civiL visuaLiZation and simuLation
Creative and effective approaches in the simulation and visualization
processes. Projects may feature aesthetic, performance, or analytical nature
visualization and simulation and use advanced techniques to virtually involve
stakeholders in the planning, design, and operation of civil infrastructure.
East London Line Project mott macdonald Ltd WINNER
This project will connect highbury and Islington
Station on the North London Line with a connection
into the Network Rail infrastructure in South London.
The East and North London lines are the first two
lines to form part of the London Overground
franchise. On completion, the total cost of the
project will be $2.75 billion.
Though half of the railway infrastructure does not
yet exist, Mott MacDonald used topographical
surveys and current infrastructure designs to build
a 3D model of the railway. The model includes
12 kilometers of railway and more than 140 signals.
Because the model contains all aspects of the
project that will affect the signal sighting process,
the firm was able to position the signals with
confidence that the location would prove correct.
The model is intended for other uses as well. The
3D model enabled Mott MacDonald to quickly
incorporate project design changes. For example,
in the late preliminary design stage the decision
was made to expand the train stabling area at
New Cross Gate from 10 to 12 four-car units to 21
units and include a light maintenance and cleaning
facility, all on the same parcel of land. Mott
MacDonald intends to continue with the modeling
process through detail design and implementation.
The model may also be used as a basis for driver
training and route familiarization.
The modeling process highlighted the complexities
of threading a 21st century railway through 19th
century infrastructure. From the outset, the visualization enabled by MicroStation served a dual
purpose of design and design validation to deliver
more than just an assessment of signal sighting
issues. The infrastructure model is now used as a
tool to reach design decisions on aspects of the
project ranging from passenger evacuation analysis
to interdisciplinary checks and option assessments.
