Item H05BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: September lb, 2015 Department: Building
Bulk Item: Yes X No — Staff Contact Person/Phone #: Christine Hurley, 289-2517
Ed Koconis, 453-8727
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution of the Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners adopting FEMA Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated November 2010 as
required pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c).
ITEM BACKGROUND: Chapter 122 of the Monroe County Code "Floodplain Management"
includes rules for interpreting flood hazard issues. The building official shall be guided by the current
edition of FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins
as adopted from time to time by the board of county commissioners. FEMA's Technical Bulletins
("bulletins") provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal. Regulations.
The bulletins are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and
enforcing NFIP regulations and by members of the development community, such as design
professionals and builders. New bulletins, as well as updates to existing bulletins, are issued
periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations; rather they provide specific guidance
for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Adopting these
documents as well as internal County policies would serve to allow the County to not only remain in
the NFIP as stated in Section 122-1(b), but also to move forward with the intent of becoming eligible
to enter FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). The proposed resolution would adopt FEMA
Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated November 2010 as required pursuant to Monroe
County Code Section 122-2(c).
iFTSTEST-Twi ok
January 18, 1994 — BOCC approved Ordinance No. 002-1994 adding the language "as adopted by
resolution from time to time by the Board of County Commissioners" to the rules for interpreting flood
hazard issues.
July 15, 2015 — BOCC rejected proposed ordinance amending Section 122-2(c) and directed staff to
continue proposing resolutions for adoption of both new and amended documents to be used by the
building official for guidance on floodplain management.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval
TONAL COST: N/A INDIRECT COST: N/A BUDGETED: Yes No N/A
11IFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A
COST TO OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No N/A AMOUNT PER MONTH N/A Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty X 8 OMB/Purchasing Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION: Included X Not Required
DISPOSITION:
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RESOLUTION MONROE COUNTY BOARD
COUNTYM ADOPTING
i"ELEVATOR INSTALLATION" DATED
NOVEMBER 2010 AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO MONROE
COUNTY CODE SECTION 122-2(C)
WHEREAS, Monroe County is currently a participating community in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is working on internal County policies to improve upon its
interpretation of NFIP regulations; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County desires to become eligible to enter FEMA's Community
Rating System (CRS); and
WHEREAS, Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), in part, requires that in interpreting
other provisions of this chapter, the building official shall be guided by the current edition of
FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins as
adopted by resolution from time to time by the board of county commissioners;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF , FLORIDA-
Section 1. Pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), the Board hereby adopts
FEMA Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated November 2010, a copy of which is
attached hereto.
Section 2. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward one (1) certified copy o
this Resolution to the Building Department.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 16"' of September, 2015.
Mayor Danny L. Kolhage
Mayor pro tem Heather Carruthers
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy
Commissioner George Neugent
Commissioner David Rice
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MOl'r1ROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
mm
(SEAL)
ATTEST: AMY HEAVILIN, CLERK
Deputy Clerk
Mayor Danny L. Kolhage
- - �-
iUN�I , ..
s-
�'r
for Bulldings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in
accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program
_
lotrod uctiou............................. ....... ..... —................
NFlpRegulations ............................ ....................... '
Flood|nmurunceC000idcrations----------.
Building and Residential Code Considerations .......
TvoeaofElevators. --- ................................ ................
Hydraulic Elevators ......... --...............
---_
Traction Elevators .................... —........ ........ ......
OdlcrCoove}anocMecbanismo....................... -
Protecting Elevators from Flood KJaozagu-----.
Elevator Shafts/ Enclosures ... -------........
Elevator Equipment .......... —_—......................
Fire Recall Switch es and Backup Power --_—.
Hydraulic Elevators ..........
---___—_---
Traction £|evucoro—_.... -......................... ......
Other Conveyance Mechanisms ................... ......
The l*FlP......................................................
10
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-----.................... .......... ........... --'4
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NF{PTech nicuUOu|let ins .............. ---- ... .......................... —
0rderin-Tech micu|BuUetino........................... ---..............
Further Information ......... —.... ......... ---- ......... .................
G|os*ary—... _---................................. ---_—...... --
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Technical questions or comments about this technical bulletin should be addressed to the Flood/
VWnd Building Science He|p|ine at FEMA-Bui|dingsoenoeheAp@»dha.gov or by calling 1-866'927-2184,
Questions are responded 0zwithin 5working days.
