EDG 5 DESIGN CALCULATIONS

ENGINEERING DESIGN GUIDELINES

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines to be used during the preparation,
control, and retention of design calculations for RTD FasTracks Projects in an effort to:
A. Provide a complete, permanent record of the criteria, assumptions, functional
requirements and technical methodology used in arriving at the design solution for a
project.
B. Verify and ensure relevant codes and criteria are used appropriately.
C. Verify that the plans and specifications conform to the design.
D. Provide reference material for changes during the construction phase and for future
alterations to the facility.

2.0 SCOPE

The minimum requirements and criteria outlined for design calculations apply to both in-
house and contracted design work. This procedure contains criteria for all of RTD projects
including, but not limited to, BRT, CRT, LRT, park-n-Rides and Maintenance Facilities.
This procedure offers a summary of expectations, more detailed information can be found
in the applicable RTD manuals referenced in Section 4.0 below.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 Engineering Technical Support Staff (ETS)

The ETS staff responsibilities include:

A. Write this procedure.
B. Re-evaluate and update this procedure in a timely manner to accurately
represent any new design documentation policy decisions.
C. Review design documentation submitted by others against this procedure.

3.2 Document Control Staff

The document control staff responsibilities include:

A. Maintain and update library copies and distribute procedure updates to
individuals issued copies of the EDG.

3.3 Contracted Consultant Design Team

The contracted consultant design team responsibilities include:

A. Prepare the design calculations in accordance with this procedure.

4.0 REFERENCES

A. FasTracks Project Controls Procedure Manual - DC- 2 Baseline Document

B. ERC Design Criteria Topic list

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C. RTD Quality Assurance Program Plan and QMO Program Manual (QMO Database
for design comments)
D. RTD Bus Transit Facility Design Guidelines and Criteria
E. RTD Commuter Rail Design Criteria
F. RTD Light Rail Design Criteria
G. RTD Guidance Manual for Technical Analysis, March 2001
H. RTD CADD Standards Manual
I. RTD Standard Drawings Manual

5.0 PROCEDURES

5.1 General Calculations Requirements Applicable to All Design Disciplines

A. Definitions
Design Calculations: Engineering and architectural reasoning and
calculations necessary for the layout and detailing of facilities and
equipment. Where calculations are not necessary, it shall include the
reasoning upon which the design is based.
Design Check: an independent verification of the completeness and
accuracy of the design, including the design approach, assumptions, use of
reference data and computations. It also includes verifying that the design
drawings and specifications are in conformance with the Design
Calculations.
Design Calculations Review: a thorough verification of the design checking
process and a spot examination of the Design Calculations for errors or
omissions.
Design Calculations Spot Check: a verification of the review process and a
spot check of the Design Calculations and drawings for large errors using
engineering judgment for obvious omissions.
B. Preparation of Design Calculations
The Design Calculations shall identify the functional and technical criteria
applicable to the project being designed including those currently approved
by the Engineering Technical Service Group staff, Design Guidelines, and
discipline guidelines under whose area of responsibility the type of work
falls and guidelines by the departments. Design criteria for non-RTD work
shall be in accordance with utility companies, railroads, or public agency
requirements, except where RTD requirements are more conservative, in
which case the more stringent shall be used.
Design Calculations for each discipline shall contain a description of the
following information as a minimum:
The purpose for which the design is being done; for example, structure
for a platform; sewer work in connection with a driver relief station;
trackwork for a yard expansion; AC power for a new signal tower; etc.

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The approach for designing a particular item including usage of

appropriate codes, formulae, theories and logic; consistent with good
engineering and architectural principles, as well as RTD standards and
policy. Field notes and reports on existing conditions should be
included.
Assumptions consistent with data or field conditions furnished.
Sketches showing the elements being designed.
Computations, with references to the source of the formula being used
when required for clarity, etc.
When a computer program is used, the program will be named and
described. (Usually, design programs, such as those used for the CADD
system, are commercially purchased from recognized leaders in the
field). These vendors maintain a quality assurance program for
verification and validation of their product. The purchased programs are
provided with verification and validation checking documentation,
performed by the vendor, to assure accuracy and suitableness of use.
The output of these routines is to be checked to assure completeness of
output. Computer programs and their subsequent revisions shall be
validated prior to making them available to the designers for use in the
design process. Validation may be done by running sample problems
with known results to ensure that the programs run properly.
Design checkers shall confirm that the items identified in Section 5.1.B
above have been accomplished. Additionally, they shall assure:
The Design Calculations are legible, clear and completed professionally
with all appropriate points addressed.
A cross reference to the design must be included if the check is an
independent design or a parallel set of Design Calculations. Verify that
all references are confirmed if a line by line check is made.
The Design Calculations and the Design Check shall be performed under
the responsible charge and supervision of Professional Engineer licensed
to practice engineering in the State of Colorado.
The design checker shall be independent and shall have equivalent
qualifications as the designer.
The Design Calculations and the Design Check shall bear the seal and
signature of a Professional Engineer in responsible charge licensed in the
State of Colorado.
The designated discipline team leader shall provide the assumptions and
criteria upon which the design is based and is responsible for the content
and legibility of the Design Calculations.
Designs made during the construction phase shall comply with all the
requirements for the original Design Calculations.
C. Preparation
Design Calculations shall be done on a formal calculation sheet. Each
sheet shall list the contract number, job title and subject, sheet number,
number of sheets in the set, dates designed, checked and include both the

