HLR Section 3.3
Route Data
| CONTENTS
3.3.1 | Create & Edit Standard Routes
| (1) | Create a New Standard HL Route
| (2) | Edit a Standard Heavy Load Route
| (3) | Delete a Standard Heavy Load Route from the Database
3.3.2 | Specify a Route for Analysis
| (1) | Select a Standard HL Route for Analysis
| (2) | Create a Composite HL Route for Analysis
| (3) | Create a Composite Route From Maps
| (4) | Analyse a Selected List of Structures
| (5) | Analyse Extra (Ad-Hoc) Structures at End of Route
3.3.3 | Print HL Route Data
3.3.4 | Save to Database
| Other Links: | Main Index | Links | Vehicle Data | Analysis Options |
3.3.1 Create & Edit Standard Routes
| Heavy Load Routes saved to the database for future use are refered to as "standard" routes. A heavy load route is described in terms of a series of links, or road sections, interconnected by nodes. It can be created in one of two ways - either by specifying the individual links making up the route; or by specifying whole or part sections of routes that have previously been defined and saved to the HL route database.
| (a) Specifying Individual Links Creating heavy load routes by specifying component links is performed by selecting, in turn, each required link from the link database. Discontinuities are allowed, although the system issues a warning that this has occurred and will present you with an opportunity for changing incorrect node numbers. This is the way in which most standard routes will initially be created. Refer to Section 3.3.1(1) below for details.
| (b) Specifying Component Routes In the alternative method, new standard routes can be created by specifying the ID number of existing standard routes and the portion of those routes to be included into the new route. In practice this is achieved by entering the start and end node number of that section of the existing route to be included into the new route. As in the previous method, discontinuities in the sequence of links making up the route are allowed. This method permits arbitrary sections of previously defined heavy load routes to be used, including a single link if necessary. This is the method generally used once a reasonable network of standard routes has already been created and saved to the database. Refer to Section 3.3.1(1) below for details.
| (c) Route Direction The notional "forward" direction of the route is assumed to be defined by the sequence of node numbers entered during the route creation stage. The first node in the first selected link constitutes the "start" node for the route. This convention allows vehicles to be moved along the route in the "reverse" direction if so desired. When a reverse analysis is performed, link node numbers and the order in which structures are analysed along the route are automatically inverted. Note that this reversal also applies to the span sequence of continuous bridges i.e. the HL vehicle is moved over the continuous structure in the correct sense.
| (1) Create a New Standard Heavy Load Route To create a new standard heavy load route select "Route / Create a standard route" from the menu bar. A dialog box will give you one of two route-creation options: Manually, using a series of contiguous links only; or Graphically, adding a series of route sections and/or links Note: Standard routes should not be created when a job is still active - always clear the current application beforehand. (From the Job ID form click "Clear all data & begin a new Application"). (a) Create a Route Manually The form shown below enables standard routes to be created manually. Note that the routes will only be composed of links. Enter: - A unique alpha-numeric route number (of up to 8 characters); - A route name/description; - Any number of links represented by their Start and End node numbers. Type in a Start Node followed by an End Node. After each End Node has been entered click the button labelled Add to List to add that link to the list. The route must be contiguous i.e. the start node number of any link in the list must be the same as the end node number of the immediately preceeding link. Breaks in the link sequence are not allowed using this method of creating standard routes. Refer also to Section 3.3.1(c) above for a discussion relating to route direction. (b) Create a Route Graphically Graphical route creation is done using the screen window shown in Section 3.3.2 below. A new route is composed by adding the required sections and/or links using either Append Section, Insert Section or Append Link. Note that the first sector in the new route must be selected from the database using the Get Standard Route button. Note also that link data must already be predefined in the database for the Append Link button to work. Standard routes should not be created when a job is still active - always clear the current application beforehand. Refer also to Section 3.3.1(c) above for a discussion relating to route direction.
| (2) Edit a Standard Heavy Load Route To edit an existing standard heavy load route select "Route / Edit a standard HL route in database" from the menu bar. A panel similar to that shown below will be displayed when this option is selected. Note: Standard routes should not be edited when a job is still active - always clear the current application beforehand. (From the Job ID form click "Clear all data & begin a new Application"). Add, delete or ammend links that make up the route as required. The link naming convention illustrated in the example form shown above must be adhered to viz: Each link must be entered on a separate line with a dash (hyphen symbol) separating the start and end nodes. If node numbers are less than three characters long they must be padded out with leading zeros (e.g. link 6-76 must be represented as 006-076). Spaces may be included on either side of the hyphen (e.g. 006 - 076). Click the button labelled "Accept data & redisplay route" to exit from this panel. The route details will be ammended and redisplayed in the graphics window (shown in Section 3.3.2). To re-save the updated route to the database click "Save Route to Database". To edit another route click "Edit Another Route". If you wish to re-edit the route that you have just ammended, first save it then click "Edit Another Route" and select it from the database again.
