How To Build An Olympic Luge

Need to know how to build an Olympic luge track? There are artificial luge tracks that are used in Olympic and international events so as to provide level playing fields for all competitors. Only a few of the artificial luge tracks available in the world meet the requirements of the Olympic winter games. Making an artificial Olympic luge track that will be desired by world class lugers requires the knowledge of certain essential steps, mentioned below.

To build an Olympic luge track, you will need:

• A laser system
• Evaporators
• Motion-activated cameras
• Big digital clocks

1. Get the evaporators to help in cooling the artificial luge track to the appropriate temperature. An evaporator in combination with a refrigeration system allows you to make the concrete structure cool enough to produce a smooth and even luging surface.
2. Make rounded concrete edges for the luge track so that it will act as the outside barriers in the competition. Generally these edges are made during the initial construction stage, along with the concrete base layer.
3. Place the evaporators at even intervals of about 100 to 125 feet below the concrete. These evaporators are then connected so as to sustain a stable temperature of about minus-five to minus-ten degrees Celsius.
4. Set up a regular plan with the maintenance staff to dispense water evenly over the luge’s cooled surface. Once the evaporators start cooling the concrete surface, a watering rotation needs to be created so that every segment of the track is covered evenly. The ice should ideally be about two inches thick, though extra layers can be added to help in protecting against melting during the competition.
5. Measure the track width and length after developing a suitable design. Traditionally an Olympic luge track spans less than one mile so as to keep the race short and the maintenance simple. While making the track, make sure that the beginning point is about 350 to 450 feet higher than the ending point. This will provide enough momentum to complete the race.
6. Adjust a timing device and the laser system at both the ends of the luge track. This will help in keeping track of disqualifying starts as well as the point of contact of the luger with the finish line. The timing device will help the organizers and the judges to keep track when timing the race during the competition.
7. Fix the motion-activated cameras at every corner while building the artificial luge track. This will help the television networks in getting better angles for their coverage and will also provide insight into the track’s problem areas.