Brightbox Software is excited to announce the release of the latest major update to our earthworks estimating solution – introducing MudShark 6.
Since the release of MudShark 5 (with Trench module), our Development team has been working hard on developing and introducing plenty of new features to help our customers complete their earthworks projects faster with even more accuracy. These features would not be possible without the valuable insights gained through customer conversations with our Support and Sales teams. Thank you!
This blog post outlines some of the major new features, with short ‘how-to’ videos for each.
Back Fill on Structures
Whether your projects are simple or complex, Back Fill is part and parcel on almost all construction jobs.
The Back Fill option in MudShark 6 automatically calculates the volume for the proposed structure, giving you a clear, visual representation in the 3D viewport. In a change from version 5, you can now select if a demolished structure will be back filled or left unfilled.
One of the highlights of this feature is it works hand in hand with other tools like the new Extrude Line function. For example, the project has a basement structure which requires a working zone around the basement so the guys have room to work. Selecting the basement and using the Extrude Line tool will calculate a new offset structure around the basement, by ticking the Back Fill for the working zone will calculate the volume of fill needed.
Line Editing
A common theme in feedback derived from conversations with our users was the requirement to be able to go back and edit an existing line(s).
The new Line Editing functionality in MudShark 6 allows you to add, move and delete Points, move and split Line Segments. It also allows you to convert a Line to an Arc or an Arc to a Line. Editing works with Working Areas, Contours Trench runs and Structures.
Entity Creation Tools
Our customers have always enjoyed the ability to easily input entities such as Contours and Structures in to MudShark. We’ve developed three new tools Offset Line, Extrude Line and Extrude Input Line to make it easier and more flexible than ever before.
- Offset Line, works with contours, structures and trenching.
- Extrude Line, works with structures.
- Extrude Input Line, works with structures.
These features are especially useful for users when creating Footings under structures, Footpaths around buildings or carparks, Berms, Banking or Sloping.
Improved Compatibility
- Windows 10 compatible installer.
- AutoCAD 2016 file support.
Improved Speed and Input Checks
- Up to 15% faster on complex projects.
- Altitude check warns the user if the input altitude appears wrong compared to the rest of the input. Reduces chances of large incorrect input altitudes.
- Boundary check warns the user if the input boundary crosses itself which can result in invalid triangulation and longer calculation time, the user can then use the curve editing tools to correct the boundary.
- Improved progress indicator now outputs text indicating what stage of calculation it is in.
PLEASE NOTE: This upgrade is free to all customers in software assurance. Users who are not under software assurance but who would like to upgrade should contact us or their local MudShark reseller.
Not using MudShark? Our Product Specialists are on standby to provide a personalised demonstration of these new features to you. Then, we’ll hand MudShark 6 over to you for a FREE 14 Day Trial.