| (3) Delete a Standard Heavy Load Route from the Database To delete an existing standard heavy load route select "Route / Delete a HL Route from the database" from the top menu bar. Select the route you wish to remove then click the Delete button. You will be given a warning and an opportunity to abort the operation. Note: There is no Un-do facility! Once a route has been deleted it cannot be automatically restored. Links associated with the deleted route will not be removed from the Link database. If you wish to delete links (and associated structure numbers) that are no longer required you will have to do so manually. To delete a link refer to Section 3.2.1(4). To delete a structure refer to Section 5.7.4 To ammend digital maps (if they are used for route selection) refer to Section 8.8
3.3.2 Specify a HL Route for Analysis
| Specifying or creating a route for a particular HL assessment can be done in a number of different ways. By:
(1) | Selecting a single standard route from the database (and modifying it if necessary)
(2) | Manually or graphically creating a composite route from the database
(3) | Creating a composite route from maps
(4) | Analysing a selected list of structures
(5) | Adding a selected list of structures to the end of a route created in (1) or (2) above
Methods (1) to (3) are done via the route selection/creation window shown below. A description of the buttons, features and parameters found on this window is given below, followed by a detailed description of each of the above four ways of analysing bridge structures.
| Route Name Enter a route name or description. If a name has already been specified in the job ID tab it will be echoed back here. When creating composite routes it is best to enter the route name last, since the names of each route sector will be displayed in this field as the composite route is being created. Route Number Enter a route number. This is only required for documentation purposes when performing a HL assessment. It is essential if you wish to save the route to the data base as a "Standard" route. Access to the number is disabled if you are analysing a selected list of structures. When creating composite routes it is best to enter the route number last, since the number of each standard route sector will be displayed in this field as the composite route is being created. Select Route From Maps This button enables routes to be manually created by linking all or part of a sequential list of existing (standard) routes selected from a number of non-intelligent digital maps. The maps only provide a visual reference for the routes - they are not a true GIS system and do not allow point-and-click selection of a route. Refer to Section 3.3.2(3) for details. Enter Route Manually This button enables routes to be manually created by linking all or part of a sequential list of existing (standard) routes. Refer to Section 3.3.2(2) for details. Note that you must click the Clear Route Data button whenever you wish to completely replace an existing route with another (as opposed to merely editing the current route). Get a Standard Route If the vehicle is to travel over all, or part of, an existing (standard) route simply click this button and pick the required route from the displayed list. Modify the start and end node numbers to suit. To add another standard route to this one (either in whole or in part), click the Append Section button. Append Link Click this button if you wish to add a specified link to the route or if you wish to create a "standard" heavy load route that will be saved to the database. Note that the link must already exist in the database before it can be added to a route (refer to Section 3.2. for a description of the link creation process). Append Section Use this feature if you wish to append, or add, all or part of another standard route that is already in the database. Select the required standard route from the database then enter the start and end nodes between which the heavy load vehicle is to travel. The selected section will be added to the end of the composite route. Start and end node numbers can be changed if only a section of the added route is required. Discontinuities between the end node on one route and the start node on another are permitted. They will be represented by "dummy" links on the composite route diagram. Insert Section Use this feature if you wish to insert all or part of another standard route or a link. (Both must already be in the database). Select the required standard route from the database then enter the start and end nodes between which the heavy load vehicle is to travel. The selected section will be inserted into the row immediately below the row in which the cursor has been placed. Discontinuities between the end node on one route and the start node on another are permitted. They will be represented by "dummy" links on the route diagram. Clear Route Data Click this button to clear all route data from the form, particularly if you wish to completely replace the existing route with another (as opposed to merely editing the current route). This must be done if you wish to enter route data immediately after having analysed a selected list of structures. Delete Section Highlight the row that you want removed from the route then click the Delete Section button. Display Full Route Click this button to display the full route layout in "line-diagram" form. The schematic representation of the route will assist you in visually verifying that all data has been correctly entered (note that the route is not drawn to scale). Toggle Plan Numbers This button is a toggle switch that allows you to view all plan numbers along the full route. Repeated clicking of the button alternates between plans being shown and not being shown on the schematic route diagram. Structures that are part of a divided carriageway will be highlighted in either red or blue and will be designated as either L/CW or R/CW. Print Route Details This button will display the route in page layout form, ready for printing. Note that information is presented in terms of Sections, or parts of Sections, only. If full link details are required use the print button on the Reports tab or, alternatively, select Route / Print the current route from the top menu bar. Refer also to Section 3.3.3 for a full list of all route-related reports. Analyse Selected Structures Click this button if you wish to analyse only a few random bridges on the network. A small data entry dialog box will appear, allowing you to enter the required structure numbers into a list box. Press ENTER after typing in a value or to step across each field. Save Route to Database This button allows the newly created route to be saved to the heavy load route data base for future use. Note, however, that only Standard routes can be saved. (Refer to Section 3.3.4 for a description of the route database).
