The design information provided described glass elements that may create potential reflections from the facade under certain conditions upon the train drivers with the potential to affect the operational railway in the vicinity.
challenge
The risk of glare to train drivers could be created from reflections from the glass and cladding elements affecting the adjacent railway and could affect the ability to read railway signals, other trains and potential hazards without interruption or distraction.
We approached this complex problem by engaging our Partners, Arup, and using a software-based methodology we adopted for the rail industry that was endorsed and seen as best practice to identify the level of risk.
solution
Using data gathered from an initial phase one desktop study, the nearby railway was identified as being potentially at risk. However, following completion of the Stage Two analysis, (Reflectance analysis using Radiance software), this study suggests a Stage three (3D animated modelling of the driver views) is not considered to be necessary.
The stage 2 analysis demonstrates there is no reflected sunlight within the driver’s 30-degree field of view on both Northbound and Southbound lines at any point throughout the year. Although reflections can be seen from the South and East facade across the track, these reflections are not visible within the drivers’ field of view as seen in the radiance animation modelling.