WO2001044577A1

WO2001044577A1 - Guided transport and associated switching systems

Info

Publication number: WO2001044577A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/034231
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Zia
Original assignee: North Carolina State University
Priority date: 1999-12-16
Filing date: 2000-12-15
Publication date: 2001-06-21
Also published as: AU2271901A

Abstract

An automated people mover guideway system includes a U-shaped roadway with a planar roadway surface and two opposing guidewalls or curbs. The guidewalls cooperate with guides which laterally extend from the cars or compartments of the people mover vehicle to direct the vehicle over the roadway in the desired direction. The guideway is built from modular substantially hollow box girder sections which are assembled together at the construction site. The U-shaped roadway can include junction segments and branches to allow the car to travel in different roadway paths. To switch the car into the desired branch, a separate electromagnet can be positioned in the roadway surface in the junction proximate to each branch of the roadway and a selected one is activated to attract the car which has a magnet in its undercarriage into that branch. Alternatively, the guidewalls can be configured with a mix of stationary and moveable segments. The moveable segment is configured to vertically extend and retract to act as a portion of the guidewall only.

Description

GUIDED TRANSPORT AND ASSOCIATED SWITCHING SYSTEMS

Field of the Invention This invention is related to automated transit and/or people mover systems for transporting people (and/or articles) from one location to another.

Background of the Invention

Conventionally, automated transit systems such as people mover systems have a superstructure which includes laterally extending or spanning support structures (which provide the roadway or the roadway base upon which the people cars ride), and underlying vertical support columns periodically positioned under the lateral or spanning support structures. The vertical support columns are anchored to and rise out of the ground to elevate and support the elevated superstructure at intervals along the span of the roadway. These conventional people mover systems are built on a site- specific basis. That is, a large portion of the superstructure is custom-designed so that each site is different. Therefore, in order to build the superstructures for the guideway systems, specialized tooling is typically required for each site in order to fabricate the different portions of the superstructure, including much of the lateral or spanning structure. This specialized tooling can, unfortunately, significantly add to the cost associated with building automated guideway systems. Indeed, a major portion of the cost of conventional people mover systems is associated with the lateral or spanning structures which provide the traveled roadway (estimated at about 50% of the typical current cost of about $30-$40 million dollars per mile).

In addition, many automated people mover systems employ rail tracks or upstanding central rails to guide the people carts or cars along the roadway (i.e., guideway systems) or relatively narrow width structures which the arms of the steering associated with the cars wrap around. Unfortunately, especially for elevated systems, in the event of a malfunction or other emergency, people exiting the cars at non-planned exit points must walk along the roadway and the upstanding center rails an/or narrow widths can present a tripping hazard and or even prevent safe pedestrian travel thereon. The upstanding center rails and/or narrow widths may also prevent or make it especially problematic to maneuver wheelchairs along the roadway.

Objects and Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide guideway systems which may have reduced cost.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide guideway systems which may be configured to reduce tripping hazards to persons walking along and/or to which may allow increased maneuverability for wheelchairs along the roadways of the guideway systems.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide improved guideway systems with branching configurations which may allow for the cars to travel along the desired branch in the roadway in a controlled manner to reduce the likelihood that a car will be allowed to travel in an inappropriate or undesired travel path.

It is another object of the present invention to configure the guideway system so that it may provide reliable switching systems to direct the travel of the car over the desired direction along the guideway. It is yet another object of the present invention to configure guideway systems with lightweight structure alternatives.

These and other objects of the present invention may be provided by guideway systems which employ modular structures configured to provide upstanding outer guidewalls or curbs which act to guide the car along an intermediately located roadway. Preferably, the structures of the guideway systems are configured in a U- shape. More preferably, the guideway is formed from precast concrete modular box girder segments. In addition, for elevated portions of the guideways modular stackable column elements may be used. The modular components are preferably configured in a length or lengths which are easily transportable from a remote production site to the construction site. Alternatively, the U-shaped guideway can be configured from lightweight fiber reinforced composite materials with steel girders or other truss segments forming the support structure. The roadway can be configured in a number of suitable designs such as to include branches, to be configured as a linear (bi-directional) system, and/or as a circular or endless path system. In order to switch the car along the desired path in branching roadway configurations, it is preferred that the junction sections of the guideway systems employ vertically extendable and retractable guidewalls or curb segments to direct the cars along the desired travel path. Alternatively, an electromagnetic switching system can be employed to direct (attract) the cars along the desired travel path.

In a preferred embodiment, the modular box girder is configured as a substantially hollow box with a top portion which is configured in a U-shape to define the guideway (the roadway, and the associated upstanding outer guidewalls) to direct the cars therealong. Conveniently, the modular box girders may be fabricated in standardized modular sizes and configurations for use at multiple site locations, thereby potentially reducing tooling and design expenses over those conventionally incurred for each build site. More particularly, a first aspect of the present invention is an elevated automated transit or people mover guideway system. The guideway system includes a car or vehicle with a compartment body having two opposing sides and a front and rear, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of guides operably associated with the compartment body. The guides are positioned on the car such that they laterally extend outward from the compartment body and at least one guide is located on each side of the compartment body. The guideway system also includes a plurality of box girder segments attached together. The box girder segments have an upper primary surface defining a roadway surface and at least two opposing upstanding sidewalls extending above the roadway surface on outer edge portions of the roadway surface to define at least one pair of guidewalls. The pair of guidewalls are spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive the car therein such that the plurality of car wheels rest against the roadway surface and the laterally extending guides are positioned so as to be adjacent to one of the upstanding sidewalls (and preferably, at least intermittently, contact an inner surface of the upstanding wall as the car travels along the roadway). Assembled, the plurality of box girder segments define a major portion of a roadway along a predetermined path. Similarly, a plurality of pier column segments are stacked one upon another and structurally attached theretogether to provide a desired column height. The plurality of pier column segments are stackable in variable numbers and positioned at spaced apart intervals under the box girder segments along the roadway path to support the predetermined roadway path at the desired elevation. In a preferred embodiment, a majority of the box girder segments and the pier column segments are fabricated as precast modular concrete components. It is also preferred that, for branching roadway paths, a junction (girder) section is employed proximate to a first and second branch in the roadway path, as well as an associated switching system to direct the car into the desired first or second branch of the roadway path. In one embodiment, the junction section is configured with two fixed guidewall portions spaced apart along the direction of travel of the car and a corresponding (preferably light weight) vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion positioned therebetween. When the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion is in the extended position it extends above the roadway surface and is substantially aligned with the spaced apart fixed guidewall portions to define a substantially continuous guidewall for the car along the direction of travel. In contrast, when it is in the retracted position, the top of the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion is preferably substantially flush with or below the roadway surface. Preferably, to extend and retract the vertically moveable guidewall, an actuation mechanism is positioned within the junction box girder and includes a portion which extends into at least one of the vertically extendable and retractable segments to cooperate with and thereby cause the guidewall to extend above the roadway surface when raised and to be flush or below the roadway surface when lowered.

