VHB Embraces Bentley OpenSite+ to Redefine Civil Site Design

• 13 December 2025
• Construction Focus
• 885 Views

The traditional image of a site engineer hunched over blueprints is rapidly evolving, thanks to new technology. Civil engineering firm VHB is pioneering the shift, leveraging Bentley’s OpenSite+ software to tackle industry pressures of speed, complexity, and sustainability.

VHB’s model-based design lead, Brianne Belschner, and assistant director of land development, Adam Smith, stress that modern site design is about more than technical skill—it’s about solving complex problems and building interconnected communities.

They added that the primary challenges facing the industry today include accelerated client demands, knowledge transfer, and regulatory flux. Clients these days require fast answers for increasingly complex design problems.

Besides, builders need to retain the expertise of retiring, experienced engineers while training younger staff. Last but not least, constant shifts in regulations and the significant impact projects also have on communities necessitate critical collaboration.

The key to VHB’s transformation is OpenSite+, a platform that streamlines the civil site design workflow. This software integrates AI-powered features to manage complex tasks like grading, earthwork optimization, and drainage within a single, unified environment.

With OpenSite+, engineers spend less time on tedious tasks and information gathering, dedicating more focus to design and decision-making. Besides, OpenSites also helps centralized project data generate 3D models. This allows stakeholders to interact with the design and provide rapid feedback, boosting client confidence.

Moreover, the software’s optimization capabilities also lead to significant environmental benefits. Optimized designs can cut the necessary volume of earth moved by up to 50%, resulting in lower costs and reduced environmental impact for the served communities.

Ultimately, OpenSite+ empowers site design professionals to work smarter, foster stronger collaboration, and deliver more sustainable and resilient projects—reaffirming that, at its core, site design is fundamentally about people and community impact.

• Bentley Systems
• OpenSite+