Vertical transportation systems (elevators, lifts, escalators and passenger conveyors) are used in almost all buildings of more than a few stories high. Traffic design and control, namely the movement of people by natural and mechanical means, need to be planned carefully as the costs of under- or over-provision are considerable and changes are not always possible. The subject is covered in four sections. The basic principles of circulation and an introduction to lifts are set out at the beginning, and then traffic design methods are outlined, followed by an examination of analysis and control. The sections are complete in themselves and are presented in depth, with worked examples and case studies as appropriate. The latest analysis techniques are set out, and the book is up-to-date with current technology. The mathematics is simplified wherever possible and copious references are given for further study and examples.
The practising vertical transportation engineer involved with the sizing of a vertical transportation installation will find this an excellent and authoritative resource. Other members of the design teams: architects, developers and owners, will find the book a useful reference, and the needs of researchers, lecturers and students of the subject will also be satisfied by this simple presentation of the underlying theory. The engineering aspects, which fall into the areas of manufacturing and production, are not covered, but the practical constraints and considerations are indicated.