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The only technologically advanced elevator for the disabled in the world, is the one that was installed on the Acropolis and works today.
The ascent to the Acropolis for thousands of our fellow citizens was almost impossible, since at the beginning of 2018, the old elevator, which was a construction elevator installed on the occasion of the Olympic Games, had reached its limit. As of spring 2019 it was almost non-functional, while problems intensified in the summer when disabled people from all over the world arrived at the monument and were unable to climb.
It is noted that the same elevator does not exist in another monument, its construction was a difficult technical project and it is the only one in the world where the variable angle is close to the correct one. The Ministry of Culture delivered the necessary specifications for the construction of the elevator based on the topography of the area and geotechnical data.
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It is a variable angle lift, manufactured by the Italian company MASPERO ELEVATORI. Its capacity is 1,300 kg of payload, that is, two wheelchairs with two assistants or an ambulance stretcher with one assistant. The choice of type was made according to the topography of the area and the geotechnical data, from which the construction studies of the project were prepared. It is certified by the international company TUV, as defined by the European Regulation on slope lifts.
It is noted that there is no similar elevator in another monument. It is the only one in the world because structurally its variable angle is close to the right, while its perimeter glass cladding offers a unique panoramic view.
It guarantees easy access directly from road level and safe ascent / descent of users to and from the Sacred Rock of Athens, the Acropolis. It is technologically very advanced combining speed and safety, as well as safety valves during operation in the event of a power outage or other unforeseen problem.
In the event of a power failure, it is possible to use the alternative means of operation of the elevator (battery), to go to the level of the entrance to the road. By means of a GSM double card notification system, communication is carried out with five programmed receivers for any breakdown or emergency.
The system is activated automatically in case of damage, seismic vibrations, wind, ice, entrapment and sends an immediate notification to those responsible for the correct handling of each case. It is observed that in cases of very low temperature, the elevator moves automatically on the tracks every 10 minutes, so as not to create a layer of ice on its drivers.
According to available data, the time required for the ascent and descent of the elevator is set at 32 seconds. Respectively, with the old elevator, in order for the user to get from the road level (walk) to the Acropolis monument, he had to go up to the level of the current engine room from an external ladder, using an elevator with a seat. and then using the old elevator, the technology that was lagging behind in the ability to safely develop ascent speed.
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For the execution of the required works, there was a team of supervising archaeologists from the Ministry of Culture and Sports throughout the execution of the project, with whose collaboration all measures were taken to ensure the protection of the monuments. The installation required infrastructure works, which included partial excavation, drilling and installation of 35 stainless steel anchors in the Balano wall and filling with grout to support the metal supports that support the elevator tracks. Likewise, the old platform was removed and the new one, 12.90 m long and 1.60-1.90 m wide, was installed.
There are two new routes for the disabled on the rock of the Acropolis and they aim to make it possible for the disabled to go through the monuments of the archaeological site, after arriving by elevator. The roads replaced the old concrete ones, the first dating from the 1960s, which were continuously repaired until 2010. They have a total area of 2,500 m2 and 4 m wide. and 500 m long, while the first phase of the project has already been completed.
The settings follow the archaeological data, restoring the ancient carvings on Panathinaion Street. The road paving work highlights for the first time in its entirety, Panathinaion Street. The new tracks will connect the elevator to Panathinaion Street with the area of the old archaeological museum, the restoration of which will begin from the Ministry of Culture and Sports in the coming weeks with funding from the current NSRF. Therefore, the routes extend in front of the Propylaea, the Parthenon and reach the South Slope.
During the evaluation of the in situ testing of materials by the Acropolis Committee for the Conservation of Monuments, some materials were discarded due to their strength and others due to their appearance. Architectural concrete with a cement content of 12% was selected as aesthetically acceptable. The end result is an artificial stone, similar to that used on monuments in restoration work.
The total length of the new routes is 500 m. The configurations, horizontal and elevation, follow the archaeological data,
The materials were evaluated with in situ test applications by the Acropolis Monument Conservation Committee. The whole project is completely reversible.
Two vehicles (golf cart type) will facilitate access to the new slope lift for the disabled and people with mobility difficulties. For the vehicle that will depart from Dionysiou Areopagitou there is a provision for a capacity of 6 people (including the driver) plus a wheelchair. Respectively, for the vehicle that will depart from the Sacred Rock, a capacity of 6 people (including the driver) is foreseen, not including a wheelchair.
