ABSTRACT
The performance of lift systems in high rise buildings is essential for the efficiency of vertical transportation system. However, high rise buildings are often confronted with problems associated with lift system performance such as long waiting time, vibration, door operation, lighting and noise level in lift car during ride. This study assessed the performance of lift system in selected high rise building in Abuja city with the view to enhancing the efficiency of vertical transport system in buildings. The study measures performance parameters such as the Average Waiting Time (AWT), Transit Time (TRT), Time to Destination (TTD), lift car interior sound level, lift car illumination, door operation timing and sound, levelling accuracy and ride quality of lift systems. The study adopted field survey research design, encompassing measurements and a structured checklist for the collection of relevant data on 14 selected high rise buildings and 41 lift systems in the Central Business District (CBD) of Abuja city. Six tools were used to measure the performance parameters of the lift systems within the selected buildings. The performance parameters were evaluated against the standard performance requirements for an ideal lift system. Results from analysis showed that 85.7% of the selected buildings have lift systems with AWT above minimum standard requirement, 64.3% with unsatisfactory interior sound level and 71.4% with poor ride quality. Conversely, 71.4% of these buildings have lift systems with optimum illuminance and 100% with satisfactory lift door operation. Results from the inferential statistics showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean value of AWT, TRT, TTD, lift car interior sound level, and lift acceleration. Based on the findings, the selected buildings were considered to have lift systems performing below expected standard. Nonetheless, the study provided data for lift performance parameters for optimizing the service delivery of lift systems within high rise buildings in Nigeria.