| (1) Select a Standard HL Route for Analysis If the vehicle is to travel over all, or part of, an existing (standard) heavy load route that has previously been saved to the database, simply click the button labelled Get Standard Route and pick the route required from the displayed list. Change the Start and End node numbers as necessary by clicking the appropriate cell, typing in a new number, then pressing ENTER. To add another standard route to this one, (either in whole or in part), click the Append Section button. (2) Create a Composite HL Route for Analysis If the vehicle is to travel along a route composed of several other standard route segments (and/or links), the composite route can be created in one of two ways:
| (a) Manually; OR
| (b) Graphically
| (a) Create a Composite Route Manually Click the button labelled Enter Manually to enter standard route numbers and required start/end node numbers. The form shown below will be displayed. This method can only be used if standard routes segments are to be used to create the composite route. Discreet links cannot be inserted from this dialog box. Type in a standard Route Number and press ENTER. Note that the required standard heavy load route number must already be in the database before it can be specified. HLR will display the selected route details and echo the start and end route numbers into the dialog box. Click ENTER to accept the Start Node as shown or type in a new value followed by ENTER. Repeat these steps with the End Node. The composite route need not be contiguous i.e. the start node number of any segment in the route need not be the same as the end node number of the immediately preceeding section. WARNING! Use only the ENTER key to lock in all numbers and navigate between the three fields on the form - the TAB key or mouse will not work properly. Once the desired route has been created, click Exit. HLR will display the full route and allow you to add any other links or route segments graphically or delete any sections that are not required. (b) Graphically Use multiple instances of Append Section, Insert Section and/or Append Link to graphically select standard routes and/or links from their respective database tables and add them to the composite route. Note that the very first sector must be specified using the button labelled Get Standard Route. All subsequent segments must be added using Append Section.
| (3) Create a Composite Route From Maps If the vehicle is to travel along a route composed of several other standard route segments the composite route can be created by selecting the routes from a series of "non-intelligent" maps. The maps only provide a visual reference for the routes - they do not form a part of a true GIS system and do not allow point-and-click selection of the composite route. Route data must still be manually keyed in. Note also that this method can only be used if standard route segments are to be used to create the composite route. Discreet links cannot be inserted from this dialog box. Click the button labelled Select Route From Maps to initiate this option. The form shown below will be displayed (not, however, with the map shown here-in, but with a master map that is subdivided into smaller sub-maps. The master map is shown immediately beneath this screen image).
| The master map shown below is first displayed when the above form appears. Submaps are indicated in large black numbers and their approximate coverage area is delineated with coloured lines. Click the map number that corresponds most closely to the area in which you wish to begin composing your route e.g. map [1]. An image of the selected submap will appear in the drawing window (as illustrated in the above screen).
| Large coloured numbers on the sub-maps visually indicate the adjacent maps – click on them to navigate to the map you require, or click the Main Map button located immediately underneath the Selected Route window to return to the master index map. The required route and start/end node numbers can be entered in one of three ways:
(1) | Graphically, by sequentially clicking onto a route number followed by the required start and end node numbers. The selected values will be echoed into the the top three Add Route Section fields then into the list box once once the End Node has been clicked. Note that a route sector can also be selected by first clicking the Start node number followed by the Route number then finally the End node.
(2) | Manually, by adding the route directly into the list box using the format: Route number, Start node – End Node (as shown in the example above).
(3) | Manually, by adding individual route sections and relevant Start and End node numbers via the three short fields at the top right of the form. Use the ENTER key to navigate from field to field. After the End node number has been entered and ENTER is pressed the route segment will be transferred into the main list box.
