Development of an information system for geotechnical engineers towards improved decision making

Abstract

A desktop study is an initial, relatively inexpensive study performed by a geotechnical engineer before a site investigation to provide an understanding of the site, identifying potential risks and enabling the engineer to make decisions on the approach of the site investigation. Desktop studies often also include relevant geotechnical data from previous construction works on and around the site in addition to other information. Developing an information system for South Africa that is easily accessible for engineers to view data geographically and transform the data into reliable, meaningful information will assist towards informed decision-making by these engineers during the desktop study phase and later phases of a project. The Information System for Geotechnical Engineers (ISGE) was developed with all the specifications, identified during the literature review, to assist South African geotechnical engineers (and other experts). The database and interface use the SANS3001 codes which are currently not available in other software, as determined through a thorough study of available software. The geotechnical engineering database was developed using Microsoft Access to store the geotechnical engineering test and site data. This avoids the need for physical space for paper filing. The database allows users to find specific information quickly and with ease and enables them to sort through the data seamlessly. This allows users to process existing data for better decision-making while also being very secure and preventing users from accidentally deleting records or accessing private information. An information interface was developed that transforms data from the information in the database to create geotechnical outputs on Microsoft Excel. This allows the user to search for any existing samples, layers or test pits and to view the relevant inputs and outputs for those tests. To improve decision making, a summary page interface that summarises the geotechnical information was developed in the information interface as well. This access to information allows engineers to observe a large quantity of different information in detail to compare and make a comprehensive assessment of the site and all the geotechnical properties of that area. The ISGE has the capability to export the information in a file format supported by GIS software. Using GIS makes interpreting the potential problems of areas much easier for engineers who can observe the surrounding data and make valid assumptions about their study areas.