SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN BUILDING SERVICES (BLD 60903) APRIL 2019 Project 1: Case Study of Building Services in Multi-Storey Buildings Involving Public Use MENARA OBYU
HO MIN YEE 0328710 CHONG MIN 0333339 TEH ROUYI 0328189 LEE JIA YEE 0333311 NG JING YUAN 0334472 I MADE LINGGA PRAYOG 0332722 TUTOR: MOHAMAD ZAFARULLAH MOHAMAD ROZALY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to all our members, whom without we would have never been able to complete this assignment. We would like to thank everyone in this group for their hard work, dedication and most importantly their cooperation in this project. We would also like to thank the management of Menara OBYU for allowing us to use your building as our case study and for allowing us to visit the building and collect our data ďŹ rsthand. We would also like to extend our thanks to the maintenance team, who so patiently guided us around the building and answered our questions the best they could. Last but not least, we would like to thank our tutor, Mr Zafar, for guiding us and providing insight throughout the entire assignment. His teachings and explanations helped us and our research greatly, and we are extremely lucky learn from him.
ABSTRACT This report is a group project that required us to perform a case study on building services systems applied and installed in multi-storey buildings involving public use. The building that we chose was Menara OBYU, which is a corporate oďŹƒce tower located in Damansara Perdana. The purpose of this assignment is to introduce students to the basic principles, processes and equipments of various building services systems found in buildings , and to expose students to the integration of various building services systems in a building. This assignment also allows students to demonstrate their understanding of building services systems and statutory requirements, and helps to develop students’ understanding and familiarization in applying the correct graphic communications according to the required standards (MS1184). Upon completing the assignment, we have managed to identify and understand relevant information related to mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning system, mechanical transportation system as well as ďŹ re protection systems, as well as understand the functions and purposes of building services systems. As such, we have become more conscious about the importance of building services in design, the importance of statutory requirements and regulations towards public safety.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction to Menara OBYU 1.1 Overview
1 2
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1 Water based system 2.1.1 Hose reel system 2.1.2 Wet riser system 2.1.3 Sprinkler 2.1.4 Fire Hydrant 2.2 Non water based system 2.2.1 Fire Extinguisher 2.3 Alarm & detection system 2.3.1 Fire control room 2.4 Telephone handset 2.5 Fire alarm bell 2.6 Manual call point 2.7 Fireman’s switch 2.8 Smoke & fire detector 2.9 Conclusion
3 6 6 12 20 27 31
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.1 Introduction of passive fire protection system 3.2 Purpose group of Menara OBYU 3.3 Fire fighting access 3.3.1 Fire lobby 3.3.1 Fire appliance access 3.3.1 Fire staircase 3.3.1 Fire lift 3.4 Means of escape 3.4.1 Evacuation route 3.4.2 Carpark 3.4.3 Office 3.4.4 Ground level 3.4.5 Lobby 3.4.6 Rooftop level 3.4.7 Evacuation route distance 3.4.8 Emergency exit signage 3.4.9 Assembly point 3.4.10 Exit 3.5 Passive containment 3.5.1 Compartmentation 3.5.1.1 Shaft and opening control 3.5.2 Fire containment 3.5.2.1 Fire rated door 3.5.2.2 Structural fire protection 3.5.2.2.1 Fire wall 3.6 Conclusion
52 53 54 55
34 41 43 45 47 48 51
56 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 69 73 75 76 78 79
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.0 Air-Conditioning System 4.1 Introduction of air conditioning system 4.2 Central plant air conditioning system 4.2.1 Cooling tower 4.2.2 Water cooled packaged chiller 4.2.3 Air handling unit 4.2.4 Diffuser 4.2.5 Air duct 4.3 Split unit air conditioning system 4.3.1 Variable refrigerant volume 4.3.2 Fan coil unit 4.4 Conclusion
80 81
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Benefits of mechanical ventilation 5.2 Types of Mechanical ventilation 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.1 Mechanical fan 5.3.2 Ductwork system 5.3.3 Ventilation grilles and air filters 5.3.4 Fire damper 5.3.5 Silencer 5.4 Case study (Combined Mechanical ventilation) 5.4.1 Pressurization control system for staircase and lift lobbies 5.4.2 Natural ventilated basement car park 5.4.3 Mechanical supply and extract system at wet risers pump room and domestic water pump and filtration room 5.4.4 Combined mechanical extract and supply (offices, toilets) 5.4.5 Mechanical Extract system at A/C condenser pump room and hose reel pump room
97 98
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.1 Introduction of Lifts 6.2 Speed of Lift 6.3 Layout of Lifts 6.4 Quantity of Lifts 6.5 Zoning of Lifts 6.6 Functions of Lifts 6.6.1 Passenger Lifts 6.6.2 Firefighting Lift 6.7 Types of Lift 6.7.1 Traction with Machine Room 6.7.1.1 Components of Gearless Traction Lift 6.7.1.2 Machine Room 6.7.1.3 Hoisting Motor 6.7.1.4 Traction Sheae 6.7.1.5 Overspeed Governer 6.7.1.6 Control Panel 6.7.2 Machine-Roomless Traction (MRL) 6.7.2.1 MRL Components 6.7.2.2 Overspeed Governer 6.7.2.3 Control Panel
82 84 88 93 94 95 96
99 100 103 104 105 106 108 113 114 117 121
123 124 125 127 129 130 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6.8 Other Components 6.8.1 Elevator Shaft 6.8.2 Suspension ropes 6.8.3 Counterweight 6.8.4 Buffer 6.8.5 Elevator Pit 6.8.6 Lift Landing Door 6.9 Elevator Car 6.9.1 Car Door 6.9.2 Car Sling 6.9.3 Maintenance Balustrade 6.9.4 Traveling cable 6.10 Elevator Cabin 6.11 Car Operating panel 6.12 Emergency Bell Button 6.13 Elevator Safety Features 6.13.1Aprons 6.13.2 Safety Door Edges 6.13.3 Progressive Safety Gear 6.13.4 Smoke Detector in Lift Lobby 6.14 Conclusion 7.0 References
140
141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148
149 150 151
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Overview Menara OBYU (formerly known as Point 92) is a stand-alone Grade-A corporate office tower located in Damansara Perdana. It was built as an office headquarters for a corporation. This building is located in between PJ Trade Centre, Empire Damansara, Neo Damansara and Metropolitan Square. The building is designed to follow and comply with the Green Building Index (GBI). It is designed by ZLG Design, and developed by Tujuan Gemilang. It comprises a single 19-storey block with 11-storey office, 1 lobby floor and 7-storey car park bays. It has gross floor area (GFA) or 214,199.4 sf and net floor area (NFA) of 158,992.64 sf. Typical floor plate area is 14,855 sf. Its floor to ceiling height is 3.2 m to 3.4 m. While floor to floor ceiling height is 4 m. The building is served by 4 lifts and 2 car park lifts. There are a total of 394 car park bays and 95 motorcycles parking bays. This iconic office building is surrounded by many popular amenities such as The Curve, IKEA, IPC, One Utama, Tesco, Cathay Cineleisure, hotels, schools and high end restaurants. The centre is conveniently located with connections to major highways such as LDP, Sprint Expressway, NKVE and North-South Expressway linking to various places in the Klang Valley (Regus Group Companies, 2019).
Figure 1.1 Perspective of Menara OBYU
2
2.0
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
3
2.0 Active Fire Protection System
Figure 2.1 Basement 2 Fire System Plan
Figure 2.2 Ground Floor Fire System Plan 4
2.0 Active Fire Protection System
Figure 2.3 Office Fire System Plan
Figure 2.4 Rooftop Fire System Plan
5
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.1 Hose reel system
Hose Reel Tank
Hose Reel
1
Level Indicator
2
Pump (running)
Pump (standby)
Figure 2.5 Hose Reel System
Fire hose reel systems consist of pumps, pipes, water supply and hose reels located strategically in a building, ensuring proper coverage of water to combat a fire. 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.
Installation of hose reel
Hosreel Discharge Flow Rate and Throw Length
6
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.1 Hose reel system
50mm pipework
560mm hose reel drum
Figure 2.6 Hose Reel
Fire Extinguisher
Hose Hose Reel Reel Pipe
Figure 2.7 Compartmented Space with Hose Reel, Landing Valve and Fire Extinguisher
A fire hose is a high-pressure hose that carry water and used to extinguish fire. It is permanently attached to the fire hose reel system within the hose reel drum. Fire hose reels are located to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water to combat a potential fire risk. These appliances are designed to deliver, as a minimum, 0.33L of water per second. A control nozzle attached to the end of the hose enables the operator to control the direction and flow of water to the fire. All fire hose reels come with a unique ball valve shut-off device, a plastic or solid brass hose reel nozzle and mounting bracket Fire hoses can be found in every floor in Menara Obyu. It is normally placed inside a compartmented space together with hose cradle, landing valve and fire extinguisher. From Basement 6 to Lobby, there are 2 fire hoses each floor; from level 3-13 (offices) to rooftop, there are 3 fire hoses each floor.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-law 231. Installation and testing of wet rising system (2) A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby.
7
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.1 Hose reel system
Figure 2.8 Basement 2 Hose Reel Location Plan
Figure 2.9 Lobby Hose Reel Location Plan
Figure 2.10 Rooftop Hose Reel Location Plan 8
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.1 Hose reel system
Figure 2.11 Hose Reel Pump
Hose reel pumps draw water from the fire water storage tank and 2 sets of pumps, one on duter and the other on standby, are provided. The pump capacity is usually sized to deliver a flow rate of 120l/min at a running pressure of not less than 2 bars for any 4 hose reels operating at the same time. The standby hose reel pumpset should be supplied with power from the emergency generator if this is available. Electrical cabling to supply power to the hose reel pumps should be run in galvanised steel conduit or alternatively, may be of fire rated type of cable. The hose reel pump sets are protected from the weather and away from locations likely to be flooded. In Menara Obyu, it is located on the roof, ventilated by mechanical means and provided with necessary signage.
Figure 2.12 Rooftop Hose Reel Pump Room Location Plan 9
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.1 Hose reel system
The fire water storage tank should be based on 2275L for the first hose reel & 1137.5L for every additional hose reel up to a maximum of 9100L for each system. The tank may be of pressed steel, fibreglass reinforced polyester or concrete. Pressed steel tanks where used should be hot dipped galvanized and coated internally with bituminous paint for corrosion protection. The tank should be compartmented and water level indicator should be provided to show the amount of water available. The hose reel tank should be refilled automatically from a water supply pipe of minimum 50mm diameter to provide a minimum of 150L/min.
Figure 2.13 Rooftop Hose Reel Tank Room Location Plan
10
2.0 Active Fire Protection System MAINTENANCE AND TESTING
During routine maintenance, the following checks and necessary repairs are carried out to ascertain that all the hose reels are operational all the time: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Run out the hose reel and ensure the hose is non-kinking. Take remedial actions when there are leaks at the nozzle, hose clip, hose, reel and the swinging arm. Lubricate the nozzle and inlet valve when they are not working smoothly. Take remedial action when there is corrosion. Take remedial action when the operating instructions are not legible. Ensure the hose can be run out, through the hose guide if provided, in any generally horizontal direction up to the limit of hose length. Ensure the force required to start or restart rotation of the reel drum is not too great ( < 200N ). Check that the automatic valve is fully opened. Check that the hose is filled but not under pressure when coiled in the drum.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access - By-law 247, Water Storage (1) Water Storage capacity and water flow rate for the fire fighting systems and installations shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the 10th Schedule to these By-laws. (2) Main water storage tanks within the building, other than hose reel systems, shall be located at the ground, first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet connections accessible to fire appliances. (3) Storage tanks for automatic sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided without need for replenishment shall be exempted from the restrictions in their location
11
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.14 Wet Riser System
Wet risers are a form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are always charged with water. Wet risers are only required for buildings where the topmost floor is higher than 30.5metres above the fire appliance access level. Wet riser system comprises duty fire pump with standby pump discharging into a 150mm diameter riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which canvas hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. A jockey pump is usually provided to maintain system pressure. Landing valves are provided on each floor and are usually located within fire fighting access lobbies, protected staircases and installed at not more than 0.75metres from the floor. The pressure at the landing valve should be no less than 4 bars and not more than 7 bars. To achieve this, there are two types of landing valves (pressure reducing type with or without relief outlet). Those with relief outlets require a wet riser return pipe. Landing Valve
Hose cradle
Figure 2.15 Hose cradle & Landing Valve 12
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.16 Basement 2 Wet Riser Location Plan
Figure 2.17 Lobby Wet Riser Location Plan
Figure 2.18 Rooftop Wet Riser Location Plan
Wet riser can be found at every floor. There are 2 wet risers in each floor except lobby and rooftop which have only 1 wet riser. 13
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.19 Wet Riser System Component
● ● ● ● ●
It consists of a vertical stack that is charged with water under pressure, fed by pump set that draws water from a break tank. The riser extends from ground level to the top floor of the building. On every floor, including the roof, is fitted with a valved outlet called landing valve. At the top end is an air release valve, and at the bottom end a pump set. The fire service inlets called breeching inlets are connected to supply the break tank for feeding the pumps.
All risers must be electrically earthed. The risers must not be fitted with pressure reducing valves.
14
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.20 Wet Riser System Component
Operation: As the name implies, the riser contains water under pressure all the time. During a fire: 1. The fire brigade connect the suction side of their pumps to a water supply (main) via an underground fire hydrant, or hydrants. 2. The outlet side of their pumps are connected to the ground level wet riser breeching inlets, thereby supplying water from the water main or hydrant into the break tank. 3. The riser pumps draw water from the break tank and force it into the riser. 4. On every floor, water becomes available for fire-fighting via the landing valves. 5. The firemen can now enter the building and connect their hoses to landing valves fitted to the riser at the fire zone/level. 6. Should there be air trapped in the riser, an automatic air release valve at the top of the riser opens to allow air in the pipe to escape and closes after that.
15
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.21 Wet Riser Pipes
Figure 2.22 Wet Riser Pipes Low & High Zone Outside Wet Riser Pump Room at B2
The wet riser mains located in the protected areas and such that spaces are to be within 45 metres coverage from a landing valve. Where more than one riser is required for each ďŹ&#x201A;oor, the distance apart between the risers do not exceed 60 metres. The riser pipe diameter is 150mm galvanised iron. All wet riser pipes are coated with primer and ďŹ nished with red gloss paint. Alternatively, the pipes are coded with red bands of 100mm width and elbows and tees painted red. The riser pipes are electrically earthed to achieve equipotential with the building.
