FAQ CAD&Pillar

Questions

General

Alignment axis

Cross Sections

Answers

General

Who uses CAD&PILLAR?
This software is daily used by thousands of technicians, in particular topographers, planning companies, building firms.
How do I learn to use CAD&PILLAR?
The software is provided with a paper tutorial in which the most frequent operations are described, a help on line for the use of each command and a video corresponding, as regards to the topics treated, to a basic course given by our technicians.
How long does it take to become effective?
An average user of AutoCAD with the essential technical abilities can be immediately effective because the approach to the software is the same of AutoCAD drawing; it follows that time and costs due to learning phase are remarkably reduced. In order to meet advanced requirements, courses of variable duration are available at our office or at the customer’s office. For more information contact our business office.
What are objects (or environments) of CAD&PILLAR?
"Objects" of CAD&PILLAR are portions of model space in which a particular reference UCS is set and gauged depending on the performed operation: for example, during the altimetric alignment the object “Profile” will be activated and bi-dimensional UCS (X=chainage, Y=elevation) will be set; besides, only commands related to those operations will be available.
Where are data of a CAD&PILLAR design stored?
The entire design (of any dimension) is saved in a single dwg without using external database. This allows to have always design data updated and monitored. If you’re working for somebody else you’re sure to give him all the necessary with the dwg. With the last version of the dwg extension the file dimension has been remarkably reduced (of about the 40%) to the benefit of its lightness and exchange easiness
Can CAD&PILLAR designs be displayed and modified with AutoCAD?
Of course, since the program creates only CAD entities with no need of particular files. Only for the correct visualization of topographic points a form file (CD-PUNTO.shx) is required; it has to be copied in the fonts AutoCAD directory in the computer receiving the file. It is possible to modify or integrate designs created by the program with any AutoCAD.
Is it possible to create a 3D model of the work?
CAD&PILLAR allows to create automatically the 3D model of the linear work with a specific command. Then it is possible to integrate or modify this linear 3Dface model both with other commands and with AutoCAD commands. Further commands have been developed for the creation of presentations and videos.

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Alignment axis

What is an alignment of CAD&PILLAR?
An alignment created with CAD&PILLAR is a 2D polyline drawn at elevation 0 in AutoCAD model space. The polyline maintains all the features of any AutoCAD polyline to which the program associates design data, such as chainages, rotations, an so on...
How do I create an alignment?
An alignment is generated starting from “base elements”, that is, AutoCAD entities (lines, arcs and circles) and from blocks generated by the program for the realization of transition curves (parabolas and clothoids, even multiparameter, reversing clothoids, continuities, polycentric and spirals...). The program settings allow to proceed to the alignment plan phase both by traverses and by circles.
Is it possible to modify an already inserted alignment?
Specific commands for alignment modification are provided but with version 4 it will be possible to edit dynamically an alignment both in graphic way and by using a table that reports the alignment elements.
Is there any limitation to the number of alignments in a dwg?
It’s a single-axis program, while CIVIL Design it’s available both in single-axis and in multi-axis version.
Which are the norm verifications performed by the program?
The program allows to perform all the verifications for the planning of extraurban roads as provided for by the Italian Ministerial Order 5/11/2001. In particular, it performs the verifications of axis composition, speed diagram verification, 2D and 3D visibility verifications, obstacle analysis and of compatible speed. The program allows to realize necessary reports and layouts.

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Cross Sections

How do I define a design cross section?
A cross section in CAD&PILLAR is created simply by drawing in AutoCAD. It is sufficient to draw polylines for the representation of current cross section and some marginal elements (ditches, gutters, walls...) and the program will insert them in design cross sections on the basis of given conditions. It is possible to define parametric sections to create complex design sections that are inserted according to certain conditions.
How many items can be computed in a cross section?
10 volume items and 2 area items.
How can I modify already inserted design cross sections?
Cross sections are dynamically linked to planimetry, design profile and template section; therefore if one of these elements is modified, a dynamic updating will follow.
Which layouts are created by the program?
The program allows to create automatically computing sections, a sections book and report files of the computer quantities.