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designers and checkers initials. Original Design Calculations shall be

indexed, bound and kept by the discipline team leader for work performed
by the discipline.
Design Calculations prepared during the Construction Phase shall also be
indexed and added to the original calculations by the designated discipline
team leader.
Revised calculations for design and construction shall be prepared and
labeled accordingly. Copies of the original calculations and each
successive calculation revision shall be included in the design calculation
package as described below.
On completion of the final design, the design project manager shall forward
copies of all calculations to the Project Manager. All design calculations
submitted to RTD shall be neatly and logically organized, numbered,
indexed and bound with a calculation cover sheet and calculation summary
as defined in section 5.1.E below.
At the substantial completion of the Contract, copies of any calculations
generated or revised during the construction phase shall be forwarded to
the Project Manager by the discipline team leader.
When calculations are based on preliminary data for early implementation
of work, such calculations shall be subjected to the complete review
procedure and the responsible individual shall assure that a final calculation
check is made as soon as final input data are available.
D. Retention
The design project manager shall maintain custody and ready access of all
design documents until after the final completion of construction and
acceptance of the project.
The design project manager shall maintain a complete and orderly copy of
all design documentation including retaining copies of all versions of
calculations for a period not less than 7 years.
E. Deliverables
As a minimum, calculations to support the design shall be included with the
50%, 65% and 90% design submittals respectively and as required by other
agencies affiliated with the project.
Final calculations that are required as the basis of subsequent design may,
at the discretion of the Owners representative, be required at other times.
The Owner may also request all or part of final design calculations to
support design decisions at any time during the design phase.
Design assumptions shall be clearly and concisely stated, precluding the
necessity of further interpretation.
Established standards, design criteria, previously developed and approved
designs, methods or solutions may be used as guidelines, and identified as
to source. Sources used shall be cited.

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Calculations shall be orderly and complete, with enough sketches and

notes to allow the work to be clearly understood. Diagrams indicating data
(such as loads, flows, voltages, and dimensions) shall be included along
with sketches of all important details not considered standard.
A calculation cover sheet shall be prepared by the originating engineer or
designer before calculations are submitted for checking and review. The
cover sheet shall show the project title, task number, discipline, calculation
title, subject, revision number and date, originators signature, checkers
signature and date.
A design summary shall follow the calculation cover sheet with a brief
statement of the problem, source of data, sources of formulas and
references, intended used of calculations (advanced preliminary design,
final design, etc.)
The resultant value of a calculation or solution to be used for design
purposes shall be underlined and marked for identification by a double-
underline extending to the right hand margin to indicate its location in the
calculations.
Calculations, except those prepared by computer software, shall be made
on computational paper bearing the name of the firm or organizations
preparing the calculations. The heading of each sheet in a set of
calculations shall include the date, designers initials, sheet number, total
number of sheets in the calculation set, task and subject of the design
calculations.
All calculations involving computer printouts shall have an accompanying
calculation package containing the appropriate information as outlined
above. In the case voluminous or large format output, computer
calculations shall be prepared as a separate document, available for
checking and review.

5.2 Discipline Specific Calculation Requirements

The information listed in this section outlines the typical calculations anticipated for
milestone submittals by design discipline. Submittal requirements listed in this
document are not all-inclusive and are specifically not, expressed or implied,
included to define or limit the Designers scope of work, design responsibilities, or
project deliverables. Design calculations are to be prepared by competent design
professionals in accordance with the standards and prudent responsibilities
established by the industry, presented in a clear, concise and well organized fashion
allowing a complete and thorough peer review, review for construction support or
future alterations, by other competent design professionals. All calculations must be
sufficient in detail to allow a complete and independent confirmation of all designs
required for the project based solely on the information included within the design
calculations for the project.

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5.2.1 Architectural Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS) through Final 100% Design:

Architectural Requirements for each design phase shall be provided by and
coordinated with the Architectural and Landscape Architectural staff.

