Making Tracks Schools Engineering Challenge

briefing

Syllabus linksMaking Tracks Schools Engineering Challenge : • developed to promote understanding of rail engineering • developed to support Stage 5 Industrial Technology (Engineering)• focusses on Control Systems module (year 10)• focusses on Engineering Structures module (Year 9)It provides an authentic exercise that:• emulates real life rail engineering methodology• involves variables a rail engineer would need to consider and apply• uses realistic (but not actual) costings• involves communication through written reporting, drawing and a presentation• has a significant hands-on practical component involving modelling.

The Challenge

Each school team is to:• design a new railway system for a hypothetical

location not currently serviced by train• solve specific problems related to the development

of the new system • create a model of a section of their new railway

system.

To succeed in The Challenge, the teams must have an understanding of the different engineering roles that exist, and how they work together. These engineering roles can include:– Civil engineering– Electrical engineering– Mechanical engineering– Signal design engineering– Project management.

The scenario consists of a detailed topographic map showing the geographical area for which the new system is being developed and a set of design specifications which will be used to inform student decisions throughout the project. Teams will plan an appropriate route for the new railway system, taking into account factors such as:– geography and topography– demographics– cost effectiveness

– social and environmental impacts of the new railway system. – physical limitations of a railway system

Teams will submit:• Engineering Report containing design development, analysis

and evaluation of the solution. See website for template.• A3 map of the proposed route for the new system.• Scale model of a short section of the railway system.• Team presentation.

The scenario

Your challenge is to design a new railway system to link the growing regional centre of Dawton, which will incorporate a new steelworks plant and related industrial estate, with the existing north bound railway line via Port Dawton and Rydale.

The scenario states some initial conditions:• the solution must integrate with current vehicle roads• 20% of the stated population (160,000) will use the system at the peak

time, the system needs to accommodate this load.• 80% of passengers will commute to neighbouring township, remaining

20% will commute to outside the region• a dedicated freight line is required between the steelworks and Port

Dawton.• a double track between Dawton and the north-bound line which could be

made bi-directional is a possibility

The EIS

• The Challenge assumes an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed, as would be the case in a real project of this scale.

• Four issues have been identified. These will need to be considered when planning your route and should be addressed in the Engineering report.

EIS

The Commissioner from the Land and Environment Court has identified the following issues to be addressed in the final design:

• If the track is to pass through the built-up areas on the topographical map a tunnel must be used.

• The Rydale Creek area has a convict built culvert of historical significance which may be utilised but not damaged.

• Mount Rydale has cultural significance for the local indigenous communities and cannot be disturbed in any way.

• A recent survey of the Dawton river ecosystem, 5 kilometres from the river mouth, discovered habitats supporting several species of aquatic flora and fauna that are considered at risk. The survey recommended that these areas be preserved in their current state to allow the habitats for the endangered species to flourish. As developers of the new rail system you have been asked to consider a route for the new system that will minimise disturbance to this sensitive habitat.

The specifications

The design specifications include all the data you need to complete the challenge:•Definitions, which include explanations of rail and challenge terminology. Some include essential information.•Rolling Stock data: train capacities•Track curvature table: varies with speed•Costing•Graphs for calculating acceleration, braking distances and sighting distance to signals

The map

• The map complies with CMA standards (like a typical topographical map) except for the odd invented symbol.

• The maximum grade allowed (1 in 30) equates to crossing no more than 3 contours per grid square. Steeper gradients require cutting/filling.

• Spanning the rivers require different bridge types to be used (see Design Specifications).

• The EIS includes issues that relate to areas on the map.

Map notes

• The creeks in the map are all less than 20m wide. The Dawton River is more than 20m wide throughout its length shown on the map. The width of creek through the swampy area can be measured using the map scale.

• The Dawton River is tidal and is used for recreational purposes. There would need to be an under bridge clearance of 6 metres above high water.

• The last substation is 2km before the end of the existing rail line.

The model

It is anticipated modelling will take a significant amount of class time, including:

•an optional model of the topographic map to allow students to visualise the landscape more easily•a model of the bridge over the Dawton River (Year 9 and 10)•a model of the signalling at the Port Dawton junction•URLs for several circuits (many of which are quite complex) are included in the Resource section of the Teacher’s Handbook.

•a model scaled to the size of the presentation board – maximum A2.

• executive summary• criteria to be considered for an effective solution• features, with justification, of the proposed solution• rationale for the solution in terms of engineering,

societal, environmental and economic factors (EIS)• timeline• budget using supplied spreadsheet• evaluation• references and acknowledgements of 3rd party help• appendices: research, calculations, sketches, plans

Team Solution: Engineering Report

• To show proposed route plus infrastructure (signals, stations, substations, bridges, tunnels, embankments etc)

• can be done on the map in pen/pencil or with CAD over the PDF image of the map (symbols could be a bit time consuming?) A printout will need to be submitted rather than a digital version

Team Solution: Map

• the track from and including the Dawton River crossing

• include a functioning circuit simulating the signalling required for the junction at Port Dawton between dedicated freight line and the passenger/freight line.

• model is not to be made from a kit. A purchased PCB may be used as students will not be assessed on the construction of the circuit, just how it works

• include brief instructions so an assessor could operate it

• scale to be based on track obtained

• maximum size is A2

Team solution: Year 10 Model

Team Solution: Year 9 Model

• a bridge where the railway line crosses the Dawton River

• model is not to be made from a kit• scale to be based on track obtained• maximum size is A2

• a justification of the proposed route (from the engineering report). Delivery of content will be assessed

• demonstration of the model• answering questions on the submission• all students are to be involved in the presentation

Team solution: Presentation