Maglev Technology: A Look at Guideway Construction and Maintenance Concerns

by R. Scott Phelan, Massachusetts Inst of Technology, Cambridge, United States,
Joseph M. Sussman, Massachusetts Inst of Technology, Cambridge, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Applications of Advanced Technologies in Transportation Engineering

Abstract:

Magnetically levitated vehicle technology, maglev, serves as a potential solution to ever increasing transportation demands. Though interest in maglev appears to be increasing, an appropriate level of concern directed towards guideway construction and maintenance issues has not been reflected. This paper presents an overview of maglev technology including a brief discussion of technical alternatives currently available. The paper places particular emphasis on guideway construction and maintenance concerns involved with high speed maglev systems and demonstrates these costs to be dominant. Suggestions of design methods capable of reducing guideway costs conclude the paper.

Subject Headings: Guideways | Magnetic levitation trains | Maintenance and operation | Construction costs | Construction methods | Vehicles | Rail transportation

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