In an alternative embodiment, the roadway is configured with a branching configuration in the roadway path itself and includes a first branch path roadway and a second branch path roadway. A first electromagnet is located in an initial portion of the first branch roadway and a second electromagnet is located in an initial portion of the second branch roadway such that, in operation, a selected one of the first and second electromagnets is activated to provide a magnetic force to thereby attract the car into the roadway branch associated therewith. The car can comprise metallic materials such that it can be magnetically attracted to the electromagnetic field and the corresponding direction of travel. Alternatively, a permanent or electromagnet can be positioned on the undercarriage of the car to be proximate to the roadway branch electromagnet. An additional alternative is to configure two permanent magnets in the roadway, one with a first pole orientation (N-S) and the other with an opposing pole orientation (S-N). In this embodiment, the car can be configured with an electromagnet that is activated in a first field direction operated to attract to the desired pole field orientation associated with the desired branch path in the roadway. The U-shaped roadway can be a dual "U-shaped" roadway for dual side-by- side travelways. Preferably, the dual side by side roadways are provide by attached modular box girder segments which are fabricated to provide a side by side dual roadway surface such that each modular box girder segment comprises at least three upstanding guidewalls extending above the surface of the roadway, two of the three upstanding guidewalls are spaced apart outer sidewalls and, preferably, the third is a center common wall, the at least three upstanding walls thereby defining two pair of side by side guidewalls. In lieu of a common center wall acting as a guidewall for each side by side travelway, the modular box girder can be configured with two or more separate upstanding center walls. Another aspect of the present invention is a people mover guideway system which includes a branching roadway extending between two locations having a U- shaped riding surface. The U-shaped riding surface is defined by upwardly extending opposing spaced apart guidewalls and a primary roadway surface positioned intermediate thereof. The upwardly extending opposing spaced apart guidewalls comprise stationary portions and vertically retractable and extendable guidewall portions. The vertically retractable and extendable guidewall portions operate in respective raised and lowered positions to selectably provide a substantially continuous guidewall in the direction of travel (the non-selected portion being substantially flush or below the roadway surface) to thereby guide a car traveling thereon into a desired branch of the roadway.

An additional aspect of the present invention is a people mover guideway for a vehicle to travel thereon with an integrated switching system. The guideway includes a roadway with a junction having a first branching path and a second branching path. The guideway also includes a first electromagnetic strip located in the roadway surface of the first branching path at the junction and a second electromagnetic strip located in the roadway surface of the second branching path at the junction. The guideway additionally includes an electrical source in electrical communication with the first and second electromagnets and a controller operably associated with the electrical source and the first and second electromagnets. The controller is configured to activate a selected one of the first and second electromagnets to thereby energize a magnetic field along one of the first and second junction branch paths such that, in operation, a magnetized vehicle is attracted to the respective one energized magnetic field in one of said first and second branch paths to attract the car into the direction of travel associated with the respective magnetically activated electromagnet in the desired branch path.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of fabricating a reduced cost guideway system for an automated people mover, comprising the steps of fabricating a plurality of modular box girder segments at a production site; transporting a quantity of the modular box girder segments to a first construction site associated with a first guideway system; transporting a second quantity of the modular box girder segments to a second construction site associated with a second guideway system different from the first guideway system; assembling the transported modular box girder segments to form a U-shaped roadway surface for at least the first guideway system at the first construction site; and casting in situ at the first construction site a junction roadway section to provide at least one branching configuration into the roadway.

Preferably, the method also includes the steps of casting a plurality of modular concrete substantially hollow stackable column units and casting a plurality of modular concrete pier caps and then transporting a quantity of the column units and the pier caps to the first construction site and a second quantity of the column units and the pier caps to the second construction site. A series of support columns can then be formed (at the construction site) by stacking and structurally securing a desired number of the modular column units. At least one pier cap is mounted onto the top of each support column and the modular box girder units can be positioned onto the pier cap on the support column.

As noted above, it is preferred that the modular box girder unit is a precast concrete unit (formed either or both of a conventional aggregate or a lightweight aggregate) with a unitary body having a substantially hollow core underlying a U- shaped upper portion. The U-shaped upper portion defines the roadway and the opposing upwardly extending guidewalls.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of operating a guideway system, comprising the step of guiding a vehicle with a compartment body and laterally extending guides over a U-shaped guideway such that the laterally extending guides ride, at least intermittently, against the upwardly extending walls of the U-shape guideway and the guides cause the vehicle to follow the direction of travel defined by directing the vehicle to follow the contour of the guidewalls. Preferably, the roadway has branches, and the method further comprises the step of raising and lowering selected portions of the upwardly extending guidewalls in the U-shaped guideway to cause the vehicle to travel in a selected branch of the roadway path. Alternatively, for branching roadways, each branch is operably associated with an electromagnet formed in the roadway surface along an initial portion of the branch, and wherein the method further comprises the step of creating a magnetic field in a selected one of the branches to attract the vehicle in the direction of the created magnetic field such that it travels into the desired branch of the roadway. The magnetic attraction field can also be defined by permanent magnets in the roadway surface as noted above. Advantageously, and in contrast to the site specific fabrication of guideway systems used in the past, the present invention may provide for a reduced cost, substantially modular, guideway system structure with reliable branch guiding systems and a safe exit platform when pedestrian travel is needed over a travel roadway surface of the guideway system.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.

Figure 1A is a front section view of an elevated automated people mover guideway system according to the present invention. Figure IB is a bottom view of the guideway system of Figure 1 A, shown without the roadway portion of the guideway, illustrating the bottom of the car, the guides, and guidewalls according to the present invention.

Figure 2A is front section view of a grade level guideway according to the present invention.

Figure 2B is a front section view of an alternative embodiment of a grade level guideway according to the present invention.

Figure 2C is a front section view of another alternative embodiment of a grade level guideway according to the present invention Figure 3 A is a bottom perspective view of an elevated guideway according to the present invention.

Figure 3B is a top perspective view of the guideway illustrated in Figure 3A.

Figure 3C is a partial front section view of an alternative embodiment of a guideway according to the present invention.

