SierraSoft Hydro

BIM software for hydraulic design

BIM software for hydraulic design

SierraSoft Hydro is a BIM software for hydraulic design of waterways, canals, ditches, pipes, pipe networks and manholes

The BIM functions of SierraSoft Hydro allow you to produce, modify, share, and analyze hydraulic information models.
Design and information modeling occur simultaneously with a strong optimization of activities and cost containment.
In one product you have all the tools for design, information modeling and quantities calculation.

The parametric dynamic design in BIM

Projects in BIM with an ease that is incredible

Design and BIM

The design activities, geometric-informative modeling and the definition of the interoperable model take place simultaneously and in a single work environment.
Insert the axes, define the typical sections, set the characteristics of the BIM model and with one click you have the finished project, the drawings and the information models.
BIM increases the value of your design.

Parametric modeling of infrastructure corridors

Axes, profiles, and typical sections automatically generate dynamic 3D infrastructure models.
Every design change updates geometries, drawings, quantity takeoffs, and the BIM model in real time.

Modification and check in real time

It is possible to control the design like never before, drastically reduce designing time thanks to 3D real time cross-section on planimetry.
By changing a parameter everything is updated automatically.
The result can be immediately checked even before creating the final project.
Maximum control over the entire design and over every detail.

M3 Framework Database
All data relating to design and information modeling (geometries and data) are stored in the M3 Framework Database managed by SierraSoft Hydro.
The M3 Framework Database stores all the parameters and data of the project, of the information modeling (geometries and data) and of the information exchange.
SierraSoft Hydro generates, starting from the data contained in the M3 Framework Database, all the necessary information documents and information models, with content and level of detail based on the requests.
The M3 Framework Database is the only reference for information and guarantees consistency between project data (plans, profiles, sections), information documents and information models.

As-Found

Create a digital reproduction of the territory

Acquire the information

Acquire and use the land information needed to create a digital reproduction of the existing.
You can acquire information from topographic surveys, maps, GIS data, point clouds and BIM models (IFC and LandXML).

Point clouds

Easy handle one or more point clouds of any size.
Loading and display are really fast, drawing and extraction functions occur in real time.

Terrain modeling

Automatically generates the triangular slope model of the surveyed terrain (DTM) defining, if necessary, inclusion, exclusion and breaklines constraints.
From the triangles model you automatically get the contour lines.

As-Found Information model

Create new objects from the acquired data, defining the geometries and their information content.
Get a complete information model that is highly useful for your design.

Coordinate systems

SierraSoft Hydro supports a wide range of coordinate systems, managing both EPSG standards-based systems and other localized systems.

This versatility enables users to work with geographic and projected coordinates according to recognized international coordinate systems, as well as to adapt to specific local needs, ensuring accuracy and consistency in design and information modeling activities.

Hydraulic design

Hydraulic design made simple

Design of waterways, canals and ditches

The definition of the horizontal alignment is done through straight and horizontal curves. The vertical alignment is done through grade lines and vertical curves.
The intersection of multiple waterways is managed through axis intersection management.
Automatic 3D model generation of all project elements and information model (BIM).

Design of pipes, pipe networks and manholes

The definition of the alignment of the pipes is done with real-time control and verification of the type of pipe and type of manholes.
You can define your own libraries of pipe and manhole styles, and you can define design constraints (e.g., minimum and maximum slope)
Creation of pipe networks for sharing manholes.
Creation of the 3D model of the excavation of pipes and manholes
Automatic 3D model generation of all project elements and information model (BIM).

Typical sections and typical objects

Parametric and programmable for maximum efficiency and flexibility

Create and manage the typical section within a specific environment by assembling parametric objects included in the software or defined by the user.
The creation of the typical objects takes place in a dedicated environment.
You can parameterize features and data, and if that's not enough, you can program them using the included scripting language.

