Building Services Report

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1.0 Abstract 1
2.0 Acknowledgement 2
3.0 Introduction to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) 3
4.0 Methodology 4
5.0 Limitation of Study 5
6.0 Fire Protection System 6
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Active Fire Protection System 7
6.2.1 Introduction
6.2.2 Water Based System 8
6.2.3 Non-Water Based System 10
6.2.4 Alarm, Detection System and Device 11
6.2.5 Case Study of Active Fire Protection System in MOT 12
6.2.5.1 External Fire Hydrant
6.2.5.2 Hose Reel System 13
6.2.5.2.1 Hose Reel Pump
6.2.5.2.2 Hose Reel Water Storage Tank
6.2.5.3 Wet Riser System 17
6.2.5.4 Automatic Fire Sprinkler System 18
6.2.5.4.1 Fire Sprinkler Head
6.2.5.4.2 Fire Sprinkler Pump
6.2.5.5 Carbon Dioxide (CO2
) Suppression System 21
6.2.5.6 Portable Fire Extinguisher 22
6.2.5.6.1 ABC Multipurpose Dry Powder
Extinguisher
6.2.5.6.2 Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
6.2.5.7 Fire Alarm System 24
6.2.5.7.1 Fire Alarm Bell
6.2.5.7.2 Manual Pull Station
6.2.5.7.3 Fireman’s Switch
6.2.5.7.4 Voice Communication System
6.2.5.7.5 Smoke Detector
6.2.5.7.6 Heat Detector
6.2.5.8 Fire Control Room 31
6.2.5.8.1 Fire Alarm Control Panel
6.2.5.8.2 Intercom Panel
6.3 Passive Fire Protection System 33
6.3.1 Introduction
6.3.2 Means of Escape and Firefighter Access 34
6.3.3 Compartmentation 36
6.3.4 Case Study of Passive Fire Protection in MOT 37
6.3.4.1 Fire Rated Doors 38
6.3.4.2 Emergency Exit Signage 40
6.3.4.3 Fire Escape Staircase 42
6.3.4.4 Fire Rated Walls 45
6.3.4.5 Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation System 47
6.3.4.6 Fire Shutter 49
7.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 52

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7.1 Introduction
7.2 Basic Ventilation System 53
7.3 Comparison of Natural and Mechanical Ventilation 54
7.4 Type of Mechanical Ventilation 55
7.4.1 Exhaust Ventilation System 55
7.4.2 Supply Ventilation System 56
7.4.3 Balanced Ventilation System 57
7.4.4 Energy Recovery System 58
7.5 Component in Mechanical Ventilation System 59
7.5.1 Fan
7.5.1.1 Propeller Fan
7.5.1.2 Axial Fan
7.5.1.3 Centrifugal Fan
7.5.2 Filter 62
7.5.2.1 Dry Filter
7.5.2.2 Viscous Filter
7.5.2.3 Electrostatic Filter
7.5.2.4 Activated Carbon Filter
7.5.3 Ductwork 65
7.5.4 Fire Damper 66
7.5.5 Diffusers 66
7.6 Case Study of Mechanical Ventilation in MOT 67
7.6.1 Supply Ventilation System 68
7.6.1.1 Stairwell Pressurization System
7.6.1.2 Lift Lobby Pressurization System
7.6.1.3 Basement Carpark
7.6.1.4 Ductwork
7.6.2 Exhaust Ventilation System 73
7.6.2.1 Car Park Exhaust System
7.6.3 Utility Room Exhaust System 75
8.0 Air-Conditioning System 76
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Operating Principles of Air Cooling 77
8.2.1 Refrigerant Cycle 78
8.2.2 Air Cycle 80
8.3 Air Conditioning System 81
8.3.1 Room Air Conditioning System 81
8.3.2 Split Air Conditioning System 82
8.3.3 Packaged Unit Air Conditioning System 83
8.3.4 Plant Air Conditioning System 84
8.4 Case Study of Air Conditioning System in MOT 86
8.4.1 Centralized Air Conditioning System 86
8.4.1.1 District Cooling System
8.4.1.2 Heat Exchanger (HEX)
8.4.1.3 Chill Water Pump
8.4.1.4 Air Handling Unit (AHU)
8.4.1.5 Air Duct and Diffuser
8.4.2 Split Air Conditioning System 93

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8.4.2.1 Split Air Conditioning System in Elevator Control
Room
8.4.2.2 Split Air Conditioning System as a Backup
9.0 Mechanical Transportation System 97
9.1 Introduction 97
9.2 Lift 98
9.2.1 Lift Application 98
9.2.2 Types of Lifts (Elevators) 99
9.2.2.1 Electric Lift
9.2.2.2 Hydraulic Lift
9.2.2.3 Pneumatic Lift
9.2.2.4 Climbing Lift
9.2.2.5 Comparison on Cost and Energy Consumption on
Different Types of Lifts
9.3 Escalator 104
9.3.1 Components of Escalator 104
9.3.2 Escalator Arrangement 105
9.4 Travelators 106
9.4.1 Component of Travelators 107
9.5 Case Study of Mechanical Transportation in MOT 108
9.5.1 Overview 109
9.5.2 General Traction Lift 110
9.5.3 Components of Geared Traction Lift 111
9.5.4 Machine Room (Lift Motor Room) 112
9.5.4.1 Exhaust Fan
9.5.4.2 Hoisting Motor
9.5.4.3 Control Panel Cabinet
9.5.4.4 Lift Main Control Board
9.5.4.5 Hoisting Sheave
9.5.4.6 Gear Box
9.5.4.7 Overspeed Governor
9.5.5 Lift Shaft 118
9.5.5.1 Guide Rails
9.5.5.2 Suspension Rope
9.5.5.3 Counterweight
9.5.5.4 Landing Door
9.5.5.5 Car Buffer
9.5.5.6 Elevator Pit
9.5.6 Lift Car 123
9.5.6.1 Lift Car Frame
9.5.7 Lift Cabin 124
9.5.7.1 Control System
9.5.7.2 Sensor (Safety Door Edge)
9.5.7.3 Hall Call Panel
9.5.7.4 Floor Request Button Panel
10.0 Conclusion 127
11.0 References 128

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1.0 Abstract
This project requires students to analyze the services in an office building of our choice. Each
group is needed to perform an observational study and analysis of the following services, and
report them in accordance with the requirement of the UBBL 1984:
a. Fire Protection (Active and Passive Fire Protection System)
b. Mechanical Ventilation System
c. Air-Conditioning System
d. Mechanical Transportation System (Lift)
With this report, we will be able to focus on the details and gain a better understanding of
how services function and are implemented in an office building. The Ministry of Transport
(MOT) building is a great example to show case a modern building with services.

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2.0 Acknowledgement
Our group would like to give a very big thank you to the following individuals who have actively
assist us in this journey with a fruitful experience.
First will be our tutor Ar. Sateerah Hassan who was actively supporting us throughout this
report, including providing us with a very informative tutorial session every week. We have
indeed gained a lot from our learning process in a very short period of time.
At last we would like to thank Ministry of Transport (MOT) and other officers, Mr. Shahriman
(from the administrative and assets department) as the person in charge to arrange our
technical visit, and Mr. Amirul (Mechanical Engineer from IKSB – Irfan Khairi Sdn. Bhd.) for
allowing and assisting us to conduct research activities at MOT building, which also provided
us with significant amount of information throughout this research process.

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3.0 Introduction to the Ministry of Transport (MOT)
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is located at Jalan Tun Hussein in Putrajaya and this building
is the head office of the MOT. It was designed by the architect firm named Arkitek MAA and
it was completed in year 2014. This building was a competition towards the architecture in
Putrajaya under Putrajaya Holdings and Arkitek MAA won it. This building has a different name
which is the 4G5 development.
4G5 is a 10 storey government office building which includes a multipurpose hall, cafeteria
and four levels of basement carpark, while the façade concept of this building is formal and
complies with urban design guidelines to blend in with the surrounding environment.
The Ministry of Transport is in cooperate with Irfan Khairi Sdn. Bhd. (IKSB) to work best for
the services in the building. By signing a contract with the Ministry of Transportation, the
company named IKSB will be handling the building services for 3 years in which this company
will be looking over the services everyday in order to increase the efficiency of the services
and reduce any incidents to be happened.

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4.0 Methodology
The group embarked on the project with the intention of conducting a thorough study of the
building services implemented at an office building in Putra Jaya – Ministry of Transport (MOT).
The visit to the MOT was divided into three different occasions, so the first visit was basically
to understand their movements and the availability of the services in the building. The second
visit was a more thorough research done during the visit. We were assisted by Mr. Amirul and
his assistants from IKSB, the Mechanical Engineers on the details or intricacies of the systems
in place in the building because it is their job to keep every service in the building are
functioning well. The third visit to the Ministry of Transport was the last visit in which we were
to get known any further details such as the usage of the systems in the buildings and the
efficiency of the services.
The group was divided to work on different aspects and topics in the building, in preparation
for the site visit. The group visited the site within three occasion with a very thorough research
done.
After the completion of data collection, the group then compile all the data in google drive for
ease of access. The data was then analyzed and shared among group members while the
group were drafting out the report.

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5.0 Limitation of Study
The group actually encountered several issues during the research process which slightly
delayed the preparation of the whole project.
During the initial stage of the process, it was hard to contact to the person in charge as we
got a lot of redirected call which lead to some false calls. The problems continued for a few
days and the only solution was to make a call to the reception department in Ministry of
Transport (MOT) again. After all, when we contacted the person in charge, we were unable
to visit the site due to site visit in Ipoh for design studio subject and also public holidays,
which postponed the whole project for about a week.
One of the biggest challenge would be the lack of published building’s drawing of Ministry of
Transport (MOT) such as building’s plans and sections. This issue forced us to manual sketch
some of the plan to produce a proper plan.
Second, the visit was restricted in some places which resulted the lack of information but
through questions we prepared to the assisting people from IKSB, we gathered enough
information that could be used to be written in our report.