Figure 3D is a partial front section of an alternative embodiment of a guideway according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front section view of a dual elevated guideway according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view of a guideway system with a branching roadway selectable or switchable via vertically moveable guidewall segments according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a top view of an alternative branching guideway configuration, the guideway path also switchable via vertically moveable guidewall segments according to the present invention.

Figure 7A is a side sectional view of a vertically extendable and retractable curb or guidewall according to the present invention with the curb or guidewall raised such that it is in the extended position and forms a portion of the guidewall above the roadway travel surface. Figure 7B illustrates the vertically extendable and retractable curb in

Figure 7 A with the curb lowered such that the top of the curb is flush or below the surface of the roadway travel surface. Figure 8A is a perspective view of a guideway system with a roadway junction having two branches. This figure illustrates one of the vertically extendable curbs in the extended position and the other retracted to form a guidewall and define a first roadway path at the junction. Figure 8B is a perspective view the junction shown in Figure 8A with the other vertically extendable curb extended concurrently with the curb extended in Figure 8 A retracted.

Figure 9 is a top section view of a portion of a vertically extendable and retractable guidewall or curb. Figure 10 is a side section view of the guidewall shown in Figure 9 with the guidewall positioned above the top of the roadway surface.

Figure 11 A is a top schematic view of an electromagnetic based guideway switching system for a branching roadway according to the present invention.

Figure 1 IB is a top schematic view of an alternative branching configuration and associated electromagnetic based switching system according to the present invention.

Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a controlled switching system to actuate the selected extendable guidewall segment in concert with other adjacent extendable segments in the desired junction branch and to lock the non-extended vertically extendable curb segment (and adjacent extendable segments) associated with the non-desired travel branch in the retracted position.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic based controlled switching system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain layers, regions, or components may be exaggerated or enlarged for clarity. Referring to Figure 1A, a guideway system 10 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The guideway system 10 is particularly suitable to operate as an automated people mover which, of course, may include the movement of objects other than people as well, either alone, or in combination with people. The guideway system 10 includes a vehicle or car (or other compartment body) 20 for carrying people or articles and the like from one location to another location along a path via a guideway 15. The guideway 15 includes a substantially planar roadway surface 25 with a pair of opposing upwardly extending guidewalls 27, 28 and can be elevated as shown in Figures 1 A, 3 A, and 3B or it can be at grade level as shown in Figures 2A-2C. Preferably, the guideway 15 includes handrails 30 mounted to the upright curbs or guidewalls 27, 28. Of course, the guideway 15 can be configured with a combination of elevated and grade level portions as it moves over the particular terrain or transit path associated with a particular transport application (not shown). The substantially planar roadway surface 25 may provide a safe exit platform when pedestrian travel (and/or wheelchair access) is needed over the travel roadway surface 25.

For the elevated guideways 15, as shown in Figures 1A, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D a series of vertical support columns 50 (also shown as "B") are positioned at intervals along the span of the roadway. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in Figure 1 A, the support columns 50 are configured from a plurality of modular stackable hollow column units 51, 52, 53, 54. More preferably, the modular stackable column units 51, 52, 53, 54 are precast concrete, substantially hollow core, column units. It is to be noted that according to the present invention, the precast concrete structures (such as, but not limited to, the stackable column units 51-54, the box girders 85, and the U-shaped guideway 85U(or portions thereof ) can be formed of conventional aggregate mixtures and/or can be formed as lightweight aggregate mixtures or even combinations thereof. Preferred lightweight aggregate mixtures comprise fiber reinforced polymer ("FRP") materials. The FRP materials can provide non-corrosive modular components, which can be particularly advantageous for the decking portion (such as the roadway or top portion of the guideway) which is typically exposed to harsh climate and environmental conditions.

The modular column units 51, 52, 53, 54 are preferably configured to be available in one or more standardized lengths and one or more standardized widths such as lengths in the range of from about 4-12 feet, and, more preferably, from about 4-8 feet. In addition, the modular column units 51, 52, 53, 54 can be configured in a number of desired configurations as meets the aesthetic needs of a particular site: cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical, or other shapes. Each shape may be fabricated such that each is a mirror image of the other. Preferably, a large number of the stackable column units 51-54 are configured as mirror images of the others (i.e., made from a single mold) and stackable in varying numbers depending on the desired elevation at a particular site or at a particular position along the roadway within the same construction site.

Of course, the size and the length of each column unit will depend on the particular application. "Modular", as used herein, refers to configuring the selected structural component in one or more standardized lengths, sizes, and/or configurations which can be used across multiple construction sites to reduce the need for customized fabrication tools for each construction or build site. The modular or standardized configurations and sizes for each component can be selected based, for example, on statistical correlation of common support loads and terrain conditions and safety margins according to industry standards to thereby accommodate a plurality of build sites (some sites may, therefore, have larger safety margins by using modular components thereby potentially providing cost advantages with increased safety margins). The support column 50 is anchored to the ground via known foundation methods depending on the soil conditions at the construction site (a deep or shallow foundation may be employed depending on the characteristics and bearing capacity of the soil). Figure 1A illustrates a deep foundation embodiment whereby drilled piers or "caissons" or pre-stressed concrete piles are used (as noted by "C"). A concrete foundation pad or anchor pad 55 can be cast on top of the piers or piles up to a predetermined elevation (typically subsurface). The column 50 is attached to the foundation via the lower column unit 54. For shallow foundations, the drilled piers or pile foundation can be replaced by a mat foundation or spread footing. In any event, the stackable column units 51, 52, 53, 54 (also referred to herein as "pier column segments") are mounted to the foundation and are held together via post- tensioned tendons.

A pier (or bent) cap 75 is mounted on top of each upper column unit 51, preferably via post-tensioned tendons. The guideway 15 rests on the pier cap 75 as shown in Figures 1 A and 3 A. As shown, the pier cap 75 is a separate component from that of the stackable column units 51, 52, 53, 54 or the guideway 15. However, the pier cap 75 can also be fabricated such that it is integrally formed with a top stackable column unit 51 (or even such that it is formed onto the bottom surface of the guideway 15)

In a preferred embodiment, the guideway 15 is provided via a plurality of modular box girder segments 85 (also identified by "A" in Figure 1 A) joined together (preferably via post-tensioned tendons) to form a series of long-span girders spanning between consecutive columns 50. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1 A, the box girder segment 85 is a precast concrete component with a substantially hollow core. As shown in section view, the box girder segment 85 is a unitary structure which has a primary body portion 86 which encloses a substantially rectangular cell or opening 86a formed therein and an upper portion 87. The upper portion 87 includes two opposing upstanding outer sidewalls 87a, 87b and an intermediate substantially planar surface 87c and, thus, conveniently and efficiently defines the guideway 15. In this embodiment, the upstanding sidewalls 87a, 87b form or define the guidewalls 27, 28.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, other lateral span girder and configurations can also be employed, although preferably, the box girder segments 85 are configured with a substantially hollow core. For example, the core can be configured in non-rectangular core shapes, such as circular, oval, triangulated, and multi-cell or partitioned core configurations. In addition, the guidewalls 27, 28 themselves can be an additional or separate component from the roadway 25 or can be configured in different shapes to engage with the roadway 25. For example, the guidewalls 27, 28 can be configured such that one or more is discontinuous either in the direction of travel or over its vertical height. In addition, the guidewalls 27, 28 can include apertures formed therein, although preferably the apertures are formed at heights above and/or below the height at which the laterally extending guides 23 reside (not shown).

