WO2013105014A2

WO2013105014A2 - Cable infrastructure and associated system

Info

Publication number: WO2013105014A2
Application number: PCT/IB2013/050145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Stephen VAN DER MERWE
Original assignee: Mertrac Infraco (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date: 2012-01-10
Filing date: 2013-01-08
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Also published as: WO2013105014A3; ZA201404964B; AP2014007842A0

Abstract

A cable infrastructure comprising multiple modular railway track sections assembled to form a continuous railway track base, each modular railway track section defining an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base. A conduit is embedded within the internal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling.

Description

CABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to communication cable infrastructure which comprises modular pre-cast units in which is embedded cabling.

A need has been identified for a cost-effective and high level securitised system which combines various infrastructures in order to improve service delivery. In particular, such need relates to cabling and telecommunications, especially in developing countries. It is well-known that infrastructure for cabling and telecommunication solutions is expensive to put in place and that such infrastructure is often vulnerable to theft, damage or vandalism. For example, it may be very expensive to upgrade infrastructure as associated cabling and piping have to be dug up, replaced or moved. Conventional infrastructure specifically lends itself to be easily damaged, e.g., when water pipes, storm water drains, electricity, roads or the like are constructed.

The existing underground optical fibre cabling infrastructure processes and procedures that are followed are not only extremely expensive, but also very complex from a CAPEX and OPEX perspective. Wayleaves need to be obtained from local municipalities and road authorities to dig up roads. Also, underground optical fibre cable duct infrastructure has to be installed in trenches and manholes have to be designed to enable the installation of optical fibre cables. It has been found that these processes are not environmental friendly and there is a reluctance from authorities to issue wayleaves for service providers to deploy underground optical fibre cables. Additionally, both public and private entities invest in the construction of the same and similar infrastructure for communication, rail and power solutions.

The majority of railway tracks worldwide are still flat-bottom steel rails supported on timber or pre-stressed concrete sleepers. Due to various disadvantages, in the last twenty to thirty years there has been advancement in technology to improve rail systems from this type of conventional ballasted track system to non-ballast modular pre-cast reinforced (beam and/or slab) structures. As with cabling and telecommunication solutions, ballastless track is expensive, especially the associated civil works and after-installation maintenance.

Now turning to the prior art non-ballast systems, Figure 1a shows a flat base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section 10 on which is secured rails 12. Multiple of these sections 10 are assembled, the one after the other, thereby to provide a continuous slab laid on a base-layer, to carry the rails.

Similarly, Figure 1 b shows a "V" base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section 14 on which is secured rails 16. Multiple of these sections 14 are also assembled the one after the other to provide a continuous slab laid on a base-layer which carries the rails 16. As the section 14 has a "V"-shaped cross-section, a longitudinal water run-off channel 18 is defined on the upper surface of the section 14.

Figure 1c shows a variation of the flat base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section 10 of Figure 1a. In this embodiment, a flat base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section 20 defines a longitudinal water run-off channel 22. As with the other embodiments, rails 24 are secured to the upper surface of the base.

Figure 1d shows a ladder track system which comprises twin (or double), pre-cast or wet cast reinforced concrete beams 26 which are placed under, and in line with the rails 28. The rails 28 are typically attached to the beams using purposed designed components, while the beams are linked with each other by galvanised steel cross-stabilising struts or rungs 29, to form a ladder structure. The struts or rungs 29 usually extend in a wraparound fashion around each of the beams for structural stability and strength.

The investment into telecommunication, power networks and rail infrastructure lacks synergy, thereby adding unnecessary administration and duplicating management, construction and ongoing maintenance costs.

The present invention provides cabling infrastructure that aims to address the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided cable infrastructure, comprising: multiple modular railway track sections assembled to form a continuous railway track base, each modular railway track section defining an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base; and a conduit embedded within the internal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling.

The multiple module railway track sections may be selected from slab technology such as flat base modular railway track sections or "V"-base modular railway track sections, i.e. slab sections, or preferably, from twin- beam base modular railway track sections.

Optionally, each modular railway track section may define multiple, preferably, two, internal passageways so that when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, two continuous passageways are defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base.

Each internal passageway may be defined in a beam of the twin-beam base modular railway track section, e.g., in each beam of the twin-beam base modular railway track.

The internal passageway may have a circular, triangular, square, rectangular or any other cross-section.

