ST Associates
S T Associates – A Vertical Transportation Consultant, is an young company formed recently in November 2019 by Azaz Ahmed who has worked with Mitsubishi Elevators. We have integrated technical services and a wealth of 25 + years experience in all aspects in Vertical Transportation.
S T ASSOCIATES is a full-service Elevator & Escalator consulting firm delivering end-to-end vertical transportation solutions, from traffic flow planning and system layouts to inspections, specification and bid preparation, project management and statutory compliances. We ensure safer, faster, and more efficient people movement. We support architects, engineering firms, builders, developers, building owners and managers, civil contractors. Our approach aligns performance, safety, and cost—delivering reliable outcomes on time and engineered for minimum life-cycle cost.
Our Team is Backed by over 35+ years of combined industry experience, our team blends seasoned insight with fresh perspectives to deliver innovative and reliable solutions.
THE NEED OF AN ELEVATOR CONSULTANT
- The number of elevators and their users are increasing day by day. The rapid increase in elevator population and their users demands for an extensive elevator safety check and users training.
- As the time passes the old installations also demands for major repair/upgradation/ replacement.
- There are Government bodies to check, monitor and certify the same. At the same time the
elevator companies are also taking up safety awareness training for the users.
- But considering the actual number of staff with the lift inspectorate and elevator companies, there is a big gap between the actual requirement and available resources for such work.
- This has created as good space for the experience elevator engineers to take up the challenge of educating the users for the elevator safeties and to provide technical support in taking technical
decision required while going for upgradation, modification or replacement. - The Elevator Consultant plays a great supporting role to the users to decide technically perfect and cost effective solutions to their elevator problem .
SERVICES OFFERED
PRE-PURCHASE & TENDERING SUPPORT
Pre-purchase support, preparation of tender / BOQ, inviting vendors & evaluation of quotes, preparation of tender summary, vendor negotiations & finalization.
PROJECT & INSTALLATION ASSISTANCE
Project monitoring throughout all phases, feasibility survey for elevator upgradation or new installation, inspection of work done & completion as per timeline, third-party inspection of material / installation.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE SERVICES
Elevator safety audit, local elevator code compliance, liaison with PWD for statutory lift erection & operating licenses, safety checks.
PERFORMANCE & LIFE STUDIES
Elevator performance audits & evaluations, major components life study, elevator accident study & analysis.
TRAINING & USER SUPPORT
Elevator safety training, users training programs.
MAINTENANCE & MONITORINGCONTRACT & INSURANCE SERVICES
Contract review & re-negotiations, third-party elevator insurance
UNLEASHING OUR VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION EXPERTISE
Leverage our consultancy and engineering know-how: from planning and design to modernization and long-term maintenance strategies, we’ve got you covered.
VHT – PLANNING, DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
VT SIMULSTION / MANUAL CALCULATION - REPORT
Traffic analysis using the latest software and/or manual calculations helps to establish and meet the requirements of the governing codes and standards. This simulation approach provides values that are closer to real-time, offering a more accurate representation of traffic patterns and conditions.
DESIGN BASIS REPORT
DBR cover all aspects of the design, including the interface withagencies and the approvals required from other consultantsElectrical and Structural Loads section provides compreheplanning information on the civil and electrical requirements foproject. The Budget Estimates are based on closer-to-market valueprices, utilizing the available price data to provide accuratebudget figures.
VHT PRODUCT REQUIRED - CIVIL DIMENSIONS
The Equipment Dimension Matrix - Common Civil Dimension Matrix helps ensure compliance for most vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This matrix provides standardized dimensional guidelines that vendors and OEMs can follow to meet common industry requirements.
GAD & FINISHES APPROVAL
The Drawing Approval process involves reviewing and approving the vendor's general arrangement (GA) drawings to ensure they align with the architectural drawings and the site conditions. The Finishes Approval process ensures the vendor provides all necessary inputs as per requirements, enabling a clear submission for review and approval by the client.
STANDARD / TENDER DRAWINGS
VHT Equipment detailed AutoCAD drawings that provide all the necessary dimensional parameters.
TENDER COMPLIANCE & RATING
The tender evaluation providing an objective and transparent decision-making framework. The specification approval process ensures the vendor fully compwith the detailed specifications, without any deviations or avoidancritical requirement
TENDER SPECIFICATION
The detailed Specifications pertaining to all aspects of the projectincluding safety, performance, operating systems, and other key considerations. The detailed bid documents cover a comprehensive set of materiaincluding technical data sheets, scope of work, price schedule, asas the required tests and certificates.
