Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Method and system for designing, executing and managing
road construction projects.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to road construction.
More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a method and system
for designing, executing and managing road construction projects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Existing methods and systems for designing, executing and
managing construction projects generally present the following drawbacks:
= they generally require a number of different softwares for data
acquisition, transiation, parameter tables setting, and complementary
utilities;
= the same information needs to be entered several times in different
programs, which can cause a loss and/or degradation of the information;
= the technicians, operators and engineers have to learn several softwares
in order to design a road project; and
= these softwares are expensive.
[0003] Also, the majority of the softwares currently available on the
market are based on traditional CAD software like AutoCad or Microstation.
These softwares generate straight or curved segments, each of which has its
own characteristics and properties. It is often possible to put together a set
of
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such segments to create an object. However, the properties of the object are
the
sum, or the resultant of the properties of every individual segment. When a
road
is built, the road layout is given by the combination of these segments,
because
to define a road project, it is necessary to use, couple, and join a series of
segments, as well as to give them a length, a direction, a slope, etc.
Modifying
one property of one of these segments, for example the length, is not
necessarily reflected over all the other elements of the outline. Therefore,
the
designer must check and edit manually each property of each segment. If the
designer neglects or forgets to make the modification of the specific
property, an
error is generated during the layout producing process.
[0004] As outlined hereinabove, one drawback of the current
methods and systems for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects resides in the use of a series of softwares. Not only does this lead
to the
need of learning several softwares but also this results in compatibility
problems
between softwares. Indeed, since the series of softwares are programmed by
different companies, which do not necessarily communicate with each other,
there is more or less harmony between softwares. Often, this lack of harmony
and communication leads to the need of acquiring the same information more
than once. Furthermore, some of these softwares are so complex that
technicians specialized with these softwares are needed. Most of the engineers
do not have time to learn a specialized software, which generally demands a
long training period and some continuous practice. So not only must they rely
on
their technicians but also some additional reports are requested to check and
validate the project. Finally, one must buy and maintain several licences for
several softwares. And the managers can lose track of the progress in the
execution of the road construction project. For example, the managers realize
only after the project has been completed that the cost for the execution of
the
project has been exceeded.
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OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects that overcome the above discussed drawbacks of the existing methods
and systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided a method for executing and managing a road construction
project, comprising the following operations implemented in a single
computer software: defining input data providing guidelines for designing the
road construction project; determining underground layers based on the input
data; generating a plurality of road design scenarios using the underground
layers; selecting an optimal road design scenario out of the plurality of
scenarios; producing drawings and specifications to implement the selected
optimal road design scenario; and calculating quantities executed during the
road construction project in order to monitor in real time the executed
quantities and keep track of the progress in the execution of the road
construction project.
[0007] The present invention also relates to a system for
executing and managing a road construction project, comprising,
implemented in a single computer software: a definer of input data providing
guidelines for designing the road construction project; a generator of
underground layers based on the input data; a generator of a plurality of road
design scenarios using the underground layers; a selector of an optimal road
design scenario out of the plurality of scenarios; a generator of drawings and
specifications to implement the selected optimal road design scenario; and a
calculator of quantities executed during the road construction project in
order
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to monitor in real time the executed quantities and keep track of the progress
in the execution of the road construction project.
