Monitoring of Experimental Sections Using a Web-based Database.

摘要

In recent years, a number of databases have been developed as part of TxDOTs Research Program for a diversity of goals and objectives. However, there is no one database that collects and stores lessons learned from long-term field application of different technologies or methodsin particular, after the original research project has concluded. Establishing a database that can hold information from research and construction projects provides TxDOT personnel, practitioners, and researchers with a tool to reference information from past studies to supplement data and avoid duplication of efforts. A database of this type is useful not only for tracking the performance of different types of materials or construction techniques, but also as a warehouse to archive case studies and observations about different projects that can be accessed by TxDOT engineers and others. This access is fundamental for ensuring that the experience and knowledge gained by the TxDOT personnel through the years by developing and implementing research technologies is preserved and the mistakes from the past are not repeated. Besides, the long-term monitoring and documenting of the performance of the various projects could provide valuable information in terms of the effectiveness and the efficiency of the various technologies and products developed during the original study. Based on the analysis of the advantages and limitations of existing database systems developed previously under TxDOTs Research Program, this project created a wiki-type online database system to house all of the required information and meet the projects requirements and goals. The availability of wiki tools allowed for the development of an online database system that can store all of the required information and be easily accessed and modified by users to accommodate changing requirements and needs. A wiki consists of a collection of web pages designed to enable anyone with access to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language. This study was a low-cost, high-payoff project because most of the research and expensive testing had already been done but several valuable lessons were missing. This database is a useful tool that can help communicate the experiences and lessons learned not only from different projects, but from engineers themselves.