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6.0 Fire Protection System
6.1 Introduction
Fire protection refers to the safety measures to prevent fire destruction towards
the buildings, to reduce the impact, and also to save lives and property. Fire
prevention and fire protection are different from their meaning as fire prevention is the process
to be done before the fire outbreak. Fire protection by its definition is the use of a combination
of different fire safety equipment and procedures that are used to defend the property line in
case of any fire happens. Fire protection is the top priority to be designed in the buildings as
fire prevention is not an effective way to design in a building. This is because any fire outbreak
cannot be prevented, as fire can be happened in any kind of accident such as short circuit in
a building.
Fire protection system can be divided into two major types, Active Fire Protection and
Passive Fire Protection

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6.2 Active Fire Protection System
6.2.1 Introduction
Active Fire Protection (AFP) is the component of the fire detection and prevention
which reacts to action and motion. The role of fire protection within the fire containment
process is to detect, alert about, seek to eliminate the fire hazard. The active fire protection
system can be generated by four main parts: water-based system, non-water-based system,
alarm and detection system, as well as smoke control system to prevent and suppress the
structural fire spreading as well to allow appropriate firefighting action being taken.
A brief explanation shall be given to all the systems before proceeds to the case study towards
the MOT in which the MOT consists all the systems listed.
Diagram 6.0: Overview chart of active fire protection

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6.2.2 Water Based System
Water is the most natural element of all extinguishing agents and is usually available in
sufficient quantities at a reasonable price. It reduces smoke as well as pollutants in order to
extend the time for occupants to escape from the fire incident. Water Based System operates
by using water as the most natural fire extinguisher agents. Buildings exceeding ten storeys
or 30m in height above ground floor level, whichever is the least, should be provided with one
or more wet rising mains to be used exclusively for fire fighting purposes. The riser is always
charged with water under pressure, fed by pumping sets from a break tank. There are four
types of water based system which include:
1. External fire hydrant
2. Hose reel system
3. Wet riser system
4. Automatic sprinkler system.

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1. External Fire Hydrant
A fire hydrant is a connection point by which fire fighters can tap into a water supply. It is a
component of active fire protection.
2. Hose Reel System
Fire hose reel systems consist of pumps, pipes, water supply and hose reels located
strategically in a building, ensuring proper coverage of water to combat a fire. These
appliances are designed to deliver, as a minimum, 0.33L of water per second.
3. Wet Riser System
Wet risers are used to supply water within buildings for firefighting purposes. Wet risers are
permanently charged with water. This is as opposed to dry risers which do not contain water
when they are not being used, but are charged with water by fire service pumping appliances
when necessary.
4. Automatic Sprinkler System
Automatic sprinkler system that designed to detect and extinguish the fire in the early stage.
It usually located at the ceiling of the building and location that specified designed.

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6.2.3 Non-Water Based System
When fire breakout due to electrical equipment, the pouring water will make worse of the
situation and may prove fatal. Hence, fire fighting equipment such as non-water based system
is safe to use in case of an emergency. The non-water based system consists of carbon dioxide
system and dry chemical agents, which include the carbon dioxide suppression system and
portable fire extinguishers.
1. Carbon Dioxide Suppression System
Carbon dioxide suppression system is a fast, reliable and effective in one of the active fire
protection system. It can quickly extinguish the fire to protect the property from causing
damage when sense of fire.
2. Portable Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is an active protection device that used to control and extinguish small fire.
There are few types of fire extinguisher that can extinguish different fire source such as
flammable liquid and electric equipment.

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6.2.4 Alarm, Detection System and Device
An alarm system consists of multiple devices work together to detect and alert people through
either visual or audio information during the occurrence of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or
other emergencies. These devices are the most sensitive active fire protection system as they
are the first system to be activated in the case of fire emergency. These alarms can be
activated manually through fire alarm activation device such as manual call point or pull station.
Furthermore, these alarms can also be activated automatically through the detector of smoke,
heat and flame.
1. Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm system is a system that have multiple device work together to detect and warn the
occupants through visual and audio when fire is occurred in the building. This system used
automatically activated device or manually operated device to activate the system.
2. Fire Control Room
Fire control room is required for building that over 25m and this room will be the nerve center
of the building when fire is occurred. This room control of the building’s fire protection system,
fire pump, secondary water supply, communication and elevator control.

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6.2.5 Case Study of Active Fire Protection System in MOT
6.2.5.1 External Fire Hydrant
The fire hydrant is a source of water which is provided in urban, suburban and rural areas
with public water services to enable the firefighters to tap into the water supply easily in
attempts of extinguishing a fire. The fire hydrant is usually installed in an open space area for
the convenience of firefighters in the case of an emergency. The fire hydrant system consists
of a system of pipe works connected directly to the water supply. Firefighters attach a hose
to the fire hydrant, the valve is then opened to release high pressured water. The water from
the fire hydrant can be further pressurized for longer distance water shooting by the
firefighters which they will connect the hose to a fire truck which contains a booster pump to
enable an increment in water pressure.
External fire hydrant can be separated into two types which are the three-ways fire hydrant
and two-ways fire hydrant. In MOT, there are two external fire hydrant and only two-way fire
hydrant found outside the building. It is also found that the external fire hydrants, one was
located beside Jalan Tun Hussien and one more located beside Lebuh Setia.
Figure 6.1: Two-way fire hydrant Diagram 6.1: Ground floor plan showing location of
located outside MOT external fire hydrant
UBBL 1984 Clause 225
Detecting and extinguishing fire
1. Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire with
fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with requirements as
specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
2. Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than
91.5 metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access.
3. Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for
fire appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required by the
Fire Authority.

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6.2.5.2 Hose Reel System
The hose reel system is existed for people to use during the early stage of a fire outbreak.
Fire hose reel system is set to be located at strategic places inside a building in order to
provide a reasonably accessible and serve as an initial firefighting aid to control the fire. The
system 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.
These appliances are designed to deliver a minimum, 0.33L water per seconds. A control
nozzle is attached to the end of the hose to enable the operator to control the direction and
flow of the water. All fire hose reels come with unique ball valve shut-off device, a plastic or
solid brass hose reel nozzle and mounting bracket.
In MOT, the hose reels are located at every floor including upper and lower car park level.
Some hose reels are kept in the small compartments together with hose cardle, fire
extinguisher and landing valve whereas some are placed outside along the corridor as well as
the basement.
Diagram 6.2: Overall layout of hose reel system Figure 6.2: Hose reel system placed
together with hose cradle and landing valve

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Diagram 6.3: Ground floor plan showing highlighted location of hose reel system

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6.2.5.2.1 Hose Reel Pump
The hose reel system that is used in MOT consists of two types of pumps, namely duty pump
for duty operation and standby pump for standby operation. Fire hose reel pump is compulsory
to have a backup pump to ensure the hose reel pump to operate even the main duty pump
fails to operate. Duty pump will be functioned when pressure of the water is low in order to
maintain the system and make sure it is running well. There is a pump attached together to
the system which is known as the jockey pump. Jockey pump, it is also known as pressure
maintenance pump, is a small apparatus that works together with a fire pump as part of a fire
protection sprinkler system. It is designed to keep the pressure in the system elevated to a
specific level when the system is not used so that the fire pump does not run all the time.
Diagram 6.4 Basement floor plan shows the location of hose Figure 6.3 Standby pump that is used
reel pump in the sprinkler room for the hose reel system
UBBL 1984 Clause 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.

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6.2.5.2.2 Hose Reel Water Storage Tank
The hose reel water tank is ensured to be fully stored with water and is prepared to be used
in case of any emergency for the hose reel system. The tank must have a minimum volume
of water of 1.6 m³. The hose reel water storage tank and hose reel pump are placed in the
sprinkler pump room because the hose reel pump system also serves as a main water supply
at higher pressure for the fire sprinkler system apart from just a hose reel system. The hose
reel pump is needed when the external fire hydrant cannot provide sufficient pressure to meet
with the hydraulic design requirement of the fire sprinkler system.
Part VIII: Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access
1. Water storage capacity and water flow rate for fire fighting systems and installations
shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the Tenth Schedule to
these By Laws.
2. Main water storage tanks within the building, other than hose reel system, shall be
located at ground, first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet
connections accessible to fire appliances
3. Storage tanks for automatic fire sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided
without for replenishment shall be exempted from restrictions in their location
Figure 6.4 Hose Reel water storage tank

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6.2.5.3 Wet Riser System
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. This system allows the fire
brigades to confront serious fire hazard without the need of bringing their own distribution
system. Wet riser requires regular flow tests and should be regularly checked to ensure the
system pressure is working.
Diagram 6.5 Overall layout of the wet riser system Figure 6.5 Wet riser pump room at basement carpark level
Ministry of Transportation, being higher than 30.5 metres, uses the wet riser system. Wet
riser system is installed near to the usable staircase in every floor. In the event of emergency,
fire brigade can access the wet riser system easily and work faster to extinguish the fire.
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.