The modular railway track sections may be manufactured from pre-cast or wet cast concrete mix.

Preferably, the modular railway track sections are reinforced, e.g., steel reinforced.

Optionally, one of the modular railway track sections defines a side passageway running from the internal longitudinal passageway to an exposed side of the modular railway track section. The exposed side of the modular railway track section may be any side. Such section with a side passageway may be called a breakout track section.

The conduit may comprise multiple mini-ducts, preferably, each mini-duct may comprise multiple tubes carrying multiple optic fibers and a reinforcing core.

Passageways of adjacent modular railway track sections may be connected to each other via connectors or couplings. Additionally, the infrastructure may comprise a cabling hub unit, connected to at least one side passageway, the cabling hub unit defining an enclosure in which spliced cable or equipment may be held. Typically, the cabling hub unit is a separate cabling hub unit to be connected to the at least one side passageway, then to be connected to leading and trailing modular railway track sections..

Alternatively, a cabling hub unit may be integral to the two twin beams or the slab sections, forming a standalone unit that is connectable to leading and trailing modular railway track sections.

Optionally, the infrastructure may include channels connecting the cabling hub Unit to a manhole structure, or other suitable structure.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a communication system comprising the infrastructure as defined above, wherein the fibre optic cabling is connected to external networks or optical fibre equipment.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a modular railway track section to be assembled with multiple other modular railway track sections to form a continuous railway track base, the method comprising: casting the modular railway track section to define an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base; and embedding a conduit within the internal longitudinal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1a is a schematic drawing of a prior art flat base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section;

Figure 1b is a schematic drawing of a prior art "V" base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section;

Figure 1c is a schematic drawing of a prior art variation of the flat base pre-cast steel reinforced railway track section of Figure 1a, further comprising a longitudinal water run-off channel;

Figure 1d is a schematic drawing of a prior art ladder track system which comprises twin, pre-cast or wet cast reinforced concrete beams;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cabling infrastructure system in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a single beam of a twin- or double beam base modular railway track section in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a fibre optic cable 70 embedded in a conduit of the single beam of Figure 3; in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a number of connectors in accordance with example embodiments of the invention, to seamlessly connect passageways defined by cabling infrastructure and/or conduits in accordance with Figure 2; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a further example embodiment of a single beam of a twin- or double beam base modular railway track section in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of yet another example embodiment of a single beam of a twin- or double beam base modular railway track section in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a cabling hub connected to multiple side passageways extending from a twin-beam base modular railway track section, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of a cabling hub which is connected between twin-beam base modular railway track sections, in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the cabling hub of Figure 8 connected between twin-beam base modular railway track sections and further connected to manhole structures, in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention adapts and diversifies the prior art modular railway track sections of Figures 1a to 1d into a combined, pre-fabricated solution for multiple service delivery of rail, telecommunications and/or power supply. As will be apparent from the description to follow, the deemed cost- disadvantages of the prior art non-ballast rail systems and infrastructure for fibre optic cable and/or power cables are addressed by the present invention and additional advantages, described in more detail below, are presented.

Turning now to Figure 2, a cabling infrastructure system in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 30. The system 30 comprises railway lines 32 and 34 that stretch between various railway or train stations, indicated by reference numerals 36, 38 and 40. It will be appreciated that the embodiment of Figure 2 is merely an example to illustrate the present invention and that Figure 2 should be representative of any number of combinations of railway lines connecting any number of train or railway stations.

The railway lines 32 and 34 are formed by modular railway track sections, and assembled to form a continuous rail base on which is secured and which carries the rail. Although the modular railway track sections are shown in Figure 2 as a ladder track system which comprises twin beams, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The railway track sections may for example also be selected from slab technology such as flat base modular railway track sections or "V"-base modular railway track sections, i.e. slab sections.

In accordance with the present invention, the modular railway track sections define a continuous passageway (shown by broken line 42) from one end of the assembled railway track to the other end of the railway track. The passageway 42 houses a conduit embedded within the continuous passageway which carries fibre optic and/or power cabling.

In the example embodiment of Figure 2, fibre optic cable is carried in the conduit. It will however be appreciated that other cabling, e.g., power cabling, could also be carried by the conduits.

