SierraSoft Rails is a BIM software for the design of railways for low and high speed, single and double track

The BIM functions of SierraSoft Rails allow you to produce, modify, share, and analyze railway 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, policy control, 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.

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 Rails. 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 Rails 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 Rails 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.

Alignment design

Create horizontal and vertical alignments in a natural way

A system with a few essential commands allows to solve complicated cases in a natural way through grips, properties and intelligent objects.

Horizontal alignment

The horizontal axis is defined through straights, circular curves, clothoid, parabolas.

Widenings and superelevations are automatically calculated during the geometry annotation.

Everything is displayed in real time, calculated and verified according to the set legislation. The drawing of the geometry annotation plan is complete with all the dimensions of the various elements that make up the alignment. The drawing is customizable thanks to the numerous dimensioning options available.

Longitudinal profile

The terrain profile is automatically returned based on your settings. You can get profiles from different sources: 3D models, axes, sections, polylines, etc.

You can extract and analyze edges, walls, ditches and any other element of the section, directly on profile.

The project profile is defined with grade lines, circular curves, parabolic curves. The graphic representation of the profile in the desired scales is complete with all the design elements. Profile dimensioning is fully automated and customizable.

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. Standard objects include roadways, courses, ditches, channels, walls, railway objects, generic objects. 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.

Policy

Free to design where you prefer

Calculations, checks and policies checks: SierraSoft Rails checks if your project complies with the policy. Check the congruence of the design parameters of the axes with the selected policy. Generate the speed diagram. The calculation of the superelevations and widenings takes place automatically. The calculation of the overhangs and widenings takes place automatically. Get a detailed report of the verification, element by element, with the provisions of the policy. The software will suggest, where possible, the maximum and minimum values to be adopted. Several policies are already present in the software, and thanks to an open and intuitive system, you can extend the existing regulations with the new ones you need.

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 (axis, edges, slopes, etc.)
• Prints: the printouts produced include the data of the alignment, the longitudinal profile, the policies checks, 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).

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

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