Building Services Project 1

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

BUILDING SERVICES (BLD 60903 / ARC 2423)

D’HOUSE (DIGI HQ)

Group Members: Clara Lee Pei Lin Joy Ann Lim Ee Hsien Shazleen Shafiqah Wong Teck Poh Yee Mae Yuen

0324495 0327592 0324367 0327462 0328561

Tutor: Ar. Sateerah Hassan

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY OF BUILDING SERVICES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0

ABSTRACT

2.0

01

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

3.0

02

INTRODUCTION TO D’ HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS)

4.0

03

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

04

4.1 Introduction 4.2 Active Fire Protection

4.2.1 Water Based System

4.2.2 Non-Water Based System

4.2.3 Fire Detection and Alarm System

4.2.4 Smoke Control System 4.3 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters)

4.3.1 Water Based System in D House

4.3.2 Non-Water Based System in D House

4.3.3 Fire Detection And Alarm System in D House

4.3.4 Smoke Control System in D House 4.4 Passive Fire Protection in D House

4.4.1 Means of Escape

4.4.2 Passive Containment

4.4.3 Fire Fighting Access 4.5 Conclusion

05 07 07 13 15 17 18 18 26 31 39 41 42 63 74 75

5.0

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Air Conditioning Principles

5.2.1 Refrigerant Cycle

5.2.2 Air Cycle 5.3 Types of Air Conditioning System

5.3.1 Window Air Conditioning System

5.3.2 Split Air Conditioning System

5.3.3 Package Air Conditioning System

5.3.4 Centralized Air Conditioning System 5.4 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters)

5.4.1 Centralized Air-Conditioning System

5.4.2 Air Handling Unit (AHU)

5.4.3 Fan Coil Unit (FCU)

5.4.4 Split Unit Air Conditioning System

5.4.5 Variable Air Volume System

5.4.6 SE8300 Room Controller 5.5 Conclusion

6.0

76 77 78 78 79 80 80 80 81 81 82 82 90 96 98 99 100 101

MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

102

6.1 Introduction 6.2 Types of Mechanical Ventilation System

6.2.1 Supply Ventilation System

6.2.2 Exhaust Ventilation System

6.2.3 Balanced/Combined Ventilation System

6.2.4 Comparison of All Mechanical Ventilation Systems

6.2.5 Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)

6.2.5 Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) 6.3 Components of Mechanical Ventilation System 6.3.1 Fans

6.3.2 Diffuser and Grilles

6.3.3 Air Filter 6.3.4 Ductwork 6.4 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters)

6.4.1 Supply Ventilation System - Office Area & Fire Staircase

6.4.2 Extract Ventilation System - Kitchen & Toilet 6.5 Conclusion

103 103 103 103 104 105 106 106 107 107 109 109 112 114 114 119 124

7.0

MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

125

7.1 Introduction 7.2 Lifts

7.2.1 Type of Lifts

7.2.2 Speed of Lifts

7.2.3 Quantity of Lifts

7.2.4 Layout of Lifts 7.3 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters) 7.3.1 Overview

7.3.2 Components of The System

7.3.3 Operating System

7.3.4 Safety Features

7.3.5 Location of Lifts 7.4 Conclusion

126 127 128 131 131 131 132 132 133 144 145 147 148

8.0

LIST OF FIGURES

9.0

149

REFERENCES

158

1.0 ABSTRACT This project aims to provide real-life case studies as an introduction to building services system installed in multi-storey buildings. By introducing the common system used in bigger volume of spaces with a variety of users, this knowledge can be applied into future design studio projects to ensure a practical and technically functional building design proposal.

Under the tutelage of a lecturer, our group selected D’House (Digi Headquarters) as our case study. We are to analyse four system associated with building services which are mechanical ventilation system, air-conditioning system, fire protection system (active and passive fire protection system) and mechanical transportation system. After delegating each system to a group member, a thorough research was done prior to site visits. This was done to ensure a smooth and productive data collecting process during site visit. A number of site visits were conducted to complete the missing data such as information and pictures of building service components. The completed data is then analysed with reference to Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL 1984), MS 1184 and MS 1525.

From the process of research and site visits, an in-depth report with a 5 minute video was done to present our findings about the building services in D’House (Digi Headquarters). Pictures and videos taken on site were used to visually portray the components of each building service system with a comprehensive study describing the function and importance of it.

Altogether, we have learned a substantial amount of knowledge regarding building services and its functions in creating a conducive and safe environment for the occupants of the building. The site visit provided us a realistic simulation of how building services are done in our local buildings and its effects towards the building’s design.

1.0 ABSTRACT

01

2.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In performing our project, we had to take the help and guideline of some respected persons, who deserve our greatest gratitude. The completion of this assignment gives us much pleasure and we would like to show our gratitude to our tutor, Ar. Sateerah for guiding us throughout the process.

We owe our deepest gratitude to Mr Nazri and Mr Chin Kim Sing, the Digi staffs we liaised with for our site visits, for their cooperation. Besides providing technical knowledge of the building services, they took time off their hectic work schedules to bring us to requested service areas. Their knowledge and cooperation was valuable and very helpful for data collection of our report.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have directly and indirectly guided us in producing this report.

2.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

02

3.0 INTRODUCTION TO D’HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS)

Figure 3.1: Bird’s eye view of D’House (Digi Headquarters). (Lam, 2006)

Architect: Veritas Design Group Completed: March 2006 Function: Commercial office building Located in the bustling Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, D’House (Digi Headquarters) is an office for one of Malaysia’s largest telecommunication firm. The low-rise complex of 320,000 square feet was completed in 2006 and comprises 4 stories of offices, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a call center, staff training rooms, warehouses, car parks, cafeteria and various facilities for staff. The building houses 1,300 Digi employees for the first time under a single roof.

Along with its Gold LEED certification under Commercial buildings, it is apparent that the building’s design has taken environmental factors into consideration making it seamlessly connected to its natural surroundings. Its 4 storey atrium with a glazed louvred skylight that opens up to a perspective extending all the way to a man-made waterfall. The atrium is sheltered from weather elements while bringing in natural daylighting to the interior spaces without the need of artificial lighting.

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03

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Active Fire Protection 4.3 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters) 4.4 Passive Fire Protection In D’House 4.5 Conclusion

4. 0

4.1 INTRODUCTION Fire protection system is an essential safety and security measure of a building as it minimizes the risk of fire and also its harmful effects by providing certain means of combat and escape. There are two types of fire protection system: active fire protection system and passive fire protection system.

For a building in Malaysia, it must comply with several building codes and laws such as the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984 before a Certificate of Completion and Compliance can be issued. Building inspectors, among which some are from Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), check on compliance of the building under construction using the building code. Once it is complete, the building must be maintained in accordance with the respective building code and laws at all times.

To prevent and combat fire effectively, the science of fire must be understood. Fire is the effect of a chemical reaction between oxygen and any form of fuel or combustible material. An addition of a heat-producing chemical chain reaction will then produce fire. This chemical process is known as combustion. Hence, in a case of fire emergency, the fire will last as long as oxygen, heat and fuel are available and sufficent.

Figure 4.1: Fire tetrahedron showing the relationship between the components of fire. (Spruce, 2016)

Fuel is the combustible material, typically refers to the building materials such as structural components, finishes or any objects inside the building such as furniture or electronics.

Heat is the ignition source required to raise the material to its ignition temperature, which can be reduced using cooling agents such as water.

Oxygen is required to sustain the combustion process. Therefore, removing oxygen is an effective way which can be done through fire suppression systems which reduces oxygen level in a room or through fire extinguishers.

Chemical chain reaction suggests that all the above elements must be present for fire to occur and therefore can be extinguished by taking one or more elements away.

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The aim of fire protection is: (1) To protect building occupants from fire by providing sufficient and safe evacuation routes; (2) To protect building structures from severe damage; (3) To protect building properties from damage; (4) To avoid the spreading of fire within the building or to its surrounding.

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4.2 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Active Fire Protection (AFP) is a network of systems that can include manual or automatic fire detection and suppression. An example of an automatic fire suppression is the fire sprinkler system which reacts once triggered. Hose reels and fire extinguishers are examples of a manual system and can be operated by the occupants of a building. AFP requires a certain amount of action to work efficiently in the event of a fire. These systems are always on duty and is crucial for any building for the safety and protection of people and any important items. The main objective of AFP is to detect a fire hazard, alert the occupants of the building and if possible, to eliminate the fire hazard.

Active Fire Protection includes: 1. Water based fire protection system 2. Non-water based fire protection system 3. Fire detection and alarm system 4. Smoke control system 4.2.1 Water based system 4.2.1.1 Automatic fire sprinkler system

Figure 4.2: An overview of an automatic fire sprinkler system.

(Fireknock, n.d.)

A fire sprinkler system is able to detect and extinguish a fire besides warning occupants of the emergency. The automatic system consists of a water supply stored in a tank that is connected through pipes to fire sprinkler heads strategically placed in a building and pumps (duty pump, jockey pump and a stand-by pump) which provide adequate pressure and flow rate of water to the sprinklers. The system allows damage to the building to be minimized as the system if activated at the early stage of fire combat.

The detection of a fire emergency is done by the fire sprinkler heads usually installed at the ceiling.

A fire sprinkler head works by having a temperature-sensitive liquid which expands to break the glass bulb encasing it when a certain temperature is reached. When the bulb is broken, the flow of water that is held back will be released and goes onto the deflector which disperses it over a certain area of the room.

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Figure 4.3: A pendent fire sprinkler head.

(Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.4: An upright fire sprinkler head.

(Indiamart, n.d.)

Fire sprinkler heads are classified according to its temperature sensitivity and its type. Temperature sensitivity ranges from 57 degree Celsius to 343 degree Celsius and is colour coded to signify its specific range. Varying configuration of the sprinkler heads also creates different types suitable for different scenarios. For example, an upright sprinkler head is used for spaces where obstructions may block water spray during a fire while a pendent sprinkler head is used where obstructions are minimal such as office spaces.

4.2.1.2 Hose reel system

Figure 4.5: An overview of a hose reel system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Hose reel system serves as an initial fire fighting aid and can be used by the occupants of the building during the early stages of fire. The system consists of a water supply stored in a tank on site, pumps (duty pump and stand-by pump), pipework and hose reels which are placed strategically in a building (usually located at each floor along the escape routes or beside exit doors or staircase) to ensure easy accessibility.

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Figure 4.6: Hose reel can be operated by occupants. (SRI, n.d.)

The hose is held in a drum that rotates around a horizontal shaft so that the hose can be withdrawn from any direction. The hose is 30 metres long and is made of non-kinking, braided rubber. A nozzle is located at the end of the hose which indicates its open/shut condition. A stop valve is provided for the connection of the hose reel to the water supply. The hose reel can be operated simply by opening the stop valve, running out the hose to a suitable position and then turning open the nozzle.

4.2.1.3 Dry riser system

Figure 4.7: An overview of a general dry riser system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.8: Section showing dry riser system. (Nationwidecctv, n.d.)

A dry riser system consists of main vertical pipes through multiple levels of a building. The pipe is maintained empty as indicated by ‘dry’ riser system. The pipe is fitted with an inlet connection at fire engine access level and landing valves on various floors. The system serves as an internal hydrant for fireman to use after water is pumped into the system through the inlet by a fire engine.

Air release valve is installed at the top to relieve any trapped air in the system. Dry riser system is installed for buildings with topmost floor that is above 18.3 metres and less than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level.

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Figure 4.9: A dry riser breeching inlet cabinet.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.10: A 2-way dry riser breeching inlet.

(Global Sources, n.d.)

Dry riser breeching inlet is located on the outside of a building at the fire appliance access level and is generally housed in a cabinet for protection. Pressurized water is pumped into the system through the inlet from the fire engine during a fire emergency. Therefore, the breeching inlet is positioned not more than 18 metres from the fire engine access and not more than 30 metres from the nearest fire hydrant to increase efficiency during fire fighting. A drain is also included in the inlet to drain the system after use.

Figure 4.11: Landing valve. (Firestore, n.d.)

Figure 4.12: Fire hose. (Firefighting, n.d.)

Landing valves are installed in every floor, located in a vertical shaft through the building. As internal hydrants during fire fighting, they are installed 0.75 metres above floor level. Fire hose of 30 metres long is also provided. Dry riser system should only be operated by firemen during a fire emergency.

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4.2.1.4 Wet riser system

Figure 4.13: An overview of a wet riser system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

A wet riser system is the same as a dry riser system except it is always charged with water from a pressurized supply. Water is supplied from the storage tank using pumps to discharge water to the landing valves located at each floor of a building. Wet riser sustem is installed for buildings with topmost floor that is more than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level.

Figure 4.14: Duty pump. (Gruppoaturia, n.d.)

Figure 4.15: Jockey pump. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Duty pump draws water from the water storage tank and pumps them to the pipework and thus provide water flow at a higher pressure to the risers. A standby pump will activate immediately in the case of duty pump failure. This standby pump will be powered by the emergency generator set so their function will not be compromised if the electric supply fails. Jockey pump functions to maintain the system’s pressure.

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4.2.1.5 External fire hydrant

Figure 4.16: An overview of an external fire hydrant.

(Fireknock, n.d.)

External fire hydrant functions to provide water to a fire engine for fire fighting purposes. The fire hydrants are connected to a water supply main. Water from the fire hydrant is discharged into the fire engine from which it is pumped and sprayed over a fire. Where water supply is not reliable or pressure is inadequate, a pressurized system is required which involves hydrant tanks and pumps.

These water tanks has a capacity of minimum 90000 litres and are refilled automatically.

Figure 4.17: Different types of external fire hydrants.

(Source: SRI, n.d.)

Fire hydrants are placed not more than 30 metres away from the dry riser breeching inlet of the building. Fire hydrants must be installed at suitable places so that the hose from fire engine can be installed properly and efficiently during a fire emergency.

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4.2.2 Non-water based system 4.2.2.1 Portable fire extinguisher

Figure 4.18: Different types of fire extinguisher. (Safesmart, n.d.)

Fire extinguishers are used to control and extinguish small fires in emergency situations. Types of fire extinguisher used are selected based on the type of fire hazard anticipated. Fire extinguishers are placed close to fire prone area so that the initial outbreak of fire can be controlled to prevent it from escalating into a full scale fire.

Figure 4.19: Tables showing types of fire extinguishers and their usages. (Agamalaysia, 2010)

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4.2.2.2 Clean agent fire suppression system

Figure 4.20: A clean agent fire suppression system. (Specifire, n.d.)

Clean agent fire suppression system is using inert gases and dry chemical agents to extinguish fire. The system typically involves the clean agent, agent storage containers, agent release valves and disperse nozzles, pipework and fire detectors. Suppression system is set up for special hazard or sensitive areas where water based systems are ineffective such as banks, data centers and computer rooms. They prevent damage to these assets if normal fire figting systems are applied.

Typical clean agents used are CO2 or argonite.

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4.2.3 Fire detection and alarm system 4.2.3.1 Fire detector

Figure 4.21: Smoke detector.

(Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.22: Heat detector.

(Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.23: Flame detector.

(Spectrex, n.d.)

Fire detectors are crucial as it is the early identification of a fire hazard being present in a building.

Fire can be detected through smoke, heat and flame.

Smoke detectors have two main types, namely ionization smoke detector and photoelectric smoke detector. Ionization smoke detector can detect fire as smoke that enters the chamber will disrupt the electrically charged plates in the detector. Photoelectric smoke detector is more responsive to fire with smoldering fires as reflected light created by smoke will trigger the light sensor of the detector.

Heat detector is used usually for property protection as they can react to a change in temperature in the surrounding. Heat detector is relatively cheaper and has greater immunity to containments and environmental extremes.

Flame detector is chosen for sensitive areas where massive losses can be caused by a fire hazard.

It is commonly used in highly combustible fire hazard area.

4.2.3.2 Fire alarm system Fire alarm systems are made of fire detection equipments and fire alarm control panels. These devices work together to detect and issue warning to occupants through visual and audio appliances so that fire fighting action can be taken.

