New Zealand-based developer of data visualization software Seequent (formerly ARANZ Geo) has released its flagship Leapfrog Works 3D geological modeling system for the civil engineering, infrastructure, transportation and environmental industries.
First introduced to the mining and minerals industry nearly 15 years ago, Leapfrog 3D geological modelling solutions are now available for a range of industries to help uncover valuable insights from geological data, to allow better decision making for many types of projects.
Built on the trusted Leapfrog 3D implicit modeling engine, Leapfrog Works improves understanding, visualization and communication of subsurface conditions and the interaction with infrastructure. The software allows users to rapidly build 3D models from geotechnical data in an easy to use workflow. Models can be quickly edited and new data can be easily reimported over the project lifecycle.
Leapfrog enables collaboration and file sharing between multiple parties from remote locations using standard IT set up. Powerful 3D visualizations can be readily shared to aid stakeholder communication and understanding at each stage of a project. Leapfrog Works interfaces and exchanges information with diverse digital design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital geotechnical database platforms.
Global engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has provided input into the development of Leapfrog Works, and the company has an agreement to give all its geotechnical practitioners access to the platform.
The consultancy has used the software on major tunneling and transportation projects, including the alignment of a key new transport route in the UK to assess, categorize and visualize risk to enable refinements of the route geometry to avoid higher risk areas and the design of remedial works.
“A long-time challenge for the industry has been the disparate processes of designing infrastructure and ground engineering, from tender to feasibility to operational phases,” explained Seequent’s general manager of civil and environmental, Daniel Wallace.
“We’ve been working alongside Mott MacDonald to identify opportunities to improve understanding and communication of ground conditions in infrastructure projects. Leapfrog allows clients to see the bigger picture and have the confidence to make better design and construction decisions, whether it’s for a road, a building, a dam, or a tunnel.”
Mott MacDonald’s geotechnics global practice leader, Tony O’Brien, noted, “Leapfrog has generated a step-change improvement in our ability to communicate geotechnical issues to a wide range of stakeholders. Since using the software, we have seen substantial reductions in the time needed to produce ground models, with associated cost savings compared to traditional approaches.”
