Cranes are an indispensable element of many public buildings, such as schools, offices, libraries and museums. They ensure accessibility for disabled or elderly people. However, it is not always possible or cost-effective to install a lift inside an existing building, especially if it is historic or has limited space. In such cases, the solution may be to install the lift in an external, glazed shaft, which is an additional structure attached to the building’s facade.
Installing a lift in an external, glazed shaft has many advantages. Firstly, it does not interfere with the structure and appearance of the building’s interior, maintaining its original character and functionality. Secondly, it is an attractive architectural element that adds modernity and prestige to the building. Thirdly, it provides a view of the surroundings and allows natural light into the crane cabin, which improves the comfort and safety of users.
However, installing a lift in an external, glazed shaft requires meeting certain technical and legal conditions. First of all, appropriate permits and consents must be obtained from the building owner, the conservator of monuments and the construction supervision authorities. It is also necessary to perform a static and dynamic analysis of the building and design an appropriate supporting structure and fastenings for the elevator shaft. .
One of the most important aspects is the selection of the appropriate type of crane and its technical parameters, such as load capacity, speed, cabin dimensions and the number of stops. The lift must be adapted to the existing architecture of the building and to the needs and expectations of users.
An example of such a solution is the installation of a crane in the external glass shaft at Primary School No. 8. John Paul II in Gdańsk. This crane has a load capacity of 630 kg and a speed of 1 m/s.It is an electric crane without a machine room, which is characterized by low energy consumption and quiet operation. The lift shaft is made of stainless steel and 10 mm thick tempered glass. Additionally, the shaft can be illuminated with LED diodes and have a ventilation and heating system.
The installation of the crane in the external glass shaft takes approximately 3 months. Cranes in trained shafts not only facilitate communication, but also become a decoration of the building and an attraction for residents.
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