CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................2
2.0 LIFTS AND ESCALATORS...............................................................................................3
2.1 LIFTS...............................................................................................................................3
2.2 ESCALATORS.................................................................................................................5
3.0 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION........................................................................7
3.1 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM..........................................................................................7
3.2 SMOKE DETECTORS..................................................................................................10
3.3 FIRE COMPARTMENTALISATION ON CAR PARKS..............................................11
3.4 ASSEMBLY AREA........................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................18

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A building was designed to provide a good and comfort environment for people to work and
live in. The building services are playing a big role in giving the maximum convenient and
comfort to people in the building.
Our group was visiting to NU Sentral on 20th of July 2015, Monday morning about 10am. We
did figure out the location of Lifts and Escalators, Fire Prevention and Protection including
sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire compartmentalisation on car park and dedicated
assembly area, and also Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) inside and around
the building and observed based on the topics. The aim of the visitation to an iconic building
for its services is to enhance our understanding and knowledge on how the building services
work by observe the taught topics under Building Services II in close range. And this will be
helpful as we could incorporate it in our architecture design in the future.
In this assignment, we will come out a report about our observations during the visitation,
and the advantages, disadvantages or improvement of the building services system based on
the given topics.

2.0 LIFTS AND ESCALATORS

2.1 LIFTS

2-unit elevator

3-unit elevator

Figure 2.1.1
In NU Sentral, there are 10 floors which are B, LG, G, C, 1 st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. From
what we observed, there are different in reaching of floors between the 2-unit elevator and 3unit elevators in the main shopping area.

Figure 2.1.2
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For the 2-unit elevator which near to the entrance, it only have 3 floors of accessible which
are LG, G and C, as to provide more parking spaces for the basement level and the floor
levels above it.
While for the 3-unit elevator which located at sides of building, it could access to all floors
except 6th floors.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 124: Lifts.
For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at
least one lift shall be provided.
From what we observed, NU Sentral has obviously provided over 1 lift and match with
the law stated in UBBL 1984.
Advantages:

Lifts were prepared at the both sides of building as to convenient the people.
Proper amount of lifts were prepared to deal with the crowds.

2.2 ESCALATORS

Figure 2.2.1
Parallel Arrangement

Figure 2.2.2
Single bank interrupted arrangement
In NU Sentral, there are 2 types of arrangement of escalators which are parallel arrangement
and single bank with interrupted traffic in one direction.

Figure 2.2.3
We observed the direction sign shown at the side of escalators are well lit and clearly show
people the direction of travelling.

Figure 2.2.4
Next, we also observed the operating panel at the side of escalators. It could stop the
operation of escalators or reverse the direction of travel depending on the traffic flow.
Advantages:

Clear arrangement of escalators which easier people to access from one floor to another.
Well operation and run in proper speed.

3.0 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

3.1 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Figure 3.1.1, Figure 3.1.2, Figure 3.1.3

In NU Sentral, the sprinkler water outlets are located at the ceiling level and distance between
each sprinkler is about 2.5 meters based on our observation and a rough calculation.
A fire sprinkler is a system that including the water supply system, providing pressure to
water distribution piping system where fire sprinkler are connect. There is a central control
and test gear connected to the sprinkler system. There are 4 types of sprinkler system which
are:

Wet pipe
Dry pipe
Deluge
Pre-action

Figure 3.1.4
Figure shown is the wet riser system room. Based on what we had observed and analysed, the
sprinkler system that NU Sentral have access is wet pipe sprinkler system. It is also known as
the most common type of fire sprinkler system. Wet pipe system is one in which water is
constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When sprinkler activates, this water is
immediately discharged onto the fire.
The following are some of the benefits of using wet pipe system:

System is simple are reliable.

This system has the least number of components. Therefore, the number of items
which need to malfunction becomes very low.

Ease of modification.
This system brings the advantages since the modifications involve shutting down the
water supply, draining pipes and making alterations.

Restore in short time.

Wet pipe sprinkler system requires the least amount of effort to restore. Sprinkler
protection is reinstated by replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the water supply
back on.

Require low installation and maintenance fee.

This system can help in saving cost since it has less service time require compared to
other system. It also required less amount of money for installation due to their
overall simplicity.

Each sprinkler has a frame containing a friable heat-sensing quartz bulb, which is containing
a coloured liquid for leak detection, which seals the water inlet. Upon local overheating, the
quartz expands and fractures, releasing the spray. Water flow is detected and starts an alarm,
pressure boosting set and automatic link to the fire brigade monitoring station.

