BUDGET CAD

This article reports on some computer aided design (cad) software, now available on the latest microcomputers, which cost less than 10,000. For example, ecl, a subsidiary of John Laing, has produced digital ground modelling, road alignment, and drainage design software, which was originally developed for use on mainframe computers but has now been adapted to run on 32-bit 386 series microcomputers. Other companies have also developed ground modelling software to run on microcomputers. Ecl's personal ground modeller (pgm) represents and analyses site survey information, carries out calculations with interactive commands from the designer, and uses full colour graphics to display the three dimensional models. Pgm can display information on the screen in several ways; for example, it initially represents a surface as a series of nearly equilateral triangles, for accuracy, but it can display the surface as a square grid, for easier interpretation of models. The colour of the display is particularly useful for showing the height and gradient of the land. Levels can be calculated and contours can be plotted in only a few seconds; sections can also be drawn, showing original surfaces and planned alterations. The highway design package, which is also fully interactive, contains information about various factors, so that designs comply with relevant standards. Future plans include systems to schedule quantities for road and drainage works. The basic pgm software package costs about 4,500, while the other modules available cost from 1,000 to 8,000. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03077683
• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • RUSSELL, L
• Publication Date: 1988-10-27

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 32-34
• Serial:
  • NEW CIVIL ENGINEER
  • Issue Number: 813
  • Publisher: EMAP CONSTRUCT LIMITED
  • ISSN: 0307-7683

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Charts; Computer aided design; Computer programs; Digital computers; Drainage; Highway design; Information processing; Terrain
• Uncontrolled Terms: Micro; Site investigation
• ITRD Terms: 2894: Alignment; 6486: Chart; 8657: Computer aided design; 8655: Data processing; 8673: Digital computer; 2937: Drainage; 2855: Highway design; 9045: Micro; 5722: Site investigation; 8645: Software; 4035: Terrain
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00493276
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1990 12:00AM