CASE STUDY OF BUILDING SERVICES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

CASE STUDY OF BUILDING SERVICES
IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
TUTOR /
AR. MOHAMAD ZAFARULLAH ROZALY
GROUP MEMBERS /
AHMAD NABIL B. JIMI 0327780
MOHD HAFIZ BIN MASRI ONN 0334944
AKIF ZOLKEPLEE 0322927
AHMAD SYAFIQ DEEN 0325116
MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN IBRAHIM 0326496
MUHAMMAD AQIL BIN AZLI 0326479
RedQ

CONTENTS
01 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 1
02 ABSTRACT 2
03 INTRODUCTION 3
04 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION 4 - 28
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Purpose group
4.2.1 Fire appliance access
4.2.2 UBBL 1984 regulations
4.2.3 Conclusion
4.3 Passive Fire Protection in Airasia RedQ
4.3.1 Types of passive fire protection in Airasia RedQ
4.4 Means of escape
4.4.1 Evacuation route
4.4.2 Escape travel distance
4.4.4 Conclusion
4.5 Horizontal & Vertical exits
4.5.1 Horizontal Exits
4.5.2 Vertical Exits
4.5.4 Conclusion
4.6 Emergency exit signs
4.6.1 Fire escape plan
4.6.2 ‘KELUAR sign’
4.6.3 Assembly point
4.6.5 Conclusion
4.7 Compartmentation
4.7.1 Structural fire protection
4.7.2 Fire fighting access
4.7.4 Conclusion
4.8 Conclusion

05 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION 29 - 60
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Types of active fire protection in AIrasia RedQ
5.3 Fire detection system
5.3.1 Heat detector
5.3.2 Smoke detector
5.3.4 Conclusion
5.4 Notifications
5.4.1 Alarm bell
5.4.2 Speaker
5.4.3 Siren
5.4.4 Emergency light
5.4.5 Break glass
5.4.6 Fireman intercom system
5.5 Water based systems
5.5.1 Automatic sprinkler system
5.5.1.1 UBBL 1984 regulations
5.5.1.2 Conclusion
5.5.2 Hose reel system
5.5.2.2 Conclusion
5.5.3 Dry riser
5.5.3.2 Conclusion
5.5.4 External Fire Hydrant
5.5.4.2 Conclusion
5.6 Active ( fire fighting ) non-water based systems
5.6.1 Fire extinguisher
5.6.2 Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression System
5.6.2.2 Conclusion
5.6.3 Fireman’s Switch
5.6.3.2 Conclusion
5.7 Conclusion

06 AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM 61 - 67
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Literature review
6.3 Types of air-conditioning in Airasia RedQ
6.3.1 Split unit air-conditioning system
6.3.2 Centralized/Plant air-conditioning system
6.4 Components of split unit system
6.4.1 Indoor unit
6.4.2 Outdoor unit
6.5 Components of plant system
6.5.1 District cooling plant
6.5.2 Chiller unit
6.5.3 Air Handling Unit (AHU)
6.5.4 Single duct system
6.6 UBBL 1984 regulations
6.7 Conclusion
07 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM 68 - 83
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Types of Mechanical ventilation in Airasia RedQ
7.3 Exhaust Ventilation System
7.3.1 A.C. plant room
7.3.2 Transformer room
7.3.3 LV room
7.3.4 Generator room
7.3.5 Multi storey car park
7.3.6 Toilet
7.3.7 Cafeteria
7.3.8 Atrium
7.4 UBBL 1984 regulations
7.5 Conclusion

08 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION 84 - 126
SYSTEM
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 Building Review
8.2 Types of Elevators
8.2.1 Traction Elevator
8.2.2 Hydraulic Elevator
8.3 Lift System
8.3.1 Schindler 5500
8.4 Elevator Components
8.4.1 Elevator Car
8.4.2 Car Sling
8.4.3 Elevator Cabin
8.4.4 Operating Panel
8.4.5 Elevator Car Door
8.4.6 Elevator Car Door Operator
8.4.7 Guide Shoes
8.4.8 Entrance Protection System
8.5 Elevator Shaft
8.5.1 Guide Rails
8.5.2 Counterweight
8.5.3 Suspension Cables
8.5.4 Landing Door
8.5.5 Buffer in the Pit
8.6 Analysis
8.6.1 Location of Elevators
8.6.2 Arrangement of Elevators
8.7 UBBL Requirements
8.8 MS Requirements
8.9 Conclusion
09 REFERENCE 127 - 130

01 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This report would not have been complete without contributions, guidance, support and
sacrifices of many individuals and organisations. First and foremost, we would like to
express our profound gratitude and deep regard to Mr. Izma, maintenance staff of Airasia
ReQ , who have assisted us in data collection and be the guider of our site visit.
We are also indebted to Architect Zaafar, our tutor for giving essential information and
suggestions to enhance the findings of this report,
1

02 ABSTRACT
The scope of the case study enriches our knowledge of building services in public
building. In order to achieve a holistic understanding of the application and specification of
the systems that was being utilized, the project aims to widen our prospects in these
knowledge through site visit. The relationship of each component plays a vital role in
enhancing the building’s performance. To dive into the systems wa an opportunity to fully
grasps the reality of how each and every component comes together seamlessly,
maximizing its functionality. Airasia RedQ, Sepang, Selangor was the platform provided for
our team to observe, explore, understand and analyze the integration of its building
services. Through the process of documentation and analysis, our understanding and
interpretations were able to be projected and organized, displaying the clarity in the
understanding of the knowledge, the interconnection between one system with another.
The compilation of the following report illustrates the ability of applying and relating the
knowledge obtained into the case study,the analysis of how the building services has
achieved its effectiveness through its comprehensive systems.
2

03 INTRODUCTION
Completed and operational since November 7th 2016, RedQuarters is the new home for
AirAsia’s global headquarters. The 6-storey block comprising 3 levels of office, totalling
some 240,000 sf, on top of another 3 levels of parking, integrates all operational and
administrative functions of the AirAsia Group with supporting conference and recreational
facilities for the Allstars, the moniker given to the highly driven employees. Covering an
area of approximately 4.8 acres, the project site is located just beside the new Low Cost
Carrier Terminal (LCCT) of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA 2).
The Client's brief of providing a house for the AirAsia employees, under the tagline of
having ’One Big Happy Family‘, required a rethink of how large office buildings should be
configured. A flat hierarchical organization calls for a horizontally organized building as far
as possible. The office is therefore arranged with a large atrium spine to facilitate
connections between employees as to well as to increase the ’bump factor‘ critical in the
new office paradigm.
Though there are 10 elevators provided in total, occupants mostly preferred to travel within
the office complex via steel staircases and bridges, both as an extension of the strategy to
foster chance meetings (bump factor) and also as a method to promote healthy living and
an active working lifestyle. With the footprint of the office covering some 70000mm, the
atrium spine also serves to provide daylight to the deep office interior via judicious
positioning of clerestory windows tucked under a large, metal-clad, wing-roof which bears
the corporate colors and logo of AirAsia to be seen from planes flying above.
In terms of interior design, the industrial look of the open plan office with bare ceilings
serves as a tabula rasa or blank canvass for the colors and vibrancy of the AirAsia corporate
branding to imbue the spaces with a kaleidoscope of experience. A cornucopia of meeting
pods, conference rooms, chill-out areas and casual work stations are individually
decorated so that no room is the same as the next. Twenty six different meeting areas are
finished with colors and graphics representing the various AirAsia hubs and destinations
throughout the world.
3

4.1 Introduction
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a form of fire safety provision that remains inert during
normal conditions but plays a vital role during fire event. Passive fire protection is
considered during the planning stage of the building design.
The purpose of Passive Fire Protection System includes:
● Providing sufficient time to permit the safe evacuation of all in the premises
● Ensures structural integrity to the building
● Protecting the building properties from total damage
● Preventing the spread of fire from one building to another
HOW IT WORKS?
Passive fire protection works by:
● Limiting the spread of fire, heat, and smoke by containing it in a single compartment
in its area of origin
● Protecting escape routes and providing cital escape time for occupants
● Protecting a building’s critical structural members
● Protecting a building’s assets
4.2 Purpose group
Figure 4.1: AirAsia RedQ Tower in Sepang
5

4.2.1 Fire appliances access
Based on the functionality of the building, identification of specific details regarding any
fire protection can be done in order to accommodate its condition. In terms of
accessibility into the building compound, it is vital that the building comply to the
requirement, providing sufficient space around compound for fire fighting access.
140 Fire appliance access’
All buildings in excess of 7000 cubic metres shall abut upon a street or road or open
space of not less than 12 metres width and accessible to fire brigade appliances. The
proportion of the building abutting the street, road or open space shall be in accordance
with the following scale:
Volume of building in
cubic meter
Minimum proportion of
perimeter of building
7000 to 28000
28000 to 56000
56000 to 84000
84000 to 112000
112000 and above
One -sixth
One-fourth
One-half
Three-fourths
Island site
Figure 4.2: showing the island
site
6

4.2.3 Conclusion
Based on the functionality of the building, identification of specific details regarding any
fire protection can be done in order accommodate its condition. In terms of accessibility
into the building compound, it is vital that the building comply to the requirement,
providing sufficient space around compound for fire fighting access.
Figure 4.3: diagrams on determining fire fighting appliances
access
7

4.3.1 Types of P.F.P in Airasia ReQ
AIRASIA REDQ
PASSIVE FIRE
PROTECTION
FIREFIGHTER
ACCESS
COMPARTMENTMEANS OF
ESCAPE
● Evacuation route
● Exits
● Fire escape plan
● Emergency escape
● Assembly point
● Compartmentation
● Flame containment
● Structural fire
protection
● Fire fighting shaft
● Fire fighting stairs
● Fire fighting lift
● Fire fighting lobby
8

4.4 Means of escape
Means of escape is a planned escape route in a building to guide the occupants to a safer
place or assembly point when the building is on fire. In the high rise building, it will
designed a enclosed stairway or corridor at the side of the building to guide the occupants
until the final exit.
Figure 4.4: Floor composition of Airasia
RedQ
4.4.1 Evacuation route
In Airasia RedQ, there is a total of 8 floors including ground & rooftop.It has multi-storey
car park from ground floor to the second floor. In short, the escape route is formed by
vertical exits and horizontal exits,
9

