This project involved designing and constructing of a 27-kilometer, six-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway in Rajasthan. Nitya Nayra Civil Solutions is the design consultant responsible for detailed engineering. They faced challenges designing the interchanges along the roadway and needed comprehensive modeling and visualization technology.

They selected OpenRoads ConceptStation, which simplified conceptual 3D modeling of the interchanges and enabled them to clearly demonstrate the design intent to the authorities to obtain approval. 

Project Playbook: OpenRoads ConceptStation

As a frontrunner in leveraging new technologies, Arcadis wanted to use 3D and BIM technology to automate workflows in quantity estimation processes. Prior manual 2D methods were error-prone and labor-intensive, often lacking transparency and the ability to update cost and quantity changes within the design in real time. They needed flexible BIM technology to extract these quantities digitally, directly from the models.

They selected OpenRoads, OpenRail, and OpenBridge to generate a detailed 3D model of the corridor, where each model element has a predefined ID with dimensions and assigned metadata that is captured in the project-specific bill of quantities document. This workflow automated quantity takeoffs using the BIM model, providing a flexible, efficient method that eliminated manual repetitive tasks, contributing to an estimated time savings of 80%. The digital solution allows transparent access to an up-to-date, model-based quantity estimate and calculation, improving the ability to more accurately predict and plan project deliverables. 

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRail Designer, OpenRoads Designer

Construction along Section C of the A1 Highway in Poland will provide a direct connection from the Czech border to Poland’s tri-city ports, supporting the country’s economic development. The 17-kilometer project included design and construction of new structures, as well as reconstruction and integration of existing infrastructure. Multiconsult Polska was retained as chief designer and faced coordination challenges implementing standard modeling processes.

They used ContextCapture to generate a reality mesh of the existing infrastructure and project site, while OpenBridge, OpenRoads, and OpenBuildings helped to model the new utility networks, roadways, and additional equipment. Working in a connected data environment streamlined collaboration and accelerated design changes. By establishing integrated digital design and data workflows, they identified and resolved clashes, saving significant construction costs and 90% of drafting time compared to prior manual methods. The project established digital BIM standards in the industry, providing a foundation for future BIM initiatives. 

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer

This project involved piloting automated and digital workflows for the Czech Republic’s highway authority to modernize the civil construction industry. Focused on technical innovation in road design, PRAGOPROJEKT needed an interoperable modeling application that could be integrated with their own software.

They selected OpenRoads to implement BIM processes and established a connected data environment. Using Bentley’s interoperable application, they coordinated their proprietary models and software with the OpenRoads models to generate and share a digital twin via the Bentley iTwin platform. The digital solution automates prior manual processes to achieve better quantity estimations and serves as a good example of the benefits of digitalization for future development. 

Project Playbook: iTwin, OpenRoads Designer

Multiconsult Polska is the chief designer for the S52 expressway, which will provide a collision-free, fast, and safe transport route for residents of Kraków and the surrounding areas. The project includes 13 kilometers of roadway and two tunnels, as well as infrastructure reconstruction in a highly urbanized area with complex topography. To avoid inefficiencies associated with conventional approaches, Multiconsult Polska wanted to implement digital BIM methodologies. However, after struggling to standardize modeling procedures, they needed to establish a connected data environment.

Already a Bentley user, Multiconsult Polska selected OpenRoads Designer and OpenBridge Modeler to create dynamic 3D models for roadway, bridge, and tunnel solutions. They used ContextCapture to create a reality mesh of existing site conditions and OpenBuildings Designer to generate accurate reports and bills of quantity directly from the models. The integrated modeling environment helped coordinate design processes, saving 70% in time compared to traditional methods. 

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer

Located in an undulating area spanning 98 kilometers across the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, the Guizhou Zhenxiong-Hezhang-Liupanshui Expressway features 75 bridges and 34 tunnels. The long mileage, multiple disciplines, and heavy safety supervision presented several challenges that could not be accommodated by previous traditional CAD modeling. The design and construction companies needed to establish digital workflows and a construction management platform to deliver the project.