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6.2.5.4 Automatic Fire Sprinkler System
A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection system that is connected to a water supply
system as the water supply system provides an adequate pressure and flow rate to a water
distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Fire sprinkler systems are
triggered by extreme heat and can extinguish a fire effectively in a room when they are started.
Fire sprinkler system distributes water to combat fire outbreak by using a series of water pipes
whereby smoke or heat detectors detect fire and promptly activates the sprinklers at the
affected area. The system consists of sprinkler heads and sprinkler pump which work closely
with alarm and smoke detector. Sprinkler installation cover the whole MOT except electrical
rooms.
Diagram 6.6 Overall layout of automatic fire sprinkler system
Diagram 6.7 Diagram shows how the sprinkler works when there is a fire

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6.2.5.4.1 Fire Sprinkler Head
Fire sprinkler heads in automatic fire sprinkler system act as the spray nozzles that release
water around the detected fire hazard area. In the event of fire, the sprinkler and the smoke
detector will be operated immediately to allow the flow of water to distinguish fire. It
extinguishes fire quickly, prevents fire from spreading over a large area, and ready to be used
after a replacement. Each sprinkler head is designed to have its own temperature that will
activated individually when it is heated. Sprinkler will activate when the temperature is more
than 68°C in case of fire hazard. In MOT, the type of sprinkler used are recessed pendent
sprinkler head. The recessed pendent sprinkler head is placed facing downwards and hanged
down from the ceiling. When the water sprays downwards to the ground, curved downwards
deflector will direct the sprinkler water into a cone water pattern to increase the water
sprinkler range.
Diagram 6.8 Component of fire sprinkler head
Figure 6.6 Recessed pendent sprinkler head used in MOT
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 system shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station to provide
immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated

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6.2.5.4.2 Fire Sprinkler Pump
In MOT, fire sprinkler pump system consists different type of pump, including duty pump,
standby pump and jockey pump with each serving different purposes. These fire sprinkler
pump systems draw water from water storage tank to feed the sprinkler network.
1. Duty Pump
Duty pump functions when pressure in the pipe goes down, supplying enough pressure of
water in order to maintain the system and make sure it is running well. However, if duty pump
encounters some issue and fails to run, standby pump will automatically be activated by the
system and take over. Duty pump can be manually switched off by using the master control
panel.
2. Standby Pump
Standby pump has the exact same function as the duty pump. It replaces the duty pump
when it is not operated and need to be switched off manually.
3. Jockey Pump
The jockey pump is a smaller pump that works along the duty pump to maintain the water
pressure of the pipe within a specific range. As pipe leakage often happens and causes water
pressure to go down, jockey pump senses this and will fill them back up to normal pressure.
Without the presence and contribution of jockey pump in maintaining the pressure, the system
will end up with a low pressure and the fire pump will send high pressurized water back to
the pipe. This will cause destroy of the whole entire automatic fire sprinkler system.
Figure 6.7 Fire sprinkler pump room at basement carpark

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6.2.5.5 Carbon Dioxide (CO²) Suppression System
Carbon dioxide (CO²) is a colorless, odorless, electrically non-conductive gas that is highly
efficient as suppression agent. It extinguishes fire primarily by lowering the level of oxygen
that supports combustion in a protected area. Carbon dioxide fire protection system uses the
intelligent, reliable and fast acting control panels to quickly sense a fire before it can cause
damage to the property. Carbon dioxide may be stored in high pressure spun steel cylinder
(HPCO² suppression system) or low-pressured light wall refrigerated tanks (LPCO²
suppression system). MOT only consists of high pressure spun steel cylinder (HPCO²
suppression system) in the fire control room.
Figure 6.8 HPCO3
suppression system located in Diagram 6.9 HPCO3
suppression operating system
fire control room
Diagram 6.10 Ground floor plan shows the highlighted location with HPCO3
suppression system

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6.2.5.6 Portable Fire Extinguisher
A portable fire extinguisher is one of the active protection devices and is commonly used for
initial outbreak of fire and prevent a full-scale fire escalation. MOT consists two type of
portable fire extinguisher that is ABC multipurpose dry powder extinguisher and carbon dioxide
extinguisher. Different types of extinguishers serve to extinguish different fire source
efficiently.
Diagram 6.11 Type of fire extinguisher Diagram 6.12 Standard operational procedure of a fire
extinguisher
Figure 6.9 Carbon dioxide extinguisher (left) ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher (middle) and some kept in a case beside
fire fighting lift (right)

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6.2.5.6.1 ABC Multipurpose Dry Powder Extinguisher
ABC dry powder fire extinguisher is one of the most common fire extinguishers that is being
used because it is a multipurpose fire extinguisher that solve fire from class A, B and C (A:
common combustibles, B: flammable liquids, C: gaseous fires). Fire requires oxygen, heat and
fuel to happen. Dry powder fire extinguishers deal with fire primarily by interrupting the
chemical reaction. In MOT, this type of fire extinguisher can be found near the emergency
exit of the whole building and some of it are kept in case to prevent accidental discharge.
6.2.5.6.2 Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide extinguisher can only be used when the fire involving electricity appliances
and class B (flammable liquid) liquid fires. These extinguisher’s horn is designed to easily allow
the carbon dioxide to blow at a high speed, so that the snow that is formed does not block
the exit smoothly.
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.

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6.2.5.7 Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm consists of alarm bells, manual pull station, fireman’s switch, voice communication
system, smoke and heat detector. Fire alarm system will provide audible and visual alarm
signals to the occupants in the building. There are two types of fire alarm signals, which are
two stages alarm system and single alarm system. Both of these alarm signals are applied in
MOT. In single alarm system, the fire detection system will send out signal to the fire control
room when a fire occurs. The security then will investigate the source of the fire. If fire is
occurred, the alarm will be activated from the signal given from fire control room. It will notify
the people where execution starts from the nearest floor from the fire source. In the second
stage alarm system, the alarm will be activated after 5 minutes if the fire detection does not
send out any signal. The system will automatically contact the fire fighters once the signal are
sent out.
Figure 6.10 Fire alarm control case located at tenth floor Diagram 6.13 Overall layout of fire alarm system
along the corridor of the elevator

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6.2.5.7.1 Fire Alarm Bell
Alarm bell is an audible fire alarm system. Fire alarms may be activated automatically or
manually through detection devices or manual call point. Alarms can be either motorized bells
or wall mountable sounders or horns. User activates the alarm by breaking down the glass
and press the switch, the signal is sent to an alarm and then to the fire alarm control panel.
Once activated, fire alarm will keep ringing until the fire department deactivate it. The alarm
should have a minimum sound level of 65 db or +5 db above ambient noise level sustainable
for a period of minimum of 20 seconds should be produced by sound unit. The alarm bell are
mounted on the wall with a minimum height of 2.1m from floor level.
Figure 8.11 Fir alarm bell located on the Figure 8.12 Fire alarm bell placed on top of
ground floor lobby the fire alarm control case
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 areas 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 to adjoining section.
3. Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action of a
master control.

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6.2.5.7.2 Manual Pull Station
Manual pull station is designed for the purpose of raising an alarm manually once verification
of a fire or emergency condition exists, by operating the push button or by breaking the glass,
the alarm signal can be raised. Manual alarm 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 be reset at the fire control room or manually by
specific key. Manual alarm call point and alarm bell to be along escape corridors or beside exit
and staircase doors, such that no occupant need to travel more than 30 metres to reach a call
point.
Figure 6.13 Manual pull station
6.2.5.7.3 Fireman’s Switch
Fireman’s switch is a specialized switch which allows firefighters to disconnect the high voltage
current from the electrical supply that may pose a danger in an event of an emergency. The
switch is red in color and be fitted with a name plate saying ‘Fireman’s Switch’ in order to get
spotted easily. These switches are installed at the stairway at every level of MOT.
Figure 6.14 Fireman’s Switch
Electrical Isolating Switch
1. Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square meters shall be
provided with an electrical isolation switch located with a staircase enclosure to permit
the disconnection of electrical power supply to the relevant floor or zone served.
2. The switch shall be of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Institution
of Electrical Engineers Regulations then in force.

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6.2.5.7.4 Voice Communication System
The system is a two-way emergency voice communication between remote telephone
handsets inside a phone box and the telephone from intercom panel inside the fire control
room in case of an emergency that requires personal assistance. The wall device is installed
at the emergency exits for rapid access in MOT. Fire Intercom system is intended to be used
in conjunction with fire detection and alarm system to control the safe evacuation of building
occupants.
Figure 6.15 Intercom headset station at emergency escape staircase
Diagram 6.14 Ground floor plan showing highlighted location of intercom headset

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There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice
communication systems, one a fire brigade communication system and the other a public
address system between the central control station and followings areas:
a. Lifts, lift lobbies, corridors and staircases;
b. In every office area exceeding 92.2 sq.metres in area;
c. In each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be
combined with the public address system

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6.2.5.7.5 Smoke Detector
A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator for fire. There are
currently three types of smoke alarms on the market: ionization, photoelectric and
combination ionization/photoelectric. Smoke alarm contains a small amount of radioactive
material between two electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to
flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions, thus
reducing the flow of current and activating the alarm. There are two types of smoke detector
in general such as ionization smoke detector and photoelectric smoke detector. MOT only
installed ionization smoke detector in the building. Ionization smoke detectors implement a
trace amount of radioactive material that's fitted between two electrically charged plates. The
sum of these ingredients creates a steady flow of ionized air within the smoke alarm. The
presence of any smoke within the alarm's vicinity will disturb this flow and immediately warn
the surrounding area.
Figure 6.16 Ionization smoke detector Diagram 6.14 Operational system of ionization smoke detector
1. All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detector
2. Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled by
light beam or photodetectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which after
thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam cause the door close within a present
of time.

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6.2.5.7.6 Heat Detector
Heat detector is able to minimize the damage of property by reacting to the temperature
changed in the building during the fire. It enables the occupants to have more response time.
Heat detector usually has a lower false alarm rate, but it is slower than smoke detector in
detecting fire. In generally, there are two types of heat detectors which are fixed temperature
heat detector and rate of rise heat detector. Fixed temperature heat detector initiates the
alarm when detecting element reaches a predetermined fixed temperature. It is usually
preferred by most of the office building due to its economical and efficiency in alarm detecting
ambient temperature. Rate of rise heat detector activates the alarm from a sudden change of
temperature from predetermined value. MOT has both types of heat detectors installed.
Figure 6.17 Fixed temperature heat detector Figure 6.18 Rate of rise heat indicator
Diagram 6.15 Operational system of fixed temperature and rate of rise detector
1. Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire with
fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirements as
specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-Laws.

