How to Make Aerial Ropeways

Aerial ropeways provide a source of transportation infrastructure in locations where tradition infrastructure such as roads and railways can't be built. Aerial ropeways can also provide a less expensive alternative to constructing roads or railways on hilly or mountainous terrain. If you want to make an aerial ropeway, you'll need to decide on a few key characteristics.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ropes or cables
• Wooden or steel supports and mechanisms
• Carriers

1. Determine the length of the aerial ropeway and how much cable or rope will be needed, as well as how many supports will be needed along the ropeway, which will differ depending on the terrain as well as the length.

2. Chooe cable or rope for the ropeway. Many rope systems have recently been renovated and replaced with cable, which is more durable, but cost or resource constraints may mean using rope in your initial construction.

3. Decide if the ropeway will be single cable or double cable. Double cables were developed first and use separate ropes for connecting and hauling the individual cars, whereas single cables are used on 95 percent of all modern aerial ropeways.

4. Consider the type of passenger carrier that will be used. Aerial ropeways may include gondola-type cars, chairlifts or simple carrying baskets for passengers and freight. You may need to figure out how many passengers will need to be carried hourly or daily, as well as what they are likely to be carrying with them such as bicycles or animals in rural areas.

5. Get government and nongovernmental support for your aerial ropeway project. Collaborate with local and regional groups first, as well as international aid agencies if you want to make the aerial ropeway in a developing country.

Tips & Warnings

• Aerial ropeway safety can be difficult to ensure in a rural or understaffed region. Make sure you have safety check measures in place for all stages of the aerial ropeway--the passenger loading and unloading, the staff operation of the ropeway mechanism, passenger safety in the carrier and long-term wear and tear or weathering.