When the Customer is the Architect of transport system

[24.03.2023]

We have mentioned the advantages uSky rail-string transport overpass more than once here:

• low material consumption, low costs and low requirements for land use;

• high reliability, durability and safety;

• high integration into infrastructure of cities and landscapes in any landscape and climatic conditions.

Along with this information, you can often find another parameter, the span length. What does span actually mean for customer? On the one hand, larger span is a better span: fewer intermediate supports, less land acquisition costs. On the other hand, with larger spans, loads from their own weight and rolling stock increase, so you have to increase the number and tension of the longitudinal (string) structural parts in order to reduce the deflection from own weight, which demand massive anchor supports and heavier track structures.

This is where the string rail transport overpass tech absolutely demonstrates flexibility. Adapting to the customer requirements, to local architecture or landscape features, we propose to build a transport system not simply as part of urban infrastructure, but as a city landmark or decoration.

Architecture of anchor supports built into stations, railway stations, bus terminals, other structures, as well as intermediate supports design: all of that you can create with us. Modern or classical design of structures, passenger traffic, span dimensions and much more. All of that is created in a continuous dialogue with customer. And to substantiate this, let’s once again recall our projects in two R&D centers.

Test Track No. 1 at the uSky Centre is a flexible track structure designed for low passenger traffic. This type of track structures, with spans of 100 and 200 m, embodies constructive minimalism in every component.

Low string tension, compact design and ease of installation will allow the integration of such a transport complex even in a densely populated city.

Test Track No. 1 at uSky Centre. 100 and 200 m spans. Cargo-passenger transport complex

Test Track No. 4 at uSky Centre is a semi-rigid track structure. The example of how we offer to move heavy loads and large passenger traffic over large distances. Here, the balance of spans (144 m and 288 m), tension and the track structure own weight is implemented: no more than 300 kg per linear metre.

Test Track No. 4 at uSky Centre. 144 and 288 m spans. Cargo-passenger transport complex

The rigid track structure at EcoTechnoPark demonstrates the feasibility of using our transport complex as high-speed (and) passenger transport. Intermediate supports are installed with 50 m steps. Short spans and the rigid truss structure ensure minimal deflection during passage of vehicles, meaning high flatness of track and comfort for passengers.

Test tracks with semi-rigid and light track structures have been implemented in EcoTechnoPark and been in operation for over 5 years. On these tracks, we work out speed limits, emergency situations and, of course, we give demo rides to visitors.

Transport complexes created on the EcoTechnoPark site. Rigid, semi-rigid and flexible track structures. This photo captures 6 fundamentally different passenger uPods, our unmanned steel wheel electric vehicles on rails

The visualization below shows an example of an anchor support located in a dense urban area. And of course, it is not just an anchor support – it is a business centre, with shops, offices, entertainment and recreation. Thus, the city gains not only a passenger station, but also commercial property. This kind of symbiosis saves significant space in the middle of urban development and improves the overall panorama of the city.

90° turn anchor support of string-rail transport complex, integrated into city infrastructure

And, perhaps, the most important thing we should note here. Tracks in the uSky Centre and in EcoTechnoPark, are not just test tracks. They are examples of how our group of companies is able to flexibly approach the requirements and wishes of the customer. These are displays of how transport complexes are created in dialogue with urban infrastructure and nature.