DFI Magazine May/June 2020 - 20

For demonstration, two vertical sections of electrical resistivity data in Rice model

Conclusion
A major source of construction project risk relates to subsurface
conditions. Yet geotechnical investigations are often limited to
covering relatively small portions of project sites, resulting in
extrapolation and interpretation being a necessity. In addition, this
information is often presented in printed documents that limit
communication necessary for reducing project risks. Holographic
models, using a HoloLens and the Ada Platform, provide
opportunities for data presentation and collaborative experiences
to help project participants better understand risk and uncertainty
associated with the underground environment and potential design
options. A 3D holographic model allows stakeholders to see real
data at its location in a scaled or full-sized project format. The
Minnesota case study provides a holographic model that depicts
values from multiple subsurface investigation techniques at the
project setting, conveying the relationship of the geotechnical data
to the in-situ environment and the proposed construction.
The success of augmented reality in conveying greater
understanding of the subsurface conditions of a Minnesota bridge
site demonstrates how the 3D environment can serve as a useful
tool to establish measurement locations and convey the scale,
proportion and relationships of tested and untested materials in
typical, robust site characterization programs. The 3D environment
allows both geotechnical information and the associated risks of a
project to be better visualized and comprehended, and therefore, to
be better managed. The more efficient, tailored designs that can

20 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAY/JUNE 2020

result add to project economy through better project definition,
contractor prequalification (if appropriate), bid pricing and
scheduling. While the example focused on transportation
geotechnics, the 3D environment is wholly applicable for other
structure types and in related engineering disciplines. In deploying
a holographic model as part of the FHWA Every Day Counts (EDC)
technology initiative, the authors have found that, despite being
partly in the virtual world, the augmented reality shared experience
is a "real" user experience.
Scott Anderson, Ph.D., P.E., is a principal geotechnical engineer with BGC
Engineering in Golden, Colorado. His career has focused on innovation and has
spanned academia, research, consulting and many years with the FHWA.
Ben Rivers, P.E., is a geotechnical engineer with the Federal Highway Administration Resource Center (FHWA-RC), where he manages site characterization
and geophysical program efforts. He currently leads the EDC A-GaME initiative.
Silas Nichols, P.E., is the principal geotechnical engineer for the Federal Highway
Administration in Washington D.C. Nichols has been involved with several large
implementation efforts for the FHWA, and has also worked in academia and
consulting.
Derrick Dasenbrock, P.E., D.GE, works for the Minnesota Department of
Transportation as the geomechanics/LRFD engineer in the Office of Materials and
Road Research. His responsibilities include development and implementation of
new geotechnical practices to improve MnDOT's geotechnical cost effectiveness
and providing solutions for geotechnical construction and maintenance problems.

DFI Magazine May/June 2020

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