Preferably, the box girder segments 85 are sized and configured in standardized lengths in the range of about 5-15 feet, and more preferably about 8- 10 feet with a width sufficient to provide about at least an 8 foot width guideway 15. These sizes can provide for easier transport from a production site to one or more field construction sites. Of course, the size and length of the modular girder may vary depending on the desired span length of the girder, the transportation demands, and the particular erection method used. Figures 3C and 3D illustrate alternative embodiments of the guideway system 10. As shown, the U-shaped guideway 85U is a separate (preferably modular) component from the underlying girders 385, 485. Figure 3C shows the use of conventional steel girders and/or pre-stressed concrete girders 385 in lieu of a unitary body girder 85 such as those described above. This girder type can be provided in lengths which are longer than the overlying modular U-shaped guideway segments. Figure 3D illustrates an alternate girder 485 embodiment. In this embodiment, truss girders 485 similar to those used in bridge construction can be employed.

Figures 2 A, 2B, and 2C illustrate grade level embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the U-shaped guideway 85U is positioned so that it is substantially at grade level. Figure 2A illustrates that the U-shaped guideway 85U is positioned directly at grade or onto the surface of the soil (it can also be partially recessed a distance therein). For example, the U-shaped guideway 85U can be recessed into the soil or captured along outer edges to anchor it to the ground (not shown).

Figure 2B illustrates the U-shaped guideway 85U as a modified box girder 85' with an anchoring configuration 38 positioned the lower portion thereof (having a substantially open-ended bottom portion). Figure 2C illustrates a grade level box girder 85' similar to elevated girders 85 described above. Preferably, as shown, the box girder 85' includes a substantially hollow core 86c' and is positioned into the soil at a depth sufficient to provide the needed structural support. Optionally, a drilled pier foundation C can also be employed. Typically, the embodiment shown in Figure 2C (with or without the drilled pier foundation) can be used where the soil is structurally deficient. This embodiment can also provide a buoyant structural base for the guideway 15.

As the grade level guideways 15 reside on grade, when constructing the guideway 15, at least the portion of the ground associated with the roadway at a junction between adjacent guideway segments are preferably excavated so that a substantially enclosed box girder section can be cast in situ intermediate the U- shaped guideway 85U segments thereby allowing the housing of actuation components or access to cables thereunder as will be discussed further below with regards to branching roadway and switching systems. The junction sections can therefore act as anchoring or stabilizing portions of the guideway 15 as they will extend a depth into the soil which may be desirable, particularly for the embodiment shown in Figure 2A and/or 2B.

For the guideways 15 of the instant invention, it is envisioned that fabricating the girders with one or more cells in its core space (providing a substantially continuous region or thoroughfare under the roadway itself) can be an aesthetic arrangement which can allow the cabling to be routed therethrough. Indeed, it may desirable to configure such a space as a right of way and allow access to those desiring to route cabling (electric, power, fiber optic, or other communications wires) therein and along the roadway (which may also offset some of the cost of the guideway 15). As such, the core 86c, 86c' may have partitioned segments to conveniently allocate a defined space for a particular router customer. Of course, as noted above, the lower portion of the box girder 85' can be configured with the hollow core or enclosed cell or cells as described above, or can be configured without a bottom floor 85f, or even with a partially open bottom floor.

As shown in Figure 1A, the car 20 has an enclosed compartment body 21 and a plurality of wheels 22 which ride on the roadway surface 25 of the guideway 15. The car 20 can be configured in a number of ways as is well known. For example, the car 20 can be a plurality of cars linked together or a single bus-like car, the compartment body of the car can itself be closed and/or open as desired for a particular application (not shown). As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the car 20 also includes laterally extending guides 23 positioned such that at least one is on each side of the car body or compartment 21. As is also shown in Figures 1A and IB, the guides 23 extend from the body of the car 20 at a vertical location or height so as to be proximate to a portion of the inner surface of the guidewalls 27i, 28i. In addition, the guides 23 extend laterally a sufficient distance to be able to contact the guidewalls 27, 28, at least intermittently, as the car 20 travels along the roadway 25 and, thus, direct the car 20 along the roadway. It is preferred that at least two guides extend from each side of the car 20. However, a single guide 23 or multiple guides 23 can also be used according to the present invention. The guides 23 are preferably attached on opposing sides of the car body such as to a portion of the axle or the center of the external face of the wheel (or to a steering structure or other member of the car 20) such that the guides 23 allow the car 20 to be directed along the roadway in the direction of travel in response to guides 23 following the inner surface contour 27i, 28i of the guidewalls 27, 28. As such, it is also preferred that the guidewalls 27, 28 are substantially continuous at the guide 23 height along the direction of travel. That is, the guides 23 and guidewalls 27, 28 act to maintain the car body within, and, preferably substantially in the center of, the roadway as the car 20 travels therealong. In one embodiment, the outer ends of the guides 23 (the end adjacent the respective guidewall 27, 28) are rotatable wheels or rollers (not shown). Thus, in operation, the guidewalls 27, 28 act similarly to a "cam surface" and the guides 23 act as the corresponding "followers" as they travel along the "cam surface". The guides 23 can be spring-loaded to facilitate a more secure abutment with the guidewalls 27, 28 and/or smoother travel of the car as it moves along the guideway 15. The car 20 can be powered to move along the roadway surface 25 of the guideway 15 in a number of ways which are well known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the car 20 is self-propelled, such as via an internally mounted rechargeable battery (including solar and/or electrically rechargeable), or other battery, fuel or gas-based power plant which need not be further described herein.

