Earthquake-ready by design
Earthquake safety in high-rises comes down to seconds. Elevators equipped with seismic sensors detect the earliest tremor signals and automatically move passengers to the nearest floor – all before anyone feels the shaking. As cities build upward in seismic zones, this technology is becoming essential.
In a nutshell
- Earthquake-readiness is a must as cities grow taller in seismically active regions.
- Elevator safety starts at the design stage, with seismic protection built into the system from day one.
- Our elevators are equipped with integrated seismic sensors, detecting earthquakes before people feel them and automatically bringing cars to the nearest floor for safe exit.
When the ground beneath Mexico City's Torre Reforma trembled during an earthquake, passengers riding the tower's elevators stepped calmly out onto the nearest floor. Sensors had detected the seismic waves seconds earlier, automatically bringing each car to safety before anyone felt the shaking.
This split-second response exemplifies how technology is becoming essential as cities grow taller in earthquake-prone zones. And with cities expanding rapidly, pushing development upward in seismically vulnerable areas, earthquake-readiness is becoming a must.
Built for the shake
Preparing elevators for seismic zones begins long before the first tremor. The Schindler 7000 elevator, designed for high-rise buildings, can be configured with seismic-protection measures as part of the overall building design.
During installation, elevator components in the machine room and hoistway are secured with reinforced anchoring systems that prevent movement or tilting during seismic events. Earthquake risk varies from city to city, and so do the safety measures required.
Depending on the seismic category of an area, guide rails are mounted on specially reinforced brackets. Traction sheaves and rope sheaves are also fitted with jump-off guards to keep cables in place during shaking are common. Counterweights are typically secured with emergency guides that prevent them from swinging loose.
But it's when the earth shows the first signs of shaking that the technology reveals its true value. Our integrated seismic sensors recognize longitudinal P-waves – the earliest seismic signals – and instantly send cars to the nearest floor, opening doors for safe passenger exit.
"We can't stop the earth from moving, but we can make sure that the structures we build are safe," says Emrah Cakmak, Schindler Project Manager, based in Turkey, where earthquakes are frequent.
Engineering for earthquakes worldwide
Torre Reforma, Mexico City
Rising 236 meters over Mexico City, the 57-story Torre Reforma was designed to bend, not break. Its concrete walls extend 60 meters below ground – anchoring the tower in some of the world's most seismically active so – while triple-height window sections every four floors absorb and dissipate energy above.
Its 29 Schindler elevators use PORT technology and emergency evacuation systems to respond automatically during earthquakes, bringing passengers to safety before they even feel the shaking.
Ziraat Bank Headquarters, Istanbul
Istanbul sits at the intersection of three tectonic plates, making seismic safety a constant concern. At the Ziraat Bank Headquarters, all our elevators were installed to meet seismic category 3 standards.
Our elevators incorporate sensors that detect tremors, initiate automatic shutdown procedures, continuously monitor conditions – only resuming normal operation once safety is assured.
Edificio de la Industria, Santiago
Chile enforces some of the world’s strictest seismic regulations – and with good reason. At Santiago’s Edificio de la Industria, our teams recently modernized its elevator to comply with national seismic guidelines.
The building’s upgraded elevators detect tremors and bring passengers to the nearest floor automatically.
Wuhan Greenland Center, Wuhan
At 475 meters tall, the Wuhan Greenland Center is one of China's tallest buildings. Though the region has experienced only moderate earthquakes in recent years, seismic considerations were still built into the design alongside wind resistance and sustainability requirements.
The building's 79 Schindler elevators were engineered to operate safely during seismic events, demonstrating that earthquake resilience matters even in regions where major tremors are less common.