Not all inclined elevators are the same. In fact, every single inclined elevator is incredibly unique in how it is constructed, starting with its foundation.
A lot of factors come into play when choosing the right type of support option to begin your inclined elevator project. The terrain, climate, elevation, and more will determine how the foundation is built and what material is used. Specifications can also depend on local regulations and code requirements. Here are six inclined elevator support options that Hill Hiker can either provide or help you find the right contractor to build for your site.
Step Footings
Step footing style foundations use Hill Hiker’s “flange post” supports which are square steel posts with welded plates. These flange posts are mounted to concrete slab footings in the pattern of stairs, hence the name. This option provides ease of layout for your concrete contractor. Step footings are a good foundation for all conditions, including seismic locations, for installing your inclined elevator.
Hill Hiker, Inc. does not provide concrete work but will provide the steel supports and work with local concrete contractors to help design and layout your foundation. This residential inclined elevator that Hill Hiker constructed in New York shows a perfect example of how concrete step footings led to a great solution for a family.
Columns
Concrete column/pier style foundations use Hill Hiker’s “track-mates” supports, which are 2 steel channels welded to a horizontal tube forming the shape of a “U”. These track-mates are mounted to the concrete pier columns. Columns provide a clean, finished look to many inclined elevators and work for seismic conditions, too. We installed a residential hill lift in California using this method. Hill Hiker, Inc. does not provide concrete work but will provide the steel supports and basically everything else above the concrete and will work with local concrete contractors to help design and layout your concrete foundation.
I-Beams
I-Beams can be another great solution for locations with seismic conditions. These also work for when large spans are necessary to minimize footings. With this support type the Hill Hiker track is directly bolted to the top of the beams. The beams could be made of steel, concrete, or wood. Hill Hiker, Inc. typically works with local contractors to provide I-beams.
The local contractor got creative when installing I-Beams for the inclined elevator at Parque Turistico Observatorio 1873 in Mazatlán, Mexico. Because the city of Mazatlán did not have a crane that could reach the full length of the hill full of uneven surfaces, Hill Hiker worked with these locals to install the middle section using hand ropes, chain falls, and pulleys. This project won the Elevator World Project of the Year Award.
Hydraulic Piles
Hydraulic Pile foundations use Hill Hiker’s “driven post” supports which are 2”x2” swedged steel tubes. Hydraulic Piles make for a speedy inclined elevator installation and work for all conditions. The established Hill Hiker Factory Crew will install these steel posts that are driven to refusal with a hydraulic pounder. Hill Hiker, Inc. only offers hydraulic pile foundations in certain markets.
Helical Screws
If you are installing an inclined elevator in a sandy or loose soil area, this foundation option will provide that extra layer of security and stability needed. Hill Hiker brackets will attach the track to these helical screw piles, working almost like an anchor. Hill Hiker works with other trusted contractors who use large drills to install these screws into the soil.
Buried Posts
Sometimes, a customer prefers concrete over driven piles. When this is the case, the Hill Hiker Factory Crew will install buried posts, which are square steel tubes set in concrete footers below grade. This inclined elevator support option also works in all conditions. Hill Hiker, Inc. only offers buried post foundations in certain markets. We have installed many residential inclined trams in Minnesota and Wisconsin using buried posts.
Learn more about Hill Hiker’s many options and features for your inclined elevator project. Our team is happy to help you find the right support option and will work with a team of highly-vetted experts and installers to get the job done.
Contact Hill Hiker, Inc. today for a free consultation and estimate.