4.4.2 Escape travel distance
The distance of the escape route is strictly regulated to ensure that every space in a
building are within a reasonable distance to safety place. The distance of the escape
route should be measure from remote part of the room to the storey exit.
The maximum travel distance from dead end to exits is specified in the seventh schedule
of the bylaws which re adopted into the evacuation route design of Airasia RedQ
Purpose Group
Dead end limit unsprinklered sprinklered
Open plan N/R 30 45
office 15 45 60
shops 15 30 45
Limits when Alternative exits are available (m)
Escape travel distance of 15m
10

Part VII : Fire Requirement
165 Measurement of travel distance to exit
1) The travel distance to an exits shall be measured on the floor to other walking
surface along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting 0.300 metre from
the most remote point of occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions
with 0.300metre clearance therefrom and ending at the sorey exit. Where
measurement includes stairs,, it shall be taken in the plane of the trend noising.
2) In the case of open areas the distance to exits shall be measured from the most
remote point of occupancy provided that the direct distance shall not exceed
two-thirds the permitted travel distance.
3) In the case of individual rooms which are subject to occupancy of not more than six
persons, the travel distance shall be measured from the door of such rooms:
Provided that the travel distance from any point in the room to the room door does
not exceed 15 metres
4) Maximum travel distances to exists and dead end limits shall be as specified in the
Seventh Schedule of these Bylaws.
169 Exit route
No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the
final exit
11
4.4.4 Conclusion
In conclusion, the evacuation route of Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under section 165 and 169. The exit routes are efficient due to the
placement of fire exits along the building’s axis.

4.5 Horizontal & Vertical exits
4.5.1 Horizontal exits
The actual horizontal exit is the protected door opening in a wall, open-air balcony or
bridge that separates two areas of a building. This allows horizontal escape to be made by
evacuating into adjoining protecting areas. The objective is to provide a place of relative
safety within short distance, from which further evacuation can made if necessary but
under less pressure of time.
The horizontal exits are fire-protected pathways that lead to the fire emergency staircases.
Diagram 4.6: diagrams of horizontal exits
(Chapter 4: Accessible Means of Egress,
n.d.)
Diagram 4.5 : Horizontal exit of office floor
in Airasia RedQ
12

4.5.2 Vertical exits
Functioning as vertical exits, the staircases play a crucial part during evacuation. As the
building consists of 6 floors, the staircases are the only means of evacuation from the
upper to lower floors. The staircase is U-shaped with a landing with a width of 1200 mm
with a riser height of 163 mm and thread of 255 mm plus a railing height of 914 mm, which
complies to UBBL 1984.
Figure 4.7: enclosed emergency
staircase
Figure 4.8: bridge connecting to the
vertical exists at Airasia RedQ
Figure 4.9: vertical exits in Airasia RedQ ( 4th floor plan)
13

Part VI : Constructional Requirement
106 Dimension of staircase
In any staircase, the rise of any staircase shall be not more than 180 millimetres and the
tread shall be not less than 255 millimetres and the dimension of the rise and thread shall be
uniform and consistent throughout. This dimension should be uniform and consistent
throughout, including at landings,
Part VII : Fire Requirement
168 Staircases
(3) The required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails
may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 mm.
171 Horizontal Exits
(2) Where horizontal exits are provided protected staircases and final exits need only be a
width to accommodate the occupancy load of the larger compartment or building
discharging into it so long as the total number of exit widths provided is not reduced to less
than half that would otherwise be required for the whole building.
174 Arrangement of storey exits
(1) Where two or more storey exits are required they shall be spaced at not less than 5
metres apart measured between the nearest edges of openings.
(2) Each exit shall give direct access to - a final exits, a protected staircase leading to a
final exit; or an external route leading to final exit.
198 Ventilation of staircase enclosures
(1) All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either
permanent openings or openable windows to the open air having a free area of not
less than 1 square metre per floor.
(3) In buildings not exceeding 3 storeys above ground level, staircase enclosures may
be unventilated provided that access to them at all levels except the top floor is
through ventilated lobbies,
4.5.4 Conclusion
In conclusion, the fire exit design in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 106,168,171,174 and 198. A shown in diagram……, the exit
points are located strategically within the building and well designed with fire resistant
materials to ensure the safety of the occupants during egress.
14

4.6 Emergency exit signs
4.6.1 Fire escape plan
The fire escape plan can be
found at every lift lobby at
every floors to show the
location of fire extinguishing
equipments and the fireman
intercom. In addition, it also
indicates the position of the
occupants in relation to the plan
thus serving as tool for
occupants to obtain their
bearing during the event of fireFigure 4.10 : Fire escape plan in Airasia
RedQ
4.6.2 ‘KELUAR sign’
The emergency escape signage guide and direct the occupants to the fire
exit efficiently. It should be placed on top of each exit to indicate the
presence of the fire exits and should be clearly visible from various locations,
The emergency exit signs will illuminate at all situations, even if there is a
power outage, as it is powered by a battery-backup system.
Figure 4.11: emergency escape and instruction signage
at the emergency door
Figure 4.12: emergency escape signage
at top of exit door
Figure 4.13 : warning/ reminder stated on
the door
15

4.7 Compartmentation of Mean of Escape
Compartmentation is a separation of building into a smaller area/compartment to minimise
the spread of fire, prevent the movement of smoke and improving the means of escape in
the event of unfortunate. In Airasia RedQ, all the red lines area to represent
compartmentation and the green lines are to represent automatic shutter deployment.
Compartmentation on 1st floor
16

Compartmentation on 2nd floor
Compartmentation on 3rd floor 17

Compartmentation on 4th floor
Compartmentation on 5th floor
18

4.7.2 Structural Fire Protection
Structural fire protection includes compartmentalisation of entirety of the vicinity through
the use of fire-resistance rated walls and floors, organisation of space to smaller
compartment, adding fire rated door and roller shutter. Airasia RedQ provides all the means
necessary under structural fire protection.
Fire Rated Door
A fire rated door is a door with a fire-resistance rating that are used as part of passive fire
protection components to minimise the spread of fire and smoke in between separated
compartments of a structure, and to also enable safe escape from the vicinity of the
building. Airasia RedQ incorporate fire rated door in all machine rooms and fire escape
rooms which can hold up to one hour from fire spreading.
Diagram above showing one of the fire rated door located on the 1st floor of the vicinity of
Airasia RedQ
19

Fire Resistant Wall
A fire resistant wall or firewall is a fire-resistant barrier used to prevent the spread of fire for
a certain period of time. It is built between or through building and can be used to divide a
building into separate division. In Airasia RedQ, firewall serves as a fire containment wall
between high-voltage electrical/mechanical equipment from the outside of the
building(parking lots)
One of fire integrated resistant wall located in the parking lot on the 1st floor of Airasia RedQ
Fire Roller Shutter
In Airasia RedQ, there are two types of roller shutter used, one is fabric and one is steel
roller shutter. In the event of unfortunate, the open space area at level 4 will be shut
completely with steel roller shutter that hit within the cavities of the beams from the floor
above. Another steel roller shutter also located at the entrance of the open space area at
level 4. Fabric shutter are placed in every mechanical/electrical room to help assist the
fire rated door in case of emergency.
One of shutter installed in the mechanical room located on the 2nd floor
20

Fire Staircase
A fire escape staircase is an emergency exit, typically installed at the outside of a building
or sometimes inside but separate from the main areas of the building. It provides a method
of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency that makes the stairwells inside a
building inaccessible. In Airasia RedQ, there are a total of 4 fire rated staircases within the
vicinity.
Fire staircase located on the 3rd to 4th floor on the south entrance of Airasia RedQ
Fire Elevator
Fire elevator is an elevator installed normally for occupants uses, which has additional
protection, controls and signals that enable it to be used under the direct control of the fire
service. The elevator should have direct access from the street and the electricity supply
should be separate to that provided for other elevators. A special switch on the ground
floor, close to the entrance of the elevator, can be used by the firemen to cancel all calls
and bring the car down to the ground, after which the elevator is under manual control.
One of 4 fire elevator located on the east entrance of the vicinity oft Airasia RedQ
21

4.7.3 Fire Fighting Access
Firefighter access routes on 1st floor
22

Fire fighter access routes on 2nd floor
Fire fighter access routes on 3rd floor
23

Firefighter access routes on 4th floor
Firefighter access routes on 5th floor
24

UBBL 162. Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls.
1) Fire doors of the appropriate FRP shall be provided.
2) 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.
3) Openings in protecting structures shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of not
less than half the requirement for the surrounding wall specified in the Ninth
Schedule to these Bylaws but in no case less than half hour.
4) Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by
fire doors having FRP of half-hour
5) Fire doors including frames shall be constructed to a specification which can be
shown to meet the requirements for the relevant FRP when tested in accordance
with section 3 of BS 476:1951.
UBBL 163. Half hour and one hour doors.
1) Fire doors conforming to the method of construction as stipulated below shall be
deemed to meet the requirements of the specified FRP:
a) Doors and frames constructed in accordance with one of the following
specifications shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements for the doors
having FRP of half-hour:
i) Doors may be double swing provided they are mounted on hydraulic floor
springs and clearances at floor not exceeding 4.77 millimetres and frame and
meeting stiles not exceeding 3 millimetres.
UBBL 164. Door closers for fire doors.
1) All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring
operated type in the proper sequence.
2) Double doors with rebated meeting stiles shall be provided with coordinating device
to ensure that leafs close in the proper sequence.
3) Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device incorporates a heat
actuated device to release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted
on fire doors protecting openings to protected corridors or protected staircases.
UBBL 173. Exit doors.
1) All exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any
special knowledge or effort.
2) Exit doors shall close automatically when released and all door devices including
magnetic door holders, shall release the doors upon power failure or actuation of the
fire alarm.
25

