Operational Control of Keying Systems in Large High-Rise Building Projects

Authors: Atul Prakash Lad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37082/IJIRMPS.v14.i1.232911

Short DOI: https://doi.org/hbnbz2

Country: United States

Full-text Research PDF File:   View   |   Download

Abstract: Large high-rise projects routinely treat keying as a late closeout task, yet turnover failures often originate from earlier breakdowns in traceability, interface compatibility, and emergency-access alignment. This paper presents an anonymized coastal Florida high-rise case study demonstrating how mechanical keying can be managed as an operational control system spanning life-safety intent, security intent, and daily building operations. The project involved approximately 65–70 residential units, roughly 512 hollow metal openings, 14 elevators organized into seven elevator banks, and an AHJ-approved rapid-entry lockbox program totaling 32 boxes. A two-track architecture was adopted: a building-controlled hierarchy (Grand Master and Security/Master with seven operational subcategories) and unit keys maintained as Single-Keyed-Different (SKD). Execution was governed through a single tagged tracker linking opening identity, room logic, keying intent, and subcontractor coding, enabling “install-to-tracker” verification in the field. Observed installation-phase breakdowns were categorized into (i) cylinder–lock interface incompatibility at electrified unit access, (ii) finish-driven cylinder length misfit, and (iii) unit-level traceability slips causing SKD mismatches, with corrective actions standardized to prevent uncontrolled swaps. Turnover controls included auditable key packaging, custody transfer, construction-key retirement, phased credential activation, and lockbox contents rules that preserved emergency access without expanding key footprint. The case demonstrates that disciplined governance and verifiable identity control, not a more complex hierarchy, is the decisive factor in turnover readiness and emergency entry reliability.

Keywords: high-rise construction; master keying systems; keying hierarchy; construction keying (breakout); rapid-entry lockbox (Knox-type); life-safety egress; access control integration; turnover management; traceability control; cylinder–lock interface compatibility; Single-Keyed-Different (SKD) keys; Florida Building Code.

Paper Id: 232911

Published On: 2026-01-28

Published In: Volume 14, Issue 1, January-February 2026

Share this