components of exhaust mechanical ventilation
Centrifugal jet fans are used in this exhaust mechanical ventilation system for
the extraction of fire smoke. Centrifugal jet fans are developed to ventilate
the basement car park by propelling a small jet of air at an extremely high
velocity.
This causes the surrounding air to be entrained and within a confined space
like a basement cark park can be used to transport large volume of gas. Each
centrifugal jet fan has a characteristic thrust which designers use to position
the fans in the car park to ensure relatively even air distribution.
It is also to ensure that fire smoke can be transported immediately and
effectively to the main extract points. Main extract centrifugal fans are sized
to extract a minimum of ten air changes in a smoke clearance system.
Centrifugal jet fan are installed within an inlet and outlet cylindrical silencer
and the jet fans can produce a propulsive force up to 50N of thrust. These
fans are mostly suitable to use in small to medium size car parks.
Figure 5.10
Centrifugal Jet Fans
Figure 5.11 Centrifugal jet fans system
in traditional basement mechanical ventilation system
Figure 5.12 Components of Centrifugal jet fans system

Ductworks
Ductwork systems are used in the exhaust mechanical ventilation system to
transport fire smoke out of the basement car park area. The ductworks
system is to allow fire smoke to be extracted by centrifugal fans and travel to
the smoke extraction points. Fire smokes and fumes are being extracted into
the ductworks through a diffuser blade vent. Ductworks have to be smoke
rated and constructed using steel and aluminum that have a melting point of
more than 800ᵒC. The ductwork system has to be evenly distributed within
the basement car park area to ensure even air distribution.
Figure 5.15 Diffuser blade vents are part of the ductwork system in
basement car park
Figure 5.14 Components of a Ductwork System
Figure 5.13 Ductwork System

Smoke Spill System
Smoke spill system is one of the smoke clearance systems for the exhaust
mechanical ventilation system in the basement carpark. This system can
provide maximum protection against smoke when smoke is unable to escape
the fire room but is extracted directly outside. The smoke extraction rate for
this system is relative to the size of the car park. Smoke spill system is
operated automatically by the fire alarm system to exhaust fire smoke by
centrifugal extract fans.
Figure 5.17 Example of a simple smoke spill system
diagram
UBBL section 254 :
Approval of D.G.F.S.
I. All fire fighting installations and appliances other than those conforming
to the standards listed in by-law 244 shall be of those as tested and
approved by the D.G.F.S.
II. Plans, drawings and calculations of all fixed installations shall be
submitted to the Fire Authority in a manner prescribed by the D.G.F.S.
before commencement of work.
III. Every plan, drawing or calculation in respect of any automatic sprinklers
or other fixed installations shall be submitted together with the relevant
forms as prescribed in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
–
Figure 5.16 Large vents located on top of the roof are part of
the smoke spill system to exhaust smoke during fire

Process of exhaust mechanical ventilation
Pressurization smoke control system is one of the supply mechanical
ventilation and fire fighting systems that are used in Epic Residence. A
pressurization smoke control system is a system used to limit the migration of
smoke within a building during a fire event. The aim of this system is to keep
fire escape staircase reasonably free from smoke and to improve conditions in
corridors and lobbies opening onto the staircase. In Epic Residences, each fire
escape staircase and lobbies or corridors opening onto the staircase are
provided with this system to stop the smoke from spreading into the staircase.
Pressurization smoke control system usually consists of mechanical
equipment such as fans and fire dampers to control the spread of smoke within
the building. During a fire event, the fans used in pressurization smoke control
system will supply positive pressure and fresh air into the fire escape staircase
to pressurize the staircase.
Figure 5.18 Simple diagram of a smoke spill system
process

MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
VI

UBBL section 152 :
Openings in Lift Shafts
I. Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a
protected lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the
opening to the satisfaction of the local authority is provided. These
requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other
special buildings as may be approved by the D.G.F.S,
II.
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System
The definition of vertical transport system is a transportation that transports
goods or people in a vertical direction. Mechanical transportation system is an
essential part of the building especially for large and tall buildings.
Skyscrapers and long buildings such as shopping malls and airports wouldn’t
have existed without these mechanical transportation systems. These
mechanical transportation systems helped to transport goods and people
around the building efficiently and safely.
There are several types of mechanical transportation systems, ranging from
escalators to lifts to travelators. Escalators and travelators are generally
found in large long buildings while elevators are common in buildings higher
than 4 stories. As part of UBBL Clause 124 and 152, it is now mandatory to
have lifts in buildings more than 4 stories high as well as connected to a
lobby. The size and number of the lift depends on the building type, amount of
foot traffic, building height as well as the cost. Generally, lifts are located in
the center of the building for maximum accessibility to the lifts and
accompanied by a parallel fire escape staircase.
For the selected residential building, the only mechanical transportation found
is the lift and the lift runs from the ground floor all the way up to the 21st
floor. For the selected apartment block area, there are two standard lifts for
residents and one separate fire lifts that doubles as a service lift for
transporting large objects or hauling trash out.
II.
Figure 6.0
The elevator lobby and the hoistway doors of the
elevators in Epic Residence.
UBBL section 124 : Lifts
I. For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the
main access level at least one lift shall be provided.
Figure 6.1
The fireman’s elevator separate
from the main lobby elevator.

6.1 Elevator System Configuration & Specs
Elevator system varies around the world and adapted to the function and the
cost of the building. The specifications of the lift can be divided into the
following:
● Size of the car
● Speed of elevator
● Door system
● Capacity of the car
● Acceleration of the car
Elevators are placed into shafts which usually runs from the bottom to the
rooftop or the levels that would be served in the building. These shafts not only
hold the cab of the lift, but also the counterweight and the side railings.
These shafts can be arranged in parallel and usually concentrated together within
the core of the building, making it easily accessible and meeting the
requirements the maximum walking distance to a elevator which is 45m. The
following diagram show a recommended and undesired grouping and arrangement
of the elevator shafts.
The capacity of the lift generally depends on the area size of the car as well as
its lifting capacity. A double decker lift has double the efficiency of a single
elevator as it can serve two floors at the same time in a single lift, making it
suitable for tall skyscrapers with small cores to maximise floor level space as
lift shafts takes up a lot space when many lifts are used.
The speed of the lift also plays a huge rule on increasing the efficiency of the lift
of transporting people. Larger cargo lifts generally travels slower than normal
lifts to prevent a jerky ride due to momentum as well as prevent fragile large
goods from damage. An express elevator would travel fast as the distance
travelled is longer and express elevators are used to distribute people to sky
lobbies efficiently. The following graph shows the recommended speed of the lift
in relation to the number of floors.
Figure 6.2 The spatial arrangement of the elevators.
II.

Figure 6.3 Speed of the elevator car in relation to the number of floors.
II.
6.1 Elevator System Configuration & Specs
Today, lifts are advanced where there are double decker lifts, computerised scheduling and priority as well as much more
powerful motors to increase the efficiency of the lift especially at its maximum capacity and efficiency.

6.2 Types of Elevators
Case Study on Elevator Used
For the chosen area within Epic Residence, the lift shaft runs from the Ground
Floor up to the 21st floor, with the motor and the control room located at the
rooftop. The apartment has three lift shafts, two of them are standard lifts for
residents while the other shaft is reserved as a fireman’s elevator, where it is
used for emergencies or as a service elevator for garbage collection or goods
transport. The fireman’s elevator can be activated separately using a fireman’s
switch at the lift lobby during an emergency to access the upper floors,
especially when main power is cut from the building during a fire. Note the
fireman’s elevator is larger compared to the other two standard elevators and
equipped with firefighting equipment on the lobbies of the fireman’s elevator.
Figure 6.4 Floor plan of the elevator system.
The dotted red lines indicates the core of the structure. The blue shaded
area indicates the standard lifts and the lobby whereas the red shaded
area indicates the fireman’s lift and the lobby filled with firefighting
equipment.
UBBL section 229 :
Means of Access and Fire Fighting in Buildings over 18.3 meters High
II. Fire fighting access lobbies shall be provided at every floor level and
shall be so located that the level distance from the furthermost point of
the floor does not exceed 45.75 meter.
V. A fire lift shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access
lobby or in the absence of a lobby to the fire fighting staircase at each
floor level.
VI. The fire lift shall discharge directly into the fire fighting access lobby
fire fighting staircase or shalI be connected to it by a protected corridor
UBBL section 243 : Fire Lifts
III. The fire lifts shall be located within a separate protected shaft if it
opens into a separate lobby.