Figure 4 a modular based dual guideway 15' configured for side by side or two-way traffic according to an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as shown, the box girder segment 85" is a double cell or double opening 86a' precast concrete modular unit. As shown, the double cell box girder segment 85' includes three upstanding walls, two outer walls 87a, 87b, and a central common wall 87c (i.e., the center wall 87c is common to or shared by both the travelways). Because of the configuration of the double cell box girder unit 85" shown in Figure 4, it defines two roadway surfaces 25 and forms the two corresponding pairs of guidewalls 27, 29 and 29, 28, one pair for each of the respective roadways. Thus, the walls 87a and 87c define the guidewalls 27 and 29 while walls 87c and 87b define the other pair of guidewalls 29, 28. As such, the center or common guidewall 29 has two opposing guidewall inner surfaces 29i and 29ai along which the guides 23 of the car 20 in each roadway are directed (corresponding to the traveled roadway 25). As shown, two columns 50, one under each cell or opening 86a' in the box girder 85' and a single common precast pier cap 75' are used to support the dual guideway 15' (for elevated guideways 15'). Alternatively, a single centrally positioned (typically larger) column can be used (not shown). The dual box girder 85" can also be alternately configured with two or more inner walls not requiring a common guidewall, or a single or multi-cell body as described above, or to provide more than two roadways. Another alternative is to employ two (or more) separate single roadway box girder units 85 can be positioned adjacent to each other (or apart as the site dictates).

The guideway system 10 is configured to define a roadway path between two or more desired destination points. The roadway path can be endless (such as circular, oval, rectangular, a "figure 8", and the like) or linear to allow bidirectional travel. Alternatively, the roadway path can be configured with selectable branch paths as will now be described in reference to Figures 5, 6, 11 A, and 11B. In branching configurations, the guideway 15 includes a junction segment 150 (also shown as "D"). As the shape and features of the junction segment 150 may vary depending on the configuration of the travel path or roadway path, it will typically be specially designed and cast in situ as a reinforced concrete substantially hollow box structure according to the local geometrical requirements. At the junction segment 150 (i.e., the portion of the roadway where at least two different roadway paths are provided) the present invention provides a switching system which can direct the car 20 along, into and/or out of, the preferred travel path at the junction segment 150. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate one switching means (vertically travelling curbs) while Figures 11A and 11B illustrate an alternate switching means (magnetic attraction means).

Figures 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B illustrate embodiments of the junction segment 150 according to the present invention. The junction segment 150 is positioned in the path of the roadway intermediate a first portion of the roadway 155 and two separate roadway portions that take a different direction 156, 157. The junction segment 150 includes fixed guidewall portions 27', 28' and two separate vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions (upwardly extending curbs) 200, 210. As shown, the two extendable guidewall portions 200, 210 are located intermediate the outer edge portions of the junction segment 150. In operation, depending on the branch of the road desired, one of the two vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions (either 200, 210) is extended above the roadway surface while the other is retracted to be substantially flush with or below the roadway surface 25. Alternatively, in the retracted position, the vertically travelling wall portion can be configured to retract such that its top resides above the roadway surface but below the height of the laterally extending guide 23. As shown in Figure 8 A, when vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion 210 is extended, it aligns with and preferably connects or is positioned proximate or adjacent to two spaced apart (along the direction of travel) corresponding fixed guidewall portions 28', 28' thereby completing and providing a substantially continuous guidewall in the desired direction of travel.

Similarly, as shown in Figure 8B, when the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion 200 is extended, the other 210 is retracted. The second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion 200 thereby connects spaced apart fixed guidewall portions 27' and 27' to again provide a substantially continuous guidewall in the desired direction of travel. Stated differently, referring to Figure 5, the junction section 150 in the roadway travel path provided by the guideway 15 provides two spatially separated and selectable branches. The configuration of the junction section 150 includes a first entrance 127 associated with a first roadway travel path 127p, a second entrance 137 associated with a second roadway travel path 137p, and a third entrance 147 associated with a third roadway travel path 147p. The junction section 150 also includes spaced apart fixed first and second upwardly extending outer wall portions 27', 28' and a fixed junction guidewall portion 110 positioned transversely intermediate of the second and third entrances 137, 147 away from the first entrance 127. The junction section also includes first and second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions 200, 210, each of those vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions are positioned inwardly of the fixed outer guidewall portions 27', 28' along the roadway travel path. In operation, when one of the first and second vertically extendable and retractable guidewalls 200, 210 is in the extended position, the other is in the retracted position to selectively provide a substantially continuous guidewall in the desired second or third entrance 137, 147.

Preferably, the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions 200, 210 are operably associated one or more actuation mechanisms and a central controller (shown as item 240 in Figure 12) so that, when one portion is raised, the other is automatically lowered, thereby providing a safety locking feature to reliably switch the direction of the car and prevent inadvertent entry into an undesired roadway path (i.e., they cannot both be activated or deactivated concurrently)

In a preferred embodiment, each of the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions 200, 210 are made of lightweight yet structurally durable materials (not needing to be formed of concrete). A preferred material is similar to those used in aeronautical applications where weight restrictions and strength are also of concern, such as carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. The two guidewall portions 200, 210 are raised and lowered by an electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical means such as via a gear arrangement (such as a rack and pinion, ratchet, and the like), a screw mechanism, and/or hydraulic or pneumatic means, and the like; the operational components of which can be conveniently positioned in the hollow core or cell of the box girder configuration of the junction segment 150. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, it is more preferred that (particularly for vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions which are longer than about 5-15 feet) each vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion 200, 210 is configured from a plurality of related vertically extendable and retractable guidewall segments 200a-200e, 210a-210e. The guidewall segments 200a-200e, 210a-210e, are also, preferably, structurally and operationally arranged and configured to rise and lower substantially in concert and are, preferably, formed in lengths of between about 5-15 feet, and more preferably between about 8-10 feet. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the operation of an embodiment of the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion 200. In the illustrated embodiment, a threaded member 211 is used to advance and retract the guidewall 200 relative to the surface of the roadway 25. As shown, the guidewall 210 includes opposing outer walls 208, 209 and an intermediately positioned threaded member 211. A top 215 may be positioned over the upwardly extending end to enclose the threaded member 211 to protect it and the associated screw mechanism 213 from exposure to environmental or other undesirable conditions. A rotatable screw mechanism 213 may be positioned within the cell or hollow portion 186a of the junction box girder 150 such that it is supported by the floor 185f and a portion of the screw mechansim is inserted a distance into the threaded member 211 to advance and retract the guidewall 200 relative to the advancement and retraction of the screw mechanism 213 within the guidewall 200. The screw mechanism 213 can be associated with any suitable drive means including electric, hydraulic, pneumatic and the like, such that it can be automatically advanced or retracted in response to direction from a controller 240 (Figure 12).

