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Softree releases earthwork-reducing optimization software for road and corridor projects

Softree releases earthwork-reducing optimization software for road and corridor projects

Vancouver, B.C. — Softree Technical Systems released its first standalone version of Softree Optimal. Softree Optimal is a patented vertical alignment optimization program that runs as an add-on for RoadEng, Civil 3D, or Bentley civil design products. It generates the lowest cost vertical alignment based on the ground surface, the horizontal alignment, and the design parameters and constraints entered by the user.

With Softree Optimal, an engineer can:

  • Quickly compare the costs for various alignments.
  • Rapidly evaluate the impact of changes to various design constraints.
  • Check the feasibility of proposed designs and constraints.
  • Save time and save construction costs in ways not possible with manual design.

The first version of Softree Optimal was released in 2015 as an add-on for Softree’s own road design package, RoadEng. The new standalone version allows engineers to quickly develop and compare preliminary alignments, fine tune finished designs, and eliminate subgrade construction costs at all stages of design, no matter what CAD platform they prefer to use. Standalone Softree Optimal is a lightweight program and allows engineers to interface with CAD to design the lowest cost vertical alignment, and do it fast.

Since its release in 2015, Softree Optimal has been shown to significantly reduce construction costs for large-scale earthwork projects. Franklin County in Washington State estimated a 23 percent reduction in earthwork cost for a county road project using Softree Optimal in conjunction with AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Softree Optimal also speeds up the overall design process by allowing engineers to design smarter and faster. MPE Engineering, a firm that uses Softree Optimal, says that for a particular project for the City of Lethbridge, the program reduced their preliminary design time by about 80 percent.

Available today, new customers can access a free three-week trial of the new standalone version of Softree Optimal at www.softree.com/trials.