UBBL 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 handrails in staircases, in any corridor,
passage of staircase at a level lower than 2 metres above the floor or above any
stair.
UBBL 157. Protected shafts consisting of staircase.
1) A protected staircase or a protected shaft containing a staircase shall not contain
any pipe conveying gas or oil or any ventilating duct other than a duct serving only
that staircase or shaft.
UBBL 166. Exits to accessible at all times.
1) Except as permitted by by-law 167 not less than two separate exits shall be
provided from each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary.
2) The exits shall be so sited and the exit access shall be so arranged that the exits are
within the limits of travel distance as specified in the Seventh Schedule to these
By-laws and are readily accessible at all times
UBBL 168. Staircases.
1) Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress
via at least two separate staircases.
2) Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase being
available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the
highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance
with provisions in the Seventh schedule to these By- laws.
3) The required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but
handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75
millimetres.
4) The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including
at landings.
5) Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no
point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
UBBL 198. Ventilation of staircase enclosures.
1) All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either
permanent openings or openable windows to the open air having a free area of not
less than 1 square metre per floor.
UBBL 202. Pressurised system for staircase.
1) All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.74 metres in height where there is no
adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of
pressurisation-
a. Where the air capacity of the fan shall be sufficient to maintain an air flow of not
less than 60 metres per minute through the doors which are deemed to be open.
26

UBBL 154. Emergency mode of operation in the event of mains
power failure.
1) On failure of mains power all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated
floor, commencing with the fire lifts, without answering any car or landing calls and
park with doors open.
2) After all lifts are parked the lifts on emergency power shall resume normal
operation.
UBBL 243. Fire lifts.
1) 1) In a building where the top occupied floor us over 18.5 metres above the fire
appliance access level fire lifts shall be provided,
3) The fire lifts shall be located within a separate protected shaft if it opens into a
separate lobby.
4) Fire lifts shall be provided at the rate of one lift in every group of lifts which
discharge into the same protected enclosure or smoke lobby containing the rising
main, provided that the fire lifts are located not more than 61 metres travel distance
from the furthermost point of the floor.
UBBL 253. Emergency power system
1) Emergency power system is the most important by-law to obey to ensure that
almost all the systems both for active and passive fire protection system are
functioning well and being supported by each of the systems to provide a better
protection for life and property.
UBBL 221. Test of fire resistance.
1) For the purpose of this Part requirements as to fire resistance shall be
constructed as meaning that an element of structure shall be capable of resisting
the action of fire for the specified period under the conditions of test appropriate to
such element in accordance with BS 476: Part I: subject to such modifications or
applications of such conditions of test as are prescribed to these By-laws.
27
4.7.5 Conclusion
Fire Protection System applied and installed in Airasia RedQ are well tested and follow
proper maintenance and care. Thus, all the components, equipment and design installed for
passive fire protection systems in Airasia RedQ are accordance to the Uniform Building
By-Laws 1984.

4.8 Conclusion
Effective passive fire protection system in Airasia RedQ represent good planning , good
design and sound construction which could fulfill other basic functions of the building as
well as reduce the impact of blaze during a fire event. The passive Fire Protection system in
Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBl 1984 requirements which are listed under various
sections, the building is legally operable, thus ensuring the safety of the occupants during
a fire event.
28

5.1 Introduction
Active fire protection is the process of protecting a building or structure from fire with
methods that use the action of moving parts. These systems can be automatic, or operated
manual. These systems play an important role of protecting property and the lives of the
people within.
An important factor that active fire protection systems share is that they involve action of
some kind. Active fire protection entails systems or items that require some degree of
response and motion. The active fire protection will start to detect the fire first, which is
done by locating heat, smoke or flames. In such instances the fire alarm will be activated
and emergency services will also alert the people to escape the building immediately.
5.2 Types of active fire protection in Airasia
RedQ
AIRASIA REDQ
ACTIVE FIRE
PROTECTION
DETECTION NOTIFICATION FIRE FIGHTING
SMOKE
DETECTOR
HEAT DETECTOR
CENTRAL FIRE
ALARM SYSTEM
FIREMAN INTERCOM
SYSTEM
FIRE CONTROL
ROOM
ALARM BELLSIREN
EMERGENCY
LIGHT
SPEAKER
WATER BASED
SYSTEM
NON-WATER BASED
SYSTEM
● Fire Extinguisher
● Carbon Dioxide Fire
Suppression
System
● Sprinkler
● Hose Reel
● Dry riser
● External Fire
Hydrant 30

5.3 Fire Detection System
A fire detection system (FDS) is an alarm system that receives data on, assesses and then
responds to events reported by various fire detectors. Fire detection systems are
permanently installed manual and automatic systems to detect fires at an early stage, warn
those affected and quickly inform the relevant emergency service.
5.3.1 Heat Detector
Heat detector is a special safety device that responds to a rise in temperature and gets
activated in case of a fire. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not respond to smoke and thus
are designed to save property rather than life. Heat detector contains a heat sensing circuit
that can sense rapid increases in temperature. If temperature increases too fast or
increases above a certain point, the detector will communicate an alarm to the fire alarm
control panel.
HOW IT WORKS?
Heat sensors trigger an alarm by either melting a low fusing alloy or bending a bimetallic
strip. Depending on its construction, a heat sensor alarm can be electronic or mechanical
(mechanical alarms, in their turn, can be pneumatic or bi-metallic). An electronic heat
detector alarm contains a thermistor which changes resistance as the temperature
increases.
Figure 5.1: shows Demco type of heat detector used in the AirAsia RedQ
building
31

LED indicators on electronic heat detectors blink to indicate proper standby operation.
Bi-metallic mechanical alarms have a strip which is made of two different metals. Due to a
change of temperature metal distorts and closes a contact. Pneumatic detectors consist of
a chamber filled with air and a movable diaphragm into which the chamber is put. As the
temperature rises, the chamber with air expands and deforms the diaphragm. This triggers
a set of contacts that alert of the danger.
Some heat detector alarms respond to the rapid increase in temperature. They are known
as rate-of-rise sensors (ROR).When the temperature starts rapidly increasing by about 12°F
– 15°F per minute, the alarm is activated. It is important to make sure that ROR alarms are
not installed in the areas with a natural rapid increase in temperature that goes above the
trip point, such as attics.
Figure 5.2: shows heat detector has Thermistor which is set to respond to
temperature above 58ºC
Source: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/smoke-alarm-types-heat-alarms-overview/
Figure 5.3: shows when a fire breaks out hot air from the fire will rise and enter the
sensor chamber.
Figure 5.4: shows when temperature inside the chamber reaches 58ºC a signal is
sent to the integrated circuit which causes the alarm to sound alerting the
occupants to the fire.
32

Fixed-temperature heat sensors, on the other hand, alert to the dangerous situation when a
particular temperature is exceeded. They usually get activated when the temperature rises
above 135 degrees. Fixed-temperature alarms are considered to be less reliable than ROR
alarms because of the thermal lag. In other words, the detector may alarm you when the
actual temperature is much higher than the pre-set threshold.
Figure 5.5: shows ROR response VS fixed temperature response
Source: https://www.getkisi.com/guides/heat-alarm
Figure 5.6: shows heat detector spacing when installed in the building
Source: http://www.oheap.co.uk/fire-alarm-emergency-lighting-systems/design-installation/
33

5.3.2 Smoke Detector
There are two common smoke detectors that used in most buildings which are optical
smoke detector and ionization smoke detector. Ionization smoke detector are the most
common type of smoke alarm and are quicker at sensing flaming and fast moving fires.
This type of alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in an internal
sensing chamber. As a result, the air in the chamber becomes conductive permitting
current to flow between two charged electrodes. When smoke particles enter the
chamber, the conductivity of the chamber air will decrease. When this reduction in
conductivity is reduced to a predetermined level, the alarm is set off.
Optical smoke detector are quicker at sensing smoldering fires than Ionization smoke
alarms. An optical type smoke detector consists of a light emitting diode and a light
sensitive sensor located in a sensing chamber. The presence of suspended smoke
particles in the chamber scatters the light beam. This scattered light is detected by the
light sensitive sensor which sets off the alarm.
Smoke detector used in AirAsia RedQ is an optical type smoke detector designed for use
on conventional / non-addressable fire alarm systems. Smoke detectors can detect the
presence of smoke in an area when it reached the ceiling where the detector is normally
located. Smoke detector is an automatic actuating device which is a first device to detect
fire and notify the occupants in the building. It normally connected to the alarm system and
power by central alarm system or a fire suppression system.
Figure 5.7: shows type of smoke detector used in the building
34

Figure 5.8: shows how optical smoke detector working
Source: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/blog/2010/03/29/849/
Based from above picture, is how the optical smoke detector working inside the building
when its detected the smoke around the spaces. AirAsia RedQ building using this type of
smoke detector because it’s easier to detect smoke and easy maintenance and kept the
building safe by alerting people when emergency occurs.
By figure 5.8, this is how the optical smoke detector works:
1. A light beam is pulsed in the sensor chamber every 10 seconds to "look" for smoke.
Any smoke present has to be visible to the naked eye so that the receptor can "see"
it. If no smoke is detected, the alarm will remain in standby state.
2. When large particles of smoke are detected, the light beam will be scattered onto
the light receptor.
3. This will then send an electrical signal to the IC (integrated circuit).
4. This causes the alarm to sound.
5.3.3 UBBL 1984 Regulations
Part VIII : Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting
Access
225 Detecting and extinguishing fire
(1) Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing
fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with
the requirements as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
35

5.3.4 Conclusion
In conclusion, the detection system in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 225. As we have been inside AirAsia RedQ building, we
can see they have heat or smoke detector in each spaces so that control unit can detect
where the emergency happen because it is directly connected to the control room. As
stated in the M&E drawing, AirAsia RedQ building have 193 units of smoke detector and 16
units of heat detector.
36

5.4 Notifications
A fire notification appliance is an active fire protection component of a fire alarm system. A
notification appliance may use audible, visible, or other stimuli to detect and warn people
through visual and audio appliances when smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or other
emergencies are present. Audible appliances have been in use longer than any other
method of notification. Initially, all appliances were either electromechanical horns or
electric bells, which would later be replaced by electronic sounders. Most of today's
appliances produce sound pressure levels between 45 and 120 decibels at ten feet. They
can also be speaker strobes which sound an alarm, followed by a voice evacuation
message which warns people inside the building not to use the elevators.
5.4.1 Alarm bell
Alarm bell may be used for fire alarm signals where their sound is distinctive and will not
confused with similar audible signals used for other purpose. Bells may be provided with
4-inch through 12-inch gongs (in 2-inch increments). The 6- and 10-inch sizes are the most
commonly used. Usually, bells with 4-inch gongs are reserved for use as trouble signals.
Generally, the larger the diameter of the gongs, the lower the frequency and the louder
the audible signal.
Figure 5.9: shows alarm bell installed in AirAsia RedQ
37