Distribution or switching points (or hubs), shown by reference numerals 44 and 46, ensure that spliced out fibre optic cable is connected to wide or local area networks, and/or end users along the railway line. The distribution points 44 and 46 may comprise optic fibre equipment such as standards compliant optical network equipment, Optical Packet Switching and Transport Technology (OPST) equipment or the like.

It will again be appreciated that Figure 2 merely represents one example embodiment and that breakouts to the distribution points 44 and 46 may be provided anywhere along the railway line. When implemented, the breakouts provided will be located at strategic locations in the network, e.g., in built-up urban areas breakouts in the network will be as close to, or if feasible, at the railway stations. Preferably, the breakouts could be co- located with existing signaling equipment rooms. In rural areas, breakouts will be accompanied by underground manholes, described in more detail below, where security is a priority, or alternatively, in above-ground manholes or remote cabinets.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the railway line 32 and 34 provided by the rail infrastructure may run under or over bridges, through tunnels or any other geographically challenged area.

It will become apparent from the description in accordance with Figures 3 to 10 that the system will typically incorporate a comprehensive, or simple sequence of conduits, ducts, connectors and breakout/in units for encapsulating the fibre optic and/or power cabling to and/or from numerous of these distribution points to numerous other distribution points, thus forming a network of embedded infrastructure within reinforced concrete beams or slabs, depending on the railway track structure used.

The system is thus cost-effective and secure, combining various infrastructures into one combined infrastructure for effective and efficient service delivery. Accordingly, a country's ability to achieve the goals set in terms of socio-economic development is enhanced. ln particular, fibre optic cabling is to be utilised for its cheaper telecommunications delivery for backhaul, redundancy and value added services, for e.g. international and local connectivity of data, voice, Video on Demand (VoD) as well as education and health solutions. This solution may further be utilised in numerous infrastructure applications, whether governmental, quasi-governmental or in the private sector.

For example, the distribution points 44 or 46 shown in Figure 2 may be distribution point-of-presences (POPs) or point-of-interconnect links (POILS) for connectivity to a network or end users, such as international communication grids or networks, local communication networks, corporate companies, hospitals, universities, individuals, or the like. The combined infrastructure provided by the invention thus connects to POPs/POILs where these sites are reasonably close to or at the points where rail infrastructure is constructed.

Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of a single beam 50 of a twin- or double beam base modular railway track section (a modular ladder track system), in accordance with the present invention. This single beam 50 is connected to a twin beam by means of galvanised steel cross-stabilising struts or rungs 51 , to form a ladder structure. The struts or rungs 51 , of which only a section is shown, usually extend in a wrap-around fashion around each the beams for structural stability and strength. When a modular ladder track railway section is assembled with other modular sections, the sections form a ballastless railway system with rails continuously supported on these twin beams.

It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that although the invention is described with reference to twin-beam modular railway track sections, the invention is to extend to flat base, "V" base or other modifications of modular railway track sections.

The beam 50 is typically constructed from either pre-cast or wet cast concrete, which is preferably reinforced, e.g., with steel beams. The beam 50 defines an internal passageway or duct 52 along its length. A conduit 54 carrying fibre optic cable and/or a power cable is embedded in the passageway 52.

The internal passageway or duct 52 and thus the conduit 54 may have a circular, triangular, square, rectangular or any other suitable cross-section. As is evident, the cross-section of the example embodiment of Figure 3 is circular.

The beam 50 provides a rail beam bed or base 56 on which a rail 58 is secured.

Multiple mid-section side passageways 60a and 60b running from the internal longitudinal passageway 52 to exposed sides of the beam 50 are defined in side-walls of the beam 50. These side passageways 60a and 60b define mid-section break-outs 62 for the cabling running in the conduit 54 to be channeled out of the conduit, thereby to connect with other networks. It will be appreciated that although two mid-section side passageways are shown in Figure 3, a break-out need only comprise one side passageway. It may also comprise any number of side passageways, in any direction.

End breakouts are in turn defined in the end part of a beam. One example is indicated by reference numeral 64 in Figure 4. This end breakout 64 also comprises a side passageway 66 that is defined in a side wall of the beam 50 and runs from the internal longitudinal passageway 52 to the outer surface of the beam 50. This type of beam comprising an end breakout is typically used as the last beam in the infrastructure system where the cabling would normally connect to a main distribution center or other telecommunication organizations and/or institutions or data center, as described in more detail above.

