Development of automated track layout design tools

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"The path of a proposed track alignment is constrained by surrounding topographical features, such as clearance to structures, as well as geometric features that have an impact on track maintenance and inter-station journey times. The relationship between track geometry and clearance features is key to a compliant track layout design; a track alignment that meets train performance requirements can not be used if the path of a train is likely to come into contact with a structure, and an alignment that is free of clearance infringements is also unusable if the track geometry is not capable of achieving target inter-station journey times.Today, the majority of UK rail infrastructure projects use separate track geometry design and clearance assessment software systems as part of the track layout design process. As a result, an engineer is required to manually transfer data between these two systems, analyse clearance results and revise the track layout accordingly. Processes that require human intervention will ultimately limit the scope for development of automated track layout design systems.This project aims to develop a suite of tools that will enable the digital gauging process to be undertaken within the 3D CAD environment. Bringing the clearance assessment and track design processes together will provide a platform for automated track layout design, enabling development of algorithmic scripts that can procedurally design, check and revise track alignment geometry."