virtual signal sighting walkover

Virtual signal sighting walkover Troy Burton & Michael Gardiner

Signal design affords train drivers adequate advance sighting and ensures a clear and unambiguous message is received.

Objective

Effective tool for designers, operators and signal sighting committees to resolve sighting issues well in advance of commissioning and reducing the risk of delays and significant & costly rework.

3D VISUALISATION

• 2D methods

• Engineering drawing based

• Shortcomings for complex sighting arrangements

• Significant risk remains until final walkover/commissioning

Traditional methods

Adjacent new twin tracks constructed Height difference Signal on adjacent existing track Traditional methods carried out but issue not detected Some delays and construction re work required at

final commissioning stage

Example

2

2

Trackstar Richlands to Springfield Project

• 9.5km of electrified twin track extension

• In excess of 1.5km of elevated structures

• 2 new stations

• Parallel to Centenary Highway, similar level

• Bi directional signalling

• 140km/h max. design speed

• Qld Rail – client, asset owner and operator

• Under construction

Typical obstructions – OHLE, station structures, sighting boards

Parallel tracks – typical 4m centres

Background interference – adjacent highway, vehicle headlights

Traditional methods not robust enough

Potential risk significant – visual barriers/screens

Key issues

3D visualisation method • Realistic representation crucial • Signal sighting committee support of

process • Reduce risk at final commissioning

Solution

• Linear Workflow = better (realistic) lighting • Autodesk 3Ds Max – Main visualisation tool

Why is accurate lighting needed?

Real world camera: Aperture Size, Shutter Speed, ISO Level

Lighting

Linear workflow: The last piece of the puzzle

Software Monitor Compensated Output

1 candle = 1 candela /m²

Red = 300 cd/m² Yellow = 350 cd/m² Green = 500 cd/m²

Complex sighting issues Identified issues early in design stage Virtual signal sighting walkover well in

advance Realistic representation Design refined (iterative) Reduced potential delay and costly

rework at final commissioning phase

Success

Want more information?

Contact

Troy Burton Leader – Mass Transit Systems +61 2 9465 5348 (Sydney) Troy.Burton@aurecongroup.com

Michael Gardiner Senior Technical Officer- Transport +61 7 3173 8726 (Brisbane) Michael.Gardiner@aurecongroup.com

Read more on our website!