Shake Table Testing of an Elevator System in a Full-Scale Five-Story Building.

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering
• Mechanical Systems

Background:

• Elevator seismic performance is critical for building safety and functionality.
• Previous research has not fully addressed the dynamic response of traction elevators during seismic events in full-scale tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the seismic performance and dynamic response of a functional traction elevator system.
• To assess the impact of earthquake excitations on elevator components and operability.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of guide shoes in preventing derailment.

Main Methods:

• Full-scale five-story building shake table tests were conducted.
• Earthquake input motions of increasing intensity were applied to both base-isolated and fixed-base configurations.
• Low-amplitude white noise excitation was used to study acceleration amplifications in different elevator configurations.

Main Results:

• Elevator cabin and counterweight experienced large accelerations and impacts but remained on track due to effective guide shoes.
• Differential building displacements caused distortion, damaging elevator components and leading to door inoperability.
• Acceleration amplifications were studied across various elevator configurations.

Conclusions:

• Well-restrained guide shoes are effective in preventing elevator derailment during seismic events.
• Building-induced differential displacements pose a significant risk to elevator operability, particularly for doors.
• Seismic design of elevators must account for building distortions and their impact on elevator components.