SECTION 2 Mürren – Birg


Introduction


The existing dual track Mürren–Birg cable car will be replaced by a new twin-cabin cable car using the Funifor system. The two track cables are mechanically independent. In normal operations, both tracks are coupled electrically and the cable car is operated as a “traditional” cable car system. In the case of servicing, one track is closed and the second track maintains operations independently with half of the passenger capacity. The cable car serves as access to Birg and forms the second of the three cable car sections that provide a link to the popular destination of Schilthorn – Piz Gloria. The cable car has two cabins holding 100 persons each, it is set up for operation throughout the year, and can be operated remotely.

Cable car system


Name of the system: 100-FUF Mürren-Birg
System number: 71.150
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Two single track cable cars using the Funifor system, each with one cabin and operating on a shuttle basis
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Capacity per cabin 100 persons or underload up to max. 8.0 tonnes (only track 2.2)
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Passenger capacity 2 x 400 persons per hour
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Max. speed 12 m/s
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Adhesion traction in the valley station (355° loop system)
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Cable tensioner (basic tension towing cable 300 kN) in the valley station
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Pylons with a cable elevation of approx. 55 m from the base point

Operation


The cable car is designed for the transport of persons and goods in the interior of the cabin and, in exceptional cases, for transporting goods as an underload. The passenger capacity is 2 x 400 persons per hour in each direction. The system operates both in summer and winter, day and night and can be operated remotely. When conveying goods or for special transports, the car must be manned.

Mürren valley station


The valley station will be completely rebuilt. To do this, part of the existing building will be torn down. The carrier cables are guided via the cable saddle to the carrier cable anchors. The carrier cables are guided via the cable saddle to the carrier cable anchors with mooring posts and firmly anchored with approx. 3.3 loopings.
The traction cable is directed into the basement by means of pulleys. The forces are diverted into the concrete foundations via a solid steel construction.
The complete main and standby drives are located in the basement.

Birg mountain station


The mountain station will be completely rebuilt. The carrier cables are guided via the cable saddle to the carrier cable anchors with mooring posts and firmly anchored with 3.1 loopings. The remaining cable is guided via end moorings and anchoring joists into the pile wall.
The platforms (platform level) are served by the closed outer and middle platforms and are equipped with automatic sliding doors.

Cables


Each track consists of two locked-coil carrier cables with a diameter of 64 mm, which are firmly attached at both stations.
The traction cable has a diameter of 30 mm and is made of galvanised strands.

Track and track assembly


The track comprises a supporting pylon and two carriageways, each with two carrier cables with a wide track (4.6 m). Intermediate supports are erected between the stations and the supporting pylons. The position of the carrier cables on the pylon cable shoes is monitored.
The supporting pylons are designed in a steel frame construction.

Cabins


Both cabins can accommodate 100 persons each and are designed for remote operation. The cabin is mounted on a 24-wheel drive with a steel plate hanger. The drive is designed without safety brakes.
The cabin is designed to transport goods as an underload. In the case of underloads, goods up to a max. of 8 tonnes can be transported.

Rescue


The system is equipped with an integrated evacuation system. This means that the cabins can always be recalled to the stations. This makes any rescue via the cables redundant.

Electrical equipment


In the case of the electrical drive control, a programmable safety control system is used. The striking feature of this is the high technical safety level with numerous safety relevant functions/monitoring systems that can be implemented.
Section Birg-Schilthorn →