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Figure 4.24: Fire alarm.

(Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.25: Fire alarm control panel.

(Dreamstime, 2014)

Figure 4.26: Manual call point.

(CQR, n.d.)

A fire alarm provides audible warning towards the occupants and is installed at an even distribution. It is required to produce a minium sound level of 65dB for more than 30 seconds.

A fire alarm control panel is the main controlling device of the fire alarm system as it relays fire detection and initiates response and communication between detectors, alarms, suppression systems and other fire fighting systems. It is usually situated in the fire control room.

Manual call points are used to raise alarm manually by occupants and is placed at all exits to open air spaces and at areas of high fire risks. They are spaced within 45 metres apart so that it can be easily found in case of fire emergency.

Figure 4.27: Fireman’s switch.

(Rapidonline, n.d.)

Figure 4.28: Remote telephone handset. (Micro-ctl, n.d.)

Figure 4.29: Master telephone handset of the intercom system.

(Micro-ctl, n.d.)

Fireman’s switch is a disconnector to the electrical appliances inside a building for a specific floor. It is placed at the doors of fire staircases. They are handled by firemen during fire fighting to turn off any electrical appliances before they enter the floor. The handle is designed so that only a fireman’s hook or axe can trigger the switch as the interlocking mechanism prevents accidental maneuvres.

Fireman intercom system is a two-way emergency voice communication system that provides communication between remote telephone handsets located within the building and the master telephone handset at the fire command centre.

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4.2.4 Smoke control system 4.2.4.1 Smoke exhaust system

Figure 4.30: Atrium smoke exhaust system. (Lougheed, 2000)

Smoke control system are mechanical systems that control the movement of smoke during a fire. Most are intended to protect occupants while they are evacuating or being sheltered in place. Smoke exhaust system typically refers to a atrium smoke exhaust system which limits the accumulation of smoke in the atrium and prevents smoke from moving into evacuation routes.

Fire releases hot gases which rise above the fire, forming a layer of smoke which will decrease visibility and obstruct evacuation process. This smoke control system works by pairing with mechanical ventilation system i.e. exhaust fan which allows smoke to be removed from the building.

4.2.4.2 Fixed pressurization system

Figure 4.31: Stairwell pressurization system. (Tectonica, n.d.)

Pressurization system functions to provide a smoke-free escape route during a fire emergency.

This system can be applied to certain areas such as stairwells and lift lobbies. In cases of fire, the pressurization system, with the help of mechanical ventilation system, supplies air into the spaces to maintain a difference in pressure so that smoke will not enter these spaces marked for evacuation.

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4.3 CASE STUDY OF D’HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS) Active fire protection in D’ House involves the basic water based system, non-water based system, fire detection and alarm system and smoke control system.

As the height of D’ House is less than 18.3 metres, dry riser and wet riser system is not installed in the building. Spaces such as the car park is open and naturally ventilated which reduces the need of a smoke spill system.

4.3.1 Water based system in D’ House 4.3.1.1 Automatic fire sprinkler system

Figure 4.32: Pendent fire sprinkler that can be seen on the ceiling of D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.33: Upright fire sprinkler that can be seen on the ceiling of D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

A fire sprinkler head is the first exposed component of a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler heads are equipped with a temperature sensitive glass bulb that cracks when the temperature reaches its breaking point. D’ House’s fire sprinklers are indicated red which has a temperature rating of 57 degree Celcius to 77 degree Celcius, which is the temperature at which the sprinklers will activate.

Pendent fire sprinklers and upright fire sprinklers are used in D’ House. Pendent fire sprinklers are used as they provide the most coverage due to the shape of the deflector as it is curved downwards, which helps direct the water flow into a cone pattern. They are concealed in the ceiling which provides a cleaner look and are therefore used in spaces such as the office, lobbies and corridors. Upright fire sprinklers are used in the car parks, stairwells and cafe of D’ House.

Upright fire sprinklers creates a water flow with a hemispherical pattern and are typically used for areas that are difficult to access or in ceilings without finishing, which is the case for D’ House.

As the building has an extra light hazard classification of occupancies, the sprinkler heads are allowed a maximum spacing of 4.6 metres.

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Figure 4.34: Fire sprinkler pump located in the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Fire sprinkler pump consists of duty pump, jockey pump and a standby pump, which are usually powered by electric, diesel or steam. The pumps transmit pressurized water to the fire sprinklers at a pre-determined pressure.

During a fire emergency, fire sprinklers will be activated which causes a pressure drop in the fire sprinkler system. Pressure switches in the system will give off a signal which will activate the duty pump to generate sufficient pressure to ensure a continuous water flow. Standby pump serves as a backup in the case where the duty pump is not functioning. Jockey pump keeps the pressure in the system at a artificial level so that when the system is not in use, the pumps will not be running all the time.

Figure 4.35: Duty pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.36: Standby pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

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Figure 4.37: Jockey pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.38: The cut in pressure of each pumps. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.39: Water tank located in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

The pumps discharge water from a fire fighting water tank made of pressed steel. It is located right next to the pump room and is connected to the pumps using galvanized steel pipes.

Figure 4.40: Sprinkler alarm valve located outside the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

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Sprinkler alarm valve is an alarm device designed for installation in a sprinkler system. It is used to actuate a fire alarm when flow of water from the sprinkler system exceeds that of a single sprinkler.

The valve also control the water supply to the sprinklers.

Figure 4.41: Location of pump room and water tank. (Wong, 2018)

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 226: Automatic system for hazardous occupancy.

Where hazardous processes, storage or occupancy are of such character as to require automatic sprinklers or other automatic extinguishing system, it shall be of a type and standard appropriate to extinguish fires in the hazardous materials stored or handled or for the safety of the occupants.

Clause 247: Water storage.

(1) Water storage capacity and water flow rate for firefighting systems and installations shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

(2) Main water storage tanks within the building other than for hose reel systems, shall be located at ground, first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet connections accessible to fire appliances.

(3) Storage tanks for automatic sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided without need for replenishment shall be exempted from the restrictions in their location.

Clause 228: Sprinkler valves.

(1) Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the exterior wall and shall be readily accessible to the Fire Authority.

(2) All sprinkler system shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated.

Clause 248: Marking on wet riser, etc.

(1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted red.

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4.3.1.2 Hose reel system

Figure 4.42: Hose reel located in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Fire hose reels are provided for use by occupants as a ‘first attack’ firefighting measure but in some instances, can also be used by firefighters. It could be manually activated by opening the valve and the discharge of water is approximately 6 metres far. According to BS 5306 Part 1: 1976, hose reels are to be installed in recesses so that they do not form obstructions on a route of escape. A hose reel can be operated by turning on the valve (located at the connection on the pipe), reeling out the hose and directing the nozzle at the flame base and then turning on the nozzle.

Figure 4.43: Hose reel pump located in the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Hose reel pump in D’ House consist of a duty pump and a standby pump which is located in the pump room. The hose reel system shares the same water tank as the fire sprinkler system.

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Figure 4.44: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.45: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.46: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.47: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 247: Water storage.

(1) Water storage capacity and water flow rate for firefighting systems and installations shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

(2) Main water storage tanks within the building other than for hose reel systems, shall be located at ground, first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet connections accessible to fire appliances.

(3) Storage tanks for automatic sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided without need for replenishment shall be exempted from the restrictions in their location.

Clause 248: Marking on wet riser, etc.

(1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted red.

(2) All cabinets and areas recessed in walls for location of fire installation and extinguisher shall be clearly identified to the satisfaction of the Fire Authority or otherwise clearly identified.

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4.3.1.3 External fire hydrant

Figure 4.48: External fire hydrant located at the entrance of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

A fire hydrant system is a water supply with a sufficient pressure and flow delivered through pipes throughout a building to strategically located network of valves for firefighting purposes. The fire hydrant system is critical in fire fighting as it provides a readily available source of water to any part of a building. It is a water distribution system that includes a water tank, suction piping, fire pumps and a distributed piping system. This system allows the building to be connected through fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles located around and throughout the building. Water can be supplied through the external fire hydrant as a straight steam once the hose is connected with a switched on valve of a external fire hydrant.

A total of 6 external fire hydrants are provided in D’ House. They are located around the perimeter of the building to provide a readily available source of water at any point throughout the building.

Figure 4.49: Plan indicates the location of external fire hydrants around D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

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Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 225: Detecting and extinguishing fire.

(2) Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5 metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access.

(3) Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for fire appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required by the Fire Authority.

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4.3.2 Non-water based system in D’ House 4.3.2.1 Portable fire extinguisher

Figure 4.50: ABC powder type fire extinguisher in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.51: Carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device and is commonly used for initial outbreak of fire and to prevent full scale fire escalation. A fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. The fire extinguisher shall be located in close proximity of a fire hazard site and will be sited in prominent positions on exit routes to be visible from all direction.

D’ House is equipped with 9kg ABC powder type fire extinguishers which can extinguish most classes of fire i.e. A (solid materials), B (liquids or liquifiable solids), C (gases) and E (electrical equipments). Caution needs to be applied when used on class E fire as it leaves a residue that may be harmful to sensitive electronics.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are provided at specific areas such as AHU rooms, data centres and lift motor room. These fire extinguishers work by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also removing heat with a very cold discharge. They are suitable for class B and E fire.

Fire extinguishers can be operated by first rotating the pin on top of the cylinder to break the seal and then remove the pin. Next, aim the nozzle at the fire base from an approximate distance of 2 metres. Finally, squeeze the lever to release the agent, and release to stop.

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Figure 4.52: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.53: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.54: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.55: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 227: Portable extinguishers.

Portable extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and shall be sited in prominent positions on exit routes to be visible from all directions and similar extinguishers in a building shall be of the same method of operation.

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4.3.2.2 Carbon dioxide fire suppression system

Figure 4.56: Carbon dioxide tanks located in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

For certain equipments, water damage is just as harmful as fire damage and therefore other fire-mitigating suppression system needs to be applied.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) suppression system is a type of system where carbon dioxide are stored in cylinders under great pressure and discharged during a fire emergency to extinguish fire or to prevent combustion as oxygen level is reduced by the increased concentration of CO2. Since CO2 has a high rate of expansion, the suppression system works in a quick manner to prevent damage to any property on site. This allows the system to be highly effective and requires minimal clean up.

In D’ House, carbon dioxide suppression system is used for electrical rooms i.e. genset rooms.

Figure 4.57: Fire control panel of a genset room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.58: Status of the CO2 suppression system shown on the main fire alarm panel in the control room.

(Wong, 2018)

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4.3.2.3 FE-13 fire suppression system

Figure 4.59: FE-13 cylinders located in the MSB room of D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.60: Fire alarm panel of the room. (Wong, 2018)

FE-13 (trifluoromethane) is a non-toxic fire extinguishing agent that is clean and environmentally acceptable. It is used in total flooding and inerting applications where its low toxicity provides better safety for the occupants and property. It is used for spaces where the temperature is kept lower than normal and is the safest clean agent for protecting areas where people are present.

In D’ House, FE-13 fire suppression system is used in the main electrical switchboard (MSB) rooms.

Figure 4.61: Plan indicates the location of rooms where clean agent suppression systems are used in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

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4.3.2.4 Argonite fire suppression system

Figure 4.62: Fire alarm panel of argonite system located outside the data centre. (Wong, 2018)

Argonite fire suppression system uses argonite, a blend of 50% argon gas and 50% nitrogen gas, which are both naturally occuring gases. These gases do not cause environmental harm. Argonite requires minimal post-fire cleanup and will not decompose or produce any by-products when exposed to a flame from a fire hazard. The argonite system is an engineered system for total flooding of an enclosed space. D’ House uses argonite system in special areas such as data centres.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 235: Fixed installations.

Fixed installation shall either be total flooding system or unit protection system depending upon the nature of hazard process and occupancy as may be required by the Fire Authority.

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4.3.3 Fire detection and alarm system in D’ House

Figure 4.63: Diagram showing the difference between conventional and addressable fire alarm system. (Pelorus, n.d.)

D’ House uses a type of fire alarm system known as intelligent addressable fire alarm system.

This refers to a fire alarm system that overcomes the limitation of the conventional system.

Standard conventional system uses simple two state detectors, which provide a switch type signal to the control panel. To enable the source of the alarm to be identified, each zone must be wired using a separate circuit. In the event of a fire alarm being triggered, the control panel can only identify which zone contains the triggered device which makes it necessary to manually search the affected zone to discover the actual cause of the alarm. Intelligent addressable system has sensors that are electronically coded with a unique identification. When a fire is detected, the device’s address shows up on the main control panel, telling you exactly which device has been activated.

This will allow the exact location of a fire to be identified quickly.

4.3.3.1 Fire detector

Figure 4.64: Photoelectric smoke detector used in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

D’ House uses photoelectric smoke detectors and heat detectors. Photoelectric detectors respond faster to fire hazards than ionization smoke and heat detectors. Heat detectors in D’ House are only used in mechanical rooms such as pump rooms. The distance between the fire detectors are less than 10 metres apart.

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Figure 4.65: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.66: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.67: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.68: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.69: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors at roof level of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

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Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 153: Smoke detectors for lift lobbies.

(1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.

Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 225: Detecting and extinguishing fire.

(1) Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirements as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

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4.3.3.2 Fire alarm bell

Figure 4.70: Fire alarm bell used in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Fire alarm bell is activated when it is triggered by any detection devices. These alarms may be activated automatically from fire detectors or manually via manual call points or pull stations. It serves to alert the occupants of a building to evacuate as soon as possible and to send signals to the authorities to take immediate action. In D’ House, fire alarm bells are installed together with manual call points and ocassionally with fire extinguishers.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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 automaically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually.

Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 237: Fire alarms.

(1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

(2) All premises and buildings with gross floor area excluding car park and storage areas exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a two stage-alarm system with evacuation (continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section.

(3) Provision should be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action of a master control.

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4.3.3.3 Manual call point

Figure 4.71: Fire alarm manual call point in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Break glass manual call points are used in D’ House. These call points are manually initiated. They are located near the exits and are easily accesible, identified and operated. Fire alarm bells are connected with the call points. They are installed within a maximum distance of 45 metres apart so that occupants can always find one easily.

4.3.3.4 Fire control room

Figure 4.72: Fire control room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.73: Plan indicates the location of the fire control room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

The fire control room of D’ House is located at the ground floor right next to the lift lobby. Controls for the building’s fire protection systems, fire pumps, secondary water supply, air-handling systems, alarm systems and communication systems are located in this room.

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4.3.3.5 Fire alarm panel

Figure 4.74: Main fire alarm panel located in the fire control room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.75: Fire alarm panel located outside the MSB room. (Wong, 2018)

The main fire alarm panel is located in the fire control room of D’ House. It processes results detected by sensors, control alarm devices and also set off alarms to permanently manned stations and the fire department. It receives signals from the fire alarm bell, fire detectors and manual call points and thus provides notifications to the occupants in the building. It continuously monitor fire protection systems so immediate actions can be taken during a fire emergency.

Through the main fire alarm panel, the authorities have access to control HVAC systems, building automation controllers, access points and elevators to isolate the fire or route personnel during an emergency.

Fire alarm panels are also provided for specific areas so that the fire protection system can be monitored. They are equipped with a manual pull station, fire alarm bell and a control panel.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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 automaically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually.

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4.3.3.6 Fireman’s switch

Figure 4.76: Fireman’s switch in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Fireman’s switch is a specialized switch which allows firefighter to disconnect the high voltage current from the electrical supply which may pose a danger during a fire emergency. These switches are installed in staircases of the D’ House. Two switches are provided for normal and essential electrical supply respectively.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 240: Electrical isolating switch.

(1) Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square metres shall be provided wih 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 of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations then in force.

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4.3.3.7 Fireman intercom system

Figure 4.77: Master telephone handset in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.78: Remote telephone handset. (Wong, 2018)

Firemen intercom system provides a two-way communication between the remote telephone handsets located in the building and the master telephone handset located at the fire command centre. The intercom handsets are located at stairways of each floor and pump rooms whereas the master telephone handset is located at the ground floor in the fire control room of D’ House.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 239: Voice communication system There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice communications systems, one a fire brigade communications system and the other a public address system between the central control station and the following areas: (a) lifts, lift lobbies, corridors 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.