5.2.2 Civil - General Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS) through Final 100% Design:

For Civil requirements, see the following sections:
Geotechnical
Roadway
Traffic

5.2.3 Drainage Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

Provide design inputs used in calculations, including, but not limited to:
runoff coefficients
gauge data
precipitation and steam gauge data
Furnish hydrologic analysis used to establish design flow rates including
peak flow rates and a summary of all input data (basin area, precipitation
and stream gauge data, run-off coefficients, etc.) used to perform the
analysis.
Provide calculations to support all detention requirements and preliminary
sizing of detention ponds.
Provide calculations to support the design year, 5-year, 100-year, and 500-
year high-water-surface profiles and preliminary hydraulic analysis
Provide calculations to support the scour profile for design year and 500-
year scour profile.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
All information required for the BE (DEIS) design and the following:
Provide calculations for major drainage facilities in sufficient detail to obtain
concept approvals from local city and county agencies and UDFCD, and to
prepare conceptual designs for bridges and other structures requiring
special structural design.
Provide hydrologic and hydraulic calculations in support of the design of
major facilities. Provide HGLs for major drainageways.
Provide Flood Plain modeling including Flood Plain Elevation calculations.
Water Surface Elevation calculations.
C. Final 65% Design:
All information required for 50% design and the following:

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Prepare a final hydrology and hydraulics drainage report providing

description and documentation for the analysis of the final design of all new
stormwater facilities and existing facilities impacted by the project. The
report will include:
Storm drainage design calculations and comparison to technical criteria
of the appropriate local jurisdiction.
Irrigation facility design calculations.
Trackway drainage design calculations.
Park-n-Ride drainage design calculations.
Calculations for design stormwater flows to affected major and minor
drainage basins, and stormwater conveyance elements.
Storm water detention and water quality calculations.
Calculations to support hydraulic design for stormwater interception and
conveyance systems (including open channel systems, drop structures,
bridges, culverts, storm sewers, inlets, energy dissipaters, underdrains,
detention facilities, and water quality treatment facilities).
Scour calculations in support of structural foundation design.
Provide hydrologic and hydraulic calculations in support of the design of
major facilities. Provide HGLs for 5-year and 100-year discharge for major
and minor drainageways.
D. Final 90% Design:
All information required for 65% design and the following:
Finalize designs calculations for:
Major drainage channel improvements
Cross-culverts and other storm water conveyance facilities.
Stormwater interception facilities.
Station drainage.
Retention and detention basins.
Rip-rap sizing for outfalls.
E. Final 100% Design:
All information required for 90 % design and the following:
All calculation related comments on the plans and specifications from RTD
staff, from all review agencies (City and County engineering department
staff, UDFCD, FEMA, CDOT, and any other applicable regulatory agency),
and from a CMGC contractor addressed in the plan set.

5.2.4 Environmental / Studies / Mitigation Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

Calculations to support the traffic studies including present and future travel
demand.
Calculations to support the Air Quality analysis.
Noise and Vibration assessment analysis calculations shall include the
following:

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Calculations to support the prediction of future traffic noise and vibration

levels for all alternatives.
Calculations to support the evaluation of feasibility, cost effectiveness
and reasonableness of noise and vibration abatement measures.
Any calculations to support the recommendations regarding noise and
vibration abatement measures.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
No environmental related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

C. Final 65% Design:
Analyze Noise and Vibration impacts during construction.
Calculations estimating dewatering requirements.
D. Final 90% Design:
Provide property take hazardous materials ID and demolition plans.
Conduct asbestos and lead assessment surveys.
Prepare a possible recycling plan.
Provide calculations used as the basis for a soil disposal plan
E. Final 100% Design:
All information required for the milestone submittals during the completion
of the design.

5.2.5 Geotechnical Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

No geotechnical related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
No geotechnical related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
C. Final 65% Design:
The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Traffic Loading (EDAL and ESAL18) and Pavement designs
Soil classifications
Retaining wall and foundation calculations
All calculations to support the recommendations and findings presented in
the final geotechnical report.
All calculations to support specification requirements.
All calculations to support construction requirements and
recommendations.
D. Final 90% Design:
No geotechnical related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
E. Final 100% Design:
No geotechnical related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

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5.2.6 Landscape Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS) through Final 100% Design:

Landscape Requirements for each design phase shall be provided by and
coordinated with the Architectural and Landscape Architectural Department.

