A comprehensive, web-based information and selection guidance system compiling knowledge for more than fifty geoconstruction technologies applicable to transportation infrastructure has been developed. The two primary components of this comprehensive toolbox are a Catalog of Technologies and a Technology Selection Assistance System. For each technology, the following documents can be accessed through the Catalog of Technologies: Technology Fact Sheet, Photographs, Case Histories, Design Guidance, Quality Control/Quality Assurance Guidance, Cost Information, Specifications, and Bibliography. Technology selection assistance is provided by either viewing technologies by classification or by use of an interactive selection system. The interactive selection assistance system aids the user in identifying a short-list of potential geoconstruction technologies for a particular project. Selection guidance is provided for the four broad application areas of: construction of embankments over unstable soils; construction or widening of embankments over stable or stabilized soils; geotechnical pavement components (i.e., base, subbase, and subgrade); and construction working platforms. This comprehensive toolbox can (and should) be used during all phases of project delivery including planning, scoping, design and construction. GeoTechTools was developed to assist engineers, and others, involved in project development, scoping and/or the execution of highway projects, make more informed decisions on geotechnical issues to reduce risk and minimize construction surprises. The value of the web-based system is that it collects, synthesizes, integrates, and organizes a vast amount of critically important information about geotechnical solutions on a readily accessible website. Additionally, it is a living system; users are urged to contribute to it and keep it current. The target audience for the system is primarily public agency transportation managers, geotechnical engineers, pavement engineers, and decision makers at local, state, and federal levels. Additionally, civil/structural, construction, pavement, and construction engineers in consulting, contracting, and academia will also find the system very useful. This paper discusses the system and its application to project delivery and geotechnical solutions for transportation infrastructure. Goals in the implementation of GeoTechTools, from the Round 3 of the FHWA Implementation Assistance Program of SHRP 2 Research, are summarized.
展开▼