Note that all entries in the final route list must have a comma separating the route number and Start node, while a dash (not underscore), must separate the Start and End nodes (an example of the required format is shown in the example above). Click OK to accept the indicated route and return to the Route tab. HLR will validate the route and node numbers and display a warning message if any values are incorrect. You will be given an opportunity of checking the links making up any route that has been flagged invalid. If all entries are valid, HLR will exit the form and display the full route in the normal Route tab. Click the Clear button to delete all entries from the main route list and start again. Graphical m ap navigation is done via defined “hot-spot” areas on the maps. Details as to how this is done and how the map module can be customised to use your own maps is described in Section 8.8. Viewing Route Details To check on all link and plan numbers that constitute any of the standard routes highlighted on the map, right-click on the required route number (designated by a coloured rectangular box). A dialog box listing all links and plan numbers for the selected route will be displayed in a scrollable window. To view details for any structure in the list, highlight the required number then click the button labelled: “View plan details”. The screen will be cleared and the Structure Data form will be displayed. Note that you should not attempt to use any other menu options when this form is visible. Exit from it first, (by clicking the X icon at the top-right corner of the form), then back-track through all open dialog boxes until you have returned to the main Application Data Entry window.
| (4) Analyse a Selected List of Structures If you wish to analyse only a few random bridges from anywhere on the network click Analyse selected structures and enter the structure numbers into a list as shown below. The system will warn you if a structure does not exist when you click the OK button. There is no limit on the number of structures that can be entered into the list.
To analyse all bridges in the database click the button labelled: Check all bridges in the database. The bridge numbers will be automatically extracted from the database and inserted in numeric order into the list box. The button will then be replaced with the total number of structures read into the list. To analyse a list of bridge numbers that you have pre-saved into a text file click the button labelled Read structure numbers from text file. A browser dialog box will open, allowing you to navigate to the required file and open it. The file must have the following format: A single header line followed by a list of structure numbers, with each number appearing on a separate line. Any number of structures can be included in the list. (HLR will indicate the total number read into the list window). The header line at the beginning of the text file is purely for your own identification purposes. Note that a random list of structures generated using this option cannot be used in conjunction with a defined route. If you wish to analyse a list of ad-hoc structures together with a defined route refer to Section 3.3.2(5) below.
| (5) Analysis of Extra Structures at End of Route This option is not directly accessible from this form - only from the Analysis Options tab (refer to Section 6.1 for details). Information given there-in will describe how the heavy load vehicle can be run over a few additional ad-hoc structures from anywhere on the network during a normal heavy load assessment. Note that HLR will not warn you if the nominated structures do not exist at the time you create the list. However, they will be flagged as missing in the detailed output report.
3.3.3 Print HL Route Data
| (1) By Route Number + Route Name + Node Numbers To display and print a summary of the current route click the Print Route Summary button on the Route form. For each entry in the route table HLR will display the route sector (or link) name, a description of the component route/link and the start and end node numbers for the route sector. (2) By Link Number + Link Name + Number of Structures To display and print a list of all links in the current route click the Route option on the main menu bar then select Print link details for current route. HLR will display a table of all links in the same order as shown on screen, giving link numbers, names (both full and abbreviated) and the number of structures lying on each link. (3) By Link Number + Link Name + Number of Structures + Structure Numbers To display and print a list of all structure numbers in the current route click the Route option on the main menu bar then select List all bridge numbers on current route. HLR will display a table of all links in the same order as shown on screen, giving link numbers, the full link names, the structure numbers on each link and the total number of structures lying on each link. Left and right carriageway structures are designated by (L} and (R} respectively. (4) By Route Number + Route Name + Number of Links To display and print a list of all standard routes in the database click the Route option on the main menu bar then select List all routes in database ranked by number or List all routes in database ranked by name. A table of all standard routes in the database will be displayed (ranked by either route name or number) together with the route numbers/names and the number of links in each route.
3.3.4 Save to Database
| Only standard routes can be saved to the database i.e., those created via the Route / Create a standard route option in the main menu bar. General routes created during a normal HL assessment cannot be saved to the database. Use a unique number of up to eight alpha-numeric characters and enter a suitable name or descriptive title prior to saving the route. When saved, standard route data is stored in two ASCII (text) files in the ..\HLR\Database subdirectory using the following structure and format:
HLR1.TXT | Each row (or record) represents one route. The fields contain the following data: Route number, route name and number of links in the route.
HLR2.TXT | Each row represents a part of the route with data saved in the following format: Route number, sequential order number, link number. Therefore, for each route the total number of records will equal the total number of links in the route.