Route engineering
for oversize loads: 3D model, loads, transport project
Route engineering for an oversize load answers one question: will the cargo get through, physically and legally. We survey the route, build a 3D model of the vehicle with cargo, calculate axle and bridge loads and issue the transport project on which permits are then based.
For rail the study starts with the loading gauge: if the cargo exceeds it, the out-of-gauge degree is determined and the move is approved by the RZD Central Infrastructure Directorate (TsDI). Placement and securing in the wagon are calculated under the Technical Conditions (for international traffic — Annex 3 to SMGS).
Specification
Specification · Route engineering. Standard terms · scope and timing are confirmed after reviewing the cargo drawings
Service
- Modes
- road, rail, water, combined
- Deliverable
- transport project and feasibility report
- Options
- permits, escort of the move
Terms
- Timing
- typically 2–6 weeks, depends on route length
- Site visit
- route survey included
- Currency
- RUB / USD
Logistics
- Preparation
- cargo data, vehicle selection
- Route
- survey, 3D model
- Result
- calculations, drawings, project
Price
- Base
- fixed fee per project by route scope
- Extras
- bridge assessment, repeat survey — on request
Service flow
- 01
Input data
We obtain the cargo drawing with weight, centre of gravity and support points, origin and destination and timing. We outline options: road, rail, water or a combination.
2–5 days - 02
Scheme and vehicle
We select the vehicle — low-bed, modular axles, rail well wagon — and calculate axle loads. For rail we determine the out-of-gauge degree against the loading gauge.
3–7 days - 03
Route survey
We drive the route: measure power-line and overpass heights, widths and radii, record bridges, level crossings, signs and traffic lights. From the measurements we build the 3D model and swept path.
5–15 days - 04
Calculations and drawings
We calculate bridge loads and stability, issue the loading and securing drawing and list the measures: wire lifting, sign removal, temporary bypasses and, if needed, reinforcement.
5–10 days - 05
Project and report
We compile the heavy-haul transport project and feasibility report. The package goes to the special-permit or RZD approval process, and we handle questions from the approving bodies.
2–5 days
Problems
The route was drawn on a map, and on the road the low-bed hit a low overpass or could not make a turn.
We survey the route on site, measure every pinch point and check the swept path in the 3D model before departure.
A bridge on the route cannot take the load, and the road owner refuses approval.
We spread the weight over more axles, find a detour or request a bridge assessment in advance.
The cargo exceeds the rail loading gauge more than expected, and approval drags on or is impossible.
We calculate the out-of-gauge degree during the study and compare options: partial disassembly, a different well wagon or a road leg.
Documents
Documents handed over after the study. They also form the basis of the special-permit application and the RZD approval, so their format is agreed with the carrier in advance.
Incoterms
- FCA
- the buyer engineers the route from the handover point to the site
- DAP
- the route to destination is on the seller, unloading on the buyer
- DPU
- the seller also unloads — the study must cover the site
Documents
- Cargo drawing
- dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, support points
- Route survey report
- measurements and photos of pinch points
- Calculation note
- axle loads, bridges, stability
- Loading drawing
- cargo on the vehicle with securing
- Heavy-haul transport project
- consolidated package for the carrier and approving bodies
FAQ
To prove in advance that the oversize load will get through, physically and legally. The 3D model and calculations reveal low overpasses, weak bridges and tight turns before departure rather than on the road, where turning back and downtime are costly. Also, a special permit cannot be obtained without calculations.
A route scheme with pinch points marked, loading and securing drawings, a calculation note on axle and bridge loads and a feasibility report. Together they form the transport project, which is the basis for special permits and RZD approval.
It is a drive along the route measuring every place where the cargo might not pass: heights of power lines, overpasses and catenary, widths, turn radii, condition of bridges and level crossings. The result is a report with photos tied to route kilometres. Maps and satellite images do not replace these measurements.
A KTG project is the consolidated document package for moving an oversize and heavy cargo: route, vehicle, load calculations, loading and securing scheme and measures along the route. The carrier works to it, and it is used to obtain permits.
Cargo is out of gauge if, on straight level track, it exceeds the loading gauge. Depending on where and by how much, there are lower, side and upper out-of-gauge categories of different degrees, and beyond them — exceptional out-of-gauge cargo. Such moves are approved by the RZD Central Infrastructure Directorate, and the higher the degree, the longer the approval.
Yes. In the 3D model we check the height of the loaded vehicle against power lines, catenary and overpasses. Where clearance is insufficient, we plan wire lifting or de-energising with the owners in advance, or a detour.