[0008] The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of
the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way
of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the appended drawings:
[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system
in which an embodiment of the method and system for designing, executing and
managing road construction projects according to the present invention can be
implemented;
[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the various modules
and sub-modules in an embodiment of the method and system for designing,
executing and managing road construction projects according to the present
invention;
[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for creating and editing digital land models
in the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for drawing sketches in the method and system
for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated
in Figure 2;
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[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for selecting initial data in the method and
system
for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated
in Figure 2;
[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for creating and editing preliminary alignment
in
the method and system for designing, executing and managing road
construction projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for acquiring surveying data in the method and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2;
[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for generating ground surfaces in the method
and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2;
[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for generating scenarios in the method and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2;
[0019] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for creating and editing horizontal alignment
in
the method and system for designing, executing and managing road
construction projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
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[0020] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for managing superelevation in the method and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2;
[0021] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for creating and editing vertical profiles in
the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0022] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for creating and editing design surfaces in
the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0023] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for calculating theoretical quantities in the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0024] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for defining a"right-of-way" database in the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2;
[0025] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for validating design criteria in the method
and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2;
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(0026] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for generating a final layout in the method
and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects as
illustrated in Figure 2; and
[0027] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing inputs, outputs and
functionalities of a sub-module for determining the executed quantities in the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects as illustrated in Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Figure 1 shows a computer system 10 with which the method
and system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects
according to the present invention can be implemented. More specifically, the
computer system 10 includes a processor unit 12 connected to a keyboard 14, a
monitor 15 and a printer 18. The computer system 10 also comprises databases
16 for allowing the processor unit 12 to run processes and softwares.
[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the various modules
and operations of an embodiment of the method and system for designing,
executing and managing road construction projects according to the present
invention. The various modules and operations of the embodiment of the method
and system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects
according to the present invention are implemented in a single computer
software.
[0030] More specifically, the method and system 30 as illustrated in
Figure 2 is divided into four (4) main modules 32, 34, 36 and 40.
[0031] Module 32
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[0032] Module 32 puts together initial input data used in the process
of designing the road construction project.
[0033] Module 34
[0034] Module 34 determines the underground layers that form the
foundations, based on the input data provided from module 32.
[0035] Module 36
[0036] Once the underground layers have been determined, module
36 is concerned with the phase of design of the road. Module 36 is designed to
generate a scenario of road construction project. Sub-module 38 performs a
recursive loop; more specifically the operation performed by module 36 is
repeated for generating a plurality of scenarios out of which an optimal
scenario
is selected.
[0037] Module 40
[0038] The function of module 40 is to produce drawings and
specifications of the optimal scenario as selected by sub-module 38.
[0039] Once the operations performed by the module 40 have been
completed, the drawings and specifications are ready to be contracted out and
the road is ready to be constructed on site in accordance with the
specifications
established in module 40.
[0040] As illustrated in Figure 2, the main modules 32, 34, 36 and 40
each comprise several sub-modules for achieving their respective tasks.
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[0041] Module 32
[0042] More specifically, the first main module 32 comprises three
sub-modules; a sub-module 42 for creating/editing a digital land model, a sub-
module 44 for drawing a sketch, and a sub-module 46 for inputting other input
initial data.
[0043] Sub-module 42
[0044] Figure 3 illustrates a sub-module 42 of the input data module
32 of the method and system for designing, executing and managing road
construction projects according to Figure 2.
[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the main objective of the sub-module
42 is to create/edit a digital land model. More specifically, the sub-module
42
generates an input reference natural land surface used for the rest of the
design
process. For that purpose, it is possible to build a land surface from scratch
but
in most of cases, land surfaces are already built and available from existing
land
surveying databases. These land surface data can be imported in the sub-
module 42 in different formats such as AutoCadTM files (DWG), LandXMLTM, text
files (DAT) and directly from electronic notebooks used in the fields.
Sometimes,
the land surface data come in batches and it is necessary to merge the batches
together in order to generate a single surface representing the reference
natural
land surface. For the surfaces to be represented in space, they have first to
be
triangulated. Surface triangulation may be performed, for example, through the
triangulation algorithm of Delaunay. To do so, an external border must be
identified and interior lines or breaklines have also to be specified so that
a
surface corresponding properly to the real surface can be obtained.
Furthermore, it is possible to cut out the reference land surface in order to
create
a significant corridor space. Indeed, the area demarcated by surveying data is
sometimes very large. Thus, it is useful to reduce the workspace by keeping
only
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the points located in the defined corridor space. Also, different display
tools are
available in order to show a preview of the generated surface(s). For example,
topographic curves can be displayed and triangulated surfaces can be shown in
three dimensions (3-D) via an isometric view.