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a vertically extendable and retractable guidewall segment 200a, a series of which typically form the guidewall portion 200 according to the present invention. Each segment 200a-200e (210a- 210e) preferably comprises a plurality of aligned fiber composite cylinders 300 which are sandwiched between front and back (preferably composite) material sheets 310, 320. The composite cylinders 300 being secured to the front and back material layers 310, 320 via an adhesive, fusion, or other chemical or mechanical attachment means. Preferably, the cylinders 300 are formed of high strength fiber reinforced tubes with fibers oriented in a first direction while the front and back sheets are formed of fiber reinforced composite thin sheet material with fibers oriented in a second direction. Preferably, the first fiber orientation is substantially orthogonal to the second fiber orientation, and more preferably the first cylinder fibers are vertically oriented while the sheet fibers are horizontally oriented. The fiber combination and/or the structural layers can provide a high-strength bidirectional guidewall structure. Preferably, the fiber-reinforced materials are fiber reinforced polymer composite materials comprising one or more types of fibers which are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, fibers such as, but not limited to, glass, carbon, Kavlar™, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the curb or guidewall is from about six to ten inches. Furthermore, although shown as a slightly arcuate body in Figure 9, the invention is not limited thereto and can employ linear bodies which are arranged in discrete sizes along paths to create any desired arcuate branch formation in the path when formed into the roadway surface.

As is also shown in Figure 9, the guidewall segment 200a includes a center section 330 and two opposing image side sections 335, 336. The center section 330 can also be joined to the adjacent side sections 335, 336 such as via a tongue and groove attachment to the cylinder adjacent the center receptacle 331. As such, as shown in Figure 10, the center section 330 provides the receptacle 331 for a hydraulic or pneumatic ram 375 which is operably associated with a plunger 377. The ram 375 can be secured to the walls defining the receptacle 331 or structurally fixed to the center section 330 via a bottom mounted retention platform to hold the ram and the wall in fixed relationship. In any event, the side sections 335, 336 and center section 330 define a structurally fixed guidewall segment 200a which rises and retracts in response to the advancement and retraction of the ram 375. In operation, a plurality of the vertically extendable and retractable guidewall segments 200a-200e (210a-210e) are typically employed and the hydraulic ram 375 of each is operatively linked to operate cooperatively such as substantially concurrently (or in a temporally related serial activation order).

Preferably, as shown in Figure 12, a controller 240 directs the movement of the two vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions 200, 210 so that one is up when the other is down. Preferably, the controller 240 is configured to operate such that the "up" and "down" movement of the two different vertically extendable guidewall portions 200, 210 is substantially concurrently actuated (i.e., wall 200 is synchronized to be up when wall 210 is down and vice versa). Further the individual segments of the guidewall portions 200a, 200b...200n, and 210a, 210b, ...210n, are also operably tied together, as discussed above. Thus, in operation, the separate activation mechanisms are also preferably synchronized or activated in concert or in a planned activation order (typically substantially concurrently or in rapid serial order along the direction of travel).

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the junction segment 150a can be alternatively configured as shown in Figures 11 A and 11B. In this embodiment, the junction segment 150a can be configured with substantially continuous guidewalls 27', 28', as electro-magnets 275, 277 positioned in the roadway 25 are employed to direct the travel path of the car along the guideway 15. That is, generally described, as the car 20 approaches the junction segment 150a, one of the electromagnets 275, 277 is activated to attract the car 20 into the path or branch corresponding to same. The car 20 itself can be made of metal which is responsive to the pull of a magnetic field (such as the shell or under carriage, or other portions of the car 20 which can be positioned to be proximate to the roadway as it travels over the junction) (not shown). Preferably, the car 20 has a permanent magnet 280 positioned substantially along the centerline of its undercarriage. Alternatively, the car 20 can include one or more electromagnets mounted along its undercarriage (also not shown). The magnetic fields are configured with a polar orientation and coordination which attracts the car to selected branch via attraction to the activated electro-magnet 275, 277 associated with the desired branch. In addition, the non- activated branch may be reverse-activated to generate a reverse field and repel the magnet on the car away from its branch facilitating the travel of the car into the desired branch path. Further, permanent magnets with opposite polarities may be positioned in a respective branch of the roadway and the car 20 can include an electromagnet which can be operated with different polarities. For example, one branch can include a N-S permanent field magnet (or plurality of magnets) while the other branch is configured with a S-N permanent field magnet with respect to the roadway. The car can include an electromagnet which is operated with current in one direction to attract to the N-S orientation and operated in the reverse direction to magnetically attract it to S-N orientation, corresponding to the desired direction of travel.

In any event, for the roadway electromagnets 275, 277 (also shown as "G" and "H"), the electromagnets extend along a major portion of the length of the junction and are preferably formed into the roadway 25 by casting a metallic strip such that it is substantially flush with or slightly raised/ lowered and substantially located in the center of the roadway (the center of the U-shaped guideway 15). As shown in Figure 13, a controller 240 controls the activation of the electromagnets 275, 277 so as to reduce the likelihood that both are activated to attract the car at the same time. In operation, the roadway electromagnets 275, 277 are preferably selectively activated upon demand as the car approaches and then subsequently deactivated after the car passes through the junction. As such, the guideway system 10, preferably includes remote sensing and operation means (such as infra red or light sensors, motion sensors, weight sensors, and the like as is well known to those of skill in the art.

Advantageously, the modular based erection system of the present invention may allow for mass production of guideway structures via standardized fabrication tooling. This may allow for a central production site and standardized structures and/or on site fabrication with standardized tooling which can be loaned to each construction site. By removing site specific customized tooling and providing modular construction, it is anticipated that modular guideway systems according to the present invention can reduce up to about 50% of the current costs associated with conventional guideways. Further, the substantially hollow cores of the vertical column units 51, 52 et seq. and/or the box girder segments 85, and the junction segment(s) 185 can allow for electric lines, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other operation lines and equipment to be aesthetically and relatively easily routed therein and therethrough. In addition, the use of FRP materials and/or lightweight concrete materials may provide corrosive resistant structures and may also allow for easier construction.

As such, the present invention can provide a reduced cost method of fabricating a modular based guideway system for an automated people mover. The method includes the steps of fabricating a plurality of modular box girder segments at a production site (with standardized tooling, either having a single or multiple standardized sizes/configurations); transporting a quantity of the modular box girder segments to a first construction site associated with a first guideway system; transporting a second quantity of said modular box girder segments to a second construction site associated with a second guideway system different from the first guideway system; assembling the transported modular box girder segments to form a U-shaped roadway surface for at least the first guideway system at the first construction site; and casting in situ at the first construction site a junction roadway section to provide at least one desired roadway branching configuration.

