REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE
TACLOBAN CITY

DES 425:
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 8 (DESIGN OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES)

RESEARCH NO. 1

SKYSCRAPERS

PRESENTED BY:
ZIGGY A. TUMANON
BSAR-4B

PRESENTED TO:
AR. DEANNA O. BAÑEZ
INSTRUCTOR

FEB. 06, 2023

 Table of Contents

Title Page………………………………………………………………………………………...i

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………

ii

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..1

Research Content……………………………………………………...………………………2

Elevator……………….…………………………………………………………...…………….2

Escalator………………………………………………………………………………………...6

Plumbing……………………………………………………………………………………...…9

Electrical……………………………………………………………………………………….10

HVAC………………………………………..………………………………………………….10

Reference…………………………………..……………………………………………….....13
I. INTRODUCTION

Due to the rising demand for space in densely crowded metropolitan areas and
the advancement of engineering, tall buildings are becoming more and more common in
many cities worldwide.

When referring to buildings noted for their height, the terms "tall," "high-rise," and
"skyscraper" are sometimes used interchangeably; however, there is a distinction
between tall buildings and actual "skyscrapers." A building must be self-supporting and
not require tension cables or supports to stay upright to be considered a true
"skyscraper." Additionally, at least half of the overall height of the structure must be
made up of usable floor area. As a result, observation and communication towers like
Berlin's Fernsehturm and Tokyo's Skytree are not regarded as skyscrapers.

Lastly, "skyscrapers" must be at least 150 meters tall (492 feet).

As engineering and construction methods have advanced, humankind has pushed the
limits of constructing at heights. Whereas this once was an exclusive club, there are
now many structures all over the world that meet the description of a skyscraper.
Supertall and megatall skyscrapers have been included as additional categories by the
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) to set these unique structures
apart from regular skyscrapers.

SUPERTALLS: "Supertall" structures can reach heights of more than 300 meters (984
ft). Only 22 designs in the 20th century reached this height, making such towers the
exception rather than the rule. However, since 2000, there are already about 300
structures exceeding 300 meters that are finished or under construction as of the time of
writing. The KK100 Tower in Shenzhen, China, as well as 432 Park Avenue and 53
West 53rd Street in New York City are notable examples. The profusion of projects that
fit the "supertall" requirement has given rise to the last and most exclusive top tier
category.

MEGATALLS: At the time of publication, there were only three towers in this category.
Buildings that soar higher than 1,969 feet (600 meters), however, fall into the category
of "megatall."

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II. RESEARCH CONTENT

A. ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR

a.1. ELEVATOR

Elevator use accounts for a portion of the increase in operating energy in tall
buildings because of the longer travel distances and faster travel speeds that result from
the height of the building. The use of elevators accounts for between 5 and 25% of the
total energy used in a tall structure. Because of increasing drag and friction losses, the
building becomes more inefficient as its height rises.

Elevators have a wide range of uses, but their fundamental characteristics are
the same in many different industries. Commercial and residential elevators offer
considerable architectural flexibility while industrial, medical, and freight type elevators
are mostly characterized by their size, function, and capacity. It is recommended to
leave the choice of elevator hoist mechanism and car capacity up to the manufacturer.
This provides the architect with a chance to consider various design concepts for the
hall entrance, the interior of the cab, and the user interface controls.

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a.2. Elevator Hoist Systems

Gearless Traction: In gearless traction systems, the hoisting sheave is turned by

braided steel wires and counterweights. These systems are widespread in extremely tall
structures due to their capacity for achieving very high speeds.

Geared Traction: A worm-and-gear reduction device is used in geared traction systems

to turn the hoisting sheave. Although these systems require a less powerful motor, they
are slower than gearless systems.

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Machine-Roomless: Traction or hydraulic systems can be used in machine-roomless
systems. They vary in that they have significantly smaller lifting sheaves, which
eliminates the need for an elevator machine room.

Hydraulic: Hydraulic systems don't need big overhead hoisting systems like geared
and gearless systems; hence they are often only utilized for buildings up to six stories
high. Instead, a piston below lifts them.

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ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS

To effectively advise manufacturers on the specifications of their building design,

architects need be aware of the following dimensions.

Maximum Travel Distance: Knowing how far up in the air the elevator must go allows
producers to choose the best kind of mechanism to use. For instance, traction systems
are suitable for much taller hoistways while hydraulic systems typically support no more
than six storeys.

Minimum Floor Height: In order to set the elevator's movement control and identify
any size restrictions on the cars, manufacturers use the Minimum Floor Height
dimension, which represents the landing-to-landing distance.

Hoistway Dimension: Describe the width, depth, and height of the hoistway to the
manufacturer if the shaft structure is already in place. If not, it is easiest to design the
framework so that it can support a standard system since you are starting from scratch.

Entrance Dimension: Depending on how the elevator will be used, the entrance's
width, height, and depth will vary. To accommodate any medical equipment, hospital
elevator openings, for instance, are typically 4 to 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall. Find out
from your manufacturer what entrance proportions are ideal for your usages and type.