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4.3.4 Smoke control system in D’ House 4.3.4.1 Stairwell pressurization system

Figure 4.79: One of the pressurized staircase in D’ House.

(Lee, 2018)

Multi-storey buildings have stairwells that serve for routine building access and emergency exit in the event of fire. To provide a smoke free evacuation path during a fire, the movement of smoke must be controlled, using a pressure difference across a door to the stairwell. The high pressure side of the door is the escape route. Pressurized smoke-free stairwell also provide a staging area for firefighters.

In D’ House, 3 sets out of 8 stairwells are pressurized as means of escape. These staircases are located closer to the center of the building as the density of occupants is higher in those spaces. A supply fan for each stairwell is located on the roof top. In an event of fire, these fans will activate to supply clean air from outside continuously into the stairwell so as the pressure in the stairwell chamber can be constantly higher than the other side. When the door to the stairwell chamber is opened, the higher pressure prevents smoke from entering the stairwell.

Figure 4.80: Supply fan of a stairwell pressurization system in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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Figure 4.81: Section showing how a stairwell pressurization system works. (Yee, 2018)

Figure 4.82: Plan indicates the location of stairwell pressurization system in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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 a suitable heat detecting device, manual or automatic alarm or automatic wet pipe sprinkle system; (e) which meets the functional requirements as may be agreed with the D.G.F.S.

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4.4 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN D’ HOUSE Passive Fire Protection is a form of fire safety provision that remains dormant, or inert during normal condition but become active in a fire situation. It is an integral component of structural fire protection in a building and must be considered at the planning stage in the building design in terms of mitigation of fire hazard and fire risk.

Function of Passive Fire Protection 1.

Contain the spread of fire within the building 2.

Provide sufficient time for the safe evacuation of all occupants of the premises 3.

Ensure the building remains safe for the fire brigade’s entry during a fire 4.

Limit the damage of the building during a fire

Figure 4.83: Categorization of Passive Fire Protection in D’ House (Digi Headquarters). (Lee, 2018)

D’ House (Digi Headquarters), located in Subang Hi-tech Industrial Park in Shah Alam, is a 4-storey office building which offers a corporate environment for its 1300 employees.

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4.4.1 Means of escape

4F Discussion rooms, offices 3F Discussion rooms, offices 2F Call centre, carpark, offices 1F Main lobby, carpark, discussion rooms, cafe

Figure 4.84: Evacuation routes in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

In the D’ House (Digi Headquarters), there is a total of 4 storeys, the first storey being the carpark, main lobby, discussion rooms, café, hall; second storey with a carpark, some offices and the main contact centre; and on the third and fourth floor with more offices and discussion rooms.

As a means of escape, there are horizontal exits and vertical exits arranged along the linear configuration, the vertical exits lead the occupants from upper floors to the Level 1, where the horizontal exits guide the occupants out of the building and to the assembly point.

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4.4.1.1 Evacuation routes

Figure 4.85: Evacuation route of Level 1 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.86: Evacuation route of Level 2 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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Figure 4.87: Evacuation route of Level 1 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.88: Evacuation route of Level 2 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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As stated in Uniform Building By- Laws 1984, the Seventh Schedule, the maximum travel distance is: Purpose Groups IV. Office

Limit when alternative exits are available (m) (1) (2) (3) * Dead-End * Un-sprinklered * Sprinklered Limit 15 45 60

Figure 4.89: Evacuation route distance for the office purpose group. (UBBL, 2015)

The entire building of D’ House has been fitted with a sprinkler system which enables a longer evacuation route to be implemented.

The evacuation route of D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with both Clause 165 and Clause 169 as all exits are placed within maximum travel distance of 60 metres. There is also more than one alternative exit available throughout each floor.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 165: Measurement of travel distance to exit.

The distance of the evacuation route is strictly regulated to ensure that every space in a building are within a reasonable distance to a place of safety. The method of the measuring said distance is stated clearly in the. The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting 0.300 metre from the most remote point of occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with 0.300 metre clearance therefrom and ending at the storey exit. Where measurements include stairs, it shall be taken in the plane of the trend noising.

Clause 169: Exit routes.

No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the final exit.

Besides, no less than two separate exits shall be provided from each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary. These exits are required to be accessible at all times without obstructions. Furthermore, to maintain the accessibility of the paths, all fire evacuation routes are required to have a consistent width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the final exit.

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4.4.1.2 Exits There are two types of exits in D’ House (Digi Headquarters), which is the horizontal and vertical exits. The location of the horizontal and vertical exits of each floor has been labelled in the following floor plans:

Figure 4.90: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.91: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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Figure 4.92: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.93: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.94: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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Horizontal exits The horizontal exits are exits that allows occupants to egress from one side of a building to another side through a fire-resistance-rated assembly, such as a fire wall or fire barrier. The horizontal exits mostly placed at the hotspots and along the axis of the building. This is to accommodate the large occupancy from the hotspots to the fire emergency exits.

Figure 4.95: Fire Protected Corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Horizontal exits in D’ House (Digi Headquarters) includes fire protected corridors that lead to the fire emergency exits such as the fire staircases and exits to assembly points. The horizontal exits are pressurized, clearing smoke out of the corridor and ensures the safety of the occupants when escaping the building during a fire. The corridors are also fitted with water sprinklers to prolong the escape time frame for occupants.

Every floor of D’ House has fire corridors that provides access to different alternative exits on each respective floor. The corridors are mostly concentrated around the areas with high occupancy rates such as the discussion rooms and offices. The width of the fire protected corridors in D’ House is 1.8 meters. It can cater to the high occupancy load of the employees during a fire.

The fire corridors of D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with the UBBL 1984 under Clause 171.

The fire corridor is strategically placed within the building, is protected with fire resistant materials and wide enough to accommodate the large occupancy load of the building and allow occupants to egress to safety during a fire emergency.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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.

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Vertical exits: staircases Functioning as vertical exits, the staircases play a crucial part during evacuation. As the building consists of 4 floors, the staircases are the only means of evacuation from the upper to lower floors.

The stairwells are either pressurized or fitted with a smoke spill exhaust system to prevent ingress of smoke.

There are altogether 8 staircases in D’ House, three that are enclosed and pressurized, three that are enclosed, however naturally ventilated and two that are open air and naturally ventilated.

Figure 4.96: Types of staircases available in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Enclosed and pressurized staircase

Figure 4.97: Enclosed staircase with multi leaf smoke protection damper in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.98: Enclosed staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The enclosed and pressurized staircase are concentrated to the centre of the D’ House as this is where most of the offices are situated. The location of the fire protected staircase is designed so to ensure the safety of the occupants and cater to the high occupancy loads of the discussion rooms and offices. Please refer to 4.3.4.1 for the stairwell pressurization of D’ House.

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Figure 4.99: Fire Protected Staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The walls of the stairwell are made from brick and coated with cement. The thickness of the walls is 130mm and is a fire-resistant material. The brick walls offer up to 2 hours of fire resistance period (FRP).

Figure 4.100: Openings found in the enclosed stairwell in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The only openings created in the fire protected shaft is the opening fitted with the fire rated door, the opening for the smoke protection dampers and the opening for water sprinkler pipe. The opening for the fire sprinkler has been properly fire stopped.

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Enclosed and naturally ventilated staircase

Figure 4.101: Enclosed staircase with louvers on the top floor in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.102: Louvers for natural air ventilation. (Lee, 2018)

These types of staircases are situated closer to the edge of the building as there will be more airflow at the edge of the building rather than near the centre of the building. At every floor, there is a louvered grill which is expose and open to outside air and allows natural ventilation to occur. The louvers also allow the smoke that manged to get trapped in the room to escape if a fire happens.

The materials of the walls of the staircase is made from brick and coated with cement, providing it the same FRP of the previously mentioned staircase. The entrance to the staircase is also fitted with a fire rated door.

Open and naturally ventilated staircase

Figure 4.103: Open air staircase to cater occupants at the carpark in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.104: Open air staircase in the atrium of the D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

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The placement of the open-aired staircases is to accommodate occupants escaping from the carpark and the offices respectively. This placement also helps to ease the high occupancy rate near the offices. The open nature of the staircase allows the occupants to know the origin and direction of the fire when they are escaping down the staircase.

In D’ House (Digi Headquarters), not all the staircases are placed at the edge of the building, to provide better accessibility to occupants that are towards the centre of the building. Therefore, horizontal exits are provided at every floor to provide safe access to the occupants to get to the fire emergency exits during the event of a fire.

Vertical exits The staircases in D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with the by-laws 167 and 174. The placement and distance between each storey exit is within 4.5 metres. There is more than two storey exits for each compartment and the corridors leading to the storey exit are fire protected.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 167: Storey exits.

(1) Except as provided for in by-law 194 every compartment shall be provided with at least two storey exits located as far as practical from each other and in no case closer than 4.5 metres and in such position that the travel distances specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws are not exceeded.

(2) The width of storey exits shall be accordance with the provisions in the Seventh Schedule to these By-Laws.

Clause 174: Arrangement of storey exit.

(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.

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Enclosed and pressurized staircase The enclosed staircases of D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with UBBL 1984, under Section 150 and 157. The staircase does not have any other openings, other than mentioned in the exceptions in Section 150 (5)(a) opening for a pipe and (b) fire rated doors. The only pipe present in the enclosed staircases are the sprinkler piping which also serves as a fire protective measure.

The material of the wall of the staircases has a fire resistance period of 2 hours as mentioned in the Ninth Schedule.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 150: Protected shafts.

(1) No protected shaft shall be constructed for any purposes additional to those specified in this Part other than for the accommodation of any pipe or as sanitary accommodation or washrooms, or both.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Part, any protected shaft shall be completely enclosed.

(3) Any protecting structure which is required to have a FRP of one hour or more, and any beam or column forming part of that structure shall be constructed of non- combustible materials throughout, with the exception of any external surface finish which complies with the requirement of by-law 204 relating to wall surfaces.

(4) Any wall, floor or other structure enclosing a protected shaft but not being a protecting structure may contain such openings as shall be in accordance with other provisions of these By-laws.

(5) There shall be no opening in any protecting structure other than any one or more of the following: (a) An opening for a pipe; (b) An opening fitted with a fire-resisting door which complies with the provisions of by-law 162; (c) If the protected shaft contains a lift, an opening which complies with the provisions of by-law 162; (d) If the protected shaft serves as, or contains a ventilating duct, an inlet to or outlet from the duct or an opening for the duct.

(6) Any opening for a pipe shall be effectively fire-stopped.

Clause 157: Protected shafts consisting of staircase.

A protected staircase or protected shaft containing a staircase shall not contain any pipe conveying gas or oil or any ventilating duct other than a duct serving only that staircase or shaft.

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Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Ninth Schedule Part I. Walls A. Masonry Construction

Enclosed and naturally ventilated staircase The D’ House (Digi Headquarters) building is only 16 metres, not more than 18 metres. However, the unpressurized but enclosed staircases have louvers on each floor to allow natural air ventilation to occur.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 199: Ventilation of staircase enclosures in buildings not exceeding 18 metres.

In buildings not exceeding 18 meters above ground level, staircase enclosures may be unventilated provided that access to them at all levels except the top floor is through ventilated lobbies and the staircase enclosures are permanently ventilated at the top with at least 5% of the area of the enclosures.

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Open air and naturally ventilated staircase The open-air staircases comply with the by-law 170 and is considered a storey exit. The staircase is placed in a way that the occupants can see the origin and direction of the fire. The placement of the staircase can help to accommodate around 50% of occupants as it is accessible and placed in close proximity with the other enclosed staircases.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 170: Egress through unenclosed openings.

Where unenclosed openings are permitted between floors and for a mezzanine floor, egress may be by way of an open staircase to an adjacent floor and thence to a storey exit: (a) The layout is such that a fire originating anywhere within the compartment will be obvious to the occupants of all communicating levels of areas; (b) The travel distances specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws are not exceeded; (c) Only 50% of the occupants of a floor are assumed to use the open staircase and storey exits are provided at every level to accommodate the other 50% of the occupants of that level in accordance with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these by-laws; and (d) The storey exits on the principal floor through which other levels discharge are designed to handle the occupants of that floor plus 50% of the occupants of that floor plus 50% of the occupants from the adjacent levels discharging through it.

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Dimension of staircase

Figure 4.105: Dimension of the fire escape staircase in D’ House.

(Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.106: Dimension of the fire escape staircase in D’ House.

(Lee, 2018)

The dimensions of the staircase comply with the UBBL 1984 under section 106 and 168. The width and length of tread, height of riser of stairs, handrails placement and number of steps are within the requirement stated by the law. The door swing path does not intersect with the travel path of the staircase either.

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Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VI Constructional Requirements Clause 106: Dimension 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 the tread of the staircase so chose shall be uniform and consistent throughout.

(2) The widths of staircases shall be in accordance with by-law 168.

(3) The depth of landing shall not be less than the width of the staircases.

Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 168: Staircases.

(1) Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor should have means of egress via at least two separate staircases.

(2) Staircases should be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being available for escape purposes the remaining staircases should accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh schedule to these By-laws.

(3) The required width of a staircase should be the clear width between walls, but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 millimetres.

(4) The required width of a staircase should be maintained throughout its length including at landings.

(5) Doors giving access to staircases should be positioned that their swing should at no point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.

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4.4.1.3 Fire Emergency Escape Plan

Figure 4.107: Emergency escape plan at lift lobbies and outside fire staircases. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.108: Emergency escape plan at the office areas. (Lee, 2018)

A fire emergency escape plan is a written document which can be located around the lift lobbies, offices and at every fire exit in D’ House. The function of the escape plan is to indicate the location of fire fighting equipment such as fire alarm, hose reel, fire intercom, fire extinguishers and manual break glass alarms. It also serves as a tool to help occupants to identify their bearings and escape route during a fire. There are also occasional practices of fire drill for the building occupants to be more familiar with the route to gather at places of assembly.

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4.4.1.4 Emergency Exit Signage

Figure 4.109: Emergency Exit Signage in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

The emergency exit signage functions as a guide to direct occupants to the nearest fire exit during an emergency. Hence, the fire exit signages is being placed along the fire escape route. It must be placed in a clear and is in bright colour so that it is easy to identify during a fire incident. The signs are also equipped with back up electricity power system or light reflective material so that it can still be seen during dark.

The emergency exit signs in D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with he UBBL 1984 requirements listed under Section 172.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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.

(3) Every exit sign shall have the word “KELUAR” in plainly legible letters not less than 150 millimetres high with the principal strokes of letter not less than 18 millimetres wide. The lettering shall be in red against a black background.

(4) All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.

(5) Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen watt each.

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4.4.1.5 Emergency Lighting

Figure 4.110: Emergency Lighting installed at fire staircase and fire corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

To ensure fast and safe evacuation of a building, escape route lightings are placed to illuminate corridors, stairways, and fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and safety/ security equipment like key boxes holding emergency keys to exit doors. As such, these lightings are fundamental in public buildings to guide visitors who are not familiar with the layout of the premises.

4.4.1.6 Fire light Indicator

Figure 4.111: Emergency Lighting installed at fire staircase and fire corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The fire light indicator is a safety device to indicate the safety status in a room. The colours of the lights notify people whether is it safe to enter or not. It is usually located at high-risk rooms such as electrical rooms. When the room is in an emergency condition where smoke or excessive heat is detected, the green light will go off and the red light will lit. Whereas, when the room is safe, the green light will maintain to lighted up. It is also connected to the fire alarm system to notify the authorities of a fire emergency event.

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4.4.1.7 Assembly Point

Figure 4.112: Assembly point of D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The direction towards the assembly point is clearly indicated on the fire escape plan route. The assembly points are located outside the building at the carpark lot shared by both D’ House and Digi Technology Operations Centre along the road to allow evacuees to gather during a fire.

Figure 4.113: Evacuation route to assembly point from D’ House.

(Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.114: Dimensions of assembly point. (Lee, 2018)

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The assembly point allocated is able to accommodate all 1300 employees from D’ House. As shown in the figure above, the total area of the carpark is 7777.61m2. After calculation, the carpark can hold an occupancy up to 2500 people. With reference to Section 179, it is classified as a Class A of place of assembly as it can cater more than 1,000 persons.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 178: Exits for institutional and other places of assembly.

In buildings classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street of large open space, together with staircases, corridors and passages leading to such exits shall be located, separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.

Clause 179: Classification of places of assembly.

Each place of assembly shall be classified according to its capacity as follows: Class A – Capacity …

Class B – Capacity …

Class C – Capacity …

1,000 people or more 300 to 1,000 persons 100 to 300 persons

Clause 180: Space standards for calculating occupancy loads.

The occupancy load permitted in any place of assembly shall be determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to the use by the square metre per occupant as follows: (a) assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, places of worship, dance floor and lodge room – 0.65 square metre per person; (b) assembly are of less concentrated use such as a conference room, dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge – 1.35 square metre per person; (c) standing room or waiting space – 3 square metres per person (d) the occupancy load of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.

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4.4.2 Passive Containment Containment is the ability of a building’s design to contain a fire once started is critical to the protection of the property, the lives of the occupants and surrounding people and buildings.

Containment should address both heat and smoke risks. Passive measures concern the nature of the building structure, subdivision and envelope. They are the properties of a building’s construction which serve to limit the spread of fire and smoke in case of a fire.

4.4.2.1 Compartmentation Compartmentation is the division of a building into cells, using compartment walls and compartment floors made of a fire-resisting construction which hinders the spread of fire for a given period. The aim of compartmentation is to prevent the rapid spread of fire which could trap the occupants of a building. It also provides more time to the fire rescue personnel with firefighting and rescue operations.

In D’ House (Digi Headquarters), there is two types of compartmentation which is compartmentation of means of escape to protect the dedicated evacuation routes for safe egress of the occupants from the building during an emergency. The second type of compartmentation is the compartmentation of fire risk areas in the building through isolation and careful placement of the areas in the premise.

Means of escape Compartmentation of means of escape is achieved using fire resistant materials of walls and fire rated doors in vertical and horizontal exits. (Please refer to 4.4.1.2 for more details of horizontal and vertical exits. Please refer to 4.4.2.2 for more details of fire rated doors.)

Fire risk area Electrical and mechanical system rooms

Figure 4.5: Main Switch Boards, MSB Room. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.5: Generator Room. (Lee, 2018)

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The electrical and mechanical system rooms are only located on the Level 1 and is far away from high occupancy areas. The carpark separates the electrical and mechanical system rooms from the offices and discussion rooms. Fire resisting materials, which is bricks are used to make the walls of the rooms. The rooms are also protected by FE-13 gas fire extinguishing system and CO2 fire suppression system. The separation of the electrical and mechanical systems to one area helps to contain the fire in one place.

Figure 4.2: Electrical and mechanical compartments and carpark located in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

The compartmentation of D’ House complies with the UBBL 1984 requirements listed under Section 139 as shown by Diagram 15 as the areas are segregated into fire compartments and protected by fire resistance materials.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 139: Separation of fire risks areas.

The following areas or uses shall be separated from the other areas of the occupancy in which they are located by fire resisting construction of elements of structure of a FRP to be determined by the local authority based on the degree of fire hazard: (a) boiler rooms and associated fuel storage areas; (b) laundries; (c) repair shops involving hazardous processes and materials; (d) storage areas of materials in quantities deemed hazardous; (e) liquefied petroleum gas storage areas; (f) linen room; (g) transformer rooms and substations; (h) flammable liquids stores.

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4.4.2.2 Flame containment Fire rated door Fire rated door serves an important role in separating a fire-risk zone while maintaining accessibility for the occupants. All fire doors must be equipped with the suitable fire-resistant fittings, such as the frame and door hardware, for it to fully comply with any fire regulations.

Figure 4.2: Breakdown of components in a fire rated door. (htccommunity, 2018)

Fire rated doors are constructed with a combination of materials, such as glass sections, gypsum (as an endothermic fill), steel, timber vermiculite-boards and aluminium. It is necessary for both the door leaf and the frame to meet the rules of the testing agency which provides the product listing. The door frame includes the fire or smoke seals, door hardware, and the structure that holds the fire door assembly in place. These components form an assembly called a ‘’door set’’ which holds a numerical rating, measured in hours of resistance to a fire test.

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Figure 4.115: Single Fire Rated Door (Lee, 2018)

Figure 4.116: Double Fire Rated Door. (Lee, 2018)

The dimensions of the double swing fire rated doors in D’ House are 1600mm x 2100mm with a thickness of 5cm. Meanwhile the single swing fire rated doors are 900mm x 2100mm with a thickness of 5cm. They are able withstand fire up to 1 hour for occupants to have safe egress.

Both types of doors are also fitted with automatic door closers to ensure all doors are required to return to a close state when released. The doors should also be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.

Figure 4.117: Automatic Door Closer of Fire Rated Door. (Lee, 2018)

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The fire rated doors are fire resistant for an hour which not less than half of the fire resistance of the wall which is 2 hours. This shows that it complies with Section 162. Each door is also fitted with an automatic door closer and complies with Section 164.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 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.

Clause 164: Door closers for fire doors.

(1) All fire doors should be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring-operated type in the case of swing doors and of wire rope and weight type in the case of sliding doors.

Fire Shutter Door Fire shutters serve the same purpose as firewalls, but they will only be operated during the event of fire. It has been designed to act as a smoke and fire barrier to give time for the occupants to escape. However, fire shutters will only be used during a fire. They are connected to the fire control room and can be controlled remotely from the fire control room as well.

Figure 4.118: Metal Shutter Door at the offices next to the fire corridor. (Lee, 2018) 4.0 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

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In D’ House, there are some offices and discussion rooms which are fitted with glass partitions facing towards the fire corridors. As a safety measure, fire shutters have been installed inside the offices to protect the fire corridor in case of fire occurring in the office. Fire shutters in D’ House are made of steel with a fire-resistant coating. This also helps to protect the glass of the office and discussion rooms and prevent them from shattering due to high heat.

Figure 4.119: Offices next to the fire corridor. (Lee, 2018)

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4.4.2.3 Smoke containment Fire Damper Fire dampers are devices designed to impede the spread of fire through walls, floors and partitions.

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. Typically, a thermal element will melt and allow springs to close the damper, which will stop the fire from migrating into an adjoining compartment.

Figure 4.120: Components of the fire damper. (Fire Defender, 2016)

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In D’ House, the air conditioning and ventilation ductworks penetrates the compartments fire resistant walls and partitions, connecting the air supply between rooms and floors. However, when there is a fire, toxic smoke can pass through the penetration and easily spread to adjacent rooms.

The fire damper used in D’ House is a static fire damper. The HVAC system blower of D’ House will cycle off by means of an automatic fire detector when the fire alarm goes off. These fire dampers are installed in separating walls and has a curtain like design. Since the HVAC system fan will turn off, there would be no air pressure and the door of the damper will fall due to gravity.

Figure 4.121: Fire damper, when open. (actionair, 2018)

Figure 4.122: Closed fire damper after elements melt due to fire. Smoke and heat won’t be able to pass through. (firedamper, 2018)

The following examples depicts the condition of the fire damper on a normal working day and during a fire emergency.

Scenario A. Normal working day

Figure 4.123: Section diagram explaining air ventilation system of a normal day in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

1. The Air Handling Units (AHU) provides fresh air to the adjacent rooms through the ductworks and diffusers.

2. The air is used by the occupants in the room.

3. D’ House utilizes an open return system, which means no ductwork is used for the return of air to the AHU room. The used air re-enters the plenum and travels back to the AHU room.

4. Fire damper remains open.

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Scenario A. fire emergency occurs.

Figure 4.124: Section diagram explaining air ventilation system of a normal day in D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

1. A fire occurs in an office.

2. The smoke detector detects the fire and cycles off the HVAC system.

3. The heat from the fire in the office heats up the melting link of the fire damper, causing it to shut close, containing the heat and smoke in that office.

4. The other offices will remain clear of toxic smoke and heat.

Figure 4.125: Fire damper installed on the free return duct opening into AHU room. (Wong, 2018)

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4.4.2.4 Structural Fire Protection Intumescent Coatings Spray-applied epoxy intumescent coatings are the most frequently used, although cementitious materials were extensively used in the past.

Figure 4.126: Different coats of intumescent on structural steel. (Vet research, n.d.)

Figure 4.127: How intumescent coating reacts to fire. (Vet Research, n.d.)

This type of PFP reacts by expanding when exposed to heat to seal penetrations (pipes, cabling etc.) through otherwise fire-resistant surfaces. Once the intumescent material has fully activated, crushing a pipe or filling a void, the expanded product re-instates the fire barrier and stops flames or smoke from passing through.

Epoxy intumescent and subliming materials begin to degrade at temperatures above 80 degrees C, limiting their use on very hot surfaces. However, new dual layer systems are now available using phenolic foam bonded directly to the hot surface to provide an insulating layer, with a second layer of material bonded to it.

Figure 4.128: Exposed structural beams in the gym of D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 4.129: Structural beams sprayed with intumescent spray coating to make it fire-resistant.

(Lee, 2018)

In the gym of D’ House (Digi Headquarters), there is spraying of intumescent fire protection coating for structural steel exposed on the ceiling. The 40mm thick spray-applied vermiculite-cement fire protection coating can provide 2-hr fire resistance to the structural steel works. This coating protects the steel from reaching its critical temperature for long enough to allow people to evacuate from the building.

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The steel structural beam of D’ House (Digi Headquarters) complies with the complies with the UBBL 1984 requirements listed under Section 143, 217, 224 and the Ninth Schedule. The structural steel beams have been sprayed on with insulation that is fire resistant and able to withstand the stability of the structure during a fire event.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 143: Beam or column.

Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying, and external wall which is required to be constructed of non-combustible materials shall comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of By-law 142 as to non-combustibility.

Clause 217: Fire resistance of structural member.

Any structural member or overloading wall shall have fire resistance of not less than the minimum period required by these By-Laws for any element which it carries.

Clause 224: Fire resistance for any element of structure.

Any element of structure shall be deemed to have the requisite fire resistance– (a) It is constructed in accordance with the specifications given in the ninth schedule to these By-laws and the notional period of fire resistance given in that Schedule as being appropriate to that type of construction and other relevant factors is not less than the requisite fire resistance; or (b) A similar part made to the same specification as the element to prove to have the requisite fire resistance under the conditions of test prescribed in the foregoing By-laws.

Ninth Schedule Part V. Structural steel B. Encased Steel Beams (Mass per metre not less than 30 kg)

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4.4.3 Fire Fighting Access Fire Fighting access are unobstructed and safe pathways provided for the fire service vehicles, firefighters and equipment, and the inlets to any automatic fire sprinkler systems or fire hydrant systems in the building. Access to different levels of the building is also provided. This ensure that the firefighting will be carried out efficiently.

Figure 4.130: Fire engine accessible routes around D’ House.

(Lee, 2018)

The total volume of the D’ House (Digi Headquarters) is around 160,000 cubic metre.

The fire engine can access ½ of the building.

The fire fighting access for fire engines comply with Clause 140.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 140: Fire appliance access.

All buildings more than 7000 cubic meters shall abut upon a street or road or open space of not less than 12 metres width and accessible to fire brigade appliances. The proportions of the building abutting the street, road or open space shall be in accordance with the following scale:

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4.5 CONCLUSION Prevention is better than cure. Accidents are unpredictable and recent fire outbreaks in public buildings that have claimed the lives of occupants alerted us on the importance of fire safety protection in building design. Therefore, precautionary steps in active and passive fire protection are essential and should be done thoroughly to prevent any possible encounter of any form of accidents.

Active fire protection in the D’ House includes hose reel system, sprinkler system, fire detection systems and the fire alarm system as their main system supported by carbon dioxide suppression system and portable fire extinguisher.

Passive fire protection systems in D’ House includes the planning of the proper evacuation routes for occupants, the accessibility of the fire appliance into the building, design of passive containment and compartmentalization using fire-resistance rated walls and floors.

In conclusion, based on our case study, both the active and passive fire protection systems in D’ House complies to the requirements set by the UBBL 1984 and has allocated the best features of passive and active fire protections to provide swift and safe evacuation for the building occupants.

This helps to assure the building; its occupants and contents are well protected from any possibility of fire. Occupants will also be reassured of their safety as multiple active and passive fire protection systems can be seen and located throughout each level.

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AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Air Conditioning Principles 5.3 Types of Air Conditioning System 5.4 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters) 5.5 Conclusion

5. 0

5.1 INTRODUCTION As a result of Malaysia’s close proximity to the equator, our country has a tropical climate which is hot and humid throughout the year. The average temperature of Malaysia is 28˚C and the average humidity falling between 70 – 90 % which exceeds the thermal comfort range of 20 - 22˚C. Hence, the need and usage of an Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation System (ACMV) is essential to achieve thermal comfort of users.

Although seemingly similar to the mechanical ventilation system, air-conditioning system is the circulation and cooling of air in the internal space while mechanical ventilation is the exchange of the fresh outdoor air to replace the indoor air by mechanical devices. Air conditioning involves a process of altering the properties of air by the removal of heat and moisture from the interior environment to provide thermal comfort of occupants. It also functions to control the indoor temperature and humidity while maintaining air cleanliness and air quality.

This system ensures that the internal environment is more comfortable than the external environment. Besides, providing health and comfort to users, this system can help to meet the requirements of industrial processes, such as machineries and data servers enclosed in an interior space irrespective of the external climatic conditions.

Therefore, the factors for using air conditioning system are: • Comfort • Performance - workers, machinery, etc • Health - prevents smoke and dust • Equipment - computer, electronic equipments

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5.2 AIR CONDITIONING PRINCIPLES An air conditioner is able to cool a building because it removes heat from the indoor air and transfers it outdoors. At a specific point, gas is compressed to liquid and this releases a large amount of latent heart. When liquid vaporizes back into gas, the pressure is lowered. When it boils through this vapourizing process a large amount of latent heat is absorbed. There are two cycles involved in this system, refrigerant cycle and the air cycle.

5.2.1 Refrigerant Cycle

Figure 5.1: Process of a refrigerant cycle. (Scienceshop, n.d.)

This process involves a chemical refrigerant in the system which absorbs the unwanted heat and pumps it through a system of piping to the outside coil. This cycle have five main mechanical components: • Compressor • Condenser • Evaporator • Blower • Expansion valve The low-pressure gas refrigerant goes into the compressor and it is compressed and then moves out of the compressor as a high-pressure gas. As it goes into the condenser, the gas condenses to a liquid, and releases heat. The liquid then flows to the expansion valve under high pressure.

This valve restricts the flow of the fluid, and lowers its pressure as it leaves the expansion valve.

The low-pressure liquid then moves to the evaporator, where heat from the inside air is absorbed and changes it from a liquid to a gas. As a hot low-pressure gas, the refrigerant moves to the compressor where the entire cycle is repeated.

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5.2.2 Air Cycle

Figure 5.2: Process of a air cycle between the AHU unit and the air conditioned room. (Scribd, 2017)

An air cycle is a process to distribute cooled conditioned air into the spaces that needs air conditioning. When the return air goes into the evaporator, latent heat inside the room is removed. When the heat is removed, the internal sir slowly becomes cooler. Air or water can be used as a medium to absorb this heat. The distribution of air is done through ducts or chiled water pipes. This system functions by the compression of air and removal of contained heat which then expands the air to a lower tmeperature. The components that are required for the air cycle are: • Air Handling Unit (AHU) Used for heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, filtering and distributing air as well as for recycling the return air.

• Air filter Used for cleaning and purifying the air from dust and other contaminants.

• Blower fan Used for circulating air for distribution and the propeller fan is used to remove heat from the condenser.

• Ductwork & diffusers Ductworks are used for distributing conditioned air into air conditioned rooms from the AHU. The diffusers lets air flows out of the duct.

