ABSTRACT
For movement on longitudinal gradients that are greater than gradients on which a conventional railway may climb, apart from the rack rail technique, cable hauling can also be used.
On the basis of the technique that is applied for vehicles’ traction, cable railway systems for steep gradients are classified into three categories:
• Funicular (non-detachable cable-propelled vehicles for steep gradients) • Cable railway (detachable cable-propelled vehicles for steep gradients) • Inclined elevator
The funicular (or inclined plane, or inclined railway or cliff railway) (Figure 1.37) operates using two vehicles which move on rails with the aid of a cable; one of the vehicles is ascending while the other one is descending. The cable rolls over pulleys mounted on the track (Figures 10.1 and 10.2). The smooth movement of the cable and of the whole system is ensured by means of an electric motor, placed at the highest point of the network. The vehicles are permanently connected to both ends of the cable and they start and stop simultaneously. The ascending vehicle uses the gravitational force of the descending one (counterbalance system). This system connects distances S < 5 km, which have continuous gradients that usually vary between 300‰ and 500‰ (maximum recorded gradient: imax = 1,200‰).
