151-0357-00L  Ropeway Technology

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersG. Kovacs
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractRopeways represent a public transport system where steel wired ropes play a central role. Such systems come to a favorite transport solution when the costs for conventional systems become out of scale due to difficult and impossible terrestrial surface (alpine terrain).
Additionally ropeways are environment friendly, very energy efficient and offer a very high safety level.
ObjectiveCable cars make use of extensive mechanical systems, which because of their operational location, are exposed to difficult meteorological and topographical conditions. In order to guarantee the requisite safety and reliability of the equipment, the components and their interaction in the system must fulfil stringent functional requirements. This is particularly the case because of the significant distance (2-4km) between the individual structures.
The lectures with related exercises offer an excellent opportunity to apply the learned theoretical basic principles of mechanics and engineering in plant construction. Not only the function and resistance of individual components will be studied, but also complex interactions, which are imperative for the safe and smooth running of the equipment. It also includes the teaching of the basics of project planning and design, as well as the evaluation of systems in a distinctly interdisciplinary manner. For the manufacturer of a cable car installation the integration of sub-assemblies making use of very different technologies always poses a particular challenge. For this reason, the methodology for the handling of these typical engineering assignments is important and makes up a significant part of the lecture content.
ContentCable cars and cable cranes: Construction methods and areas of application. The use of mechanical principles in system engineering, Swiss building and business regulations, planning and equipment with special consideration for business and the environment: steel cables (construction, evaluation, damage, inspection), drive mechanisms, brakes, vehicles, construction over an extended area. Calculation of the supporting cable with weight strain and with fixed mountings on both sides. Excursions.
Lecture notesSEILBAHNEN I