• Fresh air intake This is to renew the contents of the air to be distributed.

• Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers Used to help ventilate and humidify the air for spaces that have bad ventilation and damp.

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5.3 TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 5.3.1 Window Air Conditioning System Window air conditioner is the most commonly used air conditioner type for single rooms. In this air conditioner all the components, namely the compressor, condenser, expansion valve or coil, evaporator and cooling coil are enclosed in a single box. This unit is fitted in a slot made in the wall of the room, or more commonly a window sill. This unit is reliable and has a simple installation which requires a lower cost of construction making it the cheapest type.

Figure 5.3: Section of window air conditioner. (Vandervort, 1999)

Figure 5.4: Window air conditioner. ( arkhamghostbuster, 2017)

5.3.2 Split Air Conditioning System The split air conditioner comprises of two parts: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit, fitted outside the room, houses components like the compressor, condenser and expansion valve. The indoor unit comprises the evaporator or cooling coil and the cooling fan. This system doesn’t require a slot on the wall of an interior spaces. Further, present day split units have aesthetic appeal and do not take up as much space as a window unit. A split air conditioner can be used to cool one or two rooms.

Figure 5.5: Split air conditioner. (Superair, 2018)

Figure 5.6: Split air conditioner indoor unit and outdoor unit. (Madepl, n.d.)

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5.3.3 Package Air Conditioning System This system is used to cool medium sized buildings or rooms. There are two possible arrangements with the package unit. The first one, all the components, namely the compressor, condenser (which can be air cooled or water cooled), expansion valve and evaporator are housed in a single box.

The cooled air is thrown by the high capacity blower, and it flows through the ducts laid through various rooms. In the second arrangement, the compressor and condenser are housed in one casing. The compressed gas passes through individual units, comprised of the expansion valve and cooling coil, located in various rooms.

Figure 5.7: Section of packaged air conditioner. (Oosten, n.d.)

Figure 5.8: Window air conditioner. (Garden Style, 2018)

5.3.4 Centralized Air Conditioning System Centralized air conditioning is used for cooling big buildings, houses, offices, entire hotels, gyms, movie theatres, factories etc. A centralized air-conditioning system involves a central plant, a cooling tower, a water system to transport hot or cooled water from the central plant to AHUs and a conditioned air supply system to distribute cooled air to the designated area. It is classified into all-air system and all-water system.

Figure 5.9: Centralized air conditioning system in a building.

(Gupta, 2014)

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5.4 CASE STUDY OF D’HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS) The air conditioning system used at D’House (Digi Headquarters) is: 1. Centralized Air-Conditioning System 2. Air Handling Unit (AHU) 3. Fan Coil Unit 4. Split Air-Conditioning System The case study of D’House (Digi Headquarters) will be according to the Malaysian Standard 1525:2014.

5.4.1 Centralized Air-Conditioning System Centralized air conditioning system serve multiple spaces from one base location. This system operates by generating chilled water in a chiller plant located at one base location and then distributed to air-handling units (AHU) or fan-coil units (FCU) located at different rooms at different levels of the building. From this AHU the treated and cooled air is supplied to other spaces located within the same vicinity or level via ductworks.

D’House has one chiller plant which is located on the rooftop as it uses a air cooled type chiller system. The operation of the chiller plant is controlled in the main control room which is also the fire control room located at the ground level.

Figure 5.10: Air cooled chiller highlighted on rooftop plan. (Lim, 2018)

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5.4.1.1 Control Room

Figure 5.11: Control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.12: Digital operation panel for chiller. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.13: Digital operation panel for AHU. (Lee, 2018)

The centralized system uses a digital system to operate and monitor the chiller plant and each AHUs throughout the building. The technichian will be able to automate the power switching and timing of each AHU from here. The temperature and pressure can also be controlled and monitored from this control room. This complies with the MS 1525 regulation of equipping the system with automatic controls for energy efficiency.

MS 1525: 2014 8.4.4 Off-hour control 8.4.4.1 ACMV system should be equipped with automatic controls capable of accomplishing a reduction of energy use for example through equipment shutdown during periods of non-use or alternative use of the spaces served by the system.

Exceptions: a) system serving areas which are expected to operate continuously; and b) equipment with a connected load of 2 kW or less may be controlled by readily accessible manual off-hour controls 5.0 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

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5.4.1.2 Air Cooled Chiller

Figure 5.14: Air cooled chiller on the rooftop of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

D’House (Digi Headquarters)’s chiller system uses a Dunham Bush Chiller 300Rt which is a air cooled type chiller. There are two air cooled chiller units in this office which is located at the rooftop of the fourth floor. The number of units complies with the MS 1525 regulation. The air cooled chiller is used for smaller to medium size offices such as D’House as it is a more economical choice and saves space. This is because it does not need a cooling tower and high water consumption in comparison to the water cooled chillers.

The chillers generates cool water which is sent to the main water pumps which then delivers it to the each AHU or FCU in the building. The warmer return water travevls through the risers back to the chiller. An air cooled chiller will use fans to blow cool ambient air over their condenser to remove heat from the system and it expels heat directly into the atmospheric ambient air. Hence, not needing a cooling tower and to be located outside on the rooftop.

Figure 5.15: Chilled water travels from the chiller to each AHU or FCU. (Evans, 2017)

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MS 1525: 2014 8.2 System and equipment sizing 8.2.2 Where chillers are used and when the design load is greater than 1 000 kWr, a minimum of two chillers or a single multi-compressor chiller should be provided to meet the required load.

Figure 5.16: Components of an air-cooled chiller. (Evans, 2017)

The air cooled chiller consists of these main components, a condenser, compressor, evaporator, and expansion valve. The process follows the refrigerant cycle as discussed in 5.2.1.

High Pressure High Temperature Saturated Liquid

High Pressure High Temperature Superheated Gas

Low Pressure Low Temperature Liquid/Gas Mix

Low Pressure Low Temperature Saturated Gas

Figure 5.17: Refrigerant cycle in an air-cooled chiller. (Evans, 2017)

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a) Compressor

Figure 5.18: Screw compressor in air cooled chiller of D’house.

(Lee, 2018)

The chiller in this building uses a screw compressor. A compressor is the driving force of the refrigerant around the system. The low pressured refrigerant enters the compressor from the suction valve from the evaporator. Then, it compresses the refrigerant vapor causing it to become warm as high as 200oF and pumps it to the condenser as a high pressured gas. This refrigerant is cool but it absorbs heat in the evaporator. Most of this heat is absorbed while it was changing state from liquid to a vapor. b) Condenser

Figure 5.19: Condenser in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018)

The condensers on air cooled chillers work slightly differently, they do not use a cooling tower but instead blow air across the exposed condenser pipes with the refrigerant flowing this time on the inside of the condenser tubes. Then the air is pushed out from the condenser fans at the top into the ambient air removing the heat from the refrigerant as well. The condenser also changes the refrigerant from a vapour to a liquid.

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c) Expansion valve

Figure 5.20: Exapnsion valve in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018)

The expansion valve is a valve or small fixed-size tubing or orifice that meters liquid refrigerant into the evaporator. The valve expands the refrigerant reducing its pressure and increase it’s volume which will allow it to pick up the unwanted heat in the evaporator.

d) Evaporator

Figure 5.21: Evaporator in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018)

This is where the chilled water is produced and the heat from the warm return chilled water is extracted, to be sent to the condenser. The function is to provide a heat-absorbing surface A coil of pipe where the refrigerant inside it is vaporizing and absorbing heat. The air blown over the surface of this pipe is cooled. The chilled water supply pipes are connected to the evaporator thus, when the chilled water is produced it travels through the pipings to be pumped and distributed to the air handling units (AHU) throughout the building.

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5.4.1.3 Chilled Water Pump

Figure 5.22: Pump room highlighted on rooftop plan. (Lim, 2018)

There are 3 units of chilled water pumps, two duty pump and one standby pump located in the pump room next to the chillers. The chilled water pump pumps return warm chilled water back to the chiller so that it can be chilled again.

Figure 5.23: Chilled water pump of D’house. (Wong, 2018)

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5.4.1.4 Piping

Figure 5.24: Pipes in pump room of D’House. (Wong, 2018)

CHWS - Chilled Water Supply (Dark blue) It supplies the chilled water to every AHU. CHWR - Chilled Water Return (Light blue) It returns the warmer chilled water back to the chiller to be cooled.

5.4.1.5 Control Panels

Figure 5.25: Conrol panel in pump room of D’House. (Wong, 2018)

The control panels monitor the various aspects of the chillers performance and control these by making adjustments. It also indicates the temperatures and pressures of the chillers. This allows for the technician to also manually control and adjust the conditions and processes of the chiller from this pump room.

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5.4.2 Air Handling Unit (AHU)

Figure 5.26: AHU Room highlighted on Level 1. (Lim, 2018)

Figure 5.27: AHU Room highlighted on Level 2. (Lim, 2018)

Figure 5.29: AHU Room highlighted on Level 3. (Lim, 2018)

Figure 5.30: AHU Room highlighted on Level 4. (Lim, 2018)

Figure 5.31: AHU Room highlighted on Level 5 (rooftop).

(Lim, 2018)

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Figure 5.32: Zoning of AHU in D’House. (Lee, 2018)

There are 11 Air Handling Units (AHU) in D’House with at least two on each level and one on the rooftop level. Each level is divided into 4 zones and each AHU is assigned to one zone depending on the levels of the building. It is used to supply to the office areas and the Yellow Arena of D’House. The AHU is a part of the centralized air conditioning system as well as the split air conditioning system of D’House.

The AHU is a device used to regulate and circulate air. It is a large insulated encased assembly of a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers.

It distributes the conditioned air from the chiller throughout the building through connections of ductwork ventilation system and also returns it back to the AHU. When the conditioned air is supplied, the air is filtered and depending on the required temperature of the re-conditioned air, the fresh air is either heated by a heating coil, or cooled by a cooling coil.

The circulation if the air is then carried out by the blower.

Figure 5.33: Section of a Air Handling Unit (AHU).(Yin, 2016)

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The main components of the AHU are: 5.4.2.1 Air Filter

Figure 5.34: A panel air filter in an AHU of D’House. (Wong, 2018)

The air filter functions to remove particles and contaminants such as dust and smoke of various sizes from the air. It is placed first in the AHU in order to keep all the downstream components clean.

The returned air from the offices is extracted back through the return air grill to the AHU and is then sent to the air ionizer. The air ionizer removes dirt and impurities using a charged eletrical surface to generate electrically charged air. It will then be filtered in the air filter to improve its air quality.

5.4.2.2 Blower Fan

Figure 5.35: Centrifugal blower fan of an AHU. (hava-pouyes, n.d.)

The AHU in D’House uses a centrifugal blower fan. In an AHU there are two blower fans, one to blow air through the cooling coil to cool the air and another supply fan that blows air into the supply duct.

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5.4.2.3 Cooling Coil

Figure 5.36: Cooling coil of an AHU. (Omeel Coils, n.d.)

The cooling coil functions to cool and dehumidify the air. This coils are usually made up of rows of copper tubing to maximize heat transfer efficiency. The coils can function in a direct expansion type where the refrigerant from the central plant flows through the cooling coil which acts as an evaporator of the plant. In the chilled water system, the chilled water from the chiller flows through the cooling coil. The cooling coil also cools the hot return air.

5.4.2.4 Control Panel

Figure 5.37: Control panel of an AHU in D’house. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 5.38: Control panel of an AHU in D’house. (Wong, 2018)

Each AHU room is equipped with a set of control panels to regulate and monitor every aspect of the AHU, such as: flow rate of air, supply air temperature, mixed air temperature, humidity, air quality.

The control unit on the right figure controls the frequency and the speed of the flow of water.

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5.4.2.5 Piping and Ductworks

Figure 5.39: Chilled water supply and return pipes to AHU in D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.40: Ductwork system along a corridor in D’House.

(Wong, 2018)

The chilled water return pipe carries the return chilled water from the AHU back to the chiller on the rooftop of D’House while the chilled water supply pipe carries the chilled water from the chiller to be distributed by the AHU. The supply ducting system then carries the cooled air produced by the AHU into the interior spaces of the building. The return ductworks likewise carries the hot return air from the rooms back to the AHU. The ductings are covered with insulated material to prevent the loss of energy and cooling effect.

The pipes are also insulated with an insulation jacket and coatings to prevent the loss of excessive energy. This complies with the MS 1525 requirements of piping and duct insulation listed under code 8.5 and 8.6.

MS 1525: 2014 8.5 Piping insulation All piping installed to serve buildings and within buildings should be adequately insulated to prevent excessive energy losses. Additional insulation with vapour barriers may be required to prevent condensation under some conditions.

8.6 Air handling duct system insulation All ducts, plenums and enclosures installed in or on buildings should be adequately insulated to prevent excessive energy losses. Additional insulation with vapour barriers may be required to prevent condensation under some conditions.

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5.4.2.6 Diffusers

Figure 5.41: Linear diffuser in meeting room of D’House.

(Wong, 2018)

Figure 5.42: Square diffuser of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.43: Round diffuser of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

The diffusers are used to deliver the conditioned air from the AHU as part as the centralised air conditioning system to the specific desired space of the building. The linear diffusers are commonly used in the meeting rooms and the lobby of D’House. These are used for an alternative air distribution pattern and for aesthetic reasons. Linear slots can be used for return air as well as supply.

While the other parts of the building uses square and round diffusers.

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5.4.3 Fan Coil Unit (FCU)

Figure 5.44: Fan coil unit in D’House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 5.45: Exposed horizontal fan coil unit diffuser in gym of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.46: 4-way cassette fan coil unit diffuser in D’House. (Wong, 2018)

Fan Coil Unit (FCU) is used in D’House to supply to smaller areas such as the studio, store room, retail area and gym area. A FCU s a simple device consisting of a heating and/or cooling heat exchanger or ‘coil’ and fan. It is controlled either by a manual on/off switch or by a thermostat, which controls the throughput of water to the heat exchanger using a control valve and/or the fan speed.

The FCU recirculates air continuously from the space through the coil which contains either hot or chilled water. The induction unit mixes the return air with the conditioned air supplied by the central plant room through high velocity duct. Each FCU is provided with a small supply of outside air to ensure adequate ventilation.

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Figure 5.47: Section of a fan coil unit. (Saleh, 2015)

A fan coil unit (FCU) consists of the following main components: a) Blower/Fan A centrifugal fan is usually used and is enclosed so that air from an inlet is compressed to a higher discharge pressure. b) Coil A coil functions as a heat exchanger in which liquid is circulated to provide heating or cooling to the air which passes through the heat sink fins. c) Drain Pan It is a pan located under the cooling coil to catch condensate formed during cooling. d) Filter The filter is a tray in which it can be pulled out for maintenance or replacement.

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5.4.4 Split Unit Air Conditioning System

Figure 5.48: Wall mounted indoor unit in control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.49: Control unit in control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

D’House also uses a split unit air conditioning system at smaller areas such as control rooms and smaller offices. This is used to at strategic areas that are used outside the normal working hours such as public holidays or weekends. Thus, this system can be manually controlled for that specific space without the need to use the centralized air conditioning system and this will save cost and energy. This complies with the MS 1525 requirements listed under code 8.4.4.4.

The split unit air conditioning system consists of two parts; a wall mounted indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit blows cool air into the room, and the outdoor unit dissipates the heat from the cooled area. Refrigerants are used to cool or heat the air.

Figure 5.50: Outdoor unit outside the control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 5.51: Indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit outside. (superair, n.d.)

MS 1525:2014 8.4.4 Off-hour control 8.4.4.4 For buildings where occupancy patterns are not known at time of system design, isolation areas should be pre-designed.

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5.4.5 Variable Air Volume System

Figure 5.52: A ceiling mounted VAV terminal unit in D’House.(Yee, 2018)

Figure 5.53: A variable air volume box. (Labguard India Pvt. Ltd., n.d.)

