Publisher's Synopsis
This research identifies technologies and methods that can be used by INDOT in earthwork data collection and earthwork quantity calculation process on large construction projects that could result in timely completion of the projects with less labor and resultant cost. In order to achieve the above stated objective, several tasks were performed, i.e., literature review, data collection, data analysis, and recommendations. INDOT engineers were interviewed to determine their current state of practice. Also, all the state DOTs, professional companies in Indiana and vendors of earthwork data collection equipment and software products were contacted through questionnaire surveys and personal interviews. Two case studies were also performed with an owner and a contractor to understand the use, benefits and drawbacks of these equipment and software products. The analysis of data indicated that a combination of technologies was a better option to suit different scenario rather than one specific technology. For INDOT, use of robotic total station (RTS), RTK GPS and aerial photogrammetric are recommended, while a comparative analysis of the companies for earthwork data collection equipment and earthwork quantity calculations software products is provided. Recommendations on training costs and options are also made to INDOT. Also some other relevant issues that came up during interviews and case studies are also discussed in this report. All the recommendations were on the basis of the collected data and literature review performed by researchers during the course of this project.