Cross sections

Automatic and always consistent with the information model

Extract all data wherever they are: from triangle models, from point clouds, from other axes, from information models (railways, roads, hydraulic works, bridges, tunnels, ancillary works, buildings), from cartography.
The insertion and management of the project typical section takes place completely automatically on the basis of the data settings of the parametric design.
The drawing of the sections, completely customizable, includes the tables of quantities, the dimensions, the annotations box and the fills.

Quantities calculation

You decide what to calculate and how to calculate it

Extraction and calculation of quantities from different sources: sections, objects, surfaces, BIM entities, etc.

Definition of the quantities to be calculated (cut, fill, topsoil, etc.) based on the processes entered.
The results are stored within the information model and made available as printouts.

Non linear 3D design

Design and model complex three-dimensional geometries

Go beyond the traditional design method for axes and sections.
Generate complex 3D surfaces and solid compounds with SmartPolylines.
Work directly in 3D creating everything you need: sideslopes, benches, terraces, embankments, pools, ramps, parking lots, etc.
Interactively design, with extreme precision and speed, 3D geometric models from which to extract sections and calculate volumes.

Hydrological analysis

Obtain valuable information in relation to the presence of water

Obtain important information for hydrographic and hydrological analysis of the territory and of new projects.
Analyzes the hydrological problems related to the territory and facilitates decision-making processes relating to new projects.
Get, starting from a point, the path of the water or the contour line.
Displays slope vectors, valleys, ridges, tributaries, flat areas, maximum and minimum points on the terrain or project surface.
Calculate the filling volume of a basin.

Advanced information modeling

Define your BIM model in detail

The information modeling takes place simultaneously with the design based on specific customizable settings.

The structure of the model, the elements that compose it, the geometric representation of the objects and their information content are defined.

The integration of buildingSMART's IDS (Information Delivery Specifications) and bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary) standards directly into parametric information modeling enables easy and intuitive creation, management, modification, and validation of information content, ensuring data consistency between project, information model, and information requirements.

Thus you create an information model according to the specifications required in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).
The information model is created while maintaining information consistency with all the information documents created.

The activity of multidisciplinary collaboration is supported by the implementation of the BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) standard, facilitating both design integration and BIM collaboration.

Requires the SierraSoft BIM Modeling software extension.
Discover SierraSoft BIM Modeling >

Information exchange and multi-disciplinary integrated design

Share information models and manage federated models for infrastructures

Share project information in IFC (2x3, 4.1, 4.3) and LandXML formats for export to other software such as Revit, Tekla, ArchiCAD, Trimble Connect, usBIM, etc.

Import information models of works such as railways, roads, hydraulic works, bridges, tunnels, ancillary works, buildings for the integrated design and management of federated models.
Requires the SierraSoft BIM Exchange software extension.
Discover SierraSoft BIM Exchange >

Information analysis and verification

Analyze and verify the information content of BIM models

The analysis, verification and validation of information content occur simultaneously with the activities of design and information modeling. This aims to identify and resolve any design and modeling errors at the point of origin, where it costs least to resolve them.
Then so identify interferences between created models and between federated models, verify the structure, the elements and the information content. In addition to standard checks, specific checks are provided for topographic and infrastructural information models.
Requires the SierraSoft BIM Checking software extension.
Discover SierraSoft BIM Checking >

Information documents

Automatically generates the required information documents

Starting from the project data and from the data of the information model, it automatically generates drawings and reports of various types including:
  • Geometry annotation: the elements of the axes complete with all dimensions.
  • Longitudinal profile: the elements of the profile complete with dimensions and annotations boxes.
  • Cross sections: all the sections paginated in separate sheets, complete with dimensions, annotations boxes and summaries of the calculation of quantities.
  • Project planimetry: the drawing with the representation of all the elements of the project.
  • Prints: the printouts produced include the data of the alignment, the longitudinal profile, the data of the sections, of the quantities and the data for stacking out.  The printouts are customizable with different levels of detail.
All information documents are customizable and consistent with the project and the information model.