The side passages of the breakouts may extend beyond the outer surface of the beam, e.g., to form a flange on the outside of the beam. This flange may be reinforced to structurally secure it. Side passages which are embedded are however preferred as such passages, especially when they extend downwards into the railway bed, would not be visible, thereby limiting the probability of cable theft or vandalism.

The breakouts allow easy access for feeding cabling into and out of the system. The breakouts may, for example be used during the initial installation of the cabling, during replacement of cables or during upgrades. As mentioned, the breakouts are also used to connect the cabling to other telecommunication networks or power networks, in the case of power cabling, or distributors, service providers, and/or end-users.

The conduit 54 embedded in the longitudinal passageway 52 may be 100mm, 70mm, 60mm, 50mm or 40mm, or other suitably sized ducts. Although Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene are the plastic based materials of choice, conduits may be manufactured from other suitable materials such as steel or rubberized compounds.

Figure 4 shows one example embodiment of a fibre optic cable 70 embedded in the conduit 54 of Figure 3. The conduit 52 comprises multiple miniducts, one, indicated by reference numeral 72, which is enlarged to show eight tubes and a reinforcing core 76. One of the tubes, indicated by reference numeral 74 is enlarged to show multiple, in particular, twelve optic fibres 78.

In order to ensure that the passageways of adjacent modular railway track sections are properly aligned, couplings or connectors may be used between the passageways of such sections. Examples of connectors 80a, 80b, 80c, 82a, 82b and 82c moulded from PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, steel or rubberized compounds are shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

Connectors 80a, 80b, and 80c are configured to partially fit into adjoining conduits, thereby providing seamless connectivity. Thus, and as shown in Figure 5a, the passageways defined by the modular railway track sections have enlarged outer ends (i.e. a counter bore) 84 in order to snugly receive the connector 80a which has a larger outer diameter or dimension, but with an inner diameter or dimension which is the same as the inner diameter (dimension) 86 of the inner part of the defined passageways.

Reference numerals 80b and 80c show front views of connectors with cross-sections being triangular and square.

Turning to Figure 5b, connectors 82a, 82b, and 82c are used with conduits 88 that extend beyond the end of the beams 90 of the ladder railway track sections. The connector 82a is a single unit connector that has an internal diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conduits 88 thereby to provide a snug fit between the conduit 88 and connector 82a.

The connector 82b has a clip-on feature in that it can be slipped over and then clipped closed over the aligned ends of the conduits 88. This type of connector may be preferred above the connector 82a in scenarios where space is limited between adjacent track sections during the installation phase. The open ends of the connector may have a locking mechanism to ensure that the connector is secured over each other once forced into position. Any suitable locking mechanism could be used, for example a male-female connector or a clip design.

The connector 82c is a split connector comprising two pieces which are connected to each other in a similar fashion as described above. This type of connector will be used when there is very limited access or space between adjacent track sections during the installation phase.

The connectors 80a, 80b, 80c, 82a, 82b and 82c in general allow for the easy installation of cabling and a smoother inner joint ensuring easier pull through of cabling and lessening the possibility of damage to the cabling. The connectors also ensure a better seal thus securing the connection and limiting any dirt, or water, or other material gaining access into the inner tube of the conduits or ducts, as well as the passageway.

Additionally, the connectors 82a, 82b and 82c may define an internal central ridge running across the circumference of the connector. This ridge has a slightly thicker wall than the walls of the conduit and ensures easy installation of the connectors in that it provides for easier push/blow or pull through of cabling and further increases the joint strength and sealing capabilities of the connectors.

Before turning to the remainder of the drawings, it should be noted that the galvanised steel cross-stabilising struts or rungs forming the ladder structure of the railway tracks are not shown in the remaining drawings. However, these struts and rungs may or may not form part of the design.

Turning to Figures 6 and 7, further example embodiments of a single beam of a twin-beam base modular railway track section are shown. The beam 100 of Figure 6 has two side passageways 102 and 104 (or breakouts) that would allow cabling to be fed to the underside of the beam, into the rail- bed, while one side passageway 106 allows for cabling to be channeled to the side of the beam. Alternatively, the side passageways may also extend to the top of modular track sections.

