The demand for efficient, safe, and durable road infrastructure is more pressing than ever. At the core of road development projects lies robust design and analysis, which is vital not only for economic feasibility but also for safety, sustainability, and compliance with environmental standards. Bentley’s MXROAD, a leading civil engineering software, offers a comprehensive solution for the design, analysis, and detailing of roads and highways.
This article by Multisoft Systems provides a deep dive into Road Design & Analysis using MXROAD Training, covering its features, workflow, advantages, and practical applications.
What is MXROAD?
MXROAD is a high-performance, string-based modeling tool by Bentley Systems. It is part of the Bentley OpenRoads family and is used primarily for designing roads, highways, and railways. MXROAD uses an interactive, 3D string-based model that allows for high precision in civil engineering design, making it particularly beneficial for projects requiring tight geometric control. MXROAD supports:
- Geometric design
- Corridor modeling
- Earthwork analysis
- Drainage design
- Pavement layer design
- Quantity estimation and reporting
It is especially popular in countries like the UK, India, Australia, and Middle Eastern nations due to its rich feature set and compliance with local design standards.
Key Features of MXROAD
1. String-Based Modeling (MX Model)
- Central to MXROAD is its string-based model which enables accurate geometric design by defining linear features such as edges, centerlines, and boundaries.
2. Interactive 3D Visualization
- Users can visualize designs in 3D to better understand geometry, cross-sections, terrain, and volumes.
3. Dynamic Cross Section and Profile Generation
- Designers can generate profiles and cross-sections dynamically and adjust parameters on the fly.
4. Advanced Earthworks Design
- Earthworks calculations are streamlined with volume estimation tools, cut-and-fill balance, and terrain manipulation.
5. Automatic Quantity Takeoff
- Users can extract bill of quantities (BOQ), reducing the time and error margin involved in manual takeoff.
6. Integration with Other Bentley Products
- MXROAD integrates seamlessly with MicroStation, InRoads, PowerCivil, and ProjectWise for enhanced productivity.
The Workflow of Road Design in MXROAD
Designing a road using MXROAD involves several logical steps. Below is a typical workflow:
1. Data Collection and Import
The first step involves importing terrain data. MXROAD supports:
- ASCII and CSV files
- AutoCAD DWG/DXF
- Total station and GPS survey data
- LIDAR point clouds
This data is used to generate the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), which serves as the base surface for road design.
2. Alignment Design (Horizontal & Vertical)
- Horizontal Alignment: Defined using geometric parameters such as tangents, curves, and transition spirals. Designers can use PI-based or element-based alignment methods.
- Vertical Alignment: Designed by plotting levels on the long section, using gradients and vertical curves for smooth elevation transitions.
3. Cross-Section and Template Creation
MXROAD allows users to define road cross-sections or templates, incorporating:
- Lane width
- Shoulder width
- Camber
- Median
- Side slopes
- Pavement layers
These templates are applied along the corridor to generate a 3D model of the road.
4. Corridor Modeling
The corridor is built by applying templates along the horizontal and vertical alignments. It includes:
- Widening rules
- Super-elevation transitions
- Cut and fill slope rules
- Intersections and junctions
5. Earthworks Design and Quantity Calculation
MXROAD calculates:
- Cut and fill volumes
- Subgrade and base layer quantities
- Side slope areas
This information is essential for budgeting, planning, and environmental approvals.
6. Drainage Design
For highways and urban roads, MXROAD supports the integration of stormwater drainage, including:
- Surface water inlets
- Manholes
- Pipes
- Catchment areas
7. Output Generation
MXROAD generates:
- Drawings: Plans, profiles, and cross-sections
- Reports: BOQs, alignment reports, chainages
- 3D Models: For visualization and BIM
Applications of MXROAD
MXROAD is extensively used across various domains of civil engineering and infrastructure development, making it a vital tool for transportation professionals. One of its primary applications is in the design of highways and expressways, where it supports complex geometry, multilane configurations, and interchanges. In urban road design, MXROAD helps engineers navigate constraints such as utility layouts, pedestrian zones, and traffic management systems. It is equally effective in rural and low-volume roads, where cost-effective alignment and earthwork optimization are critical. The software’s ability to model corridors, manage cut-and-fill volumes, and design pavement layers makes it suitable for road widening and rehabilitation projects, allowing engineers to modernize existing infrastructure efficiently. Additionally, MXROAD training supports railway alignments and airport runway layouts where precision and geometric continuity are crucial. With its drainage design and integration capabilities, it is also employed in stormwater management planning for road projects. Overall, MXROAD’s flexibility, accuracy, and compliance with global design standards make it a go-to solution for road planning, analysis, and construction across a diverse range of engineering applications.
