Digital Delivery pilot projects
Digital Delivery
The TxDOT Digital Delivery Program (DDP) is using pilot projects to test and validate new processes, tools, and technologies on live projects before they are implemented on a larger scale. Projects are strategically chosen based on schedule and scope to ensure they are a good use case for a pilot.
Overall, pilot projects serve as a low-risk environment for innovation and improvement and provide the following opportunities:
- Concept proving to confirm TxDOT and its contractor/consultant partners can successfully complete a project via Digital Delivery.
- Testing new technologies such as software, workflows, and data management tools in a controlled environment.
- Identifying challenges and bottlenecks early on, such as interoperability issues between software platforms or gaps in staff training to refine processes before full-scale implementation.
- Demonstrating value and benefits of new digital methods or technologies, like increased design accuracy, reduced rework, or better coordination between stakeholders.
- Training and adaptation for staff to get accustomed to new methods without the pressure of a larger project. This can help build expertise and confidence in using new tools and approaches.
- Scalability assessment. Through analyzing the outcomes of a pilot project, the DDP team can determine how well the tested approach can be scaled-up for larger or more complex projects, adjusting as needed.
Pilot Project map
The Pilot Project map provides the locations of each project with information about the pilot goals and schedule. For Digital Delivery projects that begin in the preconstruction (design) phase, the map shows or will show the detailed design linework from CAD as the design progresses. Zoom into the project location to see the detailed design.
Pilot Project goals
The goals are broken down into design, project delivery, construction, and asset management. Within each phase there are various technologies (both software and hardware) and new processes that the project teams will evaluate and provide feedback for the program to incorporate.
Design
Pilot goals that fall into the Design category include model management, model development, model review, and attribution tools.
Under model management, processes such as file naming convention, model management best practices, and software access requirements are being evaluated.
Advanced 3D modeling for roadway, bridge, drainage, and utility elements in the ultimate and phased condition provide additional opportunities for clash detection and constructability review. Advanced modeling is achieved through CAD workspace development, Model Development Standards, and 3D review tools.
Digital design (3D as well as 2D) review tools are being tested for model review and comment resolution, allowing project teams seamless collaboration. Item types are being tested for model-based quantity reporting and downstream asset management.
Deliverables (Design to Construction Project Delivery)
Digital delivery poses new opportunities for how designs will be presented and delivered. Pilot projects are being used to test the use of models as legal letting documents. Deliverables include reduced plansets, large PDF Rollplots, digital design files used for estimating, and curated 3D Model Breaklines for Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) and estimating. To achieve these goals, digital signing and sealing mechanisms and Model Development Standards will be developed.
Construction
Digital delivery tools offer significant advantages for construction activities. Pilot projects are testing the use of models by replacing select plansheets with 2D & 3D models (e.g. Plan & Profile sheets, environmental control layout sheets) and using 3D models as an aid to construction on the project site. Other efforts include using e-ticketing solutions for materials documentation and digital construction management tools for inspections and form certifications.
Asset management
Pilot projects may evaluate item types for future asset management tracking. They are also exploring digital as-built solutions.