It has been an eventful past few months as we begin our full transition into the Digital Delivery realm. TxDOT management and consultant staff have been travelling throughout Texas and are in the process of hosting Roadshows. What is great about a Roadshow is that it allows one on one interaction with you, those who will be working with these model software programs to deliver roadway and TxDOT projects. The feedback we have already received is being heard and we are working with our Change Management team to implement suggestions and update our draft processes thanks to your feedback. If you have not had a chance to attend a District Roadshow yet, please take a look at the Roadshow Schedule posted later in this newsletter. A repeated question we have been hearing directly from staff at the Roadshows is, "What will signing and sealing digital delivery documents look like?" That is a great question, and one that we focus on and answer within the newsletter.
Need a quick overview of the DDP Program? Check out an interactive document with an overview and Program Summary.
We appreciate all TxDOT staff taking the time to learn about Digital Delivery and helping make the transition as smooth as possible. Continue to be on the lookout for updates to the Digital Delivery website as more and new information becomes available.
Thank you,
Jacob Tambunga, P.E.
Director, Digital Delivery
Bridge Division has been focusing on providing resources and support for OpenBridge Modeler in creating intelligent 3D bridge models.
Updated OpenBridge Modeler training for version 10.12 is here. For TxDOT employees, BRG 300: OpenBridge Modeler Training is in Peoplesoft (ELM) as self-paced with videos and corresponding training manual. The training will be available as instructor led later this summer for District and Division personnel. The training is also available for external designers on the external website.
There are additional resources available for internal and external designers as described below.
- Expectation of Use of OpenBridge Designer
- OpenBridge Designer Workspace Files
- OpenBridge Designer Workspace Readme
- OpenBridge Designer FAQs
- Bridge Standards - OBM Templates 3D
- Model Completion Checklist
- OBM Drafting Workflow
- OBM Comparison Report Template
- OBM Comparison Bearing Seat Elevations
- OBM Comparison Quantities
- OBM Webinars (Internal only)
- TxDOT OBM Training Manual
- TxDOT OBM Training Videos
- BRG300-OBM.zip
Use the comparison templates to provide bearing seat elevation and estimated quantity comparisons as well as any obstacles and enhancements for OpenBridge Modeler.
Please send feedback to Bridge3DDesign@txdot.gov.
How has the Bridge Division been implementing DDP?
Bridge Division is developing a vision of what can be done utilizing new technology as part of the DDP initiative. We work closely with other divisions, districts, and consultants to ensure we are considering the integration of the whole project through the lifecycle of the assets. In 2022, BRG started requiring 3D bridge models created in OpenBridge Modeler for Preliminary Bridge Layout Review and 100% submittal. Since then, BRG has created training, webinars, and support resources to assist internal and external designers in expanding their use of OpenBridge Modeler. Bridge Division has expanded Digital Delivery bridge discussions beyond design modeling by creating a BRG Digital Delivery group that consists of members from Bridge Project Management, Bridge Asset Management, Bridge Load Rating, Geotechnical, Bridge Design, Construction and Maintenance sections. This group meets quarterly to ensure all sections in BRG are up to date with the progress of TxDOT’s DDP, engaged in developments in their area of expertise, and keep us moving forward to meet our milestones as we move forward with Digital Delivery.
What are any DDP transition struggles and anticipated solutions?
Bridge Division has been working closely with the Digital Delivery Section in Design Division to keep roadway and bridge 3D models in alignment from software versions to modeling expectations. OpenBridge Modeler is a newer software than OpenRoads Designer from the fundamentals of the programs. As such, there are more enhancements and bug fixes per software version release. Bridge Division is working closely with Bentley to develop OpenBridge Modeler to accommodate Texas specific design and detailing of bridges. It could be over a year before Texas adopts the version of OpenBridge Modeler that has these enhancements. BRG is working with the Digital Delivery Section to find a best path forward.
As with any new software or process, there is a learning curve. Bridge Division develops training as well as partners with Bentley to facilitate training for TxDOT employees. Bridge Division is struggling with the number of resources required to train and support the number of users. Bridge Division is working with the Bentley REs to start leading the new round of training.
Do you have a “success story” of coordinating DDP efforts with another Division?
Bridge Division has developed 3D bridge models for both Hydraulics and Construction to facilitate them piloting new technologies.
What sorts of new processes have been developed during the DDP transition?
Bridge Division has created new workflows for detailing 2D sheets from the 3D model, starting bridge design by creating the 3D bridge model before performing design calculations, and reviewing Preliminary Bridge Layout Reviews that include a 3D bridge model.
Evolving delivery methods
Digital Delivery is transforming all aspects of project delivery. Although TXDOT has utilized computers and digital formats for designing infrastructure for nearly five decades, the final legal record has traditionally been a paper or plan set. Further, with paper or formats, the final binding legal copy included only a small and specific subset of the information used to develop the original design. Additionally, plans can be printed and physically reviewed, just like their legacy paper versions.
