Systems Architecture Models in Crossrail Design and Delivery – Client’s perspective
Summary
The architecture of a system can be expressed in conceptual models that represent a system of interest in its environment. It can be framed and described in different views for the perspective of specific system concerns. A system architecture diagram in turn is often used as a work product to communicate these views. Much like other systems engineering tools and methods, applying these on the Crossrail project requires adaptation to suit the railway system domain.
This paper describes several examples and application of system architecture models undertaken for the design and delivery of the Crossrail railway as a holistic system. The System Architecture work products described range from relatively simple diagrams to multi-layered, metadata loaded models and diagrammatic objects with built-in relationships to represent the interfaces. The paper illustrates how multiple incarnations of models and views were used to support development from the early stages of concept design, through scheme and detailed design, and into integration, test and commissioning. It includes remarks on what adaptations were used, the pros and cons of the various system architecture viewpoints employed, and concludes with how such tool can be carried through into the operations and maintenance of the Crossrail project.