Find the best location for your metro stations in the most efficient way!
A. Introduction
Finding the optimal location for a metro station is a complex undertaking that hinges on intricate transportation analyses. Historically, misconceptions regarding key parameters have, at times, necessitated costly system-wide redesigns, imposing additional financial burdens on already substantial budgets. Questions about population density, station service capacity, travel routes, and access times are pivotal. Addressing these challenges with precision is crucial for minimizing costs associated with metro station design and construction. Enter DeepEX – our shoring and tunnel design software that efficiently resolves these quandaries. Through its user-friendly interface, DeepEX not only identifies the ideal metro station locations but also facilitates comprehensive project design. This encompasses station excavations, tunnel development, prediction of damages, and estimated repair costs for all city buildings, all seamlessly integrated into a single, powerful software suite.
Figure 1: Transportation analysis – Potential station locations & population served in DeepEX
B. Parameters that need to be considered when performing a subway alignment optimization
Here are some key considerations to help you identify the optimal location:
Population Density: Identify areas with high population density, as metro stations are most effective in densely populated regions. Look for neighborhoods, business districts, or areas with significant foot traffic.
Transport Hubs: Look for locations near existing transportation hubs such as bus terminals, train stations, or airports. These areas are likely to have higher demand for public transportation and can serve as convenient transfer points.
Accessibility: Evaluate the accessibility of potential locations in terms of road networks and existing public transportation routes. Consider areas with good connectivity to major roads and highways, ensuring ease of access for commuters.
Land Use and Urban Planning: Examine the current and future land use plans for the city or region. Identify areas earmarked for development, growth, or revitalization. Metro stations can act as catalysts for urban development and can be strategically placed in areas targeted for growth.
Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of the proposed location. Look for opportunities to minimize the impact on environmentally sensitive areas or prioritize locations that promote sustainable transportation options.
Demographics and Employment Centers: Analyze the demographics of the area, including commuting patterns and major employment centers. Identify locations that align with the commuting needs of the population, such as areas with high employment density or universities.
Future Development: Consider future development plans, such as new residential complexes, commercial centers, or educational institutions. Anticipating growth and placing a metro station in advance can help manage future transportation demand.
Feasibility and Cost: Evaluate the feasibility and cost of constructing a metro station at different locations. Assess factors like land availability, construction requirements, and potential challenges. Cost considerations should include both construction costs and potential revenue from increased ridership.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involve stakeholders, including local residents, businesses, and community organizations, to gather their input and understand their needs. This engagement process can help identify potential station locations that align with the preferences and requirements of the community.
Construction costs: Estimate costs for excavation, tunneling, station construction, and installation of rail tracks and signaling systems.
Damage assessment on existing infrastructure: Predict potential damage and associated repair costs to existing infrastructure resulting from settlements related to metro station and tunnel construction, as well as soil consolidation.
Subway train purchases and renewals: Calculate the maximum number of trains that can be integrated into the subway line. Develop a compact schedule to support the maximum number of trains efficiently, considering the best-integrated stops and velocity acceleration/deceleration.
Subway maintenance costs: Account for ongoing maintenance expenses, including upkeep of the railway and concrete structures, as well as planned closures for maintenance activities.
Travel speeds and offering a better transportation alternative: Optimize travel speeds by considering alignment curves and implementing strategic deceleration at stations to maximize train speed output and provide an enhanced transportation alternative.
By considering these factors and conducting a comprehensive transportation analysis, you can determine the best location for a metro station that maximizes its utility, enhances accessibility, and meets the needs of the local population.
C. How are these parameters considered in DeepEX?
DeepEX software can be used for the full design of metro systems, and also perform transportation and cost benefit analysis. Typically, the user should follow the next steps:
Step 1: Import the 2d map from google and select the projects location.
Figure 2: City of Thessaloniki, Greece – Map imported from Google in DeepEX
Step 2: Import all city buildings from a dxf file generated by CadMapper.
Figure 3: City of Thessaloniki, Greece – Buildings imported from DXF (CadMapper) in DeepEX
Step 3: Import Routes Data from either Google, Open street or MapQuest for every previously imported building.
Figure 4: Importing Route Data in DeepEX
Step 4: Define the transportation service levels, including the walking or driving distance and the required population served.
Figure 5: Defining transportation service levels in DeepEX
Step 5: Define the train travel routes and frequency
Figure 6: Subway systems operational profiles in DeepEX software
After performing a transportation analysis, the software is creating every route from the imported buildings to the proposed stations. This combined to an approximation to the population in each building can be used to calculate an approximate sum of the population that each station will be serving.
Figure 7: Travel routes to a metro station in Thessaloniki, Greece – DeepEX software
D. What other options exist in the DeepEX 3D City package?
DeepEX 3D City is our complete package, allowing the user to design any deep excavation and tunnel, as well as design full metro systems including structural design of station excavations and tunnels, prediction of surface displacements along the tunnel lines, prediction of damages and repair costs on existing buildings and much more.
You can review all DeepEX 3D City capabilities here:
Figure 8: Tunnel section settlements from consolidation and soil loss from tunnel construction – DeepEX
Figure 9: Total damage cost and repair costs per building – DeepEX Software
Figure 10: Soil pressures, wall moments & displacements, support reactions for a metro station excavation 2D Section in DeepEX
Figure 11: Metro station – 3D Frame analysis result graphs in DeepEX
Figure 12: TBM tunnels in DeepEX – Segmental lining joint stresses and FEM mesh
Conclusion
As demonstrated in the preceding sections, the complexities of determining the optimal location for a metro station are multifaceted. However, our DeepEX software adeptly addresses and overcomes these challenges. Take the leap and explore DeepEX now to unlock invaluable insights for your metro project's design with unparalleled efficiency. Your journey towards optimal solutions begins here!
