b'36 Partner News Summer 2021CorporateBIM Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) for advanced railwaysBy AECOMThe ever-increasing trend today in the railwaymanaged during the Overhead Linecomplete description of the OLE structures. sector is the use of the BIM methodologyElectrification design stage. Being able toAECOM has developed a tool that is able for the planning, design, managementquickly update the OLE model in BIM hasto develop an OLE BIM model using the and construction of a railway work. Themultiple advantages such as coordinating theprofiler as an input. As the profiler has possibility of modelling all the systems andinformation and analyzing potential clashesall the required information to precisely subsystems of a railway infrastructure usingbetween OLE and other systems. identify each OLE structure, the table is the BIM methodology allows optimizing theused to feed the script. As a result, a precise management of the interfaces betweenThe geometric analysis of the OLE in theand coordinated 3D model containing the different disciplines that intervene indesign stage involves a tool named profiler.foundations, steelwork, poles, cantilevers, the processes in real time since a centralThe profiler contains information such as theregistration arms and wires is produced. repository is shared with the entire relevantlocation of OLE structures, the contact wire project information. stagger or height and the span length.The OLE is coordinated with the rest of BIM information, and it can be produced for a Designing an Overhead Line encompassesIt enables the design team to analyze ifsimple open track area, or for a complex multiple interfaces between design teams.OLE and track designs are compatible. Theunderground station, where coordination Track, civil, rolling stock or architecturalfinal product of the profiler is basically a listwith architectural, structural and MEP design are common interfaces to becontaining the georeferenced location and adesign teams is critical. Also, having a 3D view of the entire environment allows for an easier way of performing a signal sighting assessment.The script and models are easily adaptable. So, when a new OLE technology needs to be considered, 3D files for foundations, steelwork, cantilevers and SPS are added to a BIM library. All common OLE technologies can be considered, such as high-speed rail, commuter, metro and light rails.With this tool, AECOM keeps on streamlining the OLE design process providing our clients with a more effective, integrated and safer OLE design product. AECOM is leading the digital transformation in Civil Infrastructure and this tool is an example of how we are moving forward.'