Technical Bulletin 4-10 replaces Technical Bulletin 4-93. Elevator Installation for Buildings Located in
Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Cover image: Looking down on a traction elevator system that sustained damage due to direct contact
Protecting buIIdingscon structed in special __ood hazard areas(SFHAs) fro darn age caused
by ood forces is an important objective of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In
support of this objective, the NFIP regulations include mini-
rnum building design criteria that applyto newconstruction,
repair ofsubstantiallydamaged buildings, and substantial irn-
provernent of existing buildings in SFHAs. The base ood
is used to delineate SFHAs on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMS) prepared by the NFIP. The base ood is the ood
that has a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
any given year (co mrnonly called the "I00-year" ood). Ivey
terms used in this Technical Bulletin are de ned in the Glos-
sary.
In many cases, the NFIP requires that buildings in the _ood-
plain be elevated several feet above the ground. As a result,
use of elevators within SFHAs is becornina more common in
residential and non-residential construction to facilitate access
and to comply with the standards outlined in the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Lowest oor means the
lowest oor of the lowest
enclosed area (including a
basement). An un nished
or ood-resistant enclosure,
usable solely for parking of
vehicles, building access,
or storage in an area other
than a basement area is not
considered a building's low-
est oor provided that such
enclosure is not built so as
to render the structure in
violation of the applicable
non -elevation design re-
quirements of Sec. 60.3.
Many local jurisdictions require that a safety factor, or "freeboard," of l to 3) feet be incorpo-
rated into the design elevation for a structure, to raise it above the "I00-Year," ood. The base
cod elevation (BF) plus freeboard is referred to as the design ood elevation (DFI).
Th is Technical Bulletin provides in formation on the proper installation of elevators in SHFAs
to reduce ood damages. Elevator types and their associated equipment are described, along
with practical methods of protecting elevators from ood damage.
The guidelines within this bulletin meet NFIP regulations pertaining to elevators. These rec-
ommendations serve to encourage loss prevention rneasures that reduce the level of damage
that can occur, the resultant repair costs, and the time the elevator is out of service. If these
guidelines are followed, restoration ofelevator service to the building can be accomplished as
quickly as possible once oodwaters recede and power is restored.
The NFIP regulations for utility systems, including elevator equipment are codi ed in Title44
of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 60.3)(a). General guidance for systemscan be found in
paragraph 603(a)(3), which states that the cornrnunityrnust:
Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be rea-
sonably safe frorn t�ooding. If a proposed building site is in a �Oodprone area, all new
construction and substantial improvements shall... be constructed with materials resistant
Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novemBer 2010
to food darnage, (iii) be constructed by methods and practices that minimize A)od darn -
ages, and (iv) be constructed with electrical, ..equipment and other service facilities that
are designed and/or located so as to prevent water f"orn entering or accumulating within
the components during conditions ofoding.
As these re-u[at ions indicate, all appropriate measures must betake n to mitigate ood dam-
age to elevators and associated equipment to the maximum extent possible. Although some
components must be located belowthe lowest oor ofa building (i.e., belowthe BFE) to func-
tion, most elevator components vulnerable to ooding can be located above the BFE or be
designed to minimize ood damage..
The NFIP Technical Bulletins provide guidance on the minimum requirements of the NFIP regulations.
Community or State requirements that exceed those of the NFIP take precedence. Design professionals
should contact the community to determine whether more restrictive provisions apply to the structure or
site in question. All other applicable requirements of the State or local building codes must be met for
buildings in ood hazard areas.
NFIP oodplain management regulations restrict use of the area below the lowest elevated
oor of an elevated building to vehicle parking, building access, and storage. Elevators, just
as stairs and ramps, are permitted for building access. Although elevatorsand elevator enclo-
sores are covered by ood insurance, their presence in a building,,. their size. and the manner
in which they are constructed are factors in determining a building's ood insurance pre-
mirlm. The NFIP provides coverage for elevators and their related equipment as building
property. Elevator cabsand attached electronicsare alwayscovered bythe NFIP, however, the
NFIP does not cover elevator -related equipment located belowthe lowest elevated oor in an
elevated post -FIRM building, or installed belowthe Base Flood Elevation (BFE) after Septem-
ber 30,1987.
For building risks located in Flood ZonesAE and A]- 30, where the elevator- shaft is not de-
signed to automatically equalize hydrostatic ood forces on its exterior walls, the standard
building insurance rate is subject to a minimal insurance rate loading, depending on the
square footage of the elevator shaft and the elevation ofthe top of tile enclosure _oor level in
relation to the BFE for the building's location. A separate loading is charged for any perma-
nent mach ineryand equipment servicing an elevator located belowthe BEE. Hotivevcr, a rate
reduction may apply for those building risks where the elevator shaft/ enclosure is designed to
autornaticallyequalize hydrostatic ood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and
exit of oodwaters.