5.4.2 Speaker
Speakers are frequently used as fire alarm signalling appliances. Since they reproduce
electronic signals, they can be made to sound like any mechanical signalling device and
have the capability of reproducing unique sounds that are not practical on mechanical
appliances. In addition, they may be used to give live or recorded voice instructions.
Speakers are either direct radiating cone type, or of the compression driver and horn type.
Speakers are generally operated from audio amplifiers delivering standard output line
levels of 70.7 or 25 volt AC rms. The speakers are driven by an electronic tone generator,
microphone, or voice synthesizer and an electronic amplifier.
Two types are in wide use:
Integral – that type in which the tone generator amplifier, and speaker are enclosed in a
common housing.
Remote – that type in which the speaker is energized from a remotely located tone
generator, microphone and/or voice synthesizer and amplifier.
5.4.3 Siren
Sirens usually are limited to outdoor applications but are sometimes used in extremely
noisy indoor areas. Sirens are motor-driven or electronic appliances and may be either
alternating or direct current operated. They are not very practical for use as coded audible
signals.
Figure 5.10 & Figure 5.11: shows speakers used in AirAsia RedQ
Figure 5.12: shows siren used in AirAsia RedQ
38

5.4.4 Emergency Light
Emergency light is lighting for an emergency situation when the main power supply is cut
and any normal illumination fails. The loss of mains electricity could be the result of a fire or
a power cut and the normal lighting supplies fail. This may lead to sudden darkness and a
possible danger to the occupants, either through physical danger or panic. Emergency
lighting is normally required to operate fully automatically and give illumination of a
sufficiently high level to enable all occupants to evacuate the premises safely. Most new
buildings now have emergency lighting installed during construction; the design and type
of equipment being specified by the architect in accordance with current Building
Regulations and any local authority requirements.
Emergency exit light is also called escape route light, used as an emergency escape
lighting system provided to ensure that the means of escape can be effectively identified
and safely used by occupants of the building. The main function of emergency lights and
exit signs is to provide an illuminated pathway along a building’s egress routes so that
occupants can exit safely during a power outage. Emergency lights are powered by
batteries or a backup generator.
Figure 5.13: shows Self-Contained Emergency Luminaire (L.E.D type) installed in AirAsia
RedQ
Figure 5.14: shows Self-Contained Emergency Luminaire installed in AirAsia RedQ
39

5.4.5 Break-Glass
Break-glass is a manual actuating device to activate fire alarm. Electrically operated alarm
may be operated from break glass call point and, once operated; the alarm will continue to
sound automatically. The usual maximum travel distance to operate the alarm is 30m and
the call points should be fitted at a height of about 1.4m above the floor, either on landings
or corridors. The call point contains a depressed plunger pressing against a glass front.
When the glass is broken the plunger is released and operates the alarm system.
Figure 5.15: shows Break glass for fire alarm
Figure 5.16: shows Break-glass, Fire Alarm and Fire Extinguisher
positioned in same place
40

5.4.6 Fireman Intercom System
The Fireman Intercom System provides a reliable communication between the Fire Control
Room and the remote Handset Stations. The system consists of a remote handset station
and Fireman Intercom panel which is normally installed at the Fire Control Room. A two
stage alarm system is designed so that activation of any signal initiating device (manual
pull station and smoke detector) will cause an alert signal to sound to alert supervisory
staff on duty at the control room which located at ground floor of AirAsia RedQ building
about the fire emergency. Activation of a key switch in a manual pull station, at the fire
alarm control panel or control facility will cause an alarm signal to sound throughout the
building. Using this system, it can reduce undue distress of the elderlies and reduce the
possibility of false alarms.
Figure 5.17: shows Fireman Intercom Panel installed at Master Control Panel
These telephone handsets are permanently installed
throughout a building to allow FireFighters easy
communication with the main control panel. The remote
handset stations are located at staircase at every level. The
Fire Fighter telephone stations provide a handset behind a
locked door. Equipped with a “break glass” feature, the unit
can be accessed by unlocking the door or breaking the
glass section. The door is clearly identified with the words
or “TELEFON BOMBA API” which means firefighter’s
telephone, using large white lettering for easy
identification. The breakable glass section clearly indicates
“To open use key or break glass” in order to access the unit.
The Fire Fighter Telephone handset rests on a cradle
inside the enclosure. Lifting the remote handset from the
cradle causes a buzzer to sound and lights a “Common
Call” indicator or a zone indicator, if provided, at the
Emergency Voice Evacuation panel, while the caller hears
a steady tone indicating that a call is being made.
Figure 5.18: shows Remote
handset station
41

5.5 Water Based Systems
Water has always been the most common substance used to extinguish a fire. Water is
usually readily available, is nontoxic, can be stored at atmospheric pressure and normal
temperatures, takes the heat out of a fire, and is inexpensive. It is better than any other
recognized liquid for fighting the majority of fires.
In designing a fire protection system, the engineer must determine which system to select
based on each system’s pros, cons, and code requirements with UBBL compliances. Each
system has its own unique applicable use, which depends on the type of structure to be
protected, the contents of the building, the severity of the fire, the anticipated fire growth
rate, water sensitivity, ambient freezing conditions, and desired time until activation.
5.5.1 Automatic Sprinkler System
Typically, a Fire Sprinkler Systems are made up from a series of components including stop
valve, alarm valve, fire sprinkler, alarm test valve and motorised alarm bell. In addition to
this there are additional components that support this arrangement including a valve
monitor, pressure switch and flow switch.
Normally a wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler system is fully charged with water coming
from a known reliable water supply. The installation is pressurised with the alarm valve
secured in the open position. When a fire sprinkler is exposed for a sufficient time to a
temperature at or above the temperature rating of the heat sensitive element (glass bulb or
fusible link) it releases, allowing water to flow from only the affected sprinkler. Additional
fire sprinklers may also operate if they too are exposed to sufficient heat.
When this occurs water from the water supply will pass through the alarm valve to the
affected fire sprinkler and also past the alarm bell. The resultant pressure drop will also
activate the alarm pressure switch, which in turn will activate an alarm calling the fire
brigade.
Figure 5.19: shows Illustration of Conventional Fire Sprinkler System
Resource: http://www.rajyogfire.com/fire-sprinkler-system-1.html
Duty Pump
Jockey Pump
Standby Pump
42

WATER STORAGE TANK FOR SPRINKLER AND SPRINKLER PUMP
As we know that sprinkler need to have a reliable water supply which there have a water
tank specifically reserved only for sprinkler to be used when emergency fire occurs. In
AirAsia RedQ building, the water tank for sprinkler located at ground floor made with bricks
and water-proofing walls also be check regularly once a month by maintenance staff to
make sure the water is enough to supply for sprinkler during fire emergency.
The sprinkler pumps draw water from sprinkler storage tank to feed the sprinkler network.
Two sets on pumps, one on duty and other on standby, are provided together with the
jockey pump to maintain system pressure. Sprinkler pump capacity should be selected to
meet the duties defined for the various classes of hazards. For light hazard occupancies,
the flow requirement for the sprinklers is 300 cu dm/mon at 1.5 bars. In addition to the
above flow requirements, the sprinkler pump should be capable of satisfying two other
flows and pressures as described in BS EN 12845.
Figure 5.20: shows water storage for sprinkler on the left side and the right side is water
storage for hose reel
Figure 5.21: shows Sprinkler pump set and also hose
reel pump set
Figure 5.22: shows Sprinkler pump pressure
gauges
43

The standby sprinkler pump set is diesel engine drive. Electrical cabling to supply power to
the sprinkler pumps should be MICC of fire rated type. As for batteries for the diesel
engine, should be maintenance-free type.
Sprinkler pump set should be capable of automatic starting but should only be stopped
manually.
Figure 5.23: shows Sprinkler alarm valve
44

SPRINKLER HEAD TYPES
Fire sprinkler systems are actually heat activated, one sprinkler head at a time, and most
fires usually require only one or two sprinklers to be extinguished.
Glass bulb sprinkler heads have a small glass reservoir that holds a heat-sensitive liquid.
This glass bulb holds the pip cap in place. When the ambient temperature of the liquid
reaches a certain level, the liquid expands causing the glass bulb to break, which allows
the pip cap to fall away releasing water.
Figure 5.24 & figure 5.25: shows Glass Bulb Sprinkler Heads installed in AirAsia RedQ
Figure 5.26: shows Operation of fire sprinklers
Source: http://lpugh.com/technical-info/
45

UPRIGHT SPRINKLER HEAD
Upright fire sprinklers stand upright. An upright sprinkler sprays water upwards and the
deflector, which is curved, deflects the water back down to produce a hemispherical spray
pattern. Upright fire sprinklers are suited for areas that are difficult to access, like around
beams, ducts, and other ceiling obstructions, or in ceilings without a finish such as no drop
ceiling or drywall. We can see this type of sprinkler head most area inside the AirAsia RedQ
building because it have exposed ceilings. It may be useful to think of an upright fire
sprinkler like an upside down pendent fire sprinkler, only with a concave deflector.
PENDENT SPRINKLER HEAD
A pendent fire sprinkler protrudes and hangs down from the ceiling, like a pendant
necklace but spelled differently. Pendent fire sprinklers commonly require an escutcheon
to cover the cutout in the drywall or drop ceiling surrounding it. Once water is expelled
onto a pendent fire sprinkler deflector, it sprays in a circular pattern providing the most
coverage of any fire sprinkler. The deflector is curved downward, which helps to direct the
water out into a cone pattern.
Figure 5.27: shows spray pattern of pendent sprinkler
head
Source:
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/fi
re-supression/sprinklerheadtypes.html
Figure 5.28: shows pendent sprinkler head at
reception area, meeting rooms, discussion
rooms and executive offices
Figure 5.27: shows spray pattern of upright sprinkler
head
Source:
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/fi
re-supression/sprinklerheadtypes.html
Figure 5.28: shows upright sprinkler head at
carpark
46