[0046] To summarize, the sub-module 42 receives as inputs land
surface data from AutoCAD files, LandXML, text files and/or electronic
notebooks. Then the sub-module 42 performs the above-described tasks of
surface merging, surface triangulation, surfaces cuttin, etc. in order to
create a
reference natural land surface as output.
[0047] Sub-module 44
[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a sub-module 44 for producing a survey
plan forming part of the input data module 32 of the method and system for
designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[0049] A survey plan is a topographic drawing of the real land. The
survey plan is used as a planning basis in different portions of a road
construction project. Depending on the nature and extent of the road
construction project, the survey plan can present planimetric and/or
altimetric
elements necessary to the decision-making process. Furthermore, the survey
plan is used as an initial drawing reference in several portions of the
software.
The survey plan uses a system of x, y and z coordinates and is structured with
a
superposition of tracings. Each tracing is made of entities such as a single
point,
a polyline (a series of points joined together by lines), an image, a symbol
(a
gathering of entities), a text and an arc. The sub-module 44 offers a great
flexibility in obtaining the survey plan. Indeed, a topographic drawing can be
created with a suitable drawing tool included in the software of the method
and
system 30 for designing, executing and managing road construction projects or
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can be imported from a data file in different formats such as text, AutoCad,
Vision PIusTM or from an electronic notebook. The imported data file can of
course be subsequently modified. The drawing tool may comprise several
functionalities, for example the creation of effects of closeness and distance
through zooming. The user can measure distances and surfaces and can also
add a new entity in different manners to other entities already appearing in
the
survey plan. The survey plan can be saved in the database of the software in
several formats such as AutoCad format. It is also possible to export data
from
the survey plan to the drawings and specifications.
[0050] To summarize, as illustrated in Figure 4, the sub-module 44
receives input data from AutoCAD files, surveying data and/or electronic
notebook data and uses the received data to construct the survey plan.
[0051] Sub-module 46
[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a sub-module 46 of the input data module
32 of the method and system for designing, executing and managing road
construction projects according to Figure 2.
[0053] Referring to Figure 5, the sub-module 46 is provided to
receive other basic data for use by the designer as guidelines throughout the
designing process of a road construction project. These basic data can be only
changed by the system administrator, not by the end users. However, once
these data are imported into a newly created road construction project, they
become independent and can be modified at will according to the user's or
designer's needs. The basic data are all included in one library. It is
possible to
define more than one library. Each library may contain a list of tracings, a
list of
Pcodes, a list of symbols, working codes, materials, typical cross sections, a
list
of parameterized surfaces, a list of parameterized elements and design models.
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AII of these data are used later on to accelerate and guide the designing
process.
[0054] To summarize, as illustrated in Figure 5, the sub-module 46
receives as inputs road construction norms and standards and outputs basic
data useful for the road design module 36.
[0055] Module 34
10056] Once the input data have been received and/or generated by
the input data module 32, these input data are used as input for the second
module 34 for determining underground layers of the road construction project.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the module 34 comprises three sub-modules, a sub-
module 50 for creating/editing preliminary alignments, a sub-module 52 for
acquiring surveying data and a sub-module 54 for generating land surfaces.
[0057] Sub-module 50
[0058] Figure 6 illustrates the preliminary alignment creating/editing
sub-module 50 of the underground layers determining module 34 of the method
and system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects
according to Figure 2.
[0059] An objective of the sub-module 50 is to build a preliminary
alignment which will be used thereafter during the definition of the
underground
layers and for the acquisition of surveying data. For example, a horizontal
alignment of a road corresponds to a bird's eye view of the road alignment. An
alignment is made from a 2 dimensional coordinate (x , y) system, comprising
starting points, ending points, tangents, points of intersection and curves.
