An Ohio college student died when he tried to escape from a dormitory elevator that was overloaded with 24 passengers. 

The elevator was rated for a maximum weight of 2500 pounds. Let’s consider this elevator with an allowable weight of 2500 pounds. Let’s also consider parameters for weights of adults, as shown in the accompanying table (based on Data Set 1 “Body Data” in Appendix B).

We could consider design features such as the type of music that could be played on the elevator. We could select songs such as “Imagine,” or “Daydream Believer.” Instead, we will focus on the critical design feature of weight.
a. First, elevators commonly have a 25% margin of error, so they can safely carry a load that is 25% greater than the stated load. What amount is 25% greater than 2500 pounds? Let’s refer to this amount as “the maximum safe load” while the 2500 pound limit is the “placard maximum load.” 

b. Now we need to determine the maximum number of passengers that should be allowed. Should we base our calculations on the maximum safe load or the 2500 pound placard maximum load?
c. The weights given in the accompanying table are weights of adults not including clothing or textbooks. Add another 10 pounds for each student’s clothing and textbooks. What is the maximum number of elevator passengers that should be allowed?
d. Do you think that weights of college students are different from weights of adults from the general population? If so, how? How would that affect the elevator design?

Transcribed Image Text:

pe (J Distribution Males 189 lb 39 lb Normal Females 171 lb 46 lb Normal