Benefits of Using MXROAD
- MXROAD automates repetitive tasks such as drawing generation, quantity extraction, and cross-section plotting, saving substantial time in large projects.
- Its string-based design ensures precision in defining centerlines, boundaries, and surfaces, reducing errors in construction.
- Designers can easily revise alignments or cross-sections and analyze the impact on quantities, geometry, or cost.
- MXROAD supports various country-specific road design standards (like IRC in India, DMRB in the UK), ensuring compliance.
- MXROAD integrates with Bentley’s OpenRoads and BIM workflows, enabling efficient collaboration across disciplines.
Challenges in Using MXROAD
Despite its robust capabilities, MXROAD certification presents several challenges for users. The software has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners unfamiliar with string-based modeling. Its user interface is outdated, lacking the intuitiveness found in modern civil design tools like OpenRoads Designer. High licensing costs can also be a barrier for smaller firms or individual practitioners. Additionally, compatibility issues may arise when exchanging data with non-Bentley platforms. The software’s limited BIM integration and less efficient workflows in 3D environments further restrict its adaptability in today’s digital infrastructure projects, prompting many users to consider newer alternatives for complex design tasks.
Comparison: MXROAD vs OpenRoads Designer
MXROAD and OpenRoads Designer (ORD) are both Bentley Systems’ civil design solutions, but they differ significantly in technology, workflow, and user experience. MXROAD is a string-based modeling tool, renowned for its precision in designing road geometry, particularly in legacy infrastructure projects. It uses input files and menus for commands, making it powerful but challenging for new users. On the other hand, OpenRoads Designer represents the next generation of road design software, featuring an object-oriented approach and a modern ribbon-based interface for better usability.
While MXROAD online course is effective for 2D drafting, corridor modeling, and earthwork calculations, it lacks robust BIM support and advanced 3D visualization. ORD addresses these gaps with dynamic 3D modeling, parametric design, and full integration with BIM workflows, facilitating collaboration across disciplines. Additionally, ORD supports cloud integration, GIS interoperability, and automated rule-based design, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
MXROAD remains widely used for traditional projects and regions where legacy workflows persist. However, for large-scale infrastructure, smart cities, and projects demanding digital delivery, OpenRoads Designer is the preferred choice. As Bentley gradually phases out MXROAD, professionals are encouraged to migrate to ORD to stay aligned with evolving industry standards and technological advancements.
Training and Certification
To maximize MXROAD’s potential, civil engineers can undergo specialized training courses. These typically cover:
- MXROAD Interface and Setup
- Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
- Template Modeling
- Earthworks and Volume Calculation
- Report and Drawing Generation
Courses are available online and through authorized Bentley training partners. Earning a certification in MXROAD enhances a professional's credibility and career prospects.
Future of Road Design: Transition from MXROAD to OpenRoads
While MXROAD has long been a cornerstone in road design, Bentley is phasing it out in favor of OpenRoads Designer (ORD). ORD builds upon MXROAD’s strengths while offering:
- Improved usability
- Enhanced 3D modeling
- Better collaboration tools
- Cloud integration
- Support for evolving BIM mandates
For professionals already using MXROAD, transitioning to OpenRoads will ensure future readiness and access to advanced functionalities.
Conclusion
MXROAD remains a powerful and reliable tool for road design and analysis, enabling engineers to plan, design, and deliver high-quality transportation infrastructure. With its robust string-based modeling system, detailed earthwork computations, and integration with Bentley’s suite of tools, MXROAD ensures precision and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
While newer tools like OpenRoads Designer are emerging as the industry standard, MXROAD continues to play a significant role in many projects, especially where legacy systems and experience with the platform prevail. For engineers, mastering MXROAD is a valuable asset and a stepping stone toward modern infrastructure design. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!