5.5.1.1 UBBL 1984 Regulations
Access
226. Automatic system for hazardous occupancy
(1) Where hazardous processes, storage or occupancy are of such character as
to require automatic sprinklers or other automatic extinguishing system, it
shall be of a type and standard appropriate to extinguish fires in the hazardous
materials stored or handled or for the safety of the occupants.
228. Sprinkler valves
(1) Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the
exterior wall and shall be readily accessible to the Fire Authority.
(2) All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station
to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated.
5.5.1.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the automatic sprinkler system in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL
1984 requirements listed under clause 226 and 228. All the components are located in the
right places according to UBBL 1984. Based on figure 5.23, where the sprinkler valves is
located in a safe and readily accessible to the Fire Authority. As mentions by maintenance
staff, they will regularly check the water storage tank for sprinkler once a month to make
sure there will be no problem when emergency happen and always in a ready position.
47

5.5.2 Hose Reel System
Hose reel system is intended for the occupant to use during the early stages of fire and
comprises hose reel pumps, fire water tank, hose reels, pipework and valves. The hose reel
system generally serves as an initial firefighting aid. The system is manually operated and
activated by opening a valve enabling the water to flow into the hose that is typically 30
meters away. The system pressure loss will activate the pump ensuring adequate water
flow and pressure to provide a water jet of typically a minimum of 10 meter from the
nozzle.
When the hose reel is brought into use the pressure in the pipe immediately downstream
of the pump check valves will drops below the field adjusted pressure setting of the
pressure switch thereby triggering the pump to come into operation automatically to feed
a steady supply of water to discharge through the hose.
The hose reels are located at each lift lobby. Each hose reel has a diameter of 25 mm and
a length of 30 m. Pressure reducers are installed at the end of each wet riser pipe to
supply a lower pressured water to hose reels.
Fire hose reels are located at strategic places in buildings to provide a reasonably
accessible and controlled supply of water for fire extinguishing. The fire hose reel outlets
should be properly housed in glass fronted cabinet secured under lock and key.
Figure 5.26: shows illustration of conventional hose reel system
Source: https://firefighting.com.my/category/hose-reel
48

Figure 5.26: shows hose reel installed at car park
49

Access
225. Detecting and extinguishing fire
(1) Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing
fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with
the requirements as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
5.5.2.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the hose reel in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984 requirements
listed under clause 225. As AirAsia RedQ building is purpose group of offices and 6 storeys
which height about 21 metres, its required to provide automatic sprinkler and hose reel in
the building. The hose reel is located in every floor such as the fire lobbies, elevators and
near exits which occupant can use it when emergency occurs and the hose reel can go
until 30 metres length. AirAsia RedQ building is a safe building and occupant can use the
fire fighting equipment wherever their position in the building.
Occupancy Hazard
Extinguishing
system
Note 2
Fire Alarm
system
Note 3
Emergency
Lighting
Note 4
IV. OFFICES
1. 4 storeys and less or less than 1000 sq.
m gross floor area … … … … …
2. 5 storeys and over or exceeding 1000
sq. m … … … … … … … … … …
3. Exceeding 18m but less than 10 000
sq. m … … … … … … … … … … …
…
4. Exceeding 30m or 10 000 sq.m … ...
-
G
G
AG
-
2
1 & 2
2
-
a
c
c
NOTE:
Open balcony approach may have unenclosed
staircases if provided with extended landings of not
less than twice staircase width and walls separating
the staircase from the occupancy be returned for a
distance of not less than 1m long the frontage of
adjacent occupancies.
A - Automatic
Sprinkler
G - Hose Reel
1 - Automatic
Fire Detectors
System
2 - Manual
Electrical Fire
Alarm System
a - Signal
point units
c -
Generators
50

5.5.3 Dry Riser
A vertical pipe installed in a building for fire fighting purpose, fitted with inlet connections
at fire engine access level and landing valves on various floors, which is normally dry but is
capable of being charged with water usually by pumping from fire engine pumps.
Dry riser are form of internal hydrant for fireman to use and are only required for buildings
where the topmost floor is higher than 18.3 metres and less than 30.5 metres above the fire
appliance access level. AirAsia RedQ building is 6 storey height which required to installed
the dry riser because the height is higher than 18.3 metres but did not reach height of more
than 30.5 metres.
Dry riser is always dry and it depends on the fire engine to pump water into the system.
Figure 5.27: shows illustration of dry riser hose reel
Source: http://www.ultrasafe.org.uk/faq/what-is-a-dry-riser/
Connect to
the nearest
fire hydrant
RISER PIPE
Diameter shall be 150mm if the highest outlet is higher than 22.875 metres above the
breeching inlet. If highest outlet is lower than 22.875 metres, the use 100mm diameter pipe.
Pipe shall be of galvanised iron to BS 1387 (Heavy Gauge) tested to 21 bars. Air release
valve should be installed at the top of the riser to relieve trapped air in the system,
51

LANDING VALVE
Need to be provided on each floor. The landing valve usually located within fire access
lobbies, protected staircase or protected lobbies and been installed not more than 0.75
metres above the floor level. Fire hose shall be 30 metres length and canvas fire hose type.
BREECHING INLET
Installed at the bottom of riser. Where enclosed in a box, it shall be marked “Dry Riser Inlet”.
A drain shall be provided at the bottom to the drain the system after use. Located not more
than 18 metres from fire appliance access road and not more than 30 metres from the
nearest fire hydrant. At AirAsia RedQ, this breeching inlet have 8 units and can be access by
fireman at any position outside the building.
Figure 5.28: shows illustration of height to be
installed the landing valve from the floor level
Figure 5.29: shows landing valve located at fire
lobby
Figure 5.30: shows breeching inlet near parking lot and easily access by fire brigade
52

Access
230. Installation and testing of dry rising system
(1) Dry rising system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost
floor is more than 18.3 metres but less than 30.5 metres above fire appliances
access level.
(2) A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby.
(3) Dry risers shall be of minimum “Class C” pipes with fittings and connection of
sufficient strength to withstand 21 bars water pressure.
(4) Dry risers shall be tested hydrostatically to withstand not less than 14 bars of
pressure for two hours in the presence of the Fire Authority before
acceptance.
(5) All horizontal runs of the dry rising systems shall be pitched at the rate of
6.35mm in 3.05 metres.
(6) The dry riser shall be not less than 102mm in diameters in buildings in which
the highest outlet is 22.875 metres or less above the fire brigade pumping
inlet and not less than 152.4mm diameter where the highest outlet is higher
than 22.875 metres above the pumping inlet.
(7) 102mm diameter dry risers shall be equipped with a two-way pumping inlet
and 152.4 mm dry risers shall equipped with a four-way pumping inlet.
232. Wet or dry rising systems for building under construction
(1) Where either wet or dry riser system is required, at least one riser shall be installed
when the building under construction has reached a height of above the level of
the fire brigade pumping inlet with connections there to located adjacent to a
useable staircase.
(2) Such riser shall be extended as construction progresses to within two floors of the
topmost floor under construction and where the designed height of the building
requires the installation of a wet riser system fire pumps, water storage tanks and
water main connections shall be provided to serve the riser.
5.5.3.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the dry riser system in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 230 and 232. From the plans, dry riser are installed
around the building. There have 2 units of dry riser each in every sides of the building
which are easily access by Fire Authority. 53

5.5.4 External Fire Hydrant
The fire hydrant system is the backbone of the firefighting systems in a building or
premises. The system is a water distribution system consisting of water tank, suction
piping, fire pumps and a distributed piping system. The distributed piping system
establishes connectivity throughout the building through fire hydrants, hoses and
nozzles. The purpose of the fire hydrant system is to provide a readily available source
of water to any point throughout the building. This helps in controlling fire during an
emergency.
External fire hydrant is located outside of AirAsia RedQ building. As in this
building is installed with dry riser so the distance between breeching inlet of dry
riser and fire hydrant is not more than 30 metres. The fire hydrant also placed
not less than 6 metres from the building.
Figure 5.31; The Fire Hydrant Located Outside LV Room
Figure 5.32; shows drawing of ground floor plan that indicated the location
of fire hydrant
54

Access
225. Detecting and extinguishing fire
(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.
5.5.4.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the external fire hydrant in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 225. The fire hydrants are located strategically on the
exterior of the building and are easily accessed by the fire authority. Also, located near to
the breeching inlet so that fire authority can use the dry riser.
55

5.6 Active (Fire fighting) Non-Water Based
Systems
Fire extinguishers are one of the more important types of medium that is used at putting
out fires. It is ideally used in the early stages of the fire outbreak before it gets bad, as it
does not work well with large fires. They are convenient and easy to be carried around due
to their size and portability. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types water, foam, dry
powder, CO² and wet chemical, Buildings should have the right types, and size of fire
extinguisher that has met the regulations in the premise.
5.6.1 Fire Extinguisher
Figure 5.33; Table of Suitable Fire Extinguishers Used For Its Class
(fire extinguisher chart… ,2017)
56

Carbon dioxide (CO²) type of extinguishers are
suitable for Class B flammable liquid fires such as
petrol, oil, solvents. It is recommended for use on
rooms such as computer rooms due to the live
electrical equipments that are present.
Figure 5.35; Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
ABC powder and CO² fire extinguishers are used
in RedQ.
Generally, ABC powder extinguishers is suitable
for every degree of light fire hazards and also
works really well with fires in inflammable
liquids. Its content is a dry powder type of
material which consists of evenly packed
non-toxic and non-conducting type of
water-repellent substance that extinguishes the
fire. Nitrogen or air that pressurizes the body of
the extinguisher will expel the dry powder when
the release valve is activated. The dry powder
may also be expelled from the container by
carbon dioxide gas after the breakage of the
seal of a cartridge.
Figure 5.34; ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher
57