16
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.23 Wet Riser Pump Room
Figure 2.24 Wet Riser Pump Low Zone
Figure 2.25 Wet Riser Pump High Zone
Figure 2.26 Pressure of Wet Riser System of Jockey, Duty and Standby ( Cut-in & Cut Out ) at Low Zone and High Zone
The wet riser system is distributed in 2 parts: Low Zone & High Zone. Ground floor to 6th floor is considered as low zone; while 7th to rooftop is considered as high zone. Both has different wet riser pipe to supply water. The wet riser pumps draw water from wet rise storage tank and 2 sets of pumps, one on duty and the other on standby, are provided. The pump capacity is usually sized to deliver a flow rate of 1500L/min at a running pressure of not less than 4 bars but not more than 7 bars, when any 3 landing valves are in use at the same times. the standby wet riser pump set should be supplied with power from the emergency generator if this is available. The wet riser pump set are protected from fire and away from locations likely to be flooded. Sump pumps shall be installed where the fire pump room is located in the basement below external drainage levels. It is ventilated by natural or mechanical means and provided with the necessary signage. 17
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.27 Basement 2 Wet Riser Pump Room Location Plan
Figure 2.28 Wet Riser Water Tank
Wet riser tanks are located inside the wet riser pump room in basement 2. The tanks are fitted with an automatic warning system to indicate level of water. At protracted incidents the wet riser tank may need to be augmented using conventional fire appliances and additional water supplies. The operation of wet riser is similar to hose reel, the difference is, the hose cradle needs to be connected by the firefighters before spraying when it reaches the landing valve. 18
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.2 Wet riser system
Figure 2.29 3-way outlet at rooftop
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-Law 231. Installation and testing of wet rising system (1) Wet rising systems shall be provided in every building in which the topmost floor is more than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level (2) A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby (3) Wet risers shall be of minimum 152.4 mm diameter and shall be hydrostatically tested at a pressure 50% above the working pressure required and not less than 14 bars for at least 24 hours (4) Each wet riser outlet shall comprise standard 63.5mm instantaneous coupling fitted with a hose of not less than 38.1mm diameter equipped with an approved typed cradle and a variable fog nozzle. (5) A wet rise shall be provided in every staircase which extends from the ground floor level to the roof and shall be equipped with a 3 way 63.5mm outlet above the roof line (6) Each stage of the wet riser shall not exceed 61m, unless expressly permitted by DGFS but in no case exceeding 70.15m By-law 248, Marking On Wet Riser (1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted red. (2) All cabinets and area recessed in walls for location of fire installations and extinguishers shall be clearly identified to the satisfaction of the Fire Authority or otherwise clearly identified.
19
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Duty Pump
Jockey Pump Standby Pump Figure 2.30 Sprinkler System
Automatic sprinklers are devices for automatically distributing water upon a fire in sufficient quantity either to extinguish it entirely or to control its spread. Sprinklers systems are a series of water pipes which are supplied by a reliable water supply. The thermo sensitive sprinkler head senses thermal fluctuation during fire outbreak which will the distribute water intervally. Sprinkler heads draw water from water tank with the help of duty pump. Both duty and standby pump functions as pressure supplier to pump water to sprinklers while jockey pump maintains the system pressure, to operate upon initial monitor pressure loss and prevents larger duty pumps to cut in intermittently. Water or foam sprinkler fire fighting system consists of fire sprinklers attached to the fire fighting pipeline and are installed at the top on ceiling or on the wall. The water is supplied by water tank via fire pumps. The fire pumps are jockey pump, electric pump and diesel genset pump. The water sprinkler fire fighting system may be wet type of dry type depending upon the temperature and distance of fire fighting water source from the hazard and nature of fire hazard. In dry type sprinkler dry air or nitrogen is used. The water / foam sprinkler fire fighting system is controlled by the alarm check valves. The fire sprinkler is consists of bulb and deflector. Bulb is filled with heat sensitive fluid. When the temperature of the surrounding increase the liquid in the bulb expand, ruptured the bulb glass, the fire sprinkler orifice is opened and water sprinkler fire fighting system is activated. The fire sprinklers have deflector type head to project the water stream at particular position. In Foam sprinkler fire fighting system foam is injected into the fire fighting pipeline with foam proportioner and open type fire fighting sprinklers are installed. The whole fire fighting system is control by deluge valve via any fire alarm system 20
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler Sprinklers utilize water by direct application onto flames and heat. This action cools the combustion process and prevents ignition of adjacent combustibles.. (a)
Upright sprinkler heads
Figure 2.31 Car Park Sprinkler
Figure 2.32 Fire Staircase Sprinkler
Figure 2.33 Basement office Sprinkler
Upright sprinkler heads point up toward the ceiling, instead of the downward direction of the pendant heads. These heads are used in carpark, mechanical rooms, basement office, fire staircase or other inaccessible rooms. They are used to provide better coverage between obstructions like air ducts. (b)
Pendant Sprinkler Heads
Figure 2.34 Office Sprinkler Figure 2.35 Sprinkler heads component (Source :Fire Sprinkler Systems Guy R. Grant, PE)
Pendant sprinkler heads are the most common heads for your sprinkler systems. These heads extend from the ceiling to provide you with as much coverage as possible for your commercial and residential space. When these heads are activated, a stream of water is sent downward onto the deflector, which disperses the water throughout the room. 21
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Operation of sprinkler system : 1. The typical sprinkler head consists of a plug held in place by a trigger mechanism.The most common type of trigger is a glass bulb filled with a liquid that expands when heated. 2. The liquid in the glass bulb is designed to expand ad break the tube at a certain temperature. The most common are designed to break at 155 degrees. 3. The plug is forced out by the pressurized water behind it and deflected away. The water sprays over the deflector plate which is designed to distribute it in an even pattern directly over the source of the fire. Contrary to what is sometimes shown on television shows, all sprinklers in the building do not operate simultaneously.
Figure 2.36 Sprinkler system that connected to sprinkler pump room at B2
Figure 2.37 Sprinkler Pipe for different level
The sprinkler system is connected from the sprinkler pump room and is distributed according to different level, High Zone (10-13), Low Zone(1-9), Carpark(B1-B6). 3 classes of sprinkler system have been developed to suit the following fire hazard classes of occupancy: 1. Extra light hazard 2. Ordinary hazard 3 Extra high hazard
22
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Figure 2.38 Sprinkler pumpset
The sprinkler pumps draw water from sprinkler storage rank to feed to sprinkler network. 2 sets of pumps, one on duty and the other on standby, are provided together with a jockey pump to maintain system pressure. Sprinkler pump capacity should be selected to meet the duties deďŹ ned for the various classes of hazards. The nominal pressure and ďŹ&#x201A;ow requirements depend on the height measured between the topmost and bottom most sprinkler head.
Figure 2.39 Sprinkler Pressure Gauge
Figure 2.40 Jockey Pump
Figure 2.41 Sprinkler Piping
23
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Figure 2.42 Duty Sprin2 ler Pump (Low Zone)
Figure 2.43 Duty Sprinkler Pump (High Zone)
Phase Light AC Failure Pump Run (L) Pump Trip (R)
Figure 2.44 Jockey Pump 24
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Standby Duty
Pressure gauge controls the water pressure. Jockey, duty and standby pump working depends upon the water pressure. Jockey will automatically cut-in and cut-out the water, but in duty and standby auto cut-in only. Cut-out is done manually.
Jockey
Figure 2.45 Pressure of Sprinkler Pumpset of Jockey, Duty and Standby ( Cut-in & Cut Out ) at Low Zone
Figure 2.46 sprinkler water tank
Figure 2.47 Basement 2 Sprinkler Pump Room Location Plan
25
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.3 Sprinkler
Benefits of using fire sprinkler system:
1. Immediate identification and control of a developing fire -Sprinkler systems respond at all times, including periods of low occupancy
2. Immediate alert -In conjunction with the building fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler systems will notify occupants and emergency response personnel of the developing fire
3.Reduced heat and smoke damage -Significantly less heat and smoke will be generated when the fire is extinguished at an early stage
4. Enhanced life safety - Occupants will be subject to less danger when fire growth is checked
5. Design flexibility - Fire and smoke barrier placement becomes less restrictive since early fire control minimized demand on these systems.
6. Decreased insurance expenditure - Sprinkler controlled fires are less damaging than fires in non-sprinklered building. Insurance underwriters will usually offer reduced premiums in sprinkler protected properties which can save a large amount of capital.
26
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.4 Fire Hydrant
Figure 2.48 2-way Fire Hydrant
Water hydrant fire fighting system consist of hydrants attached to same pipeline, the other end of the pipeline is attached to the fire pumps and water supply tank. The fire pumps are jockey pump, electric pump and diesel genset pump.The fire fighting hydrant line is close loop pipe system to maintain the pressure in the water hydrant fire fighting system. In water hydrant fire fighting system hydraulic calculations are done according to NFPA Standards. fire fighting piping may be underground and above ground. MS pipe is use for above ground fire fighting piping and HDPE piping is use for underground fire fighting hydrant line. fire hose cabinet with two hoses is installed near each fire hydrant to use fire hoses at the time of fire hazard emergency.
27
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.4 Fire Hydrant
Figure 2.49 Typical Fire Hydrant Installation
Figure 2.50 Distance of Fire Hydrant Installation
Fire hydrant is placed not more than 30m away from the breeching inlet for the building, and not less than 6m form the building, spaced not more than 90m apart along access road
28
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.4 Fire Hydrant
PURPOSE
1. A fire hydrant is an above-ground connection that provides access to a water supply for the purpose of fighting fires. 2. The primary function of fire hydrants is to provide fire fighters with a fast and reliable method of connection to water mains. 3. The water supply may be: ● ●
pressurized, as in the case of hydrants connected to water mains buried in the street, or unpressurized, as in the case of hydrants connected to nearby ponds or cisterns.
4. Every hydrant has one or more outlets to which a fire hose may be connected.
A hose is attached to the fire hydrant, and the valve is opened to provide a powerful source of water. The hose can be further attached to a fire engine, which can then use a powerful pump to boost the water pressure and possibly split it into multiple streams.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-law 225. Detecting and extinguishing fire (2) Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access. (3) Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for the fire appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required by the Dire Authority.
29
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.1
Water based system
2.1.4 Fire Hydrant
Figure 2.51 Ground Floor Fire Hydrant Location Plan
Figure 2.52 Basement 6 Fire Hydrant Location Plan 30
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.2
Non water based system
2.2.1 Fire Extinguisher
There are 2 types of fire extinguisher in Menara Obyu:
Figure 2.53 Figure Fire extinguisher
-
2kg Portable co2 pipe extinguisher
-
6kg ABC dry powder portable fire extinguisher
In Menara Obyu, there are more ABC dry powder portable fire extinguishers compared to the Portable co2 pipe extinguisher
2kg Portable co2 pipe extinguisher -
The principles of extinguishment of fire by CO2 are Smothering and Cooling
-
Carbon dioxide has been used for many years in the extinguishment of flammable liquids, gas fires and fires involving electrically energized equipment and to a lesser extent, on ordinary combustibles, such as paper, cloth, etc.
-
Carbon dioxide is effective primarily because it reduces the oxygen content of the atmosphere by dilution to a point where the atmospheres no longer support combustion.
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As carbon dioxide is discharged, it boils (vaporizes) off rapidly as a gas, extracting heat from the surrounding atmosphere, thereby cools the combusting substances.
-
The advantages of using carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent are: a. Non combustible b. Non conductive of electricity and will not damage electronic equipment. c. Does not react with most substances. d. Non toxic e. No residue (Clean) f. It is a gas and can penetrate and spread to all parts of the fire area g. Easily liquefied and bottled under pressure.
31
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.2
Non water based system
2.2.1 Fire Extinguisher 6kg ABC dry powder portable fire extinguisher -
Powders used to extinguish or control fires are composed essentially of very small particles of an appropriate chemical or chemicals.
-
Different chemicals are effective on different classes of fire.
-
They are classified according to their potential applications, i.e. AB, ABC. [ABC: mono ammonium/ AB: Bicarbonates of sodium & potassium]
-
These powders are chemically active and present a large surface area within the reaction zone of the flame, interfering with the chemical processes/reaction and inhibit flame propagation.
-
Powder also forms a barrier to reduce the oxygen content (smoldering) for sustainable combustion. A crust is formed over the burning material by the action of heat on the powder. This crust enables the material to cool and thus retard the burning.
-
The advantages of using chemical dry powder as an extinguishing agent are: a. Effective for fires involving plastics, burning metal. b. Give quick knock-down. c. When applied, cloud screens flames, enables close attack to be made on fire. d. Forms a radiant heat barrier.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-law 227. Portable extinguisher 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 building shall be of the same method of operation
32
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.2
Non water based system
2.2.1 Fire Extinguisher
Figure 2.54 Basement 2 Fire Extinguisher Location Plan
Figure 2.55 Ground Floor Fire Extinguisher Location Plan LEVEL
NUMBER OF DP FIRE EXTINGUISHER
NUMBER OF CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
B6
7
2
B5-B4
7
0
B3-B2
7
2
B1
7
1
GF
5
3
LOBBY
4
0
3-13
8
0
ROOFTOP
0
3 33
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Figure 2.56 Fire Control Room at Ground Floor The control panel is the "brain" of the fire detection and alarm system. It is responsible for monitoring the various alarm "input" devices such as manual and automatic detection components, and then activating alarm "output" devices such as horns, bells, warning lights, emergency telephone dialers, and building controls. Control panels may range from simple units with a single input and output zone, to complex computer driven systems that monitor several buildings over an entire campus. The active fire protection systems works automatically or manually to warm the occupants of the presence of a fire threat. In the event of a fire breakout, the panel will activate one or more signaling circuits to sound building alarms and summon emergency help. The smoke and heat detector system will be activated and they will send signal to fire control panel. The light bulbs at the fire mimic diagrams will light up showing the fire source, and trigger the fire alarm.
Figure 2.57 Ground Floor Fire Control Room Location Plan 34
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Fire Alarm System: Fire alarm usually consists of alarm bells, fireman's switch, voice communication system, fire control panel,manual call point smoke and heat detector. The fire alarm system provides audible and visual alarm signals for the occupant of the building. The signals may be coming from the manual operation (breaking glass) or auto operation (detector).
Figure 2.58 Fire Alarm System
35
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Figure 2.59 Fire alarm control panel
The fire alarm system or fire detection system is conventional and addressable system. The fire alarm system is divided into zones depending upon the nature of fire or hazard area. The fire alarm system also contain manual push buttons sounders and flashers that activated a few second before the system to alert the occupants from fire. The conventional fire alarm system are installed with less number of inputs and outputs devices but addressable fire alarm systems are multitask fire alarm systems that also merged with other systems to control the butterfly valves, Solenoid valves and pressure switches to activate the fire fighting systems such as foam system activation or fire spray system. The heat detectors, smoke detectors and flame detectors are the fire detection devices that are installed on these fire alarm system, that send input fire signal to main control panel to activate the sounder & flasher and also alert the fire safety person via buzzer.
36
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Figure 2.60 Mimic diagram
The fire mimic diagrams in Menara Obyu has a schematic plan of the building with plans identified and an indicator lamp in each plan to indicate where an activation has occurred. The system involved shown in mimic diagram includes wet riser pump, hose reel pump, gas system discharge, pressurization fan. When there is fire and the manual call point is broken, the systems are activated, the plan location of specific functional systems will ignite on mimic diagram. The system is also known as addressable system. It is to ease the personnel and firefighters to monitor the condition of the building during fire emergency and to notify if there is any occurence of fire outbreak that urges occupants to use the system.