A cap or lid 108 is shown to fit over the end aperture of the side passageway 106. The cap or lid 108 may be used at the ends of longitudinal passageways defined along the length of railway track sections, may be used to close side passageways and may also be used for connection hubs, described below. Caps may be of any suitable size to close openings and are typically manufactured from materials such as polyurethane, steel or other materials. To secure caps in place, connection means such as bolts may be used or the caps may also be threaded. Caps and connectors are typically used with water and/or dust proof seals such as O-rings. These seals not only ensure the ingress of dust and water into the passageways but also assist in the alignment of joints and conduits during the constructions and/or installation phase, but also assist in immobilising joints.

Similar to the embodiment of Figure 5b, conduits 110 extend beyond the ends of the beam 100.

Typically, the side passageways forming bottom break-outs are preferred as they are the most efficient and not visible to passerby's. Bottom break outs are thus more secure and reduce the possibility of tampering, damage or theft of cabling. Bottom breakouts also extend the longevity of the cabling as the breakouts are not directly exposed to the elements.

It is envisaged to use a unique marking, coding or numbering system, whereby a unique number or code will be assigned to each of the individual beam/s or slabs that carry break-outs, and/or other infrastructure, thereby to efficiently identify the infrastructure items. The marking, coding or numbering system will use a predefined format which would simplify the identification of the particular unit, its size, type, function and any other additional features. This information will be maintained on a central database and will be accessible to administrators, maintenance or construction staff after installation to allow for easy maintenance, or upgrades and/or additional cabling breakouts. It will be appreciated that access to the information may be restricted and that only authorised personnel will be provided with access details.

The breakout design of beam 112 shown in Figure 7 is a twin breakout of which the outer apertures 114 and 116 of side passageways are reinforced. This design allows for direct through cabling, breakout into the conduit system, as well as easy installation into a pre-casting reinforced concrete beam or slab structure. This twin breakout unit may be manufactured from precast or wet-cast reinforced concrete. Alternatively, separate units may be manufactured from other materials. For example, this type of breakout unit or section may be manufactured from a plastic compound, or may be constructed in galvanised steel or other materials. The internal finish is typically smooth to allow for ease of cable pull-through or push installation methods.

A cabling hub unit or cabling input/output access point is indicated by reference numeral 120 in Figure 8. This cabling hub unit 120 extends from or is secured between side passageways of breakouts 122 and 124 of a modular railway track section, shown in Figure 8 as a twin-bean base modular railway track section 126.

The cabling hub unit 120 defines an enclosure in which spliced cable or equipment may be held. The internal finish of the enclosure is typically smooth to allow for ease of cable pull-through or push installation methods.

Depending on the design requirements, various designs for the cabling hub unit may be employed in the system. For example, the access points, e.g., a door or window providing access to the hub unit, may be of any suitable shape and size and may also be located on any side of the hub unit. The hub unit itself may have any suitable type of cross-section and may be arranged to be connected to any type of side passageway. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 8, the breakouts 122 and 124 are visible, but it may also be that the cabling hub unit connects closely to side passageways thereby to ensure that the breakouts are not visible.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of a cabling hub unit 130 which is connected in-between two, (a leading and trailing), twin-beam base modular railway track sections 132 and 134, the cabling hub unit 30 thus forming part of the railway track and carrying rails 136. This type of cabling hub unit 130 may be used for more complex and larger cabling requirements. This cabling hub unit 130 defines two passageways 138 along its length, which passageways 138 carry, together with the passageways defined in the beams of the other modular railway track sections, conduit with fibre optics and/or power cabling in use. The two passageways open into an enclosure 140, or have side passageways into the enclosure, which may be accessed through an access door, indicated by reference numeral 142. The cabling hub 140 is thus a stand-alone unit and integral with the two twin beams, forming a single unit connectable between leading and trailing modular railway track sections. It will be appreciated that the two beams defining the passageways may also be used as a standalone unit with breakouts directly on the sides or underneath the slabs or beams (i.e., not utilized as a hub unit).

Water and dust proof seals may be used with the access door.

The design of this cabling hub unit 130 enables easy access in and out for multiple cabling, be it fibre and or power cabling. This unit 130 is more robust and is of a stronger construction than the example embodiment shown in Figure 8. Again, the internal finish of the passageways and enclosure is smooth to allow for ease of cable pull-through or push installation methods.

The cabling hub units 120 and 130 shown in Figures 8 and 9 are typically connected to underground structures, including manhole structures, as is best shown in Figure 10.