Car Dimensions: The car dimensions will rely on the application, the intended capacity,
as well as the landing-to-landing distance, just like the entry does. For instance,
passenger elevators can be 6 to 7 feet broad and 4 to 9 feet deep, with a 2,000-to-
5,000-pound load capacity.

Elevator Performance

Speed: Gearless traction elevators can move at up to 2,000 feet per minute, whereas
geared systems can move at 500 feet per minute and hydraulic systems can move at
200 feet per minute. Since, 30 seconds is generally thought to be the maximum trip time
between the lowest and top floors of any given building, the maximum travel distance
can also affect the speed of an elevator system.

Capacity: Freight elevators are categorized by their load capabilities and can handle up
to 20,000 pounds. Passenger elevators typically have capacities ranging from 1,000 to
6,000 pounds.
Energy Consumption: Elevators typically use 5% of the electricity used by a building.
In low-rise structures, hydraulic units are typically less effective than traction elevators in
mid- to high-rise buildings. The energy consumption of the system can be greatly

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decreased by employing energy-saving techniques such eco-friendly materials, effective
lighting, and clever software programs that react to elevator traffic.

Fire: It's crucial to provide the location of your building so that the elevator package
manufacturers can make sure it complies with regional fire regulations. For instance,
some elevators will feature doors that are entirely fire proof.

a.2. ESCALATOR

Although escalators are somewhat complex pieces of equipment, a mechanical

engineer is not required to specify them for your project. Only a small number of its
components are totally customizable, and manufacturers produce, deliver, and install
them as complete units. The most involved information you'll need to submit includes
specifics on the installation space's dimensions and structural capability, as well as how
many people are anticipated to be moving through the facility at one time. Beyond that,
consider the shade and substance of the stairways, handrails, balustrades, and
decking.

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Escalator Aesthetics

Steps: Escalator steps come in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and
synthetic materials. Natural and powder-coated finishes are the most popular. Escalator
steps typically have a width of 24, 36, or 40 inches. Additionally, escalators are only
allowed to have an angle of inclination of 30 degrees or less according to U.S. building
rules.

Handrail: Escalator handrails are often made of a dark, flexible plastic or rubber;
however, they can be ordered in almost any color.

Balustrade: The most typical materials for escalator balustrades are glass, aluminum,
bronze, or steel. The normal height and width of a balustrade are 36 to 40 inches.

Inner and Outer Decking: The terms "inner decking" and "outer decking" describe the
aluminum or steel covering that goes over the area where the system's balustrade and
steps meet. This escalator component can have a variety of colors and textures thanks
to powder coating and other coatings.

Lighting: Spot or strip LED lights are frequently added to the skirts, step gaps, and
comb (the space between the top and bottom stairs and the landing).

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Escalator Performance

State whether you have requirements for circulation and how many people you
anticipate needing to utilize the escalator at the busiest period of the day. The speed
and step width of the designated machinery may be impacted by this.
Escalators typically go between 75 and 100 feet per minute. Longer escalators make it
more challenging to maintain low vibration levels when traveling at higher speeds.

Energy Consumption: Escalators often account for between 2 and 10% of a

building's energy output; it is therefore crucial to take into account how much energy
they will use while in use. Numerous suppliers offer effective driving systems, power-
efficient components, and sophisticated power management software.

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B. PLUMBING AND SANITARY

Skyscrapers are made up of a lot of different materials. They are made of steel
and concrete in some circumstances. But a wide range of alternative materials are also
available, including ceramic tiles, wood, and vinyl. It is necessary to arrange all of these
various components so that water may circulate effectively throughout the entire
structure.
All skyscraper plumbing systems adhere to a same pattern. The functional
pattern describes it. Since it is simple to design and construct a system that works well
throughout the entire structure, this pattern has been employed for ages. Additionally, it
makes maintenance and repair procedures simpler. This implies that compared to other
systems, working on this one will provide fewer difficulties.
The divisions, fixtures, and drainage systems make up a skyscraper's plumbing
system.
Divisions: These are the components that separate the various plumbing
systems in a structure, including the floors and sanitary sewers. Additionally, they act as
links between these systems.
Fixtures are components of the plumbing system used to transport water or
wastewater throughout a structure.
The most crucial part of a building's plumbing system is its drainage system,
which not only transports water but also aids in the removal of wastewater and sewage.
Buildings wouldn't be as hygienic as they are now without this element.

Functions of a Skyscraper's
Plumbing
Plumbing functions in a
skyscraper include the following:
 the water supply,
 the domestic hot water
system,
 the flush drainage system,
and
 the central heating system.

