Data Collection and New Expertise Requirements It is understandable that depending on the project scope, dimension and location, different data will be collected from various project phases and sources. In addition, depending on the different geo-foundation technologies applied and different reporting models, specific data formats will be required to satisfy the sections of the corresponding contract specifications. Most importantly, the owner of the program will, as needed, retain the information collected and analyzed while the other various parties will be able to access the particularly selected data as specified in the contractual documents. For this reason, on most of the projects the contractor may be the preferred host of the PIMS and owner of the data and tools or, at least, the developer and custodian of the system that will assemble and connect the various software packages and tools involved. Clearly, the completeness requirements, responsibilities and dimension of the program will depend on the project type and the specific contractual requirement. We need to recognize that for some time, the industry has been using technologies and programs able to collect data electronically in “close” to real time. However, new technologies are under development that will have direct applications to deep foundations and may be integrated into existing PIMS structures or represent entirely new methods. Adapting to the new PIMS concept will require consideration in approaching business and projects, including the requirement to have personnel with the right skills, tools and experience to insure the reliability of the technology (or outsourcing using specialized technology providers). This type of personnel may not have specific geo-foundation experience but will need to work in concert with geo-foundation specialists. Geotechnical site personnel (engineers, supervisors, operators, etc.), will need to work with computer/electronic special- ized personnel with the skills and tools required to develop the protocol to collect, manage, connect, analyze, prioritize, present and store all this data. Altogether, companies will need to be capable of interpreting and meeting the specific requirements and provide the data management systems needed to ensure the uncorrupted control of the project. Conclusion There is no doubt that the application of information management technologies offers innumerable benefits to the DFI community, even when specifications do not explicitly require them. The major immediate benefits of having more reliable information available include the increased safety and quality control resulting in emphasizing the improvement of risk management. DFI’s commitment to represent and advance the geo-foundation industry should include the support and implementation whenever possible of PIMS technologies and platforms to reduce/eliminate risk while insuring maximum safety and quality of our work that results in durability, sustainability and resilience of our projects. To learn more about the DFI PIMS Committee, visit www.dfi.org. This article was developed with reference from the DFI PIMS Com- mittee white paper prepared by the leaders of the PIMS Committee: Vanessa Bateman, Massimo Mucci, Mark Petersen and Jamey Rosen. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • SEPT/OCT 2018 • 59