Figure 3.1.5
Figure 3.1.3 showing the component of fire sprinkler. There are many types of fire sprinkler
we can found in our daily life. The types of fire sprinkler are including upright, pendent,
vertical sidewall, conventional, horizontal sidewall, recessed pendent and many more.
The type of fire sprinkler we found in NU Sentral is recessed pendent fire sprinkler. Recessed
pendant sprinkler is hung from the pipe which heads hang down from the ceiling. Its water
deflector is placed at the bottom and it spreads water in a circular pattern. Recessed pendant
sprinklers are found in near the location of the lift and at the ceiling of each level of shopping
mall.
Besides that, recessed pendant sprinkler has higher water flow speed than other sprinkler such
as upright sprinkler as the radial water pattern flow begins between sprinkler orifice an the
deflector whereas upright sprinkler is between the orifice and above the deflector.

3.2 SMOKE DETECTORS

Figure 3.2.1, Figure 3.2.2

Smoke spreads very fast and it can overcome human in moments. Because of smoke, we
might not able to see and we might have trouble in breathing. Therefore, smoke detector is
required in every building.
Smoke detectors are typically housed in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure about 150mm in
diameter and 25mm in thickness.
There are two ways of how smoke detectors work. It either uses a small radioactive source
that emits ions to charged electrodes, or they use a beam of light and photocell. The smoke of
fire will actually interrupt the flow of ions or the passage of light. Thus, it activates the
detector.
Under the UBBL1984 section 153: Smoke detectors for life lobbies.
(1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.
(2) Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled
by light beam or photo-detectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which
after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a
present time.

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From our observation in the visitation at NU Sentral, the services of the building matched
with the law stated in UBBL 1984.

3.3 FIRE COMPARTMENTALISATION ON CAR PARKS

Figure

3.3.1
The purpose
of compartme

nta

tion i

to

inhibit

spread

of fire

and

smoke
throughout the
building and adjacent by reducing the fuel available in the initial stages of a fire. This is
achieved by dividing the building into a series of fire tight boxes termed compartments which
will form a barrier to the products of combustion; smoke, heat and toxic gases. They should
have insulation of not less than 15 minutes.

In NU Sentral that contains a basement car park, separation between the car park and
the rest of the building has a certain level of fire resistance. The level of resistance depends
on the type of smoke-ventilation system used in the car park. They are some fire resistant
door that linked allows the occupants to move just behind the door during occurrence of fire.
The door also uses the automatic door closers which is the hydraulic spring operated lever.

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Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an
outbreak of fire within the building, fire and smoke are inhibited from spreading beyond
the compartment of origin until any occupants have had the time to leave that compartment
and any fire containment measures have been initiated.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 136: Provision of compartment walls and compartment
floors.
Any building, other than a single storey building, of a purpose group specified in the Fifth
Schedule to these By-laws and which hasa) Any storey the floor area of which exceeds that specified as relevant to a building of
that purpose group and height: or
b) A cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so relevant shall be so divided into
compartments, by means of compartment walls or compartment floors or both, thatI.
No such compartment has any storey the floor area of which exceeds the area
II.

specified as relevant to that building; and

No such compartments has a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so
relevant to that building:

Provide that if any building is provided with an automatic sprinkler installation which
complies with the relevant recommendations of the F.O.C. Rules for Automatic Sprinkler
Installation, 29th edition, this by-law has effect in relation to that building as if the limits of
dimensions specified are doubled.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 137: Floor in building exceeding 30 metres in height to be
constructed as compartment floor.
In any building which exceeds 30 metres in height, any floor which is more than 9 metres
above ground floor level which separates one storey from another storey, other than a floor
which is either within a maisonette or a mezzanine floor shall be constructed as a
compartment floor.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 138: Other walls and floors to be constructed as
compartment walls or compartment floors.
The following walls and floors in buildings shall be constructed as compartment walls or
compartment floors:
a) Any floor in a building of Purpose Group II (Institutional);

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b) Any wall or floor separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same
building;
c) Any wall or floor separating part of a building from any other part of the same
building which is used or intended to be used mainly for a purpose falling within a
different purpose group as set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws; and
d) Any floor immediately over a basement storey if such basement storey has an area
exceeding 100 square metres.

