Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 21
MULTI-PROJECT FEATURE PROJECT: Metra Composite Material Train Platforms, Chicago FIRM: C Primera Engineers, Ltd., Chicago hicago’s commuterrail system, Metra, consists of several different train lines, including the Metra Electric District, which operates electric trains downtown between University Park, Blue Island and South Chicago to Michigan Avenue. The Electric Line’s existing platforms were originally constructed of either timber or pre-cast concrete planks supported by steel beams. Both types of platforms had deteriorated over countless de-icing cycles, creating several safety hazards. “Metra’s goal is to renovate all of the line’s stations, improve safety, and incorporate an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirement for visually and physically challenged individuals,” explains Pedro Cevallos-Candau, executive vice president of Primera Engineers, Ltd. As the structural engineer, Primera designed renovations for eight prototype stations, including the stationhouses and platforms. Choosing the new material that would replace the old platforms was the most important and complex challenge of the project, according to Cevallos-Candau. After examining various available materials, Primera chose Armor-Deck composite material for its ability to withstand deflection and vibration, its strength and its fire resistance. “The Armor-Deck material has a higher coefficient of friction and fewer tripping opportunities,” Cevallos-Candau says. The panels are made of a reinforced polymer material that is shaped and incorporated into a granite surface that pro- vides the required friction for safe walking, as well as tactile requirements to aid visually impaired passengers. Although composite materials have been used for some time in ship construction and, more recently, to build the next generation of airplanes, its application in structural engineering has not, to this point, been widespread. “To our knowledge, this is one of the first projects built in Chicago using composite plastic materials,” Cevallos-Candau notes. Designing the replacement platforms was a challenge; the stations and platforms are built between two active at-grade or elevated railroad tracks, the electric train cars have undermounted engines and door thresholds at 40 inches above the tracks, and power is conveyed to the cars by a system of overhead wires. “To ensure the safe transit of passengers, each platform was custom built to meet strict geometrical toler- ances,” says Cevallos-Candau. And to minimize interruption to passenger transit, all construction was performed during off-peak hours. The structural concept for the train platforms has been replicated by at least two other consultants in Chicago. And Primera has designed two more Metra stations in the Chicago suburbs using the composite material platforms. The system also has been presented to the Chicago Transit Authority and other transit agencies around the country that are evaluating its use, according to Cevallos-Candau. Pedro Cevallos-Candau Primera designed renovations for eight prototype stations for Chicago’s Metra light rail system. Chicago Makes Metra More Accessible SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 ENGINEERING INC. 21
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009
Contents
From ACEC to You
News and Notes
Market Watch
Legislative Action
Cover Story: Sen. Jeff Bingaman
New Horizons
On the Light Track
Insights from ACEC's Institute for Business Management
2009 Fall Conference Primer
Members in the News
One on One
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Cover2
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Contents
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - From ACEC to You
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 3
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - News and Notes
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Market Watch
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Legislative Action
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 7
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Cover Story: Sen. Jeff Bingaman
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 9
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 10
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 11
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - New Horizons
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 13
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 14
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 15
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 16
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - BRC1
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - BRC2
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 17
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - On the Light Track
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 19
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 20
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 21
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 22
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Insights from ACEC's Institute for Business Management
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 2009 Fall Conference Primer
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 25
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Members in the News
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 27
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 28
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 29
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 30
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - 31
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - One on One
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Cover3
Engineering Inc. - September/October 2009 - Cover4
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