For building risks located in Flood Zones VE and Vl 330, elevator enclosures/ shafts whose
walls surround the elevator car are always considered a building enclosure or an obstruction.
The rates for those buildings with elevator enclosures/ shafts that exceed 299 square feet in
size, with breakawaywalls, are subject to an insurance rate loading factor to be added to the
2 Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novemer 2010
overall base rate. The amount of the insurance rate loading depends on (1) the actual square
footage ofthe elevator enclosure/'shaft, (2) the value of the machinery/ equipment servicing
the elevator, and ( s) the elevation of the enclosure and machinery/ equipment in relation to
the BF. The elevator rate loading could amount to a substantial increase in the base building
insurance rate for buildin-s located in the VZones.
The NFIPminimum construction requirements are contained in the International Code
Council Codes (I -Codes), The International Building Code (IBC) requires that buildings
be designed and constructed in accordance with ASCE 24-05, .Flood Resistant Design and Corn-
struetion. The American Societyof Mechanical Engineers(ASNIE) Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators(ASME 17.12007) also requires that elevators in structures in SF1-IAs be constructed
in accordance with ASCE 24-05. ASCE 24-05 provides ininirrruin requirernentsfor ood dam-
age -resistant design and construction of structures that are located in special ood hazard
areas. It requiresthat utilitiesand utility equipment be:
n Located above the DFE rrn less location below that elevation is speci cally allowed in ASCE
24 or the equip€nernt is designed, czanstructed, and installl to prevent clwaters, inc[udingany
back ow through the system, from entering or accurtrulatirrg within the componcrits; an d
n Installed and anchored to resist cod forces.
Utility equipment in Coastal High Hazard Areas (V Zones) must not be mounted oil, pass
through, or be located along breakaway walls.
ASCE 24-05 also requires the following for elevators:
n Elevator components located belowthe DFE should be constructed of ood darnage-resis-
tant materials and designed to resist physical damage during ooding; and
n Ifan elevator- cab is designed to provide access to areas belowthe DFE, it must be equipped
with controlsthat prevent the cab from descending into oodwaters.
Speci c requirements for hydraulic and traction elevators are discussed in the sections that
follow:
The International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) fur-
ther require that utility equipment such as elevators located below the DFE be designed to
resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy:
Further installation requirements For the installation of sump pumps in elevator pits and the
prohibition ofHVAC equipment in elevator shafts can be Found in the National Fire Protection
Association National Electrical Code(NFPA 70) and the International Mechanical Code.
Technical BulIeTin 4—novernBer 2010
c
Elevators have residential and commercial classi cations bythe governing code: ASiME A17.1,
Elevatorsare vertical transportsthat move people or materialsbetwcen the oorsor levels ofa
structure. All elevators include a cab or platform that moves along rails located within a shaft
and are powered by one or more motors. The differences between elevator systems are related
to howthe cab or platform is transported between levels. The two primarytypes of elevators
used for residential and commercial buildings are hydraulic elevators and traction eleva-
tors. One ley difference betvveen hydraulic elevators and traction elevators is that hydraulic
elevators push the elevator cab up using a piston and traction elevators hoist. the elevator cab
Grp with a traction motor.
A h ydrau lie elevator consists of a cab attached directly or in d i-
rectlyto a hydraulic jack. Hydraulic elevators can be class] ed
as direct acting or holcless. In direct acting hydraulic eleva-
tors, the hydraulic jack assembly extends below the lowest
oor into the pit area (Figure 1). 1n contrast, for holeless hy-
draulic elevators, the cylinder is placed in the shaft above the
pit level (Figure 2). Roth types of hydraulic elevators are op-
erated by a hydraulic porn p and reservoir, both of which are
usually located in a room adjacent to the elevator shaft. Hy-
draulic elevators are generally used in low-rise construction
for residential and commercial buildings. However, in recent
years, traction elevators have become more common in low-
rise residential construction.
Traction elevator systerns are most commonly installed in
high-rise construction for residential and commercial build-
ings. Traditional geared traction elevator systems consist of
cables connected to the top of the cab operated by an elec-
tric motor located in a penthouse above the elevator shaft, as
shown in Figure 3. Traction elevators may be geared or gear-
less based on building height, speed requirements, and cost
considerations. Geared traction elevators are typicallyused for
small low-rise structures, while more expensive gearless trac-
tion elevators tend to be used for larger high-rise structures
where speed is critical. New machine room -less (MRL) trac-
tion elevators employ a similar mechanical arrangement to
geared traction elevators; however, the machinery is located
within the elevator shaft at the top ofthe hoistway, as shown in
Figure 4..
