Project Summary
AECOM is currently working on the upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway for
the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). This exciting
project is taking place in Munruben, South East Queensland, approximately 35km
south of Brisbane, and is part of the overall upgrade of the highway.
Mount Lindesay Highway serves an area that extends from Browns Plains through
Beaudesert to the NSW border - a regional growth area in South East Queensland.
The highway is a vital transport link and, in its current configuration, will
not be able to meet the projected growth demands for the region, or maintain a
safe passage for both local and long distance traffic.
The Challenge
The AECOM project was split into two stages for the detailed design and
construction:
• The first stage is a new grade separated interchange with
Chambers Flat Road and Crowson Lane.
• The second stage is duplicating the
existing two lane, undivided highway between Rosia Road and Chambers Flat Road,
to tie into the Stage 1 works.
This involves upgrading the highway to
four lanes, with the provision for six lanes.
The detailed design
finished in July 2010, and construction of Stage 1 was started during 2011, with
works scheduled to finish in mid to late 2012.
The Solution
The concepts and detailed designs were all produced using 12d Model.
Super alignments modelled the complex interrelated geometry associated with the
interchange components, and chains were used to control all design processes
including the export of drawing data used to generate over 500 drawings needed
to document the stage 1 and 2 designs, and design visualisations.
Where
the existing highway was being upgraded, the use of the existing pavements was
maximised by widening them and implementing overlays wherever the geometric
constraints of the design speed allowed. Several tools within 12d simplified
this process, resulting in a very efficient and cost-effective design.
Provision has been made for pedestrians and cyclists at the interchange by
providing a connection across the highway. In addition, the design incorporates
public transport facilities at the interchange away from the highway, which also
increases safety for patrons.
As a design tool the use of 12d speed
tables on the primary control alignments simplified the application of
superelevation and provided the basis of the road surface which was then
modified as required by the designer.
The drainage design for the project
was also carried out in 12d and directly integrated via model and tin sharing to
ensure the drainage designers were always working with the most up-to-date road
design data.
This also allowed drainage checks to be carried out on the
alignment model and provide feedback where alterations to the geometry could
provide a more efficient drainage design.
The ability to create
visualisations of the design by incorporating 12d visualisation techniques with
chains allowed for design amendments to be automated and the visualisation
outputs automatically updated.
The level of detail resulting from this
technique was sufficient for the task, without needing external visualisation
resources and the delay that this inevitably involves.
Design
visualisations showing the completed project were provided to TMR directly from
12d Model for use in consultation with the public. They were developed to
provide insights on any visual impacts the completed works would have on the
current landscape.
These proved vital in assisting the public to
appreciate the limited impact the completed works would have on the current
environment, and helped to smooth the public consultation process.
The Result
Although the detail design drawings are the verified and
certified record of the design, the 12d electronic model has been provided to
TMR for their records and will be provided to the contractor to aid in the
construction of the works.
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