STUDY OF TECHNICAL AND COST QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE FEASIBILITY OF THE GRAVITY-VACUUM TRANSIT SYSTEM

Cost and operational problems identified previously by subcontractors of the tube transit corporation are addressed in a detailed analysis that begins with maintenance requirements for gvt rights-of-way and equipment. The effects of temperature extremes on the subsurface structures and ventilation facilities are emphasized, along with summaries of cost computations for the various maintenance activities. Systems operations are examined with regard to the headways necessary for moving different passenger volumes. The report also discusses human factors in terms of ventilation, air conditioning, heating, etc. The gvt poses special problems in this regard due to frequent acceleration and deceleration situations and the need for pressurized vehicles. Cost factors in the construction of stations, tunnels, and tubes are outlined briefly. Technical analyses of system reliability focus on brakes, doors, and suspensions of the proposed gvt vehicles. The system breakdown evaluation notes particularly the lack of turn-around capabilities at midpoints of a gvt line. The evaluation describes a method for "dynamic retrieval" of stalled trains midway between stations. A final section deals with recommended procedures for retrieval of a fully-loaded gvt vehicle which has become immobilized between stations. Appended material includes a technical note from the Aerotherm Corporation outlining tube, tunnel, and station environments with regard to temperature, ventilation, and air conditioning requirements. Additional material covers the baseline profile of a mark 4b/15 gvt design for which maximum slope would not exceed 15% and thereby facilitate retrieval as discussed above.

• Corporate Authors:

  Tube Transit Corporation

  P.O. Box 11335
  Palo Alto, CA  United States  94306
• Authors:
  • Skov, B E
• Publication Date: 1970-7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Intelligent transportation systems; Tubing
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Tube systems
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044199
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Urban Mass Transportation Administration
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 15 1974 12:00AM