USING GIS IN PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

The purpose of a preliminary geotechnical site investigation is to create a model of the geotechnical conditions and considerations facing a project. The model is then used to analyze the project and to make project decisions. Geographic information systems (GIS) can be used in preliminary geotechnical site investigations to develop and analyze a site model and to plan site activities. In preliminary geotechnical site evaluations, GIS can be used in four ways: 1) data integration, 2) data visualization and analysis, 3) planning and summarizing site activities, and 4) data presentation. GIS allows integration of preexisting data sets with project specific data such as CAD files, survey points, and site reconnaissance photos. The integrated data can be displayed, manipulated, and analyzed using tools built into the GIS program, thus creating the site model. From this site model, decisions can be made for further site activities and the results of the site activities can be integrated into the GIS site model. GIS can also be used to create maps and figures for reports, displays, and field personnel use. GIS was used in the preliminary geotechnical site investigation for the US 63/US 34 Ottumwa Bypass highway. As a result of its use, areas of potential geological hazards that could impact the design and construction of the bypass were identified quickly, and changes were made to the alignment early in the design process before significant design effort had been invested.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/pubs/midcon/Player.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/40408
• Supplemental Notes:
  • The proceedings can be located on-line at www.ctre.iastate.edu/.
• Corporate Authors:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Center for Transportation Research and Education, 2711 South Loop Drive
  Ames, IA  United States  50011-8664
• Authors:
  • Player, R
• Conference:
  • Mid-Continent Transportation Symposium 2000
  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • Date: 2000-5-15 to 2000-5-16
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 174-177

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Case studies; Data displays; Detection and identification; Geographic information systems; Geotechnical engineering; Hazards; Highway design; Surveying; Visualization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Data integration
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00793293
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0965231046
• Files: NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: May 26 2000 12:00AM