Integrating Site Levels in Track Design: Ensuring Efficiency and Sustainability
In the world of motorsports, designing a track is a challenging endeavour that requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. One of the crucial aspects of this process is analysing how the proposed site levels will interact with the track's features and surrounding areas. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of integrating site levels in track design, highlighting key considerations and strategies employed to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
1. Integration with Existing Site Levels
The initial stage of the schematic design process involves seamlessly integrating the proposed levels with the existing site levels. This integration is particularly important for areas outside of the track zone, both infield and outfield. The goal is to create a harmonious transition between the proposed track layout and the natural topography, respecting the site's unique characteristics and minimising disruptions to the surrounding landscape.
2. Managing High Groundwater Table
Dealing with a high groundwater table is a common challenge in track design, as it can lead to deterioration and settlement of the track build-up. To address this issue, the design team follows the recommendations outlined in the geotechnical engineering report. By creating a groundwater surface model using recorded groundwater levels across the site, the track levels are strategically raised above the normal seasonal high groundwater level.
The track levels are either dropped or lifted, ensuring the recommended buffer zone between the groundwater level and the underside of the track subbase is adhered to. This buffer zone acts as an added layer of protection against water-related issues. Additionally, a typical track construction build-up of asphalt and subbase further contributes to the track's resilience and longevity.
3. Grading and Slopes for Effective Drainage
To ensure efficient drainage and smooth level changes, the design incorporates appropriate grading and slopes. Service roads and marshal post areas are thoughtfully designed to slope away from the track at gradients ranging from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the specific requirements. This aids in rainwater management and prevents water from pooling on the track surface.
Furthermore, the paddocks are graded to facilitate equipment setup, using suitable surface materials and enabling successful rainwater drainage into the proposed surface water network. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining track safety, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing the overall racing experience.
4. Visual Representation and Track Surfaces
The proposed level strategy is effectively communicated through detailed drawings. These drawings provide a visual representation of the track surfaces, runoff areas, service roads, paddocks, and their seamless integration with the existing site levels.
These drawings depict the proposed finished levels for the track zone, providing a comprehensive understanding of the site's topography. The buffer zone, extending away from the track zone, ties into the existing ground levels, further showcasing the design's thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. This approach provides a safe and stable slope vehicle also facilitating accurate cut and fill analysis.
5. Addressing Elevation Changes
In areas where the track experiences significant elevation changes, the design team limits earthworks slopes to a maximum of 1:2 during the initial design stage. This approach ensures stability and safety while considering the track's dynamic characteristics during elevation changes. Areas that exhibit abrupt changes in elevation are accounted for by incorporating retaining walls.
The goal is to optimise the overall earthworks scheme in coordination with the design of the developed areas, including residential zones, access roads, and commercial zones. This comprehensive approach ensures that the site development is efficient, sustainable, and tailored to the specific requirements of each area.
In conclusion, integrating site levels in the track design process is an essential step in creating a successful and sustainable motorsport facility. By carefully analysing existing site levels, managing high groundwater tables, and employing appropriate grading and slopes, designers can ensure efficient drainage, minimise environmental impacts, and enhance the overall racing experience. Through detailed visual representations and considerations for elevation changes, the track design can seamlessly blend with its surroundings, making it a memorable and enjoyable destination for motorsport enthusiasts.