Current Benefits of ASCE 75 and its Potential to Affect Digital As-Built Initiatives at State Departments of Transportation

Abstract

For the proactive documentation of utility infrastructure at the time of its installation, the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) is finalizing their ASCE 75 “Standard Guideline for Recording and Exchanging Utility Infrastructure Data.” ASCE 75 provides guidance for collecting sufficient geospatial and attribute data of utilities to facilitate the development of precise 3D digital twins. Some state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. have already adopted draft versions of ASCE 75 and are attempting to use it to assist their efforts to standardize and expedite their utility accommodation, permitting, and highway project coordination regulations and procedures. In alignment with these efforts, the Federal Highway Administration’s “Every Day Counts Round Six” initiative illustrates the importance of digital as-built (DAB) records by stating that their implementation can enhance safety, quality, and cost savings. However, there is no standard practice for the general construction DABs. Therefore, this study illustrates the benefits of implementing the ASCE 75 utility as-built standard and its potential impact on DABs for general construction. This study used a research methodology comprised of interviewing state DOTs, and a comprehensive literature assessment. The benefits of implementing ASCE 75 include improved data exchange methods among the project stakeholders and the collection and exchange of data about subsurface and above-ground utilities’ location and other attributes. Moreover, ASCE 75 provides a framework for all infrastructure projects. Also, the study highlights how ASCE 75 is adopted across the state DOTs and how it presents a path forward beyond just developing a utility as-built standard.