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6.2.5.8 Fire Control Room
Fire control room in MOT is located behind the reception at the ground floor. It is the central
of the building in the case of a fire emergency. It is a space where the status of fire detection,
alarm system, and a communications and control system are displayed, and from which all
systems can be manually controlled. The fire control room in MOT contains necessary controls,
telephones, furniture and equipment for fire-fighting operations to be directed. Security
guards will take shifts to monitor the systems in the control room. When the control unit
receives signals from the alarm system, decisions are made immediately. Besides, the digital
alarm communication system will automatically send signals generated by the fire alarm to
the nearest fire station if there is an occurrence of fire.
Fire detection and extinguishing control panels process results detection by sensors, control
alarm devices and set off alarms to permanently manned stations and the fire department.
They continuously monitor the extinguishing systems for functionality and trigger them
electrically if necessary. In case of a danger, it receives signals, monitors and provides
notifications to the occupants in MOT.
Figure 6.19 Fire alarm control panel Diagram 6.16 Ground floor plan shows the location of
fire control room
UBBL 1984 section 238
Fire Command Centre
1. Large or tall buildings over 30.5 metres or exceeding 9,290 sq.metres in gross area
required Command and Control Centre to be located at the designated floor with direct
telephone connection to Bomba.

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6.2.5.8.1 Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel is the main key component in managing the fire alarm of a building.
The signal that receives from fire alarm system in the building will be displayed through the
control panel in any case of emergency such as contacting the nearest fire brigade
immediately or requesting treatment from nearest hospital. It informs the occupant about the
exact address and condition of the location of fire through a series of fire mimic diagrams.
Figure 6.20 Fire alarm control panel, digital communicator direct to firefighter (left) water pump alarm control
panel (right)
6.2.5.8.2 Intercom Panel
The purpose of intercom panel is to allow an easy communication facility between the fire
chief and firefighting. All intercom systems are connected to the master handset panel
located at the ground floor. During a fire break out, a call alert lamp will flash with audible
signals at the master handset panel whenever there is an incoming call. As the handset is
lifted to answer the call, the signal will be silenced.
Figure 6.21 Intercom panel connecting voice communication system at each floor

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6.3 Passive Fire Protection System
6.3.1 Introduction
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a form of fire safety provision that remains inert
during normal conditions but play an important role during fire event. Passive fire
protection is considered during the stage of planning the building’s design. The main purpose
of this system is to protect the building itself from fire devastation, minimizing the danger of
fire induced collapse or structural distortion and limiting the movement of fire and smoke
between different space. The passive fire protection can be separated by 3 main parts, that
is means of escape, compartmentation and firefighting access.
The passive fire protection system can be divided into two main branches. The first is to
provide a mean of escape and the second is building compartmentalization. The definition of
these two systems are stated below
Passive fire protection (PFP) is an integral component in the structural fire protection and fire
safety in any building. PFP works as a mechanism to slow down the spread of fire in a building,
generally done by compartmentation of the building through the use of high fire rated
structural components such as walls, floors and doors. The compartment also allows smoke
not to overwhelm the building by diverting them out of the building which is vital as estimated
death from smoke related injuries during fire account for more than 50%. It also works by
allowing a safe escape passage in case of a fire emergency and efficient access route for the
firefighters and their equipments. Unlike Active Fire Protection (AFP), it does not take any type
of action during any fire event. Therefore, it can be said that both AFP and PFP are meant to
work together during a fire, not one in place of another. Careful measures are specially paid
attention on passive fire protection through simulation and comprehensive testing to ensure
that it is suitable and work as intended should any fire emergency event arises. It is worth
noting that these passive fire protections should function in extreme heat condition for a
specific amount of time before failing. This is known as fire resistance ratings which are
expressed in terms of how many hours it can last (example: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2
hours, 4 hours and others). Both AFP and PFP are heavily regulated and monitored through
UBBL 1984 and its compliance are checked thoroughly by the authorities before construction
began to ensure its effectiveness as expected by the building codes

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6.3.2 Means of Escape and Firefighter Access
This refers to any route that one can take to go in and out of building safely during the
occurrence of fire. Evacuation routes are always clearly defined through the fire escape
staircases in every medium to high-rise building and are used to direct to occupants directly
towards an exit point without any obstruction in between. Furthermore, there would also be
an assembly point whereby people would gather after they escaped from the building.
UBBL 1984 Section 166 mentioned that no less than two separate exits shall be provided from
each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary. These exits are required
to be accessible at all times without obstructions.
Moreover, Section 169 also said to maintain the accessibility of the paths, all fire evacuation
routes are required to have a consistent width along its path of travel from the storey exit to
the final exit.

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Figure 6.3.1 example of fire staircase
Fire escape staircase is a fire protected area, usually
surrounded by fire walls as the main designated escape
route in case of any emergencies.
Figure 6.3.2 example of fire rated door
A fire door is a swing door with a fire-resistance rating
that is used as part of a passive fire protection system
to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between
separate compartments of a structure which enables
safe means of escape from a building.
Figure 6.3.3 example of door release
mechanism
Door Release Mechanism is located at lower ground
floor whereby access is only possible through the use of
‘pass’ card. The door is locked with the use of magnetic
door lock installed at the top of the door and the door
frame.
Figure 6.3.4 example of fire escape
sign
The emergency exit signage functions as a guide to
direct occupants to the nearest fire exit. It signifies the
presence of a fire exit and the general direction of the
fire exit location.

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6.3.3 Compartmentation
Compartmentation is a tool that is used in a vast majority of buildings, other than simple low-
rise developments, this aims for the safety of the people during fire, allowing them to escape
as harmlessly as possible. Compartmentation is referred to as in many different ways: fire
walls, fire separation, enclosed stairs and others. It is basically the division of the whole
building into cells and separating one cell from another through the use of fire rated walls
assembled and fire rated doors used. In a large open space, such as in a mall, a fire shutter
is employed which it will be operated in case of a fire. Fire dampers are usually used where
ductwork passes any fire wall. The importance of compartmentation is exponentially increased
when the building is higher and bigger as to escape in such large building takes a longer time.
The size of occupancy in a building is also another important factor, as one staircase can only
hold a limited amount of people at any given time.
Figure 6.3.5 example of compartmentation through the fire rated walls and fire shutters

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6.3.4 Case Study of Passive Fire Protection System in MOT
6.3.4.1 Fire rated doors
Fire door acts as a protective opening and provide a specific degree of fire protection to the
opening. It also compartmentalizes a fire to stop the smoke and flames spreading from one
section to another. They are usually located at the emergency exit or staircase.
6.3.4.2 Emergency exit signage
Ensuring that emergency exits in the building are clearly marked with Exit signs can reduce
confusion and injury in the event of an emergency.
6.3.4.3 Fire escape staircase
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.
6.3.4.4 Fire rated walls
It is 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.
6.3.4.5 Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system
Remove smoke from a building allows low level escape routes to be free from smoke and
reduces damage to the building.
6.3.4.6 Fire roller shutters
Fire shutters serve the same role as firewalls but only move into their operational position in
the event of a fire. This is to keep fire from spreading to outside.

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6.3.4.1 Fire Rated Doors
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating used as part of the passive fire protection
system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure
and to enable safe egress from a building.
Figure 6.3.6 Escape Door Figure 6.3.7 Office Door
Fire rated door components:
• Fire retardant core with plywood to a total thickness of not less than 43 mm with all edges
• Laminated with adhesives conforming to BS 1444 “cold setting casein glue for wood”
• Finished with a fire rated Intumescent strip throughout the side
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. It
prevents the smoke from entering to the other side of the door when there’s present of smoke.

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Figure 6.3.8 Fire Resistance Rating on escape door
A fire-resistance rating typically means the duration for which a passive fire protection system
can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be quantified as a measure of time, or
it may entail a host of other criteria, involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for
purpose.
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
1. All exit doors shall be operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special
knowledge or effort.

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6.3.4.2 Emergency Exit Signage
The emergency exit signage functions as a guide to direct occupants to the nearest fire exit.
It signifies the presence of a fire exit and thus should be clearly visible for the occupants. It
is installed on the ceiling above every fire exit. In case of a power outage during fire, the fire
exit sign will be illuminated, powered by a battery-backup system.
Figure 6.3.9 Emergency Exit Signature above escape door
Exit signs must be cleared from decorations or equipments which may impair visibility to
means of an Exit. Emergency exit signage also known as ‘KELUAR’ signage can be found above
the fire doors at every escape staircase. It is placed at the front and back door in the main
lobby. It is used to give direction for the occupants during emergency and at the same time
leads them to the outdoor open space or assembly point.

45
Figure 6.3.10 Emergency Exit Signature dimension
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 18mm 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.

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6.3.4.3 Fire Escape Staircase
Figure 6.3.11 Level 5 Floor Plan
Emergency staircase
Fire escape staircase is a fire protected area. It connects from the storey exit to the final exit
which is located at the ground floor. The most common type of fire escape staircase is an
enclosed stairway. The enclosure must be a half-self-closing door that swing in the direction
of egress travel. The doors must be swung into the stairway enclosure except at the level of
exit discharge, where they must swing out.

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Figure 6.3.12 Emergency staircase
Pressurization system of Fire escape staircase:
• air supply (to supply fresh air into the stairway)
• pressure relief (to avoid overpressure when doors are closed)
• air release (air and smoke is released from the adjoining fire area).
These three components work to create a positive pressure difference which prevents lobbies
and staircases from filling up with smoke.

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Figure 6.3.13 Emergency staircase section
UBBL 1984 section 110:
No obstruction in staircases
1. There shall be no obstruction in any staircase between the topmost landing thereof
and the exit discharge on the ground floor.
2. There shall be no projection, other than handrail in staircase, in any corridor, passage
or staircase at a level lower than 2 metres above the floor or above any stair.
3.
UBBL 1984 section 168(i):
Staircases
Except as provided in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress via at least
two separate staircases.