Access
227. Portable extinguishers
(1) Portable extinguisher 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.
5.6.1.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the fire extinguisher system in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 227. As shown in Figure 5.36, the fire extinguishers are
located strategically where it is easily seen and accessible by users.
Figure 5.36; Location of Fire Extinguishers on Level 4 at AirAsia RedQ
58

5.6.2 Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression
SystemCarbon Dioxide (CO²) is one of the more efficient fire extinguishing type of substance. This
gas is an odorless, colorless and a non-conductive gas that is highly efficient at reducing
the flames without leaving any residue. CO² acts as a suppressing gas that reduces the
oxygen level to a point where combustion cannot occur.
Figure 5.37; Carbon Dioxide (CO²) Gas Tanks Figure 5.38; CO² Suppression Pipe & Nozzle
The CO² fire extinguishing system was made for it to operate automatically from the
trigger of the fire sensing devices. It also can be manually controlled and activated by
automatic fire detection or mechanical trigger systems.
Access
228. Sprinkler valves
(1) Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the
exterior wall and shall be readily accessible to the Fire Authority.
(2) All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station
to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated.
Figure 5.38; CO²
Suppression Pipe &
Nozzle
59

5.6.3 Fireman Switch
The fireman switch is a specialized switch disconnector or isolator. Its located on the
outside wall and near fire staircase on ground floor of AirAsia RedQ building. They are used
by firemen to turn off the power supply to electrical equipment in case of fire to prevent
the overheated equipment from exploding.
Figure 5.39; Fireman Switch
Part VII : Fire Requirements
133. Interpretation
(1) “Fireman’s switch” means a switch located adjacent to the fire lift by the
designated floor to enable the fire brigade to gain control of the fire lifts..
5.6.3.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the fireman switch in Airasia RedQ complies with the UBBL 1984
requirements listed under clause 133. As shown in Figure 5.39, the firemen switch is
located on the walls of the fire lobby at AirAsia RedQ building.
5.6.2.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the carbon dioxide fire suppression system in Airasia RedQ complies with
the UBBL 1984 requirements listed under clause 228. As shown in Figure 5.37 and 5.38, the
sprinkler valves and carbon dioxide gas tanks are located in an easily accessible areas.
60

6.1 Introduction
Air-conditioning or also referred as AC serves the main purpose of achieving thermal
comfort and maintain the indoor quality within a building. In short, it is described as the
technology of indoor and vehicular comfort. It achieves its goal by replacing the indoor air
with fresh air as well changing the air properties within the building by controlling the
temperature, humidity to a more suitable and comfortable environment. In common use, an
air-conditioner is a device that removes heat from the air inside a building thus lowering the
air temperature. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle.
Air-conditioning systems can also be made on desiccants.
6.2 Literature Review
Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems executes cooling for commercial,
residential or industry buildings. Air-conditioning systems are responsible for providing
fresh outdoor air to regulate the indoor contaminants such as smells from occupants,
volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from interior furnishings, cleaning chemicals,
etc. A properly maintained and designed system will provide a continuous flow of fresh air
in a building. Every air-conditioning system is designed to carry out either for comfort or
industrial purposes. Air-conditioners designed for comfort purposes are usually found in
homes, restaurants, hospitals, vehicles and public transports. They function to remove
discomfort of allergies and help preserve the thermal comfort of a building.
There are four types of air conditioning systems:
1. The Window Air-Conditioning System
This type of system is the simplest form of air-conditioning system and suitable only
for a small room. Usually installed at window openings or wall. Can be divided into 2
compartments that is the room side and the outdoor side which separated by an
insulated partition.
2. Split Air-Conditioning System
Nowadays, popularly used this type of air-conditioning system because it operate
silently, have an elegant looks and no need to make a hole in the wall. Consist of two
units, an outdoor unit (condenser) and one or several indoor units (evaporator/AHU)
connected by copper tubing.
62

3. Packaged Air-Conditioning System
Similar to room air-conditioner but in a much larger size with fixed rate capacities
(in tons) that used for medium size buildings/rooms such as halls, large
restaurants, etc. All the important components are enclosed in a single casing.
They have two types packaged air-conditioning which is ducted and ductless.
Equipment can be installed at the rooftop, on the ground, and inside a ceiling or
crawl space.
4. Centralized/Plant Air-Conditioning System
Usually used for large & complex or multiple blocks such as hospitals, hotels,
office towers, airports and shopping malls. A building can be wholly or partially
air-conditioned. The main components of this system are the refrigeration plant,
AHU and cooling tower.
6.3 Types of Air-Conditioning in AirAsia
RedQ
Consisting of the district cooling plant, central air conditioning plant room, and air
handling units, these three components play an integral role in supplying cool air
into the office spaces of RedQ. These components also serve different purposes
such as supplying chilled water, converting of chilled water temperatures and the
distribution of cool air into the spaces to achieve desired thermal comfort.
6.3.1.1 Chilled Water Plant
The KLIA chilled water plant supplies the chilled water to KLIA, KLIA2, RedQ and
other buildings through a pipe that connects to infrastructure integrated into the
buildings design. In the chilled water plants, the refrigerant chills the water which
in turn chills the room air. The water is chilled to very low temperatures about 6 to
8 degrees Celsius and pumped to the different floors of the building via the
Central Air Conditioning Plant Room and taken over by the air handling unit (AHU)
6.3.1 Centralised/Plant AC System
Figure 6.1; Chilled Water Pipe Figure 6.2; District Cooling Plant
63

6.3.1.1 Central Air Conditioning System Room
In the structure, the chilled water is pumped through a central air conditioning
system room where the chilled water from the district plant and inside RedQ
undergoes a heat exchange through a system of pipes and is pumped up to the air
AHU rooms found on each floor of RedQ. The converted chilled water is then
pumped back to the district plant where the process is repeated in a cycle.
Figure 6.3; DCS System Diagram
Figure 6.4; Chilled Water Pipe
Figure 6.5; Chilled Water Pumps
(Source: Cofreth.my)
64

6.3.1.2 Air Handling Unit Room (AHU)
The air handling units are installed in the various parts of the building that are to be
air conditioned, in the place called air handling unit rooms. The air handling units
comprise of the cooling coil, air filter, the blower and the supply and return air ducts.
The chilled water flows through the cooling coil. The blower absorbs the return hot
air from the air conditioned space and blows it over the cooling coil thus cooling the
air. This cooled air passes over the air filter and is passed by the supply air ducts into
the space which is to be air conditioned. The air handling unit and the ducts passing
through it are insulated to reduce the loss of the cooling effect.
In the case of RedQ, air handling unit rooms are placed on every block of the 4th,
5th and 6th floor. The cool air is then supplied to the open office spaces via exposed
overhead ducts.
Figure 6.6; Air Ducting System Figure 6..7; AHU room
Figure 6.8; 4th Floor Plan
65

66

6.3.2 Split Unit Air Conditioner
In RedQ, and example of split unit air conditioners can also be found in the office
space behind the cafeteria kitchen area. These air conditioners seemed to be installed
after the buildings completion to accommodate for proper air ventilation in the kitchen
offices area. The air conditioners used in the kitchen offices are power ceiling-cassette
type air conditioners.
Part of the reason for also using these split unit air conditioners as opposed to a
centralised system compared to the rest of RedQ’s spaces maybe due to the fact that
the ductwork could not be done in that area due to to it being behind the kitchen area.
6.3.3 Conclusion
In conclusion, the AirAsia HQ, RedQ, uses two types of air conditioning systems that
can be identified. The district cooling system was used to allow for more featured to
be incorporated in the roof of the structure. The split unit systems were added to
accommodate for proper air ventilation to be achieved in the kitchen offices.
Figure 6.11; Outdoor Unit Figure 6.12; Ceiling-Cassette Indoor Unit
67

07 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
68

7.1 Introduction
Mechanical ventilation system is a type of ventilation system which uses the mechanical
devices to ensure the provision of air in an enclosed space. By doing so, the comfort level of
the internal space could be maintained. The mechanical devices that are used to ventilate
are fans and ductwork. Not only ventilating the internal spaces, mechanical ventilation
system also provides heating, cooling and maintaining the humidity level of a space. To
ensure well operation of the system, regular inspection and maintenance is needed.
Function of Mechanical Ventilation
Removal of Pollutants
Helps to remove air which contains airborne chemicals, moisture, contaminants, bacteria
and other pollutants
Fresh Air Supply
Draw fresh air which is less polluted and lest moist into the building constantly
Circulation Air
By creating air pressure difference with mechanical devices, the air in an enclosed space
could circulate
Types of Mechanical Ventilation
Supply Ventilation System
Supply ventilation systems allow fresh air to be drawn into a building through an air intake
vent and to be distributed to other spaces by fan and duct systems. In some cases, the
outdoor air is air conditioned o dehumidified before it is introduced into the building. As the
system continuously introduces outdoor air, a space can become can become slightly
pressurized.
figure 7.1: supply ventilation systems
(Supply vs Exhaust…, n,d,)
69

Exhaust Ventilation System
Exhaust ventilation systems function to the exterior environment by means of mechanical
extracts. As indoor air is continuously drawn out, the building’s space becomes slightly
depressurized. The type of system is widely used in kitchens, toilets and basements as
these spaces are often contaminated and require constant and predictable extraction of air.
Balanced Ventilation System
Balanced ventilation systems utilises two sets of fans to supply and exhaust equal amounts
of air into and out of the building. The mechanical ventilation system is normally used in
cinemas, theatres and sport centres.
Two most common systems are ‘heat recovery’ ventilation (HRV) and ‘energy recovery’
ventilation (ERV). HRVs transfer heat from exhaust air to incoming air and from incoming air
to exhaust air to reduce the heating and cooling load and improve comfort.
figure 7.1: Exhaust ventilation systems (Supply vs Exhaust…, n,d,)
figure 7.1: Balanced ventilation systems (Supply vs Exhaust…, n,d,) 70

Components of Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Components of
Mechanical Ventilation
Systems
diffuser
Fire dampers
ductwork
filters
fan
● Axial
● Propeller
● Centrifugal
Fan
A mechanical fan is powered machine used to create flow within in a fluid, typically a
gas such as air. Afan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which
impels air.
Purpose of fan
● To remove hot, humid and polluted air
● To bring in outside air to cool the building component
● To circulate indoor air
Propeller Fan
Propeller fans, are engineered to move a low volume of air under low static conditions
(static pressure is the resistance to airflow) . These types of fans are usually installed on
external walls and low cost but don’t work well in large spaces.
Figure 7.4: exhaust propeller fan flow diagram
(efficiency & work... ,2018) 71

