Rail Alignment

Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution is offered in a cost-effective and secure client/server business model, with significant collaborative input from the Trimble team of road and rail engineers and Geographical Information System (GIS) technicians.

The optimization workflow follows 6 easy steps:

1. Initial client set-up and training,
2. Data and database coordination,
3. Data input by project planner,
4. 4. Alignment generation on the Quantm Pathfinder engine,
5. Return and review of 10-50 optimal alignment scenarios, and
6. Analysis and manipulation by the project planner.

Resulting alignments can be easily exported to CAD and GIS software packages for either additional data input, preparation of presentation materials, or completion of design.

The Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution allows planners and engineers to collaborate with various road project stakeholders and deliver improved outcomes. The process maintains positive community relations, considers environmental impact, and reduces project construction costs - all while maintaining the momentum of the road project.

Improved Community Relations
Communities globally are increasing the influence they have over where new roads are created. The combination of community input and the need to avoid certain urban areas, cultural heritage zones and areas of environmental sensitivity have made the planning process extremely complex.

The Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution allows community input to be integrated into the planning study. Community "no-go" constraints can be added in just minutes. Cost implications and alignment alternatives can be reviewed within 48 working hours.

Better Environmental Outcomes
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Research Results Digest 304, describes eight technologies that can be used by transportation agencies to improve the consideration of environmental concerns in transportation decisions.

The Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution was identified as one of these emerging technologies that support the integration of environmental considerations into transportation planning. For more information, download the "Technologies to improve consideration of environmental concerns in transportation decisions" full report.

Reduced Project Planning Time and Delays
The current industry approach to road planning addresses each constraint issue in series, which often leads to conflict between the stakeholders and requires numerous subsequent impact studies. This can lead to a planning spiral that delays, or even terminates, a project.

The Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution encourages cooperation between the road project planners and stakeholders from the onset. Planners can quickly investigate alignment and cost implications of numerous 'what if' scenarios simultaneously. As a result, planners can demonstrate they have considered all feasible alignments and substantially improve the quality of the alignment without project delay or cost increase.

Road Construction Cost Savings
The Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution delivers substantial alignment construction cost savings while meeting the defined environmental, community, heritage and design constraints.

Typical alignment construction cost savings, in undulating or rougher terrain, are in excess of 15% for highways, when compared to results determined using the previous industry best practice planning method.

As more governments require extensive impact studies and supporting documentation, the Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution has become an essential tool for rail planners. From stakeholders and governments, through to environmental groups, community organizations, and project financiers, numerous groups want to know that their concerns are being addressed when creating new roads.

Planners and engineers can use the Trimble Quantm Alignment Planning Solution to prepare in-depth impact studies and public presentations. The software allows presentations to display the complete route or zoom-in demonstrating how an alignment impacts or avoids a particular zone or landowner, including the earthworks footprint.

The planner can also provide a process audit that tracks individual scenario investigation, consideration of alternatives and costs, and document the methods used in reaching a 'preferred' corridor or alignment.