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6.3.4.4 Fire Rated Walls
Firewall is found and is installed in almost every high-rise building as one of the fire
protection system. It is constructed by using fire-resistance materials to allow firewall to
withstand at least one hour of fire to reduce the potential of fire spreading. It acts as a
barrier which provides an hour of escape period for the occupants to escape through fire
staircase and door.
Fire Rated Wall
Fire barrier walls are commonly continuous within the buildings or form one fire barrier wall
to another fire barrier wall. It provides same fire resistance rating or even greater than the
required rating for the application. The use of barrier wall is mostly to prevent fire from
spreading from one room to another room or from inside out.

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Firewall is made up of fire-resistance plasterboard at the external wall. It has steel stud
connected to fiberglass insulation and fire blocking Gypsum board at both sides covered by
fire- resistance plasterboards.
Figure 6.3.14 Fire Rated Wall Component
UBBL section 148:
Special requirements as to compartment walls and compartment floors
(6) Any compartment walls or compartment floor 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 other ceiling, the required FRP of wall or floor shall be obtained without assistance from
any non-combustible materials.

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6.3.4.5 Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation System
Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems, also known as "SHEVS" are natural or powered
systems to remove smoke from a building allowing low level escape routes to be kept clear
of smoke and reducing damage to the building.
Figure 6.3.15 Verticle Extract Ventilation Figure 6.3.16 SSFA
Figure 6.3.17 SSEA
Mechanical smoke extraction units are especially indispensable to the following application
areas:
1. High ceiling rooms without windows
2. Subterranean rooms and passages
3. Buildings which are constantly exposed to wind
4. Huge rooms with high fire load
5. Rooms with sprinkler systems

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Figure 6.3.18 Process of Heat and Smoke Ventilation System
During a fire, smoke and fire gases spread through the entire building, the system is
automatically triggered and start to extract smoke out of the building to prevent smoke cover
the whole building and become obstruct towards building occupants. As the smoke is extracted,
building occupants are safe to evacuate towards fire escape staircase. SSEA extract the smoke
while SSFA is giving fresh air into the space.

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6.3.4.6 Fire Shutter
Fire Shutter
Fire shutters serve the same role as firewalls, but they differ by the fact that fire shutters only
move into their operational position in the event of a fire. They are usually wired to the fire
control room and would activate autonomously in the event of a fire.

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Figure 6.3.19 Fire Shutter in Basement Carpark
They are designed to operate in two stages. It is initially lowered to a predetermined safe
height (usually right above head height) to act as a smoke barrier while still permitting
occupants to escape. It then lowers and shuts completely after a predetermined time to act
as a fire-resistant barrier. It is usually constructed out of steel or aluminium with a fireproof
coating for an added protection.

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Figure 6.3.20 Fire Shutter Plan View Component
Figure 6.3.21 Fire Shutter Section View Component

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7.0 Mechanical Ventilation System
7.1 Introduction
Ventilation is an important part of a building design where it helps to provide fresh air,
moisture, remove odor and remove other airborne chemicals built inside a building. It requires
movement of air to achieve indoor air quality and also to achieve the state of thermal comfort
of the users in a building.
Ventilation can be divided into 2 categories, Passive Ventilation and Mechanical
Ventilation.
Passive ventilation (also known as natural ventilation) is applied in a way that a building
has some openings to allow the air to naturally ventilate through the building, while this type
of ventilation cannot be controlled.
Mechanical ventilation is a ventilation that allows the air to ventilate through a mechanical
device in a building such as fan. It is a man-made object and it requires installation, electricity
to activate it and require maintenance in order to achieve thermal comfort for the occupants
in the building, while this type of ventilation can be controlled by the users to maximize the
fresh air to be provided in a space or building. Therefore, it is much more efficient than passive
ventilation as the air can be filtered to remove dust and airborne disease.

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7.2 Basic Ventilation System
There are 2 types of method for basic ventilation system which are, fan and makeup air supply.
Fan element is to extract the moist air out from the wet area in the building, such as kitchen,
bathrooms, gym and others. Makeup air supply is used to deliver the air from exterior to the
interior of the building, the suction of the exhaust fan creates negative pressure where it
allows the air from being pulled into the interior space of the house from the exterior (supply
point).
Fan
Figure 7.2.1 Fan that pull air out from a moisture space.
Make-up air Supply
Figure 7.2.2 Air from exterior being pull through the interior space

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7.3 Comparison of Natural & Mechanical Ventilation
Natural ventilation takes place when an open space or open window or opening in the building
allows the wind to move freely into and out of the building. The air movement will not be as
consistent and efficient for fresh air to enter the building but it does not require any
maintenance. Mechanical ventilation is used to control air movement inlet and outlet of the
buildings. It gives sufficient fresh air into the building in which all the air will be filtered but
require high maintenance cost. It provides an amount of oxygen into the building while remove
excess carbon dioxide. It prevents heat concentration on mechanical appliances, human, lights,
and machines.

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7.4 Type of Mechanical Ventilation
7.4.1 Exhaust Ventilation System
Figure 7.4.1.1 Exhaust Ventilation
Exhaust ventilation is worked by depressurizing the air in the building. It reduces the air
pressure inside the building. While the pressure out of the building is high, it causes causes
the fresh air from the outside to be continuously forced into the negative pressure inside. The
exhaust ventilation kept the room dry. Exhaust ventilation is more suitable in cold climates. If
it is put in a warm or summer climate it will cause the moisture in the air from diffusing into
the wall cavity and may cause condensation and moisture damage. It is mostly suitable for
kitchen or bathrooms. It is a simple and inexpensive installation and a system that composed
of only a single fan which is connected to centrally located, single exhaust point of house.
This may draw pollutants along with fresh air.

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7.4.2 Supply Ventilation System
Figure 7.4.2.1 Supply Ventilation
Supply ventilation is work by pressurizing the house. The fans are used to force the air from
the outside to go into the building while air leak out through holes. It is a simple and
inexpensive installation. The system introduces fan and duct system that welcome fresh air
into the building in order to have a better control of air quality. It is preferred that the
supply system is installed or located in the occupants’ rooms such as bedroom or living
room. Supply ventilation will discourage the entry of pollutants from outside of the building
because it allows the air outside to be filtered to remove pollutants and dust. This ventilation
works best in hot or humid climate because the pressure will create moisture in the room at
cold climate. The moisture in the air will cause mould or mildew and decay to happen.

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7.4.3 Balanced Ventilation System
Figure 7.4.3.1 Balance Ventilation
Balance ventilation system is a properly designed and installed system. It is neither
pressurizing nor depressurizing a house. It introduces equal quality of air outside and the air
inside. It will facilitate well if the supply and exhaust vents are in an appropriate place to
distribute the fresh and good quality of air into the building. It is more suitable to apply at
spaces where it is used often, such as bedrooms. It will not remove the moisture in the room
but it will filter to remove dust and pollen from the outside before the air enter the room.
Balance system is suitable in all climate because it requires two ducts and fan system and it
is expensive to be install.

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7.4.4 Energy Recovery System
Figure 7.4.4.1 Energy Recovery System
Energy recovery system will cost more than other types of installation. In order to save cost,
many systems share the same existing ductwork. It has a higher maintenance and require
more power supply to activate. Installation require an expertise and well-experienced
contractor because every room requires to have a supply and a return conduct. The duct that
is connected to the ventilator must be short and straight and a bigger size of it is needed to
improve the performance. Energy ventilation system is needed to clean regularly to prevent
deterioration as it may cause the ventilation rates and heat recovery to be ineffective and it
is also to prevent mould and bacteria from growing on the heat exchange surface.

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7.5 Component in Mechanical Ventilation System
7.5.1 Fan
Fan is a main device in mechanical ventilation system where it helps to exhaust and supply
air circulation in the building. There are 3 types of fan:
1. Propeller Fan
2. Axial Fan
3. Centrifugal Fan
7.5.1.1 Propeller fan
Propeller fan is a general ventilation fan where it is cost effective. It produces an air flow
through the building by creating different pressure between the outdoor and the indoor area.
It has long slender blades. There are fixed or adjustable pitch models which the differences
are mainly the wind oriented by the blades. It is normally used in buildings, toilets and kitchen
where it does not create lots of sound and acts as an exhaust, cooling tower or air-cooled
heat exchanger.
Figure 7.5.1.1.1 Propeller Fan (Fixed)
Figure 7.5.1.1.2 Propeller Fan (Adjustable)

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7.5.1.2 Axial Fan
Axial Fan is similar to the propeller fan but the blades are shorter and rigid that it is assembled
in a metal tube to provide thermal control and air flow into the building. Axial fan can be
divided into 2 types which are the vane axial and tube axial that is due to the construction
requirement. It can be easily found and is normally used in the basement and tunnel.
Figure 7.5.1.2.1 Tube Axial Fan Figure 7.5.1.2.2 Vane Axial Fan

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7.5.1.3 Centrifugal Fan
Centrifugal fan is mostly used in industry where it can move large or small amount of air. It
is often called as a blower. The air pressure can be increased by the fan wheel, which is a
series of blade mounted on a circular hub. The air flow created by centrifugal fan will direct
through a system of duct and tubes in order to help create a high pressure of airflow.
Figure 7.5.1.3.1 Centrifugal Fan
Figure 7.5.1.3.2 Types of Centrifugal Fan

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7.5.2 Filter
Filter is one of the alternative elements to be used in the mechanical ventilation. It helps to
filter the air to prevent carbon dioxide, pollutant and other unwanted elements to flow into
the building. This allows good quality of air to flow into the building. There are 4 types of
filters:
1. Dry
2. Viscous
3. Electrostatic
4. Activated carbon

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7.5.2.1. Dry Filter
The air from the outside flow through the roll filter to filter the air shown in diagram 7.5.2.1.1.
The filter fabric is a disposable element filter shown in diagram 7.5.2.1.2.
Figure 7.5.2.1.1 Roller Filter Figure 7.5.2.1.2 Disposable Element Filter
Figure 7.5.2.1.3 Dry Filter

