RAPID TRANSIT SUBWAYS-GUIDELINES FOR ENGINEERING NEW INSTALLATIONS FOR REDUCED MAINTENANCE

Economic design of new subways requires optimization of installation and maintenance costs of all the major constituent items. A prerequisite for this is an awareness of the rigorous environmental and other conditions imposed on the subway. Changing ground pressures crack structures, and this results in water seepages that deteriorate both the structure and the installed items. Durable watertight structures are obtained by using appropriate structural systems, material specifications, construction details, and waterproofing systems. Cathodic protection provides an economic protection against corrosion of metallic items in aggressive soil conditions. Ventilation and pump structures should be planned for ease of access and maintenance. Vents flush with street or sidewalk increase the dirt load and maintenance; above-surface alternatives should be evaluated. Escalators are high total cost items and operate under especially arduous conditions. Maintenance costs are reduced by using heavy duty components, adequate monitoring systems, and by designing the housing and machine room to permit ready maintenance and inspection. Automatic lubrication or sealed bearings also reduce maintenance. Elevators, ventilation equipment, and pumps and their housings should be engineered and specified to maximize durability of component and minimize maintenance on a similar basis to escalators. Passenger elevators should be planned to also move maintenance equipment and materials. Satisfactory architectural finishes should be selected for durability and ease of cleaning as well as for appearance. Stations should be planned for adequate monitoring of all spaces and for good illumination to reduce vandalism and to enhance public safety. Effective maintenance depends on ready accesses and provisions for movement of equipment and materials in the various sections of the subway. Station entrances, the portals, and ventilation and pump shafts should be designed accordingly. Guidelines and justification of good design practice for these and related subjects are presented.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Bechtel, Incorporated

    San Francisco, CA  United States 

    Urban Mass Transportation Administration

    400 7th Street, SW
    Washington, DC  United States  20590

    Transportation Systems Center

    55 Broadway, Kendall Square
    Cambridge, MA  United States  02142
  • Authors:
    • Birkmyer, J
  • Publication Date: 1978-1

Media Info

  • Pagination: 119 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00176013
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
  • Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-MA-06-0025-78-2
  • Contract Numbers: DOT-TSC-1078
  • Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Jul 19 1981 12:00AM