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3.4 ASSEMBLY AREA

Figure 3.4.1
Assembly area of NU Sentral is located in front of ESPRESSO LAB. It is large
enough to accommodate the expected maximum occupancy of the building being evacuated
(staff and visitors). The building need to clearly identify the location of their fire assembly
points in order to comply with current dire legislation. These signs help to ensure that there is
no unnecessary confusion and that everyone within the premises including employees,
visitors and the general public know where they need to assemble in the event of an
evacuation. They also help fire wardens easily check if everyone within the premises has
been accounted for.

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Under UBBL 1984 Section 158: Stages in places of assembly.

1) In places of assembly, other than school halls or other similar falls where stage
scenery is infrequently used, capable of seating more than 400 persons and in which
stage scenery may be used, the stage shall be separated from the auditorium by a
proscenium wall of not less than 225 millimetres brickwork or other material of
equivalent FRP, carried down to a solid foundation and up to at least 0.92 metres
above the roof level unless the roof is constructed of materials having the FRP as
specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.
2) No more than three openings inclusive of the proscenium opening shall be provided in
the proscenium wall.
3) No opening additional to the proscenium opening shall be more than 0.61 metres
above the level of the stage nor shall such additional opening have an area exceeding
1.858 square metres and each such additional opening shall be fitted with a door
constructed of materials having the FRP as specified in the Ninth Schedule to these
By-laws.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 178: Exists for institutional and other places of assembly.
In building classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street or large open
space, together with staircases, corridors and passages leading to such exits shall be located,
separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly
from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 179: Classification of places of assembly.
Each place of assembly shall be classified according to its capacity as follows:
Class A Capacity

1,000 persons or more

Class B Capacity

300 to 1,000 persons

Class C Capacity

100 to 300 persons

Under UBBL 1984 Section 180: Space standards for calculating occupancy loads.
The occupancy load permitted in any place of assembly shall be determined by dividing the
net floor area or space assigned to the use by the square metre per occupant as follows:

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a) Assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, places
of worship, dance floor and lodge room 0.65 square metre per person;
b) Assembly area of less concentrated use such as a conference room, dining room,
drinking establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge 1.35 square metre per
person;
c) Standing room or waiting space 3 square metres per person;
d) The occupancy loads of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number
of fixed seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seat shall not be used to
increase the occupant load.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 183: Exit details for places of assembly.
Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony and ever individual room used as a place of
assembly shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total capacity thereof as determined in
accordance with by-law 180 and as follows:
a) No individual unit of exit width shall serve more than one hundred person;
b) Doors leading outside the building at ground level or not more than three risers above
or below ground one hundred persons per exit unit;
c) Staircases or other types of exit not specified in by-law 177 above seventy-five
persons per exit unit;
d) Every Class A place of assembly (capacity one thousand persons or more) shall have
at least four separate exits as remote from each other as practicable;
e) Every Class B place of assembly (capacity three hundred to one thousand persons)
shall have at least two separate exits as remote from each other as practicable, and if
of a capacity of over six hundred at least three such exits;
f) Every Class C place of assembly (capacity one hundred to three hundred persons)
shall have at least two means of exit, consisting of separate exits or doors leading to a
corridor or other space giving access to separate exist in different directions.

Under UBBL 1984 Section 186: Exit doors in places of assembly.

1) All doors used by the public as exit door from any part of the place of assembly or
leading to the open air shall open only in the direction of exit.
2) In a place of assembly all exit doors and doors through which the public pass on the
way to the open air shall be without lock, bolts or other fastenings while the public are
in the building:
Provided that doors used for exit only may be fitted with panic bolts.

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3) Panic bolts fitted to doors in a place of assembly shall be not less than 750 millimetres
or more than 1100 millimetres above the floor.
4) Turnstiles, if installed in a place of assembly, shall be arranged clear of the line of
exit, and shall not be included in the calculation of exit width.
5) In a place of assembly every external door used by the public and every collapsible
gate shall be capable of being locked in the fully open position in such a way that a
key is required to release such door or gate from such open position.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 188: Travel distance in place of assembly.
Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the travel distance from any point to
reach an exit shall not exceed 45 metres for unsprinkled buildings and 60 metres for sprinkled
buildings.
In a brief conclusion, from what we observed, the services at NU Sentral had match with the
law stated in UBBL 1984.

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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the building services of NU Sentral are adequate and sufficient to make
the entire building functions efficiently. A majority of the components adhere to their basic
requirements and obey the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 codes.
Through this assignment, we are now able to identify the components and the systems
involved in the building services such as lifts and escalators, fire prevention and protection
including sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire compartmentalisation on car park and
dedicated assembly area, and also heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC).
Finally, we are able to apply the knowledge that we acquired in our design projects.

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