The Variable Air Volume system (VAV) varies the airflow at a constant temperature. This system is developed to be more energy efficient and to meet the varying heating and cooling needs of different building zones. The system provide zoning for large work areas such as office spaces and other large work areas and office buildings.

A VAV terminal unit, or called a VAV box, is the zone-level flow control device. Dampers are used at the terminal outlets to control the air flow according to the requirements of each space.

Figure 5.54: An air volume control damper.(waterloo, n.d.)

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Figure 5.55: A process of a VAV system. (Saleh, 2015)

The VAV unit in D’House is equipped with a Direct Digital Controller (DDC) and is controlled by the building management system. Each box is calibrated with the designed air flow range for self-balancing of air flow required and temperature controls. The main supply air duct from AHU is connected to all VAV boxes for primary cooling air discharge towards the diffuser and the Secondary Motorized Volume Control Damper (MVCD). The MVCD is controlled by the SE8300 Room Controller located in specific rooms.

5.4.6 SE8300 Room Controller

Figure 5.56: The SE8300 Room Controller in a meeting room of D’House. (Wong, 2018)

The SE8300 Room Controller is a mini touchscreen controller located in meeting rooms, the silent zone, project rooms, and training rooms. It functions as a secondary control of temperature and lighting in designated rooms for energy efficiency. An infared occupancy sensor is build into the controller to detect the movement and heat of occupants in the room based on the 3 set points type, occupied, standby, and unoccupied. The room occupancy mode is determined which then activates or controls the room temperature and lighting based on the information received.

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5.5 CONCLUSION In D’House (Digi Headquarters) the main air conditioning system used is a centralized air conditioning system that is distributed to mostly AHUs and FCUs. The split unit air conditioning system is also used for certain areas to help maximise cost and energy efficiency.

Although the cost of installation of a central plant is high, the centralized system is used mainly as it is an effective and efficient way to circulate cool air and improve air quality within a larger building such as the D’House (Digi Headquarters). The usage of an air cooled chiller also helps to reduce the installation cost and requires less space with the omission of a cooling tower.

Overall, the air conditioning system in D’House comply with the rules and by-laws of MS 1525 in terms of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) system. It can also be seen how vital the air conditioning system is in providing thermal comfort to users.

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MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Types of Mechanical Ventilation System 6.3 Components of Mechanical Ventilation System 6.4 Case Study of D’House (Digi Headquarters) 6.5 Conclusion

6. 0

6.1 INTRODUCTION Mechanical ventilation systems provide fresh air and remove moisture, odors, and other pollutants that accumulate in a building. The supply of fresh air and the removal of stale air is done by mechanical means instead of relying on natural ventilation.

6.2 TYPES OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM 6.2.1 Supply Ventilation System This system is commonly used in hot or mixed climates. Other examples of supply ventilation also include stairwell pressurization system and lift lobby pressurization system.

Figure 6.1: The operation of supply ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018)

6.2.2 Exhaust Ventilation System Usually implemented in cold climate regions. Examples of exhaust ventilation include atrium smoke spill system, car park exhaust system, kitchen exhaust system, toilet exhaust system, utility room exhaust system.

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Figure 6.2: The operation of exhaust ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018)

6.2.3 Balanced/Combined Ventilation System A balanced ventilation system is where both supply and exhaust ventilation simultaneously occur in the building. This system can be implemented in regions of any climatic condition.

Figure 6.3: The operation of supply and exhaust ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018)

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6.2.4 Comparison of All Mechanical Ventilation Systems Ventilation System

Pros

• Exhaust •

• • • • Supply • • •

Balanced

•

Cons

• Can draw pollutants into living space.

• Not appropriate for hot humid climates.

• Rely in part on random air Relatively inexpensive and leakage. simple to install.

• Can increase heating and Work well in cold climates. cooling costs.

• May require mixing of outdoor and indoor air to avoid drafts in cold weather.

• Can cause backdrafting in combustion appliances.

Relatively inexpensive and simple to install.

Allow better control than exhaust systems.

• Can cause moisture problems in Minimize pollutants from cold climates. outside living space.

• Will not temper or remove Prevent backdrafting of moisture from incoming air. combustion gases from • Can increase heating and cooling fireplaces and appliances. costs.

Allow filtering of pollen and • May require mixing of outdoor dust in outdoor air. and indoor air to avoid drafts in Allow dehumidification of cold weather. outdoor air.

Work well in hot or mixed climates.

• Can cost more to install and operate than exhaust or supply systems.

Appropriate for all climates.

• Will not temper or remove moisture from incoming air.

• Can increase heating and cooling costs.

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6.2.5 Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)

Figure 6.4: Heat recovery ventilator. (Plusaire, 2016)

An air-to-air heat exchanger, it is not a heating system but it is supposed to recover between 70% to 90% of the heat from exhaust air before it is discharged.

This system consists of two ventilation ducts running next to one another passing between the inside and outside of a house. One carries fresh air in and the other releases moist, stale air out to the external environment. The airstreams run through a heat exchanger that allows the outgoing air to pass most of its heat to the incoming air without directly mixing together. A fan blower in each duct can be turned up or down either manually or automatically depending on temperature and humidity levels.

6.2.6 Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)

Figure 6.5: Energy recovery ventilator. (Dave World Home, 2016)

It is an alternative system that works in a similar way but transfers some of the moisture from the outgoing air into incoming air to maintain the humidity level of the space. ERV is opted if air-conditioning is available in a humid climate. This reduces the load and cost of air-conditioning.

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6.3 COMPONENTS OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS 6.3.1 Fans 6.3.1.1 Ceiling Fan

Figure 6.6: Standard fan. (Doman, E., 2016)

Figure 6.7: Hugger fan. (Doman, E., 2016)

Figure 6.8: Industrial fan. (Doman, E., 2016)

It circulates the air movement in the space and does not introduce fresh air into space. It also circulates air within a room for the purpose of reducing the perceived temperature by method of evaporation of perspiration on the skin of the occupants.

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6.3.1.2 Propeller Fan

Figure 6.9: A typical propeller fan. (Amazon, 2012)

Figure 6.10: Types of propeller fan. (Loren Cook Company, 2015)

A propeller fan is used to provide cooler air while eliminating odours and moisture from air. These fans are especially found in bathrooms and kitchens where high humidity levels are present. Using these fans will benefit from a reduction in problems such as mold and its resultant negative effects of excessive moisture.

6.3.1.3 Centrifugal Fan

Figure 6.11: Centrifugal fan. (SolerPalau, 2018)

Figure 6.12: Components of a centrifugal fan. ( Infinair Malaysia, 2016)

A centrifugal fan is a mechanical device for moving air and gases. By using the kinetic energy of impellers to increase volume of air stream, they displace the air radially with a change of direction in 90 degrees

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6.3.2 Diffuser and Grilles An air distribution outlet, usually located in the ceiling and consisting of deflecting vanes discharging supply air in various directions and planes, and arranged to promote mixing of the supplied air with the air already in the room.

Figure 6.13: Types of diffuser. (Moss, R., 2017)

Figure 6.14: Types of air grilles. (skepticrant.com, 2017)

6.3.3 Air Filter Air filters are made of either fiberglass material or pleated paper/cloth with a framing made from cardboard, plastic or any rigid material. It functions to filter solid contaminants in the air such as dust, dirt, pollen, mold, lint and others. Filtering the air will improve indoor air quality and provides a conducive environment for occupants of building.

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6.3.3.1 Panel Filter

Figure 6.15: Panel filter. (Jaya filter, 2013)

A flat surfaced filter to maximise area, increasing efficiency in filtering air. They are usually disposable and dimensions are fitted according to typical ductwork sizes.

6.3.3.2 Bag Filter

Figure 6.16: Bag filters of different sizes. (Filtrex, 2017)

Bag filters provide increased surface area in contact with air than panel filters. The fabric of the bag filters are washable. So, the bag filters are easily installed and uninstalled for cleaning purposes.

The pockets are to be installed vertically to prevent chances of absorbing condensed water.

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6.3.3.3 Roller-type Filter

Figure 6.17: Roller-type filter. (hellopro.fr, 2018)

This type of filter can either be operated manually or by pressure sensitive switch. Several perforated rollers can be used in vee format and increase the fabric contact area.

6.3.3.4 Electrostatic Filter

Figure 6.18: A flat electrostatic filter. (Max Water, 2016)

It consists of an ionising area that provides suspended dust particles a positive electrostatic charge.

The filter includes both positively and negatively charged metal plates. As the positively charged suspended dust particles pass through, the positively charged metal plate deflects the dust and the negatively charged metal plate attracts the dust particles. Thus, removing the suspended dust particles in the air.

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6.3.3.5 Viscous Filter

Figure 6.19: Viscous filter. (SN Air, 2018)

They have high retention capacity to dust and are often used for industrial applications.

6.3.4 Ductwork Ductwork serves as a distribution system of heated or cooled airflow in the building through a series of ducts. The needed airflows include supply, return and exhaust air. Ducts can be made from a wide range of materials such as galvanised mild steel, aluminium, polyurethane and phenolic foam panels, fibreglass and flex ducts.

6.3.4.1 Flexible Ductwork

Figure 6.20: Flexible ductwork. (Polyaire, 2018)

Made of non-metallic materials reinforced with wire. Flexible ductworks are suitable for areas with existing framing and structures, as well as smaller spaces. They are used in areas that require longer lengths of ductwork. By using flexible ductwork, the risk of leakages is low.

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6.3.4.2 Rigid Ductwork (Sheet Metal Ductwork)

Figure 6.21: An elbow connection for metal sheet ductwork.

(Quick Custom Metals, 2016)

It is made of galvanised steel and they are usually round or rectangular in design. Rigid ductwork is more durable than flexible ductwork and do not tear or puncture easily. They are least likely to harbor dangerous molds or growths because they have non-porous surfaces.

6.3.4.3 Fibreglass Duct Board

Figure 6.22: Fibreglass ductwork. (East coast metal distributors, 2018)

Fibreglass duct boards are not strong but insulate extremely well and promotes efficient airflow.

The downside of fibreglass duct boards is its installation must be done with care and applications for this type is limited.

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6.3.4.4 Fire Rated Ductwork

Figure 6.23: Fire rated ducts. (Airmatic Ltd, 2015)

Non-fire resisting ductwork system can be responsible for allowing the initial spread of fire between the compartments, and by allowing the rapid spread of smoke. Hence, fire rated ductworks are used to prevent this from happening.

6.4 CASE STUDY OF D’HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS) 6.4.1 Supply Ventilation System - Office Area & Fire Staircase 6.4.1.1 Stairwell Pressurisation System A pressurisation system is intended to prevent smoke leaking through closed doors into fire stairs by injecting clean air into the stairwell. The intent is to have the highest pressure in the stairwell and a reducing pressure in the adjacent area to facilitate pedestrian escape route and firefighting access.

Figure 6.24: How a stairwell pressurization system works. (Yee, 2018) 6.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

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The components of stairwell pressurisation system are a) Push button fire alarm

Figure 6.25: Push button fire alarm in fire staircase of D’House (Lee, 2018)

This is to allow any personnel to trigger the fire alarm, hence initiating the stairwell pressurisation system in the case of fire. b) Supply air fan

Figure 6.26: Exhaust fan for toilets located at rooftop.

(Lee, 2018)

Figure 6.27: Close up of exhaust fan. (Lee, 2018)

Located on the roof top, the supply air fan will continuously supply air to the staircase to create a difference in air pressure between the adjacent spaces and the fire staircase.

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c) Multi-leaf smoke protection dampers

Figure 6.28: Multi-leaf smoke damper found in fire staircase (Lee, 2018)

This serves as an inlet for air supply through the provided shaft (highlighted in red) into the fire staircase.

d) Conventional ventilation louvres

Figure 6.29: Ventilation louvres located at top most floor of stairwell (Lee, 2018)

To prevent over pressurisation of stairwell, ventilation louvres are located at the top most floor. If over pressurisation of stairwell occurs, the fire door will be difficult to open. This will slow down the evacuation process and poses as a threat to the safety of the building’s occupants.

In total there are 8 staircases, 3 with air pressurisation system, 3 naturally ventilated staircases and 2 open air staircases. The location of these staircases are shown in the following diagram:

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Figure 6.30: Ground floor plan showing the types of staircases in D’ House.

(Yee, 2018)

6.4.1.2 Centralised Supply System - Office & Kitchen Area a) Ductwork (Insulated)

Figure 6.31: Exposed insulated ductwork at office area. (Yee, 2018)

The ductworks provide distribution of air exactly where it is needed as the ductwork channels the air directly to each office or meeting room. They are insulated to prevent heat gain to cooled supply air.

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MS 1525:2014 8.6 Air handling duct system insulation All ducts, plenums and enclosures installed in or on buildings should be adequately insulated to prevent excessive energy losses. Additional insulation with vapour barriers may be required to prevent condensation under some conditions.

Exceptions: Duct insulation is not required in the following cases: a) where the design temperature differential between the air in the duct and the surrounding air is 8oC or less provided that the duct is within the air-conditioned space; b) when the heat gain or loss of the ducts, without insulation, will not increase the energy requirements of the building; c) within ACMV equipment; and d) exhaust air ducts subject to qualification as in 8.6 a)

b) Outlet Diffusers

Figure 6.32: Round ceiling diffusers located on the ceilings of office rooms to distribute cooled air. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 6.33: Louvered face diffuser in kitchen area (Lee, 2018)

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6.4.2 Extract Ventilation System - Kitchen & Toilet Mechanical extract only systems are used mostly when the air becomes contaminated such as in kitchens, bathrooms etc – where there is a need for constant and predictable extraction of air.

Supply only systems are suitable for houses and occupied offices that need to be supplied by fresh air when the air movement needs to be controlled.

6.4.2.1 Centralized Toilet Exhaust System This system functions to reduce or eliminate odour and moisture from the air. This system comprises of the following components: a) Exhaust Grilles

Figure 6.34: Exhaust grilles located on ceiling of toilets. (Yee, 2018)

The ductworks provide distribution of air exactly where it is needed as the ductwork channels the air directly to each office or meeting room. They are insulated to prevent heat gain to cooled supply air.

b) Air Shaft (Enclosed Ceiling) An air shaft is needed to provide a separate pathway for airflow to the centrifugal fan.

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c) Centrifugal Fan

Figure 6.35: Exhaust fan located at rooftop. (Lee, 2018)

The centrifugal fan releases the stale air from the toilets to the rooftop.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part III Space, Light, Ventilation Clause 41: Mechanical ventialtion and air-conditioning.

(3) The provision of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned.

Third Schedule (By-law 41) 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 be provided with mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning having a minimum of fresh air change at the rate of 0.61 cmm per square metre of floor area of ten air changes per hour, whichever is the lower.

MS 1525:2014 8.4 Controls 8.4.2 Humidity control In a system requiring moisture removal to maintain specific selected relative humidity in spaces or zones, no new source of energy (such as electric reheat) should be used to produce a space relative humidity below 70 % for comfort cooling purposes.

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6.4.2.2 Kitchen Exhaust System Moisture is generated in a kitchen through cooking, boiling or simmering of food. In addition, microwave and conventional ovens remove moisture from food and vent it into the kitchen space.

Cooking appliance also contribute to the moisture in the air as water vapour is a byproduct of gas combustion.

The kitchen located in the cafeteria and consists of an individual exhaust system. It comprises of a kitchen exhaust hood, ductwork and exhaust fan a) Kitchen Exhaust Hood

Figure 6.36: Kitchen exhaust hood. (Lee, 2018)

It is a device containing a mechanical fan that hangs over a stove or kitchen top. It functions to remove airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, odors, heat, and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. The size of the hoods has to be large enough so that the fumes produced do not spill over. b) Ductwork

Figure 6.37: Ductwork from kitchen area . (Lee, 2018)

The non-insulated metal ductwork channels the kitchen effluents from the exhaust hood to the exhaust fan system.

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c) Axial Exhaust Fan

Figure 6.38: Axial exhaust fan located in ductworks. (Lee, 2018)

This component is used to extract the kitchen effluents by creating negative pressures at the end of ductwork.