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7.5.2.2 Viscous Filters
It filters air that the surface of impinges is covered with a viscous fluid or oil, to attach the
dirt particles at there.
Figure 7.5.2.2.1 Viscous Filters
7.5.2.3 Electrostatic Filters
It is a safe and naturally occurring phenomenon where the air from the exterior is cleaned
by using static electricity before it come into the interior space. The air flows through a
maze of static prone fibers causes an electrostatic charge. The static charge holds the
airborne particles which are attracted by it. It can be cleaned by washing it.
Figure 7.5.2.3.1 Electrostatic Filters

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7.5.2.4 Activated Carbon Filter
It is a filter that uses a bed of carbon to remove pollutants and airborne particles by using
chemical.
Figured 7.5.2.3.1 Example how activated carbon filters are used
7.5.3 Ductwork
Ductwork is an air passenger that is used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning to supply
air, return air and exhaust air. There are 3 different shapes for ductwork which are circle,
square or rectangular. Circle shaped ductwork are more efficient, and less frictional resistance
to air flow. Rectangular shaped ductwork is more easily fitted into the building fabric.
Figure 7.5.4.1 Rectangular Ductwork Figure 7.5.3.2 Circular Ductwork

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7.5.4 Fire Damper
A passive fire protection product. It is used to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork.
Figure 7.5.4.1 Fire Damper
7.5.5 Diffusers
A device that reduce velocity and increase the static pressure of a fluid passing through a
system.
Figure 7.5.5.1 Diffuser

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7.6 Case Study of Mechanical Ventilation in MOT
Ministry of Transport has both features that are the supply and exhaust ventilation system.
They allow the building to have a better ventilation in order to achieve thermal comfort for
the users, as well as it is safe for emergency exit if there is a fire. Due to their large scale,
both systems are installed to ensure the air supply and remove is at a balance rate.
Level M&E N.T.S.
Basement N.T.S.

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7.6.1 Supply Ventilation System
In MOT, the supply ventilation system is used in the stairwell. It uses an inlet in which the
machine will supply the air into the stairwell that forces the unwanted air out of it through
another duct. The outside air supply is provided by mechanical means in order to maintain
positive pressure by using pressurization method so that it provides smoke free escape route
in case of a fire in the building.
7.6.1.1 Stairwell Pressurization System
Pressurization creates different pressure between the fire staircase and the elevator space. It
will prevent the movement of smoke to enter the stairwell escape route. It keeps the exit
routes to be free from smoke during a fire. It allows occupants to have a longer time to escape
from the building.
Figure 7.6.1.1.1 Emergency escape staircase with pressurrization system
Credit Serene 2018
Figure 7.6.1.1.2 Sketch shows how pressurization works.

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UBBL- Pressurized system for staircase
CLAUSE 202
System is used when height of the building is more than 45.75 meters.
• Air capacity of fan need to be sufficient to maintain an air flow of not less than 60
meters per minute through the doors which are deemed to be open.
• 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 minimal number of 2
doors open.
• With all the door closed the air pressure differential between the staircases and the
areas served by it shall not exceed 5 mm water gauge.
• 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 sprinkle system.
• Which meets the functional requirements as may be agreed with the D.G.F.S.

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7.6.1.2 Lift Lobby Pressurization System
Lobby pressurization system is to ensure smoke-free lift lobby system and it is one of the
necessary routes in case of a fire. At figure 7.6.1.2.1, it is to supply air so that it keeps a
positive pressure at the escape route. The pressurization system can prevent the smoke from
entering the hallway of lift and flows towards the fire staircase escape route. Figure 7.6.1.2.2
is the exhaust that allow the smoke to flow out from the hallway of escape route.
Figure: 7.6.1.2.1 Pressure relief Figure: 7.6.1.2.2 Expel smoke if there is a fire happening
damper found at the lift lobby at the lift lobby

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7.6.1.3 Basement Carpark
Supply Air Carpark System
The air from the exterior of the building is being pulled into the carpark to allow the car park
to obtain enough fresh air in order to ensure that the basement is constantly ventilated.
Figure 7.6.1.3.1 Fresh air is coming into the carpark.
7.6.1.4 Ductwork
Ductworks are tubes that is part of the ventilation system, they are used to supply fresh air
into the car park.
Figure 7.6.1.4.1 Fresh air flowing through the carpark (SSFA)

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UBBL
CLAUSE 197
• Protected lobbies shall provide to serve staircases in buildings exceeding 18 meters
above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external
walls.
• Building exceeding 45 meters above ground level, such protected lobbies shall be
pressurised to meet the requirements of section 7 of the Australian Standard 1668,
Part I- 1974 or any other system meeting the functional requirement of the D.G.F.S.
• Protected lobbies may be omitted if the staircase enclosures are pressurised to meet
the requirement of by-law 200

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7.6.2 Exhaust Ventilation System
In MOT, it is used at the car parks and other utility rooms. It is to prevent accumulation of
smoke during the emergency.
7.6.2.1 Car Park Exhaust System
The ducts at the basement car parks has the word SSEA printed on it. It is to direct the smoke
or fumes from the basement car park towards the duct that is connected to the outside of the
building so that there will be new air to flow into the building.
Figure 7.6.2.1.1 Show a space that air being exhaust out from a space
Figure 7.6.2.1.2 Basement duct (SSEA) exhaust

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Component of Car Park Exhaust System:
1. Ductwork
Ductworks are tubes that is part of the ventilation system, used to expel pollutants or smoke
out of the building (Figure 7.6.2.1.3 above)
2. Outer griller
Use to suck the smoke and fumes from the carpark into the metal duct.
Figure 7.6.2.1.3 Outer griller
UBBL
249. Windowsless buildings, underground structure and large area factories, smoke venting
facilities shall provided for the safe use of exit.
Third Schedule
7- Mechanical ventilation system in basement areas.
1. Basement and other enclosure below ground level used for working areas or for
occupancy of more than 2 hours duration shall be provided with mechanical ventilation
having a minimum of six air changes per hour.
2. Basement or underground car parks shall provided with mechanical ventilation such
that the air exhausted to the external atmosphere should constitude not less than six
air changes per hour. Air extract opening shall be arranged such that it is not less than
0.5 meters above the floor lrvrl period system.
3. Basement and other enclosure below ground level used for working areas or for
occupancy of more than 2 hours durations shall be provided with a minimum of one
fresh air change per hour, or the minimum of 0.28 cmm per person working in such
area.

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7.6.3 Utility Room Exhaust System
The exhaust system in the utility room is to control the air quality and release the smoke when
there is a fire emergency. When air is extract out by the exhaust fan, oxygen is reduced within
the space and it avoids the fire from spreading. The exhaust vent is activated by the machines
(fan).
Figure 7.6.3.1 The exhaust fan Figure 7.6.3.2 The exhaust fan is connected
connected to the ductwork from the utility room to the top floor (M&E
Level)
Figure 7.6.3.3 Sketch shows how air is extracted
out and regulated from the utility room
UBBL
Clause 250 Natural draught smoke venting
1. Natural draught smoke venting shall utilise roof vents in walls at or near the ceiling
level.
2. Such vents shall normally be in open positions of it they are closed they shall be so
designed to open automatically by an approved means in the event of a fire.

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8.0 Air-Conditioning System
8.1 Introduction
Air-conditioning (A.C.) system is a system that removes heat and moisture from the
interior of an occupied space, improving the thermal comfort of occupants and maintain the
air quality of an interior building. Air-conditioning system generally refer to any form of
technology that modifies the condition of the air.
There are several different kinds of air-conditioning system, while choosing a right air-
conditioning system for a building depends on the building size and function. So that the air-
conditioning system can be fully utilize, also to ensure energy efficiency and saving costs. An
improper design or installation of air-conditioning system may cause bad consequences,
affecting the thermal comfort, lower the air quality and consume more energy in a building
which results the waste of energy and might cause air pollution.

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8.2 Operating Principles of Air Cooling
When gas is compressed, it will turn into liquid at a certain point. At the same time, a large
amount of latent heat will be released from the gas. In an opposite way, when liquid
pressure was lowered, as it will vaporizes back into gas and large amount of latent heat will
be absorbed into the liquid.
Air conditioning system works by removing heat from a room and releasing the collected
heat to outdoor. This process involves two type of cycles to take place which are the
refrigeration cycle and air cycle.
Figure 8.2.1 Cycle of air-cooling

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8.2.1 Refrigerant Cycle
The refrigeration cycle is a process to remove heat from one place to another by using a liquid
called refrigerant continuously recycling through the process. This process consists of 4 main
components which are the Evaporation, Condenser, Compressor, and Expansion valve.
Evaporator
Figure 8.2.2 Evaporator
The evaporator is a coil of pipe with low pressure liquid
refrigerant inside it. Its function is to absorb heat on the
pipe surface, so that the air blown over the surface of
this pipe is cooled.
Compressor
Figure 8.2.3 Compressor
In this component refrigerant was compressed and the
vapor from the evaporator is pumped throughout the
system. When refrigerant vapour was compressed, the
vapor becomes very warm, as high as 200’F and pumps
it to the condenser.
Condenser
Figure 8.2.4 Condenser
In this process great deal of heat is expelled and turn
the refrigerant vapor into liquid. All those was caused by
releasing high pressure refrigerant vapor and dispels
heat through the condenser coils.
Expansion Valve
Figure 8.2.5 Expansion Valve
A valve that meters liquid refrigerant into the evaporator
and restrict the flow of refrigerant from flowing
backward.

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Figure 8.2.6 Refrigerant cycle in air conditioning system
The refrigerant cycle is as follows:
1. Starting from the compressor, the refrigerant comes into the compressor as a low pressured
gas, then the refrigerant was compressed, turned into high pressure gas and move to the
next component, the condenser.
2. As the gas flows into the condenser, the gas was liquify. Heat was expelled to the external
in this process.
3. Then the refrigerant was moved to expansion valve under high pressure and then was
lowered the pressure of refrigerant when it leaves to next component, evaporator
4. In evaporator, heat from the air in the room was absorbed and turn liquid refrigerant into
low pressure gas.
5. At last, the low-pressure gas was back into the compressor and continuously repeat the
cycle again.