They selected ContextCapture and Bentley’s open modeling applications, including OpenRoads and MicroStation, to generate reality and BIM models. They also established a collaborative digital platform to share and manage project data, saving an estimated CNY 900,000. By integrating the construction schedule with the BIM model to simulate construction, they shortened the construction period by 76 days and reduced costs by CNY 10.94 million. They plan on using the models to develop a digital twin for intelligent lifecycle management, promoting digital development within transportation. 

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, MicroStation, OpenBridge Designer, OpenRoads Designer

On March 11, 2011, Futaba was fully evacuated after the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake and the associated meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Over the next decade, infrastructure was gradually restored and some residents could return, although reconstruction continues. To speed the process, Japanese universities wanted to apply “Society 5.0” principles, which work to improve the local economy and solve societal issues through advanced technology.

The universities, along with Kokusai Kogyo, used various unmanned vehicles and robots to capture 3D image data for 1 kilometer of road, as well as nearby buildings and underground facilities. With MicroStation, they could overlap point groups and judge features from various angles, making 3D plotting less difficult. MicroStation lowered costs by 75% per plotting instrument, improved accuracy, and reduced the amount of work time. The resulting 3D model can form the basis of a digital twin for managing construction and infrastructure, optimizing autonomous vehicle navigation, and visualizing significant city changes. 

Project Playbook: MicroStation

To alleviate traffic on Georgia’s only transportation link across the country’s east and west regions, a 13.04-kilometer expressway will connect the capital city of Tbilisi and port city of Batumi. Located in a mountainous region featuring a variety of engineering disciplines and structures, the project presented complex site conditions and coordination difficulties amid a short construction period. The project team sought to digitalize data and workflows, establishing collaborative BIM standards.

They selected ProjectWise, OpenRoads, OpenBridge, and MicroStation to establish an open, connected data environment and design the roadway in a unified platform. Linking the BIM model with the construction schedule, they achieved digital construction management that saved over EUR 300,000. They shortened the project cycle by 5%, as well as minimized errors, material waste, and rework to save 5% in total engineering costs. It is the country’s first integrated highway project supporting full lifecycle BIM application. 

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenBridge Designer, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads ConceptStation, OpenRoads Designer, OpenRoads SignCAD, ProjectWise

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will facilitate transport across the busiest commercial land border between the United States and Canada. The project includes four major infrastructure components, including the Michigan I-75 interchange design, and features 12 ramps, 20 bridges, and complex drainage systems. AECOM faced coordination and technical challenges, compounded by unforeseen COVID-19 restrictions. They sought to establish a connected data environment for collaborative 3D modeling and effective communication among the geographically dispersed project team.

AECOM selected MicroStation and OpenRoads to navigate the unique interchange design, as well as ProjectWise to facilitate coordinated modeling and information sharing. They integrated over 1 million megabytes of data, 60 design reference files, and over 85 models within a single, accessible, federated model. The cloud-based environment provided a seamless shift to remote working, with zero impact on the project schedule. The digital workflows will reduce design time by 12%, reduce the overall carbon footprint by 5%, and accelerate project delivery. 

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenRoads, OpenRoads Designer, ProjectWise

To increase safety, reduce traffic congestion, and facilitate rapid hurricane evacuation, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) sought to widen a section of the I-10 highway from six to 10 lanes in one area, and 10 to 14 lanes along another area. WGI was responsible for project management and design, and realized that collaborative design and construction coordination were essential to successfully complete the project.

FDOT selected ProjectWise as the collaborative platform for the project team, subconsultants, and contractor, streamlining workflows and enabling the contractor to digitalize, visualize, and review plans for constructability. Using OpenRoads to model the corridor maximized use of the limited space, reduced installation of the piping network to save an estimated USD 1.3 million, and minimized the size of retention walls by 10% to save USD 850,000. Bentley’s integrated digital solution reduced time, avoided construction delays, and ensured safety and mobility during construction. 

