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Designing overhead line systems

SIGNON OLAcad is a high-performance software platform that enables the fast and efficient design of overhead line systems for local and long-distance rail traffic.

Interactive Track

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INTERACTIVE TRACK

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Design with data

Use the track module to import routing data into OLAcad and use it flexibly as a three-dimensional track centre line (3D track object). This reduces the effort and errors that occur during the manual transfer of alignment properties.

The current version supports the import of alignment file formats *.tra/*.gra, *.mdb and *.aba. By linking mast objects to the interactive track, OLAcad automatically transfers coordinates, kilometres, radius, superelevation and more. Optimise your work processes and increase precision by automating data transfer with OLAcad.


The track module is now available to order. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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DESIGN TOOL

A design tool for all types of overhead lines

Designing an overhead line system is a complex and demanding task. Our powerful SIGNON OLAcad design software simplifies the design process and makes it more efficient by using logical referencing of individual objects. With integrated libraries for different construction methods and different types of drawings, OLAcad can be used to design all types of overhead line systems.

SIGNON OLAcad was developed for designing overhead contact systems on railway lines and in large railway stations used by both local and long-distance traffic, as well as for designing complex crossings and tram depots. With years of experience and a willingness to drive innovation, SIGNON is your partner for railway-specific software solutions. Design with the professionals — design with SIGNON OLAcad.

FEATURES

Support in all areas of overhead line design

  • Predefined "intelligent" overhead line elements with interactive properties
  • Automatic recalculation of geometric aspects and other variables after property changes in properties
  • Partially automated designing steps
  • Different distortion scales possible per axis ("lines")
  • Comprehensive construction phase design within a drawing
  • Mast and foundation statics as per EN 50119
  • Numerous issue and export options (PDF, Excel)
  • Reimport of amended data sources
  • 2D and 3D design
  • Support for collision testing in the BIM design process
  • Short processing time for designers experienced in AutoCAD®
  • Simple revision of plans after completion of construction

BIM

Future-proof your design by using BIM methodology

More and more projects in Germany require the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) – a cooperative form of working in which digital models are created, managed and communicated based on relevant structural information.

To make sure you can meet these requirements in the future, OLAcad supports the BIM design process right from the start.

  • Maintain full control over the IFC export and remain compatible with any BIM software
  • Create solid 3D visualisations of your entire drawing at the touch of a button
  • Export to the most common BIM file format with the integrated IFC export
  • Always find the right component from an extensive component library
  • Use the customisable level of detail for more accurate collision checks and customer acceptance
  • Quick planning of your entire overhead line system with the help of intelligent components

Example of a 3D model of an OL mast

Exported from OLAcad with BIM module

Your benefits

Stay ahead of the game with OLAcad

  • Level of detail can be adjusted for more accurate collision checks and improved customer acceptance
  • Technical feasibility assessments can be generated very quickly
  • Suitable for designing local and long-distance OL systems
  • Manufacturer-independent design
  • Suitable for all types of OL construction
  • For all phases of the design process
  • Different levels of detail available

Results

Get the results you want in just a few clicks

  • Plan view (2D) and perspective view (3D)
  • Layout plans or construction-phase plans
  • Longitudinal line profiles
  • Cross-sections
  • Value tables for catenaries, traction current feeder lines, line sag, coordinates for mast foundations as well as mast and foundation tables in line with customer requirements
  • Static load calculations on new and existing systems
  • Export of digital design documents compatible with client’s CAD interface

LICENSING

Product overview and licensing models

OLAcad Ebs

Full range of functions with implementation of assemblies as per DB Ebs standard engineering drawings (continuous updating of changes to Ebs drawings, note: proof of licensing of Ebs drawings required for use)

OLAcad LITE

Full range of functions but without implementation of assemblies as per DB Ebs standard engineering drawings

Additional modules

  • Static loading module - Real-time calculation of static loading of masts and foundations
  • BIM module
    Part 1: Visualisation and export of solid and detailed solid bodies
    Part 2: Export in IFC format
  • Interactive track
    Import routing data and create 3D track object from routing data or 3D polyline

Our customers

  • ARCADIS
  • BPS Rail
  • DB Bahnbau
  • BST Railconcept
  • DB E&C GmbH
  • DB InfraGO
  • DVB (Dresdener Verkehrsbetriebe AG)
  • Furrer+Frey AG
  • Obermeyer
  • PLABIS
  • Ramboll
  • STRABAG

Contact us - we will provide you with an individual offer on request!

TRAINING COURSES

Training by users for users

Our trainers use OLAcad every day for time-critical design projects where no two assignments are ever the same.

If you’re looking to learn about OLAcad quickly and efficiently, why not join our OLAcad training course?

Two-day initial training course with an intermediate knowledge transfer phase

  • Basic training
  • Advanced training

Intermediate knowledge transfer phase: Over 3 to 6 weeks, you’ll test OLAcad independently (with our trainers available to provide support)

We also offer virtual Q&A sessions for more experienced users. Each session lasts around 4 hours with an OLAcad trainer/expert on hand to answer your team’s questions.

You can address any issues that arose during the OLAcad test phase. Our trainers will offer answers and work with you to find solutions that are right for your project.

Benefits

Our trainers are professional overhead line designers who know where problems tend to occur

We’ll answer questions about your specific applications

We’ll provide comprehensive training documents containing step-by-step instructions

Are you new to OLAcad and need initial training? Or perhaps you’re an experienced user who just needs help in a few areas?

Get in touch with us and we’ll find the training course that’s right for you!

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support

Get support from our highly experienced power users

Most support enquiries can be answered directly by our experienced OLAcad power users, or we can analyse individual problems by taking a look at your project files.

  • We’re on your side! Our support team is made up of overhead line planners who know what our customers want
  • Keep things simple! Simply get in touch with us to get the support you need.
  • Clear communication is key!

We’ll check any errors occurring, for example, by analysing your project files. We’ll tell you how to resolve the issue. If you feel something’s missing, or if you have any criticisms, suggestions or praise, just let us know – after all, clear communication is a core part of good customer service.

Contact the support team

We are happy to help you.

  • Scope of services

• OLAcad basic license for 3 months
• incl. all modules (statics, solid display, ifc-export)
• 2-day training by our experts within the trial period
• support (hotline and mail support)
• single user licenses
• one version – no updates

  • Your advantages

• professional introduction without unnecessary initial frustration
• in a complete package at a reasonable price
• can actually be used in a small planning project within 3 months
• afterwards without further training time and additional efforts applicable

  • Boundary conditions

• can be used once per customer
• Travel expenses of the trainers within Germany included, outside on proof

Why no demo version?

OLAcad is a powerful special software. Using it without knowledge of, for example, various operating principles quickly leads to irritation. A demo version for the usual 30 days makes it uneconomical to use in a real planning project. Due to the high functional density and versatile application possibilities, it is hardly possible to familiarize oneself with the software without expert support. It makes more sense to use the software in a real project after the training and thus get an insight into the many advantages.

OLAcad
Test package

We would like to accompany you intensively during your test period so that you can work on your projects faster and more efficiently with OLAcad.

If you are interested, please leave us your mail address here. We will contact you.

Interactive Track

With OLAcad® you can easily import routing data and use it flexibly as a track or three-dimensional track centre line.

Efficient planning has never been so easy!

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