37
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Meter reading to check health of fire intercom system Master panel intercom console Intercom indicators to indicate the contact source location
Figure 2.61 Voice communicating system- intercom panel
An emergency voice communication system is an important part of the automatic fire detection and alarm system that allows the fire fighting team to communicate critical information and to notify the building occupants of the need for action in connection with a fire or other emergency. The operational success of the SCDF at emergencies involving multi-storey buildings is largely dependent on effective voice communication between commanding officers on the scene. The permanently installed communication system would be used by both the building occupants and the SCDF in determining and communicating (as appropriate): i. ii. iii. iv. v.
The extent of the emergency The strategy and techniques to be employed in combating the fire A speedier, more systematic and orderly evacuation of occupants The rescuing of occupants and The activation of needed manpower and equipment for logistical support
Disorderly evacuation and panic could result in loss of life during an emergency evacuation of our buildings.
38
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room
Role of Voice Communication system in fire: -
The fire detector system detect the occurrence of the fire and the SCDF is notified automatically through the DECAM station.
-
When the fire alarm is activated, an alert signal is broadcasted throughout the building using the Voice Communication System (VCS), advising the occupants to prepare for an evacuation should the need arise.
-
Nominated Floor Wardens on each floor attend to an emergency intercom system, which is linked back to an emergency control centre.
-
They are advised by the Chief Warden of the extent of the emergency and if necessary controlled evacuation of the building may commence.
-
At all times the occupants are advised of the situation and extent of the emergency, minimizing panic and ensuring a safe retreat from the building.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-law 239 Voice communication system There shall be two seperate approved continuously electricity supervised voice communications systems, one fire brigade communications system and the other a public address system between the central control station and the following areas: (a) lifts, lift lobbies, corridor and staircases (b) in every office area exceeding 92.9 square metres in area (c) in each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be combined with the public address system
Generally, a voice communication system shall consist of: 1. a one-way communication system and 2. a two-way communication system both centrally controlled and monitored from a Fire Command Centre.
39
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.3
Alarm & detection system
2.3.1 Fire control room Operation of voice communication system (1) -
-
-
-
(2) -
-
-
-
One-Way Communication System The manual operation of any floor or zone selector switch at the control console shall permit public address announcements to be given to that floor or zone when the “press-to-talk” button on the microphone is depressed. The manual operation of an “all-call” switch shall permit public address announcements to be given throughout the building when the “press-to-talk” button on the microphone is depressed regardless of whether individual selector switches have been operated or not. The depression of the”press-to-talk” button on the microphone shall shut down all background music systems, if provided. Releasing the “press-on-talk” button shall not restart the background music systems. It shall be necessary to manually restart them. Any defect in the voice communication system equipment or wiring including the microphone shall be indicated by a visual signal at the control console.
Two-Way Communication System The raising of any remote telephone handset from its bracket shall: Visually indicate at the control console the location of that handset by means of a flashing signal Sound a distinct and unique audible signal at the control console and; produce an audible tone in that handset to indicate that the system is functioning until such time that the handset at the console is raised from its bracket, then the tone shall disappear and messages may be received The raising of the telephone handset at the control console shall silence the audible signal, replace the flashing visual signal with a continuous visual signal, permit two-way telephone communication with one or any number of remote handsets and shut down all the background music systems, where provided. Replacing the handset shall not restart the background music systems. It shall be necessary to manually restart them If during the course of a normal or non-private conversation between the master handset and a remote handset, one or more of additional remote handsets are raised, then this condition shall be indicated by a continuous visual signal at the control console. These additional handsets shall be able to listen to the conversation or to join the conversation. Should the operator at the control centre wish to engage a private conversation with a particular floor, he shall be able to select the floor in question by depressing the floor selector button, and activating the privacy button.
40
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.4
Telephone handset
Figure 2.62 Telephone handset
The telephone handset link to the intercom master telephone as well as digital alarm communicator. It is located at the ďŹ re staircase every ďŹ&#x201A;oor in Menara Obyu.
41
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.4
Telephone handset
Basement Telephone Handset Location Plan
Ground Floor Telephone Handset Location Plan
LEVEL
NUMBER OF TELEPHONE HANDSET
LOCATION
B6-B3
2
STAIRCASE
B2
4
STAIRCASE, WET RISER PUMP ROOM, SPRINKLER PUMP ROOM
B1
2
STAIRCASE
GF
4
STAIRCASE, GENSET ROOM, TNB HT ROOM
LOBBY
1
STAIRCASE
3-13
2
STAIRCASE
ROOFTOP
1
MOTOR LIFT ROOM 42
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.5
Fire alarm bell
Figure 2.63 Fire Alarm Bell
Fire alarm bell is activated when it is triggered by any detection services. These alarms may be activated automatically from fire detectors or manually thru manual call points. It serves to alert occupants of Menara Obyu to evacuate as fast as possible and to send to signals to the authorities to take immediate action. In Menara Obyu, fire alarm bells are installed together with manual call points throughout every floor of the building.
43
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.5
Fire alarm bell
Figure 2.64 Ground Floor Manual Call Point Location Plan
LEVEL
NUMBER OF MANUAL CALL POINT
B6-B1, GF
4
LOBBY
3
3-13
5
ROOFTOP
2
By-law 237. Fire alarms (1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the 10th Schedule to these by-laws (2) All premises and building with gross ďŹ&#x201A;oor area excluding car park and storage area exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5metres in height shall be provided with two-stage alarm system with evacuation(continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an lert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section (3) Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action of a master control.
44
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.6
Manual call point
Figure 2.65 Manual call point/ Break glass
Break glass manual call points are installed in Menara Obyu. It enables people to raise a fire alarm in the case of fire emergency by pressing or breaking the glass to activate the fire alarm system that is connected directly to it. They are located at place that are easily accessible, identified and operated. Fire alarm bells are connected with the call points. They are installed within a maximum distance of 45m apart so that occupants can always find one easily.
Operation When the glass panel is intact, the button is depressed to open the switch in the call point. This keeps the circuit open without activating the alarm. And when the glass panel is broken, the button held down now springs outwards. This closes the switch to activate the alarm.
45
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.6
Manual call point
Figure 2.66 Ground Floor Manual Call Point Location Plan
LEVEL
NUMBER OF MANUAL CALL POINT
B6-B1, GF
4
LOBBY
3
3-13
5
ROOFTOP
2
By-law 155 Fire mode of operation (1) The fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually
46
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.7
Fireman’s switch
Figure 2.67 Fireman’s switch
Fireman's switch is a specialized switch for firefighter to disconnect power from high voltage devices which may pose a threat in the event of fire emergency. In Menara Obyu, these switches can be found at the emergency staircase within every floor.
-UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access By-law240. Electrical isolating switch (1)Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square metres shall be provided with an electrical isolation switch located within a staircase enclosure to permit the disconnection of electrical power supply to the relevant floor or zone served (2) the switch shall be a type to the firemen's switch specified in the institution of electrical engineers regulations in the force.
47
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.8
Smoke & fire detector
Figure 2.68 Smoke & fire detector at carpark
Automatic fire detectors system is used in Menara Oyu. There are 2 types of detector which are : (1) photo-electronic detector (2) ionization detector In Menara Obyu, photo-electronic smoke detectors and heat detectors are use as it is better for alerting people of smoldering sources instead of effective for flaming fires. Heat detectors can be found every floor in Menara Obyu, especially at the fire staircase.
Smoke detectors detect fires at an early stage in order to prevent it from spreading to an extent that it gets out of control. In general, smoke detectors give appreciably faster responses than heat detectors, but may be more liable to give false alarms. As such, care must be taken in their selection and location. Smoke detectors normal working will be altered when smoke particles are present in the detector. Any abnormality will then cause its electric circuit to activate to sound an alarm. Where there are productions or other processes that produce smoke, fumes, dust, etc., which might activate smoke detectors, an appropriate type of fire detector should be used.
48
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.8
Smoke & fire detector
Figure 2.69 Basement 2 Smoke & fire detector plan
Figure 2.70 Ground floor Smoke & fire detector plan
49
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.8
Smoke & fire detector
Figure 2.71 Rooftop Smoke & fire detector plan
LEVEL
NUMBER OF DETECTOR
LOCATION
B6
6
STAIRCASE, ROOMS
B5/B4
4
STAIRCASE
B3
5
STAIRCASE, METER ROOM
B2
8
STAIRCASE, WET RISER PUMP ROOM, SPRINKLER PUMP ROOM
B1
8
STAIRCASE, UTILITY ROOM, SDF ROOMS
GF
8
STAIRCASE, CONTROL ROOM, LIFT AREA
LOBBY
7
STAIRCASE, LIFT AREA
3 ~ 13
8
STAIRCASE, LIFT AREA,AHU
ROOFTOP
12
STAIRCASE,M&E ROOM, LIFT MOTOR ROOM, A/C CONDENSER PUMP ROOM, ROOF DOMESTIC PUMP ROOM, HOSE REEL PUMP ROOM
50
2.0 Active Fire Protection System 2.9 Conclusion Menara OBYU consists of 14 office levels and 6 basement level. It ensures fire safety optimization through the implementation of UBBL 1984 active fire protection system requirements to create a safer working environment. Each component shall be placed and implemented in accordance with the requirements of law. Menara OBYU has one of the most important components for fire protection system that is located in the ground floor, which includes a fire control room for the fire alarm panel, fire detector monitoring unit and the services system.
51
3.0
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
52
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.1
Introduction
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is an integral component of the components of structural fire protection and fire safety in a building. Passive fire protection requires no activation. It attempts to contain fires or slow the spread, through use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors. The purpose of PFP is limiting building damage and providing more time to the building occupants for emergency evacuation or to reach an area of refuge. The most important goal of PFP is identical to that of all fire protection: life safety. This is mainly accomplished by maintaining structural integrity for a time during the fire, and limiting the spread of fire and the effects of heat and smoke. Property protection and continuity of operations are usually secondary objectives in codes. In general, the PFP system can be categorized into three main parts, namely means of escape, compartmentation and firefighting access. The first principle, means of escape, provides safe routes and information for occupants to reach a place of safety from any part of the building in the shortest time, such as evacuate route, exits, fire escape plan, emergency escape sign, horizontal and vertical exits, and assembly points. Passive containment is the second principle which is designed to isolate fire affected areas, preventing the spread of smoke and heat, and the escalation of small fires into full-scale blazes. This principle includes compartmentation, fire containment and structural fire protection. The third principle is firefighting access. Firefighters and fire brigade appliances uses the firefighting access like the fire engine routing, firefighting lobby, staircase and lift to move about in the building during fire incidents.
Passive Fire Protection
Means of Escape
Passive Containment
Firefighting access
Fire escape plan
Compartmentation
Fire brigade access
Assembly point
Fire containment
Fire staircase
Evacuation route
Structural fire protection
Fire lift
Emergency exit signages
Diagram 3.1 : Overview chart of passive fire protection system in Menara OBYU
53
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.2
Purpose group of Menara OBYU
Menara OBYU accommodates office commodity and a cafe that is located at the lobby floor. The user group of Menara OBYU includes office workers and known personnel.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 134. Designation of purpose groups. For the purpose of this part every building or compartment shall be regarded according to its use or intended use as falling within one of the purpose groups set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and, where a building is divided into compartments, use or intended to be used for different purposes, the purpose group of each compartment shall be determined separately: Provided that where the whole or part of a building or compartment, as the case may be, is used or intended to be used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of use of the building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which purpose group it falls.
Conclusion: The purpose group of Menara OBYU complies with the UBBL 1984 requirements listed under By-law 134. The building comprises 11-storey office for lease and one cafe that operates at the lobby floor. Menara OBYU has more than one purpose group which are group IV (office) and V (shop), as stated in the Fifth Schedule.
54
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.3
Firefighting access
Firefighting access is an approved unobstructed and safe route that is always available for use by fire trucks and is designed to meet fire equipment load requirements. Access to different levels of the building through the provided designated routes to ensure the firefighting to be carried out efficiently. Firefighting access includes fire lobby, fire staircase, fire appliance access and fire lift. 3.3.1 Fire lobby A fire-resisting enclosure providing access to an escape stairway via two sets of fire doors and into which no room opens other than toilets and lifts. Firefighters uses the space of fire lobby to set up all the equipments and start rescuing the victims. The fire staircases of Menara OBYU also serves as fire lobbies. The fire lobbies are able to withstand the spread of fire for four hours, which provide safe evacuation for the occupants.
Figure 3.1 : Typical storey plan fire lobby of Menara OBYU highlighted in red.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 197. Protected lobbies. (1) Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircase in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls.
55
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.3
Firefighting access
3.3.2 Fire appliance access Accessway is provided within the site to enable fire appliances to gain access to Menara OBYU. Access openings is also provided along the external walls of buildings fronting the accessway to provide access into the building for fire fighting and rescue operations. Besides that, the accessway have a minimum width of 6 metres throughout its entire length to accommodate the entry and maneuvering of fire engine, extended ladders pumping appliances, turntable and hydraulic platforms. The access arrangements increase with the size and the height of a building, for firefighting and rescue activities to be perform efficiently.
6100 mm
Figure 3.2 : Fire engine access width along the ramp in Menara OBYU.
Figure 3.3 : Concierge entrance for fire appliance access of Menara OBYU.
56
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.3
Firefighting access
3.3.2 Fire appliance access Menara OBYU has an approximate height of 46m, with a 1,345.3m² floor area, and an approximate volume of 61,884m³, which can be categorized under one-half of minimum proportions of the perimeter of the building. It shows that the fire appliance access design of Menara OBYU complied with By-law 140 with a fair approach in designing the fire brigade access.
Figure 3.4 : Fire appliance access plan of Menara OBYU.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 140. Fire appliance access. All buildings in excess of 7000 cubic metres shall abut upon a street 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 proportions 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
57
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.3
Firefighting access
3.3.3 Fire staircases
Figure 3.5 : Typical storey plan fire staircase of Menara OBYU highlighted in red.
The fire staircase from above ground floor and below ground floor is detached to prevent occupants from rushing to the wrong floor during evacuation. In addition to safety and egress of occupants, practical and safe access to the building by firefighters and rescue equipment in order to stage rescue, fire containment and extinguishment are provided in Menara OBYU.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 177. Computing number of staircase and staircase widths (c) exits should never decrease in width along their length of travel and, if two or more exits coverage into a common exit, the common exit should never be narrower than the sum of the width of the exits converging into it; (d) except as provided in these By-laws, the minimum number of exit is two; (e) at least one of the staircases should be a minimum of two units width except that 900 milimetres may be allowed where total occupancy of all floors served by staircases is less than 50; and (f) there should be no decrease in width along the path of travel of a staircase.
58
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.3
Firefighting access
3.3.4 Fire lifts The fire lift is accessible to an exit staircase and is approachable through a fire fighting lobby at each floor. The fire lift shaft is continuous throughout the building and serve every floor.