Project Playbook: LumenRT, OpenBridge Designer, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads, ProjectWise

To accommodate the growing population in Tooele County, the Utah Department of Transportation initiated a project to add an additional lane on westbound I-80 to increase the roadway capacity between Salt Lake County and Tooele. The project required digital deliverables, presenting challenges for many disciplines who had never worked with digital plans. To simplify information sharing and digital multidiscipline design review, they needed flexible user-friendly technology.

Utah Department of Transportation selected OpenRoads Designer to design the project and iTwin Design Review to enable the multiple disciplines to share information and review the design files. To help everyone perform their review, the design team demonstrated how to use the platform, as well as customized each file specifically for the respective discipline. Using Bentley’s applications improved communication among the team and with the contractor, resolving potential issues early in the design process to complete the project one month ahead of schedule. 

Project Playbook: iTwin Design Review, MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer 

To enhance connectivity between I-275 and Newport, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet initiated roadway improvements and reconstruction along KY-9. Gresham Smith was hired to manage the design process. They faced challenges coordinating the multiple disciplines and managing the voluminous data, compounded by integrating existing and proposed storm sewer systems while avoiding impact with nearby buildings. They sought an integrated digital solution to share and store data and coordinate the design process. 

They selected ProjectWise to manage data and coordinate the remote disciplines, streamlining workflows for effective change management to meet project deadlines. Using OpenRoads, they modeled the storm sewer network. Based on the 3D models, they identified and resolved conflicts with existing underground networks early in the design process that avoided network relocation costs of USD 3.5 million and a schedule impact of 18 months. The digital 3D models enabled dynamic visualization of the design, enhancing communication among the stakeholders and the public. 

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenRoads, ProjectWise

To provide Hainan’s local residents and visiting tourists safer, faster, and more convenient traffic services, a section of the G98 Roundabout Highway is being reconstructed. The 6.4-kilometer project features road, bridge, and tunnel engineering works, presenting construction difficulties and coordination challenges compounded by a tight schedule. Tianjin Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute tried resolving these issues using third-party CAD software, but the modeling features were incapable of handling the large-scale data and complex multidiscipline design.

After considering their options, the design institute selected ProjectWise and OpenRoads for collaborative modeling and information sharing. They established a digital project management platform, enabling the construction team to visualize the design and gain a better understanding of the scope. The institute improved efficiencies and productivity to deliver the project 15 days ahead of schedule. They developed a digital twin model, establishing a virtual, smart construction site, avoiding rework and errors estimated to save 10% in costs. 

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, ProjectWise

Located in Sichuan, the Ningqiao Tunnel runs 9.1 kilometers along the Qiaojia branch line with a maximum burial depth of 650 meters. These factors presented a complicated structural design and difficulties with drainage and ventilation, compounded by a highly seismic and ecologically sensitive environment. To overcome these challenges, Sichuan Road and Bridge sought an integrated lifecycle BIM technology solution.

They selected OpenRoads and MicroStation to generate a high-precision 3D model of the tunnel and developed a construction management platform based on the BIM technology and LumenRT. The applications helped refine design and reduce errors compared to traditional methods, saving 10 days during the design cycle and CNY 1.22 million. Through dynamic visualization and simulation, they optimized tunnel drainage design, improving drainage by 50% to save an estimated CNY 2.3 million in operation costs. Developing the digital construction management platform streamlined the construction process, shortening the schedule by 90 days. 

Project Playbook: LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, ProStructures

For this project, the client required a topographical survey along a 21-kilometer roadway, comprising 434 sections, to highlight the embankment size, slope geometry, and position of the road curb to replace and install barrier protectors. ConsulCAD was invited to submit a tender but faced survey challenges due to the dense vegetation at the roadside and near the underpass, compounded by a tight schedule. They needed an integrated solution to model a large volume of captured data quickly and accurately, then present it to the client.

After considering their options, ConsulCAD used MicroStation to process mobile, LiDAR-captured point clouds totaling 40 gigabytes, within a 3-centimeter accuracy. Using Bentley’s 3D modeling application simplified and accelerated management of the voluminous point cloud data and 3D elements, saving time and delivery costs. MicroStation provided a viable digital solution that sets a benchmark for the continued future use of the modeling technology.

