Bill Johnson
Today, geotechnical exploration is taking advantage of data mining concepts to predict subsurface conditions. Traditional methods of drilling soil borings are still necessary, but implementing predictive approaches allows the geotechnical engineer and project team to work smarter, manage risk and save significant time and money on exploration and construction costs. The use of collaborative and cloud-based management systems has improved the speed and quality of geotechnical information transfer, and many engineering firms are implementing these systems to provide more value to development clients.
Geotechnical engineers can now routinely predict expected subsurface conditions using GIS-based systems that query historic exploration data and related information available in the public domain for a planned project site. This information is synthesized by geotechnical engineers with local expertise, providing the ability to:
- Predict the conditions that will be encountered at the site along with the foundation types and risk-factors that may be appropriate for the planned construction;
- Provide a level of confidence in the predictions based upon the density and consistency of the data reviewed and the geotechnical engineer’s own confidence in the results; and
- Prescribe an exploration plan that should be implemented to confirm the expected conditions.
Clients also have the advantage of starting the planning for a project early, enjoying more accurate cost estimating, better site selection and tighter foundation design recommendations that equate to potential savings all around.
A great example of this risk management process is evident in a recently completed plan for construction of a new 500-mile pipeline. With a required course that traverses the rugged Appalachian Plateau, the plans for this pipeline had to take into account concerns for slope instability, worker safety and environmental integrity. Using this predictive approach, engineers and geologists were able to map the right-of-way using GIS-based mapping systems. In coordination with the owner, the design team charted geologic hazards that could be expected in the construction, which allowed for a more precise, field mapping of the high hazard areas and the development of a mitigation plan for the expected conditions.
Victor R. Donald
Using this method, all of the project information is delivered to the design team in the form of a web-based GIS platform that can be electronically accessed by all team members. This provides for a dynamic means of considering risk, evaluating mitigation options and documenting their implementation. Construction for the pipeline project is expected to begin in the very near future, enabled by the predictive, risk management work that formed the basis for planning special mitigation measures as construction progresses.
Because the value of these predictions and resulting findings is maximized when all design teams consider the information collectively and collaborate on the findings, a more dynamic means of information delivery is necessary. This is being accomplished by taking advantage of dramatic demographic shifts in the workforce and the utilization of collaborative techniques and cloud-based technology. With Millennials comprising the workforce majority, platform adaptations are made to reflect the communication styles of those preferring to work on collaboration platforms that take advantage of technologies and cultures built around social networking.
The world now is using sophisticated, digital methods of data storage and retrieval along with ever-more sophisticated algorithms for predictive modeling. Better information for the client leads to better decision making. Collaborating with business partners at any time and place through the use of mobile devices facilitates quick decision-making to expedite the design process.
Cloud-based data mining and web-based knowledge delivery processes designed to inform the team of geotechnical issues and conditions – and refine work scopes as necessary – are taking the geotechnical profession to a new level. Research and analysis of “big data” can provide clients with the most accurate information to complete projects on time, on budget and on quality by making the invisible, visible.n
Vic Donald, P.E., is the national director of geotechnical services for Terracon. Bill Johnson is the client development manager for Terracon and is responsible for the New England region.
