NR NR/L2/SIG/13251/SICA UM ISSUE 1 PDF

Introduction

Getting Started

Using the Manual

Throughout this manual, the reader is given guidance by the format of the text:

• Buttons within the model given in ‘BOLD SMALL CAPITALS'.
• Names of worksheets are given in ‘ITALIC SMALL CAPITALS'.
• Excel commands are given in ‘bold font'.

System Requirements

The minimum requirement is a computer with Microsoft Excel 2000, and sufficient hard disk space for approximately 2.5Mb of data per assessment. Most office personal computers should be sufficient for the task.

Installing SICA³ Software

The software consists of a single Microsoft Excel workbook, SICA03.

This master software should be loaded into its own directory. The software in this master directory should not be edited, but should be copied to a separate directory, ready for the SICA analysis of a specific site and named appropriately.

Always ensure that the latest version of the software is being used. Information on the current version of the SICA³ software may be obtained from Network Rail HQ. The software should not be run from any source other than that specified by NRIS.

In order to create screen space for the SICA³ checklists, the model software closes any ancillary toolbars being displayed by Microsoft Excel. These will be reinstated, when leaving the model, provided the EXIT button on the Define Site Details user form is selected.

The minimum screen area of the personal computer should be set at 800 x 600 for viewing however, larger screen areas may provide more beneficial viewing.

Using the Software

The SICA³ model comprises fifty three worksheets and associated Microsoft Visual Basic code. Not all the sheets will be required for a single assessment, and the software is designed to display only those sheets relevant to the assessment being carried out.

Security levels within Microsoft Excel should be set at medium. This is the default setting used by the application and can be verified or altered by selecting Tools...Macro...Security...on the menu.

On opening the SICA³ model the first step encountered shall be to select ‘Enable Macros'. Macros have to be enabled to allow the SICA³ model to operate correctly.

To assist the user, the ‘Define Site Details' user form prompts them to select one of the following assessment types.

• Primary SICA (for interlocking areas),
• Primary SICA Level Crossing,
• Secondary SICA (for interlocking areas),
• Secondary SICA Level Crossing.

A list of all possible elements is shown on the user form. When the SELECT ASSESSMENT TYPE button is selected, the elements applicable to a specific assessment will be highlighted.

Any number of SICA³ spreadsheets may be opened at a given time, but when closing care should be taken to ensure that the spreadsheet first opened, is closed last.