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37 C h a p t e r 7 Introduction A web-based information and guidance system for 46 geo- construction technologies has been developed as part of the SHRP 2 R02 project. The information and guidance system contains an introduction to the geotechnical design process, catalog of technologies, selection system, and glossary. Detailed information for a geoconstruction technology is found in the catalog where, for each individual technology, the following information can be found: technology fact sheets, photographs, case histories, design guidance, quality control and quality assurance procedures, specification guidance, cost information, and bibliography. A selection system was developed to aid the user in identifying potential geoconstruction technologies for a user-defined set of project conditions. The selection system contains both a listing of the technologies and a dynamic, inter- active selection tool. The selection system leads the user to the technical information for each geoconstruction technology. Experienced engineers will benefit from the design, con- struction, cost, and specification information provided in the catalog. Less experienced engineers, planners, and owners will benefit from the introductory material for each geoconstruc- tion technology and the technology selection assistance por- tion of the system to assess the feasibility of technologies to address project requirements and constraints. The informa- tion and guidance system will be a valuable tool for engineers, planners, and transportation officials to use when evaluating potential technologies. No system like this existed, either in hard-copy form or automated, before the development of the Geotechnical Solutions for Transportation Infrastructure sys- tem. Providing critical path guidance for emerging technolo- gies will decrease the time required for promising solutions to be used in future infrastructure projects. In concluding this development report, recommendations follow for the public release of the site, final technology selec- tion, and additional research. public release of Site The Geotechnical Solutions for Transportation Infrastruc- ture system should not be released to general users until beta testing has been completed. Until completion of beta testing, all documents contained within the information and guidance system will carry a DRAFT watermark. The website will be password protected until the completion of beta testing. Final technology Selection Selection of a geoconstruction technology is a major theme throughout this development report and the system. The information and guidance system provides a tool to assist the user in selecting and applying geoconstruction technol- ogies. The selection system guides a user to a short list of unranked, candidate technologies. The information in the catalog provides the material for the completion of a com- parable, quantifiable, project-specific analysis. The cost information produced as part of this project is intended to provide the user with a means for understanding what vari- ables may impact the cost of a given geotechnical solution as well as developing a preliminary cost estimate for a given technology on a project-specific basis. There are many fac- tors that can affect cost for a specific project (i.e., soil type, labor rates, and utility conflicts); identifying and under- standing how these variables impact cost can be beneficial when evaluating the applicability of a geotechnical solu- tion. It is important to note that although initial cost is a consideration when selecting a solution, it should not be the driving force. The process used by each user to compare technologies should be completed on a case-by-case method. The research team wants to emphasize that this system does not replace the project geotechnical engineer. The geotechnical engineerâs Conclusions and Recommendations
38 judgment should be the final selection process. The selection process should include: construction cost, maintenance cost, design and QC issues, performance and safety (pavement smoothness, hazards caused by maintenance operations, potential failures), inconvenience (a tangible factor, espe- cially for heavily traveled roadways or long detours), envi- ronmental aspects, and aesthetic aspects (appearance of completed work with respect to its surroundings) (Holtz, 1989). Alternatively, Raju (2010) indicated the choice of technique that should consider the suitability of method, technical compliance, availability of QC/QA methods, avail- ability of material, time, cost, convenience, and protection of the environment. recommendations for additional research The present system was developed for the three elements of new embankment and roadway construction over unstable soils, roadway and embankment widening, and stabilization of pavement working platforms. There are numerous tech- nologies related to bridge geotechnical components, such as shallow foundations, deep foundations, and bridge retaining wall foundation systems, and such special soils as frozen soils, swelling soils, and collapsible soils that could be added to the system to provide complete one-stop shopping for geotechni- cal solutions for transportation infrastructure.
