DFI Magazine May/June 2020 - 100

transfer protocol (like DIGGS) is a valuable
and necessary component of efforts going
forward. Widespread adoption of DIGGS
and its expansion to accommodate pile
data could be used to upgrade existing (and
to set up future) pile load test databases.
Specifically, DIGGS can be used to import
and export information from pile load test
databases. Because of the diversity and proprietary nature of nonstandardized databases, the seemingly simple task of data
transfer is currently a time-consuming and
complicated effort. With support from
software vendors, these data could be
loaded on popular
foundation design and
analysis software, as well as
in-house design algorithms.
DIGGS could also facilitate
automated and highly
reproducible processes that
allow analyzing pile data in
batches. As a result, workflow efficiency
could be dramatically increased, while
reducing manual entry errors. Beyond
efficiency, the batch analysis process opens
up opportunities for a high-level evaluation of the performance of foundations by
statistical analyses over a large volume
of results.

to allow users to generate DIGGS files (i.e.,
XML files) that can be used to populate
tables, generate plots, and/or interface with
software that will accept XML-structured
DIGGS data.
During development of DIGGS, the G-I
committed to providing web-based tools
for generating and using DIGGS files. The
DIGGS Development Team is also committed to maintaining and expanding the
DIGGS schema, supporting the development of user-friendly interfaces, providing recommendations for data management and training for developing and

Conclusion
In order for construction-related businesses in this data-driven era to operate at
maximum efficiency, they must first
organize existing information and convert
it to data that can be analyzed. The authors
believe that the common language that
DIGGS provides can prove invaluable in
this effort for the deep foundations
industry and beyond. The reasons include
the open-source nature of the DIGGS
framework and its ability to enhance data
transfer and storage by making data export
easier and allowing data import to multiple
software applications.

DIGGS's schema is continually being expanded with
Robert Bachus, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE,
is a senior principal engineer with
Geosyntec Consultants in Kennesaw, Georgia. He has more than
40 years of experience across a
wide range of geotechnical and environmental
projects, and is a member of the Geo-Institute (G-I)
of ASCE DIGGS Development Team.

more tests and procedures, including construction
and performance data regarding deep foundations.

Moving Forward
DIGGS is now ready for general use. On the
DIGGS website, instructions are provided
for the user to become familiar with the
DIGGS framework (i.e., the schema), and
there is a "data dictionary" to identify the
rules for the specific data elements. The
website also offers access to tools (i.e.,
DIGGS Feedback Tool and DIGGS Toolbox)

using DIGGS files, working with software
developers to include DIGGS-formatted
data as acceptable imports to (and exports
from) their programs, and establishing a
sustainable business model to allow for the
future growth and adoption of DIGGS.
This offer of support extends to the deep
foundations community.
Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) is
supporting this effort with the recently
funded project titled DIGGS Scheme for
Rock Grouting Data Transfer through the
DFI Committee Project Fund. This project
will utilize the geotechnical and temporal
instrumentation features currently available
in DIGGS, along with monitoring while
drilling (MWD) concepts, to develop the
first foundation construction scheme
within the DIGGS platform.

Nick Machairas, Ph.D., is an engineering consultant and an applied analytics lecturer at
Columbia University, and a member of the G-I of
ASCE DIGGS Development Team. He has over 7
years of experience developing custom artificial
intelligence and data management solutions to
improve the efficiency of deep foundations.
Allen Cadden, P.E., D.GE, is a principal with
Schnabel Engineering and leads the G-I of ASCE
DIGGS Development Team. He has over 30 years of
experience in geotechnical engineering and is
licensed in 11 states.

Editorial Submissions
Want to share your expertise, project experience and product
information with the deep foundations community? DFI is
always interested in editorial submissions for Deep
Foundations magazine. We are particularly interested in
articles on state-of-the-art projects (big and small) and new

100 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAY/JUNE 2020

techniques, products and technology. Guidelines for writing
feature articles are available on www.dfi.org - select
'Publications' and then navigate to 'DFI Magazine.' To discuss
an idea for an article, contact the executive editor, at
mageditor@dfi.org.

DFI Magazine May/June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DFI Magazine May/June 2020