Connected Construction

An array of asset management technologies and capabilities are now available to help clients optimise infrastructure assessments. Global survey and geotechnical group, Fugro, has signed a multi-year agreement with Dutch pavement consultant, KOAC•NPC. This move will see the firms combine capabilities to undertake highway surface condition contracts in the Netherlands. Under the agreement, Fugro will collect surface condition data using its ARAN road scanning vehicle. KOAC•NPC, will carry out the post pro

Norway's Novapoint has released the server-side version of its new object-based road design software, QuadriDCM, which it says will effectively integrate BIM-based interdisciplinary working methods over the internet. The software works in conjunction with the Novapoint 19 DCM road design suite and allows cloud-based design work by multiple users. Engineers check out a portion of a 3D model directly and work on it so that, "…the intelligent model becomes the central information carrier of all infrastructure

Belgian software provider Bricsys has launched a Windows 64-bit version and an updated 32-bit version of its BricsCAD, used by many as a budget price alternative base platform to other options. It also runs on Linux. The latest v13.2 release is also now compatible with the industry standard .dwg format used in the latest 2014 AutoCAD says Bricsys, adding that the new release has numerous fixes and improvements. The program has been offered since launch a decade ago, with a suite of APIs for third party deve

British software house Mayrise, which produces street service management programs for local authorities has been taken over by Yotta, well known for its highways surveying and consultancy services and associated software for highways condition management. Yotta has also developed the Horizons asset management system. Though the two will continue to operate separately for some time, there is an obvious synergy in the software and cross development possibilities. Mayrise has already been working with Yott

Autodesk has launched a specialist training and certification package for civil engineers to bring them up to speed on modem BIM (information modelling) workflows. The Autodesk Official Training Guide, is not just teaching the functionality of the programs says the company, but aims to show how the Autodesk infrastructure software workflows "can help owners and service providers on roads and highways improve productivity, optimise designs, and accelerate project approvals." The course simulates a roadways p

Savoy Computing has released a new version of its turning simulation program Autotrack 11, which extends and updates its support for a wide variety of base platforms as well as introducing new features. The software now supports the latest AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014 and other AutoCAD 2014 verticals and also will run in Bentley programs such as InRoads, MX and Power Civil. Updates for Bentley include support for full 3-axis vehicle rock and roll on 3D surface terrains, vertical headroom clearance an

PTV has just launched a completely new version of its market leading microsimulator, Vissim v6. "The program has been completely rewritten to modernise and streamline its foundation architecture," said PTV developer Dr Axel Lenhardt, "…making it faster and more efficient.” "It also now works with the same data tools as Visum which means enhancements for one will also apply directly to the other, speeding new features." Users will notice a completely reworked interface he says, which brings many of th

New software development will help ease deliver more efficient operations to the highway sector - Adrian Greeman reports Traffic modelling and simulation tools are being used for real-time analysis on a large scale traffic control system in Italy. A new traffic control system for the huge Piedmont region in northern Italy begins trial operations this summer after an eighteen month development and installation process. It will be the largest ever installed by German traffic engineering company PTV, via

Latest software packages from Bentley Systems will help optimise project design and construction efficiency – Mike Woof reports Software systems have come a long way in helping optimise construction projects from design through construction to delivery. And the latest software from Bentley Systems offers additional capabilities for road design applications. Bentley Systems is offering the V8i (SELECTseries 3) versions of its InRoads, GEOPAK, and MXROAD products. All of the products now share the

The Software specialist Autodesk is broadening its range of capabilities with the acquisition of the Sam and AutoTrack software. These technology assets have been bought from the UK-based companies, Bestech Systems and Savoy Computing. The aim of this move is to increase the company’s offering for the building information modelling (BIM) concept in infrastructure. The Sam suite of software modules being bought from Bestech Systems, cover loading, analysis and design of small – medium span bridges. Meanwhile