Facilitating Geotechnical

Processes via Data Interchange

Scott L. Deaton, Ph.D.

Chris Merklin, P.E.

Stephen Taliaferro, P.E.

Introduction

Chris Merklin - ODOT

Overview

Dataforensics hired by Ohio DOT to

review OGE internal processes and

consultant processes

Purpose was:

To review and provide recommendations for

how to improve OGE processes

To identify where DIGGS fits into the OGE

processes

To identify where DIGGS fits into consultants

processes

Process

Provided questionnaires to OGE design

and lab personnel

Provided questionnaires to 4 consultants

Performed 3 day on-site review

Detailed interviews/process review with OGE

Detailed on-site interviews with 2 consultants

Challenge 1

What is Geotechnical Data?

Geotechnical Data

“facts or figures obtained from all phases of

a geotechnical project, including derivations

from other data

NOTE Facts and figures might include text,

numbers and formulae.”

Source: BS 8574:2014 Code of practice for the management of geotechnical data for

ground engineering projects

You have data

Data or Information

If you can process it into one or more

formats

without re-entering it

or

without using multiple cut and paste

operations

You have information

Data or Information

If not …

PDF borehole log

Data or Information?

Data or Information?

An Excel table

Data or Information?

An Excel Report

Data or Information?

An AGS data file A DIGGS data file

You have Data!

No Data

Two Golden Rules for Data Entry

Two Golden Rules for Data Entry

Typical Consultant Workflow

Geotechnical Data Producer

Use a system that fits their needs while

providing DATA to users downstream

Data Producers are:

Personnel collecting field data

Lab personnel performing testing

Geotechnical Data ConsumersODOT Design Personnel

Bridge design

Pavement design

Culvert design

Geotechnical design

Pavement management

Consultants

No software fits the needs of all consumers

Software must communicate data

Data Interchange Standards

Allows Data Producers to optimize their

processes

Use software that best fits their needs

Allows Data Consumers to utilize data

Use software that best fits their needs

Software vendor independent

Typical

Sample Data

Lifecycle

Why Data

Interchange?

Why Data Interchange?

Why Data Interchange?

Why Data Interchange?

DIGGS Status Update

CPT manufacturers committed to begin

export DIGGS files – Mar 2017

Strength testing review/vetting on-going

Dataforensics, ASCE-GI, Tom Brandon/VT

Dataforensics working on round trip –

borehole related data

Geosyntec working on exporting data to

DIGGS - USACE

DIGGS Near Term Work

Summer workshop for technical working

committee

Lab manufacturers begin working on

strength testing DIGGS export

Digital Data Interchange

Improves the reliability of the data for end-

users

Improves the efficiency for all parties but in

particular the data generators

Provides data security

Provides long term data accessibility

Summary

Input data once, use it many ways

Data is an asset, share it

Transmit “data” to stakeholders digitally

Don’t transmit information

Utilize data interchange standards

whenever possible (XML, GML, AGS,

DIGGS)

Thank you to all the assistance provided

by all Ohio DOT OGE personnel involved

in the review process.

Special recognition is afforded to Chris

Merklin, Steve Taliaferro and Paul Painter

who have been instrumental in this review

process

Thank You