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Profiles

How do I obtain a profile from a digital model?
The program allows to create digital models by triangles, by contours or by grid. Then it is possible to extract a longitudinal profile of an alignment and report it on a frame; in general, it is possible to extract profiles along any polyline.
How many profiles can be managed?
It is possible to manage two profiles for each alignment (terrain and design).
Which verifications are performed by the program on profiles?
The program allows to dimension vertical curves of road profiles according to visibility verifications provided for by Italian regulation.

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Topography

What types of surveys can be handled?
The program allows to elaborate and handle tacheometric surveys of any dimension, cadastral surveys, GPS and levellings.
From which instruments is it possible to download survey files?
Files can be download from the instrument in the pc with our freeware software Transfer (available in the download area ). CAD&PILLAR allows to import and elaborate files. The following instruments are supported: Trimble-Geotronics, Leica, Nikon, Sokkia. Pentax.. as well as Trimble DINI level.
How are topographic points groups handled?
Processed surveys are represented as 3D topographic points groups in AutoCAD: points are particular blocks that can be handled with specific commands ensuring the greatest flexibility in texture.
What types of process are supported?
CAD&PILLAR allows to process a survey using different adjustment methods: constrained least squares, empiric, with rototranslation or without compensation. Among the many calculation options, we mention the possibility to perform verifications on definite traverses.
Does the topographic Model provide specific functions for Cadastre?
Module T - Topografia of CAD&PILLAR is compatible with all the specific procedures of Pregeo 8 (and previous versions): autoallestito, updating proposal , and so on, can be created with the same practicality of approach as in AutoCAD environment.

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Support and Technical Assistance

How is organized CAD&PILLAR?
CAD&Pillar has been organized in 5 modules (Module T - Topografia; M - Curve di livello e volumi; S - Strade; C - Cave; R-Raster). The user can choose which modules to buy and how to combine them. Special offers propose the purchase of more modules at a definitely advantageous price. For more information about these two solutions, see Products section on the left.
And how is CIVIL Design proposed?
The product is proposed in Solutions representing groups of commands on the basis of different technical requirements. Each solution serves as the most fitting answer as regards to different applications fields. For example, Topografia Solution provides all the commands essential to elaboration and texture of any topographic survey; Quick Strade Solution has been created for single-axis road planning, while for more specific requirements Strade e Ferrovie Solution provides additional functions and the possibility to handle multi-axis roads. For more information about these two solutions, see Products section on the left.
What’s the difference between CAD&PILLAR and CIVIL Design?
CAD&PILLAR can be considered as a “lighter” version of CIVIL Design, devised to more limited planning requirements, particularly suitable for topographic (and cadastral) environment, building site environment or average/small planning companies.
How are your products updatings managed?
First of all, a distinction has to be made between Service Packs and new Releases. Service Packs are updatings that can be free downloaded in the download area; they include corrective patches and improvements for existing commands while new releases have to be purchased; they include brand new functionalities and the developing of existing commands. However, the Assistance contract includes the possibility to have free new releases.
What is Assistance contract?
It’s a contract that you can sign with DIGICORP Ingegneria Srl in order to have technical assistance by telephone (at certain hours) and to receive automatically new versions within the contract term. For example, if you sing now and in two months a new version is going to be released, you will automatically receive it. In the six months following the purchase, the service is free.
What is the Technical Assistance Service?
It’s a service provided by DIGICORP Ingegneria Srl for the technical assistance of its products. It is possible to require technical assistance by phone, fax or e-mail according to the conditions provided for by the contract. In the six months following the purchase the service is free; after this period it is possible to extend (against payment) the service signing the Assistance contract. Technicians in charge of this service are civil engineers specialized in different disciplines: road planning, railway planning, topography, hydraulics, planning and management of building sites.

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