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ELFF & BIM

Precise 3D planning from conception to detailed design

Eine digitale Darstellung eines Bahnhofs mit mehreren Gleisen und Bahnsteigen. Oberleitungen sind sichtbar. Es sind verschiedene Strukturen vorhanden, darunter ein großes Gebäude und kleinere Bahnsteigüberdachungen. Die Szene hat keine detaillierten Texturen und wirkt in einem minimalistischen Stil.

Our ELFF is advanced project planning software developed specifically for planning overhead contact line systems in main-line and suburban services. Based on AutoCAD, ELFF provides comprehensive support throughout the planning process – from conception to detailed design, with functions including basic parameter input, track and topography information, and LiDAR data, all in an efficient 3D display. ELFF simplifies large parts of the planning process through automation, allows for BIM-compatible integration in the overall project, and automatically creates the necessary documentation. This time and cost optimisation, aligned to suit to each individual overhead contact line project, supports design calculations and project planning in all phases of construction.

  • Eine digitale Darstellung eines Bahnhofs mit mehreren elektrischen Leitungen und Masten über den Gleisen. Die Bahnsteige befinden sich rechts und links der Gleise. Im Hintergrund sind einige Gebäude mit roten Dächern unter einem klaren blauen Himmel zu sehen.
  • A sleek, modern green tram travels down a tree-lined street on a sunny day. Overhead power lines are visible, and a few people are walking on the sidewalk. The scene is bright, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Targeted planning with BIM integration

Comprehensive planning data – including layout and site plans, as well as cross-sections and material lists – helps to save time and ensure cost efficiency in your projects. The special ELFF BIM module is a particular highlight, allowing for precise 3D solid modelling of all overhead contact line objects and supporting export in IFC format directly from AutoCAD. This makes it much easier to exchange data and collaborate in BIM projects.

Eine 3D-gerenderte Szene eines Vororts zeigt im Vordergrund mehrere Häuser mit roten Dächern und eine Eisenbahnstrecke mit parallel zu den Häusern verlaufenden Oberleitungen. Im Hintergrund sind Felder in unterschiedlichen Grüntönen zu sehen, die Ackerland suggerieren.
An overhead contact line system in a complete BIM model

The benefits of ELFF at a glance:

  • Efficient planning: ELFF allows for rapid, efficient, and cost-optimised planning of new construction, expansion, and maintenance projects.
  • BIM compatibility: The special BIM module enables overhead contact line projects to be integrated seamlessly into BIM processes.
  • Technical feasibility and cost estimates: ELFF allows for rapid statements on technical feasibility and construction costs.
  • Flexibility: ELFF can be used in all planning phases and for all types of electrified railways, with no restrictions when it comes to overhead contact line type.
  • Automation: ELFF automates time-consuming processes and supports multiple languages.

Overview of our ELFF modules

Grafik ELLF Module en

Nos solutions

ELFF-CAD

The basic module for 3D planning, including dynamic objects and comprehensive calculation functions

ELFF-CAD creates a dynamic 3D wire frame model of the overhead contact line system that serves as the starting point for all additional ELFF modules. This model is flexible and can be modified at any time using the track geometry of the visualised section as a basis. It offers users a wide range of perspectives and the option of showing/hiding certain objects or calculations for the precise design or modification of complex systems.

Specific railway standards such as tensile force in cables and wires, the weight of the components, and the loads caused by wind and ice are an integral part of ELFF-CAD. The tool continuously calculates the statics of masts and cables during modelling with a view to providing verifiable proof of the structural loads on components.

Another feature is the phase planning, in which each component is assigned a “service life”, making it possible to colour-code components in the plans according to construction phase (existing, demolition, new construction, temporary, etc.).

The output from ELFF-CAD comprises:

  • Layout and site plans
  • Longitudinal sections
  • 3D views from any angle
  • Coordinate lists for masts and foundations
  • Dropper schedules
  • Detailed phase planning
  • Calculation of mast and cable loads
  • Statics for masts and foundations as per EN 50119

These functions ensure comprehensive and precise planning of overhead contact line systems, backed up by the advanced capabilities of ELFF-CAD.

