Implementation of Web-Based Electronic Data Management System: Case Study of Highway Megaproject Construction Material Quality Assurance Program

Abstract

A case study of the implementation of a web-based electronic data management system (EDMS) for the construction material quality assurance program of the State Highway 130 Turnpike project, a 49-mi design-build highway megaproject in Texas, is presented. EDMS consists of a set of web-enabled data management and engineering analysis tools that support the independent construction quality assurance firm's (CQAF's) functions in managing, reporting, and analyzing materials test data. The system currently supports 43 field and laboratory test procedures and enables CQAF staff to process effectively a large volume of test reports. Substantial efforts were extended to develop online information delivery functions to disseminate consistent test information among a broad constituency of users, including engineers, managers, technicians and inspectors, construction superintendents, material vendors, and designers, in a virtual real-time fashion. The system automatically tracks and monitors material-related deficien...