The method also may include the steps of casting a plurality of modular concrete substantially hollow stackable column units; casting a plurality of modular concrete pier caps; transporting a quantity of the column units and pier caps to the first construction site and a second quantity of the column units and pier caps to the second construction site (i.e., from a central production site to two different project sites); forming a series of support columns by stacking and structurally securing a desired number of the modular column units; mounting at least one pier cap onto the top of each support column; and positioning the modular box girder units onto the support column mounted pier cap. In one embodiment, as discussed above, the modular box girder unit is a precast concrete unit with a unitary body having a substantially hollow core underlying a U-shaped upper surface which provides the roadway surface and the opposing upwardly extending guidewalls. In addition, the junction roadway section is configured with both stationary guidewall portions and with vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions. As such, it is also preferred that the method also includes the step of fabricating the vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions from lightweight composite materials such that, in operation, the vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions are configured to extend above the roadway surface in the extended position to align with selected ones of the fixed guidewalls, and to retract into the roadway surface such that the top is substantially flush or lower than the roadway surface in the retracted position. Alternately, the method can include forming the junction section of the branching roadway configuration with first and second roadway branch paths, and positioning a first electromagnet in the first roadway branch in the junction section of the roadway and positioning a second electromagnet into the second roadway branch in the junction section of the roadway.

Another method according to the present invention is a method of operating an automated guideway system. The method includes the steps of guiding a vehicle with a compartment body and laterally extending guides over a U-shaped guideway such that the laterally extending guides are proximate to (and at least intermittently) ride against the upwardly extending walls of the U-shape guideway and the guides cause the vehicle to follow the direction of travel defined by the following the contour of the guidewalls. In addition, for a roadway with branches, the method further comprises the step of raising and lowering selected portions of the upwardly extending walls in the U-shaped guideway to cause the vehicle to travel in a selected branch of the roadway path. Alternatively, for a roadway with branches, each branch is operably associated with an electromagnet formed in the roadway surface along an initial portion of the branch, and wherein the method further comprises the step of creating a magnetic field in a selected one of the branches to attract the vehicle in the direction of the created magnetic field such that it travels into the desired branch of the roadway.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A guideway providing a roadway travel path for directing the movement of items from one location to another location, comprising; a car with a compartment body having two opposing sides and a front and rear, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of laterally extending guides operably associated with said compartment body, wherein said guides are positioned on said car such that at least one extends laterally outward from each side of said compartment body; a plurality of box girder segments attached together, said box girder segments having an upper primary surface defining a roadway surface and at least two opposing upstanding sidewalls extending above said roadway surface on opposing sides thereof, each upstanding sidewall having a primary inner surface which faces the other to define at least one pair of guidewalls, wherein respective pairs of said guidewalls are spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive said car therein such that said plurality of car wheels rest against said roadway surface and said laterally extending guides are positioned so as to reside proximate to the inner surface of a corresponding one of said guidewalls, and wherein said plurality of attached box girder segments define a major portion of the length of the roadway travel path provided by said guideway; and a plurality of pier column segments stacked one upon another and structurally attached theretogether to provide a support column with a desired column height, wherein said support columns are positioned at predetermined intervals under said box girder segments along said guideway.

2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein said box girder segments and said pier column segments are fabricated as precast concrete components, and wherein said plurality of pier column segments are configured to be assembled together in position in varying numbers.

3. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the roadway travel path is endless.

4. A system according to Claim 1 , wherein said roadway travel path includes a junction section providing a first roadway branch path and a second roadway branch path of said roadway travel path, and wherein said system includes a switching system operably associated with said junction section to direct said car into the desired one of said first or second roadway branches of said roadway travel path.

5. A system according to Claim 4, wherein said junction section in said roadway travel path is configured with first and second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions, and wherein when said first vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion is in the extended position it extends above said roadway surface and forms part of said guidewall along a direction of travel, and wherein when said first vertically extendable retractable guidewall portion is in the extended position, said second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion is in the retracted position so that the top of said second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portion is below the vertical height of said guide.

6. A system according to Claim 4, wherein said junction section in said roadway path provides two spatially separated and selectable branches in the travel path provided by said guideway, said junction section comprising: a first entrance associated with a first roadway travel path; a second entrance associated with a second roadway travel path; a third entrance associated with a third roadway travel path; spaced apart fixed first and second upwardly extending outer wall portions; a fixed junction guidewall portion positioned transversely intermediate of said second and third entrance away from said first entrance; and first and second vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions, each of said vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions positioned inwardly of said fixed outer guidewall portions along said roadway travel path, wherein, in operation, when one of said first and second vertically extendable and retractable guidewalls is in the extended position, the other is in the retracted position substantially flush with or below said roadway surface to selectively provide a substantially continuous guidewall along the selected roadway travel path associated with one of said first or second entrances.

7. A system according to Claim 6, wherein each of said vertically extendable and retractable guidewall portions comprises a plurality of adjacent guidewall segments which are configured to cooperatively extend and retract in concert.

8. A system according to Claim 7, wherein each of said extendable and retractable guidewall segments comprises; a plurality of serially aligned vertically extending tubular members; opposing first and second sheets of material configured to overlay and contact said tubular members on opposing sides thereof to thereby sandwich said tubular members therebetween; and an actuation mechanism operably associated with said plurality of tubular members.

9. A system according to Claim 7, wherein at least one of said tubular members is substantially hollow core, and wherein said actuation mechanism includes a vertically extendable and retractable member which attaches to and extends a distance into said core of said at least one hollow tubular member to thereby raise and lower said guidewall segment such that said guidewall extends above said roadway surface when raised and such that its top is flush or below said roadway surface when lowered.

10. A system according to Claim 9, wherein said plurality of tubular members are fiber reinforced composite material tubular members.

11. A system according to Claim 4, wherein said junction section in said roadway path includes a first branch path and a second branch path, and wherein said switching system includes a first electromagnet located in an initial portion of said first branch path and a second electromagnet located in an initial portion of said second branch path, such that, in operation, a selected one of said first and second electromagnets is activated to provide a magnetic force which attracts said car into said roadway branch path associated therewith.

12. A system according to Claim 11, wherein said branching system further comprises a third magnet attached to the undercarriage of said car, and wherein said car enters into said branch path having an activated electromagnet generating a magnetic attraction therebetween.

