Hyperloop Girder Assembly on Piers for Rough-Terrain Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing hyperloop transportation structures face challenges such as the difficulty in transporting large tube segments over rough terrains and the need for frequent electrical certifications during construction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of piers and girders to form assemblies of tube segments that can be placed under low air pressure, with rooftop transportation pathways allowing vehicles to transport girders along the structure, enabling construction on rough terrains without the need for ground access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tube segments are manufactured and assembled using a movable tube fabrication machine on land, then the tube segments can be constructed without transporting huge pieces, but the hyperloop routes can only be constructed where the movable fabrication machine can access the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The tube structure is divided into discrete tube segments that are pre-assembled on piers in sections. Each section comprises multiple tube segments connected together, forming a modular construction approach that eliminates the need for transporting huge complete tube segments while enabling construction in inaccessible terrains through incremental assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from ground-based construction to aerial construction by assembling tube segments above ground on piers. This dimensional change allows the fabrication machine to operate from elevated positions rather than requiring ground access, enabling construction on steep or difficult terrains where ground vehicles cannot reach
2Productivity
If a movable in-situ manufacturing system is used to make tube sections at a single location, then multiple tube sections can be produced, but the system requires ground access for movement and electrical certifications
Solution Approach 1:
The construction process is segmented into discrete sections, each comprising multiple tube segments assembled on individual piers. This segmentation allows the manufacturing system to work on one section at a time and eliminates the need to move the entire system, as multiple piers can be constructed in sequence from accessible locations
Solution Approach 2:
Piers are constructed in advance at multiple locations before tube segment assembly begins. This preliminary action creates multiple stable platforms that can support tube segments, allowing the manufacturing system to remain stationary while producing multiple tube sections at different locations along the route
Data Source
AI summary
A method for erecting a portion of a transportation structure including a plurality of piers, a first plurality of girders forming a first assembly of tube segments and a first rooftop transportation pathway, a second plurality of girders forming a second assembly of tube segments and a second rooftop transportation pathway, both assemblies being capable of being placed under low air pressure and through which pods may travel substantially free of air friction, the method including conveying with vehicle(s) the girders along one single rooftop transportation pathway, positioning them and having the vehicle(s) return along the other rooftop transportation pathway. A portion of a transportation structure is also provided.