Route Optimization

Roadway and Rail Alignment Optimization - QUANTM Alignment Solutions

C A Group is one of the foremost leaders in the use of the Quantm route optimization system. Our engineers and planners have used the system to optimize alignments for over $12.7 Billion ($U.S.) in construction value projects. Below is a brief description of the Quantm System followed by a list of projects where C A group has utilized the Quantm System.

Quantm System Overview

The Quantm Alignment Planning system supports road and rail planners and engineers through the complex process of selecting and generating 3D corridors and alignments. Its unique route optimization technology generates millions of alternative alignments and returns up to 50 of the most cost efficient options for review by various stakeholders.

In over 20,000 km of delivered alignments, the system has consistently enabled planners and engineers to reduce project planning time, substantially lower alignment construction cost, and deliver improved alignments that meet environmental, heritage, urban constraints, and design standards set by each project.

Quantm alignment optimization is available in two user methods:

The Quantm System uses a thin client and advanced IT technology to access data that is processed on the Quantm server. Suitable for road, rail, and mine access projects of unlimited distance, the Quantm System is implemented on a consultative project-by-project basis.
The Quantm Desktop software has been optimized to process alignments locally on the user's computer. It is ideal for short distance road projects up to 20km x 20km (approximately 25 square miles) such as local and regional roads, bypasses and ring roads and others. The Quantm Desktop also allows the customer to use the software for multiple projects rather than on a project-by-project basis.

The Quantm Desktop software has been optimized to process alignments locally on the user's computer. It is ideal for short distance road projects up to 20km x 20km (approximately 25 square miles) such as local and regional roads, bypasses and ring roads and others. The Quantm Desktop also allows the customer to use the software for multiple projects rather than on a project-by-project basis.

Overview

Quantm Alignment Planning Solution simultaneously considers all environmental, cost, cultural and community issues involved in planning a new road or rail project, thus substantially reducing the planning time and alignment construction cost. A project planner or engineer can investigate literally millions of alternative alignments for any given set of constraints. The system enables a holistic approach that integrates all elements and delivers a range of alignment alternatives that best meet the relevant environmental, cultural, social, engineering and cost constraints. The resulting options can be analyzed quickly to address stakeholder concerns and maintain the momentum of the road project. The Quantm System outputs are customer friendly and beneficial for public presentation through the NEPA or other planning processes. The final approved alignment can be easily exported using industry standard formats, such as LandXML for detailed design.

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 Quantm Alignment Planning System 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 almost immediately for projects under 20km and within 48 working hours for larger projects. 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 Quantm Alignment Planning System was identified as one of these emerging technologies that support the integration of environmental considerations into transportation planning.

Reduced Project Planning Time and Delays

The current industry approach to road and rail 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 Quantm Alignment Planning Solutions encourage cooperation between the road/rail 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/Rail Construction Cost Savings

The 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 and 20% for rail, when compared to results determined using the previous industry best practice planning method.

Reports and Audits

As more governments require extensive impact studies and supporting documentation, the Quantm Alignment Planning Solutions have become essential tools for road and 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 and railways. Planners and engineers can use the 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.

Project where C A Group has successfully used the Quantm system include:

Pyramid Highway US 395 Connection EIS, Washoe County, NV
Boulder City Bypass Phase 2 - US 95 to Hoover Dam Bypass, Boulder City, NV
Toluca-Puebla Highway, Mexico City, Mexico