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C. ELECTRICAL and HVAC

Large buildings have a much higher electrical load than small buildings;
therefore, the electrical equipment must be larger and more robust. Large building
owners will also purchase electricity at high voltages (in the US, 13.8kV) because it
comes at a cheaper rate. In this case, the owner will provide and maintain their own
step-down transformer, which lowers the voltage to a more usable level (in the US,
480/277 volts). This transformer can be mounted on a pad outside the building or in a
transformer room inside the building.
The electricity is then transmitted to switchgear. The role of the switchgear is to
distribute electricity safely and efficiently to the various electrical closets throughout the
building. The equipment has numerous safety features including circuit breakers, which
allow power to be disrupted downstream - this may occur due to a fault or problem, but
it can also be done intentionally to allow technicians to work on specific branches of the
power system.
It should be noted that very large buildings or buildings with complex electrical systems
may have multiple transformers, which may feed multiple pieces of switchgear. We are
keeping this article simple by sharing the basic concepts.

Heating, ventilation, and air

conditioning is referred to as HVAC.
It refers to the mechanisms that control
and distribute heated and cooled air in
residential and commercial structures,
including workplaces, residences, and
indoor stadiums. HVAC systems come
in a variety of configurations, but they all
function in the same way: they all draw
in fresh air and use a mechanical
ventilation system to heat or cool it to a
specified temperature.
Through air cleaners that remove germs, spores, and virus-sized particles, HVAC
devices can help regulate humidity levels and enhance air quality. You will be able to
choose the system and options that are ideal for you and your home with the assistance
of the HVAC specialist who visits your house for a pre-installation examination.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, the most fundamental function of an HVAC system is to draw air in, chill or
heat it, and then blast it into a building. It's possible for such area to be a single room or
the entirety of a house, workplace, institution, airport, or even a submarine. A single

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HVAC system component could have two functions. Your home might have a separate
furnace and air conditioner, or it might use a heat pump for both cooling and heating.
HVAC systems can improve the air by pulling it through filters that eliminate dust,
particulates, spores, bacteria, and viruses in addition to circulating air and creating a
comfortable environment inside, according to Rick Bohdel from Ductz. Dehumidifiers
and humidifiers for the entire house can add or remove humidity to maintain the optimal
dew point in your home. By doing this, your house may feel colder without using a
cooling system. A conventional or internet-linked (smart) thermostat is connected by all
of these parts. Depending on how sophisticated your control system is, you might be
able to use an app to program your HVAC equipment and make minor adjustments that
will help each component function at its best. Because they assist in preserving the
temperature within a predetermined range, smart thermostats can also lower the overall
expenditures of heating and cooling your home.

HVAC System Types

Depending on a home's specific heating and cooling requirements, location, age,
ductwork already present, and other considerations, each HVAC system is different. An
HVAC can therefore come in a variety of shapes. Which of the following best suits your
needs will be determined with your assistance by your HVAC professional.
Split System
A split system, often known as a forced-air system, includes one unit inside the house
and one outside. A furnace and air conditioner, an air handler and heat pump, or a
furnace and heat pump can be used in this configuration. The ideal configuration for
your house will primarily rely on where you live. For instance, the furnace and heat
pump combination functions best in extremely chilly areas.
Hybrid Heat Pump

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In this instance, a furnace and an electric heat pump are both part of the central heating
system. The heat pump heats the house during the gentler seasons of the year, such as
spring and fall. The furnace takes over when the temperature is too low for a heat pump
to function properly. Because it is less expensive to heat a house with a heat pump than
a furnace, this hybrid system, also known as a dual-fuel system, helps consumers save
money.
Ductless Mini-Split
According to the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute, a ductless mini-split
system has an exterior unit that houses the compressor and condenser and an indoor
air handler positioned in the room that blows the cooled air directly into the room. This
kind of ductless system typically works best in compact areas without a need for a
standard split system, such as garages and workshops. Their use in whole-house
applications is not appropriate. These systems are typically simple enough for the
average homeowner to install.
Ducted Mini-Split
A ducted mini-split system moves air from an exterior compressor and condenser into a
room using tubes rather than bigger ducts. Homes with limited space for conventional
ductwork benefit most from this arrangement. Better air circulation is a benefit of ducted
mini-split systems over ductless counterparts.
Packaged System
The standard split system parts are included in a packaged system. All units, though,
are kept outside. Homes without enough inside room for a heating unit benefit the most
from this option. Even if you have the room for a split system, you should think about a
packaged system instead because it is less expensive to install and is quieter (because
everything is outside the house).

III. REFERENCE

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An Architect’s Guide To: Elevators and Escalators - Architizer Journal. (2018, April 9).
Journal. https://architizer.com/blog/product-guides/product-guide/elevators-
escalators/

What is a Skyscraper? (n.d.). Www.theb1m.com.

https://www.theb1m.com/video/what-is-a-skyscraper

Types of Elevators Used in Buildings. (2022, April 8). The Constructor.

https://theconstructor.org/building/types-of-elevators-in-buildings/563083/

MelvinSundberg. (2022, May 9). A Guide on How Plumbing Works in Skyscrapers.

Home Deep Space. https://www.homedeepspace.com/plumbing-works-in-
skyscrapers/

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