An Overview of Swept Path Analysis: The Procedure and the Uses

Vehicle ownership rates have increased significantly over the past few decades. According to an independent study, there will be around 2 billion vehicles on the road by 2030. To manage the heavy vehicle traffic and ensure safe and hassle-free commutation, for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, traffic engineering projects must include comprehensive analysis of vehicle movement patterns. At EB Traffic Solutions, we conduct comprehensive swept path analysis studies that include preparing swept path analysis diagrams and swept path analysis reports. The studies help identify current traffic management challenges and arrive at measures that can help address future issues. The blog post sheds more light on the process and the advantages of planning a swept path analysis study. Read on to learn more.

Swept Path Analysis: An Introduction

Swept path analysis studies focus on studying the way in which different components of a vehicle, including wheels, respond while maneuvering a turn. Researchers typically stress on calculating and analysing the movement and path of different parts, as the vehicle negotiates a turning manoeuvre, and also ascertains the space occupied by the vehicle body.

The Objective

Swept path analysis reports are prepared both for residential and commercial buildings. The central objective of the studies is to calculate the number of vehicles the building layout can accommodate. Engineers use these reports to design the road layout of the site. Researchers recommend new and improved layouts if they deem the current design unable to accommodate future traffic flows, volume, and speed.

The Process

Early swept path analysis was done manually and researchers prepared complex swept path analysis diagrams without the aid of any software. With time, however, intelligent CAD software has replaced the need for manual intervention. The tools animate vehicle paths and use multiple camera angles to produce 2D and 3D imagery. This software has extensive vehicle libraries to ensure that the appropriate vehicle is adopted for the design process.

The Uses

For Vehicle Designers

Vehicle designers can use swept path analysis reports to identify the manner in which a new vehicle will perform when maneuvering a turn, without having to design a prototype. Design software allow users to feed-in a range of data to make comparisons between the vehicle’s performance parameters and actual results.

Airport Design

Many providers offer specific software that help in designing sample infrastructure for airports. Such software uses state-of-the art technology to retrieve important data, including information about passenger and aircraft boarding, and airport specific vehicles to assist in the design of road network and car park layouts which can accommodate the range of vehicle types anticipated to use these systems.

Loading Dock Design

The design of loading docks or loading bay areas often require the use of swept path analysis software which uses the specific truck type to model the manoeuvring area required for a truck to safely enter and exit the loading dock system or area. This ensures that the most efficient area has been designed, which can often be a critical factor in the majority of development types.

Car Park Designs

Most software include parking tools that researchers can integrate with the main program to design and evaluate various car park layout designs. The module can help planners working on complex projects that include designing access points for lorry distribution center.

Conducting a swept path analysis study is also beneficial for infrastructure planners who can use the information that the software generates to determine the space required by vehicles to turn. Using the data helps them arrive at safer and feasible road layout designs.

Final few Words

Conducting a swept path analysis study is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety and feasibility of road layout designs.  The process is complex and involves a range of calculations, which is why you must consult experts before proceeding. If you’re in Melbourne or Sydney, EB Traffic can help. Our team of engineers has years of experience designing traffic management solutions, and can help you plan and execute your traffic engineering project, irrespective of its nature and scope. To learn more about our expertise, call us at 0408 395 729. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.