Figure 3.6 : Typical storey plan fire lift of Menara OBYU highlighted in red.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 243. Fire Lifts. (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 as the rate of one lift in every group of lifts which discharge into the same protected enclose 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.
59
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
Means of escape are the designated escape paths for the occupants to escape from the building on fire using enclosed corridors or emergency staircases of each floor which will leads towards the final exit door of the building, bringing the occupants to a safe place or an assembly point outside of building. The whole system of means of escape consists of evacuation route, fire escape plan, exits, emergency escape signage, horizontal horizontal and vertical exits, and lastly assembly points.
3.4.1 Evacuation route There are a total of 20 floors in Menara OBYU. basement 6 to basement 1 are the open-air car park areas , which are below ground level. The rest of the 14 floors are above ground level. Out of the 14 floors, office lots occupy 11 floors from Level 3 to Level 13. The topmost level ( Level 14) is where the lift motor room, cooling tower, A/C condenser pump room,A/C make-up tank, domestic roof tank and pump room , hose reel tank and pump room and are located. The lobby is located at Level 2, while the Level 1 (ground floor ) is where the control room located and also the final evacuation exits of all the escape routes within building that circulate horizontally and vertically to direct occupants out towards the the main road outside at ground floor.
Offices
Exit via ground floor Basement
Figure 3.7 : Section showing general evacuation route 60
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4 Means of escape 3.4.2 Car Parks ( Basement 6 to Basement 1) Six of the basement parking levels consists of a centralized escape configuration with two escape points ( left and right ) that allows occupants to access the emergency staircase route vertically to discharge from the building in the event of fire breakout and towards the outside assembly point on ground floor. The simple centralized configuration help the occupants to easily identify the circulation pattern and the dual escape escape staircases serve more conveniently to ease the human traffic flow to prevent a packed situation that hinders the evacuation process.
The location of the staircase Evacuation route
Figure 3.8 : Evacuation route on basement 6 to basement 1
61
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
3.4.3 Offices ( Level 3 to 13) The evacuation route of the offices level is uniformed throughout the building. The fire emergency staircases located at the two sides of the central service core, this will help to ease the escape traffic especially when there is a panicking crowd during fire breakout. The circulation pattern is well-thought so that occupants at different parts of the office lots can use the various different exist nearest ot them to enter into the protected corridors which connect to the fire emergency staircase.
Figure 3.9 : Evacuation route on level 3 to level 13
The location of the staircase Evacuation route
3.4.4 Ground Level Ground floor is where the control room is located. It is also the floor of where the final exit of emergency staircase for upper floor ( Level 2 to Level 14) and lower floors (basement 6 to basement 1). In the fire emergency, occupants at different rooms are free to escape through respective room exits straight out to the open area.
The location of the staircase Evacuation route Figure 3.10 : Evacuation route to open area on ground floor 62
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4 Means of escape 3.4.5 Lobby ( Level 1) The protected corridors are designed to have different exists cater to different sides of evacuees at lobby area. Occupants at the north side and south side of the lobby area can easily access the north exit or south exit respectively into the protected corridors which are connected with the fire emergency staircase that eventually direct the evacuees to the ground floor and later discharge off from building. Occupants near the lobby entrance can have the option of directly escape towards the external lobby that eventually descends towards the ground floor and to the place of safety, outside and away from the building of fire.
Evacuation route Figure 3.11 : Evacuation route from the lobby using a ramp
Figure 3.12 : A ramp from lobby towards the open space 63
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
3.4.6 Rooftop Level ( Level 14) The roof level is only accessible by authorized personnel, other occupants seldom access to this vicinity of service area. During the event of emergency, authorized personnel can easily towards two staircases depends on their vicinity and will be directed downwards to the final exit at ground floor.
3.4.7 Evacuation Route Distance The maximum travel distance given to exits and dead-ends limit are elucidated in the Seventh Schedule of the of the Uniform Building By-laws. Menara OBYU is a corporate office tower and is accommodated with automatic fire sprinkler systems at all floors. The evacuation route of Menara OBYU complies with the maximum travel distances of 60m to exits by having 2 staircases at each floor and 15 m dead-end limits as specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Fire Requirement By-Laws. There are also at least two exits for each floors in the building.
LIMIT WHEN ALTERNATIVE EXITS ARE AVAILABLE (m) PURPOSE GROUP DEAD-END LIMIT
UN-SPRINKLERED
SPRINKLED
Not applicable
30
45
Office
15
45
60
Shops
15
30
45
Not applicable
45
61
Open plan
Places of assembly
Table 3.1 : Seventh Schedule showing maximum travel distance from emergency exits. Source : UBBL 1984, 2015
64
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System UBBL 1984 Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 165 : Measurement of travel distance to exits (1)
The travel distance to an exit…. continue
(2)
In the case of an 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.
By-law 166 : Exits to be 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 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
By-law 169: Exit route No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the final exit
65
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
3.4.8 Emergency Exit Signages The fire escape signage is to help direct and guide occupants to the nearest escape exit for efficient evacuation and convenient notice even when the occupants are not familiar with the layout of the premises. In Menara OBYU, this signages are place above every fire-rated doors (which enter into fire protected escape route) , to indicate the safe and shortest way to evacuate out of the building during fire breakout, and it is devoid of any surrounding decoration. These signages will also illuminate at all time of the occupancy and equipped with backup electricity power system so that it can functions in any unforeseen circumstances.
Figure 3.13 : Emergency exit signage
UBBL 1984 Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 172 : Emergency exit signs (1) Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipment. (2)
A sign reading “KELUAR” with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
(4)
All exit sign shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.
(5)
Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than
66
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
3.4.9 Assembly Point The assembly point is the area where the evacuees should gather and be identiďŹ ed after escaping from the building during the the case of emergency. At Menara OBYU, all exit points from the emergency staircases at ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor are directed towards the assembly point located at the open space right in front of the building.
Assembly point Evacuation route Figure 3.14 : Showing the routes to the assembly point
Figure 3.15 : Assembly point is located at the open space
67
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System UBBL 1984 Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 178 : Exits for institutional and places of assembly In buildings classified as institutional or palaces of assembly, exits to a street or large open space, together with staircases, corridors and passages leading to such exits shall be located, separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to occupants of the place of assembly from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke thereform. By-law 179: Classification of places of assembly Each place of assembly shall be classified according to its capacity as follows: Class A - Capacity : 1000 persons or more Class B - Capacity : 300 to 1000 persons Class C - Capacity : 100 to 300 persons By-law 183: Exit details for places of assembly Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony and every individual room used as a place of assembly shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total capacity thereof as determined in accordance with by-law 180 and as follows: (b) doors leading outside the building at ground level or not more than three risers above or below ground one hundred persons per exit unit:
(c) (e)
Staircases or other types of exit not specified in by-law 177 above seventy-five persons per exit unit
Every Class B place of assembly (capacity three hundred to one thousand persons) shall have at least two separate exits as remote from each other as practicable, and if of a capacity of over six hundred at least three such exits
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4
Means of escape
3.4.10 Exits Exits are passageways that direct occupants from one space to another, or from building space to the outside area. Examples of exits include a door and staircases. An exit route must be a continuous, unobstructed path from anywhere in the each level to the final exit to place of safety. In the case of fire emergency, exits play a key role in providing a safe route for occupants to escape from life-threatening hazard.
Horizontal exit Horizontal exit are exits that allows occupants to egress from any points in the building floor to any protected spaces from fire source with fire -resistance-rated assembly, such as fire wall or fire barrier.
Horizontal exits in Menara OBYU include fire protected passenger lift lobbies, fire lobbies, fire-protected corridors that leads to fire emergency staircases ( vertical exit enclosure) which is accessed through fire-rated doors , so as to ensure safe egress to assembly point in front of the building . The horizontal exist are mostly enclosed and the fire-protected area in Menara OBYU are separated from the rest with thicker concrete separation wall.
Figure 3.17 : Specification of the fire rated door
Figure 3.16 : Fire rated door
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System UBBL 1984 Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 171: Horizontal exits (1) Where appropriate, horizontal exits may be provided in lieu of other exits. (2)
Where horizontal exits are provided protected staircases and final exits need only be of 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.
By-law 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 the openings. 2)
Each exit shall give direct access to a) A final exit; b) A protected staircase leading to a final exit; or c) An external route leading to a final exit
3)
Basements and roof structures used solely for services need not be provided with alternative means of egress
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.4 Means of escape 3.4.10 Exits Vertical exits Vertical exits are the exits that allow occupant to egress from whichever level of a building ( downwards or upwards) to the ground floor through staircases and/or bomba lift. In Menara OBYU, the two staircases play a crucial role as means of escape during evacuation for occupants at the 14 floor above ground level to travel downwards to ground floors , and for the occupants at the 6 basements to travel vertically upwards to ground floor , together out to the assembly point in from of the building, the reinforced concrete wall and the fire emergency staircases are located within an enclosed space accessible through fire-rated doors.
Figure 3.18 : Section showing a vertical exit through staircase
Figure 3.19 : An emergency staircase that lead to the assembly point
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System
1400mm
1600mm
1340mm
2600mm
1580mm
Figure 3.20 : Dimension of exit stairway.
UBBL 1984 Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 168 : Staircases (1) Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper ďŹ&#x201A;oor shall have means of egress via at least two separate staircases. (2)
Staircases shall be of such width than in the event of any one staircase not being available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one ďŹ&#x201A;oor discharging into it calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws.
(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
By-law 106 : Dimensions of staircases (1) 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 dimensions of the rise and tread of the staircase so chosen shall be uniform and consistent throughout. (2)
The widths of staircases shall be in accordance with by-law 168
(3)
The depths of landings shall be not less than the width of the staircases.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.5
Passive containment
Passive containment is an approach from passive fire protection to contain the spreading fire from point of origin while limiting the fire flame. By containing the fire, it prevents separate areas of different levels of hazard. To separate areas for safe exit, evacuation or refuge are relatively important. A building project must limit threat to the structural integrity of the building in order to allow sufficient time for safe evacuation, active extinguishment of fire and rescue action to be carried out smoothly. In general, passive containment encompasses passive measures in the fire protection system.
3.5.1
Compartmentation
Compartmentation is the division of a building into cells, using compartment walls and floors made of fire-resisting construction which hinders the spread of fire for a period of time. The main purpose of compartmentation is to isolate the rapid spread of fire and also to provide more time to evacuation and fire rescue operations.
Figure 3.21 : Compartmentation of typical storey level in Menara OBYU.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System Floor area of the compartment in a storey : Approximately 1,345.3m² Cubic capacity of the compartment in a storey : Approximately 61,884m³
Figure 3.22 : Floor area and cubic capacity of typical storey level in Menara OBYU.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 136. Provisions of compartment walls and compartment floors. Any building, other than a single storey building, of a purpose group specified in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and which has (a) any storey the floor area of which exceeds that specified as relevant to a building of that purpose group and height; or (b) a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so relevant shall be so divided into compartments, by means of compartment walls or compartment floors or both, that (i) no such compartment has any storey the floor area of which exceeds the area specified as relevant to that building By-law 189. Enclosing means of escape in certain buildings. (1) Every staircase provided under these By-laws in a building of four storey or more, or in a building where the highest floor level is more than 1200 millimetres above the ground level, or in any place of assembly, or in any school when such staircase is to be used as an alternative means of escape shall be enclosed throughout its length with fire resisting materials.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.1.1
Passive containment Compartmentation Shaft and opening control
Protected shafts can be seen throughout Menara OBYU, such as water pump pipings, electrical pipings, ductworks and etcetera. Openings shafts are concealed nicely for safety and aesthetic purposes. Service pipings that intersect through walls and slabs are also enclosed with proper ďŹ ttings.
Figure 3.23 : Opening of shafts of Menara OBYU are being concealed.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 150. Protected shafts. (1) No protected shaft shall be constructed for use for any purposes additional to those speciďŹ ed in this Part other than for the accommodation of any pipe or duct, or as sanitary accommodation or washrooms, or both. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Part, any protected shaft shall be completed enclosed.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.5 3.5.2 3.5.2.1
Passive containment Fire containment Fire rated door
Fire rated door serves an important role in separating a fire-risk zone while maintaining accessibility for the occupants. Suitable fire-resistant fittings must be equipped on all fire doors, such as frame and door hardware. The fire doors in Menara OBYU are fitted with automatic door closers to ensure all doors are closed at an stationary state, that complies with section 164. The doors are also enterable without any additional security lock or special key to secure emergency use. The doors are able to resist fire for an hour. This shows that the fire rated doors in Menara OBYU complies with section 162.
Figure 3.25 : Specification of fire door.
Figure 3.24 : Double leaf fire door in Menara OBYU.
LEVEL
NUMBER OF FIRE DOOR
BASEMENT 1 ~ 6
4
GROUND FLOOR
6
LOBBY
1
LEVEL 3 ~ 13
4
ROOFTOP
2 Table : Number of fire door in Menara OBYU. 76
3.0 Passive Fire Protection System
Figure 3.26 : Ground floor plan fire doors highlighted in red.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 162. Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls. (1) Fire doors of the appropriate fire-rated protection (FRP) shall be provided. (2) Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door having FRP in accordance with the requirements for that wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these by-laws. (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 by-laws 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. By-law 164. Door closers for fire doors. (1) All fire doors should be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring-operated type in case of swing doors and of wire rope weight type in the case of sliding doors. (2) Double doors with rabbet, meeting stiles shall be provided with coordinating device to ensure the leafs close in the proper sequence.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.5 3.5.2 3.5.2.2 3.5.2.2.1
Passive containment Fire containment Structural fire protection Fire rated walls
A complete fire safety system for a high-rise building includes structural integrity during fire. Structural fire protection includes the insulation materials, coatings, and systems used to prevent or delay fire-induced temperature rise in structural members in buildings. Structural fire protection for walls, columns, and floors can be provided in varied forms, different materials and products, such as lightweight or higher density spray-applied fire resistive materials, gypsum board, intumescent/mastic coatings, concrete and masonry.
Fire rated walls are used in Menara OBYU to provide safe evacuation for the occupants. The fire walls are capable of withstanding the spread of fire for 2 to 3 hours. It acts as a barrier which prolong time for evacuation through the fire staircases.
Figure 3.27 : Fire rated walls highlighted in red.
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 148. Special requirements as to compartment walls and compartment floors. (6) Any compartment walls or compartment floors which is required by these By-Laws to have FRP of one hour or more shall be constructed wholly of non-combustible materials, and apart from other ceilings, the required FRP of wall or floor shall be obtained without assistance from any non-combustible materials.
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3.0 Passive Fire Protection System 3.6
Conclusion
Through the study of passive fire protection, it shows the importance of the system towards a building during fire breakouts. If the penetration isn’t properly sealed and protected with an appropriate firestop system, the fire barrier is rendered less effective, and fire will spread beyond the compartment of origin that would increase risks during evacuation. In considering fire protection measures for a building, it has become evident that Menara OBYU provides sufficient safety equipments and efficient evacuation system for both firefighters and occupants that complies to the main requirements set by the UBBL 1984. Menara OBYU has allocated the best features of passive fire protections to provide swift and safe evacuation for the occupants.