Filters
Filters are used in ventilation systems for protection against impurities which may cause
irregular operation of the entire system or damage its individual components. Air Filters are
used to ensure adequate indoor air quality for users in rooms fitted with ventilation system.
The main parameter of air filters is impurity control efficiency with as low as possible
obstruction to the airflow. The filtration process itself is defined as removing foreign
particles from liquid or gas, whereas an air filter stands for a device used to remove
particles from liquid or gas,
Figure 7.8 : components of air filter ( Home air ventilation, 2018 )
Ductwork
To channel outside air into the room or channel the air inside the room to the outside. It can
be made in various materials,
Figure 7.9 : Table shows the
appropriate materials application
for ductworks ( air filters for
ventilation, n.d.)
Figure 7.10 : Types of ductwork connectors ( rectangular duct, n.d.)
Figure 7.11 : Ductworks in the building
72

Fire Dampers
Fire dampers work when heat from the fire causes the normal temperature of a room to
rise until a certain temperature. The fusible link attached to the damper to the damper
would then melt, causing the damper door to close.
Figure 7.5 : Fire dampers ( insulation
panels for..,2018 )
Figure 7.6 : components of fire dampers (
Fire damper,n.d. )
Diffuser
Diffuser or grilles are components to let air flow in or out of the ductwork. It is installed on
the ends of the ductworks and filters are attached to them
Figure 7.7 : different types of diffusers ( Better Air Duct Diffuser, 2018
)
73

Axial Fan
An axial fan is a type of fan that causes gas to flow through it in an axial direction, parallel to
the shaft about which the blades rotate. The flow is axial at entry and exit. The fan is
designed to produce a pressure difference, hence it causes a flow through the fan.
Figure 7.12 : components of axial fan ( R.R. William, 2012 )
Centrifugal Fan
Centrifugal fans use the kinetic energy of the impellers to increase the volume of the air
stream. These types of fans produce more pressure for a given air volume than axial
fans,They are usually noisier as compared to axial fans and are suited for applications with
higher air flow volumes and pressures.
Figure 7.13 : components of Centrifugal
fan ( wikipedia,n.d. )
Figure 7.14 : working principle of Centrifugal
fan ( Republic Centrifugal blower,2018 )
74

7.2 Types of Mechanical Ventilation at Airasia
RedQ
Mechanical Ventilation
System in Airasia RedQ
Supply Ventilation
systems
Exhaust Ventilation
systems
● A.C plant room
● Transformer room
● Lv room
● Generator room
● Multi storey car park
● Toilets
● Cafeteria
● Atrium
75

Cafeteria
4th floor plan of Airasia RedQ
Ground floor plan of Airasia RedQ
Services Rooms
76

7.3 Exhaust Ventilation System
7.3.1 A.C Plant Room
Exhaust ventilation system with propeller fans expel air and making the inside less
pressured. Propeller fans can remove large volume of air but not allowing air to be force
through long duct
7.3.2 Transformer Room
Exhaust ventilation system in the transformer room is axial fans .Axial fans create airflow
with a high flow rate, meaning they create a large volume of airflow. This due to the
transformer produce a large amount of heat where axial fan is suitable to expel large
amount of heat.
Figure 7.15 :A.C plant room
Figure 7.16: propeller fan in A.C
plant room
Figure 7.17 : Transformer room
Figure 7.18 : axial fan in Transformer room
77

7.3.3 L.V Plant Room
Exhaust ventilation system with propeller fans expel air and making the inside less
pressured. Propeller fans can remove large volume of air ,
7.3.4 Generator Room
,
Just like transformer room, exhaust ventilation system in the transformer room is axial fans
.Axial fans create airflow with a high flow rate where they create a large volume of airflow.
This due to the generator produce a large amount of heat where axial fan is suitable to
expel large amount of heat. There are also filter used in generator room to ensure the
expel gas or air from the generator does not pollute the environment at the same time
buffer the noise of generator.
Figure 7.19 : L.V. room
Figure 7.20 : propeller fan in L.V. room
Figure 7.21 : Generator room
Figure 7.22 : axial fan with filter
78

7.3.5 Multi Storey Car Park
On the multi storey car park the ventilation is natural, although there are walls around the
parking levels, these are mainly open. However, mechanical ventilation system is still
present in the multi storey car park where ductwork is being used. It is for fire protection
purposes to help aid in air changing. The ducting encircles the car park and connected to
exhaust fan .
Figure 7.23 : Ductwork surrounding the car park
Figure 7.24 : grill on the ductwork Figure 7.25 : Ductwork connected to the
exhaust fan
79

7.3.6 Toilets
All the toilets of Airasia RedQ has exhaust ventilation systems that leads to the top of the
building , all toilets also have operable windows. The supply ventilation comes from the
air conditioning.
Figure 7.26 : operable windows Figure 7.27 : exhaust grill
7.3.7 Cafeteria
Cafeteria of airasia redQ is located at 4th floor. There are no windows that connect the room
to any external walls or the building.Therefore mechanical ventilation is installed in pantry
and kitchen areas to expel moistures from cooking, oils and other smells from food within
the space to outside.
Figure 7.28 : exhaust
grills in the cafeteria
kitchen
figure 7.29 : supply ventilation
by air conditioning system
80

7.3.8 Atrium
The atrium of airasia redQ consists a large volume in the building. Hot air rises into the
spaces where it will end up to the ceiling. Hence, to remove a large amount of hot air, axial
fan is suitable to expel the air as it can handle a large volume of air.
figure 7.30 : Atrium of Airasia RedQ
figure 7.31 : axial fan near the ceiling of the atrium
81

THIRD SCHEDULE
2. WIndowless rooms
(1) Habitable rooms with no external walls and other enclosures shall be
provided mechanical ventilation or air conditioning having a minimum fresh air
change at the rate of o.28 cmm per person, but in case less than that specified
in ASHRAE Standard Gode 62-73
10. Water- closets and toilets
Water closets, toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, latrines, urinals or similar rooms
or enclosures used for ablutions which are situated in the internal portions of
the building and in respect of which no such external walls (or those
overlooking verandahs, pavements or walkways) are present, shall be
provided with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning having a minimum of
fresh air change at the rate of 0.61 cmm per square metre of floor area of ten
air changes per hour, whichever is the lower.
12. Fresh air changes
(1) The minimum scale of fresh air ventilation in conjunction with recirculated,
filtered and conditioned air meeting with the requirements of ASHRAE
STANDARD 62-73 shall be follo as:
Canteen
Offices
Computer room
0.28 cmm per occupant
82

7.4 Conclusion
The services rooms which are the a.c plant room, LV room, Generator room, Transformer
room is properly ventilated as the building’s service crew might need to spend hours in the
room during repairs and maintenance.The services room in Airasia RedQ complies with the
UBBL 1984 requirements in the Third Schedule clause 7.
The toilets are mechanically ventilated and have operable windows. The toilets of Airasia
RedQ complies with UBBL 1984 requirements listed the Third Schedule. Same goes to the
cafeteria and atrium where mechanical ventilation is present.
Even though the multi storey car park in Airasia RedQ uses natural ventilation, the car park
is complaint to the UBBL 1984 regulations Third Schedule.
83

08 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
84

8.1 Introduction
Elevator are vertical transport systems that are commonly generated by the use of electric
motors and pulleys or by hydraulic systems. This vertical transport system are used in all
high-rises buildings, such as office, residential apartments, and commercial. Elevator
provides an ease of movement for people to move from one floor to another and also to
carry goods from one floor to another.
8.1.1 Building Review
In Airasia RedQ, there are a total of 10 elevators in the vicinity and are all using a
machine-room-less(MRL) elevator under the brand Schindler, model 5500 to be specific.
With the given area and the amount of elevators provided, workers have no trouble moving
around the vicinity and get work done quick. The idea of such circulation promotes Airasia
well as an airline company, fast and efficient.
Figure 8.1 : 2 of 10 elevators in the vicinity located on the 4th floor.
85

8.2 Types of Elevators
In all, there are 2 types of elevators that are known and commonly used which is Traction
Elevators and Hydraulic Elevators system. Under Traction Elevators system there are 3
types which is Geared Traction Elevator, Gear-less Traction Elevator and
Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevator. Under Hydraulic Elevators system there are 3 types
which is Conventional Hydraulic Elevator, Hole-less Hydraulic Elevator and Roped
Hydraulic Elevator.
8.2.1 Traction Elevator
Traction elevators are a transportation system carried by ropes which are then passed over
a wheel that is connected to a motor, typically an electric motor, that is located in a
machine room above the elevator shaft. Also, to not put the motor under stress, a counter
weight balance is used. Traction elevators system are commonly used in mid and high rise
application, as they are faster at speed that most other types of elevators.
Type I : Geared Traction Elevator
This type of elevator system has a gearbox that is connected to the motor, which powers
the wheel that moves the ropes and are capable of a travel distance up to 150M per
minute. The maximum travel distance for geared traction elevator is somewhere between
70-75M.
Figure 8.2: Aa Geared Traction elevator.
86

Type II : Gearless Traction Elevator
When the wheels are connected directly to the motor, it is called a gear-less traction
elevator. When building a high-rise building, this is the only system capable of providing
travel to occupants as it can travels up to 600M per minute and a travel distance of up to
600M.
Figure 8.3: a Gearless Traction elevator
87

Type III : Machine-Room-Less Elevator
This system do not require a machine room which are located at the elevator shaft, it
instead have a built-in machine that sits in the override space and can be accessed from
the elevator cab whenever a maintenance or repairs are required. Maintenance wise are
about the same as geared traction elevators with a more relatively low energy
consumption when compared the two. The control boxes are located in a control room
that is adjacent to the elevator shaft on the highest landing and within 40-45M from the
machine. Machine-room-less elevators can travel of up to 150M per minute with a
distance of up to 75M. All in all machine-room-less elevator are more efficient, require
less space, and have the same amount of operation efficiency and reliability as those of
gearless traction elevator.
Figure 8.4: 3 types of MRL elevators. The middle one is the type that are currently being
used in Airasia RedQ
Source: https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/article_print.php?L=294&C=891
88

