Development of Geotechnical Asset Management for Embankments and Slopes (GAMES)

Abstract

Geotechnical asset management (GAM) systems are a critical element of transportation asset management plans. Geotechnical assets include walls, slopes, embankments, subgrades, and other features. A fully developed GAM system enables tracking of the condition of individual assets over time and the condition of each asset class as a whole. A GAM system can facilitate selection of appropriate corrective actions to optimize improvement measures and maintain and increase the value of the asset class. The objectives of this research were to develop a Geotechnical Asset Management tool for Embankments and Slopes (GAMES) in consultation with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and to begin populating the tool with existing data. An inspection sheet was developed for use in assessing KDOT embankment slopes and cut slopes and computing a score for each based on the evaluation of nine criteria and weighted factors. Weights for the factors were developed using the analytical hierarchy process, for which 30 experts from North America were contacted as part of a systematic survey to rank the nine criteria. The overall rating accounts for safety/mobility risks. Twenty slopes were surveyed in cooperation with KDOT using the GAMES tool, and the results were found to accurately reflect the relative condition of the slopes.