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4.0
AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.1 Introduction of air conditioning system Menara OBYU, with 14 floors and 6 basement car park, serves as an office building. This building uses two types of air conditioning system which are the central plant system and the split unit system. The central plant system is used in Level 3 till Level 13 which are the offices lot. The split unit air-conditioning systems are being used in lift motor room (at Level 14), management office (Basement 2), control room (Ground floor), and lobby (Level 1) .
4.2 Central plant air conditioning Because of its high-rise office building, Menara OBYU is using a central plant system. If the entire building is to be cooled, the use of a split unit air conditioner in each room is not economically viable and these small units can not cool the large space like halls, reception area, auditoriums, etc. The evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in a packed central air conditioner in one cabinet at the level 14. Air supply and return ducts come from the inside through the exterior wall or roof of the building to connect to the packed air conditioner, which is located outside. Often packaged air conditioners include electric heating coils or a fur of natural gas.
Return air duct Outdoor air duct with damper AHU Air conditioned room
Fan section Supply air diffuser AHU
Cooling coil
Air conditioned room
Return air diffuser
Air filter Cooling tower
AHU Air conditioned room Plant room AHU Air conditioned room
Compressor Condenser Evaporator
Figure 4.0 Components in central plant system
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.1 Cooling tower There are 7 cooling towers at the level 14 where the main function is to remove heat from the condenser discharged water so that it can be discharged into the environment or recirculated and reused. Cooling tower water flows through a heat exchanger where refrigerant vapor is condensed and heat transferred to the water. The cooling towers are intended to cool the warm water coming back from the heat exchanger so that it can be reused. The heat exchanger's warm return water is sprayed over the "fill" in the open cooling tower. The fill provides the surface area to enhance the transfer of heat between water and air, causing evaporation of a portion of the water. That cool water then loops back to the beginning of the heat exchanger to absorb more heat.
Figure 4.1 Showing highlighted location of cooling tower at level 14
Figure 4.2 Water cooling process
82
4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.1 Cooling tower
Figure 4.3 Cooling towers are located at level 14
Figure 4.4 Cutaway view of crossďŹ&#x201A;ow induced draft package cooling tower
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.2 Water cooled packaged chiller Chilled water refrigeration systems remove heat from one element (water) and move it into another element, either ambient air or water. Water-cooled chiller incorporates cooling towers that enhance thermodynamic eďŹ&#x192;ciency compared to air-cooled chillers. It is located on the rooftop inside the room.The chiller produces chilled water, that utilize a liquid refrigerant that changes the gas phase of the evaporator to absorb heat from the cooled water, and pushing it in every ďŹ&#x201A;oor to AHU and fan coil. In ahu, the refrigerant gas is then compressed by a compressor or generator to a higher pressure and the unwanted heat is removed from the heat before the cool air is distributed throughout the building. The heat from the condenser is pumped to the cooling towers to refuse the heat from the chiller.
Figure 4.5 Showing highlighted location of chillers at level 14
Figure 4.6 A chilled water refrigeration cycle
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.2 Water cooled packaged chiller Components of water chilled system: 1. Compressor The compressor is the primary mover, creating a difference in pressure to move the coolant around the system. It is always between the condenser and the evaporator. It is usually partly isolated and will be attached as the driving force by an electrical motor. Compressors can be extremely noisy, usually a constant deep droning sound with a high pitch overlay, and when close to the chiller, hearing protection should be worn.
Figure 4.7 Compressor
2. Condenser A water-cooled condenser is a heat exchanger which removes heat from the coolant vapor and transfers it to the water that runs through it. This is done by condensing the refrigerant vapor on the outside of a tube. In doing so, the vapor condenses the water running inside the tube and gives up heat.
Figure 4.8 Condenser
85
4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.2 Water cooled packaged chiller
3. Expansion valve: Between the condenser and the evaporato there is an expansion valve. It is intended to expand the refrigerant to reduce the pressure and increase the volume of the refrigerant which will allow it to pick up the unwanted heat in the evaporator.
Figure 4.9 Expansion valve
4. Evaporator The evaporator is located between the expansion valve and the compressor, the purpose of which is to collect the unwanted heat from the building and move it into the refrigerant so that it can be sent and rejected to the cooling tower. The water cools as the coolant extracts the heat, this "cooled water" is then pumped around the building to provide air conditioning, this "cooled water" returns to the evaporator bringing any unwanted heat from the building.
Figure 4.10 Evaporator
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.2 Water cooled packaged chiller 5. Controls Usually the control unit is mounted on the chiller. It is intended to monitor and control the different aspects of chillers performance by making adjustments. The control unit will generate the engineering teams ' alarms and shut down the system safely to prevent damage to the unit. There are usually also BMS connections to enable remote control and monitoring.
Figure 4.11 Control panels
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.3 Air handling unit In Menara OBYU, the air handling unit is located in every floor from 3rd floor until 13th floor with 2 AHU rooms for each floor. AHU's function is to recondition the outside air and provide it with fresh air in a building. All exhaust air is removed, creating an acceptable quality of indoor air. The fresh air is either heated by a recovery unit or heated coil, or cooled by a cooling coil, depending on the required temperature of the re-conditioned air. Some of the air from the rooms can be recirculated via a mixing chamber in buildings where the hygienic requirements for air quality are lower and this can result in significant energy savings. A mixing chamber has dampers to control the return, exit and exhaust air ratio.
Figure 4.12 Showing highlighted location of AHU at level 3 until 13
Figure 4.13 HVAC system with YORK air handling unit.
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.3 Air handling unit The air goes back out of space to the air handling unit via the duck. Return air can then move into a mixing box and blend in warmer outdoor air, not only from the outdoor air, it is also recirculate the cool air in the space.The air passes through a receptacle of air ďŹ lters and moves across the refrigerant coil of the evaporator that contains cold water or coolants. The blower pushes it through the ductwork and stretches it out into space. Sometimes, after the evaporator spiral, a small heating element is available for the air moisture control before it enters the space.
Mixing damper
Filter
Cooling coil
UVC
Outdoor air
Cool air supply to building
Removing the Return air from building dust and other contain dust and other components components
UVC prevents dust and other components from entering the air
Figure 4.14 Components of AHU
Figure 4.15 Plan of AHU on an exterior wall. Outdoor air is taken through wall, and a return air fan is overhead
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.3 Air handling unit Components of AHU:
1.
Mixing damper box
This is the place in which the external air and the return air are mixed to give the right proportion of airstreams that are distributed in the space to be conditioned.
Figure 4.16 An example of a mixing damper box (Source: Carrier Enterprise,2019)
2.
Filter
The air coming back from both a building and the exterior is not fresh air, it has some dust, bacteria, and other ingredients. Improving air quality through the removal of dust and additional undesirable air components is the main function for a ďŹ lter to make it clean and fresh.
Figure 4.17 Filter of AHU
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.3 Air handling unit 3.
Cooling coil
AHU cooling coils are usually situated after the mixing dampers and filters in the air discharge current for the cooling of the mix. The cooling coil is used on some AHUs to dehumidify the air flow.Due to its lower cost and less resistance to air velocity, corrosion resistance hydrophilic fines are also used.
Figure 4.18 Cooling coil of AHU (Source: Aarkays Air Equipment Private Limited, 2019)
4.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers use deionised, demineralized, softened or untreated water to provide protection and decrease of the static electricity of hot, circulating air. It is usually incorporated into an air handling unit before the cooling coil.
Figure 4.19 Humidifiers of AHU (Source: ACHRNews, 2019)
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.3 Air handling unit 5.
Fan
The fan function is to drive air from one location to another and the air from one duct to another is directed to ensure the system is eďŹ&#x192;cient. Multiple fans are used in this Menara OBYU to create cool air at the end of the unit of AHU and to supply the chilled air at the beginning of the duct air.
Figure 4.20 The blower of AHU (Source: Bright Hub Engineering, 2019)
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.2.4 Diffuser In Menara OBYU, they use a square cone diffuser that offers an comfortable environment for occupants through removal of heat and the even distribution of cooled air from the AHU.
Figure 4.21 Diffuser is located at the ceiling of the oďŹ&#x192;ce
Figure 4.22 A square cone diffuser plan and section
4.2.5 Air duct The air duct, that is attached to the mixing box at AHU, distributes a chilled air to the spaces that need to be air conditioned. For material, it uses galvanized steel and aluminum that is lightweight, rapid installation of the material, and prevent rusting.
Figure 4.23 Air duct that attached to the AHU
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.3 Introduction of split unit air conditioning A split air conditioner consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. On the outside wall of the space, the outdoor unit is installed that you want to cool. The compressor, condensation coil and spool, and capillary tubing are contained in this unit. The sleek indoor unit includes a cooling coil, an air ďŹ lter and a long blower.
Figure 4.24 Multi unit system with an external unit that connects to some indoor units
4.3.1 Variable refrigerant volume system Menara OBYU is using a variable refrigerant volume (VRV) system, only at the server room, that changes the volume of refrigerant in a system in order to meet the exact requirements of a building. For a system to maintain set temperatures, a minimum of energy is needed and able to provide total versatility and each indoor unit may cool or heat independently of each other. In the longer term, this unique mechanism achieves more sustainability by reducing energy cost and the carbon emissions of the end users.
Figure 4.25 An outdoor YORK variable refrigerant volume unit
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4.0 Air Conditioning System 4.3.2 Fan coil units A fan coil unit (FCU) is a device that uses a coil and a fan to heat or cool a room without connecting to ductwork. In this Menara OBYU, the FCU is located at the lobby where indoor air moves over the coil, which heats or cools the air before pushing it back out into the room. Thermostat is used to control the volume of ďŹ&#x201A;ow of chilled water through the cooling coil and thus change the air supply temperature. FCU can be noisy because the fan is within the same space.
Figure 4.26 FCU is located at the lobby in Menara OBYU
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4.0 Air Conditioning System
UBBL 1984 Part III : Space, light and ventilation By-law 41. Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air conditioning is intended, the relevant building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and heights of rooms may be waived at the discretion of the local authority. (2) Any application for the waiver of the relevant by-laws shall only be considered if addition to the permanent air conditioning system there is provided alternative approved means of ventilating the air conditioned enclosure, such that within half an hour of the air conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated volume of fresh air speciďŹ ed hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure during the period when the air conditioning system is not functioning. (3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shalll apply to building which are mechanically ventilated or air conditioned.
4.4 Conclusion MENARA OBYU uses both the central and split air conditioning unit systems, which not comply with the UBBL 1984 requirements. However, the entire system of air conditioning in Menara OBYU is well maintained, as the operator monitors the entire system every month since it is one of the most important systems in this high rise oďŹ&#x192;ce building. Therefore, it makes a thermal comfort such as a good quality of air for the users in the oďŹ&#x192;ce.
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5.0
MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
97
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.1 Introduction Mechanical Ventilation systems work by extracting stale air or supplying fresh air into rooms in a house or building. A building ventilation system that uses powered fans or blowers to provide fresh air to rooms when the natural forces of air pressure and gravity are not enough to circulate air through a building. Mechanical ventilation is used to control indoor air quality, excess humidity, odours, and contaminants can often be controlled via dilution or replacement with outside air. However, in humid climates specialised ventilation systems can remove excess moisture from the air. Since electricity became readily available in the early part of the twentieth century, fan-assisted movement of air has largely superseded the unreliable natural systems. (Greeno, 1997) Components include: fan, filters, ductwork, fire dampers, diffusers and etc.
5.1.1 Benefits of mechanical ventilation Without mechanical ventilation to provide fresh air, moisture, odors, and other pollutants can build up inside a building. Mechanical ventilation systems circulate fresh air using ducts and fans, rather than relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a building’s walls, roof, or windows. (Energy Star, 2000) -
Better Indoor Air Quality. Indoor air can be many times more polluted than outdoor air, and the average Malaysian spends 90 percent of the day inside. Ventilation systems can significantly improve a space’s air quality by removing allergens, pollutants, and moisture that can cause mold problems.
-
More Control. When homes rely on air flow through walls, roofs, and windows for ventilation, there is no control over the source or amount of air that comes into the house. Mechanical ventilation systems, however, provide proper fresh air flow along with appropriate locations for intake and exhaust to replenish oxygen.
-
Improved Comfort. Mechanical ventilation systems allow a constant flow of outside air into the home and can also provide filtration, dehumidification, and conditioning of the incoming outside air.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.2 Types of Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation systems are categorised as: ◘ Mechanical extract- natural supply ◘ Mechanical supply - natural extract ◘ Combined mechanical extract and supply
The type of mechanical system of ventilation applied in Menara OBYU is combined mechanical extract and supply. Combined ventilation system using both mechanical fans to draw fresh outside air into buildings and exhaust the stale interior air to outside simultaneously. The benefits of applying this system is that it does not reply on natural ventilation which often lack of control over the amount of air that comes into the building and deprived of opportunity to treat the air beforehand. With mechanical ventilation systems, there is more control with the proper fresh air flow speed along with desirable location for intake and exhaust. Also. treatment can also be done to the incoming fresh air with filtration, dehumidification or conditioning to get rid of dust, airborne bacteria before flowing to occupants usage.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.1 Mechanical fan Fan is a device for impelling air through inlet point or ducts, forming part of the distribution system. Typical applications include climate control and personal thermal comfort, vehicle and machinery cooling systems, ventilation, fume extraction, and to provide draft for a fire. While fans are often used to cool people, they do not actually cool air, but work by increasing heat convection into the surrounding air due to the airflow from the fans. Air-handling processes
Figure 5.1 Propeller fan
Figure Axial 5.2 fan
Figure 5.3 Centrifugal fan
Propeller fan Propeller fans utilize long slender blades twisted in such a manner as to provide some angle of attack on the gas being moved. The blades are fixed to a hub, and the entire assembly rotates in a housing. The housing has little or no effect on controlling the gas flow. Typical applications for propeller fans are wall- and ceiling-mounted exhausters. The main purpose is for free air discharge. It has low cost of installation and also quiet.(Bloch. H. P, Soares. C, 1998) Case Study
Figure 5.4 Propeller fan in domestic water pump room
Figure 5.5 Propeller fan in sprinkle pump room
Figure 5.6 Propeller fan in a/c condenser pump room
In Menara OBYU, propeller fan can be found within exhaust and supply system in an enclosed space where air is supply by fan and distributed into the room and vacuums out air to allow indoor air movement and provide fresh air simultaneously. 100
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.1 Mechanical fan Axial fan Axial fans have blades that force air to move parallel to the shaft about which the blades rotate. An axial fan is a type of a compressor that increases the pressure of the air flowing through it. The blades of the axial flow fans force air to move parallel to the shaft about which the blades rotate. In other words, the flow is axially in and axially out, linearly, hence their name. The design priorities in an axial fan revolve around the design of the propeller that creates the pressure difference and hence the suction force that retains the flow across the fan.(Mechanical engineering, 2017)
Figure 5.7 Components of Axial fan
Case study The axial fan located at the carpark acts as part of the extract system for the fireproof staircase. It is connected with several ductwork system to suck air out to the outdoor space passing through the diffuser.