Figure 6.5a & 6.5b Simplified section cut of the building selected and the
cropped plan of the rooftop.
The blue shaded Area represents the shaft for the standard elevator and the
red shaded area represents the fireman’s elevator. The orange area is where
the machine room located.
Figure 6.5a
Figure 6.5b

6.2 Types of Elevators Although the cars and the electrical wiring for the elevators are different, the
mode of operation and the motor is the same. All three elevators use a gearless
traction motor system to hoist and move the cars within the shaft.
The benefits of this system is they could travel at high speeds as well as
travelling long distances, more than 2.54 m/s and up to 600m. The motors are
directly connected to the wheels without any intermediate gearing which
increases the comfort of the ride as well as reducing energy loss from the
transmission of energy from the motor to the wheels that pulls the cables. The
system has a high installation cost with moderate maintenance costs.
Figure 6.6
Diagrammatic view of the gearless traction
elevator system.
Figure 6.7 The gearless traction motor
installed in Epic Residence.

Hydraulic Elevators
These elevators are common in low to mid-rise buildings, up to 8 stories high and
they travel at a maximum 60 m/s. These elevators are driven by a piston at the
bottom of the elevator, and the fluid inside the piston is connected to a
fluid-pumping system which contains a tank, a pump and a valve. Hydraulic
elevators uses Pascal’s Law to lift up the elevator, where the pressure of the
fluid is transmitted evenly no matter the size of the pistons.
The elevator travels up when the oil is pumped from the tank to the piston and
the resulting pressure forces the elevator to move up. The elevator moves down
when the valve is released and the oil is pumped back into the tank. The valve
and the pumps are responsible for controlling the movement of the car. The
following list are the main types of hydraulic elevators.
● Holed hydraulic elevator
● Holeless hydraulic elevator
● Telescopic hydraulic elevator
● Single stage hydraulic elevator
● Roped hydraulic elevators
Figure 6.8
Diagram of a Hydraulic Elevator
The main advantage of hydraulic elevators are the low initial cost and
maintenance costs. However, these elevators use more energy compared to
other elevators and could cause environmental issues if the hydraulic fluid
leaks out.

Traction Elevators
One of the most commonly used elevators in high-risers, these elevators use
ropes, wheels and motors to lift or lower the cars in the shaft. Multiple strands
of ropes are attached to the elevator car and loops around a grooved pulley called
a sheave. The sheave is attached to the motor, where the ropes moves when the
sheave turns due to the motor.
The ropes of the elevator are connected to a counterweight which weights about
half the capacity of the elevator. The counterweight plays an important part in
the safety of the elevator and reducing energy loss as the counterweight acts as
see-saw, where minor imbalances of forces between the car and the
counterweight is enough to drive the elevator movement, thus the motor uses
less energy to move the elevators.
The elevator shaft contains guide rails to guide the elevator car and the
counterweight. Traction elevators are divided into three types, each of which
have differences on the motor used to move the elevators.
Figure 6.8 Diagram of a Traction
Elevator
Gearless Traction Elevators - Used in many skyscrapers and in Epic
Residence, the building used for this case study. The wheel is directly
connected to the motor, improving smoothness and the efficiency of the
elevator, enabling the elevator to travel at high speeds and long distances.

Figure 6.6
Diagrammatic view of the gearless traction
elevator system.
Geared Traction Elevators - The motor has a gearbox that drives the wheels.
The main advantage of the geared motor is a low power motor is able to drive
the wheels which lowers initial costs. However, it is slower than a gearless
traction motor and less efficient.
Machine Roomless Elevators - The main feature for this type of elevator is the
lack of machine room and uses a compact motor to drive the elevator. The
override controller is located separately. It is becoming more popular in
mid-rise buildings due to low energy costs and comparable installation cost to
a geared traction elevators.
Figure 6.10 Comparison Diagram
between the Conventional Motor and the Machine Room-less motor

6.3 Components of Elevator System
There are many components that make up the elevator and each part plays a role
of transporting passengers efficiently and safely. For our case study, we will be
highlighting the components used in a gearless traction elevator system, which
is used in our case study building for all three lifts.
An essential part of the elevator system, the elevator car is responsible
of carrying passengers or goods between floors. The size and capacity
of the car varies on the intended capacity and its function.
Each car is attached to the lifting cables to allow the elevator to move
between floors and inside the lift there is an operating panel to allow
the user to select the intended level or override the elevator controls.
The elevator car contains several safety features such as fire-resistant
panels, a blower fan for ventilation and an emergency trap door to
rescue trapped passengers in elevators.
Figure 6.11 Diagrammatic View of the Elevator Car

