A swept path analysis is a vital part of upholding road safety standards; this is why it's likely that developers will need to have one.
What is a swept path?
A swept path is the term for the amount of space a car needs to do a complete maneuver in and out of an entrance, car park, or parking spot.
How do you draw a swept path?
Typically drawn through computer simulation software, a swept path is drawn by tracking a vehicle's movements and outlining the vehicle's space to move around the area safely.
Swept path diagrams show all relevant swept paths charting vehicle movement across the appropriate area.
What is a swept path analysis?
A swept path analysis is a visual simulation that uses computer programs to simulate how a vehicle moves when it does not move in a straight line, such as when it is turning or maneuvering in and out of parking spaces.
The purpose of a swept path analysis is to ensure that vehicles can safely and efficiently move around a road, shared space, or car park.
In residential developments, you may need to determine how a car maneuvers in, around, or out of the property.
You may need to look at how larger vehicles such as a semi-trailer or B-double will be able to maneuver around a commercial development.
Swept path analysis: checking basic vehicle access
The critical elements of a swept path analysis are determining -
How will cars move in and out of parking spaces?
How will cars move in and out of the entire car park?
As part of the swept path analysis, we also analyse cars themselves. We look at the vehicle:
width and length.
steering angle.
lock-to-lock time.
Another critical yet, often overlooked element of a swept path analysis, is vehicle clearance.
Taking vehicle clearance into account when conducting a swept path analysis ensures that cars can comfortably park and not be hard-up against a column or wall. Developers should take vehicle clearance into account on all sides of the parking space.
When we run our swept path analysis simulations, the adequate clearance will depend on the vehicle class and maneuver type. However, we will typically adopt the Australian standard 300mm clearance. Following the standard will ensure that you have adequate clearance both front and side when you are parking your vehicle. Therefore, you aren't at risk of striking objects on either side of the parking spaces.
Swept path analysis in road design
Engineers design roads in accordance with swept path principles.
A swept path analysis ensures that all road designs are as safe and efficient as possible for traffic.
Swept path analysis in townhouse designs
Planning approval often asks developers to show that a car can maneuver on the site in a way that allows them to exist in a forward direction. Ensuring a swept path that allows easy movement is a significant issue for residential developments such as townhouses.
You will need to consider various elements when conducting a swept path analysis for townhouse designs.
They are:
garage door opening width.
projection of building in front of the garages (you might have an extensive access aisle, but if the building itself projects significantly in front of the garage it can be difficult for cars to maneuver past the projection).
Swept path calculations
Quantum Traffic runs swept path analysis simulations under the Australian standard.
The standards outline the key parameters for specific vehicle types.
A swept path analysis will determine whether the current design for a development is functional, and if not, what amount of changes developers need to make.
When is a swept path analysis needed?
A swept path analysis is necessary for developments with a non-standard design that doesn't fall into the exact parameters of standard building dimensions.
In this case, a swept path analysis will demonstrate that what has been designed works and is as functional as a standard car park.
Road authorities, councils, and government departments will also ask for swept path analysis in particular situations. These bodies will ask for the opinion of traffic engineers as a condition of planning approval.
Swept path analysis cost
For developers working on non-standard designs, not getting a swept path analysis done can significantly impact the leasable or saleable floor area that you can generate.
Quantum Traffic helps architects, councils, and developers conduct a swept path analysis that will ensure the usability of any development.
Swept path analysis cost will vary depending on the type of development. For a free, no-obligation swept path analysis quote, get in contact with us.