Information models in open formats

Create information models in open formats that can be customized according to the specifications of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Design in detail and create information models in IFC format by defining version, domain, spatial structure, elements, graphical representations and properties.

Export information models in LandXML format with all project data.
Deliver information models in open formats following the specifications defined in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

The absolute freedom of openBIM

Vendor independence

Why lock yourself into a closed, proprietary ecosystem? SierraSoft embraces the openBIM philosophy.
With native export in IFC 4x3 and LandXML formats, your information model integrates seamlessly into any Common Data Environment (CDE) or multidisciplinary software platform without data loss.
With SierraSoft Hydro, you are never locked into a single ecosystem. Models produced in IFC 4.3, LandXML, and BCF formats are compatible with any software on the market (from Autodesk to Bentley, from Trimble to any CDE platform).
You are free to collaborate with any structural or architectural team, enforcing the quality of your design, not the format of your software.

Positioning and construction

Generate reports, drawings and models for use in positioning and construction

Export the information for the topographic positioning of the project using the staking out functions.

Export models that can be used by “machine control” systems by automating the design and construction processes.

As-Built

Return As-Built models with the data acquired during the construction phase

Create information models representing the built in detail.
Integrate project data with information acquired during construction.
Several tools for both design and pure 3D modeling support you in the creation of the model.

Platform for coordination and integration

Integrate and coordinate design and workflows in BIM

SierraSoft Hydro is also the platform to coordinate multidisciplinary design by allowing you to share models.

With SierraSoft Hydro you can import railways, roads, hydraulic works, bridges, tunnels, ancillary works, buildings to create aggregate models to support design choices.

Towards the Digital Twin

The information model created with SierraSoft Hydro is the foundation of your infrastructure’s digital twin. Thanks to the IFC 4.3 and LandXML standards, project data is ready to be imported into any digital twin platform (open or proprietary).
From construction to operations: your data lives beyond the project.

Product:

  • SierraSoft Hydro

  • BIM software for hydraulic design

  • Version 5.0

  • Subscription software license

System requirements:

  • Microsoft® Windows 11 64 bit (up to version 26H1), Windows 10 64 bit (up to version 22H2).

  • 2.5 GHz or faster processor.

  • 4 GB minimum RAM (8 GB recommended).

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  • 2 GB hard disk space.

  • 1680x1050 graphics card with 16.8 million colors (1920x1080 or higher recommended).

  • Microsoft® Edge Windows Browser.

General features

  • M3 Framework platform.

  • Ergonomic Interface.

  • Customized sliding toolbar.

  • Management of multiple windows, multi pages and multi monitors.

  • Standard windows and full screen working method.

  • Intelligent Command line.

  • SmartSave system for the secure saving of data.

  • International unit of measure management (Metrics and Imperials).

  • SmartHelp system for learning by doing.

Available languages

  • Software: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.

  • Video tutorial: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.

  • Sample files: Italian.

  • User Manual: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.

  • Online Help: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.

  • SmartHelp: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.

BIM

Discover SierraSoft BIM Modeling >
   
Discover SierraSoft BIM Exchange >
   
Discover SierraSoft BIM Checking >

Digital twins, export construction sites and machine control integration

SierraSoft Hydro supports exports to formats used in digital twin workflows and machine control systems, facilitating the transition from design to construction.
With SierraSoft Hydro, the information workflow does not stop at project delivery. The As-Found and As-Built features allow you to update the model with data from the construction site, creating a digital representation that accurately reflects the built reality (a solid foundation for the asset’s operational digital twin).

Coordinate systems

  • Support for coordinate systems based on EPSG standards, configurable according to: Geodetic area, Geodetic system, Plane projection, Elevation origin, Horizontal datum, Vertical datum, Grids and Geoids.

  • Managed grid formats: GR1, GR2, GK1, GK2 (Verto) , NTv2 (National Transformation version 2), NADCON (North American Datum Conversion).

