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Rail Infrastructure Design

Bentley Systems – OpenRail

Comprehensive BIM-integrated platform for railway planning, design, and lifecycle management

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Category
Software
Ideal For
Rail Infrastructure Operators
Deployment
On-premise / Cloud / Hybrid
Integrations
None+ Apps
Security
Data protection, role-based access control, audit trails for infrastructure projects
API Access
Yes - supports BIM data exchange and third-party integrations

About Bentley Systems – OpenRail

Bentley OpenRail is a specialized civil engineering software platform designed for the complete lifecycle of rail infrastructure projects. It provides integrated tools for track geometry design, station layout planning, bridge and tunnel construction modeling, and operational planning. The platform supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows with advanced 3D visualization capabilities, enabling engineers and planners to manage complex railway projects with precision. OpenRail facilitates collaboration across design, construction, and maintenance phases by centralizing project data and workflows. When deployed through AiDOOS, organizations gain enhanced governance through managed infrastructure, optimized resource allocation for compute-intensive 3D modeling tasks, and seamless integration with existing civil engineering ecosystems. The platform improves project delivery timelines, reduces design conflicts through coordinated BIM environments, and enables data-driven decision-making for railway expansion and maintenance initiatives.

Challenges It Solves

  • Complex rail geometry design with multiple interdependent engineering disciplines
  • Fragmented data management across planning, design, and construction phases
  • Time-consuming 3D model coordination and clash detection in large infrastructure projects
  • Difficulty maintaining design standards and compliance across distributed teams
  • Lack of integrated lifecycle visibility from conceptual design through operations

Proven Results

42
Reduction in design iteration cycles through coordinated BIM models
38
Improved project schedule adherence with clash-free construction documentation
55
Enhanced data accessibility across planning, design, and maintenance teams

Key Features

Core capabilities at a glance

3D Track Geometry Design

Precise rail alignment and geometry modeling

Accelerates track design with parametric geometry tools and standards compliance

Station & Depot Layout Planning

Comprehensive facility design and spatial coordination

Optimizes station configurations with integrated platform and facility planning

Bridge & Tunnel Design Integration

Structural design coordination for rail infrastructure

Ensures structural integrity through integrated design and BIM coordination

BIM-Native Workflows

Seamless Building Information Modeling environment

Enables multi-disciplinary collaboration with coordinated 3D data models

Construction & Maintenance Planning

Lifecycle management from construction through operations

Supports project execution and asset maintenance with integrated documentation

Rail Operations Simulation

Operational validation and performance analysis

Verifies design feasibility through operational simulation before construction

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Real-World Use Cases

See how organizations drive results

High-Speed Rail Corridor Development
Planning and designing new high-speed rail corridors with complex geometric requirements, multiple stations, and grade separation structures. OpenRail enables coordinated design of track geometry, civil structures, and operational requirements.
45
Reduces design complexity and coordination delays by 45%
Urban Transit Expansion Projects
Designing urban light rail or metro extensions with station integration, tunneling requirements, and integration with existing infrastructure. The platform manages multi-phase construction planning and coordination.
52
Improves project delivery speed and stakeholder communication efficiency
Legacy Rail Network Modernization
Upgrading existing rail infrastructure with track realignment, bridge rehabilitation, and station improvements while maintaining operational continuity. OpenRail supports phased construction and lifecycle asset management.
38
Enables safer infrastructure upgrades with minimal service disruption
Freight Rail Infrastructure Planning
Designing freight rail facilities including yards, sidings, and logistics hubs with optimized track geometry and operational workflows. The platform supports high-capacity infrastructure modeling.
48
Optimizes freight handling capacity and operational throughput
Rail Maintenance & Asset Management
Managing maintenance planning and asset lifecycle through integrated documentation and operational data. Teams track maintenance requirements, schedule interventions, and optimize asset performance.
41
Reduces unexpected failures through predictive maintenance planning

Integrations

Seamlessly connect with your tech ecosystem

B

Bentley MicroStation

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Native integration with MicroStation for advanced 3D modeling and design coordination

B

Bentley ProjectWise

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Collaborative project delivery platform for document management and team coordination

B

Bentley SYNCHRO

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4D construction sequencing and planning for rail project execution visualization

I

IFC/BIM Standards

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Industry Foundation Classes support for BIM data exchange with other design disciplines

C

Civil 3D

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Interoperability with Autodesk Civil 3D for civil infrastructure design coordination

G

GIS Systems

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Integration with GIS platforms for geographic data, mapping, and spatial analysis

A

Asset Management Systems

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Integration with enterprise asset management platforms for lifecycle tracking

C

CAD Standards Libraries

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Support for organization-specific design standards and template libraries

Implementation with AiDOOS

Outcome-based delivery with expert support

Outcome-Based

Pay for results, not hours

Milestone-Driven

Clear deliverables at each phase

Expert Network

Access to certified specialists

Implementation Timeline

1
Discover
Requirements & assessment
2
Integrate
Setup & data migration
3
Validate
Testing & security audit
4
Rollout
Deployment & training
5
Optimize
Performance tuning

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Alternatives & Comparisons

Find the right fit for your needs

Capability Bentley Systems – OpenRail Autodesk Civil 3D Builder Prime Trimble TILOS
Customization Excellent Excellent Good Excellent
Ease of Use Good Good Excellent Good
Enterprise Features Excellent Excellent Good Excellent
Pricing Fair Fair Fair Fair
Integration Ecosystem Excellent Excellent Good Good
Mobile Experience Fair Fair Good Fair
AI & Analytics Good Good Fair Good
Quick Setup Fair Fair Excellent Fair

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Frequently Asked Questions

What rail infrastructure elements can OpenRail design and model?
OpenRail supports comprehensive modeling of track geometry, station layouts, bridge and tunnel structures, rail yards, sidings, grade separations, and associated civil infrastructure. It enables integrated design coordination across all rail infrastructure components.
How does OpenRail support BIM workflows for rail projects?
OpenRail is BIM-native, supporting IFC standards and coordinated 3D modeling environments. It enables multi-disciplinary teams to collaborate on shared infrastructure models, detect conflicts early, and maintain design consistency throughout project phases.
Can OpenRail manage rail projects from design through maintenance?
Yes. OpenRail supports the complete lifecycle including conceptual planning, detailed design, construction documentation, project execution coordination, and ongoing asset and maintenance management.
How does AiDOOS enhance OpenRail deployment for large rail projects?
AiDOOS provides managed infrastructure for compute-intensive 3D modeling, optimized resource allocation for design teams, enhanced governance frameworks, and streamlined integration with existing civil engineering ecosystems and project management systems.
What interoperability does OpenRail offer with other engineering tools?
OpenRail integrates with MicroStation, ProjectWise, SYNCHRO, Civil 3D, GIS systems, and supports IFC-based BIM data exchange. It enables seamless workflow integration with enterprise asset management and standards libraries.
Is OpenRail suitable for both new rail projects and legacy infrastructure modernization?
Yes. OpenRail is designed for new rail corridor development, urban transit expansion, freight infrastructure projects, and modernization of existing rail networks with track realignment and facility upgrades.