6.4.2.3 Storage Rooms Storage rooms located in the carpark area adopt a simple exhaust system where they located an exhaust fan to ventilate the space.

Figure 6.39: Exhaust fan outside store room. (Lee, 2018)

Figure 6.40: The use of exhaust fan for storage room ventilation.

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6.4.2.4 Pump Room

Figure 6.41: Ducts with air grilles to channel air to exhaust fan. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 6.42: Location of ductwork spans across the pump room. (Lee, 2018)

The pump room has an individual exhaust system as well where a separate ductwork is located in the pump room and the air is released to immediate surrounding. Natural air will enter the pump room through louvred windows to provide a complete circulation of air.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access Clause 249: Smoke and heat venting.

In windowless buildings, underground structures and large smoke area factories. smoke venting facilities shall be provided for safe use of exit.

Clause 250: Natural draught smoke vent.

(1) Natural draught smoke venting shall utilise roof vents or vents in walls at or near the ceiling level.

(2) Such vents shall normally be in open positions of if they are dosed they shall be so designed to open automatically by an approved means in the event of a fire.

Clause 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.

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6.5 CONCLUSION Mechanical ventilation systems used in D’house serves not only as a continuous channel for fresh air but also as a safety feature like their stairs pressurisation system. The indoor air quality of the building cannot be maintained with only HVAC systems. Hence, it is important to implement mechanical ventilation systems in our buildings for the occupants’s comfort and safety.

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MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Lifts 4.3 Case Study of D’house (Digi Headquarters) 4.4 Conclusion

7. 0

7.1 INTRODUCTION Mechanical transportation system refers to the system of traveling vertically and horizontally between different floors within a building with the aid of mechanical systems. It serves to transport goods or people in a quicker and more efficient manner. Mechanical transportation system that can be found in a building are lifts, escalators and travelators.

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7.2 LIFTS Lifts, also known as elevators, is a type of vertical transportation with a platform housed within a shaft that moves people or goods between floors of a building safely and efficiently. Elevators are generally powered by electric motors that either drive traction cables or counterwight systems like hoist or pump hydraulic fluid to raise a platform like a jack.

The arrangement of lifts is important to maintain a smooth circulation between the occupants of a building.

Factors which need to be considered during the installation of lifts include: (1) type; (2) speed; (3) quantity; (4) layout.

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7.2.1 Types of lifts Lifts or elevators can be classified based on their means of moving. These 4 categories include electric lifts which involves traction with machine and machine-room-less traction, hydraulic lifts, climbing lifts and pneumatic lifts.

7.2.1.1 Traction lift

Figure 7.1: Geared traction lift.

(Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Figure 7.2: Gearless traction lift.

(Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Figure 7.3: MRL traction lift.

(Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Traction lifts consist of a lift car and a counter weight which is attached to a separate cable that is extended with small grooves to prevent it from slipping out from a large pulley wheel called a sheave at the top of the lift.

Geared traction lift has a gearbox that is attached to the motor, which drives the wheel that moves the ropes. It is also known as a roped elevator, as it is hauled up using steel rope that is attached above the hoist way or elevator shaft and is commonly used for low to mid-rise building. It also comes with a great advantage, as the location of the machine room is located on the top of the elevator shaft in a separate room which allows easy accessibility for maintenance purposes. It is said to provide a smoother ride than hydraulic lifts. Geared traction lifts can travel up to 150 metres per minute.

Gearless traction lift have its wheel directly attached to motor and is acclaimed to be the fastest lift as it is able to climb a building of any height with a speed of up to 600 metres per minute. Gearless traction lift consists of five to eight lengths of hoisting rope or wire rope that is attached to the top of the elevator and wrapped around the sheave in a special groove.

Machine-room-less (MRL) traction lift uses a traction system but it does not have a dedicated machine room above the elevator shaft. The machine sits in the override space and the controls sit above the ceiling adjacent to the elevator shaft. MRL lifts are increasing in usage but they still propose a hassle as maintainence work has to be done on a ladder instead of in a room.

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7.2.1.2 Hydraulic lift

Figure 7.4: General hydraulic lift components.

(Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Hydraulic lifts are supported by a piston at the bottom of the lift that pushes the lift up as an electric motor forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into the piston. The lift descends as a valve releases the fluid from the piston. Hydraulic lifts are commonly used for low-rise buildings of 2 to 8 storeys. They have a maximum traveling speed of 61 metres per minute. The machine room of a hydraulic lift is ususually located at the lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft. This type of lifts are suitable for goods transportation, hospitals and old folk’s home.

Compared to a traction lift, the operation is simple which reduces its maintenance cost. Brakes, ropes, pulleys, sheaves or winding gear are not needed for hydraulic lifts. Structural cost can be reduced as the load imposed lower. The lack of counter weight in the system allows for a bigger lift.

Besides that, acceleration and travel is very smooth which allows extremely accurate floor leveling to be achieved.

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7.2.1.3 Climbing lift

Figure 7.5: Climbing elevator in a construction context. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

A climbing lift is a self-powered lift that is commonly used in the work and construction areas as a mode of transportation solely to transport construction material or people to deliver services such as window cleaning for tall skyscrapers. Electric or combustible engine is connected to the elevator car which moves the car towards the top.

7.2.1.4 Pneumatic lift

Figure 7.6: Pneumatic elevators that is used at home.

(Iristoelevators, n.d.)

Pneumatic lift combines a smooth vertical cylinder with a coaxial car that moves up and down through air suction. The difference between the pressure on top of the car versus the pressure under the car creates an ascending push on the car. The difference in pressure is achieved as the top part of the car is a vacuum system created by turbines operating as exhaust fans. Rubber seals are used to prevent air leakage from the car. Pneumatic lift has a low capacity of occupance as it can only cater 1 to 3 passengers and is therefore only used in villas and duplex apartments.

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7.2.2 Speed of lifts Required speed of an elevator depends on the quality and type of service that is provided in the building as well as the number of floors. For optimum speed, a lift should not take more than 30 seconds to travel in between the top and lowest floor.

Type of lifts

Car speed (m/s)

Passenger - up to 4 floors up to 9 floors 9 to 15 floors over 15 floors paternoster

0.3 - 0.8 0.8 - 2.0 2.0 - 5.0 5.0 - 7.0 up to 0.4

Goods, to any height

0.2 - 1.0

Hydraulic, passenger or goods (max. 4 to 5 floors)

0.1 - 1.0

7.2.3 Quantity of lifts Number of lifts used in a building depends on the estimated population of the building and type of building occupancy as the different function of a building dictates different types of lifts. It is also determined by the number of floors and height of the proposed building. Cost is another factor that will determine the number of lifts in a building.

7.2.4 Layout of lifts The minimum standard of service states that one lift for every 4 storeys should be positioned with a maximum walking distance of 45 metres from the lift lobby. Lifts are commonly positioned together in a group to reduce cost and waiting time of the users.

Lift layout has a significant influence on a building’s fuctionality. The lifts must be installed in such a way that it is wasy to use and allow easy movement.

Figure 7.7: Possible arrangements of lift and lobby.

(Toshiba, n.d.)

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7.3 CASE STUDY OF D’ HOUSE (DIGI HEADQUARTERS) A total of 4 lifts are available in D’ House to accomodate the occupants of the building. As D’ House has 4 storeys, it uses a geared traction lift type where its machine room is located at the roof top.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VI Constructional Requirements Clause 124: Lifts.

For all non–residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at least one lift shall be provided.

MS 1184: 2014 15 Lifts 15.1 All accessible levels of a building shall be accessible with ramps or 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.

7.3.1 Overview One of the type of elevator that is used in D’House is the geared traction lift with a machine room situated on the roof top. The detail is as shown below: Type of elevator: Geared Traction Lift (Passenger Iift) Brand: SIGMA Carrying Capacity: 17 persons, 1160 kg Rated speed: 1.0 – 1.75m/s Travel distance: 10.5 metres

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7.3.2 Components of the system The elevator consists of different part work to deliver smooth and safe ride to the user and transfer goods efficiently. For D’ House, a geared traction lift is used.

Figure 7.8: A basic component of a traction elevator. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

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7.3.2.1 Machine room

Figure 7.9: Inside the machine room of D’ House. (Lee, 2018)

Machine room, also known as elevator motor room or elevator machinery room, is a room dedicated for the elevator drives and controllers. In D’ House, the machine room for the elevators are located above the elevator shaft which minimizes the length of rope and optimises the efficient.

Figure 7.10: Drive speed motor. (Lee, 2018)

a) Gearbox The sheave is connected to an electric motor attached to a gear box. When the motor turns one way, the sheave raises the elevator car and vice versa. In geared elevators, the motor turns a gear train that rotates the sheave.

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Figure 7.11: Traction sheave holding the steel rope. (Lee, 2018)

b) Traction sheave The traction sheave that is showcased in D’ House is placed under the drive motor. The traction sheave is fixed to the motor housing which has a novel cable groove liner. The liner is formed of solid elastomeric materials and has a band of pressure release material that permits deformation of the liner so as to increase lateral pressure on the cable to preserve the round shape which increases the gripping of the cable by the liner. At the traction sheave, traction ropes are attached to the elevator car and looped around the sheave. The sheave functions as a s pulley with grooves around the circumference providing a grip to the ropes. When the sheave is rotated, the ropes move along with it.

Figure 7.12: Example of an overspeed governor. (Elevation Wikia, 2013)

c) Overspeed governor The overspeed governor is a safety device that is activated when the lift car exceeds its permitted speed. When this happens, the governor trips and triggers the safety gear of the lift car via the governor rope. The lift car is brought to a standstill and clamps onto the guide rails located in the elevator shaft.

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Figure 7.13: Lift control panel. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 7.14: Elevator controller. (Wong, 2018)

d) Control panel D’ House uses microprocessor controllers in operating the elevators. They are compact and consume less power compared to the older technology. The smaller sizes also allow the motor room to be smaller as less space is needed for the system.

7.3.2.2 Elevator shaft

Figure 7.15: A typical elevator shaft. (Elevation Wikia, 2013)

The elevator shaft is a vertical passage in a building which allows the movement of an elevator from floor to floor. Several components can be found in the shaft namely guide rails, counter weight, suspension ropes, etc.

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Figure 7.16: Steel suspension rope. (Electrical Knowhow, 2018)

a) Suspension ropes Suspension ropes allow the lift car to be raised and lowered rather than pushed from below i.e. hydraulic lifts. Suspension ropes used in traction lifts are connected to the cross head and extended up into the machine room looping over the traction sheave on the motor and then back down to the counter weights. A single wrap roping system is used in D’ House where the rope passes over the traction sheave once and then connected to the counter weight.

Figure 7.17: Guide rails situated in the hoist way. (Broswright, n.d.)

b) Guide rails Both the lift car and the counter weight depend on guide rails located in the elevator shaft. The rails keep the car and counter weight from swaying back and forth and collaborates with the safety system to stop the lift car in an emergency.

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Figure 7.18: Example of a car bracket and a counter weight bracket. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Figure 7.19: Counter weight component. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

c) Counter weight Counter weight is located in the hoist way which is suspended from cables and rides a separate rail system along the elevator shaft. The function of the counter weight is to conserve energy by applying equal loads on each side of the sheave. By doing so, minimal force is needed to tip the balance one way or another where the motor only has to overcome friction thus reducing the necessary energy needed to moving the lifts.

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Figure 7.20: Landing door at Level 1 of the Digi D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

d) Landing door D’ House’s elevators is equipped with two panel, center-opening doors. The door that can be seen from each floor of a building is referred to as the outer or hoist way door. The hoist way door is a part of the building installed at each floor where the lift opens up to. These doors can be opened or closed by electric motors or manually for emergency incidents. They have a motion sensor system that keeps the door from closing if somebody is between them.

The lift car doors have a clutch mechanism that unlocks the hoist way doors at each floor and pulls them open. Thus, the hoist way doors will only open if there is a lift car at the floor.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 151: Openings 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 may be approved by the D.G.F.S. (2) Landing doors shall have a FRP of not less than half the FRP of the hoist way structure with a minimum FRP of half hour.

(3) No glass shall be used for in landing doors except for vision in which case any vision panel shall or be glazed with wired safety glass and shall not be more than 0.0161 square metre and the total area of one of more visions panels in any landing door shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre.

(4) Each clear panel opening shall reject a sphere 150 milimetres in diameter.

(5) Provision shall be made for the opening of all landing doors by means of an emergency key irrespective of the position of the lift car.

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7.3.2.3 Lift car (exterior)

Figure 7.21: A general design of an elevator car. (Hitachi Archive, 2017)

Elevator car is mounted on a platform within an enclosed space called the shaft or hoist way. The elevator car consist of car frame, maintenance balustrade, traveling cable, compensation chain and more. a) Car frame Car frame is used to support the car cabin which is located at 3 different positions - upper, sides and bottom.

Figure 7.22: Car sling. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

b) Car sling Car sling is a load carrier element which serves to isolate vibrations due to the movement of the lift car.

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Figure 7.23: Maintenance balustrade components. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

c) Maintenance balustrade The maintenance balustrade is located at the roof of the lift car where maintenance work is usually carried out. The balustrade prevents someone from falling into the shaft. d) Traveling cable Traveling cable is a flexible cable that supplies electricity to the lift car and serves as a mean of communication between the controller and the car. e) Compensation chain Compensation chain is either a welded link or plastic-coated chain which is used for balancing or atoning the weight of the hoisting rope. The end of the chain is attached under the car frame and the other end is fastened to the counterweight sling.

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7.3.2.3 Lift cabin (interior)

Figure 7.24: Elevator cabinet component. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Elevator cabin is an enclosed wall, floor and ceiling made of steel or other material. The only openings that are allowed is the car door, emergency trap door and ventilation apertures.

Figure 7.25: Floor indicator of the lift in D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

Figure 7.26: Buttons of the operating panel of the lift. (Wong, 2018)

a) Car wall The car walls of the elevators in D’ House is made of stainless steel.

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b) Operating panel All the buttons on the operating panel in the lifts of D’House glows in red to show the selected floor that was chosen once it is pressed. It also comes with Braille on the buttons, allowing the visually impaired to access the lifts safely.

Open and Close Door Button Informs the landing doors to open or close.

Floor Request Button Allows users to choose the desired floors and indicate which floor the elevator is heading to.

Emergency Bell Button In case of malfunction, users can press this button to notify the control room.

Overload Warning A warning sound will go off if the elevator is overloaded which causes the elevator to stop its operation.

Intercom System Connects the inside of the lift car to the control room in case of malfunction.

Automatic Emergency Rescue Device If there is a situation of a power failure and the elevator has not arrived on the appointed floor, the AERD will trigger, reach the nearest floor and open the door.

Fire Alarm Home Landing When fire alarm is activated, the car will return to the selected floor and ring the signal.

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7.3.3 Operating system

Figure 7.27: Diagram showing the flow of elevator operating system. (Elevation Wikia, 2013)

An elevator operating system functions to coordinate all aspects of elevator service such as travel, speed, door opening, delay, etc. It accepts inputs through button signal and produces outputs such as elevator cars moving and landing doors opening, etc.

Elevator operating system is tasked to: (1) bring the lift car to the correct floor; (2) minimize travel time; (3) maximize passenger comfort by providing a smooth ride; (4) accelerate, decelerate and travel within safe speed limits.

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7.3.4 Safety features Safety features in a lift is crucial to ensure the usability of the lifts and the safety of the users.

7.3.4.1 Apron

Figure 7.28: Apron shown in the elevator cabinet component.

(Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

A lift car apron is a vertical protective board installed on the lift car sill. It functions as a barrier which protects the passengers from being exposed to the lift shaft under the car if the doors are opened when the car is not at the landing.

7.3.4.2 Safety door edge

Figure 7.29: Action of a safety door edge. (Mitsubishi, n.d.)

This feature reverses door operation if a person or object is obstructing the closing doors. This usually involves photoelectric or infrared sensors.

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7.3.4.3 Safety gear

Figure 7.30: Usage of a safety gear for elevators. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013)

Safety gear is a mechanical device that stops the lift car or counter weight by gripping the guide rails in the case of a malfunction that involves a free moving lift car. Safety gears are mounted at the lower part of the car sling and is actuated by the overspeed governor.