VHT – DUE DILIGENCE
EQUIPMENT SURVEY UTILIZING A CHECKLIST
1.Capacity, Speed, Control, and Operation: -Capacity (weight/passenger): -Speed (m/s or ft/min): -Control type (e.g., manual, automatic): -Operation (e.g., continuous, intermittent):
2.Cabin Size, Entrance Height and Type: -Cabin size (dimensions): -Entrance height: -Entrance type (e.g., sliding, swinging):
3.Controller Type and Status: -Controller type (e.g., relay, microprocessor): -Controller status (e.g., functioning, requires repair):
4.Motor and Drive Details: -Motor type and specifications: -Drive type and specifications:
5.Door Assembly: -Door type (e.g., sliding, swing): -Door operation (e.g., automatic, manual): -Door safety devices:
6.Pit Equipment: -Buffers/Shock Absorbers: -Pit Ladder/Lighting: -Sump Pump:
EQUIPMENT SURVEY UTILIZING A CHECKLIST (Continue)
7.Car Frames, Ropes, Sheaves, and Compensating Chains/Ropes: -Car frame condition: -Rope type and condition: -Sheave condition: -Compensating chains/ropes condition:
EQUIPMENT SURVEY UTILIZING A CHECKLIST (Continue)
8.Electrical Switches, Cables, and Travelling Cables: -Condition of electrical switches: -Condition of hoistway and travelling cables:
9.Indicators, Signals, and Buttons: -Indicator type and condition: -Signal type and condition: -Button type and condition:
10.Emergency Operations: -Fireman's operation: -Alarm system: -Lighting: -Intercom: -Automatic Rescue Device (ARD):
11.Escalators and Travelators: -Steps/Pallets condition: -Handrail and chains condition: -Machine and controller condition: -Landing plate, comb, and comb plate condition: -Rollers and rails condition: -Sensors, safety, and electrical switches condition: -Truss assembly condition: -External cladding and balustrade condition:
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
1.Population Estimation: - Determine the building's occupancy and population based on the building's size, floor plans, and zoning regulations. - Consider the expected peak usage periods (e.g., arrival, departure, lunch breaks) and fluctuations in building occupancy.
2.Universal Technical Parameters: - Identify the relevant technical specifications and requirements for the equipment, such as: -Rated load (capacity) -Rated speed -Control system type -Drive type -Dimensions (car size, entrance height, etc.)
3.Universal Performance Parameters: -Establish the desired performance parameters, including: -Handling capacity -Waiting time -Journey time -Interval between cars -Reversal time
4. Judgment Criteria Based on Governing Standards: - Refer to the applicable building codes, elevator safety standards, and industry best practices to set the judgment criteria for the equipment's performance. - Ensure compliance with the governing standards and regulations
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (Continue)
5.Traffic Analysis using Elevate: - Utilize the Elevate traffic analysis software to simulate the building's vertical transportation needs. - Input the population estimation, technical parameters, and performance parameters into the software. - Run the traffic analysis and generate the detailed report.
6.Detailed Traffic Analysis Report: -Compile the results of the traffic analysis, including: -Peak traffic flow and handling capacity -Estimated waiting and journey times -Interval between cars -Compliance with the judgment criteria - Provide recommendations for the optimal elevator system configuration and any necessary adjustments to meet the building's requirements.
EVALUATING LIFE BALANCE
1.Wear and Tear Analysis: -Condition of ropes, sheaves, and guide rails -Condition of shoes
2.Control System Assessment: -Condition and age of the controller -Condition and age of the machine -Condition and age of the governor -Review of the underlying technology
3.Cabin and Interface Evaluation: -General condition of the cabin -Condition of the user interfaces
4. Callback Analysis: - Review of critical callback records provided by the client
5. Maintenance Status Review: - Assessment of the current maintenance status based on the maintenance logbook provided by the client
6. Major Repairs and Replacements Analysis: - Review of the major repairs and replacement history based on the logbook provided by the client
7. Entrance Components Inspection: - Condition of the entrance components
8. General Wiring Assessment: - Evaluation of the general wiring condition
BUDGET ESTIMATES
- Ropes, Sheaves, and Guide Rails: Provide a detailed estimate for the cost of replacing any worn or damaged ropes, heaves, and guide rails. Include the material costs, labor, and any associated expenses.
- Shoes: Estimate the cost of replacing any worn or damaged shoes. Consider the material costs, labor, and any necessary adjustments. .Controller Replacement or Upgrade: the controller is in poor condition or outdated, provide a budget estimate for replacing or upgrading the
- Controller. Factor in the cost of the new controller, installation, and any necessary Programming or integration work.
- Machine Repair or Replacement: Estimate the cost of repairing or replacing any components of the machine that are in suboptimal condition. - Include the costs of parts, labor, and any potential downtime.
- Governor Repair or Replacement: Provide a budget estimate for addressing any issues with the governor, including repair or replacement. Consider the costs of the governor itself, as well as the associated labor and integration.
- Cabin and Interface Upgrades: If the cabin or user interfaces require improvements, estimate the costs for the necessary modifications or replacements. - Account for materials, labor, and any necessary system integration.
- Entrance Components Replacement: -Estimate the costs for replacing any worn or damaged entrance components. -Include the cost of the new parts and the associated labor. Wiring Repairs or Upgrades: Provide a budget estimate for addressing any issuegeneral wiring, including repairs or upgrades. - Factor in the costs of materials, labor, and any necinspections or certifications.
