Bringing Projects to Life with 3D Renderings
DEC is generating life-like, cinematic-quality 3D renderings to help clients and the public visualize completed projects. In this interview, San Antonio Division Manager Lizardo Ceballos, P.E., describes the benefits of using LumenRT design and rendering software. Ceballos and his team recently used LumenRT to create a realistic rendering of the 3.8-mile SL 1604 project from Macdona Lacoste Road to US 90 in San Antonio for a TxDOT public meeting.
What features does Bentley’s LumenRT software offer that previous 3D modeling programs did not?
Using LumenRT software takes our 3D modeling a step above the industry standard by producing high-definition visualizations and videos. It allows us to include life-like features such as trees, buildings, vehicles and people. We can build our own terrains and present designs in geospatially accurate settings. LumenRT also allows us to create models of existing conditions and put them side-by-side with our proposed alternative, which helps the client and the public better visualize the benefits of our design. We can even alter the time of day to accurately represent the difference in peak traffic times between existing and proposed models.
Regarding the schematic design of TxDOT’s SL 1604 project, how did the LumenRT software help you to better communicate project impacts and benefits to the public?
We created a 3-minute-long, 3D-video for the public meeting that showed the completed project. Using the LumenRT software helped to generate public understanding and positive feedback on the proposed alternative. TxDOT received zero complaints about the design, indicating that the meeting had been a success and the project was approved by the public.
How does using innovative technology such as LumenRT benefit DEC’s clients?
Keeping our clients’ projects on schedule is always a top priority. LumenRT can shorten the time it takes to gain stakeholder buy-in and public engagement. Presenting these otherwise complex changes in a realistic video can increase understanding and buy-in, which can mitigate public pushback and keep our clients’ projects moving forward.
The LumenRT software can also be used in conjunction with PTV Vissim, a traffic simulation software that models complex vehicle interactions on a detailed level. These models can be imported into LumenRT to create an even more accurate, realistic presentation of a project. DEC will be using these software programs on upcoming projects, such as the TxDOT Odessa District’s schematic interchange project. We’ll be able to show several alternatives for access from Faudree Road to Interstate I-20.
To view the LumenRT 3D model that DEC produced for TxDOT’s SL 1604 Macdona Lacoste to US 90 project, follow this link: (859) SL 1604 from Macdona Lacoste Road to US 90 Virtual Tour - YouTube