Functional Analysis and Allocation in Brescia Driverless Metro System

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Brescia driverless metro system
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Introduction
Brescia driverless metro system is a rapid driverless railway network that serves Brescia and
Lombardy towns of Italy. It covers a general length of 13.7 kilometres. This is a project that was
initiated to reduce the traffic that was being witnessed in Brescia and its surrounding, (Powell et
al., 2016. Pp. 123). In 2004, archaeological discoveries halted the construction of the railway as
the sites discovered were deemed very important. This delayed the whole project with the first
line being completed and opened in 2013. This paper will focus on the use of Functional analysis
and allocation in Brescia driverless metro system.
Functional analysis and allocation
FA and A is a top-down allocation process that is used to translate system requirements into finer
functional and performance-based criteria. The system helps in bridging the wider gap between
system requirements and the present constraints, requirements analysis, and the much needed
detailed set, (synthesis) to develop a system and program implementation, (IJtsma et al, 2019.
Pp. 9). Therefore, FA and A is an important variable for both the design loop and requirement
loop. During the construction of Brescia driverless metro system, FA and A was utilised
throughout the project life, (Hoda and Murugesan, 2016. Pp. 256). The construction process of
the railway was halted so as new plans will be set that will support the solutions being
synthesized in regards to products, people and the processes being carried out. This was after the
discovery of archaeological sites was made along the construction line, (Ghiggi, 2005). It also
allows the identification of risks as a result of management attendance. FA and A is an iterative
process, reacting and interacting to the activities being carried in both the loops.

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FA and A Process
The first step in the process is the identification of the lower-level function that is needed to
carry out different system functions. After the identification of the lower-level function, the
requirement is allocated leading to the development of the functional architecture, (Kerzner and
Kerzner, 2017). The activities interact with each other evolving the details which are validated
against them. In case of any normality, alternative architecture functions are run during the initial
stages until the desired approach becomes clear. With the discovery of archaeological sites along
the line, there was need for a fresh system analysis of the entire project. It was clear that a new
project plan was required to take into account the identified sites.it involve the use of the
fictional interface of the program.
Purpose of FA and A
The purpose of functional analysis and allocation in an engineering activity is to help in the
transformation of performance, requirements, functions and project interfaces which were
identified by analyzing the results to a more clear description of various system functions which
in turn will be useful in guiding design system activities, (IJtsma et al, 2017. Pp. 554). After the
award of contract to Ansaldo STS which was made up of AnsaldoBreda, Astaldi and Acciona,
they subdivided the activities of the project amongst themselves. Project’s civil engineering
activities were put in charge of Astaldi; this included the installation of mechanical systems
required and the electrical needs. AnsaldoBreda was in charge of the manufacturing of the
rolling stock.
Inputs

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Function analysis and allocation require project inputs for a clear analysis of the project can be
done enabling it to be broken down into smaller interrelated manageable units. The following are
some of the inputs; Specific standards, functional requirements, commitments, regulatory
requirements, mechanical and electrical equipment as well as the rolling stock.
Output
Functional analysis and allocation have two sets of outputs; design output document and the
design output requirements, (Wiskerke et al, 2016. Pp. 73). The following are design output
documents; Specifications, component lists, description of system design, functional
requirements, system performance criteria, list of components and the set points. The design
output requirement consists of the following; system mission requirement, environmental
requirement, and system safety requirement.
Function analysis stages
There are four main stages in the analysis of a project; definition of the project goals, analysis of
the inventory, and assessment of the impact it will have on the product, and result in
interpretation.
i. Definition of goals; in this stage, aims of the analysis and allocation are determined.
The idea behind the construction of Brescia driverless metro system was to have a
similar model to that of Copenhagen that will lead to traffic decongestion in the area,
(Fraszczyk et al., 2014). The goal of the project was to create a locomotive function
that will reduce traffic.