The optimal enclosure for goods lifts: Materials and construction methods

In this article series, we have already discussed when an enclosure can be omitted for goods lifts and the requirements a lift shaft must meet. To conclude this series, we will examine different types of shafts for simplified goods lifts. We will explain the most common materials and construction methods, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

The concrete shaft: A common choice for new constructions

Concrete shafts are among the most frequently used construction methods in elevator technology. In this method, all shaft walls are first shuttered and then concreted. The time required for the concrete to fully cure varies depending on the type of concrete, but this is rarely an issue in new constructions since the hydraulic lift is typically installed towards the end of the construction phase.

Advantages of the concrete shaft
A properly constructed concrete shaft offers numerous advantages:

  • Stable and plumb-vertical walls.
  • No protrusions that could interfere with functionality.
  • Weather resistance.
  • Flexible color options through appropriate paint.

Requiring attention post-construction is the sealing of openings created for the shuttering, to eliminate any potential risk of crushing or shearing.

Challenges with dimensional accuracy
A common issue with concrete shafts is dimensional accuracy. The construction industry operates with different tolerances compared to elevator construction, meaning that the shaft must be constructed with great precision to meet the requirements for elevator installation.

The concrete shaft: Not the first choice for retrofits
While concrete shafts are well-suited for new constructions, they are less recommended for retrofitting existing buildings. The use of heavy construction equipment can damage existing structures and significantly dirty the construction site, which can be problematic in occupied or operational buildings.

The masonry shaft: An alternative to the concrete shaft

A masonry shaft shares many similarities with a concrete shaft. When properly constructed, it easily meets the basic requirements of an elevator shaft, particularly in terms of stability, plumb-vertical walls and the absence of disruptive protrusions.

Similarities to the concrete shaft
In terms of dimensional accuracy, the masonry shaft faces similar challenges as the concrete shaft. Since construction industry tolerances often differ from those in elevator construction, precise building methods are crucial. Additionally, both construction types are comparable in areas such as thermal insulation, weather resistance and color options.

Advantage in retrofits
A significant advantage of the masonry shaft over the concrete shaft is its suitability for retrofitting existing buildings. Since constructing a masonry shaft generally requires only scaffolding and materials, it can be installed in narrow or difficult-to-access buildings.

Disadvantage: High labour demand
The construction of a masonry shaft is more labour-intensive and thus more costly than that of a concrete shaft. For this reason, concrete shafts are often preferred in new constructions.

The wood frame shaft: A suitable option?

Wood frame construction is chosen by only a few customers for shaft construction. However, it's worth taking a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this construction method.

Advantages of wood frame construction

  • Retrofit capability: One of the biggest advantages of wood frame construction is its suitability for retrofitting in existing buildings. The adaptability of wood allows individual components to be adjusted directly on-site if needed, making installation possible even in complex building structures. Additionally, with proper preparation, the assembly time on-site can be kept within reasonable limits.
  • Precise manufacturing tolerances: Specialized companies can fabricate wooden structures with high precision, which is particularly important in elevator construction. Tolerances within the millimeter range are not a major challenge in this context.
  • Weather resistance and aesthetic adaptability: When properly treated, wood can offer impressive weather resistance. It also provides a wide range of design possibilities in terms of color, allowing it to blend well into various environments.

Challenges and disadvantages of wood frame construction

  • Lower strength compared to concrete: This requires close coordination with the elevator manufacturer. It must be determined where exactly the elevator will apply forces to the shaft construction: along the entire lifting path (in the case of a scissor lift used as a goods lift) or only at specific attachment points (in the case of a column lift used as a goods lift).
  • Issues due to temperature fluctuations: Since wood and metal have different thermal expansion rates, difficulties can arise with traditional elevator doors, which require tight tolerances for safety locking mechanisms. The forces exerted by the materials expanding and contracting with temperature changes could be enough to impair the door's locking mechanism and prevent the elevator from operating.
  • Interior shaft wall design: To avoid pinch and shear points, the interior walls of the shaft must be smooth. This requires careful planning and execution to minimize safety risks.

Steel frame as shaft base: The standard construction method for our goods lifts

Using a steel frame as the base for an elevator shaft is the preferred construction method for our goods lifts. A look at the numerous advantages explains why this is the case:

Retrofit installation in existing buildings
A shaft based on a steel frame can be easily integrated into an existing building. The steel frame can be divided into small segments, making it easier to transport through narrow or complex building structures. Additionally, the design can include cutouts for cable ducts and other necessary installations, further simplifying the installation process.

Short on-site assembly time
Similar to wood frame construction, a shaft on a steel frame base is characterized by a short assembly time. Our team typically requires around eight hours of work to assemble a standard shaft for a freight elevator with two stops.

Reduced coordination effort
When the elevator shaft is manufactured by us, no additional coordination is required. Our design department ensures that the shaft meets all mechanical requirements and complies with the applicable C-norm.

Weather resistance and aesthetic customization
In terms of weather resistance and aesthetics, a steel frame-based shaft offers many possibilities. We can equip the shafts with strip-galvanized, painted or perforated sheets upon request. Additionally, hot-dip galvanizing the frame ensures high weather resistance.

Cost-effective production
Thanks to industrial manufacturing, producing a steel shaft is particularly cost-effective, making this construction method an attractive option.

Challenges in thermal insulation
Despite the many advantages, there are some challenges with this construction method, particularly concerning thermal insulation. While the cavities between the steel frame can be filled with insulation material, the basic frame structure inherently creates a thermal bridge between the inside and outside of the shaft. Therefore, it is advisable to use this shaft construction only when the lift operates within a consistent temperature range, whether indoors or outdoors.

Shaft with sandwich panels: Extension of the steel frame

The use of sandwich panels as cladding is an extension of the classic steel frame construction method. In this approach, the basic construction of the shaft remains the same, but the exterior of the shaft is additionally clad with sandwich panels.

Aesthetic integration with existing buildings
The sandwich panel shaft is particularly suitable for situations where the elevator needs to be visually harmonized with its surroundings. This is often the case when the adjacent building is already clad with sandwich panels. By using the same panels, the shaft can be seamlessly integrated into the existing architecture.

Comparison to the steel frame variant: Key differences

  • Higher costs: A significant consideration is the higher costs compared to the pure steel frame variant. The additional use of sandwich panels results in approximately double the labour effort and higher material costs.
  • Limited colour variety: There are also limitations regarding colour options. While the steel frame can be painted in almost any colour from the RAL Classic Chart, the colour palette for sandwich panels is limited to five shades.

Which shaft construction method is right for my project?

Choosing the appropriate shaft construction method depends on many factors that need to be evaluated individually. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a one-size-fits-all recommendation. However, we hope this article has given you an overview of the key advantages and disadvantages of the various construction methods.

If you have further questions about selecting the shaft construction method during your project, we are happy to offer personalized advice. Our experts are here to help you find the best solution for your specific requirements. Here you can find the right contact person.



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