Swept Path Analysis

Swept Path Analysis (SPA) is specialised software used to digitally simulate the manoeuvres of specific vehicle types.  Its function is to accurately assist with designs where vehicles need to be accommodated during vehicle operational scenarios or routes and is commonly known as ‘vehicle tracking'. 

Swept path analysis can greatly influence design layouts containing substantial elements of kerb, highway geometry and obstacles i.e. buildings, traffic islands etc.

This design process provides a fast and cost-efficient method of assessing alternative layouts and sites.

The SPA highlights the path taken by the vehicle body and wheels during the specified vehicles manoeuvre along a desired route within a design layout.  

The requirement for SPA’s is due to designs being increasingly challenged by the relevant planning and highway authorities who need to be confident that the proposed layout is fit for purpose, particularly for sites where space for vehicle manoeuvres is limited. 

If you require assistance with Swept Path Analysis on existing layouts, please feel free to contact us on 01206 751 101 or fill in this form. 

Car Park Design Case Studies & Examples

  • SBERBANK TECHNOPARK IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA

    Sberbank is the largest bank in Russia and Eastern Europe, with over 70% of the Russian population reliant on Sberbank’s services. On behalf of Zaha Hadid Architects, Ayen Consulting provided highway and traffic engineering input on a proposed 262,000 sqm. Sberbank Technopark as part of a new corporate district in Moscow accommodating 17,000 staff. Working closely with ZHA and AKT II structural engineers, we provided well-received designs for a sub-level internal car park with servicing delivery and waste area with associated internal ramp, vehicle, and security access. Using AutoTrack software, our designs demonstrated Swept Path Analysis (SPA) for vehicle turning movements on all internal two-way horizontal curves, junctions, and service areas within the subterranean facility. The SPA had to replicate vehicle characteristics (i.e. dimensions, speeds) and traffic behaviour expected within the development including parking and queuing patterns during the 24-hour development operation.

  • REDEVELOPMENT OF RETAIL SITE IN HADLEIGH, SUFFOLK, UK

    The former retail site namely ‘Partridges’ located in Hadleigh Town Centre, Essex recently received planning consent for redevelopment comprising of retail, office and residential units with associated internal car park and service courtyard. Ayen Consulting produced a Transport Statement to support the site’s planning application including Swept Path Analysis (SPA) using AutoTrack software. Our SPA’s highlighted vehicle movements within the courtyard for private cars, servicing rigid lorries and emergency fire tender vehicles.  The analysis demonstrated the interaction between residential traffic and servicing vehicles to represent peak periods within the development. Ayen Consulting also showed turning movements for all vehicles within the development ensuring traffic would enter and leave the site in a forward direction.As well as within the development, the SPA demonstrated large vehicles i.e. rigid heavy vehicles could pass one another in a single forward direction at the site access. The analysis showed private car parking movements whilst servicing vehicles were utilising the site.  

  • Andrew Guttridge - Bildeston Parish Council, Suffolk, UK

    'Excellent and very professional service provided by Ayen Consulting to support our Local Plan objection. Efficient data collection with robust analysis and clear presentation in a comprehensive technical report; all completed within a very tight timescale.'

  • Andy Stopps - Wingerworth Junior Sports Association, North East Derbyshire, UK

    'Our Grassroots football club have made an application to build a clubhouse to improve facilities. The project has some complicated objections around car parking and traffic management. As a club we had no experience or knowledge with regards to this and needed a consultant to work with. I approached Kevin and from the outset it felt like he understood our needs, talked us through the process, created a high quality piece of work and met all deadlines asked of him. We are grateful for all of the work and support given to us and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ayen Consulting for this kind of work.'

  • David Hampton - Tyréns UK, London, UK

    Kevin was part of the multi-disciplinary team working on a number of UK and international development projects.  His experience in transport engineering and design was invaluable through key design stages. He was proactive in identifying and resolving design problems within the team and with clients.  His ability to work through design and engineering challenges in a constructive manner helped achieve positive outcomes for these projects. I would work with Kevin again in a similar capacity.'