For the purposes of this
technical bulletin, low-rise
construction includes all
buildings that fall within the
scope of the International
Residential Code° (IRC`I)
and other low-rise structures
that fall within the scope of
the International Building
Codes (IBC'). This includes
single-family houses, two-
family houses (duplexes),
and buildings consisting of
three or more townhouse
units and limited to three
stories above grade as well
as non-residential build-
ings less than 75 feet above
grade.
For the purposes of this
technical bulletin, high-rise
construction includes all
residentialbuildings and
other high-rise structures
that fall within the scope of
the International Building
Code`s (IBCa). This in-
cludes single-family houses,
two-family houses, andtown-
houses four or more stories
above grade as well as non-
residential buildings greater
than 75 feet above grade.
4 Technical BulIeTln 4—novern er 2010
Figure 1. Drect Acting (1-bled) F-ly raulic Bevattor
(Source: Ctis Bevator Company)
• - - r, r ��
Pneumatic elevators are small, vacuum -like elevators typtea Ilyfound in residences. Pneumatic
elevator cabs are controlled by a roof -mounted suction system. Although Pneumatic eleva-
tors are generally less expensive than hydraulic elevators for single-family residences, they
are not as widely used because the technolo y is relatively new and the cabs tend to be small.
Pneumatic elevator systemsare usually inside buildings; so theyare typically located above the
BFE.
Technical Bull eTln 4 - novennBer 2010 5
Figure 3. Traction Elevator
(Source: Ctis Elevator Company)
Figure 4. Machine Less (MFL) Traction Elevator
(Source: C tis Elevator Company)
Chairlifts are conveyance meth an ism s in stalled over or alon gside a staircase to tran sport occu-
pants between oars. Chairlifts are desi`ned to operate in side a structure; therefore, chairlifts
and associated equipment are usually located 'In the elevated part of the structure above the
BFE or protected byother measures.
Vertical platform lifts(`wPLs) are designed to transport an individual in a wheelchair from one
level to another. They are usually designed so that a wheelchair user can enter the lift on one
6 Technical BulIeTin 4-novemBer 2010
side and exit on another (i.e. the lift lias two doors). VPLs are used indoors above the BFE or
outdoors below the BFE and are either open (i.e., bound byhandraiIs) or fuI!yen closed.
This section provides an overview of measures to protect various elevator components and
equipment from ood damage that are cornmon to all elevator systems, and speci c steps to
protect hydraulic and traction elevators from ood damage in accordance with NFIP re-ula-
tions.
Elevators shafts enclose the elevator cab and other equipment.
Low-rise residential and commercial elevators, particularly
those that are added as a post -construction retro t, are usually
installed within a shaft that is independent of an outside wall.
Lar-er elevators are installed within a shaft that is located on
the interior of the structure. In either case, the elevator shaft
must have a landing, usuallyat the ground level, and a cab plat-
form near the top. The pits of elevators that have a landing at
the lower level are almost always below the BFE.
Since below-BIFE elevator shafts/ enclosures .are not required
to include hydrostatic openings or breakaway walls, they may
obstruct the ow of oodwaters, and are therefore highlysus-
ceptible to damage from various ood forces, including erosion
and scour. Therefore, elevator enclosures must be designed to
resist hydrodynamic and hydrostatic farces as well as erosion,
scour, and waves, particularly in V Zones. This technical bul-
letin recornmends that elevator shafts/ enclosures that extend
In A Zones, elevator enclo-
sures are not required to be
constructed with hydrostat-
ic openings. However„ they
must be engineered to resist
ood loads (i.e„ hydrostatic,
hydrodynamic, ood-borne
debris„ erosion and scour).
In V Zones, elevator enclo-
sures are not requiredto be
built using breakaway walls.
However, deeper founda-
tions may be needed to
account for the increased
clod loads (i.e., hydrostat-
ic, hydrodynamic, breaking
waves, ood-borne debris,
erosion and scour).
below the BFE be constructed of reinforced masonry block or
reinforced concrete walls and located on the landward side of the building to provide in-
creased protection from ood damage. Further, designs for nearby or adjacent structural
elements of the building should take into account the impacts of obstructed _ow.
Some equipment common to all elevators will be damaged by oodwaters unless protected.
The most obvious example is the elevator cab. Depending upon the size of the cab and the
types of interior materials used, residential and commercial elevator cabs can be expensive to
rep lace.
