Development of the Interconnectivity and Enhancement (ICE) Module in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Geotechnical Database Management System Framework

About the report:

An Internet-based, spatiotemporal Geotechnical Database Management System (GDBMS) Framework was implemented at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2002 to manage geotechnical data using a distributed Geographical Information System (GIS) methodology. GDBMS Framework was initially envisioned as a tool for archiving and accessing geotechnical data over the Internet. The original design concept of a non-proprietary open system and open architecture resulted in a flexible and easily expandable application. With progressive enhancements, GDBMS Framework has evolved into a functional and user-friendly system, providing geotechnical data analysis and design capabilities. One of the most valuable features of this system is user-selectable dynamic generation of fence diagrams. In this project the Interconnectivity and Enhancement (ICE) module was developed and implemented. Key components of the ICE module are interoperability and interconnectivity among existing applications, data sources and GDBMS modules. Also, further refinements were made to the existing GDBMS Framework functionalities. The study recommends that the enhanced database be used for all new VDOT geotechnical data postings. It is estimated that the system can save VDOT approximately $272,000 per year based on the projected workload of 136 bridges per year. Other types of transportation-related data (bridges, pavements, drainage structures, traffic control devices, safety hardware, and environmental site assessments) can also be easily included in this database structure.

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