Three-Dimensional Methodology for Design of Safe Rural Highways

The planning and design process for rural roads in Germany takes place iteratively, in multiple design stages, with each followed by an approval procedure. However, design engineers lack adequate aids for the real technical design work (e.g., route search, option comparisons, and safety checks). Therefore, a design methodology is being developed in Germany as part of a research project in which a new model concept—three-dimensional (3-D) route search—is being used. The 3-D route is created by superimposing the classic design elements from horizontal and vertical projections. After the 3-D route is broken down into the individual design levels, two-stage safety checks follow according to geometric criteria (guideline specifications) and expected driving behavior (driving simulation). Various visualization techniques (e.g., two-dimensional or 3-D display, driving simulation in the virtual driving area) support design engineers in the interactive planning and checking process. The new workstation that has be...