CODE COMPLICANCE
Review of Design Compliance with National Building Codes -Review the provided equipment specifications and drawings for compliance with the National Building Codes (NBC) - Identify and list any gaps or non-compliant elements -This assessment is subject to the client providing the finalized equipment specifications and approved drawings
Key points:
1.Focused on reviewing the design documents (specifications and drawings) for compliance with the National Building Codes.
2.The objective is to identify any gaps or areas where the design does not meet the code requirements.
3.This assessment is dependent on the client providing the necessary documentation - the finalized equipment specifications and approved drawings.
4.The rephrased title clearly conveys the purpose of this review, which is to evaluate the design's adherence to the National Building Codes
VHT – MODERNIZATION
VHT – Modernization
Assessment and Modernization Recommendations Conduct an on-site survey of the existing equipment and provide recommendations for either partial or full modernization, depending on the condition and performance requirements.
Building Traffic Analysis and Circulation Strategy Understand the current traffic flow patterns of the building and develop a circulation strategy to optimize passenger movement and minimize waiting times.
Traffic Planning Parameter Establishment Determine key traffic planning parameters in alignment with prevailing codes and international standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Population Estimation and Distribution Estimate the building’s total population and analyze its distribution across different floors and areas to better forecast demand.
Building Entrance Identification and Entry Bias Identify primary and secondary entrances to the building and establish entry bias to support accurate traffic flow modeling.
Traffic Analysis Conduct a detailed traffic analysis using Elevate software (for standard commercial office and residential buildings) to evaluate performance and identify improvement areas.
VHT – Modernization (Continue)
Tender Document Preparation Prepare comprehensive tender documentation, including tender specifications, Notice Inviting Tender (NIT), scope of work, technical data sheets, and submittal requirements.
Tender Floatation Issue the tender to the client’s list of pre-approved vendors for participation.
Pre-Bid Queries Clarification Provide timely clarification and responses to any pre-bid queries raised by the participating vendors.
Vendor Technical Compliance Review and Comparison Thoroughly review and compare vendor submissions for compliance with the tender requirements.
Technical Compliance Evaluation and Recommendation Evaluate vendor technical compliance and prepare recommendations for the most suitable option.
Vendor Technical Specification Approval Finalize and approve the technical specifications of the selected vendor to proceed with execution.
Vendor Shop Drawing Approval Review and approve vendor shop drawings to ensure alignment with project requirements and modernization objectives.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS CONSIDERED
VHT – Modernization
Identify the technical specifications, factors, or constraints that were taken into account. This could include hardware and software capabilities, data sources, infrastructure requirements, and other system-related conditions that influence the analysis.
PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
VHT – Modernization
Highlight the performance indicators used to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the approach. These could include efficiency, accuracy, reliability, scalability, or compliance with industry benchmarks. Approach and Methodology Describe the overall process followed to conduct the analysis and achieve the objectives. This may cover data collection methods, modeling techniques, algorithm design, or other procedural details used in the traffic analysis. Review of Results & Compliance to Standards Summarize the key findings and outcomes derived from the analysis. Clearly indicate how the results align with applicable standards, codes, guidelines, or best practices to ensure compliance and reliability.
PEER REVIEW
PEER REVIEW OF TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
Population Estimation & Peak User Consideration Detail the methods used to estimate the target population and predict peak demand. Specify the factors accounted for, such as building type, occupancy levels, entry bias, and usage patterns.
Universal Technical Parameters List the technical specifications or constraints applied across the entire project. These may include hardware requirements, software platforms, data sources, or infrastructure-related parameters that affect the analysis.
Universal Performance Parameters Define the overarching metrics used to evaluate project performance, such as efficiency, scalability, reliability, user experience, or adherence to industry standards.
Establish Judgment Criteria Based on Governing Standards Explain which codes, regulations, and best practices were used to set evaluation benchmarks. Demonstrate how compliance with these standards was assessed and integrated into the project.
Perform Traffic Analysis Using Elevate Describe the traffic analysis process carried out with the Elevate tool, including the data inputs, modeling techniques, and steps followed to simulate real-world traffic flow scenarios.
Submit Detailed Traffic Analysis Report Provide a comprehensive report covering all findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ensure the report addresses population assumptions, technical parameters, performance metrics, compliance standards, and the final traffic analysis results.
PEER REVIEW OF DRAWINGS
Provide Standard Shaft Drawings Prepare and submit standard shaft drawings with detailed dimensions and specifications. The drawings should be designed to be compatible with at least four potential vendors, ensuring flexibility and competitive sourcing. All drawings must comply with industry standards and best engineering practices.
List of Vendors and Products/Models Considered Alongside the drawings, compile a list of at least four potential vendors capable of supplying the shaft components. Include the specific products, models, or part numbers evaluated from each vendor. This combined package of engineering drawings and vendor data will enable multiple suppliers to bid competitively while ensuring quality and compliance
JOIN DEVELOPERS AND BUSINESSES WHO TRUST ST ASSOCIATES FOR SAFE, RELIABLE VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION
- Expert consultancy for elevators and escalators
- Guidance on planning, design, supervision, and modernization
- Support from experienced vertical transportation consultants