SierraSoft Roads
BIM software for the design of roads and highways
SierraSoft Roads is a BIM software for the design of roads and highways
The BIM functions of SierraSoft Roads allow you to produce, modify, share, and analyze road 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.
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 Roads.
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 Roads 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.
Coordinate systems
SierraSoft Roads 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.
Road intersections
Design any intersection with ease and precision
Make any kind of road intersection with unprecedented speed and precision.
Create and modify intersections while maintaining control of the results, whether it be roundabouts, at-grade intersections or complex interchanges.
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 Roads checks if your project complies with the policy.
Check the congruence of the design parameters of the axes with the selected policy.
Generate and test the visibility diagram and the speed diagram.
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.
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 Roads, 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.
Certify your professional skills
ICMQ certification - BIM Specialist Infrastructures discipline with SierraSoft Roads
Possession of professional certification as a BIM expert is increasingly demanded by the market and is becoming an increasingly rewarding feature.
SierraSoft in collaboration with ICMQ offers the opportunity to professionals who already work in the field of BIM with its products to obtain a certificate attesting to the possession of those skills.
Towards the Digital Twin
The information model created with SierraSoft Roads 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 Roads
BIM software for the design of roads and highways
Version 12.0
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).
<
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.
Getting Started Guide: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.
User Manual: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.
Online Help: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.
SmartHelp: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French.
BIM
Software: BIM authoring (creation, editing and management of information models).
Extensions: SierraSoft BIM Modeling, SierraSoft BIM Exchange, SierraSoft BIM Checking.
Managed openBIM standards and services
SierraSoft Roads produces data compatible with any Common Data Environment (CDE): from Autodesk Construction Cloud to Bentley ProjectWise, from Trimble Connect to Italian solutions. The BCF format ensures open and transparent BIM issue management, free from dependencies on proprietary platforms.
- Available professional certifications: BIM Specialist Infrastructures discipline (UNI 11337-7 UNI/PdR 78:2020)
Standards compliance: SierraSoft Roads complies with the UNI 11337 and ISO 19650.
Discover SierraSoft BIM Modeling >
Discover SierraSoft BIM Exchange >
Discover SierraSoft BIM Checking >
Digital twins, export construction sites and machine control integration
SierraSoft Roads supports exports to formats used in digital twin workflows and machine control systems, facilitating the transition from design to construction.
With SierraSoft Roads, 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, clothoids.
Integrated policy control of horizontal alignment elements.
Management of planimetry polylines.
Tools to extract the planimetry polylines.
Speed diagram.
Policy control of speed diagram.
Management of geometry annotation through customized styles.
Profile
Definition of vertical alignment: grade lines, circular vertical curves, parabolic vertical curves.
Integrated policy control of vertical alignment elements.
Management of profile dimensioning through customized styles.
Management of profile polylines.
Extraction of profile polylines from customizable styles.
Intersections
Automatic management of at-grade intersections (crossroads, roundabouts, etc.).
Automatic management of lane intersections (Interchanges, ramps, etc.).
Definition of customized at-grade intersections schemes.
Customized definition of superelevations in at-grade intersections.
Graphic modification of intersection areas.
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.
Policy
Specific environment for the definition of the standards.
Customization of the standards.
Check of standard controls.
Integration of standard controls through horizontal alignment elements and vertical alignment elements.
Library of road standards reference.
Present regulations:
BR - Manual de Projeto Geométrico de Rodovias Rurais 1999
BR - Manual de Projeto Geométrico de Travessias Urbanas 2010
DEU - Richtlinien für die Anlage von Straßen, RAS 1995
ESP - Instrucción de Carreteras, Norma 3.1-IC 2000
ESP - Instrucción de Carreteras, Norma 3.1-IC 2016
FRA - ICTAAL, Instruction sur les Conditions Techniques d'Aménagement des Autoroutes de Liaison, Octobre 1985
FRA - Aménagement des Routes Principal, Ministére de l'Equipement Direction des Routes, 1994
FRA - ICTAAL, Instruction sur les Conditions Techniques d'Aménagement des Autoroutes de Liaison, Circulaire du 12 Décembre 2000
FRA - ICTAVRU, Instruction sur les Conditions Techniques d'Aménagement des Voies Rapides Urbaines, 2009
ITA - Normativa intersezioni 2006 - Italia
ITA - Normativa stradale 2002 - Italia
OMN - Oman Highway Design Standards 2010 - Sultanate of Oman
PRT - Norma de traçado 1994 - Portugal
USA - Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2004 - Imperial
USA - Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2004 - Metric
USA - Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2011 - Imperial
USA - Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2011 - Metric
GRC - Οδηγίες Μελετών Οδικών Έργων, ΟΜΟΕ 2001
SierraSoft Roads includes a configurable, open policy checking system: Italian (Ministerial Decree 2018, CNR) and international policy are already included, and you can add new ones using an intuitive system. The software automatically verifies the consistency of the design parameters and generates a detailed, element-by-element report. No surprises during the review phase.
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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