3D wire frame model of an overhead contact line system

ELFF-CAM

Designed specifically for the creation of cross-sections and tables of quantities

The specialised module ELFF-CAM uses the 3D model as a basis for generating detailed tendering, ordering, and installation documents tailored to the chosen overhead contact line system. Through data import from ELFF-CAD, ELFF-CAM enables the automatic creation of cross-sections, which play an important role in planning and plan reviewing.

Within the tool, parts and components are integrated into customisable part libraries in accordance with the specifications of applicable railway standards. These components are labelled with all relevant information, such as dimensions, article numbers, and prices. ELFF-CAM provides easy access to this data in the form of cross-sections and material lists, always in accordance to the applicable rules and building regulations. In addition, the tool offers the option of assigning components to specific groups for detailed visualisation.

The output data provided by ELFF-CAM comprises:

  • Cross-sections, including assembly dimensions for each construction phase
  • Detailed material lists per cross-section or over the entire line

Cross-section produced using ELFF-CAM

ELFF-BIM

3D solid modelling and IFC data export for optimal BIM integration

ELFF-BIM sets new standards in the generation of solid 3D models of all components, based on a level of geometry (LOG) of between 100 and 200 as standard. The precision and level of detail of these models can be customised by increasing the LOG to up to 500 using component libraries.

The IFC data export is one outstanding feature of ELFF-BIM, allowing for seamless conversion from both 3D solid AutoCAD objects designed in ELFF and external ones into IFC format. This also includes customised 3D solid models and thereby ensures a high degree of adaptability to specific project requirements.

3D solid AutoCAD objects

The functions integrated in the BIM module allow users to automatically assign the necessary attributes to all modelled components. These attributes, known as IFC property sets, can come from object data models or other sources, allowing for flexible attribution according to the requirements of different projects and railway standards. The level of information (LOI) of the attributes can be adjusted as required.

SThe output data comprises:

  • An IFC file of the entire overhead contact line model
  • A 3D solid model in DWG format

3D model of an overhead contact line system in IFC format

ELFF-CASS

A special module for planning tunnel and rigid overhead conductor rail projects

ELFF-CASS, a specialised and independent module in our software range, is designed to provide users with targeted support in the planning of tunnel and rigid overhead conductor rail projects. Thanks to efficient pre-processing of the input data, ELFF-CASS allows for the automatic creation of cross-sections that are specially designed for tunnel and overhead conductor rail projects. This is based on precise laser scans and detailed track data, which allow for the necessary assembly and construction specifications to be planned quickly and accurately.

The output data from this highly effective tool comprises:

  • Cross-sections, including the relevant assembly dimensions
  • Detailed material lists
  • A comprehensive 3D model of the planned system

ELFF-CASS thus provides effective and efficient planning support for specialised tunnel and overhead conductor rail projects by providing precise planning documents and models.

Individual cross-section in 2D format

3D model of an entire rigid overhead conductor rail system

Licensing

The modules of our planning software are available for purchase by railway infrastructure managers and overhead line planners. We tailor the underlying databases to meet specific customer requirements. We offer needs-based training to ensure effective use of the software. We also guarantee continuous support and up-to-date solutions through individually agreed support and update services.

Our planning tool ELFF allows for innovative, efficient and future-oriented planning in overhead contact line construction, supported by our expertise and the use of leading-edge technology.

We will be happy to provide you with more information about our planning tool ELFF and the BIM modules, which are the result of a joint project between Furrer+Frey AG and SIGNON Deutschland GmbH.
Contact us
Matthias Gilgen
Matthias Gilgen
Teamleiter CAD-Entwicklung
msgilgen@furrerfrey.ch

Find out more about our services, which are designed to work in synergy with our planning tools.

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