KDOT's Evaluation of Sharing Electronic Data with Contractors and GPS Construction Processes

The electronic processes of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) were evaluated as a response to advancing technology in the construction industry. As the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) machine controlled grading and construction staking became more popular, contractors in Kansas began requesting additional electronic design files to aid in the construction of their three-dimensional (3D) models. This paper analyzes the electronic processes directly related to GPS machine controlled grading and evaluates the affects any proposed changes would have on the current design and construction inspection practices. Information obtained from other state practices, a pilot project within Kansas and partnering within KDOT and throughout the construction industry was used to develop new electronic processes. The electronic processes developed included updated construction specifications and a new electronic deliverables policy. The updated construction specifications addressed the contractor’s responsibilities for using electronic design files and adjusted KDOT’s staking requirements and construction inspection practices to account for projects using GPS machine controlled grading. The main decisions made regarding the electronic deliverables policy included determining what electronic design files to provide to contractors, the timing of the files release and the legal considerations. It was decided to release the two-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) files most frequently created during the design process to contractors prior to bidding. A new disclaimer was used to cover legal concerns of releasing the files. The policy requires the contractor to create their own 3D models from the CAD files provided.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Hovey, Kelly
  • Lubliner, Howard
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 91st Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2012-1-22 to 2012-1-26
• Date: 2012

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 19p
• Monograph Title: TRB 91st Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer aided design; Construction management; Contractors; Global Positioning System; Grading (Earthwork); Information dissemination; Pavement design
• Identifier Terms: Kansas Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Construction; Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01372568
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 12-4323
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jun 14 2012 10:56AM