August 30, 2017: Week 1

Today marks the beginning of my story in the Full-Scale Fultron Track Section Team. We are tasked with assessing and creating a viable full scale track section that will support up to approximately 1 ton or 2000 lbs. This weight should account for the the whole tram system, which includes a cabin and interior, two bogies and suspension, and up to 6 adults.

 

Displayed above is the track section that holds the whole tram system. As of now, when the system moves off of the main line, only one side will be supported which can be pictured, leaving many variables in which the system can shift and derail. Because of this, our team is tasked with designing a split beam below the visible split beam on top in order to improve on the structural integrity as well as safety when the bogies on the tram system change tracks.

A second task that we have to handle is the structural integrity for the whole system. As this is just a prototype of the full scale design, we will need to develop a single or narrower columns to support this railway from the center as opposed to the sides. 

For these columns, were are to use the provided beams shown above which are fabricated out of sheet metal and can be filled in with concrete. In contrast to using rebar and having concrete formed around it, this method improves the strength of a column by providing the high tensile strength of steel while also providing the high compression strength of concrete.

In order to make these columns work using these beams, we will need to create a clamp design or another method in which these beams can be stacked on top of each other and locked into place. As of right now I have a couple ideas, but we will see whether or not these can actually be implemented later.