Flood dawnage, which can range from super cial to catastrophic, can be avoided easily by
keeping the cab above oodwaters. However, in most elevator control systems, the cab auto-
matically stops upon loss of electrical power, which could be below the BFE during a ood.
Technical BulIeTin 4—novernBer 2010 7
Installing a detection system with one or
in ore oat switches in the elevator shaft
will prevent the elevator cab from descend-
in- into oodwaters (Figure 5), providing, a
much safer system while preventing costly re-
pairs or replacement. A oat switch system or
another system that provides the same level
of safety is necessary for all elevators where
there is a potential for the elevator cab to de-
scend below the BFE during a ood.
Where possible, elevator equipment such
as electrical controls and hydraulic pumps
should be located above the BFE. In some
cases, it may be necessary to locate elevator
equipment such as switches and controls
below the BFE in the elevator- pit. If equip-
ment must be located belowthe BFE, it shall
be protected using ood damage -resistant
components. Flood damage -resistant materi-
als can also be used inside and outside the
elevator cab to reduce ood damage (see
Technical Bulletin 2, Floe Damage -Resistant
Materials, for more information).
Electrical equipment is often Located below
the BIB for both types of elevator systems.
Some electrical equipment, such as electri-
cal junction bores and circuit and control
panels, shall be located at or above the BFE
as shown in Fiaure 1. Other elevator com-
ponents, such as doors and pit switches,
maybe located below the BFE. Wiere nec-
essary, components may sometimes be
replaced with more ood darnage-resistant
models. Any electrical equipment installed
in the hoistway below the BFE; should be
National Electrical Manufacturers Associa-
tion (ls1EMA) 4 rated enclosure for water
resistance. Sorne elevator equipment rnanu-
facturers offer water-resistant components;
therefore, design professionals should con-
tact suppliersto determine the availabilityof
then; components.
s
Rails -
Grab is raised to next
highest level above .t '
BFE and prevented
from descending
into pit. ,
r
Travelling I
cable u
Purnp unit
and controller
.., Direct
` I acting
piston
1
BFE t
Cam'
d ttt
Oil fine
f
E
l
Fuitt springs4
and stand i
1 Y
Float switch in
In=ground cylinder pit activates
high water
..J. operation.
on.
Elevator pit depths typically range between 4
and 6 feet for hydraulic elevators and between 6
and 8 feet for traction elevators. The NFIf does
not consider elevator pits to be basements.
8 Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novemBer 2010
For safety- reasons, commercial elevators are designed with re recall- circuitry; which
sends elevators to a designated oor during a re so that emergency services person-
nel can utilize the elevators. However, during ooding, this feature may expose the
cab directly to oodwaters. ASME 17.1-2007 requires that, for elevators in ood haz-
ard areas, the designated oor must be located above the BFE. If an elevator is designed
to provide access to areas below the BFE, it should be equipped with a oat switch sys-
tem that will activate during a ood and send the elevator cab to a oor above the BFE
(Figure 5).
Emergency power circuitry for elevators consists of operation from the emergency generator
if installed. In general, when emergency power starts up, all cars will return to the designat-
ed oor, and then one will return to normal operation. Emergency power generators are
required for elevators of four stories or greater, but are not commonly found in low-rise resi-
dential and commercial construction. Ifthere is no ernergency power, hydraulic elevators can
employ a battery descent feature. Upon power- loss, batteries release the hydraulic controls,
and the car will descend to the lowest landing above the BFE. Ifthis is employed, care must
be taken to integrate the oat switch circuitry into the operation of the controller to prevent
descent ofthc car into ood waters.
Ifthere is no emergency power operation or battery descent, upon loss of power the eleva-
tor` will cease to function, resulting in possible entrapments or damage. Therefore, it is wise
for building owners to leave the elevator cab on an upper oor (above the BFE), and rernove
power- to the elevator machinery before vacating the building before a ood.
The jack assemblyfor a direct acting hydraulic elevator (Figure 1) will, by necessity, be located
below the lowest oor and therefore generally belowthe BFE. The jack is located in acasing
that can resist damage from small amounts of water seepage; however, total inundation by
oodwaters will usuallyresult in contamination of the hydraulic uid and possible damage to
the cylinders and seals of the jack. Because salt water is corrosive, coastal oodwaters can be
particularly darnaging. For this reason, when hydraulic elevators are to be used, holeless hy-
drau lics elevators are recommended for use in oodplain areason structureswith two to three
oor.s. Hydra.ulicjacks can be installed inside the shaft, with the critical sealsand components
located above BFE as shown in Fiuure 2. The hydraulic pump and reservoirs of the hydraulic
elevator are also susceptible to ood damage. ASCE 24-05 requires that the electrical control
panel, hydraulic pump, and tank be located above the DFE. ASCII 24-05 also requires that
drainage be provided for the elevator pit. In addition, hydraulic linesconnecting the assembly
Should be located to protect the lines from physical damage. Additional guidance on hydrau-
lic elevator pit mitigation is provided in the text notes on page I I .