Figure 5.8 Axial fan at carpark
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.1 Mechanical fan Belt Driven Centrifugal fan Centrifugal fan has a moving component (called an impeller) that consists of a central shaft about which a set of blades, or ribs, are positioned. Centrifugal fans blow air at right angles to the intake of the fan, and spin the air outwards to the outlet (by deďŹ&#x201A;ection and centrifugal force). The impeller rotates, causing air to enter the fan near the shaft and move perpendicularly from the shaft to the opening in the scroll-shaped fan casing. A centrifugal fan produces more pressure for a given air volume. They are typically quieter than comparable axial fans. They are suitable for high pressure applications as compared with axial fans. Generally centrifugal fans have three types of blade: forward blade, backward blade and radial blade. (Yu. J, Zhang. T and Qian.J, 2011).
Figure 5.9 Components of Centrifugal fan
Case study The centrifugal fan is located on rooftop in a row. It is used for air conditioning system and also ideal for use in air pollution and ďŹ ltration systems by transporting the air all the way up to the rooftop open air.
Figure 5.10 Centrifugal fan on rooftop 102
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.2 Ductwork system Ducts are conduits or passages used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to deliver and remove air. The needed airflows include, for example, supply air, return air, and exhaust air. Ducts commonly also deliver ventilation air as part of the supply air. As such, air ducts are one method of ensuring acceptable indoor air quality as well as thermal comfort. Case Study The ductwork is apply in supply and exhaust system to channel outside air towards the room or the air from the room towards the outside. It is also used to convey air throughout a building. Ductwork layouts may be very complex, involving a number of supply and return ducts, that branch to all parts of a building through diffuser grilles. Flexible duct Flexible ducts (also known as flex) are typically made of flexible plastic over a metal wire coil to shape a tube. They are used in A.H.U room to channel cool air.
Figure 5.11 Flexible duct in A.H.U room
Figure 5.12 Components of flexible duct
Rigid Duct The rigid duct is used on the rooftop connecting with the centrifugal fan to withstand the extremely high air pressure produce in the extract system. It works as air distribution system which channels air throughout the building. The building also use sweeping bends and takeoffs duct for better airflow.
Figure 5.13 Rigid duct on rooftop
Figure 5.14 Air changes in rigid duct 103
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.3 Ventilation grilles and Air filters Ventilation grilles Grille can be used for exhaust fan systems and other applications such as creating a cross flow ventilation. It is usually located at the edge of the ductwork where the air is released into the room. Air filters air filter is a device composed of fibrous or porous materials which removes solid particulates and bacteria from the air. Air filters are used to ensure adequate indoor air quality for users in rooms fitted with the ventilation system by enhancing the quality of supplied air.(Ginestet. A, Pugnet. D and Mouradian.L, 2013). Case study
Figure 5.15 Components of grilles and filters system
A balanced ventilation system for dwellings is typically composed of one ductwork (including a fan) to supply air from outside indoors and one other ductwork (also including a fan) for indoor air exhaust. The ventilation grille is located at 2 end of the ductwork and it is protected by two filters installed upstream, one on the outdoor air and the other on exhaust air.
Figure 5.16 3 slot linear supply air grille at lift lobby
Figure 5.17 Supply air side grille at stairwell from the outdoor open space via ductwork system
Figure 5.18 Fresh air grille at pump room for better indoor air quality to remove odour.
Figure 5.19 Exhaust return air grille at A.H.U room to extract hot return air from the office on the other side of the wall. 104
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.4 Fire damper Fire dampers are devices designed to impede the spread of fire through walls, floors and partitions. It is passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilising detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system. (Knapp. J, 2011).
Figure 5.20 Components of fire damper
Case study In Menara OBYU, fire dampers are installed in the ducts of ventilation and air conditioning systems which penetrate fire-resistant constructions and will automatically close on the detection of heat. It is often found behind the diffuser or grille. Fire dampers are installed in or near the wall or floor, at the point of duct penetration, to retain the integrity and fire rating of a wall.
Figure 5.21 Fire damper in ductwork system 105
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system 5.3.5 Silencer All mechanical ventilation equipment produces noise. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) can become pretty noisy when in use. Therefore silencer are used to keep the systems silent while used as a wholesome part of a HVAC system. The silencers have sound absorbing insulation inside to keep the sound down. Acoustic insulation inside the silencer contains millions of air pockets that absorb the acoustic energy as it passes, reducing the noise. (Dunn. K, 2018). Rectangular Absorptive Duct Silencer
Figure 5.22 Components of silencer
Case study In Menara OBYU the silencer are generally mounted within the system’s ductwork, they ensure that a specific noise criteria is achieved within the internal or external areas served. The rectangular ductwork offers solutions for installation within apertures and restricted spaces. It has been used in several places as shown below:
Figure 5.23 Louvres on Silencer Inlet
There is a spacer between the louvre and the silencer and the splitter orientation is at 90° to the louvre orientation.
Figure 5.24 Silencer position relative to centrifugal fans
There is a spacer between the fan and the silencer, and the splitter orientation is rotate by 90°.
Figure 5.25 attenuator position relative to axial fans
There is an adequate distance between silencer and axial fans.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.3 Components of mechanical ventilation system UBBL 1984 PART III: Space, light and ventilation By-law 41. Third schedule 2. Windowless room (1)Habitable rooms with no external walls on other enclosures shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or, such that within half an hour of the permanent air-conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated volume of fresh air speciďŹ ed hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure during the period when the air-conditioning system is not functioning. 3. Filters for exhaust air (1)Filters for the removal of airborne bacteria shall be provided for all exhaust air discharge points to the requirements of the governing health authority. (2)Exhaust air discharge points shall be at high or roof level and shall not in any case be lower than 5 metres from the external ground or pavement level.
Conclusion Application of exhaust system in windowless mechanical rooms such as sprinkle room, pump room, wet riser room, domestic water room and etc. meet the requirements of statement 2 in Third Schedule, By-law 41. It provide minimum air movement in order to exhaust foul air produce by the machines in an enclosed space. There are also air ďŹ lters placed at every end of the ductwork system with inlet and outlet grille to maintain a good air quality within a space.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4 Case Study (Combined Mechanical ventilation) 5.4.1 Pressurization Control System for Staircases and Lift Lobbies Pressurization system assists in providing pressure difference across a barrier between escape route spaces and the adjacent part of the building to control smoke movement.The high-pressure side of the barrier is the refuge area or an exit route. The low-pressure side is exposed to smoke.The higher amount of pressure in the escape exit route or refuge spaces compared to the adjacent part of the building, has the effect of making smoke or toxic gasses incapable of moving towards the bomba lift lobbies and staircases and avoid the escape routes from ďŹ lling up with smoke in the event of a ďŹ re. A path that channels smoke from the low-pressure side to the outside ensures that gas expansion pressures do not become a problem. This path is provided by the fan-powered exhaust system.
Figure 5.26 Pressurization control system Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology of U.S, n.d.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4 Case Study (Combined Mechanical ventilation) In Menara OBYU the supply systems for the building staircases are separated into two. From level 2 to 14, the air supply comes from the centrifugal fans at rooftops; level B6 to level 1 (ground floor) the air supplied from the axial fans at the basement carpark. During non-fire emergency, these mechanical ventilation will function to supply air to stairwell as there is no windows designed in the staircase enclosure for natural ventilation.
Basement B6 to Level 1 ( ground floor) supply system Level 2 to Level 14 supply system
Figure 5.27 Building sections showing the upper floor and lower floors sir supply system for the staircase pressurization system
Figure 5.28 Centrifugal fan at rooftops providing air supply for upper floors staircase pressurization system
Figure 5.29 Air supply system for lower floors staircase pressurization system 109
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4 Case Study (Combined Mechanical ventilation) The pressurization control system is an automated airflor regulation. In the case of a fire break-out, the smoke detector is activated, warning will be shown on the control panel in control room, which in turn start up the pressurisation system. centrifugal fans located at the rooftops will start to supply clean air from outside the building to bomba lift lobbies and staircases ( the escape routes) from Level 2 to Level 13 , while for level B6 to level 1 (ground floor) , the axial fans located at the basement carpark will also start to supply clean outside air to through the pressure transmitter and supply air grille The benefits of the system are ensuring visibility , safe evacuation of occupants , smoke free and easy access for firefighters in the event of a fire. The system is very important as it improves fire fighting operation efficiency and safeguarding the occupants lives.
Figure 5.30 Part of mechanical ventilation drawing of Menara OBYU showing how pressurization system works for upper floors
Figure 5.31 Fire damper at bomba lift lobby
Figure 5.32 Air supply grille at basement staircase 110
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System
UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirements By-law 198 : Ventilation of staircase enclosure (1) All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either permanent openings or openable windows to open air having a free area of not less than 1 square metre per floor. (2) Openable windows hall meet the operational requirement of D.G.F.S.
By-law 200 : Ventilation of staircase enclosures in building exceeding 18 meters For staircases in buildings exceeding 18 meters above ground level that are not ventilated in accordance with by-law 198, two alternative method of preventing the infiltration of smoke into the staircase enclosures may be permitted by providing: (a) Permanent ventilation at the top of staircase enclosure of not less than 5% of the area of the enclosure and in addition at suitable intervals in the height of the staircase a mechanically ventilated shaft to achieve not less than 20 air changes per hour to be automatically activated by a signal from the fire alarm panel; or (b) Mechanical pressurization of the staircase enclosure to the standard of performance as specified in section 7 of the Australian Standard 1688, Part 1 1974 or any other system meeting the functional requirements of the D.G.F.S.
By-law 201 : Staircase enclosures below ground level All staircase enclosures below ground level shall be provided with suitable means of preventing the ingress of smoke
By-law 202 : Pressurized system for staircase All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.75 metres in height where there is no adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of pressurization: (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 (b) Where the number of doors which are deemed to be opened at the one time shall be 10% of the total number of doors opening into the staircase with a minimum number of two doors open. (c) Where with all the doors closed the air pressure differential between the staircases and the areas served by it shall not exceed 5 millimetres water gauge. (d) Where the mechanical system to prevent smoke from entering the staircase shall be automatically activated by suitable heat detecting device, manual or automatic alarm or automatic wet pipe sprinkler system
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By-law 197 : Protected lobbies (1) Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircases in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls. (2) In buildings exceeding 45 metres above ground level, such protected lobbies shall be pressurized to meet the requirements of Section 7 of the Australian Standard 1668, Part 1 - 1974 or any other system meeting the functional requirements of the D.G.F. S. (3) Protected lobbies may be omitted if the staircase enclosures are pressurized to meet the requirements of the by-law 200.
Conclusion: The staircase enclosure mechanical ventilation fulfills the requirement of UBBL clause 200. The stairwell pressurization system in Menara OBYU meets the requirement stated in UBBL clause 201 and 202 which functions to supply air from outside to pressurize the stairwell at every floor during fire emergency. The lift lobby pressurization system in Menara OBYU also meets the requirement stated in UBBL clause 197, it has the similar character and function as with the stairwell pressurization system
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.2 Natural Ventilated Basement Car Park The car park of Menara OBYU is located at the open-air basements. The sides are walled by high tensile steel cables grids function as support to climbing plants facade in this naturally ventilated underground car park， fresh air flows in freely throught these permeable green walls to replace the smoke or harmful vehicle exhaust emissions, preventing a stationary mode of stale foul air from accumulation by the vehicular emissions.Mechanical ventilation systems is thus excluded for ventilation purpose. It is one of the design employed in this certified green building by the Green Building Index (GBI) of Malaysia to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability.
Figure 5.33 Naturally ventilated basement carpark, B1
Figure 5.34 Basement 2 floor plan showing the naturally ventilated car parking area
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.3 Mechanical Supply and Extract System at Wet Risers Pump Room and Domestic Water Pump and Filtration Room Wet Risers Pump Room and Domestic Water Pump and Filtration Room are adjacent to each other and located at the underground car park. They are ďŹ tted with individual exhaust and supply systems separated from the other areas. The mechanical ventilation system ensures prevention of heat concentrations from pump machinery and provision of air freshness to the spaces. Both pump rooms have their respective air supply inlet and extract outlet provided by wall-mounted propeller fans. As the domestic water pump room is organized at the external side, the exhaust ductwork from the internal wet riser pump room is passing through the former, so that the stale air can be disposed to outside.
Figure 5.35 Location of Wet riser pump room and Domestic water pump room
Figure 5.36 Labelling on ductwork; left: ductwork labeled with outside air and it is for carrying supply air; right: ductwork labeled with exhaust air and it is for carrying exhaust air
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.3 Mechanical Supply and Extract System at Wet Risers Pump Room and Domestic Water Pump and Filtration Room
A C E B
D
Figure 5.37 Sketch of how air is extracted out and being supplied at domestic water pump room and wet riser pump room respectively
A B
C
Figure 5.38 Supply fan (wall-mounted propeller fan) for domestic water pump room and the connected ductwork
Figure 5.39 Supply fan, supply air grille and exhaust air grille for wet riser pump room
D E
Figure 5.40 Wall-mounted propeller exhaust fan at domestic water pump room
Figure 5.41 Supply air grille at domestic water pump room
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UBBL 1984 Part III : Space, Light and Ventilation By-law 41 : Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned Third Schedule Clause 7 : Mechanical ventilation system in basement areas (1) Basement and other enclosures below ground level used for working areas or for occupancy of more than two hours duration shall be provided with mechanical ventilation having a minimum of six air changes per hour (2) Basement or underground car parks shall be provided with mechanical ventilation such that the air exhausted to the external atmosphere should constitute not less than six air changes per hour. Air extract opening shall be arranged such that it is not less than 0.5 metres above the ďŹ&#x201A;oor level period system. (3) Basement and other enclosure below ground level used for working areas or for occupancy of more than two hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; duration shall be provided with a minimum of one fresh air change per hour, or the minimum of 028 cmm per person working in such area.
Conclusion: According to UBBL 1984, basement car parks require mechanical ventilation systems. The car park of Menara OBYU locates at the open-air basements that is naturally well-ventilated. Hence, the car park below the ground level can exclude any exhaust systems. Moreover, the wet risers pump room and domestic water pump and ďŹ ltration room complies with clause 7 of the Third Schedule by having both supply and extract air systems. These room may sometimes be used for more than two hours during servicing and the exhaust system is crucial to exhaust the harmful gas particles and heat generated by pumps machinery.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.4 Combined mechanical extract and supply Offices Behind the disguise of same grilles design, two different functions of air transfer are being performed. The extraction of the interior air is located at the return air grilles positioned closed to the thermostat. The stale and warm air is then carried through the ductwork system as transfer path to the rooftops where the centrifugal fans extract the air out or the stale warm air is returned back to the air-handling unit to reprocess and recirculate. The renewal of the inlet fresh air is provided by the air supply from the air-handling units.
