Floor Circulation Index and Optimal Positioning of Elevator Hoistways

In modern buildings, the position(s) of elevator system(s) affects strongly the efficiency of people circulation especially during periods of peak demand. The present study introduces a simple model that correlates circulation data (building type, population size and density, space use, etc.) with structural/architectural data (net usable space, circulation space, structural intrusions, facilities etc) of a typical floor of a building. A circulation index is defined as function of these data and its value is calculated for every cell of the grid that partitions all usable spaces. Euclidean norms are used for calculating weighted mean distance values and for locating the point on floor’s surface that corresponds to minimal mean walking distance to/from the floor’s usable spaces. A heuristic search algorithm combines calculations of distance values, constraints and empirical knowledge for fine tuning hoistway position around this point. A case study of a typical building floor served by a single-elevator system exemplifies the proposed approach.