5.2.7 Roadway Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

Calculations for geometric layout of horizontal and vertical alignment.
Quantity calculations of major items including earthwork.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
No roadway related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
C. Final 65% Design:
The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Site Distance
Horizontal and Vertical Curvature
Super-elevation
Clear Zone
Acceleration and Deceleration lanes
Storage at intersections
Roundabout design
D. Final 90% Design:
No roadway related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
E. Final 100% Design:
No roadway related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

5.2.8 Station & park-n-Ride Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

No stations/park-n-Ride related calculations anticipated at this design
phase.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
No stations/park-n-Ride related calculations anticipated at this design
phase.
C. Final 65% Design:
No stations/park-n-Ride related calculations anticipated at this design
phase.
D. Final 90% Design:
No stations/park-n-Ride related calculations anticipated at this design
phase.

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E. Final 100% Design:

No stations/park-n-Ride related calculations anticipated at this design
phase.

5.2.9 Structures Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

Bridge geometry calculations
Preliminary structural design calculations
Preliminary quantity calculations and cost estimate
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
Revised bridge geometry calculations
Revised structural design calculations
Revised quantity calculations and cost estimate
C. Final 65% Design:
No structural related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
D. Final 90% Design:
Final structural design calculations
Final Independent Check calculations (The Independent Check for major
CDOT structures results in two sets of complete design and quantity
calculations, and one review set of the final plans where all the information
has been verified).
Final quantity calculations and cost estimate
E. Final 100% Design:
Final bridge rating calculations
Final bridge deck elevations calculations (Field Package)

5.2.10 Systems / Electrical / Mechanical Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

(This section is not completed yet)
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
(This section is not completed yet)
C. Final 65% Design:
(This section is not completed yet)
D. Final 90% Design:
Corrosion control / cathodic protection calculations.
E. Final 100% Design:
(This section is not completed yet)

5.2.11 Trackwork Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

No trackwork related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

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B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):

The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Spiral length / Super-elevation
Speed Calculations
Vertical Curve length
Minimum Vertical and Horizontal clearance to obstructions
C. Final 65% Design:
The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Clearance envelope
Platform width calculations
Grade crossing (rail / roadway profile and cross slopes)
D. Final 90% Design:
The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Bumping post locations (distance from bumping post to end of track)
E. Final 100% Design:
No trackwork related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

5.2.12 Traffic Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

Background traffic and future traffic conditions
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
Trip Generation
C. Final 65% Design:
The following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals:
Queue length and turn lane lengths
Level of Service
Trip distribution and traffic assignment
Weaving Analysis
D. Final 90% Design:
No traffic related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
E. Final 100% Design:
No traffic related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

5.2.13 Utility Requirements

A. Basic Engineering (DEIS):

No utility related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
B. Advanced Preliminary Engineering (50% Design):
No utility related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

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C. Final 65% Design:

For all utility facilities crossing, running within, or entering the RTD zone of
influence (including tracks, park-n-Rides, stations, and right-of-way limits),
the following is a list of calculations that are expected to be included with
the design submittals beginning at 65% design.
Dry OH Utility Relocations (Communications, Electric Distribution,
Electric Transmission)
None for Communications, unless required for a variance
None for Electric Distribution, unless required for a variance
Lowest Sag Calculations for OH Electric Transmission crossings
above the track or top of catenary pole where applicable.
Dry UG Utility Relocations (Communication, Electric Distribution,
Electric Transmission)
Stress Influence Calculations for conduits under the trackway
Influence of Utility Collapse Depth Calculations for conduits under
the trackway
Wet UG Utility Relocations (Gas, Oil, Sanitary Sewer, Steam, Water)
Deflection Calculations for UG facilities crossing under the
trackway
Stress Influence Calculations for all pipes and casings under the
trackway
Influence of Utility Collapse Depth Calculations for all pipes and
casings under the trackway
Corrosion Control / Cathodic Protection Calculations for steel pipe
Pressurized
Encasement Thickness Calculations
Restraining Length Calculations
Thrust Block Calculations
New Facilities for park-n-Rides and Stations
Facility Sizing Calculations (pipe size, pressure, flow, kv)
Tap size Calculations for water and sewer facilities
Electric Calculations (lighting loads, power requirements)
Fire Sprinkler Sizing Calculations
Lowest Sag Calculations for OH facilities
Encasement Thickness Calculations for encased UG utilities
Deflection Calculations for UG facilities
Corrosion Control / Cathodic Protection Calculations for steel pipe
D. Final 90% Design:
No utility related calculations anticipated at this design phase.
E. Final 100% Design:
No utility related calculations anticipated at this design phase.

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6 ATTACHMENTS

None

0
7 APPROVAL

Revision Level Approved By Signature Date

Major Revision John Shonsey Senior Manager

En ineerin ir
C i l
Minor Revision Henry Stopplecamp
Engineering Technical Services
7
10
Mana er

0
8 REVISION RECORD

Revision Level Revision Date Summa Approval Date

0 07
12
10 Initial Baseline Issue

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