Utilising Design Automation and Parametric Modelling on A9-A904 Improvement Scheme

We delivered significant improvements to the A9/A904 Westfield Roundabout using the latest digital design tools to produce an iconic and cost-effective crossing.

Location

Scotland - UK

Client

Falkirk Council

Project Value

£15m

Project Status

Ongoing

Falkirk Council has appointed WSP to provide multidisciplinary support on the A9-A904 improvement scheme. This included the Westfield Crossing cable-stayed footbridge that will cross the Westfield Roundabout, which sits adjacent to Falkirk stadium and the Helix Park, home of ‘The Kelpies’ tourist attraction. WSPs Civil, Bridges and Engineering team utilised their digital expertise across this multidisciplinary design; from 3D visualisation that enabled the generation of Virtual Reality (VR) renders for presentations to the public and stakeholders to rapid understanding of the impact of changes to parameter values on the overall design through a parametric modelling approach.

Utilising parametric tools to produce the concept

An innovative and efficient approach to producing digital designs to budget and within time requires the latest digital tools. Visual programming software was utilised to deliver quick and clear designs for the client. Leveraging software that uses building blocks of code to define the geometry of a structure allows design variations to be quickly tested by altering basic parameters such as tower height, ramp radius and the number of cable stays.

Dynamo Script Example

Initial Concept Selection from Dynamo

A9 – Vehicles per hour

1,912

A9 – Pedestrians per hour

350

Model data points

8,000,000

Integrating technology to streamline processes

Complex designs like this A9-A904 Westfield Crossing require seamless integration across various design tools and software. Finite element models were created to produce an accurate model of all components in this design. With the correct software and plugins, the team created visual algorithms that automatically generate 3D models based on the parameters of complex components that could not be accurately produced in a design tool.

The models were then meshed and the geometry exported to perform a finite element analysis. Due to the parametric modelling approach, the same script could be used to model all the complex structural connections. By adjusting the input parameters to suit the unique geometry of each connection the analysis could quickly be carried out for the entire structure, reducing time, effort and scope for error.

Grasshopper Script for generation of connection detail

Details generated from Grasshopper script

The meshed geometry created millions of solution points to be assessed. A script was written in Python to interrogate the data and return the ID numbers of any elements that had a utilisation factor over the specified limit to avoid a labour-intensive manual search through all of the results. Automating this process helped the team promptly find problem areas and decide on an appropriate solution.

High-utilisation plot based on Python output

Python script for post-processing of results

Facilitating greater collaboration

Adopting this approach produced significant time and cost savings on hours for the client, contributing to increased job satisfaction through automation, limiting labour intensive work and enabling a work-life balance at WSP.

3D Virtual Reality (VR) renders enabled better communication and trust with the public during the public exhibition and more valuable feedback on the proposals. 3D visualisation also allows greater understanding and autonomy for the client to make informed decisions based on the visual impact of the design and aesthetics.

QR Code to Prelim Design 360 Degree Render

Exchanging geometrical data quickly from visual programming software to engineering design software packages further cultivates an open and collaborative environment between the project team, the client, the supply chain, and other stakeholders enabling projects to run within budget and agreed timescales.

Lastly, the use of advanced modelling tools and parametric modelling techniques allows the project team and the client to understand the impact of changes to various parameters on the structure’s overall design in real-time.

The A9-A904 Westfield Crossing project touches on what is possible.

Greater inclusion for the public and collaboration with stakeholders;
improved operational effectiveness to accommodate an expected increase in active travel in the area; and
safer crossing facilities for users and local communities.

A904 – Vehicles per hour

2,350

A904 – Pedestrians per hour

150

The pedestrian and cycle crossing has a centre span of

80m