In Figure 10 (not to scale) two cabling hub units 150 and 152 form part of two railway lines 154 and 156, each line formed by assembled multiple modular railway track sections carrying rail and cabling hub units 150 and 152 located inbetween two respective sections. Underground channels 158 and manhole structures 160 provide the necessary infrastructure to allow for the breakout of cabling to main distribution centers or other institutions/organisations. Typically, the underground channels 158 and manhole structures 160 should be planned and installed at the initial infrastructure construction to avoid disruptions and additional unnecessay costs to the railway system.

Preferably, modular sections with break-outs will be placed in strategic positions, as well as at regular intervals along the length of the installation. This will allows for reduced costs as the cost of installing a pre-cast beam inclusive of the ducts and breakout/in unit is the same as a standard beam with only conduits embedded therein. Future disruptions as a result of unplanned infrastructure upgrades are therefore avoided in part.

It will however be appreciated that the breakouts and cabling hub units could be installed anywhere along the railway track. Thus, the present invention lends itself to both planned break-out/in points, and unplanned breakout/in points, all being dependent on user requirements.

Access to and from the cabling hub units, either through the manholes, or directly, in the absence of manholes, will provide secure infrastructure that enhances the security level of the communication network and assists in the reduction of tampering with the system.

As the channels 158 and manhole structures 160 are below ground and cabling is not exposed, unauthorised access, theft and vandalism should be limited to a minimum.

The manhole access lids are to be specifically manufactured with safety features to limit access by unauthorised personnel.

It will be appreciated that the invention extends to a method of constructing a modular railway track section which is to be assembled with multiple other modular railway track sections to form a continuous railway track base. The method comprises casting the modular railway track section to define an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base and embedding a conduit within the internal longitudinal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling. The method may further comprise securing galvanised steel cross-stabilising struts or rungs to parallel beams to form a ladder structure railway track section. The struts or rungs 51 may be extended in a wraparound fashion around each the beams for structural stability and strength.

The invention thus provides a cost-effective and secure solution that combines infrastructure for telecommunication and power cabling into railway track infrastructure for effective and efficient service delivery.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cable infrastructure, comprising: multiple modular railway track sections assembled to form a continuous railway track base, each modular railway track section defining an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base; and a conduit embedded within the internal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling.

2. A cable infrastructure according to claim 1 wherein the multiple modular railway track sections are selected from flat base modular railway track sections, "V"-base modular railway track sections and twin-beam base modular railway track sections.

3. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein each modular railway track section defines multiple internal passageways so that when the multiple module railway track sections are assembled, multiple continuous passageways are defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base.

4. A cable infrastructure according to claim 3 wherein each internal passageway is defined in a beam of a twin-beam base modular railway track section.

5. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein the or each internal passageway has a circular, triangular, square, rectangular or any other cross-section.

6. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein the modular railway track sections are manufactured from pre-cast or wet cast concrete mix.

7. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein the modular railway track sections are reinforced.

8. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein one of the modular railway track sections defines a side passageway running from the internal longitudinal passageway to an exposed side of the modular railway track section.

9. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein the conduit comprises multiple mini-ducts and each mini-duct comprises multiple tubes carrying multiple optic fibers and a reinforcing core.

10. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein passageways of adjacent modular railway track sections are connected to each other via connectors or couplings.

11. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein the infrastructure further comprises a cabling hub unit, connected to at least one side passageway, the cabling hub unit defining an enclosure in which spliced cable or equipment may be held.

12. A cable infrastructure according to claim 11 wherein the cabling hub unit is a separate cabling hub unit to be connected to the at least one side passageway, then to be connected to leading and trailing modular railway track sections.

13. A cable infrastructure according to claim 11 wherein the cabling hub unit is integral to the two twin beams or the slab sections, forming a standalone unit that is connectable to leading and trailing modular railway track sections.

14. A cable infrastructure according to any preceding claim wherein there is provided a communication system comprising the infrastructure as defined above, wherein the fibre optic cabling is connected to external networks or optical fibre equipment.

15. A method of constructing a modular railway track section to be assembled with multiple other modular railway track sections to form a continuous railway track base, the method comprising: casting the modular railway track section to define an internal longitudinal passageway so that, when the multiple modular railway track sections are assembled, a continuous passageway is defined from one end of the assembled railway track base to the other end of the railway track base; and embedding a conduit within the internal longitudinal passageway, the conduit in use to carry fibre optic or power cabling.