Methods of Protecting the uST Complex from Natural Disasters

One of the most significant advantages of uST transport and infrastructure complexes is their adaptability to construction in areas with challenging terrain. These locations are often characterized not only by their specific landscape, but also by very unfavorable climate conditions. Sandstorms, tropical rains, and thunderstorms, as well as severe frosts and extreme heat, are all factors that need to be taken into account during the design and construction phases. It is important that uST complexes are designed to withstand such loads and have protective mechanisms that help to effectively resist the most destructive forces of nature.

Assessment of Operational Parameters

The overpasses of the uST transport and infrastructure complex are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -60°C in cold climates to +60 °C in the tropics. This is confirmed by the current operating lines at the EcoTechnoPark (Maryina Gorka, Belarus) and uSky Center (Sharjah, UAE). In Belarus, the minimum temperature can drop to -40 °C, whereas in the United Arab Emirates, it frequently exceeds 50 °C.

It is important to note that the alterations in the properties of the string rail track structure due to specific temperature influences are integrated into the project for a particular region from the beginning. This prevents the degradation of the performance of the uST complexes throughout their operational lifespan.

This result was achieved thanks to the use of a pre-stressed strings in the rail, which has a design that eliminates the need for welds, the most common and vulnerable element in traditional reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, the lifespan of string structures remains intact even in harsh environments. The theoretical maximum of their capabilities is only achieved when they are cooled to the temperature of liquid nitrogen, which is approximately -200°C, a feat that is virtually impossible to accomplish in natural settings. 

Stability Tests

Temperature deformations, dynamic and atmospheric effects are the main loads that the uST string rail overpasses are constantly subjected to. Given the complexities of the routes they are designed for, the engineers have managed to achieve the longest maintenance-free operation for all elements of the uST complex.

To ensure the safety and stability of the string rail overpass, all materials used in its construction are tested in laboratories that simulate the climatic conditions typical of the regions where uST systems are likely to be deployed.

In special chambers, a cyclical effect on materials is created. The daily testing period inside them is equivalent to several months of exposure to the natural environment outside. Therefore, in the simulated sun chamber, the durability of materials in hot environments is tested, while in the cold chamber, the impact of Siberian frosts is assessed. When exposed to salt mist, the environment of the seaside is recreated, while in the humidity chamber, it mimics the conditions of a tropical rainforest. As a result, the engineers select only those materials that have been proven to be more durable than others. Subsequently, using a mathematical model, their ultimate operational lifespan is determined.

Permissible Load

At the moment, uST complexes are fully adapted for use in all climatic zones suitable for human habitation. Moreover, this applies to all components of the complex, including electric uPods. Thus, uST systems are perfectly withstand loads in humid tropical climates, where seasonal precipitation can fall in the amount of 2-3 mm per minute and humidity reaches 100%.

The wind resistance for the standard uST complex is 90 km/h or 25 m/s. Special versions of string rail transport systems can endure forces up to 250 km/h or 70 m/s – these parameters are typical for severe gusts of wind and even tornadoes. 

The uST transport complexes are also highly resilient to the ongoing impact of sandstorms. The Karat complex has been successfully operating in the UAE for a long time. And there were no disruptions recorded in the functioning of the electric traction drive or the main systems. The company's engineering team accomplished this by implementing innovative solutions, including an advanced filtration system, a device for removing sand from the rail’s surface, a cleaning system for the traction module, and a cooling system with separate circuits.

Extreme Load

In some parts of the world, the weather can become so extreme that it causes natural disasters. But even in this case, the uST complexes will continue to operate. As it was previously mentioned, the string rail track on which the uPod travel is extremely resilient. Thanks to the prestressing technology, horizontal loads are distributed to anchoring structures, and vertical loads are distributed to supporting towers. The former are made of monolithic concrete, while the latter are constructed using steel pipes and guy rods. By attaching the top of the support to the track structure, its load-bearing capacity is enhanced by a factor of eight.

When designing overpasses in seismically active areas, as well as in areas prone to flooding or hurricanes, all possible risks associated with the extreme impacts on the supporting structures are considered. The high-strength foundations of the anchoring structures provide stability of the aboveground overpass even during prolonged disasters. According to expert analysis, the structures are designed to ensure safe operation even in the event of a 9-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. 

There is also a comprehensive range of features in the uPods that help to protect both vehicles and passengers, even in the event of a lightning strike during a storm or hurricane. Thus, the Design Office in UST Inc. has protected all sections of the electrical circuit against the flash currents that could emerge during the complex operation. The voltage suppressor will protect the uPod from the secondary effects of lightning strikes.

At the same time, all the wiring for string transport systems is free from halogens, making it less likely to ignite and less harmful if it does. All the equipment is placed in enclosed metal fire-resistant cabinets. The transport security systems are enhanced with an automatic fire suppression feature and thermal sensors. Additionally, fire barriers are installed at the points where the harnesses exit the fire-resistant cabinets.  

A Universal Solution

The uST string rail complex is designed to operate within a temperature range of -60 °C to +60 °C. It is resistant to snowdrifts up to 10 meters high due to the track structure, which is laid at a height of at least 15 meters. This transport is impervious to freezing, sandstorms, floods, tsunamis up to 10 meters high, heavy rainfall, fog, strong winds, and earthquakes. The uST system can operate without maintenance for at least 50 years, provided that the uPods are used throughout the year.