Project
JM Souto Engenharia performed detailed design for relocation of a 4.54-kilometer branch railway line to make room for the expansion of the mine pit in Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The scope of work consisted of geometric design, earthworks, drainage and ordinary structures, railway superstructure, special structures, interferences, complementary works, and containment. The project was designed to avoid the mining area while minimizing construction, operation, and maintenance costs.
Solution
The most economical alignment for the new branch line was over an existing sterile landfill. The geometry of the landfill had to be adapted to accommodate the grade of the railway platform, which had a maximum outward ramp of 1.4%. The resulting landfill area was 80 meters high. Bentley PowerCivil for Brazil allowed the project team to design the geometry, drainage, and geotechnical aspects of the project in one integrated environment.
Outcome
The final railway layout was designed for a train with a maximum total length of 1,791 meters and a maximum design speed of 60 kilometers per hour. JM Souto achieved the project goals while reducing the engineering hours expended and expediting project delivery by using Bentley software to provide engineering disciplines with quick and seamless access to project files.
Software
The robust toolset available in Bentley PowerCivil for Brazil allowed JM Souto to reduce the time required to respond to project challenges and changes.