SierraSoft Hydro is a BIM software for hydraulic design of waterways, canals, ditches, pipes, pipe networks and manholes

The BIM functions of SierraSoft Hydro allow you to produce, modify, share, and analyze hydraulic 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, 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.

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 Hydro. 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 Hydro 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.

As-Found Information model

Create new objects from the acquired data, defining the geometries and their information content. Get a complete information model that is highly useful for your design.

Hydraulic design

Hydraulic design made simple

Design of waterways, canals and ditches

The definition of the horizontal alignment is done through straight and horizontal curves. The vertical alignment is done through grade lines and vertical curves. The intersection of multiple waterways is managed through axis intersection management. Automatic 3D model generation of all project elements and information model (BIM).

Design of pipes, pipe networks and manholes

The definition of the alignment of the pipes is done with real-time control and verification of the type of pipe and type of manholes. You can define your own libraries of pipe and manhole styles, and you can define design constraints (e.g., minimum and maximum slope) Creation of pipe networks for sharing manholes. Creation of the 3D model of the excavation of pipes and manholes Automatic 3D model generation of all project elements and information model (BIM).

Typical sections and typical objects

Parametric and programmable for maximum efficiency and flexibility

Create and manage the typical section within a specific environment by assembling parametric objects included in the software or defined by the user. The creation of the typical objects takes place in a dedicated environment. You can parameterize features and data, and if that's not enough, you can program them using the included scripting language.

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. 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.

Advanced information modeling

Define your BIM model in detail

The information modeling takes place simultaneously with the design based on specific customizable settings. The structure of the model, the elements that compose it, the geometric representation of the objects and their information content are defined. Thus you create an information model according to the specifications required in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). The information model is created while maintaining information consistency with all the information documents created. Requires the SierraSoft BIM Modeling software extension.

Discover SierraSoft BIM Modeling >

Information exchange and multi-disciplinary integrated design

Share information models and manage federated models for infrastructures

Share project information in IFC (2x3, 4.1, 4.3) and LandXML formats for export to other software such as Revit, Tekla, ArchiCAD, Trimble Connect, usBIM, etc. Import information models of works such as railways, roads, hydraulic works, bridges, tunnels, ancillary works, buildings for the integrated design and management of federated models. Requires the SierraSoft BIM Exchange software extension.

Discover SierraSoft BIM Exchange >

Information documents

Automatically generates the required information documents

Starting from the project data and from the data of the information model, it automatically generates drawings and reports of various types including:

• Geometry annotation: the elements of the axes complete with all dimensions.
• Longitudinal profile: the elements of the profile complete with dimensions and annotations boxes.
• Cross sections: all the sections paginated in separate sheets, complete with dimensions, annotations boxes and summaries of the calculation of quantities.
• Project planimetry: the drawing with the representation of all the elements of the project
• Prints: the printouts produced include the data of the alignment, the longitudinal profile, the data of the sections, of the quantities and the data for stacking out.  The printouts are customizable with different levels of detail.

All information documents are customizable and consistent with the project and the information model.

Information models in open formats

Create information models in open formats that can be customized according to the specifications of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Design in detail and create information models in IFC format by defining version, domain, spatial structure, elements, graphical representations and properties. Export information models in LandXML format with all project data. Deliver information models in open formats following the specifications defined in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

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.

Platform for coordination and integration

SierraSoft Hydro with M3 Framework is the platform for the integration and coordination of design and work flows in BIM.

SierraSoft Hydro with M3 Framework is also the platform to coordinate multidisciplinary design by allowing you to share models. You can import railways, roads, hydraulic works, bridges, tunnels, ancillary works, buildings to create aggregate models to support design choices.