changing the culture of the use of geophysics for geotechnical subsurface characterization. A brief presentation will cover challenges in the way geophysical investigations are currently conducted for geotechnical subsurface characterization and the challenges in preparing quality data presentation. The interactive panel presentations will also include successful case studies on using geophysics for geotechnical subsurface characterization. The geophysics panel will be moderated by Silas Nichols, P.E., Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Discussion topics will include: • How and when to engage a geophysical consultant during a project • Differences between using a geophysical consultant as a contractor vs. as a team member • The importance of the geophysical consultant understanding the project history, site surface and subsurface conditions and project objectives • Improvements in the way geophysical results can be communicated and presented • Improvements in the way geophysical results are used by a geotechnical engineer FHWA Partnership: Every Day Counts A-GaME Program: FHWA has found that up to 50 percent of major infrastructure projects suffer impacts to schedules or costs due to geotechnical issues, many of which relate to risks related directly or indirectly to the scope and quality of site characterization work. FHWA seeks to address this issue in its current round of Every Day Counts (EDC- 5), a program that identifies and deploys proven, yet underutilized, innovations at the state Department of Transportation level to save time, money and resources. The A-GaME (Advanced Geotechnical Methods in Exploration) is one of the innovations highlighted in this round of EDC and will likely be carried forward into the next round for EDC-6 (which will kick off in 2021). A-GaME seeks to COMMITTEE CHAIR PAOLO GAZZARRINI, P.ENG. International Grouting Committee Thanks to the initiative of Allen Cadden, P.E., D.GE, of Schnabel Engineering, the International Grouting Committee has been awarded funding through the DFI Committee Project Fund for a proposal to expand the DIGGS (Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialist) scheme for rock grouting. DIGGS is an emerging data transfer protocol that uses XML and GML language formats to facilitate exchange of data within the geoprofession (see article on page 97). This system will facilitate our ability to readily and accurately exchange data between points of acquisition, to the office for review, to analysis tools, and then to deliverables and storage tools. The project will start the integration of foundation construction technologies into this data transfer format and help establish methods and authorities to manage the open source scheme in the future. Using relatively straightforward rock grouting procedures as a model, DFI members will be able to become familiar with the DIGGS-based schema and create a baseline upon which many other DFI technologies can be readily built into the system. DIGGS is a special project of ASCE’s Geo-Institute, and more information can be found at www.geoinstitute.org/special-projects/diggs. This initiative will forge an even closer partnership between DFI and Geo-Institute. For information, contact Paolo Gazzarrini at [email protected]. Another primary committee initiative is also on a roll: the preparation of general documents summarizing the different international approaches and procedures existing in the grouting industry. Five working groups have been formed (rock grouting, soil grouting, jet grouting, compaction grouting and grouting testing) and the active participants, meeting by conference calls quarterly, are closing in on final documents to be shared with the industry. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAY/JUNE 2020 • 73 FHWA’s EDC-5 A-GaME website raise awareness of the issue of inadequate subsurface characterizations and highlights five technologies in particular to promote to state agencies: cone penetration testing, seismic geophysics, electrical geophysics, measurement while drilling and optical and acoustic televiewers. The Subsurface Characterization for Deep Foundations Committee is working closely with members of the A-GaME implementation team to promote A-GaME among DFI members and other end users of subsurface characterization data. FHWA will rely on the committee’s support to implement demonstrations of the highlighted technologies at conferences and other events. Mary Nodine, P.E., is also working with FHWA’s Ben Rivers on a paper for the DFI Annual Conference that will educate attendees on how improved subsurface characterization can benefit contractors, owners and consultants. We are excited to share our upcoming panels and webinars and look forward to what the future holds as our committee continues to connect with DFI members and others in the industry. If you are interested in any of these initiatives, contact Mary Nodine at [email protected].