  • Managed geoid formats: GK1, GK2 (Verto), NTv2 (National Transformation version 2), NGS (National Geodetic Survey), GGF (Trimble Grid and Geoid File), GTG (Geodetic TIFF grids).

GIS and geospatial data

  • ESRI Shapefile (SHP): Import with conversion of GIS data to BIM data and export with conversion of BIM data to GIS data.

  • Google Maps Platform: Acquisition of static maps / images via the Google Static Maps service and acquisition of elevation data via the Google Maps Elevation service. Google Key credentials are required to access the services.

  • KML and KMZ: Export data and models in KML, KMZ format to manage geospatial data in three dimensions in Google Earth software and Google Maps service.

CAD

  • High-performance 3D graphic engine.

  • Full 3D CAD.

  • Insertion of drawing elements (lines, arches, texts, blocks etc.).

  • Tools for editing drawing elements (drag, cut, etc.).

  • Tools for drawing analysis (distance, angles, etc.).

  • Advanced drawing and editing functions.

  • Subprojects management.

  • WBS management.

  • View mode: drawing and realistic.

  • Management of drawing styles.

  • 3D visualization and perspective with shading.

Images and photos

  • Management of raster images: upload and visualization.

  • Management of georeferenced images.

  • Maps download from Google Maps (SierraSoft BIM Exchange is required).

  • Images insertion on the model.

Survey and models

  • Management of file from land surveying instruments (SierraSoft BIM Exchange is required).

  • Insertion and editing of survey points.

  • Management of breakline and boundary constraints.

  • Automatic constrained triangulation.

  • DTM download from Google Maps (SierraSoft BIM Exchange is required).

  • Creation of contour lines

  • Merge of model triangles with axis models.

  • Visualization according to the color scale of elevation of model triangles.

Point clouds

  • Visualization of point clouds.

  • Direct drawing on point clouds.

  • Simultaneous management of multiple clouds.

  • Real time extraction of profiles and sections from the clouds.

  • Management of point clouds originating from the laser scanner systems, lidar, Mobile Mapping and drones (UAV/APR).

  • Conversion from various formats (LAS, XYZ, PTS, XCF, E57, GeoTIFF DEM, etc.) with “SierraSoft Mass Data Converter” software.

Capture millions of points from laser scanning, photogrammetry, and reality capture workflows to rapidly create digital models of existing terrain and infrastructure

Axis

  • Definition of horizontal alignment: straights, circular curves.

  • Management of planimetry polylines.

  • Tools to extract the planimetry polylines.

Profile

  • Definition of vertical alignment.

  • Management of profile dimensioning through customized styles.

  • Management of profile polylines.

  • Extraction of profile polylines from customizable styles.

Typical sections

  • Management by station of the typical sections.

  • Management by station of the zones of creation of the project planimetry.

  • Complete and partial creation of the project planimetry.

  • Management by station of default and customized features of typical sections.

  • Definition of customized typical sections.

  • Wide archive of parametric objects for the definition of the typical sections.

Sections

  • Manual entry of cross-sections.

  • Dynamic cross-section visualization.

  • Management by station of the automatic entry of cross-sections.

  • Management by station of the zones of creation of cross-sections.

  • Management by station of extraction parameters of cross-sections.

  • Management by station of calculation parameters of areas and volumes.

  • Management of cross-section annotations box through customized styles.

  • Management of polylines cross-sections.

  • Extraction of cross-section polylines from customizable styles.

  • Calculation of terrain cross-sections from: triangle digital model, break lines and point clouds.

  • Calculation of areas and volumes from customizable styles.

Stakeout

  • Management of the stakeout of the axis and the section elements.

  • Export for stakeout and machine control.

Quantity and costs

  • Management of quantity for quantity takeoff and estimating from cross-sections and from entities.

  • Management of quantity for quantity takeoff and estimating by WBS.

Compatibility

  • Import and export of SierraSoft Geomatics Suite files (.PST).

  • Import and export of Autodesk® AutoCAD files (.DXF,.DWG).

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