"WisDOT is in the process of implementing new 3D software. Along with this there are numerous cultural, legal and work process changes that need to be implemented to achieve maximum advantage of this new technology. The study will investigate using DTM's as contractual documents, eliminating traditional cross sectional end areas and replacing them with DTM's as the basis for determining plan and pay quantities of earthwork, and reducing or eliminating all cross sections from the plans.

Currently we are undertaking this study with the University of Wisconsin. Our phase I plan includes:

1. Developing a questionaire and distributing this to the AASHTO TIG group. The task and responses will be completed by April 22.

2. Developing comparisons of DTM to DTM measurements and comparing the results to the same project using average end areas from cross sections. We are contacting other states to see if they have done any comparisons and asking for their results. In addition, we will do comparisons from 2 or 3 projects in Wisconsin. We expect to complete this by June 1.

3. We will prepare a report detailing the findings to date and identifying recommendations, issues, advantages, impediments and consequences of implementing the 3D plans. The report will be circulated to industry and consultants as well as the WisDOT for Comments. The comments will be evaluated and a final report will be prepared by August 15."

TRNS.PORT

In the past year Wisconsin has applied annual updates to our core AASHTO Trns.port modules, PES, LAS, CAS, and BAMS/DSS. In addition we updated the Field component FieldManager. The communication tool, FieldNet, that operates between CAS and FieldManager was completely rewritten and successfully implemented in March of this year.

Wisconsin also contracts with a local consultant to develop, support and maintain a number of construction administration and materials applications that supplement the Trns.port modules. Major enhancements to the materials side included new application pieces for the prime contractor to enter Qc data for concrete cylinders and IRI ride.

Two individuals from WisDOT participate on two separate Technical Review Teams as part of the redevelopment of the Trns.port modules from Client Server to Web applications. The first release of the Pre-Construction component of webTrns.port will be available later this year. However, Wisconsin does not plan to implement for one to two years. We would rather wait until the  Construction component is available in approximately two years.

SDMS:

WisDOT continues to license and use the AASHTO SDMS Processor software to process, analyze connectivity, and otherwise edit, review, and report survey field collected data. For the most part, we no longer use any version of the AASHTO SDMS Collector software (instead focusing on the Trimble Survey Controller). For leveling, we use Leica digital levels and then convert the field data to the SDMS format via a translator built into SDMS Processor. For Geodimeter JOB files, we still use the older Geodimeter keyboards and translate the data with SDMS Processor to the SDMS format, however, we are beginning to collect Geodimeter data with the Trimble TSC2 Controller v12.22 which can interface with the Geodimeters. For RTK GPS work, we use TGO to review the data and then export an SDMS CAL file for import into SDMS Processor (which is where point connectivity is analyzed and assembled).

SDMS Processor 2.0 currently contains cogo function and 2D graphic editing in addition to the processing functions it always had. By July 2008, SDMS Processor will have both DTM and 3D graphics functions as well as the ability to process GPS vector data. Work is also being done on a stand alone version of SDMS Universal Translator that will contain all the current functions as well as support for both WisDOT county coordinate systems, WisDOT specific data formats, multiple geoids, and even conversions between horizontal adjustments not supported by NADCON. An updated version of the AASHTO SDMS Technical Guide is also now available.

Machine Control Grading:

"Beginning in 2006, WisDOT and the Construction Material and Support Center (CMSC) at UW Madison worked together to develop the specifications and QA/QC procedures for GPS machine guidance on highway grading projects. These specifications and procedures were the basis for a 2007 Pilot Program using GPS machine control grading on two projects. The data and experience from the 2007 pilot projects was used to refine the specifications and procedures for another pilot program in 2008. The 2008 pilot program will involve 4 projects that vary in size and complexity. The results of the 2008 pilot will be used to further develop specifications and procedures for all future grading projects in WisDOT that use the GPS machine control."

WISCORS:

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Geodetic Survey Unit is developing a state Global Positioning System (GPS) reference station network. This network, called the WISconsin Continuously Operating Reference Stations (WISCORS) Network, consists of permanent GPS sites, which provide real-time correctors to mobile users. These mobile users that are properly equipped to take advantage of these correctors can survey in the field to the 2 cm. accuracy level in real-time. The program is being partnered with state and local governments, federal agencies and educational institutions.

Initially WISCORS will consist of 25 permanent CORS in Wisconsin that form an area east of a line from Marinette to Shawano to Fond du Lac to Madison to Janesville.  The CORS are established at approximate 50 km spacing with data being stream to servers in Madison on a 24/7 basis.  Network software located on the servers configures and monitors the quality of data from the reference stations; computes GPS correctors; and then provide GPS corrections to field GPS users.

Twenty-three of the twenty-five CORS will be brought on-line soon after a series of tests have been completed.  Users requiring access to the system will need to register through WisDOT WISCORS Internet site.

CAiCE (Design software) replacement:

In 2007 WisDOT completed an evaluation for a CAiCE Replacement for Roadway Design software and selected Autodesk Civil 3D software. We are currently preparing for the implementation of Civil 3D and will begin New User training early 2009.

Information Wanted

q       Who is using DTM surface to surface computations for earthwork in Design and Construction? Do you have specs for this?

q       Information on providing 3D proposed surface information to Contractors for project bidding purposes;

q       Is anyone getting away from including cross sections in the Plans? How are you doing this?