Table I provides a summary of hydraulic elevator system components, their- typical location,
and whether theyean be protected frorn ood damage byelevation or replacement with more
ood damage -resistant components.
Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novernBer 2010 9
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The electric motor and most other traction elevator equipment are normally located above
the elevator shaft and are therefore not usually susceptible to ood damage (Figure 2). How-
ever, same equipment such as the counterweight roller guides, compensation cable assembly,
limit switches, selector tapes, governor rope assembly, and oil buffers usually are located at
the bottom of the shaft. When this equipment cannot be located above the BFE, it must be
constructed using ood damage -resistant materials where possible. Additional guidance on
traction elevator pit mitigation is provided in the text notes on page 11. W
Table 2 provides a summary of traction elevator system components, their typical location,
and whether theycan be protected from ood damage byelevation or replacement with more
ood darna-c-resistant components. Note that, while nearly all traction elevator system compo-
nents can be protected from ood damage, there is little that can be done to protect governor
cables other than post- ood replacement (typical cost 3,000.)
As previously stated, pneumatic elevators and chairlifts are usually located inside buildings
so all components of these systems can be located above the BFE to protect them from ood
damage. Vertical platform lifts (VPL..$) may also be placed inside buildings above the BFE to
CI
protect them from ood darnage. However, for outdoor VPLs placed belowthe BFE, all equip-
prient that cannot be elevated above the BFE is susceptible to ood damage.
10 Technical Bul I e7n 4 — novernBer 2010
EI16t�7P 6liipoftllt" ',t Ir!
' Irf
Ee!��n i�l�a $IE
i} Jlge ReSIiFYXt s
f`1i`c2; 4`I5i4latlaf�{!(} 2$tly,`}t l,,i)
titaEll !t\tt4 ttst l,,i..,iy
r , ,"`, x
Elevator_
of
(Enclosure)building
No
Below BFE
,. •
Hoistway:
•
Counterweight a •
Hoistway
Yes
,.;•
RollerGuides
Hoist Cable
Hoistway
Yes
No
Compensation Cables
Pit
No
Yes
Governor Cable
Pit
No
No
Buffers
Pit
No
No Paint or •;.
I Limit Switche
Pit
Yes
No
ach i ne/Equipment
Top of hoistway
Yes
No — Replace with MRL
o •
Electric Hoist Motor 1
Above BFE per code
Yes
No
Electrical Control Panel
Above BFE per code
Yes
No
Hydraulic and Traction Elevators Mitigation Guidance
This technical bulletin recommends the following guidance for minimizing damages to hydraulic and
traction elevator pits based on a review of elevator damages observed following Hurricane Katrina
(2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008).
n Holeless Hydraulics: For hydraulic elevators, explore hoistway conditions for the use of holeless
hydraulics. Note that holeless hydraulic elevators are only applicable for low-rise construction 2-3
stops.
n doors and door Frames: Use only stainless steel doors and door frames below the BFE.
Recommend grouting in of doer frames and sills.
n Limit itches: Relocate switches above the BFE with the use of smaller brackets. Note that mod-
ern controllers use selector tapes for landing control 5systems -and require limited length of selector
cam for switch activation.
n Selector Tape. Use stainless steel selector tape, which can be ordered for most controllers.
n Giide and Roller Guides: For hydraulic elevators, use Te: onll-impregnated inserts on slide guides
or convert to roller guides to reduce leakage of oil -based products into the pit.
n Compensation Cables: For traction elevators, remove compensation cables and replace with en-
capsulated chain system.
n Electrical': Use NEMA 4-rated enclosures, galvanized conduits and watertight conduits and ttings
below the BFE, Locate controls and equipment above the BIFE whenever possible.
n Hardware: Use galvanized sill angles and hardware at ours with elevation below the BFE. Grout
sills in full length where applicable.
nMaintenance: Paint or coat buffers and all pit steel and hardware with galvanic or rust -preventive
paint.
Technical BulIeTin4—novemBer 2010 11
The U.S. Congress established the NFIP with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act
of 1968. The NFIP isa federal program enabling propertyownersin participating communities
to purchase insurance as protection against _ood losses, in exchange for State and community
oodplain management regulations that reduce future ood damages. Participation in the
NFIP is based on an agreement between communities and the Federal Government. If com-
m Lin ityadopts and enforces compliant oodplain managernent regulations, FEMA will make
ood insurance available within the community.
