Trimble and Bentley Systems announced today the next advance of information mobility between project design and field construction. Using Bentley’s ProjectWise collaboration servers and services, along with its i-model technology for the open exchange of infrastructure information, and Trimble’s Business Center – HCE office software, an integrated workflow for road and site construction is now possible. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration, as part of its “Every Day Counts” vision, has recognized that using 3D models with GPS-enabled heavy equipment for road construction can increase productivity by up to 50 percent. Trimble and Bentl ey are at the forefront of enabling this vision by joining forces to optimize the transfer of information-rich 3D engineered models to 3D constructible models. 
The announcement was made today at the Transportation Research Board AFB80 2014 Summer Committee Meeting.
Bentley’s V8i (SELECTSeries 3) civil engineering software, powered by OpenRoads, generates i-models from detailed designs that are managed by ProjectWise and can be easily transferred to Business Center – HCE for construction preparation and management. Business Center – HCE uses Bentley’s i-models to streamline the creation of 3D constructible models from the final contract drawings. To optimize construction management processes and maximize information transfer, Trimble Connected Site technology can then be used to send the designs wirelessly to machines and field systems on the construction site.
Design and engineering teams can use Bentley’s ProjectWise to link construction and design offices. Contractors will have the ability to collaborate more effectively with designers on the constructible model by connecting Business Center – HCE directly to ProjectWise, so design information can be retrieved in the i-model. This integrated and managed workflow can enable more efficient bidding and estimating, faster project approvals, reduced change orders and shortened construction timelines.
“Accessing Bentley’s 3D i-models gives users of Trimble construction solutions the ability to optimize design-construct processes, and strengthen collaboration between the engineer and the contractor to reduce project costs and schedules. Optimizing processes between engineered models and constructible models are key for construction project success,” said Roz Buick, vice president and general manager of Trimble’s Heavy Civil Construction Division. “Ultimately, this efficiency can result in significant savings for all stakeholders on the project, including owners.”
“In 2012, Trimble and Bentley announced a strategic alliance to help engineers and contractors work smarter, collaborating together, through advanced information mobility. The ultimate goal was to further the connection and alignment between the virtual and physical environments for infrastructure and site projects, reducing project risk and increasing productivity. The newly announced integrated workflow moves us a step closer to that objective by facilitating information mobility between the design office, construction site and the field,” said Harry Vitelli, vice president, construction and field, Bentley Systems.
Source: Trimble