Curves can be of two types: circular curves or spirals. An alignment can be
created from scratch; however horizontal alignments are usually built based on
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the survey plan from sub-module 44. It is therefore possible to identify with
precision some relevant elements of the survey plan. Also, the reference
natural
land surface from sub-module 44 can be used to guide building of the
preliminary alignment. However, there already exists several data in Land XML
or standand text formats which can be easily imported into the sub-module 50
for modification or to be used as is. There also exists several input data
that can
be used for correctly building an alignment. These input data can take various
forms, for example the type of environment (rural or urban), the speed of
design,
the average daily output (YADO), etc. These data, combined with defined design
standards, help the designer to create combinations of tangents, curves and
spirals in agreement with the required safety rules (Curve-Curve (CC), Curve-
Spiral (CS), Spiral-Curve (SC), etc). Alignment editing is initially carried
out
graphically, but can also be done in text mode for more precision. The editing
process is provided with a complete system of constraints for assisting the
designer in his work. Constraints are geometrical forms that restrict a
movement.
Constraints can be applied to individual tangents or to the whole alignment.
For
example, a constraint applied to a tangent can be a point constraint which
limits
the location of points where the tangent can be moved. Another example is the
direction constraint, which forces the tangent to keep the same direction.
Many
other constraints, for example external and displacement constraints known to
those of ordinary skill in the art can be applied. Finally, several related
auxiliary
tools are available to create preliminary alignments such as: tools to shift
an
alignment, to merge two alignments, to reverse an alignment, to shorten an
alignment.
[0060] The sub-module 50 receives as input the reference natural
land surface from sub-module 42, the survey plan from sub-module 44,
LandXML and text files and other basic data from sub-module 46 in order to
create a preliminary alignment as an output of the sub-module 50.
[0061] Sub-module 52
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[0062] Figure 7 illustrates the surveying data acquiring sub-module
50 of the underground layers determining module 34 of the method and system
for designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[0063] The function of the sub-module 52 is to define underground
surveys in order for the module 54 to generate underground surfaces as will be
described hereinbelow. Surveys are generally defined in terms of sections
according to the preliminary alignment and they are used to model the
underground layers. For each survey, a series of materials with their
respective
thicknesses have first to be determined. Secondly, the transversal relations
governing the materials have to be determined. Finally, the longitudinal
relations
between the surveying sections have to be defined.
[0064] The sub-module 52 receives as input the original land
generated by sub-module 42, the preliminary alignment from sub-module 50,
and some basic data regarding the materials from sub-module 46 in order to
output surveying data, transversal relations and a longitudinal scheme, which
are all used to obtain continuous underground layers over the entire
workspace.
[0065] Sub-module 54
[0066] Figure 8 illustrates the land surfaces generating sub-module
54 of the underground layers determining module 34 of the method and system
for designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[0067] The function of the sub-module 54 is to generate triangulated
land surfaces according to the reference natural land surface from sub-module
42, and the surveying data, transversal relations and longitudinal scheme from
sub-module 52. A land surface is represented with a hierarchical list in a
tree
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form and is considered as objects made with points, lines and results from
triangulation.
[0068] The points related to the underground layers are interpolated
in relation to the cross sections obtained during the surveys and their
relations.
The triangles of the underground layers situated at the boundaries of the work
area are truncated and reorganized in order to respect these limits.
[0069] The sub-module 54 receives as inputs the reference natural
land surface from sub-module 42, the surveying data, transversal relations and
longitudinal scheme from sub-module 52 and then, generates the underground
layers outputs the generated land surfaces which can be used by several other
modules, as will be explained in the following description.
[0070] Module 36
[0071] Once the underground layers have been generated in module
34, the road design module 36 is used to design several scenarios of road
projects until a final scenario, meeting all the requirements, is selected.
Therefore, the road design module 36 is provided with an iterative loop,
including road design module 36, optimal scenario selecting module 38,
scenario sub-module 101 and loop 102, for generating scenarios until a final
scenario is selected in optimal scenario selecting module 38.
[0072] The road design module 36 comprises six sub-modules, a
sub-module 60 for creating/editing horizontal alignments and superelevation, a
sub-module 62 for creating/editing vertical profiles, a sub-module 64 for
creating/editing design surfaces and 3D views, a sub-module 66 for calculating
theoretical quantities, a sub-module 68 for defining right-of-way and a sub-
module 70 for validating the design criteria.