All elevators requires a shaft where the car would travel between floors.
Generally, elevator shafts runs from the ground to the top of the
building, usually in the core of the building.
The topmost part of the lift shaft is the machine room where the motors
and control panels are located, while the bottom of the elevator shaft is
a safety buffer, where it is used to cushion the impact of the lift to the
ground if the lift is in freefall.
Guardrails are used to prevent the car and the counterweight from
swaying during movement and act as a braking rail.
Figure 6.12 Diagrammatic View of the Elevator Shaft

Machine/Motor System
The motor used to drive the movement in the lifts in Epic Residence is a gearless
traction motor system. Unlike the geared traction motor system which has a
gearbox within the motor, the gearless traction motor system has its own motor
and drive sheave (wheel) connected directly to each other without any slowdown
parts.
Figure 6.14 Diagram of the
Gearless Motor
Figure 6.13 View of the Shaft, Railings and Cables from the
Machine through a slot
Multiple steel cables are wrapped around the sheave to increase grab on these
wires. A separate device called the governor controls the speed of the motor
wheel and the speed of the car. The governor has a electromagnetic arms that
would extend and latch onto the wires if the lift travels too fast, acting as an
emergency brake for the elevator system.

Counterweight
Found in most cable based elevators, the counterweight serves as a safety
device as well as to balance the load in the main lift. The counterweight has its
own rails and cables and usually weighs less than half the capacity of the lift
served.
The counterweight is also used to reduce power used to move the elevator as
the counterweight acts as the pivot and less power is needed to unbalance the
system, causing the lift to move up or down depending on the direction of travel
of the sheave.. The following are the roping system used to balance the car and
the counterweight in an elevator system.
Figure 6.16 Counterweight System in the elevator shaft.
Guardrails keep the counterweight aligned.
Figure 6.15 The machine room at the top of the shaft at the
roof, which contains the power supply, motor and the
elevator controller
Figure 6.17 Variants of the Counterweight System to balance the Elevator
Capacity
COUNTER
WEIGHT

Elevator Controls
Each elevator car contains a Car Operating Panel to allow the passengers to
select their intended floors as well as closing and opening the elevator doors. All
car operating panels contains braille on the buttons, registered floor indicator,
and an intercom button, intended to be used during an emergency when the lift is
stuck. The operating panel can also be used to override the elevator’s
movements using the key controls by an authorised person. At the lift lobby,
there is a hall button to call for the lift at a floor and a registered floor indicator
to tell where the lift is.
Figure 6.19 The Car Operating Panel with a
registred floor indicator and indicating the
maximum capacity of the lift.Figure 6.18 The hall button & the Registered Floor Indicator
REGISTERED FLOOR INDICATOR
This indicator displays the registered
destination floors, passengers can
view this indicator from the elevator
lobby when doors are open or while
inside elevator
Standard car operating panel
includes the following :
Car position indicator
Door OPEN / CLOSE buttons
Intercom with emergency
call button
Switch box

Elevator Controls
The entire lift system in Epic Residence is computerised and all the elevators are
monitored and can be controlled in the Guard room, located at the Ground Floor.
The Guard room monitors all movement of the lifts as well as having a
closed-circuit television camera in each lift to ensure the safety of the
passengers of the lift.
The elevator controller is located where the machine room is, at the rooftop. A
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used as it is much more compact and
reliable compared to other elevator controllers. The controller is responsible for
the speed of the elevators, processes calls and button inputs from the car,
controls the doors and reading safety sensors throughout the elevator system.
Figure 6.20 The Program Logic Controller next
to the motor & power supply
Figure 6.19 The Power Supply for the motors
and the controller.

