ClearLoad & WideLoad Simulation Program

The LKO/L-KOPIA LD ClearLoad & WideLoad Data Base Program performs load simulations using LKO and L-KOPIA data files (CUS and CTC). The CUS-files (Customer-files) are used for simulation between any load or train figuration and structures along the tracks. The CTC-files (Controlled Track Centers) are used for wide load simulations between adjacent tracks.

The PC-based software is user-friendly and has many advanced features, such as simulation with bolster loads and multiple car configurations. The LKO/L-KOPIA LD ClearLoad & WideLoad software is built on 30 years of ClearLoad and WideLoad programming experience. L-KOPIA AB in Sweden developed the first DOS ClearLoad version in 1985. The first DOS based track center program came in 1988. The present version uses Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 OS.

Loads and templates include distance between axels or trucks (mid ordinate) and overhang for accurate simulation in curves.

Both the ClearLoad and WideLoad programs can superimpose pictures (JPEG) on the screen to visualize locations of structures or critical track center locations.

ClearLoad:

The above sample shows a Thru Truss Bridge and a Double Stack Load configuration (Plate H 2007). The green line around the blue Plate H template is a 12 inch safety margin and is, in this case, the area of interest. Anything outside 12” will be ignored. The safety margin can be from 0” to 48”. The program checks any distance lower than 12” around the load to any part of a structure. The above calculation shows an 11 inch clearance at the top on the right-hand side. The user can also see the bridge pictures on right and can change the view by clicking on “Time offset (sec)” on the picture menu.

The window to the right is the “Execution Window” for all functions in our software. The program is delivered with the L-KOPIA / LKO detailed ClearLoad Operator’s Manual and 2-3 days training program. Simulation output is normally easy-to-read PDF-plots or text-files with clearance information (see below).

A System Map can be created by L-KOPIA / LKO (normally from GPS coordinates or other system coordinates).
The System Map is used for both clearance simulations (structures, CUS-files) & wide load simulations (track centers, CTC-files).

The System Map is optional and our customers can also organize the file-names based on subdivisions or other track segment descriptions. In that case our software will show a list with CUS and CTC files for simulation.

The ClearLoad result is presented as PDF-Plots and/or Log-files. LKO/L-KOPIA can customize the LOG-files for specialized use (such as restrictions for train-movements, etc.):

Log file: Clear load started: 1/7/2015 18:01:47
Client: CUSTOMER RAILROAD
Date measured: 01/16/12
Track segment: SCHERERVILLE SUB
Track number: NO 2 MAIN
Direction: NORTH
Curve & Super elevation: 0.000 -00.3″
Mile & Structure: 006.163 006.144 TT/DRAW BRIDGE [BR 6.20]
File & Frame No. (mode) 001 21 (C)
Name of Load (template) PLATE H_2007 Safety margin = 1’0″
GPS (Lat/Long/Hgt) From: 42.28269265,-83.13572927,174.95
GPS (Lat/Long/Hgt) To: 42.28296760,-83.13558383,178.47
Structure code: 30 X = 4’06.8″ Y = 21’01.4″ Clearance = 11.0″

WideLoad:

The LKO/L-KOPIA WideLoad program handles the track center part of any clearance simulation. The WideLoad simulation uses the L-KOPIA CTC files (Controlled Track Centers) and calculates the most critical scenario, both with & without super-elevation on adjacent track(s) (see below sample):

The L-KOPIA WideLoad software is user-friendly and produces easy-to-read results:

The WideLoad program includes “On-Track” and “To- Track” dimensions (“same width from bottom to top”), plus “Safety Margin”. The program also includes a “Sort-function” for organizing track numbers and mile/km order. The user can click on any location and receive a picture that shows the tracks and surroundings.
We clicked on:
MONON SUB. 00Q NORTH SNG MAIN YARD TK -2.6″ -2.6″ Mile 117.926 -0.8 -1.1″ **HIT

The sample above means that the load will need 2.6 more inches (plus safety margin) to clear a standard car (load is 12’8” wide and a standard car is 10’8” wide). The curve effect is also adding width in sample on page 4 (curve is -0.8 degree, a left-hand curve and the car is 46’ 3” between axels and the overhang is 9’ 8.2”). The picture shows that the tracks are coming together in a switch. The tight track center can be due to difficulties in determining the fouling point and a Train crew or Yardmaster will need to make sure nothing is parked at this location when the wide load is passing.

The wide-load simulations use L-KOPIA/LKO Track Center files (CTC) in text or Excel format:

The WideLoad program is delivered with the L-KOPIA / LKO WideLoad Operator’s Manual and a one day training program.

For further information, please contact us via e-mail, phone, fax or mail.