8.2.2 Hydraulic Elevator
Hydraulic elevator are a system supported by a piston at the bottom of the elevator that
support the elevator upwards position when an electric motor forces oil or another
hydraulic fluid into the piston. Thus why the machine room can only be found at the bottom
level adjacent to the elevator shaft. It can go up to 60M per minute and are used in a
low-rise buildings of 2-8 stories.
Type I : Conventional Hydraulic Elevator
This type of system have a sheave that ascend from below the level of the elevator pit,
which connect the retracting piston as the elevator descends. Some configurations have a
telescoping piston that collapses and requires a shallower hole below the pit. Maximum
travel distance are around 15-19M.
Figure 8.5: a Conventional Hydraulic elevator system.
Source:
https://platformliftco.co.uk/news-pr/traction-versus-hydraulic-lifts-advantages-and-disadvant
ages //
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/vertical-circulation/elevatortypes.html
89

Type II : Hole-less Hydraulic Elevator
When there are piston on either side of the cab, it is called a hole-less hydraulic elevator.
This design does not require any sheave or hole underneath the pit as the telescoping
pistons are fixed at the base of the pit. The telescoping pistons can go up to 15M in distance
and the non-telescoping pistons can go up to 7M of travel distance.
Figure 8.6: a Hole-Less elevator system.
Source: https://schmelevator.wordpress.com/541-2/ //
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/vertical-circulation/elevatortypes.html
90

Type III : Roped Hydraulic Elevator
Roped Hydraulic elevator uses a sheave or pulley wheel that are mounted at the top of the
jack, above the car. As the jack are being heightened and lowered the sheave goes up and
down. Thus, when a rope or braided cable attached to the car, it goes over the sheave and
then is connected to the hoist-way below the lowest level of the piston. The Roped
Hydraulic elevator can go around 60 M per minute in travel speed and 25M in travel
distance.
Figure 8.7 a Roped Hydraulic system.
Source:
https://www.ascensionelevators.com/blog/types-advantages-of-roped-hydraulic-elevator-sy
stems/
91

8.3.0 Lift System
Machine-Room-Less Elevator System
In Airasia RedQ, all 10 of the elevators within the vicinity uses machine-room-less (MRL)
elevator, a type of geared traction elevator system.
Machine-room-less elevators does not have a fixed machine room on the top of the
hoistway, it instead uses a traction hoist which are located on either the top side wall of the
hoistway or at the bottom. A permanent magnet are being installed together with the
motor to help generate Variable Voltage Variable Frequency (VVVF) drive and either
gearless synchronous motors or induction motors can be use as a hoisting machines. All
this functions adds up to save plenty of building’s space.
8.3.1 Schindler 5500
All 10 elevators located in the vicinity uses the same elevator brand and type, which is
Schindler 5500 with side counterweights. The benefits of using side counterweights are:
● Machine loads supported by the hoistway, not the building.
● Contractor not required to provide pockets of machine support.
● Lower hoistway construction costs.
● Up to 20% faster installation with less coordination required with the contractor.
● Machine can be raised through the hoistway without a crane.
● Building can be topped off prior to elevator installation.
92

8.4 Elevator Components
Main Overview
Figure 8.8: Shindler type 5500, the exact type used in Airasia RedQ (Schindler 5500 MRL…, n.d.)
93

8.4.1 Elevator Car
An elevator car is a compartment which carries passenger from floor to floor in an
ascending or descending motion.
Figure 8.9: all components involving an Elevator Car.
Source: http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/basic-elevator-components-part-one.html
94

8.4.2 Car Sling
The main framework of an elevator is called car sling that helps with the whole structure
to become sturdier. Surrounding the framework are ropes, guides and platform. The
overall size and dimension depends on the platform’s width and cab height.
Figure 8.10:: showcasing all components involved in a Car Sling. (SERVICES FOR GEARED &
GEARLESS MACHINES, n.d.)
Specification of Each Components :
Crosshead
Crosshead are the ones running horizontally between the stiles at the very top of the
sling and act as an extension point for the top guides. It also act as a load-bearing
element of the sling.
Stiles
It a component in an elevator the runs vertically on each side of the elevator car that
are placed parallel to the rails. It is connected together with the safety plank and
crosshead. Stiles also act as an attachment point for the brace rods. The dimension of
the stiles depends on the height of the elevator cab.
95

Specification of Each Components :
Brace Rods
Brace rods act as a stability components which also help with the balancing of the entire
platform.
Safety Planks
A components that are located at the bottom of a sling that carries the safety precaution
unit. The stiles are attached to the crosshead and the safety plank.
Strike Plates
Attached at the bottom of the safety planks are two strike plates. It is a connection points
between the elevator car sling and the buffer springs incase if the elevator car lowers too
far below the lowest terminal landing.
96

8.4.3 Elevator Cabin
The elevator cabin is the interior of the car where passengers stand while being
transported. The cabinets are completely enclosed with openings being only the car
door, an emergency trap door as well as ventilation apertures. An elevator cabinet has
many choices for the finished interior materials such as stainless steel, cold rolled steel,
bronze and plastic laminate.
Air Asia RedQ has three different types of finishes. The firemen elevator uses an all
stainless steel material, The reception area uses a painted red and black finishes for all 3
sides of the wall and the lobby uses an all glass design.
All MRL elevator units are designed to the A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators & Escalators
size standards.
Figure 8.11: three types of elevator finishes in Airasia RedQ. Stainless steel for firemen
elevator, Glass finish for the lobby at level 4 and custom painted ones for the receptionist at
the ground floor level.
Source:
https://www.schindler.com/us/internet/en/mobility-solutions/products/elevators/schin
dler-5500.html
97

8.4.4 Operating Panel
An operating panel is an electrical indicator placed inside and outside of an elevator. It is a
necessary equipments to have to help guide occupants to operate the system such as
hold/close door, up or down, initiate alarm and also where the Inter Communication
System are located.
Indicators/controls that are not important to occupants are placed within the locked
cavities of the elevator compartment. Operation includes switch; light, fan, and power
switches; and any special control such as security and emergency device.
Schindler’s unit options.
Figure 8.12: From top left Interior car operating panel // 3 types of exterior landing operating panel
// Hall position indicator // 3 types of interior finishes
Source:
https://www.schindler.com/us/internet/en/mobility-solutions/products/elevators/schindler-550
0.html
98

Operation unit and some finishes chosen and are placed in Air Asia RedQ :
Figure 8.13: From left : Interior car operating panel // Square type exterior landing operating
panel // Hall position indicator // Half-height mirror finish
Source:
https://www.schindler.com/us/internet/en/mobility-solutions/products/elevators/schin
dler-5500.html
99

8.4.5 Elevator Car Door
They are multiple different types of elevator car door, which are usually differentiate by the
number of panels the door has, from single to four panel. All 10 elevators including firemen
elevators in Airasia RedQ uses a 2-door panel, around 1200-1400mm width.
UBBL 152. Opening in lift shafts
1) Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a protected lobby unless
other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local
authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and
other special buildings as may be approved by D.G.F.S.
2) No glass shall be used for in landing doors except for vision in which case any vision
panel shall or be glazed with wired safety glass, and shall not be more than 0.0161
square metre and the total area of one of more vision panels in any landing door
shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre.
100

8.4.6 Elevator Car Door Operator
An elevator car door operator is an electrical device mounted at the top of an elevator
car that opens and closes the door. Schindler 5500 elevator which are used in AirAsia
RedQ uses a VVVF* inverter control.
Figure 8.14: Elevator Car Door Operator
Source:
https://www.wittur.com/en/elevator-components/car-doors/amd-2-car-door-operator.aspx //
http://www.weiku.com/products/8629163/Elevator_Two_Panels_Side_Opening_Car_Door_Operat
or_Elevator_Door.html
101

8.4.7 Guide Shoes
A guide shoes is a mechanical device that helps guide an elevator car along guide rails
in an elevator shaft. Mounted together with the frame are usually 2 or more bearing
components that helps the elevator car with a sliding or rolling action.
The type of roller that are used in AirAsia RedQ are roller guides, which guide both the
elevator car and the counterweight along the path of the guide rails and also to make
sure the lateral motion of the car and counterweight is kept at a bare minimum while it is
travelling along the guide rails.
Figure 8.15: Guide Shoes
Source: http://www.liftaccessory.com/show.php?id=3976
102

8.4.8 Entrance Protection System
A requirement American National Standards Institute(ANSI) and the Malaysian Standards
stated that all elevators, regardless of whether or not equipped with detection beams
shall have a safety edge device on the car doors that are able to make both the elevator
car and hoistway door to reopen when the safety edge meets any obstruction. Elevator
car doors also have a gentle close when at an almost closing range or after a certain
period of time.
Figure 8.16: Entrance Protection System
Source: https://schmelevator.wordpress.com/2016/10/18/elevator-door-safety/
UBBL 152. Opening in lift shafts
2 )Landing doors shall have an FRP of not less than half the FRP of the hoistway
structure with a minimum FRP of half hour
UBBL 153. Smoke detectors for lobbies
2) Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening device controlled by
light beam or photo-detectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which after
thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a present
time.
103

8.5.0 Elevator Shaft
An elevator shaft is a fireproof enclosure made of concrete and have landing doors at a
certain height. Within this enclosure are also where the pit and the elevator are stored. At
the bottom, which are called the pit is where all the overhead machinery space floor
located or at the underside of the roof.
Main components of an elevator shaft are:
● Guide rails for both the car and counterweight.
● Counterweight.
● Suspension cables.
● Landing doors.
● Buffer in the pit.
UBBL 150. Protected shafts
2) Subject to the provisions of this Part, any protected shaft shall be completed enclosed.
4) Any wall, floor or other structure enclosing a protected shaft but not being a protecting
structure may contain such openings as shall be in accordance with other provisions of
these By-laws.
Figure 8.17: Elevator Shaft
104

CASE STUDY OF BUILDING SERVICES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

CASE STUDY OF BUILDING SERVICES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

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