Project Playbook: MicroStation

Featuring bridge, tunnel, and ecological works impacted by surrounding traffic and adjacent construction, the 24.6-kilometer urban road renovation and expansion project in Zigong presented coordination and communication challenges, compounded by sensitive timelines. Zigong Academy of Urban Planning and Design realized that traditional design and construction management methods would not suffice. They needed to implement lifecycle BIM strategies in a connected data environment.

They selected ContextCapture to establish a reality model of the entire line, while Bentley’s open BIM applications modeled the roadway structures, saving approximately USD 30 million in earthworks costs and improving change management by 10%. Using ProjectWise as the collaborative management platform, the team resolved over 400 errors, reducing economic losses by millions of yuan and the project schedule by 55 days. The BIM and reality models will be used for intelligent construction, operation, and maintenance to achieve digital lifecycle management.

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads Designer, ProStructures

The Serpong Balaraja toll road section 1A project is part of Indonesia’s initiative to create integrated infrastructure supporting national economic growth. The project included earthworks, bridge, and embankment structures, which presented site challenges, coordination issues, and technical difficulties. PT Wijaya Karya wanted to implement BIM processes but faced strategic issues relating to the geometry transitions within the constrained land area, as well as managing the voluminous model data.

They selected ContextCapture to generate a reality mesh in one day, compared to four it would have taken using manual survey methods. Using Bentley’s open applications, they integrated data and workflows, quickly identified clashes, and automated volume calculations to optimize design and meet the limited budget. The digital solution improved design efficiency by 75%, saving 91 days and improving cost efficiency by 2.93%, saving INR 24 billion. They achieved better design and construction coordination, improved decision-making, and provided digital deliverables to the client.

Project Playbook: ContextCapture, OpenBridge Designer, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer, OpenRoads SignCAD, PLAXIS, ProjectWise, STAAD

To accommodate continued growth and serve the urban sprawl between Tooele and Grantsville in Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation initiated a project to construct a new interchange and a three-mile divided highway. The project is a traditional design, bid, and build project. However, the organization needed to use a digital delivery method.

After considering their options, Utah Department of Transportation developed digital models using OpenRoads and MicroStation. The team provided the 3D models to the contractor to utilize when preparing their bids and later for construction. To facilitate and streamline design review, they exported the design to Google Earth, enabling users who were unfamiliar with Bentley technology to easily view the design.

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenRoads

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) initiated the Gandy Boulevard project to improve connectivity between I-275 and the Gandy Bridge. The project included complex interchange, bridge, and foundation works to engineer an optimal balance between high-speed mobility and local access, compounded by coordination challenges and an aggressive schedule. BCC Engineering realized that they needed a collaborative digital solution to design the roadway and meet traffic plan deliverables on FDOT’s largest District 7 design-build project.

BCC used MicroStation for collaborative design and construction management, as well as LEAP to advance the preparation of bridge foundation plans, optimizing change management to keep the project on its tight schedule. Using Bentley’s applications, they avoided utility conflicts and accelerated the design of structural steel components to ensure timely steel fabrication work. By establishing a digital context, they reduced bridge lifecycle costs and reduced the roadway’s vertical profile and median width to save an estimated USD 11 million in total costs.

Project Playbook: LEAP, MicroStation

To alleviate traffic congestion along the 8.5-kilometer Tunis Southern Expressway, Setting was retained to widen the highway to four lanes on each direction along a three-kilometer stretch. During initial design and preparation of tender documents, they used conventional methods. However, the government and the bank requested a BIM and reality model. Setting realized their traditional software could not accommodate the request and that they needed an integrated technology solution to coordinate the multiple disciplines and meet the digital deliverables.

They selected OpenBridge and OpenRoads applications to develop a BIM model, and LumenRT to generate a reality model. They could review and verify the multidiscipline design, streamlining information management and facilitating quality and efficiencies while saving time. As the first key infrastructure project in Tunisia to successfully implement BIM, they are extending the models into future phases to digitally communicate with stakeholders and the construction team.

Project Playbook: LumenRT, OpenBridge Designer, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads Designer