Geotechnical data modeling and presentation along with geospatial tools are all advancing. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, June 23, 2022 that explored examples of recent developments. Presenters examined surface change detection data collection, artificial intelligence (AI) predictive tools for informed "filling in" of data gaps, and statistical data interpretation of downhole measurement methods. Presenters also covered new geospatial tools and their potential to assess performance and resilience of transportation earthworks and other structures. Applications related to the use of large measurement datasets (wide area, borings, and measurements within borings/soundings) and tools/utilities were featured. They presented an example of web-app based development work for geotechnical data management and visualization to characterize the statistical features of geospatial soil boring data, facilitating geotechnical site characterization and design process.

This webinar was sponsored by the TRB Standing Technical Committees on Instrumentation and Modeling, and Transportation Earthworks.

The slides and recording are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

• Using LiDAR for change detection and visualization of ground movements to visualize rate and magnitude of changes for use in geotechnical analysis - Matt Lato, BGC Engineering, Inc.
• AI systems’ ability to predict site characteristics beyond the immediate boring locations - Houda Jadi, Geosetta
• Using Cone Penetration Testing and other 'dense' datasets to assess statistical aspects of subsurface material properties - Xin Peng, Geosyntec Consultants
• Question and answer session moderated by Derrick Dasenbrock, Federal Highway Administration

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Use LiDAR change detection over large areas to detect and visualize change in topography, to interpret the mechanisms causing it, and to communicate the significance to stakeholders
• Use developing tools and applications that leverage large datasets of subsurface information for predictive modeling
• Apply new tools that provide statistical assessments of subsurface data to understand site variability and assigning appropriate material properties for design analysis

Continue the discussion on these topics by registering for TRB’s Geospatial Data Acquisition Technologies in Design and Construction Summer Committee Meeting and TRB’s Symposium on Visualization in Transportation.

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.