CTDOT is currently migrating its CAD software from Bentley Systems V8i Select Series platform to the CONNECT Edition platform (this includes the transition from InRoads to OpenRoads Designer).  One of the main drivers of this transition is due to Bentley Systems discontinuing support for its V8i products. This means that although V8i versions will still function in its current configuration, Bentley will not continue to certify it on future versions of the Windows Operating System. 

In addition, CTDOT sees the advantage and the need to move into a 3D model-centric environment.  This will allow CTDOT to increase productivity, reduce design errors, and adhere to industry trends of AMG (Automated Machine Guidance), eConstruction and Asset Management.  As the transportation industry worldwide adapts to new technology, Transportation Agencies must ascertain their readiness to adapt to these industry trends.  FHWA has elevated 3D modeling through its Every Day Counts initiative and has encouraged Transportation Agencies to adopt policy for delivering a digital product in lieu of a set of plans (paper, mylar or PDF). When a project is designed using current civil design software, it is created within a 3D model.  Contractors across the world are utilizing 3D models for Automated Machine Guidance to perform activities such as grading, paving and drainage installation. In between these steps, projects are often flattened to convey design intent in a 2D medium such as a PDF or paper plan set.  During this conversion, data is lost, precision is reduced and design intent is nullified.  Looking forward, CONNECT Edition products will allow designers to produce a product that retains the civil data and design intent through construction.  This data, also known as Electronic Engineering Data (EED), can be consumed further downstream in Asset Management and Maintenance.  However, for now, CTDOT recognizes that the contract document shall remain a PDF set of plans.

Bentley Systems is a software vendor that provides, among many things, civil and building design and CAD software.  State Transportation Agencies and their industry partners utilize some combination of Bentley software in their workflows to deliver their transportation program.  Historically, CTDOT has used MicroStation for their CAD software and InRoads for their civil design software. Along with Design Files (DGN), InRoads users would produce the following database files that store the civil data associated with their work:

NO, the project/file should never be opened with the other program. This will cause issues because of changes that come with newer versions.  All data in a SELECTseries dgn file may not be backwards compatible after it is opened with CONNECT Edition products.

Yes. The Bentley LEARN site has non-CTDOT Bentley training for OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition, OpenBridge Modeler CONNECT Edition, OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition and other CONNECT Edition applications.

AEC has begun training in-house staff and will continue as we move forward with the CONNECT Edition implementation. The courses offered and lengths will be discipline specific.  These classes will be open to in-house employees only. Consultants working on CTDOT capital projects need to seek out their own CONNECT Edition Product training.

There will be changes to the project deliverables. Please refer to The Digital Project Development (DPD) Manual for the new requirements.

The Department reserves the right to request design information at any time during the design process. This information would contain High Value Data (HVD) such as: 3D and 2D DGN Models containing Terrains, Alignments, and 3D Storm Drainage in conformance with the DDE.

Methods shown on this site have been developed for productivity and project data confluence, and are constantly evolving. Comments and suggestions are welcomed, and the Department will support any questions and issues with the DDE; however, we do not have the resources to support Consultant Engineers for CAD technical support outside of direct issues with the DDE.

It’s anticipated that CTDOT will continue to provide updates to the V8i SELECTseries DDE as needed on a limited basis. 

Yes, with the following conditions:

• In-house staff should check with the project manager (PM) and AEC Applications before using the CONNECT DDE on a project already using V8i.  AEC and the PM will assess the user base knowledge and the project schedule to determine the course of action.  Keep in mind that all new DGN files will need to be created and other data will need to move to the new CONNECT WorkSet (Project) location.  This will need to be done for all disciplines involved including all design units, property maps and survey.
• Consultant Engineers will not be compensated for extra work or time if they elect to restart in CTDOT’s CONNECT DDE.  This will be at their own discretion.

CTDOT’s AEC Applications Unit has begun writing a new DDE Guide, which will include new workflows and training material. Many sections are now available.

CTDOT DIGITAL DESIGN ENVIRONMENT GUIDE - BENTLEY CONNECT EDITION

AEC Applications is unsure of the compatibility issues when converting files between Bentley Products and Autodesk Products. Due to potential unknown complications that may occur AEC Applications will not provide support for these types of workflows.