Swept Path Analysis

A Swept Path Analysis (SPA) is a specialist assessment used to model and demonstrate how vehicles move in, out, and around a site. It ensures that design layouts allow for safe and efficient vehicle manoeuvring, without conflict with pedestrians, structures, or other vehicles.

Swept Path Analysis is particularly important for developments where large vehicles such as trucks, emergency services vehicles, waste collection vehicles, or buses need to access the site. Using advanced software, we simulate vehicle turning paths to confirm that access and circulation meet all applicable standards and local council requirements.

When do you need a Swept Path Analysis?

You will require a Swept Path Analysis when:

Submitting a Development Application (DA) or Construction Certificate that involves vehicle access and parking
Designing driveways, loading bays, car parks, or service areas
Demonstrating access for waste collection, delivery, or emergency vehicles
Proving compliance with AS 2890.1 (Parking Facilities) and council development control plans
Planning works that involve restricted access, tight turning spaces, or unusual vehicle sizes

A Swept Path Analysis is often a mandatory requirement to obtain council approval, particularly for multi-dwelling, commercial, and industrial developments.

What does a Swept Path Analysis include?

A typical Swept Path Analysis report will include:

Vehicle turning path diagrams prepared using industry-standard software
Assessment of vehicle types (e.g., cars, rigid trucks, articulated vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles)
Driveway entry/exit movements and clearance checks
Car park circulation analysis for compliance with AS 2890.1
Loading zone and service vehicle manoeuvres
Conflict identification (e.g., with walls, kerbs, columns, fences, or pedestrian areas)
Recommendations to improve design layouts where conflicts are detected

How is a Swept Path Analysis prepared?

We make the process straightforward. Here’s how it works:

Project briefing – You provide site drawings and details of the vehicles expected to access the site.
Vehicle selection – We identify the relevant vehicle classes in line with council requirements and AS 2890.1 (e.g., B99 passenger car, MRV, HRV, AV, waste truck).
Site analysis – We review site constraints such as kerb lines, parking layouts, building setbacks, and access widths.
Modelling & simulation – Using advanced swept path software, we simulate vehicle movements across the site layout.
Assessment – We check for compliance with local council DCPs, planning conditions, and relevant Australian Standards.
Reporting – Our accredited designers provide a clear, professional report with diagrams that can be submitted directly to council or certifiers.

The result is a council-ready Swept Path Analysis report that gives confidence your design is safe, practical, and compliant with all planning and engineering requirements.