Figure 5.42 Air circulation pattern of office at Level 4: air supply from AHU highlighted in turquoise, air to be returned or exhausted at rooftops highlighted in orange
Figure 5.43 Open-plan office of Level 4
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.4 Combined mechanical extract and supply The thermostat function to keep the air quality of the offices in check: if the office is too cool , it stops the supply air; when it is too warm, it signals more supply air from AHU. This type of combined mechanical extract and supply system reduces dust and noise pollution incurred in the case of natural extract or supply system. The windows are mainly used for natural lighting , and are often kept in closed position. The regulated airflow provides the office workers a friedly, conducive atmosphere to work in.
Toilets In Menara OBYU, the mechanical air extract to depressurize the toilet spaces, the resulting negative pressure draws outside air ( air from supply air grilles at enclosed corridors ) into the toilets. This prevent any unpleasant odors from the toilet drifting out to the office areas and accumulation of odours in the toilets itself. In Menara OBYU, the mechanical extract outlets are positioned in the toilets to combat unpleasant odours and high humidity level, continuous drawing of stale air out of the toilet through the centrifugal fans at rooftops via ductwork, the toilet is kept dry and fresh all the times, this ensures maximum comfort levels for toilet users
Figure 5.44 Toilets location at Level 4
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.4 Combined mechanical extract and supply
Figure 5.45 Exhaust air grille at toilet cubicle
Figure 5.46 Exhaust air grille above toilet basin area
Figure 5.47 Part of mechanical ventilation drawing of Menara OBYU showing extract system at toilets 119
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System
UBBL 1984 Part III : Space, Light and Ventilation By-law 41 : Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned
Third Schedule Clause 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 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 ďŹ&#x201A;oor area of ten air changes per hour, whichever is the lower.
Conclusion: The toilets of the Menara OBYU is compliant with the By-law 41 under the Third Schedule clause 10. The toilets are located at the internal portion of the building and are provided with mechanical extract system which help circulate the air and reduce moisture level, drawing out foul air through exhaust system and replace with new supply air ďŹ&#x201A;ows from enclosed corridors.
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5.0 Mechanical Ventilation System 5.4.5 Mechanical Extract System at A/C Condenser Pump Room and Hose Reel Pump Room
In daily normal circumstances, the wall-mounted propeller fans circulate the stale air out of the space and drawn in fresh air. In the event of ďŹ re breakout. The in extract systems at the A/C Condenser Pump Room and Hose Reel Pump Room function to extract out any accumulation smoke and harmful fumes from the internal spaces. The extraction of oxygen from the internal spaces may help to retard the spreading of ďŹ re.
A
B
C
Figure 5.48 Location of A/C Condenser pump room and Hose reel pump room at level 14 (rooftop)
A
B
C
Figure 5.49, 5.50, 5.51, 5.52 The three wall-mounted propeller fans at A/C Condenser room, interior and exterior views
Figure 5.53, 5.54 Wall-mounted propeller fans at hose reel pump room; left: interior view, right: exterior view
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UBBL 1984 Part VIII : Fire Alarms, fire detection, fire extinguishment and fire fighting access By-law 249 : Smoke and heat venting In windowless buildings, underground structures and large area factories, smoke venting facilities shall be provided for the safe use of exit. By-law 251: Smoke vents to be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke Where smoke venting facilities are installed for purposes of exit safety in accordance with the requirements of this Part they shall be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke during the period of time necessary to evacuate the area served using available exit facilities with a margin of safety to allow for unforeseen contingencies
Conclusion: Menara OBYU complies with By-laws 249 and 251. The A/C Condenser Pump Room and Hose Reel Pump Room are fitted with necessary exhaust system which function as smoke and heat venting during fire emergency and ventilation purposes under normal circumstance to extract and disperse smoke, harmful air particles which could be detrimental to health and safety of occupant.
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6.0
MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.1 Introduction Mechanical transportation systems is an integral part of modern buildings that is used to move goods and people vertically and horizontally. Common types of transportation systems are: ● ● ●
Lifts/ Elevators Escalators Travelators
In Menara OBYU, the only mechanical transportation system is lifts. Lifts A lift is an apparatus for raising and lowering people or things to different floors of the building
According to Section 124 in UBBL 1984: For non-residential buildings that exceed 4-storeys above/ below the main entrance, a lift shall be provided.
A lift is also required in a building less than 4 storeys if access for elderly or disabled is required. Menara OBYU has a total of 20 floors, thus lifts are required.
Offices
Lobby Level Entrance Level Basement Parking
Figure 6.1: Section showing different levels of the building. 124
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.2 Speed of Lifts The speed of the lift also depends on the types and functions of the lift.
6.3 Layout of Lifts
Figure 6.2: Possibilities of lift layout arrangements. (Greeno & Hall, 2003)
According to MS 1184 : 2014 15 Lifts 15.1 All accessible levels of a building shall be accessible with ramps and lifts. Lifts are preferable, and shall be accessible for all people, including people with disabilities. At least one lift car, adjacent to a building entrance that is accessible for disabled persons, shall be designed as a lift for wheelchair users.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System The minimum standard of service is one lift for every four storeys, and with a maximum walking distance of 45m to the lift lobby. Lift should be positioned at locations which provide easy access to building users, and the grouping of lifts is essential for user convenience. It is also preferable for lifts to be grouped together when a number of them are required. On the ground level (main entrance level) of Menara OBYU, the lobby provides access from the basement and firefighting passenger elevators to the passenger lifts that go up to the upper levels. This provides a transitional space between lifts that lead to different areas. The purpose of having the lifts being grouped closer is to reduce costs as well as waiting time for the users. Floor space and lift car capacity can also be estimated at 0.2 m2 per person. (Greeno & Hall, 2003) Passenger Lifts (Upper Levels) Passenger Lifts (Basement Levels) Firefighter Lifts
Figure 6.3: Lift layout on lobby level.
Figure 6.4: Dimensions of lift lobby.
Usually, the width of the lift lobby should be anywhere between 3.5 to 4.5m, or twice the width of the lift car, as it should be large enough to allow traffic to move in two direction. The width of the lift lobbies of Menara OBYU complies with this. 126
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.4 Quantity of Lifts There are a few factors that have to be taken into account when deciding the quantity of lifts needed in a building. The factors include population of building, type of building occupancy, number of floors and height, initial costs, and maintenance costs. As the number of lifts increase, the installation cost, capital costs, and maintenance costs also increase. However, the less the lifts provided, the longer the waiting time. Below, a chart shows how to estimate the number of lifts required.
In Menara OBYU, there are 6 lifts (5 passenger lifts and 1 firefighting lift).
6.5 Zoning of Lifts For skyscrapers or high-rise buildings, it is necessary to divide a building into groups of elevator serving floors called zones, such as low, middle and high zones. Zoning is needed to provide an equal amount of lift service to every user as much as possible. The recommended number of floors for each group to service is 10 to 15 floors. To carry passengers to their destination zone as fast as possible, express zones are sometimes provided to run express or shuttle elevators between the lobby and each zone. This will also maximize high speed elevator performance, reduce round trip time, increase passenger handling capacity, and reduce the required number of elevators. In general, the recommended number of serving floors in a zone is 7 to 10. The space above the low and middle zone elevator hoist ways in the building is available for use as offices and other purposes. The elevator hall space between express elevator serving floors is also available for use as storage. Thus, rentable space within the building will be increased. (SIGMA, n.d.)
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System
High Zone
Low Zone
Figure 6.5: High zone and low zone of the building.
In Menara OBYU, the building can be split into two zones, the low and high zone. The low zone consists of the 6 basements levels, and the high levels consist of the 12 upper levels that are mostly office spaces. These two zones are separated by the entrance and lobby levels. Two passenger lifts go down to the basements from the lobby level, whereas the other three passenger lifts bring the users from the ground floor to the upper floors. The firefighting lift is the only lift that is able to access all levels.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.6 Function of lifts 6.6.1 Passenger Lifts A passenger lift has a completely enclosed lift car that travels vertically within a specially prepared lift shaft where passengers are transported between ďŹ&#x201A;oors at reasonably quick speeds and the control systems are often designed to give the most economical distribution of passengers throughout the building. (Invalifts, n.d.) In Menara OBYU, there are 5 passenger lifts in total. Two of the passenger lifts lead from the lobby level to the basement levels (low zones), while the other three, which require special access, lead up to the upper ďŹ&#x201A;oors (high zone). This lift is space and cost-eďŹ&#x192;cient, and is able to hold up to 11 passengers, whilst being able to travel up to 1.75m/s, making it suitable to use in a commercial building where it needs to constantly transport people to different levels. Passenger lifts to low zone. Passenger lifts to high zone.
Figure 6.6: Location of passenger lifts on the lobby level.
Figure 6.7: Passenger lift to low zone.
Figure 6.8: Passenger lifts to high zone.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.6.2 Firefighting Lift A firefighting lift is a lift that is often provided within a tall, complex building or a building with deep basements. The firefighting lift functions to provide a facility in assisting firefighters to move with more ease vertically through a building. Unlike a normal passenger lift, it can operate so long as is practicable when there is a fire in parts of the building beyond the confines of the firefighting shaft, as it is used to transport firefighters and their equipment to a floor of their choice. (National Operational Guidance, n.d.)
Firefighter lift.
Figure 6.9: Location of firefighter lift in plan on lobby level.
Figure 6.10: Photo of firefighter lift. 130
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System The lift can be used in normal times as a passenger lift by the occupants of the building. However, in order to prevent the risk of the entrance being obstructed when the lift is required to go into the firefighting mode, the firefighting lift in Menara OBYU is not usually used to move goods, nor is it allowed to be used by other users on a normal basis, with the exception of the security team or the building’s maintenance crew as it also functions as a service lift. There is only one firefighting lift in Menara OBYU, and it is the only lift with a two-sided entrance and access to all floors. It is the only lift that can access levels in both the low zone and high zone. It can hold up to 15 passengers, and can travel up to 1.75m/s.
A firefighting lift switch is provided to enable the fire service to obtain immediate control of the firefighting lift in a firefighting shaft. Once the firefighting lift has arrived at the fire service access level, its doors should open and it should then operate as follows: •Fire personnel entering the lift car should be able to register a call to any selected landing in the building by sustained pressure on a car control until the car doors have fully closed. •The doors should immediately reopen if a car control is released before the doors have fully closed, and the call should be cancelled. •It should be possible to register additional calls on the car controls once the lift is moving. The lift should travel in the direction of the first call registered, and should stop at the first floor encountered for which a call is registered. •The doors should remain closed unless they are operated by continuous pressure on the 'door open' control. It should not be possible to open the doors without sustained pressure on the control. •Release of the 'door open' control before the doors are fully open should cause the doors to automatically re-close. This allows fire service personnel to observe the situation immediately outside the lift landing doors in the firefighting lobby. •Once the doors are fully open they should remain open until a new call is registered at the car control station. Advantages: •Helps to ease the vertical transportation of firefighters and equipment within a building. Possible Disadvantages/ Threats: •Possibility of user becoming trapped •Lift movement may increase ventilation to fire •Firefighting lifts should not be used as service lifts however it is still used as such •Not prominent or always readily identifiable
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7 Types of Lifts Electric Lift There are two types of electric lifts, both which can be found in Menara OBYU: •Traction with Machine Room •Machine-Room-Less Traction (MRL) 6.7.1 Traction with Machine Room There are 3 traction lifts with machine room found in Menara OBYU, and they are gearless traction lifts. The gearless traction lifts are the lifts connecting the ground floor to the high zone, and does not provide access to the basement levels. These lifts provide access to the offices in the higher levels, and have are more private, requiring access cards to access the upper levels. The lift shaft goes up to the 13
th
floor, with the machine room being located on the rooftop. Gearless traction lifts
Figure 6.11: Location of the gearless traction lifts in plan on lobby level.
Figure 6.12: Gearless traction lifts seen from the lift lobby.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.1.1 Components of a Gearless Traction Lift The traction lift operates as ropes that lift it pass over wheel attached to an electric motor above the elevator shaft. This type of electric lift is more suitable for medium or high-rise buildings as it can move at a faster speed compared to a hydraulic lift. The eďŹ&#x192;ciency of the elevator is increased with the help of a counter weight, which offsets the weight of the car and occupants so that the motor doesn't have to move as much weight. (ISF, 2017)
Figure 6.13: Components of a gearless traction lift.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.1.2 Machine Room The machine room is a room specifically for the lift controllers and drives. As recommended (Greeno & Hall, 2003), the machine room of Menara OBYU is located on the roof top, above the lift shaft in order to minimize rope length and optimize efficiency. The machinery are also well secured to a concrete base and the room is ventilated.
Figure 6.14 Components of a machine room.
Figure 6.15: Machine room in Menara OBYU.
6.7.1.3 Hoisting Motor A hoisting motor is a DC motor-driven device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. Other motors may be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chain, fiber or wire rope as its lifting medium. The most familiar form of a hoist is an elevator, the car of which is raised and lowered by a hoist mechanism. Historically, AC motors were used for single or double-speed elevator machines on the grounds of cost and lower usage applications where car speed and passenger comfort were less of an issue, but for higher speed, larger capacity elevators, the need for infinitely variable speed control over the traction machine becomes an issue. Therefore, DC machines powered by an AC/DC motor generator were the preferred solution.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.1.4 Traction sheave In roped elevators, the car is raised and lowered by traction steel ropes rather than pushed from below. The ropes are attached to the elevator car, and looped around a sheave which acts as a pulley with a grooves around the circumference. The sheave grips the hoist ropes, so when you rotate the sheave, the ropes move too. The sheave is connected to an electric motor. When the motor turns one way, the sheave raises the elevator; when the motor turns the other way, the sheave lowers the elevator. In gearless elevators, the motor rotates the sheaves directly, and is housed in the machine room along with the other machinery.
Figure 6.16: Traction sheave in the machine room.
6.7.1.5 Overspeed Governer An overspeed governor is an elevator device which acts as a stopping mechanism in case the elevator runs beyond its rated speed. This device must be installed in traction elevator, and are typically found in overhead machine rooms, which is where it is located in Menara OBYU. Conventional elevator safety equipment includes an overspeed governor for disrupting elevator car movement when a predetermined speed is exceeded. Overspeed governors include a switch that opens when the elevator reaches a predetermined velocity. When the switch opens, power is removed from the machine motor and brake. A braking mechanism then stops the elevator car. The switch remains open, and the elevator remains inoperable, until the switch is manually reset.
Figure 6.17: Overspeed governer in Menara OBYU elevator machine room.
Figure 6.18: Example of an overspeed governer (Wolftech, 2019) 135
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.1.6 Control panel Like most modern high-rise buildings, Menara OBYU uses a microprocessor control system to control their gearless traction lifts, as this control system is very compact and consume a lot less power in comparison to the older electro-mechanical relay controllers. This takes up much less space, hence the machine room can be much smaller than if they were to use older controllers. The lift brakes can be activated here manually in case of an emergency. The readers for the access card system are located here as well, which provides access via the lift to different levels only for users who has the access cards.
Figure 6.20: Access card system control panel.
