Can elevator columns be used as building columns?

[CDJ1516]

For a stand-alone, steel framed elevator:

Can the elevator columns (essentially guide rail posts) be used as building columns to support building framing as well? Or is the elevator frame typically separate for serviceability or fire rating?

Typically, I provide openings at each floor around the elevator with guide rail posts that span floor-to-floor and tie into the building floor beams laterally only (does not support vertical loads). But I have an elevator at the corner of a building and am trying to determine if I need double columns/cantilevers to support the building framing or if there is any reason I couldn't just frame my beams into the elevator columns.

Thanks.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Done w/ concrete elevator shafts all the time. If you can make it engineer out - then why not??

 

[BAretired]

Building columns usually act as Elevator columns too. I can see no valid reason why double columns would be needed.

BA