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[0073] Figure 9 illustrates the iterative loop for generating scenarios.
This loop allows the designer to create several iterations for a given
problem.
Indeed, results for various scenarios can be calculated and thus the impact of
one scenario over the others can be evaluated in order to choose an optimal
scenario to be the final scenario. Each scenario with its specific data is
cornpleteiy independent from each other. A scenario is generated by the road
design module 36 using results from the prior modules and sub-modules: the
survey plan from sub-module 44, the preliminary alignment from sub-module 50,
land surfaces from sub-module 54 and the basic data from sub-module 46. The
orientation of a scenario is given by a main horizontal alignment and its
associated vertical profile. Then, a set of superelevation, design surfaces
and
right-of-way are associated to this horizontal alignment. Moreover, the design
procedure is based on design criteria such as the speed of design, the average
daily output, etc. When the road is designed according to the rules of the
art, the
theoretical quantities involved in such a design can be calculated. Finally,
after a
comparison between all the generated scenarios, the optimal scenario is chosen
by the optimal scenario selecting module using a value given by the
theoretical
quantities.
[0074] Sub-module 60
[0075] Figure 10 illustrates the sub-module 60 for creating/editing
horizontal alignments and superelevation of the road design module 36 of the
method and system for designing, executing and managing road construction
projects according to Figure 2.
[0076] The function of the sub-module 60 is to build the main
horizontal alignment as well as secondary horizontal alignments, which will be
used thereafter during creation/edition of the vertical profiles, management
of
the superelevation, creation/edition of design surfaces, definition of the
right-of-
way and finally during calculation of the theoretical quantities.
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[0077] These alignments can be created from scratch. However,
horizontal alignments are usually built based on the survey plan. That is why
it is
possible to identify with precision some relevant elements of the survey plan.
Moreover, the reference natural land surface can be also used to guide the
construction of the alignment. However, there already exists data in XML file
format or in standard text files which can be easily imported in the module 60
for
modification or usage as such.
[0078] In addition, there are several basic data for building proper
alignments. These data can take various forms: type of environment (rural or
urban), speed of design, daily average output (YADO), etc. These data,
combined with predefined design standards, allow the designer to create
combinations of tangents, curves and spirals in agreement with the required
safety rules (Curve-Curve (DC), Curve-Spiral (CS), Spiral-Curve (SC), etc).
[0079] Alignment editing is essentially carried out graphically, but it
can also be done in a text mode for more precision. The editing process is
provided with a complete system of external (point, poly-line, polygon) and
displacement (point with or without shift, direction) constraints for
assisting the
designer in his work.
[0080] Finally, several related auxiliary tools are available to create
horizontal alignments such as: tools to shift an alignment, to merge two
alignments, to reverse an alignment, to shorten an alignment, etc.
[0081] Therefore, the sub-module 60 receives as input the reference
natural land surface from sub-module 42, the survey plan from sub-module 44,
and the basic data from sub-module 46, LandXML, test files (ASC) to create a
main alignment and secondary alignments which will be used in several
subsequent modules and sub-modules as will be described hereinafter. A main
alignment of a scenario can contain vertical profiles, design surfaces,
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superelevation and right-of-way, which is not the case for a secondary
alignment.
[0082] Figure 11 illustrates a second portion of the sub-module 60
which is concerned with managing the superelevation. The function of the
second portion of the sub-module 60 is to assist the designer during the
management of the superelevation of the road curves. The management of the
superelevation is carried out over two distinct portions of the road: the
paving
and the shoulder. Depending on different factors such as the speed of design
and the radius of the involved curves, the sub-module 60 calculates the
percentages of superelevation and the suitable slopes of transition. Whenever
required, the sub-module 60 is able to manage superelevation conflicts by
using
various methods. For instance, when tangents between curves are short,
transition zones can overlap each other. To solve this kind of conflicts, a
window
with many options is provided. The options consist, for example, of reducing a
length of transition or eliminating transition zones. Finally, by using
surfaces
design, it is possible to select a pivot element different from the normally
used
central line.
