Non-linear seismic response of the rail-counterweight system in elevators in buildings

• Published in: Earthquake engineering & structural dynamics 2004-02, Vol.33 (2), p.249-270
• Main Authors: Singh, Mahendra P., Rildova, Suarez, Luis E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: counterweight; damage to elevators; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Earthquakes, seismology; elevator vibrations; elevators; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Engineering geology; Exact sciences and technology; Internal geophysics; mechanical equipment; non-linear effects in elevators; seismic response
• ISSN: 0098-8847; 1096-9845
• DOI: 10.1002/eqe.347

Elevators in buildings serve a very important function and are among the critical components of an essential facility. They have several mechanical and electrical components that are known to be susceptible to damage during earthquake occurrences. The counterweights, being the heaviest, are among their most vulnerable components. The ASME code has made several provisions to improve the performance of the counterweights in seismic events. To evaluate their performance under code‐mandated provisions, it is necessary that a comprehensive and realistic analytical model is used. This paper uses a detailed model of a counterweight of a traction elevator to study its in‐plane and out‐of‐plane dynamic behavior. The model incorporates the multiple support inputs and flexibilities of the counterweight guidance system along with their non‐linearities caused by the clearance limitations. The study examines the effect of changing clearances, variability of input motions, and the use of tie brackets on the system response, and evaluates the impact of some of the code provisions on the dynamic behavior of the system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.