Conductor Rails for World Cup in Durban

Roof arch soars 104 m above new stadium / funicular transports visitors to skywalk / Conductor rails from Single PowerLine series used in project

Weil am Rhein, Germany - June 2010. On Sunday, June 13, when the German national football team plays its first group match against Australia, the game will be played in one of the most architecturally significant stadiums in all of South Africa. The most striking feature in Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium is the spectacular funicular, which was made by Garaventa AG and sits atop the arched, steel cable-supported structure, called Skywalk. The conductor rails used to supply power to the structure are made by Conductix-Wampfler AG, a member of the Conductix-Wampfler Group and leading global provider of power- and data transmission systems to mobile users.

The Skywalk, which looks out over the 70,000-capacity, three-level stadium, spans the entire length of the arena, soaring at a height of 104 m (app. 340 ft.) and providing support for the spectator stands. Users can take the elevator to the very top of the majestic steel arch, which offers a spectacular view of the city and the Indian Ocean. The vehicle in the funicular is almost entirely enclosed in glass and features a hydraulic balancing mechanism. The winch drive is located in the lower station in a hollow section of the arch's base. At the apex – of the upper station just below the viewing platform – only the winch rope turns. For the chassis, Garaventa has developed a new chassis which moves on H-profiles instead of rails. The wheels are coated with soft plastic for cushioning. The vehicle is pulled using lateral guide rollers which are supported by the girder.

Single PowerLine: the solution for use in rugged conditions

Conductor rails from Conductix-Wampfler supply power to the electro-hydraulic balancing system of the funicular cabin. The Single PowerLine conductor rails are perfectly suited for the subtropical climate of Durban. With its robust structure and varied wiring materials, they ensure a high level of availability even under harsh environmental conditions. A finger guard and high-quality insulation are also provided to ensure safety. Special floor segments are used to provide the flexibility required in negotiating curves.