[0083] To operate, the superelevation management portion of the
sub-module 60 is used in relation to an horizontal alignment. Then, it is
possible
to apply superelevation(s) defined in sub-module 60 directly to the design
surfaces.
[0084] The superelevation managing portion of the sub-module 60
receives as input a horizontal alignment from sub-module 60, design surfaces
and basic data from sub-module 46 in order to produce a superelevation that
can directly be related to design surfaces.
[0085] Sub-module 62
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[0086] Figure 12 illustrates the sub-module 62 for creating/editing
vertical profiles of the road design module 36 of the method and system for
designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[0087] The function of the sub-module 62 is. to build the vertical
profile associated with a horizontal alignment. The vertical profile combined
with
its horizontal alignment represent the center line of the road in three
dimensions.
[0088] The vertical profile is similar to the horizontal alignment. It is
represented in a two-dimensional system along axes x and z. The coordinate x
corresponds to a chaining and the coordinate z to an elevation. Actually, the
vertical profile corresponds to a side view of the horizontal alignment of the
road.
The vertical profile is made from elements such as points, tangents and
curves.
Each vertical profile has one starting point and one ending point. The curves
are
given by parabolas.
[0089] The vertical profile can be built on the basis of the land
surfaces from sub-module 54, even though there already exists data for the
vertical profiles under the form of LandXML files or standard text files
(ASC).
These files can be easily imported in the sub-module 62 in order to be
modified
or used as such.
[0090] In addition, there are several basic data used for building
correctly a vertical profile. These basic data can take various forms: type of
environment (rural or urban), speed of design, average daily output (YADO),
etc.
These basic data, combined with predefined standards of design allow the
designer to create suitable parabolas in agreement with required safety and
construction rules.
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[0091] Vertical profile editing is essentially carried out graphically, but
it can also be done in a text mode for more precision. Furthermore the whole
editing process is strongly supported by a complete system of constraints for
assisting the designer in his work. Constraints are geometrical forms that
restrict
a movement. Constraints can be applied to a tangent or the whole vertical
profile. For example, constraints applied to a tangent comprise point
constraints
and direction constraints. Point constraints limit location points where a
user can
move the tangent. And direction constraints force a tangent to keep the same
slope.
[0092] The sub-module 62 receives as input the horizontal alignment
produced by sub-module 60, the land surfaces from sub-module 54, LandXML
and text (ASC) files and produces as output a vertical profile.
[0093] Sub-module 64
[0094] Figure 13 illustrates the sub-module 64 for creatinglediting
design surfaces and 3D views of the road design module 36 of the method and
system for designing, executing and managing road construction projects
according to Figure 2.
[0095] The function of the sub-module 64 is to define the structure of
the roadway. But before doing that, typical basic road cross sections are
chosen
or created. After that, it will be possible to perform a projection of these
road
cross sections onto the associated horizontal alignment. The road cross
sections
are used to create a road structure to be replicated along a horizontal
alignment
and a vertical profile. Creating an road cross section comprises creating a
road
surface layer called template, and an underground structure holding the
template. In addition, the road cross section is used to determine the
elevation of
design surfaces with respect to the center line. The editing process of design
surfaces can be carried out about three view planes: cross section, elevation
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and plan. The editing process also enables graphical editing of various
elements
of the road. Design surfaces can attach precisely to any land surfaces, but in
most of the cases the designer is interested in natural land and rock.
[0096] Many manipulations of the design surfaces are possible: add
a new surface, merge two surfaces, copy or remove a surface. Also, a multitude
of functionalities can be used to manipulate the elements of design surfaces.
Superelevations can also interact and define design surfaces by applying
appropriate slopes in the curves of the horizontal alignment.
[0097] The sub-module 64 receives as input the horizontal alignment
from the sub-module 60, the vertical profile from the sub-module 62, the
superelevation from the sub-module 60 and the land surfaces from the sub-
module 54 in order to create design surfaces which will be used later on to
calculate the theoretical quantities involved in such a road design.
