SierraSoft Roads logo

SierraSoft Roads

by SierraSoft · Since 1998
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorSierraSoft
Year launched1998
StatusActive
LocationVia Roveredo, 1/A, Pordenone, PN 33170, IT
Countries servedGlobal
Languages14
Integrations3+
Free tierN/A
Free trialN/A
Contact salesYES

About SierraSoft Roads

SierraSoft Roads is a BIM software platform from SierraSoft designed for the design of roads and highways. It combines parametric dynamic design in BIM, easy handling of one or more point clouds of any size, and the ability to define the horizontal axis through straights, circular curves, clothoids, and parabolas so users can efficiently create complex road designs. This software supports various functionalities, making it suitable for different aspects of road and hydraulic design. Key capabilities: parametric design point cloud handling horizontal axis definition integration with hydraulic design multi-platform compatibility Best for: civil engineers and transportation planners that need effective tools for road and highway design.

Sierrasoft Roads is a specialist engineering CAD solution focused on highway, road and corridor design. Its core purpose is to speed up geometric alignment, cross-section generation, earthworks calculation and construction documentation for civil engineering projects. The package bundles alignment creation, profile and super-elevation control, corridor modelling and quantity takeoffs aimed at surveyors, road design engineers and contractors working on linear infrastructure. The user interface is task-oriented and tailored for road workflows. Menus and toolbars are grouped around alignment, profiles, cross-sections and earthworks so common tasks sit within two or three clicks. The drawing canvas supports dynamic previews of alignments and real-time cross-section updates, while contextual dialogs guide users through superelevation, transition curves and lane parameters. Engineers familiar with CAD concepts find the layout logical; new users benefit from step-by-step wizards for basic corridor setup. Functionality covers the essentials: horizontal and vertical alignment design, transition curve generation, automated cross-section extraction, corridor/assembly libraries, mass-haul and cut/fill computations, drainage slotting and plan/profile sheet production. Distinctive features include parametric corridor templates and automated quantity reporting that help accelerate repeated design variants and tender packages.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Integrates design, modeling, and data management simultaneously for strong optimization and significant cost containment.
  • Real-time parameter modification and automatic updates drastically reduce design time and allow for immediate result checking.
  • M3 Framework Database guarantees unique data reference and consistency across all drawings, models, and documents.
  • Automated checks against design policies ensure project compliance and suggest optimal design parameters.
  • Extensive support for open formats (IFC, LandXML) facilitates seamless multi-disciplinary collaboration and information exchange.
Cons
  • Requires separate software extensions (BIM Modeling, Exchange, Checking) to access full advanced BIM functionalities.
  • Reliance on a proprietary M3 Framework Database could potentially limit interoperability outside the SierraSoft ecosystem.
  • The advanced non-linear 3D design method may present a steeper learning curve compared to traditional axis-section methods.
  • Specific system requirements might be high to efficiently handle large datasets like extensive point clouds and complex models.
  • Focus on road design limits its use as a general-purpose civil or structural BIM tool without further extensions.

Features

Key features

Parametric Dynamic Design in BIM

Design activities, geometric-informative modeling, and interoperable model definition occur simultaneously in a single environment, optimizing workflow.

Real-time Modification and Check

Changes to parameters automatically update the entire project, allowing for instant verification and significantly reducing design time.

M3 Framework Database

All design and information modeling data are stored and managed in this proprietary database, ensuring consistency across all project documents and models.

Integrated Information Exchange (IFC/LandXML)

The software supports sharing information models in open formats like IFC and LandXML for multi-disciplinary collaboration and federated model management.

Automated Policy Checks

SierraSoft Roads automatically checks the project's compliance with selected design policies, including generating and testing visibility and speed diagrams.

Non-linear 3D Design

It allows users to go beyond traditional axis and section methods to design and model complex three-dimensional geometries like sideslopes and parking lots using SmartPolylines.

Additional features

M3 Framework Database Management

All project geometries and data are stored in this database to ensure information consistency.

As-Found Information Acquisition

It allows acquiring and using land information from topographic surveys, GIS data, point clouds, and BIM models to create a digital territory reproduction.

Point Cloud Handling

It efficiently handles one or more point clouds of any size with fast loading, display, drawing, and extraction functions.

Terrain Modeling (DTM)

Automatically generates the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) from surveyed terrain, complete with constraints and contour lines.

Coordinate Systems Support

It supports a wide range of coordinate systems, including EPSG standards and localized systems, for design accuracy.

Horizontal Alignment Design

Defines the road's horizontal axis using straights, circular curves, clothoids, and parabolas, with automatic widening and superelevation calculation.

Longitudinal Profile Design

Automatically returns the terrain profile, allows extraction of edges and walls, and defines the project profile with various curves.

Road Intersections Design

Enables the fast and precise design of any intersection type, including roundabouts and complex interchanges.

Typical Sections and Objects

Users can create and manage sections by assembling parametric and programmable standard or user-defined objects.

Cross Sections Extraction

Automatically extracts cross-section data from multiple sources, including triangle models, point clouds, and other information models.

Policy Checking and Policy Extensions

It automatically checks project congruence with selected design policies, generates detailed reports, and allows users to extend existing regulations.

Information Models in Open Formats

Creates customizable information models in IFC and LandXML formats according to the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Positioning and Construction Export

Generates reports and models for topographic positioning (staking out) and "machine control" systems.

As-Built Model Return

Creates information models representing the built project by integrating project data with information acquired during construction.

Coordination and Integration Platform

Functions as a platform to import and coordinate multidisciplinary models (railways, bridges, buildings) to create federated models.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
14
Interface languages
13
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishItalianFrenchSpanishPortugueseGermanDutchCzechPolishRussianChineseJapaneseKoreanTurkish.

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇯🇵JPY🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇨🇭CHF🇨🇳CNY🇸🇪SEK🇮🇳INR🇷🇺RUB🇲🇽MXN🇸🇬SGD

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