Figure 6.19: Control panels in the elevator machine room in Menara OBYU.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.2 Machine-Room-Less Traction (MRL) There are 2 machine-room-less elevators found in Menara OBYU. They are both situated next to the ďŹ reďŹ ghter lift. And only connect the ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor to the basement levels, they do not provide access to the upper levels in the high zone. This allows more space to be used in the upper levels. Machine-room-less elevators are elevators which do not have a dedicated machine room above the shaft. The machinery sits in the override space and is accessed from the top of the elevator cab when maintenance or repairs are required. Unlike the regular gearless traction lifts in Menara OBYU, the MRL lifts do not have their control panels in a separate room. Instead, the true machine-room-less has a control panel next to the lifts, and its controllers are located within the hoistway.
Figure 6.21: Location of controller in a true machine-room-less elevator.
Figure 6.22: Location of the machine-room-less elevators in plan on lobby level. 137
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System
(Fujihd, 2016)
6.7.2.1 Components of Machine-Room-Less Traction (MRL)
Figure 6.23: Components of a machine-room-less elevator.
Figure 6.24: Difference between a conventional traction machine elevator and a machine room-less elevator. 138
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.7.2.2 Overspeed Governer An overspeed governor is an elevator device which acts as a stopping mechanism in case the elevator runs beyond its rated speed. For a machine-room-less elevator, the safety gears of the lift car are triggered by the overspeed governer via the governer rope when the lift car exceeds its rated speed. This will cause the lift car to clam onto the guard rails in the elevator shaft and impede its movement.
Figure 6.25: Example of a bi-directional overspeed governer for a MRL. (Kone, n.d.)
6.7.2.3 Control Panel
Figure 6.26: Location of overspeed governer in hoistway.
The control panel is located at the wall beside the lift, with the controllers in the hoistway, instead of in a machine room. It can be seen from the lift lobby, but it is usually hidden behind a metal panel cover.
Figure 6.27: Controllers in the control panel in the wall.
Figure 6.28: Control panel located beside the lift.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.8 Other Components 6.8.1 Elevator Shaft Also known as a hoistway, an elevator shaft is a vertical shaft in a building that permits the passage of an elevator from floor to floor. Guide rails, counterweight and suspension ropes as well as other various components can be found inside the elevator shaft. The size of the elevator shaft is determined by the number of users.
Figure 6.29: Example of the inside of an elevator shaft. (Diesel, 2013)
6.8.2 Suspension ropes Suspension ropes are needed in traction elevators to allow the lift car to be raised and lowered instead of being pushed from below. Suspension ropes used in traditional lifts are connected to the cross head and extended up onto the traction sheave on the motor and then back down to the counter weight. High tensile steel ropes are used to suspend lift cars, but sometimes flat steel rope belts are used. There are usually at least four ropes in number.
Figure 6.30: Different roping methods.
The lifts in Menara OBYU uses the single wrap 1:1 roping method, which is the most economical and efficient of roping systems. The rope is passed over the traction once and is connected to the counterweight. This method is most efficient when used for small capacity cars, which is suitable for the lift cars in Menara OBYU as they are only primarily used as passenger lifts and firefighter lifts. 140
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.8.3 Counterweight A counterweight is found in the elevator shaft and is a weight that, by exerting an opposite force, provides balance and stability of a mechanical system. Its purpose is to make lifting the load more efficient, which saves energy and is less taxing on the lifting machine. The counterweight weighs about the same as the car filled to 40-percent capacity.
Figure 6.31: Example of a counterweight. (Tyssenkrup, 2019)
6.8.4 Buffer
Figure 6.32: Counterweight in the shaft.
A buffer is a device designed to stop a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit and to soften the force with which the elevator runs into the pit during an emergency. They may be of polyurethane or oil type in respect of the rated speed. The type used in Menara OBYU is oil buffer. An oil buffer uses a combination of oil and springs to cushion a descending car or counterweight and are most commonly located in the elevator pit, because of their location in the pit buffers have a tendency to be exposed to water and flooding. They require routine cleaning and painting to assure they maintain their proper performance specifications. Oil buffers also need their oil checked and changed if exposed to flooding.
Figure 6.33: Components of an oil buffer.
Figure 6.34: Oil buffer. (Margalift, n.d.) 141
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.8.5 Elevator Pit The elevator pit is the area located at the base of the hoistway beneath the elevator car. Buffer springs can be found there to catch the lift car in case it over travels or fall suddenly. Traction elevators will have a set of springs beneath the counterweight as well. For Menara OBYU, oil buffers are located there.
Figure 6.35: Components found in an elevator pit.
6.8.6 Lift Landing Door The landing doors are lift doors that can be seen from each floor of the building. They are also known as outer or hoistway doors. In Menara OBYU, the landing doors are two panel, centre-opening doors. These hoistway doors can be opened or closed by electric motors or manually during emergencies. They also have motion sensor systems that keeps the doors from closing when someone or something is between the doors. The elevator car doors travel along the hoistway with the lift car, but hoist doors are fixed doors on each landing floors.
Figure 6.36: Lift landing doors as seen from the lift lobby. 142
6.8 Elevator Car
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System
According to UBBL 1984: Part VII: Fire Requirements By-law 151: 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 openings to the satisfaction of the local authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other special buildings as approved by the D.G.F.S. 2)Landing doors shall have a FRP of not less than half the FRP of the hoistway structure with minimum FRP of half hour. 3)No glass shall be used in landing doors except for vision in which case any vision panel shall be glazed with wired safety glass and shall not be more than 0.0161 square metre and the total area of one more visions panels in any landing door shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre. 4)Each clear panel opening shall reject to sphere 150 mm in diameter. 5)Provision shall be made for the opening of all landing doors by meansof an emergency key irrespective of the position of the lift car. 6.9 Elevator Car Elevator car is is essentially a platform that is either pulled or pushed up by a mechanical means. A modern-day elevator consists of a cab (also called a car) mounted on a platform within an enclosed space called a shaft or sometimes a "hoistway".
Figure 6.37: Components of elevator car. 143
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.9.1 Car Frame Car frame is used to support the cabin which is located in three different positions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; upper, sides and bottom.
Figure 6.38: Car frame.
Figure 6.39: Components of car frame.
6.9.2 Car Sling Car sling is the framework which encloses the cab. It also caters the necessity to connecting the rope guides and plat form attach to the car frame. The height of the car sling depends on the cab height.
Figure 6.40: Components of car sling. 144
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.9.3 Maintenance Balustrade The maintenance balustrade is located at the roof of the lift car. The balustrade is to prevent people from falling into the shaft while maintenance work is being carried out.
Figure 6.42: Maintenance balustrade surrounding top part of elevator car. Figure 6.41: Components of maintenance balustrade.
6.9.4 Traveling Cable Traveling cable is a ďŹ&#x201A;exible cable that supplies electricity to a lift and serves as mean of communication between controller and car.
Figure 6.43: Example of traveling cables. (Mitsubishi, n.d.)
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.10 Elevator Cabin Elevator cabins are enclosed by walls, ďŹ&#x201A;oors and ceilings made of steel or other materials. The only openings allowed is the car door, emergency trap door and ventilation apertures.
Ceiling Vents
Lighting
Walls
Doors
Floor
Figure 6.44: Elevator cabin interiors.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.11 Car Operating Panel Elevator car operating panel is installed in the elevator car. The car operating panels in Menara OBYU contain controls such as: •Open and close button: Instructs the landing doors to open or close. •Floor request button: Allow users to choose the desired floors. •Overload warning: Produces a warning sound when the lift capacity is exceeded. •Intercom system: Connects the inside of the lift car to a control room in case of emergencies. •Automatic emergency rescue device: In case of a power failure and the lift has not arrived on the appointed floor, the AERD will trigger, and allow it to stop at the nearest floor and open the doors. •Fire alarm home landing: When fire alarm is activated, the car will return to the selected floor.
Figure 6.45: Floor request buttons.
Figure 6.46: Floor display.
6.12 Emergency Bell Button The emergency bell button can be found on the operating panel. When pressed, it will produce a sound to alert people outside the lift shaft that there is someone trapped inside in case of a lift malfunction. The controller interacts with this button by receiving visual or audible response when pressed.
Figure 6.47: Emergency Bell Button.
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.13 Elevator safety features 6.13.1 Aprons Aprons are an appliance for the safety of evacuated passengers that prevents them from falling back into the hoist when the cabin is above the ďŹ&#x201A;oor. The width of the widest hoist door opening shall be no less extended.
Figure 6.48: Apron
6.13.2 Safety door edges A feature that detects an object or a passenger at the doorway that prevents closing of doors (usually ďŹ tted to access). The door will open and not be closed until the individual moves away or the item removed is reopened if the person or object blocks the door and the sensors can detect the person or item.
Figure 6.49: Safety door edges 148
6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.13.3 Progressive Safety Gear A mechanical device that stops the lift car or counterweight by gripping the guide rails in case of a malfunction that involves a free moving car. Safety gears are mounted at the lower part of the car sling and are actuated by the overspeed governor.
Figure 6.50:Progressive Safety Gear
6.13.4 Smoke Detector in Lift Lobbies Smoke detectors can detect snoke within the vicinity and send signals to the ďŹ re alarm control panel, these can be found in the lift lobbies.
Figure 6.51: Smoke detector
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6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 6.14 Conclusion Elevators are the only type of mechanical transportation found in Menara OBYU. There is a total of four gearless elevators traction (three passenger lifts and one firefighter lift) and two machine-room-less elevators (both which are passenger lifts). There are also two distinct zones, high zone which is the upper levels, and low zone which is the basement levels, which can be accessed by different sets of elevators. Furthermore, the lifts in Menara OBYU comply with the requirements listed in the UBBL and MS1184 regarding lifts. In conclusion, Menara OBYU has successfully provided means of mechanical transportation for its users in a way that is both safe and efficient.
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7.0
REFERENCES
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7.0 References 1.0 Introduction 1.
Regus Group Companies, 2019. Office space in Petaling Jaya, Menara OBYU. Retrieved from https://www.regus.com.my/office-space/malaysia/petaling-jaya/petaling-jay a-menara-obyu Accessed by 21 May
2.0 Active Fire Protection 1. 2. 3.
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Hamzah,(March 2006) Guide To Fire Protection In Malaysia Design for Fire Active Safety 1 Fire Sprinkler Systems Guy R. Grant, PE University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Retrieved from https://www.fs.illinois.edu/docs/default-source/Big-10-and-Friends/2016-pre sentations/universityfireprotectionsystemdesign.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Fire sprinkler systems: a guide to designs, colour codes and suppliers. Retrived from https://www.ifsecglobal.com/sprinklers/types-fire-sprinkler-systems-designscolour-codes-suppliers/ Fire Fighting Systems | Fire Protection Systems - Pakistan Retrieved from Retrieved from https://qecpak.com/firefightingsystems.html 3.2 An Introduction to Fire Detection, Alarm, and Automatic Fire Sprinklers Retrieved from https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/3.-emergency-m anagement/3.2-an-introduction-to-fire-detection,-alarm,-and-automatic-fire-sp rinklers
3.0 Passive Fire Protection 1.
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JENNA, A. (Ed.). (2008, January 4). The Basics of Passive Fire Protection. Retrieved May 22, 2019, from https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/5851/title/the-basics-of-p assive-fire-protectionStructural Fire Protection. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2019, from https://www.jensenhughes.com/engineering-services/design/structural-fire-p rotection/ Fire Protection Equipment and Systems , Fire Technology 106, Suzanne Freeman. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2019, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/firetech/chapter/firefighter-access/
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7.0 References 4.0 Air Conditioning 1.
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6. 7.
{{ meta.social.title }}. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lennox.com/buyers-guide/guide-to-hvac/glossary/central-air-co nditioning-system Kubba, S. (2012). Handbook of green building design and construction: LEEDS, BREEAM, and Green Globes. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. Grondzik, W. T., & Kwok, A. G. (2015). Mechanical and electrical equipment for buildings. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Araner. (2019, February 04). Cooling Tower: Types, Work Process and Industrial Application. Retrieved from https://www.araner.com/blog/cooling-tower/ AHU types, components, and configurations. (2019, January 21). Retrieved from https://www.csemag.com/articles/ahu-types-components-and-configuration s/ Benefits of a Split Air Conditioning System. (2017, May 16). Retrieved from https://www.pointbayfuel.com/5-benefits-of-a-split-air-conditioning-system/ Khemani, H. (2018, November 12). Chilled Water Central Air Conditioning Plants. Retrieved from https://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/50160-chilled-water-central-air -conditioning-systems/
5.0 Mechanical Ventilation 1. 2.
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Greeno. R, 1997. Building Services, Technology and Design. England: Pearson Education Limited. Energy Star, 2000. Mechanical Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/ia/new_homes/features/MechVent_062906.pdf Accessed by 22 May 2019 Introduction to mechanical Fans, 2017. Mechanical Engineering. Retrieved from https://www.mechlectures.com/mechanical-fans/ Accessed by 25 May 2019 Yu. J, Zhang. T and Qian.J, 2011. Electrical Motor Products. United States: Woodhead Publishing Limited. Bloch. H. P, Soares. C, 1998, 1998. Process Plant Machinery. Butterworth-Heinemann: Elsevier Inc. Dunn. K, 2018. How does a noise attenuator works. Retrieved from http://www.recovercanterbury.co.nz/how-a-noise-attenuator-works/ Accessed by 26 May 2019 Knapp. J, 2011. Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers: The Difference is Important. Retrieved from https://www.amca.org/assets/resources/public/documents/FireSmokeDam pers.pdf Accessed by 26 May 2019 Ginestet. A, Pugnet. D and Mouradian.L, 2013 Greeno, R. (2015). Building services, technology and design. Harlow, England: PEARSON, Longman Hall, F., & Greeno, R. (2007). Building services handbook. London: Butterworth-Heinemann. 153
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Hall, F., & Greeno, R. (2007). Building services handbook. London: Butterworth-Heinemann. Ismail M.R, 2009. Transportation in building. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/arkam_slideshare/transportation-systems-inbuildings Accessed by 20 May 2019 Sigma, 2010. Planning guide. Korea: SIGMA. Ford. M, 2006. Machine-roomless-elevators. Retrieved from https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/3076/title/machine-ro om-less-mrl-elevators Accessed by 26 May 2019 「安心」「安全」「快適」な エレベーターで社会を 支える東芝エレベータ. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toshiba-elevator.co.jp/elv/index_j.html The Advantages of a Home Lift. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.invalifts.com/advice-centre/what-is-a-passenger-lift.html Harris, T. (2018, June 28). How Elevators Work. Retrieved from https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/elevator3. htm Advantages And Disadvantages Of Machine Roomless Elevators. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fujihd.net/new/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-machine-roo mless-elevators.html Gearless Traction Elevators. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aboutelevator.com/2015/11/geared-traction-elevators_21.html Guidance | NOG. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ukfrs.com/promos/16844 Elevators, & Elevators, A. (2017, October 17). Gearless Traction Elevators. Retrieved from https://www.isfelevator.com/gearless-traction-elevators/
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