13. A system according to Claim 11, wherein said box girder segments are arranged to provide a dual guideway system with side by side roadways.

14. A system according to Claim 13, wherein said box girder segments are configured to provide a side by side dual roadway surface such that said box girder segments comprise three upstanding walls extending a distance above said roadway surface, and wherein two of said three upstanding walls are spaced apart outer sidewalls and said third is a common center wall such that said three upstanding walls define side by side guidewalls.

15. A system according to Claim 2, wherein said precast box girder segments and said precast pier column segments are sized and configured as modular units.

16. A system according to Claim 2, wherein said precast box girder segment is configured in section view as a unitary component having a bottom portion which is a substantially hollow enclosed box and a top portion overlying said enclosed hollow box portion defining a U-shaped upper surface.

17. A system according to Claim 16, wherein said precast box girder segments are sized in length spans of between about 8-12 feet.

18. A system according to Claim 16, wherein said precast box girder segments are sized in multiple standardized sizes.

19. A system according to Claim 15, wherein said pier column segments are substantially hollow and are sized in vertical lengths of from about 4- 8 feet.

20. A system according to Claim 19, wherein said pier column segment is configured as at least one of a cylinder, rectangle, and ellipse.

21. A people mover guideway system, comprising: a guideway having a roadway with a junction having a first branching path and a second branching path extending between two locations, said guideway having a U-shaped riding surface, wherein said U-shaped riding surface defines said roadway and a pair of corresponding upwardly extending guidewalls positioned on opposing sides thereof; wherein said upwardly extending spaced apart guidewalls comprise stationary portions and vertically retractable and extendable portions, and wherein said vertically retractable and extendable guidewall portions operate to provide a selectable substantially continuous guidewall in the direction of travel to thereby direct a car traveling on said guideway into the desired branch of said roadway.

22. A people mover guideway system according to Claim 21 , wherein said U-shaped riding surface is configured from a plurality of modular substantially hollow box girder segments which are structurally attached together along a major portion of the length of said roadway.

23. An automated people mover guideway system, comprising: a roadway with a junction having a first branching path and a second branching path, wherein a first electromagnetic strip is located in the roadway surface of said junction first branching path and a second electromagnetic strip is located in the roadway surface of said second junction branching path; an electrical source in electrical communication with said first and second electromagnets; and a controller operably associated with said electrical source and said first and second electromagnets, wherein said controller is configured to activate a selected one of said first and second electromagnets to thereby energize a magnetic field along one of said first and second junction branch paths such that, in operation, a magnetized vehicle is attracted to the respective energized magnetic field in one of said first and second branching paths to thereby attract the car into the direction of travel associated with the respective magnetically activated branch path.

24. A guideway with an integrated switching system according to Claim 23, wherein said first and second electromagnets are cast substantially centrally into the roadway surface of each of said first and second branching paths at said junction.

25. A guideway with an integrated switching system according to Claim 23, wherein said roadway comprises a plurality of modular substantially hollow box girder segments having a U-shaped upper portion structurally attached together.

26. A guideway with an integrated switching system according to Claim 23, in combination with a plurality of vehicles configured to ride over said roadway, said vehicles having opposing sides and front and rear portions, said opposing sides comprising laterally extending guides configured to reside adjacent to the inner surface of said upwardly extending guidewalls and cooperate with said guidewalls and said vehicle such that, during travel, said vehicle is guided along said roadway.

27. A switching system according to Claim 23, wherein said roadway is substantially flat between said opposing guidewalls.

28. A method of fabricating a guideway system for an automated people mover, comprising the steps of: fabricating a plurality of modular box girder segments at a central production site; transporting a quantity of said modular box girder segments to a first construction site associated with a first guideway system remote from the central production site; transporting a second quantity of said modular box girder segments to a second construction site associated with a second guideway system different from the first guideway system and first construction site; assembling said transported modular box girder segments to form a U- shaped roadway surface for at least the first guideway system at the first construction site; and casting in situ at the first construction site a junction roadway section to provide at least one desired roadway branching configuration.

29. A method according to Claim 28, further comprising the steps of: casting a plurality of modular concrete substantially hollow stackable column units; casting a plurality of modular concrete pier caps; transporting a quantity of said modular column units and said modular pier caps to the first construction site and a second quantity of said modular column units and said modular pier caps to the second construction site; and forming a series of support columns by stacking and structurally securing a desired number of said modular column units; mounting at least one of the modular pier caps onto the top of each support column; and positioning the modular box girder units onto the pier cap mounted onto the support column.

30. A method according to Claim 28, wherein the modular box girder unit is a precast concrete unit with a unitary body having a substantially hollow core underlying a U-shaped upper surface, and wherein the U-shaped upper surface defines the roadway and the opposing upwardly extending guidewalls.

31. A method according to Claim 30, further comprising the step of fabricating the junction roadway section with both stationary guidewall portions and with vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions

32. A method according to Claim 31 , further comprising the steps of fabricating the vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions from lightweight composite materials, wherein, in operation, the vertically extending and retracting guidewall portions are configured to extend above the roadway surface in the extended position such that it is aligned with selected portions of the fixed guidewalls, and to retract into the roadway surface such that the top thereof is substantially flush or lower than the roadway surface in the retracted position.

33. A method according to Claim 28, wherein the junction section of the branching roadway configuration includes first and second roadway branch paths, and wherein said method further comprises the step of positioning a first electromagnet in the first roadway branch and positioning a second electromagnet in the second roadway branch.

34. A method of operating a guideway system, comprising the steps of: automatically guiding a vehicle configured with opposing laterally extending guides through a U-shaped guideway, the U-shaped guideway defining a roadway surface and two opposing outer guidewalls, such that, in operation, the laterally extending guides, at least intermittently, ride against the upwardly extending guidewalls to cause the vehicle to move along the direction of travel by following the contour of the guidewalls along the direction of travel.

35. A method according to Claim 34, wherein the roadway has a junction with separate roadway branches, and the method further comprises the step of vertically raising and lowering selected portions of the guidewalls along the guideway at the junction to provide a substantially continuous guidewall along the direction of travel to thereby direct the vehicle to travel in the branch having a substantially continuous guidewall.

36. A method according to Claim 34, wherein the roadway has a junction with separate roadway branches, and wherein each branch is operably associated with an electromagnet formed in the roadway surface along an initial portion of each of the branches at the junction, and wherein the method further comprises the step of activating a magnetic field in a selected one of said branches to attract the vehicle in the direction of the activated magnetic field such that it travels into the desired branch of the roadway.