Historically, the Engineer of Record (EOR) was only legally responsible for what was included on the printed page. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, we can now deliver more detailed and complete designs, and at an unprecedented pace. Powerful analysis tools and complex 3D modeling solutions allow us to represent the built world with a level of detail and data richness that would have been unimaginable in the 1970s when TXDOT first began using the Interactive Graphics Design System (IGDS).
Today, contractors can directly utilize our original design information throughout the construction process, from initial estimates and bids to overall construction staging, daily work plans, and even directly within robotic graders, pavers, and other equipment. This approach saves significant time and reduces overall project risk. However, this new method of delivery means that the EOR is now responsible for more than just the printed page. The EOR is expected to deliver a myriad of file types, including text-based formats like DOCX, and TXT; tables in XLSX and DBF; CAD formats like DGN, DWG; and exchange formats like DXF, XML,CSV, and IFC.
In the case of CAD formats, the EOR may be responsible for hundreds of files, each containing many discrete layers or levels and potentially thousands of elements. Reviewing all this information is significantly more challenging than reviewing a paper or due to the sheer volume of data and the need for multiple software applications to access these files and formats.
The design review and document QA/QC is a substantial topic that warrants its own discussion. It is being actively addressed, and significant progress has been made in this area. For now, we will set this topic aside. Once our files are complete, reviewed, and ready for release, how does the Engineer of Record (EOR) go about securing, signing, and sealing these new project deliverables?
So, how do we overcome these challenges, and what is TXDOT doing to help our professionals secure the data and protect the EOR responsible for this information? We are currently taking direction from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS).
PELS has put together some guidance and responses regarding the “ability to sign and seal modifiable electronic engineering plans”. In a nutshell, when developing an engineering work product, the EOR shall ensure the file meets the following criteria:
- The design professional’s identity is clearly indicated and confirmable.
- The version of the file being sealed is identified and saved.
- All responsible parties and design professionals are clearly identified.
- Consideration has been given to address tracking of modifications.
Based on the above guidance, TxDOT’s approach to signing and sealing is described below.
The who, what, and when of signing & sealing
Before we dive into the various workflows and solutions we are piloting, lets cover a primer on the fundamentals needed to secure, sign, and seal digital files.
Identity assurance and non-repudiation
A truly secure system for signing and sealing requires three key identity elements: verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring the signer has the legal authority to sign or take responsibility for the data, and guaranteeing that only the signer can apply their signature and seal to the work.
Veracity of data
A truly secure system for signing and sealing must ensure that the accuracy and completeness of the signed data can be verified. Additionally, it should allow any copies of the data claiming to be exact replicas to be validated without question.
Timing
A truly secure system for signing and sealing must be able to validate the exact time in which the EOR signed and sealed the data. This allows for undeniable provenance for data and revision history.
Recording security
Lastly, a truly secure system for signing and sealing must ensure that all these elements are protected in a record that cannot be edited or modified without any intentional or unintentional changes being detectable by anyone.
The TXDOT approach
The TXDOT Digital Delivery team is currently piloting and evaluating two workflows and solutions for signing and sealing. The first pilot involves a close examination of the in-place workflows and custom tools deployed by other DOTs. for their digital delivery projects. These tools and workflows may be adapted for TXDOT as we move forward.
The second pilot involves using a truly custom solution tailored for TxDOT, built from the ground up, for EORs to sign and seal digital delivery projects. This potential solution was conceived during the early days of digital delivery and "Model as the Legal Document" projects in Utah.
TXDOT takes the signing and sealing for digital delivery very seriously and is committed to finding or developing a solution and workflow that is both extremely secure and easy to use.
A Pilot Project GIS map has been created so you are able to view the project and all elements that it incorporates.
Below are a few Pilot Project updates:
Laredo US83 – Brady Schroeder / Taylor Mansfield
This one is the first pilot to include the schematic phase. As part of that, we’re going to test out using GIS mapping as part of public outreach. This Pilot Project will also be the first to have traffic signal work, although it will most likely be a flashing overhead beacon and not a full green-yellow-red signal, so it is possible to test out clash detection functionality (within ORD) for the underground conduit and pole foundations that are part of that beacon signal.
Current status is project is still on track to let in 9/1/2027.
From the project manager: “Something I’m looking forward to is when we start in the PS&E process, we will get to dive into doing drainage modeling and detailing for the project.”
Austin FM971 – Fernando Guevara
The project schedule got a little delayed when it was found that some of the original terrain files were incorrect, which caused a misalignment between the 2D and 3D views after the update. This misalignment had a cascading effect on the project files. When the latest terrain file from remote sensing was received, it was possible to update the baseline files and corridors accordingly with the appropriate surface adjustment factor for Williamson County. We now have a seed file with the correct coordinate system and surface adjustment factor.
From the project manager: “The goal is to catch up on our progress this month and stay on track for our 60% submittal in November. So far, everything is working properly, and there are no signs of delays in recreating the files.”
In-person Roadshows are coming to a District near you. Exhibits will include in-depth presentations, demonstration workshops, and program flow charts. This is your chance to ask questions, meet face-to-face with the project team and address your comments and concerns directly.
- Roadshows will be open from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Presentations will take place at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Be on the lookout for more information about your specific District Roadshow.
