A jump lift is a self-climbing lift used in a high-rise still under construction. Unlike an ordinary hoist on the outside, the jump lift sits inside the building itself, usually in the permanent lift shaft in the core. As the building rises, the lift moves up with it — it “jumps”. This lets construction workers reach great heights while the tower is still being built.
How it works
The jump lift uses the shaft that will eventually house the permanent lift. At the top of the shaft is a temporary suspension or machine deck. Once the building has grown a number of floors, this top assembly is raised to a higher level and the lift grows with it. At the end of construction the permanent lift replaces the temporary installation.
Application
Jump lifts are used in tall towers and residential or office buildings, where an ordinary construction hoist would be too slow and too limited.
Points to note
- People and light materials travel higher faster and more safely than with an external hoist
- Less disruption from wind and weather, so the build runs more efficiently
Related terms
- Scaffolding
- Foundation
- Concrete
- High-rise
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