Title 44oftheU..CodeofFederalRegulationscontainstileNFIPcriteriafor oodplainrnan-
agement, including design and construction standards for new and substantially improved
buildings located in SFHAs identi ed on the community's NFIP's ood insurance rate maps.
FEMAcncorrr-agescornmrrnitiestoadopt oodplain management regulations that exceed the
minimurn NFIP criteria. As an insurance alternative to disaster assistance, the NFIP reduces
the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by odds.
MOMINVORI
This is one of series of Technical Bulletins that FENIA has produced to provide guidance
concerningthe building performance recuirementsofthe NFIP. These requirementsare con-
tamed in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins are
intended for use by State and local of vials responsible for interpreting and enforcing the re-
quirements in their oodplain management regulations and building codes, and by members
of the development community, such as design professionals and builders. New bulletins, as
well as updates ofexisting bulletins, are issued periodically, as necessary. The bulletins do not
create regulations; rather, theyprovide speci c guidance for complying with the requirements
of existing- NFIP regulations. Users of the Technical Bulletins who need additional guid-
ance should contact their NFIP State Coordinator- or the appropriate FEMA regional of_ce.
FEN A's User's Guide to Technical Bulletins (http:/ / www.fema.gov/ pdf/ ma/ guide0l.pdf) lists
the bulletins issued to date.
11111111111111111P1111
The quickest and easiest way to acquire copies of FEMA's Technical Bulletins is to down-
load them from the FEMAwebsite (http:/ / wwvv.ferna.gov/ plan/ prevent/ oodplain/ techbul.
sham).
Technical Bulletins also maybe ordered fi-ee ofeliarge from the FEMADistribution Center by
calling 1-800480-2520, Faxing a rearrest to 1-240-699-0525, Nlondaythrough Friday between
8 a.m`and j p.m. EST, or e-mailing your request to FEMA-Publications-Warehouse COIIS.gov.
Please provide the FEJIA publication number, title, and quantityofeach publication request-
ed, along with your name, address, zip code, and dayirne telephone number.
12 Technical But I eTin 4 — novemBer 2010
American Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineering Institute. 2005. Flood Resistant
Design and Construction, ASCE/ SEI 24-05.
American Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineering Institute. 2005. N/Iinimum Design
Loadsfor Buildings and Other Structures, ACE/ SEI 7-05.
American Society ofMechanical Engineers and Canadian Standards Association, 2007. Safety
Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1 / CSA B44.
FEMA. 1991. Answers to (questions akrout Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA 213.
FEMA. 1993. Non -Residential Floodproo ng Requirements and Certi cation, Technical Bulletin
3-93, FI A-TB-3.
FEMA. 1993. Wet Floodproo ngRequirernents, Technical Bulletin 7-93, FIA-TB-7.
FEMA. 1996. Corrosion protection for Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas, Technical Bulletin 8-96,
FI A-TB-8.
FEMA. 1999. Protecting Building Utilities l'rorn Flood Damage, FEMA 348.
FEMA. 2000. Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA55CD (3)" edition).
FEMA. 2005. I-1orneBuilder's CluidetoCoastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Safes, FEMA 499.
FEMA. 2006. Mitiga3ion Assessnucilt Team Report: Flurricane Katrina in the GLI If Coast, FEMA 549,
FEMA. 2007. National Flood Insurance Program: Flood IrlsnranceManual, Revised October 2007.
FEMA. 2008. Flood Damage -Resistant Materials Requirements, Technical Bulletin 2, NFIP TB 2.
FEMA. 2008. Fr -of-Obstruction Requ irements, Tech n ical Bu Iletin 5, tN FlP TB 5.
FEMA. 2008. Design and Construction Guidancc for Break -away Malls, Technical Bulletin 9, NFIP
TB 9.
FEMA. 2009. Recommended Residential Construction for Coastal Areas: Building on Strong and Safe
Foundations, FEMA 550.
International Code Col:rncil, Inc. 2009. International Building Code', IBC` 2009,
International Code Council, Inc. 2009. International Residential Code" IRC' 2009.
International Code Council, Inc. 2009. International Fuel Gas Code".
Technical Sul l eTin 4 - noveniBer 2010 13
International Code CounCil, Inc. 2009. International Mechanical Code`"'.
International Code Council, Inc. 2009. International Plumbing Code''.
International Code Council, Inc. 2009. International Private Sewage Disposal Code".