[0098] Sub-module 66
[0099] Figure 14 illustrates the sub-module 66 for calculating
theoretical quantities of the road design module 36 of the method and system
for
designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[00100] The function of the sub-module 66 is to calculate the
quantities of various materials invotved in the design of a road project:
excavation, embankment, structure of the roadway, areas and linear elements.
[00101] The theoretical quantities are calculated in relation to the axis
of the horizontal alignment and in respect to the right-of-way. Calculation of
quantities comprises determining quantities of excavated and filling
materials,
pavement structure, areas and uninterrupted line features. It is possible to
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generate several significant reports such as, for example, reports on areas
calculations, on the pavement structure, etc. These reports can sometimes be
edited and different factors (length, area, volume, factors of utilization and
factor
of filling in the report or use of the excavated materials, etc.) can be
changed
since they are set as modifiable parameters thus giving a great flexibility to
the
designer.
[00102] Finally, the theoretical quantities are used to determine the
value of a scenario compared to another. Indeed, a deep analysis of the
theoretical quantities can reveal a lot of information on the costs related to
road
construction and thus help the user to select a given, optimal scenario.
[00103] The sub-module 66 receives as input the horizontal alignment
from sub-module 60, the land surfaces from sub-module 54, the design surfaces
from sub-module 64 and the right-of-way to calculate the theoretical
quantities.
[00104] Sub-module 68
[00105] Figure 15 illustrates the sub-module 68 for defining right-of-
way of the road design module 36 of the method and system for designing,
executing and managing road construction projects according to Figure 2.
[00106] The right-of-way represents the work area related to the
design of a road project, meaning that it gives the limits of the area that
can be
used for the construction of the new road. More specifically, the right-of-way
determines the limits between public property and private property. The right-
of-
way also has a legal value. The right-of-way is defined as a function of the
horizontal alignment, but is also based on the land surfaces and survey plan.
The initial right-of-way is shown as a function of the structure of the
pavement.
This right-of-way represents usually the right-of-way in its raw state defined
as a
function of the chaining of the design surfaces. This initial right-of-way is
thus
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very irregular. This is why a nominal right-of-way is defined in order to
regularize
the right-of-way that is required.
[00107] The sub-module 68 receives as input the horizontal alignment
from sub-module 60, the land surfaces from sub-module 54, the design surfaces
from sub-module 64 and the plan survey from sub-module 44 to define the right-
of-way that is used to edit the design surfaces and the drawings.
[00108] Sub-module 70
[00109] Figure 16 illustrates the sub-module 70 for validating the
design criteria of the road design module 36 of the method and system for
designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[00110] Basic data allow for checking whether certain standards of
road design and construction have been met during various changes that can
occur throughout the preparation of a project. These basic data include:
[00111] Reference speed: The reference speed corresponds to the
speed of design. This criteria enables validation as to whether the horizontal
alignment, the road cross sections and the superelevation meet with the
different
standards related to road design and construction.
[00112] YADO (Yearly Average Daily Output): YADO corresponds to
the flow of road traffic per day in terms of vehicles. With YADO and the
functional classification as defined hereinbelow of the projected road, it is
possible to validate whether a template meets with the road cross sections as
dictated by the standards of road design and construction.
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[00113] Classification of the road: The roads are classified according
to their function such as highway, main road, regional road, collector road or
local road. With the functional classification of the road and the YADO, it is
possible to validate whether a template meets with the road cross section of
the
established standards of road design and construction. The classification of
the
road also permits to determine whether the slopes of the road cross section
meets with the standards.
[00114] Environment: The projected road is in rural or urban
environments. Several standards apply to one or the other environment.
[00115] Type of roads: In rural environment, the road type (road cross
section from TYPE A to TYPE F) results from the YADO and the functional
classification of the projected road. These criteria are indicated on the
standardized drawings (DN) 1-5-001 to 1-5-006. Other standardized drawings
apply to roads with separate pavements in a rural environment with a YADO
higher than 10000 vehicles per day and to roads in an urban environment. The
standardized drawings will be provided during the design of a road
construction
project. With these data, it is possible to validate whether the template
meets
with the requirements of the road cross section according to the road design
and
constructions standards.
