University of Maryland Elevator Modernization

Clockwise from left:

• Completed hoistway

• Phase 1, Elevator 1

• Phase 2 Progress

permanent-magnet hoist motors. This task required innovation and expertise to incorporate the basement tie-downs of the existing machines, while retaining the overhead deflector sheaves. No overhead modifications could be made to the design, due to overhead restrictions. The new hoist machine had to be designed to support the upward thrust that would be exerted on to the machine and, subsequently, onto the building structure during normal operation cycle and testing. The existing overhead sheave alignment had to be calculated, and the new hoist machine had to be

engineered to create acceptable rope alignments. Design concepts were created. These included custom mounting plates to provide sufficient support to the upward thrust of the elevator system. Once the machine’s upthrust was calculated, the mounting method was applied and sharpened as the load calculations were anticipated. This detail was further complicated by the site’s reduced clearance. Since the elevator machine room was placed at the second landing, elevator 1 was required to serve one floor below the hoist machine and machine room. To retain elevator service to this portion of the building, the design had to allow for the elevators to be removed and modernized one at a time. This made hoistway access and maneuvering more difficult. Quality Elevator Company completed this project on time and with no change orders. The craftsmanship and engineering is second to none.

Jack Higgs is president of Quality Elevator Co., Inc.

96 www.elevatorworld.com • July 2015