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7.3.5 Location of lifts

Figure 7.31: Lift lobby at D’ House. (Wong, 2018)

The elevator at D’House is configured in such a way that two passenger lifts is situated at the lift lobby side by side. Every Monday, one of the lift is closed to encourage usage of the stairs. Another passenger lift is located at the other block of D’ House while the cargo lift is located at the other end of the building.

Figure 7.32: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 1 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018)

Figure 7.33: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 2 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018)

Figure 7.34: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 3 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018)

Figure 7.35: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 4 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018) 7.0 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

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7.4 CONCLUSION In conclusion, there are 3 gear traction elevators, 2 passenger and 1 cargo lift in D’House. Due to the functionality of the building being an office and only having 4 levels, D’House does not use an escalator.

Based on the case study done above, the elevators in D’House has a well-planned arrangement of the lift lobbies in terms of accessibility. It also in par with the UBBL and MS 1184: 2014 requirements set for lifts which establish the safety of the elevators. Thus, D’House has successfully provided a means of mechanical transportation by giving complete ease of access between floors for the passengers throughout the building.

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3.1: Bird’s eye view of D’House (Digi Headquarters). (Lam, 2006) Figure 4.1: Fire tetrahedron showing the relationship between the components of fire. (Spruce, 2016) Figure 4.2: An overview of an automatic fire sprinkler system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.3: A pendent fire sprinkler head. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.4: An upright fire sprinkler head. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.5: An overview of a hose reel system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.6: Hose reel can be operated by occupants. (SRI, n.d.)

Figure 4.7: An overview of a general dry riser system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.8: Section showing dry riser system. (Nationwidecctv, n.d.)

Figure 4.9: A dry riser breeching inlet cabinet. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.10: A 2-way dry riser breeching inlet. (Global Sources, n.d.)

Figure 4.11: Landing valve. (Firestore, n.d.)

Figure 4.12: Fire hose. (Firefighting, n.d.)

Figure 4.13: An overview of a wet riser system. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.14: Duty pump. (Gruppoaturia, n.d.)

Figure 4.15: Jockey pump. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.16: An overview of an external fire hydrant. (Fireknock, n.d.)

Figure 4.17: Different types of external fire hydrants. (SRI, n.d.)

Figure 4.18: Different types of fire extinguisher. (Safesmart, n.d.)

Figure 4.19: Tables showing types of fire extinguishers and their usages. (Agamalaysia, 2010) Figure 4.20: A clean agent fire suppression system. (Specifire, n.d.)

Figure 4.21: Smoke detector. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.22: Heat detector. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.23: Flame detector. (Spectrex, n.d.)

Figure 4.24: Fire alarm. (Indiamart, n.d.)

Figure 4.25: Fire alarm control panel. (Dreamstime, 2014) Figure 4.26: Manual call point. (CQR, n.d.)

Figure 4.27: Fireman’s switch. (Rapidonline, n.d.)

Figure 4.28: Remote telephone handset. (Micro-ctl, n.d.)

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Figure 4.29: Master telephone handset of the intercom system. (Micro-ctl, n.d.)

Figure 4.30: Atrium smoke exhaust system. (Lougheed, 2000) Figure 4.31: Stairwell pressurization system. (Tectonica, n.d.)

Figure 4.32: Pendent fire sprinkler that can be seen on the ceiling of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.33: Upright fire sprinkler that can be seen on the ceiling of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.34: Fire sprinkler pump located in the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.35: Duty pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.36: Standby pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.37: Jockey pump of the fire sprinkler pump in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.38: The cut in pressure of each pumps. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.39: Water tank located in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.40: Sprinkler alarm valve located outside the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.41: Location of pump room and water tank. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.42: Hose reel located in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.43: Hose reel pump located in the pump room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.44: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.45: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.46: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.47: Plan indicates the location of hose reels in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.48: External fire hydrant located at the entrance of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.49: Plan indicates the location of external fire hydrants around D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.50: ABC powder type fire extinguisher in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.51: Carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.52: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.53: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.54: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.55: Plan indicates the location of fire extinguishers in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.56: Carbon dioxide tanks located in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.57: Fire control panel of a genset room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.58: Status of the CO2 suppression system shown on the main fire alarm panel in the control room. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.59: FE-13 cylinders located in the MSB room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

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Figure 4.60: Fire alarm panel of the room. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.61: Plan indicates the location of rooms where clean agent suppression systems are used in D’ House.

(Wong, 2018) Figure 4.62: Fire alarm panel of argonite system located outside the data centre. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.63: Diagram showing the difference between conventional and addressable fire alarm system. (Pelorus, n.d.)

Figure 4.64: Photoelectric smoke detector used in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.65: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 1 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.66: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 2 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.67: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 3 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.68: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors in Level 4 of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.69: Plan indicates the location of fire detectors at roof level of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.70: Fire alarm bell used in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.71: Fire alarm manual call point in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.72: Fire control room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.73: Plan indicates the location of the fire control room in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.74: Main fire alarm panel located in the fire control room of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.75: Fire alarm panel located outside the MSB room. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.76: Fireman’s switch in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.77: Master telephone handset in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.78: Remote telephone handset. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.79: One of the pressurized staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.80: Supply fan of a stairwell pressurization system in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.81: Section showing how a stairwell pressurization system works. (Yee, 2018) Figure 4.82: Plan indicates the location of stairwell pressurization system in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.83: Categorization of Passive Fire Protection in D’ House (Digi Headquarters). (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.84: Evacuation routes in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.85: Evacuation route of Level 1 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.86: Evacuation route of Level 2 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.87: Evacuation route of Level 1 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.88: Evacuation route of Level 2 in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

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Figure 4.89: Evacuation route distance for the office purpose group. (UBBL, 2015) Figure 4.90: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.91: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.92: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.93: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.94: Horizontal Exits and Vertical Exits on Roof plan in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.95: Fire Protected Corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.96: Types of staircases available in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.97: Enclosed staircase with multi leaf smoke protection damper in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.98: Enclosed staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.99: Fire Protected Staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.100: Openings found in the enclosed stairwell in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.101: Enclosed staircase with louvers on the top floor in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.102: Louvers for natural air ventilation. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.103: Open air staircase to cater occupants at the carpark in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.104: Open air staircase in the atrium of the D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.105: Dimension of the fire escape staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.106: Dimension of the fire escape staircase in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.107: Emergency escape plan at lift lobbies and outside fire staircases. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.108: Emergency escape plan at the office areas. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.109: Emergency Exit Signage in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.110: Emergency Lighting installed at fire staircase and fire corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.111: Emergency Lighting installed at fire staircase and fire corridors in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.112: Assembly point of D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.113: Evacuation route to assembly point from D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.114: Dimensions of assembly point. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.115: Single Fire Rated Door (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.116: Double Fire Rated Door. (Lee, 2018) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

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Figure 4.117: Automatic Door Closer of Fire Rated Door. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.118: Metal Shutter Door at the offices next to the fire corridor. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.119: Offices next to the fire corridor. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.120: Components of the fire damper. (Fire Defender, 2016) Figure 4.121: Fire damper, when open. (actionair, 2018) Figure 4.122: Closed fire damper after elements melt due to fire. Smoke and heat won’t be able to pass through. (firedamper, 2018) Figure 4.123: Section diagram explaining air ventilation system of a normal day in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.124: Section diagram explaining air ventilation system of a normal day in D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.125: Fire damper installed on the free return duct opening into AHU room. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.126: Different coats of intumescent on structural steel. (Vet research, n.d.)

Figure 4.127: How intumescent coating reacts to fire. (Vet Research, n.d.)

Figure 4.128: Exposed structural beams in the gym of D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 4.129: Structural beams sprayed with intumescent spray coating to make it fire-resistant. (Lee, 2018) Figure 4.130: Fire engine accessible routes around D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.1: Process of a refrigerant cycle. (Scienceshop, n.d.)

Figure 5.2: Process of a air cycle between the AHU unit and the air conditioned room. (Scribd, 2017) Figure 5.3: Section of window air conditioner. (Vandervort, 1999) Figure 5.4: Window air conditioner. (arkhamghostbuster, 2017) Figure 5.5: Split air conditioner. (Superair, 2018) Figure 5.6: Split air conditioner indoor unit and outdoor unit. (Madepl, n.d.)

Figure 5.7: Section of packaged air conditioner. (Oosten, n.d.)

Figure 5.8: Window air conditioner. (Garden Style, 2018) Figure 5.9 : Centralized air conditioning system in a building. (Gupta, 2014) Figure 5.10: Air cooled chiller highlighted on rooftop plan. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.11: Control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.12: Digital operation panel for chiller. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.13: Digital operation panel for AHU. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.14 : Air cooled chiller on the rooftop of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.15: Chilled water travels from the chiller to each AHU or FCU. (Evans, 2017) Figure 5.16: Components of an air-cooled chiller. (Evans, 2017) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

153

Figure 5.17: Refrigerant cycle in an air-cooled chiller. (Evans, 2017) Figure 5.18: Screw compressor in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.19: Condenser in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.20: Exapnsion valve in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.21: Evaporator in air cooled chiller of D’house. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.22: Pump room highlighted on rooftop plan. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.23: Chilled water pump of D’house. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.24: Pipes in pump room of D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.25: Conrol panel in pump room of D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.26: AHU Room highlighted on Level 1. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.27: AHU Room highlighted on Level 2. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.29: AHU Room highlighted on Level 3. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.30: AHU Room highlighted on Level 4. (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.31: AHU Room highlighted on Level 5 (rooftop). (Lim, 2018) Figure 5.32: Zoning of AHU in D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.33: Section of a Air Handling Unit (AHU).(Yin, 2016) Figure 5.34: A panel air filter in an AHU of D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.35: Centrifugal blower fan of an AHU. (hava-pouyes, n.d.)

Figure 5.36: Cooling coil of an AHU. (Omeel Coils, n.d.)

Figure 5.37: Control panel of an AHU in D’house. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.38: Control panel of an AHU in D’house. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.39: Chilled water supply and return pipes to AHU in D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.40: Ductwork system along a corridor in D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.41: Linear diffuser in meeting room of D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.42: Square diffuser of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.43: Round diffuser of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.44: Fan coil unit in D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.45: Exposed horizontal fan coil unit diffuser in gym of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.46: 4-way cassette fan coil unit diffuser in D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 5.47: Section of a fan coil unit. (Saleh, 2015) Figure 5.48: Wall mounted indoor unit in control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

154

Figure 5.49: Control unit in control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.50: Outdoor unit outside the control room of D’House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 5.51: Indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit outside. (superair, n.d.)

Figure 5.52: A ceiling mounted VAV terminal unit in D’House.(Yee, 2018) Figure 5.53: A variable air volume box. (Labguard India Pvt. Ltd., n.d.)

Figure 5.54: An air volume control damper.(waterloo, n.d.)

Figure 5.55: A process of a VAV system. (Saleh, 2015) Figure 5.56: The SE8300 Room Controller in a meeting room of D’House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 6.1: The operation of supply ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018) Figure 6.2: The operation of exhaust ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018) Figure 6.3: The operation of supply and exhaust ventilation (Energy.gov ,2018) Figure 6.4: Heat recovery ventilator. (Plusaire, 2016) Figure 6.5: Energy recovery ventilator. (Dave World Home, 2016) Figure 6.6: Standard fan. (Doman, E., 2016) Figure 6.7: Hugger fan. (Doman, E., 2016) Figure 6.8: Industrial fan. (Doman, E., 2016) Figure 6.9: A typical propeller fan. (Amazon, 2012) Figure 6.10: Types of propeller fan. (Loren Cook Company, 2015) Figure 6.11: Centrifugal fan. (SolerPalau, 2018) Figure 6.12: Components of a centrifugal fan. (Infinair Malaysia, 2016) Figure 6.13: Types of diffuser. (Moss, R., 2017) Figure 6.14: Types of air grilles. (skepticrant.com, 2017) Figure 6.15: Panel filter. (Jaya filter, 2013) Figure 6.16: Bag filters of different sizes. (Filtrex, 2017) Figure 6.17: Roller-type filter. (hellopro.fr, 2018) Figure 6.18: A flat electrostatic filter. (Max Water, 2016) Figure 6.19: Viscous filter. (SN Air, 2018) Figure 6.20: Flexible ductwork. (Polyaire, 2018) Figure 6.21: An elbow connection for metal sheet ductwork. (Quick Custom Metals, 2016) Figure 6.22: Fibreglass ductwork. (East coast metal distributors, 2018) Figure 6.23: Fire rated ducts. (Airmatic Ltd, 2015) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

155

Figure 6.24: How a stairwell pressurization system works. (Yee, 2018) Figure 6.25: Push button fire alarm in fire staircase of D’House (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.26: Exhaust fan for toilets located at rooftop. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.27: Close up of exhaust fan. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.28: Multi-leaf smoke damper found in fire staircase (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.29: Ventilation louvres located at top most floor of stairwell (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.30: Ground floor plan showing the types of staircases in D’ House. (Yee, 2018) Figure 6.31: Exposed insulated ductwork at office area. (Yee, 2018) Figure 6.32: Round ceiling diffusers located on the ceilings of office rooms to distribute cooled air. (Wong, 2018) Figure 6.33: Louvered face diffuser in kitchen area (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.34: Exhaust grilles located on ceiling of toilets. (Yee, 2018) Figure 6.35: Exhaust fan located at rooftop. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.36: Kitchen exhaust hood. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.37: Ductwork from kitchen area . (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.38: Axial exhaust fan located in ductworks. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.39: Exhaust fan outside store room. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.40: The use of exhaust fan for storage room ventilation. (Lee, 2018) Figure 6.41: Ducts with air grilles to channel air to exhaust fan. (Wong, 2018) Figure 6.42: Location of ductwork spans across the pump room. (Lee, 2018) Figure 7.1: Geared traction lift. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.2: Gearless traction lift. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.3: MRL traction lift. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.4: General hydraulic lift components. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.5: Climbing elevator in a construction context. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.6: Pneumatic elevators that is used at home. (Iristoelevators, n.d.)

Figure 7.7: Possible arrangements of lift and lobby. (Toshiba, n.d.)

Figure 7.8: A basic component of a traction elevator. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.9: Inside the machine room of D’ House. (Lee, 2018) Figure 7.10: Drive speed motor. (Lee, 2018) Figure 7.11: Traction sheave holding the steel rope. (Lee, 2018) Figure 7.12: Example of an overspeed governor. (Elevation Wikia, 2013) 8.0 LIST OF FIGURES

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Figure 7.13: Lift control panel. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.14: Elevator controller. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.15: A typical elevator shaft. (Elevation Wikia, 2013) Figure 7.16: Steel suspension rope. (Electrical Knowhow, 2018) Figure 7.17: Guide rails situated in the hoist way. (Broswright, n.d.)

Figure 7.18: Example of a car bracket and a counter weight bracket. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.19: Counter weight component. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.20: Landing door at Level 1 of the Digi D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.21: A general design of an elevator car. (Hitachi Archive, 2017) Figure 7.22: Car sling. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.23: Maintenance balustrade components. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.24: Elevator cabinet component. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.25: Floor indicator of the lift in D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.26: Buttons of the operating panel of the lift. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.27: Diagram showing the flow of elevator operating system. (Elevation Wikia, 2013) Figure 7.28: Apron shown in the elevator cabinet component. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.29: Action of a safety door edge. (Mitsubishi, n.d.)

Figure 7.30: Usage of a safety gear for elevators. (Electrical Knowhow, 2013) Figure 7.31: Lift lobby at D’ House. (Wong, 2018) Figure 7.32: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 1 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018) Figure 7.33: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 2 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018) Figure 7.34: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 3 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018) Figure 7.35: Plan indicates the location of lifts in Level 4 of D’ House. (Shafiqah, 2018)

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Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (G.N. 5178/85) (as at 1st November 2015). (2015). Petaling Jaya: International Law Book Services.

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