Kentucky Geotechnical Database

Development of a comprehensive, dynamic, geotechnical database is described. Computer software selected to program the client/server application in Windows' environment, components and structure of the geotechnical database, and primary factors considered in constructing the database are discussed. Oracle (registered trademark) 8i, PowerBuilder (registered trademark) 8, and Map Object (registered trademark) software were used to construct the database, build graphical user interfaces, and embed roadway maps, respectively. Any number of users may use the database simultaneously. Twelve highway district offices and several central offices of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are connected to the database. Data may be entered and retrieved dynamically in the client/server structure. This report is the fourth of four, recently completed, research studies. It summarizes all studies and describes the integration of major components of the database. Components include rock slope, landslide, and soil and rock engineering data. The first two studies, conducted in the mid 1990s, focused on potential rock slope hazards and the development of a rock slope management system. The third research study and report, which was published in 2003, focused on landslides. The focus of the fourth, and current, study is on soil and rock engineering data generated during geotechnical investigations and testing. This report deals more with developing specific database features, simplifying data entry schemes, and expanding retrieval capabilities and flexibilities. A large amount of additional soil and rock geotechnical engineering data was entered during the current study. Information in this report is presented in three parts: rock slopes, landslides, and soil and rock engineering data, which reflects the historical accumulation of these components under separate studies. Several schemes for retrieving data and generating reports are described. Secondary components of the database include statistical analyzers and engineering applications for performing "on-line" analysis of data, developing correlations between different soil parameters, and performing engineering analysis and designs. Procedures for entering historical soil and rock engineering data have been developed and programmed. Issues concerning database security, engineering units, and storing and displaying maps, graphics, and photographs are discussed. The database contains procedures for dynamically overlaying the locations of landslides, rock slopes, and borings onto embedded roadway and digitized geological maps. Strategies and illustrations of graphical user interfaces for data entry and retrieval are described.