National Fire Protection Association. 2008. National Electrical Cade, NFPA 70.
Accessory structure —A structure that is on the same parcel ofproperty as a principal strctc-
ture, the use ofwllch is incidental to the use of the principal structure.
Base ood — The ood having a I -percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in anygiv-
en year, commonly referred to as the I -percent annual chance or'`100-year" ood. The base
ood is the national standard used bythe NFIP and all Federal agencies for the purposes of
requiring the purchase of ood insurance and regulating newdevelopment.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) —The height of the base ( I -percent annual chance or 100-year)
ood in relation to a speci ed datum, usually the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
(NGVD), or the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD).
Basement — Any area of a building having its oor subgrade (below ground level) on all
sides.
Breakaway wall -- De tied by the NFIP as `'A wall that is not part of tile structural support of
the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under speci c
lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion ofthe building or sup-
porting fOUndation system." Breakaway walls are used in V1-30, VE, and V zones to enclose
parking, building access, and storage areas below buildings.
Coastal High Hazard Area— De ned by the NFIP as "Ali area of special ood hazard extend-
ing from offshore to the inland limit of primary frontal dune along an open coast and any
other area subject to hull velocitywave action from storms or seismic sources."
Coastal Alone —The area of the SFI-IAthat is outside of the VZonc, but inside the L.iMWA.
Design Flood Elevation (DFE) —The elevation to which development in the regulatory ood-
plain is built. The minimum requirement for this elevation in NFIP communities is the BFE.
In areas where a higher degree of protection is promoted or required, a freeboard is addeda
in th is case, the DFE is some height ( 1, 2, or more feet) above the BFE.
Elevation Certi sate A form developed by FEMA to collect surveyed elevations and other
in formation about abuildingthat isnecessary toobtain _ood insurance.
14 Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novemBer 2010
Enclosure or enclosed area Areas created by a crawlspace or solid walls that fully enclose
areas below the BFE.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — The Federal agencythat, in addition to
carrying out other activities, administers the National Flood Insurance Program.
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA)-The component ofFEMAdirect-
ly responsible for administering the ood hazard identi cation and oodplain management
aspects of the NFIP.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) — The of vial reap of a community on which FEMA has
delineated both the special ood hazard areas (SFHAs) and the risk prernium zones appli-
cable to the community.
Flydrod ynamic load —The load imposed on an immersed object, such as foundation element
or enclosure wall, bywater owing against and around it. The magnitude ofthe hydrodynam-
ic load varies asa function of velocity and other- factors.
Hydrostatic load — The load imposed on an immersed object such as a r enclosure wall, by
standing or slowlyrnoving water. The magnitude ofthe hydrostatic load increases linearlywith
water depth.
Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) — The inland limit of the area affected by waves
greater than 1.5 feet.
Lowest oor — The lowest oor of the lowest enclosed area of a building, including a base-
rnent. AnyFIP-compliant un nished or ood-resistant enclosure used solely for parking of
vehicles, building access, or, storage (in an area other than a basement) is not considered a.
building's lowest oor, provided the enclosure does not render the structure in violation of
the applicable design requirements of the NFIP.
Net open area. The permanently open area of a non -engineered opening intended to pro-
vide automatic entry and exit of oodwaters.
Opening, engineered — An engineered opening is air opening that is designed and certi ed
by a registered design professional as meeting certain performance characteristics related to
providing automatic entryand exit of oodwaters; the certi cation requirement maybe satis-
ed by an individual certi cation or issuance of an Evaluation Report by the ICC Evaluation
Service, Inc.
Opening, non -engineered — A non -engineered opening is an opening that is used to meet
the NFIP"s prescriptive requirement of 1 square inch of net open area for everysquare foot of
enclosed area.
Registered Design Professional An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their
respective design profession as de ned bythe statutory requirements of the professional reg-
istration lawsof the State orjurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Technical Bul I eTin 4 — novemBer 2010 15
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) — An area delineated on a FIRM as being subject to in-
undation by the base ood and designated as Lone A AE, Al-A30, AR, AO, AH, Aq9, V, VE,
or V l -`J- O.
Substantial damage — Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of re-
storina the structure to its before -damaged condition Mould equal or exceed 50 percent of
the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Structures that are determined
to be substantially damaged are considered to be substantial improvements, regardless of the
actual repair work performed -
Substantial improvement -- Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improve-
ment ofa structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the
structure (or smaller percentage if established by the community) before the "start of con-
struction" ofthe improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred "substantial
damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed.
16 Technical BulIeTin 4 —novemBer 2010