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8.2.2 Air Cycle
Air cycle is a process to distribute treated air into the room that needs to be conditioned.
Removing the latent heat inside a room by using evaporator to absorb the return air. Water
can also involve in this cycle as a medium to absorb the heat.
The distribution of air can be either through ducts of chilled water pipes. Thus, heat inside
the room is removed and slowly the internal air becomes cooler. There are several components
which are required for air cycle to take place.
1. Air handling unit (AHU) - recycling some return air from room
2. Air Filter - dust control
3. Blower fan - to propel the air for distribution
4. Ductwork and diffusers - to distribute air from AHU to room that need to be air-conditioned
5. Clean air intake - to renew the contents of air to be distribute
6. Humidifier/Dehumidifier - used for humidity issue
Figure 8.2.7 Air cycle in air conditioning system

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8.3 Air Conditioning System
Generally, there are four type of air conditioning system, each type of air conditioning system
will be used by depending on the building size, type, functionality and their surroundings. The
type of air conditioning systems includes room air conditioning system, split air conditioning
system, packaged unit air conditioning system and centralized air conditioning system.
8.3.1 Room Air Conditioning System
Room air conditioning system is the simplest form among all air conditioning systems. It had
a smaller size which are suitable to be adapted in small rooms. It is usually installed at window
opening or wall. Room air conditioning systems can be divided into two compartments, which
are the room side and outdoor side, separated by an insulated partition
Figure 8.3.1 Indoor unit of room air conditioning system Figure 8.3.2 Outdoor unit of room air conditioning system
Figure 8.3.3 Cross section and components of room air conditioning system

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8.3.2 Split Air Conditioning System
Split unit air conditioning is the most popular type of air conditioning system nowadays due
to its silent operation, elegant looks, and no need to make a hole in the wall. This air
conditioning also consists of two units which are one outdoor unit, the condenser and one or
several indoor units, the evaporator or AHU. Two of the unit are connected by a copper tubing.
Figure 8.3.4 Indoor unit of split air conditioning system Figure 8.3.5 Outdoor unit of split air conditioning system
Figure 8.3.6 Components and function of split air conditioning system

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8.3.3 Packaged Unit Air Conditioning System
Packaged unit air conditioning system is similar to room air conditioner but in a much larger
size with fixed rate capacities. It is normally utilized in medium size building or room, such as
halls and restaurants. This air conditioner enclosed all the important components inside a
single casing which is considered as difficult for maintenance. There are two types of packed
unit air conditioner which are the ducted and ductless.
This air conditioning system can be installed at the rooftop, on the ground, and inside a ceiling
or crawl space. Thus, ducting was required for distribution of the conditioned air.
Figure 8.3.7 Cross section, components and function of packaged unit air conditioning system
Packaged unit air conditioning system have two methods of removing the indoor heat in the
larger packaged unit. The first method is air-cooled method, which remove indoor heat by
outdoor air, where the equipment is located outside of the building adjacent to the room to
be air conditioned or on the rooftop for easy flow of air. Second method, water-cooled method
which a ducted type, the duct comes from the top of the unit that extends to various rooms
that are to be cooled with a continuous supply of water from cooling tower removing the
indoor heat. This method consists a basic refrigeration component that built into the
compacted indoor unit.

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8.3.4 Plant Air Conditioning System
Plant air conditioner system is used in large, complex or multiple blocks building, such as
hospital, hotels, office towers, airports and shopping mall. Usually this system was installed
during the construction of the building and should be integrated with the structure and space
planning purpose. The main components of this system are the refrigerant plant, AHU and
cooling tower.
The refrigerant plant consists of chiller that chill the refrigerant and there are two type of
chiller. One is the water-cooled chiller which connect to cooling tower and the second is air-
cooled chiller which connected to air-cooled condenser. The cooled refrigerant will be
distributed to AHU.
Figure 8.3.8 Components and refrigerant flow in plant air conditioning system

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Figure 8.3.9 Components of AHU in plant air conditioning system
AHU is a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter rack or
chamber, sound attenuators, and dampers. It is connected to ductwork that distribute and
return the conditioned air.
Figure 8.3.10 Components of cooling tower in plant air conditioning system
Cooling tower is a heat removal device to transfer heat from the chiller to the atmosphere
through evaporation of water. To optimize this function the cooling tower it is usually located
on high open space to get optimum ventilation. The cooling water is pumped to the
refrigeration machine where it cools the condenser coil. Thus, it needs to be connected to a
water tank to replace the water lost by evaporation.

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8.4 Case Study of Air Conditioning System in MOT
In MOT there are two type of air conditioning systems which are the centralized air
conditioning system and split unit air conditioning system. Centralized air conditioning system
is the main air conditioning system in MOT, as for the split unit air conditioning system in MOT
is only used in the elevator control room and also act as a backup air conditioning system
when the main air conditioning system is down.
8.4.1 Centralized Air Conditioning System
MOT is a 15 storeys office building, like most of the large and complex building generally will
choose to use this kind of air conditioning system, but what makes MOT different from other
buildings is that MOT does not have a refrigerant plant of its own. MOT is located in Putrajaya,
an urbanize and due to its location, MOT was introduced to use district cooling plant system,
a plant that is located in the center of a city and provides chilled water to the surrounding
buildings.
Figure 8.4.1 Function of district cooling system

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8.4.1.1 District Cooling System
District Cooling System of MOT was provided by Makhostia SDN BHD. The central plant of this
district cooling system is just located beside MOT. This system produces chilled water from
the central plant and distributes by using a system of pipes that can run underground.
The benefits of using district cooling system is to reduce the space for its own refrigerant
plant and the cooling tower on the rooftop. Thus, it can improve the aesthetic of the building.
Besides, it aids the environment by increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental
emissions including air pollution, the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide and ozone-destroying
refrigerants.
Figure 8.4.2 Map showing the GDC and the MOT Firgure 8.4.3 Picture showing the Gas District Cooling (GDC)
Figure 8.4.4 Components and function of district cooling system

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8.4.1.2 Heat Exchanger (HEX)
Inside the MOT the transmission of the underground pipes is connected to a room called HEX
room. HEX room is a heat exchange room consists of coils that allow the chilled water from
district cooling plant to chill the water in the MOT then distribute to other components. The
returned water will flow back to HEX room to be chilled.
Figure 8.4.5 Location of Hex room in basement plan
Figure 8.4.6 Function of heat exchanger

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8.4.1.3 Chill Water Pump
Then, the chilled water in HEX room is transferred into the chilled water pump room that was
located beside it. The pumps pump up the chilled water to all the AHU in the whole building.
Figure 8.4.7 Location of Chill Water Pump room in basement plan
Figure 8.4.8 Water pump in chill water pump room

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8.4.1.4 Air Handling Unit (AHU)
Every floor in MOT consists of AHU except basements. There are 28 units of AHU in MOT, but
half of the numbers will only be used for every week. Generally, AHU in MOT works the same
as others, but only the chilling system is different. After the AHU received the chilled water
from chill water pump, the chilled water was transfer to cooling coil to produce cool air. Then
the cool air will distribute through the ducts and spread out from the diffuser into the room
that needs to be conditioned. The returned air will then flow back to AHU to be chilled.
Figure 8.4.9 Location of AHU in highest floor of MOT
Figure 8.4.10 AHU in MOT

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Components of AHU in MOT
Air filter
Figure 8.4.11 Air filter
Before the hot air return to AHU, the air will pass through air
filter that consist of a layer of foam and a layer of grill. Both
foam and grill are used to ensure the cleanliness of the
filtered air and to protect the inner part of AHU components.
Cooling coil
Figure 8.4.12 Cooling coil
Cooling coils is made of copper pipes, it is attached to the
chilled water pipe from the HEX room. Cooling coil is coiled
up to increase its surface to maximize the area of heat
transfer of air so hot air will be cooled down while it
contacts with the coil.
Fan blower
Figure 8.4.13 Fan blower
Fan blower that is installed inside AHU is to blow the
cooling coil and transfer the cooled air through the air duct
and then to the diffuser.
Chill water pipe
Figure 8.4.14 Chill water pipe
Chill water pipe is used to transfer chill water. In the
diagram, it shows two chill water pipes with a different
label, they have different functions. CHWS is the pipe that
supply chill water to AHU and CHWR is the return pipe of
flows the chill water to HEX room.

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8.4.1.5 Air Duct and Diffuser
Air duct is a connector between AHU and diffuser. It is made of aluminium foil, so that it
provides a good insulation that can retain the temperature of cooled air inside it while
transferring it into the diffuser.
While diffuser is an outlet of cooled air to a certain location. It constantly provides occupant
a comfortable environment by removing heat and providing cooled air from AHU to a room
that need to be condition.
Figure 8.4.15 Air duct Figure 8.4.16 Diffuser in most area
Figure 8.4.17 Diffuser in cafeteria

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8.4.2 Split Air Conditioning System
In MOT split air conditioning system is used only in elevator control room and as a backup
air conditioning system while the plant air conditioning system is down.

