Project Name: Mass Rapid Transit System for Bangkok Metropolis (Mor Chit - Saphan Mai)
Firm Name: TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd.
Associate Firms: Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering Co., Ltd.
Daoreuk Communications Co., Ltd.
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Project Owner: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)
Type of Project: Transportation
Period: 2007 - present
Project Features: Subsequent to its completion of the Feasibility Study of Bangkok Transit System (BTS Extension) Project in 2005, TEAM is currently leading the detailed design of Bangkok Mass Transit System Phaholyothin Extension (BMPE) which is in the 6-year Bangkok Mass Transit Development Plan (1st Stage 2004-2009).
The so-called dark green line of 11.5 km in length features 12 stations from the N-9 station at the Lat Phrao intersection to the N-20 station in Saphan Mai area. The N-9 station is planned to be the interchange station connecting to the existing privately-operated BTS skytrain whilst the N-20 terminal station will be constructed, taking account of future route extension. A 10- floor park & ride building will be located on a parcel of land in the compound of Bang Khen district office to accommodate about 1,100 cars. Also integrated in the project is an approximately 90-rai depot at the south of Don Mueang International Airport.
The implementation of BMPE, expected to complete within four years (2008-2012), will complement the existing rail system, providing greater convenience through a fast and efficient mode of transportation for Bangkokians and those living in satellite towns. The environmentally friendly project will concretely alleviate the capital’s chronic traffic congestion, and resultantly save the energy.
Routing: A route of the electric train extension on Mor Chit-Saphan Mai starts at Mochit BTS terminal on Jatujak, goes straight to Phahon Yothin road, and crosses Don Muang Toll Way on Lardprao intersection through Ratchayothin intersection which previously having a Ratchayothin intersection overpass on Ratchadaphisek road line and soon will be demolished and reconstructed to 4 lanes tunnel, and constructed a new 2 lanes overpass on Phahon Yothin road line which using the same foundation piers as the electric train railway in order to use the less space of the refuge.
Passing the Ratchayothin intersection, the electric train route will continue to run on the refuges of Phahon Yothin road through Senanikom intersection overpass – Kasetsart University intersection. This overpass will be reconstructed to 2 lanes overpass which only crossing Kasetsart University intersection. The structure is as same as the Ratchayothin intersection which using the same foundation piers as the electric train railway and shortening the length of the overpass to construct the electric train station on the position that close to the community which is Senanikom.
From Kasetsart University intersection, the route will run on Phahon Yothin road refuge line to Soi Phahon Yothin 55. After that, the route will shirt to the East to avoid the Laksi Monument Tunnel. The railway’s foundation piers are on the pavement line in front of Bang Khen Fire Station and Bang Khen district office. This route would not be able to install the foundation piers on the refuges and could not use the portal frame structure due to the area problem in public utility demolishing. Reaching Laksi Monument, the route will turn to the Phahon Yothin road refuges in front of Lotus Super Store which following the Phahon Yothin road refuge line until the terminal on Ying Charoen Market, before crossing Bang Khen Canal.
Elevated railways: The typical structure of elevated railway is a segmental box girder, which the typical length of viaduct is 35 meters. The box girder is 8.4 meters width for supporting of 2 tracks spaced at 3.8 meter each other. The segmental box girder is supported by single column, the section of column is 2.1 by 1.2. The footing is constructed with single 2 meter diameter bored pile placed at the median of the roadway.
At the railway station, the structure is designed with the length of 15 meter bay to reduce the structure depth so that the area underneath is open and bright.
The viaduct structure at Ladprao Rd. Intersection is a balanced cantilever having the span length between 63-76 meters.
Rail system: The rail system includes UIC 60 rail, having 1.435 meter width (Standard Gauges) and Track Plinth supporting structure as using in BTS with the Third Rail System on the sides in order to supply the electricity in electric train operating.
Electric train is a 4 cars/train which can maximum expand to 6 cars/train. The maximum speed is 80 km/hour. Staring with 12 trains in the first year, they are going to expand to 17 and 21 in the 10th year and 18th year. The track system have Pocket Track between Kasetsart University station and Royal Forest Department station in order to increase-reduce the train numbers between extension periods between rush hour and regular hour, and in order to use in short circumference between Ladprao intersection station and Kasetsart University station when needed.
