New software helps nip design flaws in the bud

It is now possible to get a clear idea of how conducive the slope of a flyover is to effective drainage. A new software helps find out whether the slope at which a flyover is built will allow rainwater to flow easily. All this, before construction begins. Neelam Pandey reports.

It is now possible to get a clear idea of how conducive the slope of a flyover is to effective drainage. A new software helps find out whether the slope at which a flyover is built will allow rainwater to flow easily. All this, before construction begins.

HT Image

According to experts, the software allows one to gauge the pattern of the proposed drainage facility — at the designing stage — through simulation and visualisation.

“This software is being used extensively in Japan, before taking up any construction work. Using it, a three-dimensional image is created and in case of flyovers, one can easily find out whether the grain is being maintained properly or not,” said PK Sarkar, a road, traffic and transport expert.

“The exact pattern of the drainage is made available visually. Hence, during the stage of construction, the firm can follow the same pattern,” Sarkar added.

Experts point out that if this software is used in infrastructure projects, the scope of committing errors — like not maintaining a gradient — can be minimised. It also helps rectify shortcomings in design, by making use of the visualisation technique, before construction starts.