OpenRail Designer

Perform conceptual or detailed rail designs of all sizes

OpenRail Designer is an all-in-one application that handles a wide variety of complex tasks such as yard/station design, tunnels, corridor modeling, turnout and switch placement, overhead line electrification, site development, sanitary and stormwater network design, subsurface utilities, and production of construction staking reports. You can configure the application to support a wide range of international standards providing you the flexibility and control necessary to deal with real-life design scenarios on global rail infrastructure projects. The application adapts to virtually any rail design and maintenance workflow and is suitable for light rail, metros (transit) heavy rail, high-speed rail, and MAG_LEV projects.

Design in context

Easily consume multiple data types to effectively understand site and existing conditions. Use photogrammetry, total station surveys, GPS LiDAR, point clouds, reality meshes, and more to analyze, and manipulate field data to better understand the as-built condition.

Quickly model design intent

Use design intent capabilities to build associations and relationships among civil elements to ensure the design project is reflective of engineering intent to improve design efficiency. The software also delivers comprehensive mathematical and associated cant transition algorithms to accommodate the horizontal transitions required on rail projects. A check integrity report locates discontinuities and highlights potential issues, such as nontangential curves, for resolution or correction.

Collaborate across multiple disciplines

Assimilate data from different disciplines to improve collaboration and ensure the latest model is used in all phases of the design. Working in one live model reduces risk by utilizing the data interactively and working among rail, road, bridge, drainage, subsurface utilities, geotechnical and other design teams to help identify conflicts earlier in the process and decrease construction errors and delays

Use model-based design approach

Reduce repetitive manual work using the 3D model as the hub for all data. Use parametric modeling tools to design and interactively model at the same time. Create profiles and cross sections, analyze rail track regressions, rail, and sleeper placement, and design and analyze rail and road corridors, as well as rail track drainage systems. All changes are reflected in elements in the model, as well as documentation for plan production.

Improve project deliverables

Produce project deliverables using design constraints, design-time visualization, dynamic annotation, and automated plan production based on the live model. This approach assures all project information is consistent and up to date to deliver the machine control guidance, models, drawings, and other data needed for today’s requirements. You can output standard formats for Trimble, Topcon, and Leica for machine-controlled grading and machine guidance.

Support BIM workflows

Ensure data-rich BIM deliverables to help advance BIM workflows in a digital twin authoring environment while also creating all traditional and digital design deliverables.

Visualizing designs

Experience design in real time and virtually drive the 3D corridor model and visually inspect it for any design deficiencies or physical conflicts. In 3D QA, you can fully view rail features from all angles to identify gaps or misalignments, look for utility conflicts, and check clearances. You can also visually evaluate rail and sleeper placement, overhead line structures, signal sighting, station designs as well as try out multiple aesthetic treatments to reach the desired result. OpenRail Designer seamlessly integrates with LumenRT to create models and high-impact visuals and animations to effectively communicate the project to stakeholders for project approvals.