A traffic analysis metric expressing the percentage of the building population transported upward during a 5-minute peak interval, used to size elevator groups during design.
Full Definition
Up-peak intensity (also called handling capacity) is defined as the percentage of the total building population that an elevator group can transport in the up direction during the busiest 5-minute period — typically the morning arrival rush. A value of 12–15% is considered good for typical office buildings. The metric is used by lift traffic consultants to verify whether a proposed elevator configuration — number of cars, car capacity, and speed — meets the building's traffic demand. Up-peak interval (average time between successive car departures from the main landing) is a related metric. Both are calculated using traffic simulation software and verified by load studies after installation. Under-designed systems produce poor up-peak intensity, leading to crowding, queuing, and passenger complaints.
