Alterations and Extensions of the Beam Network

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beam network consisting of metal beams attached to poles or other kinds of supports can be modified much quicker and cheaper than a road or railway network! This could be performed continuously, as needs are altered, city planning requires changes to be done and as the city grows. This page is just aimed at giving an overview over how it is done. Figure 1 at right illustrates how smooth the construction of a new stretch of beams can proceed. In phase A, the ground is prepared and holes are dug for the pole footings; normally 30 meters apart. In phase B, the prefabricated pole elements are mounted together and put on their footings. In phase C, finally, the beams are mounted on the poles. Phase A is probably the one which would take the longest time, as the ground has to be prepared and connections to the telephone network and to power supplies would have to be provided for.

Figure 1

The joining together of the beam segments are done with flexible joints, to allow for some displacement of the poles, as the ground moves. In earthquake-prone areas, sensors would have to be put in place to register these motions, as they will have to be remedied if they become too large. Dismantling would be performed in the opposite order, and would proceed even quicker. There are generally 5 kinds of alterations that we need to consider: Extending the beams, as the network grows Re-dimensioning the beams as stronger beams are needed Adding more beams along a route, to increase traffic capacity Providing for and extending stations and depots Dismantling beams where they are no longer needed or desired.	Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4	Figures 2 through 5 are photos of the extension of H-Bahn in Dortmund, Germany, that were made in spring, 2003. First, the pylons were erected along the street. That job finished, the beams were added to the pylons. In an urban area, where the terrain is smooth and easily accessible, this is, constructionwise, a "piece of cake". Only drawback is that the street would have to be closed for traffic during the second phase, where the beams are attached. In places without roads, one would need types of construction equipment that are suited for that particular purpose. There are innovative suggestions on how to streamline guideway production. The People Pod website suggests manufacturing beams on the construction site, using a huge robot.