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3D Design

Three-dimensional models are intended to provide a comprehensive representation of a project both during design and construction phases.

Why use 3D?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the use of digital data reference packages is anticipated to yield construction savings of approximately 6 percent and a time savings of 30-40 percent.

On most construction projects, the Oregon Department of Transportation now requires delivery of a digital data bidding reference package.

Where can additional information be found?

FHWA:

Online courses are available:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

​Three-dimensional models help find potential conflicts and errors in design compared to traditional design and construction techniques using 2D plans and profiles. 3D models show a project in a digital form that can be analyzed to find inconsistencies that would not normally be discovered until the construction phase.

ODOT's technical bulletin RD13-03(B) provides clarification concerning the required content, process/workflows, delivery timelines, and quality control of digital 3D roadway design data for Oregon's Statewide Transportation Improvement Program projects. The technical bulletin does not require 3D renderings or simulations for any design contracts.

"3D, 4D and 5D Engineered Models for Construction," March 2013, is a technical brief published by the Federal Highway Administration that provides an overview of 3D modeling. It includes technology applications during design and construction, benefits to stakeholders, resource requirements, current state of practice, and advanced applications such as adding 4D and 5D components.

​The LandXML data files delivered with the 3D design packages can be produced by Bentley InRoads, Autodesk Civil 3D and many other civil design software packages.

Additional information on required file formats is provided in chapter 16 of the Highway Design Manual.

​Projects submitted for bid through ODOT's Office of Project Letting are subject to the same roadway digital design delivery requirements regardless of their location.

Guidance for the delivery of digital 3D roadway design data for state and or federal aid Statewide Transportation Improvement Program roadway projects located on the local system is provided in the Local Agency Guidelines Manual, section B chapter 9.

Instructions to modify an A&E consultant contract SOW can be found in the eBids and construction survey handoff SOW task. This​ form is available through ODOT Procurement under "Statement of Work Templates for ODOT Projects."

The "How-to Guide: Posting a Roadway Digital Design eBIDS Package" provides step-by-step instructions on how to post eBIDS packages to the eBIDS website.​

​The eBIDS handoff package and construction survey handoff package are required on all state and federal aid STIP roadway projects designated to 3R or 4R standards.

This requirement applies to projects located on the state highway system, regardless of whether the project is delivered by ODOT, a local agency or by a consultant. Any exception to this requirement must have written approval from the Region Roadway Manager no later the Advance Plans project delivery milestone, as described in chapter 16 of the Highway Design Manual.

​The eBIDS handoff package, in LandXML format, allows bidders to develop more accurate and competitive bids based on the additional, detailed information.

LandXML is a non-proprietary standard developed by a consortium of land development and transportation agencies, professionals and hardware and software vendors. It is a common data format used for sharing engineering design data.

More information about LandXML can be found on the LandXML.org website.

​The intent of the eBIDS handoff package is to provide bidders with enough information to develop a reasonably​ accurate bid.

The construction survey handoff package requires a greater level of detail than the eBIDS package. The roadway designer must often tailor the extensive and detailed data to ensure project staking is successful. Consultation with the contractor after bid award is helpful in generating a comprehensive construction survey handoff package.

Additional information regarding both digital design packages and example projects with digital data can be found in Appendix M of the Highway Design Manual.

​Deliverables for the eBIDS digital design package generally include and existing ground surface, a finish grade surface, and primary alignment files in LandXML format.

The eBIDS handoff checklist provides a list of each required file.

Additional information regarding eBIDS digital design packages, along with example projects can be found in Appendix M of the Highway Design Manual.

​The final eBIDS handoff package is due to the project leader no later than one week prior to the project advertisement date from the Office of Project Letting.

The eBIDS handoff package -- including the notice of eBIDS roadway digital design data letter -- is uploaded to the eBIDS website prior to project advertisement. A typical schedule showing internal delivery milestones is provided in Appendix M of the Highway Design Manual.

​Construction survey handoff requirements are determined through negotiation between the designer and construction office staff. Designers will continue to coordinate with the construction project manager throughout the duration of construction to provide additional digital data and reports as needed.

The final construction survey handoff package is due to the construction coordinator no later than one week prior to the pre-survey meeting.

A typical schedule showing internal delivery milestones is provided in Appendix M of the Highway Design Manual.​

Contact the Engineering Technology Advancement Unit

800 Airport Road SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-3033
Fax: 503-986-3548

Program Lead

Phone: 503-302-4073

Resources and Related Content

Notice of eBIDS Digital Design Form

Highway Design Manual

Standard Specifications

Standard Drawings and Details

Engineering Applications Support Team, EAST