[00116] The sub-module 70 receives as input the standards and
based on the different basic data, produces and outputs the design criteria.
[00117] Once the road design has been completed by the module 36,
a corresponding scenario is generated. At this point, a recursive loop steps
in
(module 38, loop 102 and sub-module 101). Indeed, the road design is repeated
by module 36 a desired number of times, determined by the user. When the
desired number of scenarios has been obtained, comparison between each
scenario is performed by module 38 to select the optimal one of these
scenarios.
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As indicated in the foregoing description, a deep analysis of the theoretical
quantities from sub-module 66 can reveal a lot of information on the costs
related to road construction and thus help the user to select a given, optimal
scenario. It is however within the scope of the present invention to use a
number
of other parameters and/or methods to select the optimal scenario.
[00118] Module 40
[00119] Once the final scenario from the road design module 36 has
been selected and accepted, the last module 40 produces drawings and
specifications corresponding to the selected, optimal scenario. Module 40
comprises a sub-module 72 for producing the drawings and specifications as a
function of the optimal scenario selected by sub-module 38.
[00120] Sub-module 72
[00121] Figure 17 illustrates the sub-module 72 for generating the
drawings and specifications of the module 40 of the method and system for
designing, executing and managing road construction projects according to
Figure 2.
[00122] One of the last steps of the road design is the preparation of
the drawings and specifications. This step consists of generating the drawings
and specifications in accordance with the selected scenario. The drawings and
specifications contain the details of the work to be carried out in order to
construct the road. It can be based on the survey plan or on an existing
AutoCAD drawing. However, mechanisms are implemented so that the drawings
and specifications can be only obtained from the selected optimal scenario.
[00123] The preparation of the drawings and specifications involves a
complete system of management of pages and cartridges in order to facilitate
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the operations of the designer. It is also possible to parameterize the pages
according to the requirements of the intended application by using a number of
different views, for example, plan views, elevation views, cross sectional
views,
etc. Cartridges contain attributes (parametric information addressed to
designers
of the drawings and specifications) and recapitulating data concerning
drawings
found on the pages. Finally, several tools are implemented for allowing the
addition of annotations.
[00124] The sub-module 72 receives as input AutoCAD drawings, the
survey plan from sub-module 44, and the selected optimal scenario from sub-
module 38 in order to generate the drawings and specifications related to this
optimal scenario.
[00125] Once the drawings and specifications are contracted out
through, for example, a call for tenders 103, the construction of the road
according to the drawings and specifications may be undertaken. Once the
construction begins, the executed quantities can be monitored and calculated
by
the sub-module 74.
[00126] Sub-module 74
[00127] Figure 18 illustrates the sub-module 74 for monitoring and
calculating the executed quantities.
[00128] The objective of the sub-module 74 is to monitor and calculate
the executed quantities of excavation and embankment which are really carried
out on the site. By comparing them with the theoretical quantities calculated
by
sub-module 66, it is possible to detect differences between the theoretical
quantities and the quantities really executed on the site. Indeed, the non
executed quantities can be set apart from those which have been executed.
Moreover, it is also possible to convert generally non-payable quantities into
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payable quantities for various reasons as defined by the involved parties. The
executed quantities are calculated in relation to the axis of horizontal
alignment.
It is finally possible to generate reports exposing details related to the
executed
quantities which were calculated.
[00129] In this manner, the managers can monitor in real time the
executed quantities to allow them to keep track of the progress in the
execution
of the road construction project. The managers accordingly detect immediately
that the anticipated budget for the execution of the project is respected or
exceeded.
[00130] Given the horizontal alignment from sub-module 60, the land
surfaces from sub-module 54 and the design surfaces from sub-module 64, the
sub-module 74 calculates the executed quantities.
[00131] Although the present invention has been described in the
foregoing specification by means of a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment,
this
illustrative embodiment can be modified at will within the scope of the
appended
claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
