Roads and highways design

Roadway design software can offer a large variety of benefits. Engineers can create dynamic design models and evaluate design alternatives. They can use the design models to create construction plans and calculate material quantities for construction based on models generated in the software. They can create geometry reports to help the contractor implement the design intent in the field during construction. The contractor can then use digital design files in the field to locate the exact position and geometry of the roadway element to expedite the construction process. This helps to reduce errors and rework, and reduce overall risk.

With Civil 3D, engineers are able to create a dynamic corridor model to determine the volume of materials and the effects of a roadway model. They can also optimize the roadway alignment, cross slope, and pavement depth using the Rehab corridor feature in Civil 3D (ideal for rehab corridors). These tools and features help minimize waste and optimize construction resources.

Roadway safety factors include operational (design) speed, clearance distance to the roadway, pedestrian activity, traffic volumes, roadway hazards, and design vehicle usage. Autodesk software offers a number of tools and features to help engineers and designers meet the safety and design requirements. Design and safety criteria is built into the design software and helps identify critical areas of the project. The software aids in producing an efficient model that is geometrically sound and includes the safety factors required.

The Autodesk AEC Collection offers the platforms, tools, and features to effectively and efficiently design any roadway project. Specifically, Civil 3D helps create a detailed roadway corridor with the correct geometry, quantities, and design details. Autoturn allows designers to evaluate design vehicle movements relative to the roadway. With Project Explorer, engineers and designers can create comprehensive reports regarding many different factors within the design model.

The model created by Civil 3D can be used with construction equipment and with many other third-party platforms used during construction. Contractors can use a terrain model taken from Civil 3D and grade a site based on the design. The same can be done with final design details during construction.

AutoCAD can be used for roadway design. However, it is recommended that engineers use the tools within Civil 3D (which expands the functions of AutoCAD) to create a complete roadway model.