6.4 Operation of Elevator System
The lifts in a gearless traction system, found in Epic Residence moves vertically
up and down of the shaft. Multiple cables are attached to the car and to the
motor up at the machine room at the topmost part of the shaft.
The cables are attached to a wheel mechanism called a sheave and the motor
drives the sheave directly. The motor’s direction will determine the movement of
the car, which is controlled by the elevator controller next to the motor where
input from the car is received and interpreted by the controller.
Figure 6.2 The Flowchart of the Elevator Operation when a user
calls for the Elevator
Figure 6.21 The Flowchart of the Input and Output of the
Elevator System

6.5 Safety Features
The elevator system contains many safety features and layers of safety to keep
the occupants safe, making it one of the safest mode of transportation around.
Each component of the elevator system has been designed in mind with safety
features and the elevators at Epic Residences are no different.
During an emergency, when the alarm bells are sounded and the Guard room
confirms there is a fire, the standard elevators would be override and moves to
the ground floor to allow passengers to evacuate out and the lift would park
when the main power is disabled. Meanwhile, a separate fireman’s elevator would
be manually activated by the fireman or authorised staff for evacuation or fire
fighting needs. The fireman’s elevator would be powered by the backup
generators as main power would be cut off during an emergency.
UBBL section 153 :
Smoke Detectors For Lift Lobbies
I. All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors
UBBL section 154 :
Emergency Mode of Operation in the Event of Mains Power Failure
I. On failure of mains power ml lifts shall return in sequence directly to the
designated floor, commencing with the fire lifts, without answering any
car or landing calls and park with doors open.
UBBL section 155 :
Fire Mode of Operation
II. If mains power is available all lifts shall return in sequence directly to
the designated floor, commencing with the fire lifts, without answering
any car or landing calls, overriding the emergency stop button inside the
car, but not any other emergency or safety devices, and park with doors
open.
III. The fire lifts shall then be available for use by the fire brigade on
operation of the fireman's switch.
IV. Under this mode of operation, the fire lifts shall only operate in response
to car calls but not to landing calls in a mode of operation in accordance
with by-law 154
UBBL section 229 :
Means of Access & Fire Fighting in Buildings over 18.3 meters high.
I. A fire lift shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access
lobby or in the absence of a lobby to the fire fighting staircase at each
floor level.

6.5 Safety Features
Within the car of the elevator, the walls of the elevator are covered with
fire-resistant materials as an added protection. The car operating panel has an
intercom and a bell button to allow trapped passengers to call for help.
Closed-circuit television allow personnel to monitor the interior of the elevator
car.
Figure 6.23a & 6.23b
Fireman’s Switch and Smoke Detectors
at Lift Lobby
Figure 6.24 The Intercom and the Bell Button on the
Car Operating Panel
The elevator car also contains several safety features to prevent an elevator
freefall. For example, sliding guides, which guide the elevator car to the rails has
progressive brakes which grips the guardrails if the lift falls down at very high
speed. The elevator car contains an escape hatch to escape the car and an
external blower fan for ventilation. Infrared sensors prevents the door from
opening in between levels or during movement.
An overweight sensor is installed in the elevator which prevents the lift from
moving if it is overcapacity. The bottom of the elevator shafts contains a buffer,
where it is used to cushion the impact of the lift to the ground. Escutcheon
Tubes are mounted at the hoistway doors of the lift lobby to unlock doors for
emergency exit from the lift shaft.

6.5 Safety Features
At the motor room, multiple cables are attached to the elevator as a failsafe just
in case one of the wires snaps. A separate cable is used to tie the car to the
counterweight through the motor as the counterweight would prevent the lift
from freefalling at the first place as the counterweight act as a balanced pulley
system.
An overspeed governor acts as the bakes for the motor, where the arms would
extend and grips the cables if the lift travels faster than the maximum speed set
by the machine.
Figure 6.27 Diagram of the Counterweight and Governor to prevent the
elevator car from free falling
Figure 6.25 Sliding Guides Brakes
Figure 6.26 Shaft Buffer

7.0 Conclusion
Based on the research and case study done on our selected building, Epic
Residences, we have found that the building services implemented into the
building are adequate and fulfills the UBBL requirements to ensure the safety of
the occupants and the building.
As the building is newly built and recently completed a month ago, the building is
equipped with the latest fire safety systems and mechanical systems such as
backup generators built into the building and pressurised system in stairwells.
The layout of the building is also well adapted to allow effective movements of
the occupants during evacuation or from one floor to another.
Although the building is pretty new and the systems are newly installed, we hope
that these systems are well maintained to maintain the efficiency and function
of the system in the following years to come. We have learned basic
understanding on the building systems required as well as the importance of
UBBL requirements in ensuring the safety of the occupants and the building
itself. We have also learned the functions of the system and understanding
these systems varies and are suited for different user needs and capacities. THANK YOU

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