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8.4.2.1 Split Air Conditioning System in Elevator Control Room
Indoor unit
Split air conditioning system in the elevator room is classified as a ducted type of split air
conditioner. There are total of four units inside the room and all of them are attached to the
ceiling. The main reason of having this type of air conditioning system is to cool down the
temperature of the control room since it is a control room that is always working and produce
heat continuously. The reason why the elevator control room has a separated air conditioning
system from the whole building is to prevent the elevator from overheating and stop working
when the AHU unit is down.
Figure 8.4.18 Location of indoor unit in elevator room
Figure 8.4.19 Indoor unit of elevator control room

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Outdoor unit
The outdoor unit for this air conditioning system is placed at the same level as the control
room. Four condensers are facing outward from the building which is shown at the figure
below.
Figure 8.4.20 Location of outdoor unit in elevator room
Figure 8.4.21 Outdoor unit of elevator control room

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8.4.2.2 Split Air Conditioning System as a Backup
Indoor unit
It is only installed at 10th floor where the meeting rooms are located. Occupants will not use
this type of air conditioning system unless the main air conditioning system is down. All the
indoor unit is ceiling mounted/cassette type in the meeting room
Figure 8.4.22 Indoor unit of meeting room
Outdoor unit
For the outdoor unit, MOT just simply put the condenser out of the meeting room, which is
as shown in the figure below.
Figure 8.4.23 Outdoor unit of meeting room

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9.0 Mechanical Transportation System
9.1 Introduction
Mechanical transportation system is a type of transportation that is used to move goods and
people vertically between different levels of floors or horizontally in a modern building. There
are 3 common types of transportation include lifts (elevators), escalators and travelators.
Generally, it is powered by an electric motor that drives traction cable and counterweight
systems like a hoist or a hydraulic pump.
According to the clause of 124 within the UBBL 1984, at least a lift shall be provided for non-
residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below main entrance. Besides, lifts should
be positioned at locations which provide easy access for all building users such as central
entrance lobby of offices, hotels, and apartments with a maximum walking distance of 45mm
to the lift lobby.
The importance of mechanical transportation system includes:
1. Basic needs - ease burden in lifting the occupants to a higher or lower level in a building
2. Comfort needs - work efficiently for office buildings, or a large organization
3. Fire requirement - provide fire lift in case of an emergency
4. Complying with UBBL 1984 - Buildings with more than 4 storeys must provide a lift system
It is required to divide a building into groups of elevators serving floors, called zones, or more
categorizing them as low,middle and high zones. The benefits of lifts the users as follows:
1. carry occupants to their destination zone as fast as possible, express zones are provided to
run express or shuttle lifts between the lobby and each zone
2. maximise high speed elevator performance, reduce round trip time, increase passenger
handling capacity, and reduce the required number of lifts
3. space above the low and middle zone elevator hoist ways in the building is available for
use as officers and others purpose
3 common types of mechanical transportation are:
1. Lifts/Elevators
2. Escalators
3. Travelators

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9.2 Lift
Lift (also known as elevator) is a type of vertical transportation with a platform housed within
a shaft that moves people or goods between different floors of a building safely and efficiently.
It is used in modern offices, government buildings and high-rise buildings. Arrangement of
lifts is important to maintain a smooth circulation between the occupants of a building.
Factors affecting lift installation:
1. type
2. speed
3. quantity
4. layout
9.2.1 Lift Application
Type of lifts Car speed (m/s)
Passenger- up to 4 floors 0.3 - 0.8
4 to 9 floors 0.8 - 2.0
9 to 15 floors 2.0 - 5.0
Over 15 floors 5.0 - 7.0
Paternoster Up to 0.4
Goods,to any height 0.2 - 1.0
Hydraulic,passenger or goods 0.1 - 1.0

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9.2.2 Types of Lifts (Elevators)
There are various types of elevators to fit in different building typologies, whether it is with
rope or not, it is depending on the means of moving. There are two main types of elevators
that are commonly used, namely electric lift (traction with a machine room and machine-
room-less traction) and hydraulic lift. However, there are variation upon each given type.
9.2.2.1 Electric Lift
Electric lift, or traction lift is lifted by ropes which passes over a wheel that is connected to a
motor, usually an electric motor, that is located in the machine room situated above the
elevator shaft. This type of elevator is commonly used in mid and high rise application, as
they have higher travel speeds than other types of elevators, for example the hydraulic
elevator. In most cases, a counter weight is also used, so that the motor’s load is eased,
making the elevators more efficient by offsetting the weight of the car and occupants. Traction
elevator can be further divided into geared, gearless, (machine room elevator) or non-machine
room elevator and it is depending on its application.
Figure 9.1 Geared Traction Lift Figure 9.2 Gearless Traction Lift Figure 9.3 Machine-room-less Lift
Geared traction lifts have a gearbox that is attached to the powered electric motor, which

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drives the wheel that moves the ropes. They are capable to speed up to 500 feet (152400
mm) per minute. The maximum travel distance for a geared traction elevator is around 250
feet (76200 mm).
Gearless traction lifts have the wheel attached directly to the motor. They are capable to
speed up to 2,000 feet (60960 mm) per minute. They have a maximum travel distance of
around 2,000 feet (60960 mm). Therefore, they are the only choice for high-rise applications.
The machine-room-less lifts do not have a dedicated machine room above the elevator
shaft. Its control boxes are located in a control room that is adjacent to the electrical shaft on
the highest landing and within approximately 150 feet (4572 mm) of the machine. They
are capable to speed up to 500 feet (15240 mm) per minute. The maximum travel distance is
around 250 feet (7620 mm).

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9.2.2.2 Hydraulic Lift
Hydraulic lift has a slightly slow mechanism. It consists of a piston placed below the lift. It
is supported from the bottom by the piston that pushes the lift upward or downward as an
electric motor pumps hydraulic fluid into the piston when the specific floor button is pressed.
The elevator will descend as the fluid is released. Hydraulic lift is commonly found in low-rise
buildings due to a slower speed and maximum travel distance of about 80 feet (24384 mm)
or 200 feet (609960mm) / minutes. The electric motor is accommodated in a machine room
which is built in the lowest level of the building, unlike the traction lift. This type of lift is used
for smaller buildings with are less than 10 floors. Same as the traction lift, there are different
types of elevators in hydraulic system as well, namely:
Figure 9.4 Annotated diagrams of conventional hydraulic lift, hole and non-holed hydraulic lift and roped hydraulic lift

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9.2.2.3 Pneumatic Lift
Pneumatic elevators are raised and lowered by controlling air pressure in a chamber where
the elevator sits. By applying simple principles of physics, the difference in air pressure above
and beneath the vacuum elevator cab literally transports cab by air. It is the vacuum pump or
turbine that pull the cab up to the next floor and the slow release of air pressure that floats
cab down.
Figure 9.4 Example of Pneumatic Lift
9.2.2.4 Climbing Lift
A climbing elevator is a self-ascending elevator with its own propulsion. The propulsion can
be done by an electric or a combustion engine. Climbing elevators are used in masts or towers
in order to make easy access to parts of these constructions such as flight safety lamps for
maintenance.
Figure 9.5 Example of climbing lift

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9.2.2.5 Comparison on Cost and Energy Consumption on Different Types of
Lifts
Geared traction Gearless traction Machine-room-less Hydraulic
• Averagely high
initial cost
• Medium ongoing
maintenance costs
• Medium energy
consumption
• High initial cost
• Medium ongoing
maintenance costs
• Less energy
consumption than
geared traction
• Low initial cost than
geared traction
• Low ongoing
maintenance cost than
geared traction
• Less energy
consumption than feared
traction
(require less space,
operation and realibility
are on par with gearless
traction)
• the lowest initial cost
ongoing
• The lowest
maintenance costs
• Consume the most
energy
(as it electric motor
works against gravity,it
forces hydraulic fluid
into the piston)

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9.3 Escalator
Escalator is the immediate mean of transportation, transports people from a lower level to the
next higher level only. It can continuously move large number of live loads, which is the people.
It is a quick and efficient mode of transportation as no waiting time required and thus no extra
time consumed.
Besides, it is reversible to suit the main flow of traffic during peak periods. In a building, it
should be located highly visible to the users. Factors affecting the carrying capacity include:
1. Velocity (normally varies between 0.45m/s to 0.7m/s)
2. Width of the tread (normally varies between 600mm to 1200mm)
9.3.1 Components of Escalator
Figure 9.6 Detailed components of escalator

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9.3.2 Escalator arrangement
There are various arrangements of escalator constructed to suit the need and spatial typology
of each building, these include:
1. Single bank with traffic in one direction (1-way traffic)
2. Single bank with interrupted traffic in one direction (1-way traffic)
3. Double parallel bank with interrupted traffic in two direcion (2-way traffic)
4. Double crisscross and continuous bank in two direction (2-way traffic)

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9.4 Travelators
Travelators are built for horizontal movement that carry people or load horizontal from
one place to another place. It can be inclined up to 15°. The material of its moving surface is
usually made up of reinforced rubber belt or a series of linked steel plate running on roller. It
is widely used at air terminals, railway stations and shopping centers. Factors affecting its
carrying capacity include:
1. Velocity (0.6- 1.33m/s)
2. Width of travelators (0.6m to 1.0m)
One application that uses the concept of travelator is the conveyor belt. Conveyor belt is the
carrying medium consisting of two or more pulleys, with the endless loop of carrying medium.
It is applied to move the baggage and luggage of tourists at the airport.
Figure 9.7 Travelator at air terminal
Figure 9.8 Conveyor belt at airport luggage reclaim area

111
9.4.1 Component of Travelators
Diagram below shows the detailed sectional drawings of the components of a travelator.
Figure 9.9 Components of travellator

112
9.5 Case Study of Mechanical Transportation System in MOT
In MOT, the main mechanical transportation system, spans the height of the buildings
throughout reaching every level of the building.
MOT has 15 levels, including 4 levels of basement car park and 1 M&E level at the highest
level.
UBBL 1984
Part VI: Constructional Requirements
Clause 124
For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at
least 1 lift shall be provided.
Figure 9.10 Ground floor plan shows the highlighted location are the 7 elevators
MOT meets the UBBL requirement by providing 7 elevators with a total building height of 15
storeys. (10 floors, 4 floors of basement car park, 1 M&E floor)

113
9.5.1 Overview
Traction lifts are adopted in MOT in which there is a mechanical and electrical (M&E) room
located above the lift shaft.
Figure 9.11 shows the capacity of each lift in MOT and its instructions
Type of elevator: Geared Traction Lift (with machine room)
Brand: Toshiba
Rated capacity: 1635 kg
Rated speed: 1.0- 1.5m/s
Max no of person: 24

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