Development of a Geotechnical Asset Management System for Slopes

“Transportation asset management (TAM) plans are an essential management tool,” according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Geotechnical Asset Management (GAM) systems are a critical element of TAMs, where geotechnical assets include walls, slopes, embankments, and subgrades within the right of way. Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has begun building a GAM in consultation with KU, KSU and Texas State University. Current work has included development of an assessment system for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls and includes data for 18 walls. The next step in the GAM development process is to extend this work to slopes. Slopes evaluated are expected to include constructed and natural slopes. NCHRP Report 903 provides an overview of GAMs and describes the potential benefits as including, but not limited to: financial savings across the geotechnical life-cycle, with as much as 30 percent in some cases; a process to measure and manage involuntary safety risk exposure across the entire asset class; lessened traveler delay and closure times, resulting in improved network operational performance; reductions in broader economic impacts due to injury, loss of life, or property damage to citizens, businesses, and other governmental agencies; demonstrated stewardship, protection of environmental resources, enhanced agency reputation, and improved sustainability; data and processes for making informed decisions that support agency and stakeholder objectives; data and processes for prioritizing operations and maintenance decisions; and an understanding of current risk exposure levels and distribution, and the ability to manage those risks. A GAM enables the agency to track the performance of geotechnical assets in a systematic and easily accessible manner. When fully developed, access to data about existing assets would be easily accessible through a common, computer-based system. The life cycle of an asset or assets can be tracked individually or as a part of a class that could be based on asset type, construction method, contractor, material supplier, or any other criteria. This information could be used to evaluate the relative benefits of a wide range of engineering options. Report 903 also describes how a GAM can facilitate “decision-making processes based on investment returns and a risk performance measure.” This can lead to systematic approaches for selecting the appropriate corrective action for assets that are no longer performing optimally.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $59832
• Contract Numbers:

  K-TRAN: KU-24-2

  RE-0880-01

  C2229

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Kansas Department of Transportation

  Eisenhower State Office Building
  700 SW Harrison Street
  Topeka, KS  United States  66603-3754
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Kansas Center for Research, Incorporated

  2291 Irving Hill Drive, Campus West
  Lawrence, KS  United States  66045
• Principal Investigators:

  Parsons, Robert

• Start Date: 20230801
• Expected Completion Date: 20241031
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asset management; Databases; Geotechnical engineering; Slopes
• Identifier Terms: Kansas Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01894690
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Kansas Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: K-TRAN: KU-24-2, RE-0880-01, C2229
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 26 2023 4:52PM