GB1495143A - Elevated trackway for transport vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1495143 Elevated railways JOHN LAING & SON Ltd and HAWKER SIDDELEY DYNAMICS Ltd 10 March 1975 [12 March 1974] 11041/74 Heading B7L An elevated trackway comprises a longitudinal beam structure forming a central spine 12 which supports the central region of each of a succession of longitudinally spaced rib members 13, the rib members projecting laterally at both sides of the spine 12 to carry a pair of longitudinal track members 15 at their ends, and each rib member 13 being angularly adjustable in relation to the spine on assembly therewith but before being secured thereto so that different rib members can be canted in the vertical plane to different extents, thus providing for example a banked track in curved sections of the spine 12. As shown, the spine 12 is of box-shaped cross-section having apertures in its side walls through which extend the rib members 13. Each rib member comprises straight arms 14 joined by a central curved portion, the centre of curvature of the latter forming the axis about which the member may be angularly adjusted. The upper portion of the spine 12 serves as a slot conduit accommodating electric conductor rails 19, Fig. 4, beneath a slot 16 for entry of vehicle current collectors. Cladding 23 and covers 26 are provided to form a protected duct for cables 25 adjacent the spine 12 which is supported by spaced columns (11), Fig. 2, (not shown). In other forms, the conductor rails are mounted in a trough which is carried by arms extending inward from either the rib members 13 or the track rails 15. Instead of each end of the rib members carrying one rail of the same vehicle track, twin vehicle tracks may be carried one by each end of each rib member so that vehicles may travel in opposite directions. In further embodiments, the rib members may be of concrete mounted on top of a concrete spine.