Digital delivery at MnDOT

MnDOT’s overall goal is to institutionalize digital delivery and make it standard practice throughout the agency. There are multiple ways of achieving this goal, and one of them is through the gradual replacement of traditional plan sheets with digital models. Although this is the direction we’re headed, it doesn’t apply to every project. There will still be situations in which 2D plans are the most suitable deliverables. It is the capacity to deliver projects digitally that we’re striving for.

Digital delivery requires a skilled workforce that is proficient in creating, enriching, understanding, and delivering models that not only convey design intent but also are useful to contractors and inspectors. Increasing use of technologically-advanced tools and processes is a large part of executing on digital delivery. We must capture and process high-quality and accurate survey data for project development. We need digital platforms for model review and clash detection, software and devices for viewing models in the field and performing digital inspections. Once we have the know-how, tools, and framework in place, we can enjoy some of the proven benefits of digital project delivery, such as time and cost savings, fewer errors and change orders, improved field safety, better data exchanges and convenient access to project and asset information.

Digital delivery projects will involve one or more digital and/or advanced technology components. Components may include, but are not limited to the following:

• 3D model creation
• Use of item types in models to convey non-geometric attributes
• Use of cloud-based model review systems (e.g., Bentley Infrastructure Cloud)
• Use of SHA-256 hash generator to securely identify digital files
• Certification of digital files
• Reduction in number of plan sheets
• Digital delivery of surface files in XML format
• Hybrid digital delivery: providing both plan sheets and models in the bid package
• Contractual delivery of models in the bid package
• Use of a Connected Data Environment (CDE) to share project information
• AMG milling
• Use of pop-up networks in the field
• Use of model viewers in the field
• Use of GNSS rovers for mobile digital inspection
• Synching rover data in the field with AASHTOWare Project
• Use of e-ticketing
• Use of drones for reality capture or inspection
• Use of LiDAR for surveying
• Creation/capture of digital as-builts
• Pre-advertisement events/workshops for potential bidders
• Pre-bid meetings

The bid package for digital delivery projects will look different. Some of the contractual deliverables will be digital files. There may be a reduced number of plan sheets and no cross-section sheets. There may be a digital as-built requirement, and bidders may need access to a model viewing platform.

Bentley Infrastructure Cloud (BIC) is a web-based platform where users can view and share files and data, capture feedback and markups, and manage deliverables and correspondence.

To learn more about learning BIC, visit learning.bentley.com/learn/courses/2849/admin-mastery-a-comprehensive-guide-to-bentley-infrastructure-cloud.

The impact of digital delivery on contractors is in learning how to bid on digital delivery projects and understanding which deliverables and file formats to expect in the bid package. Traditional PDF sheets (e.g., cross-section sheets) may be absent on digital delivery projects.

MnDOT’s Digital Delivery Technical Committee (DDTC) is a cross-functional group responsible for planning, prioritizing, and implementing digital delivery.

• Charles Groshens
  Chair, Project Data Management Section (PDMS) Director
  
  
• Todd Bergland
  Co-Chair, PDMS
  

Members

• Nicki Bartelt
  Operations Asst. Div. Director
  
• Angela Boardman
  Digital Delivery Coordinator
  
• Laura Carlson
  District 2 Design
  
• Brad Cegla
  Construction
  
• Eric Cervantez
  CADD Systems
  
• Rebecca Embacher
  Materials
  
• Beth Guidarelli
  IT
  
• Amy Harrigan
  GIS
  
• Ben Jilk
  Bridge
  
• Beth Klemann
  Hydraulics
  
• Mike Kruse
  Project Delivery
  
• Beth Scheffer
  Office of Chief Counsel
  
• Al Setrum
  District 8 Construction
  
• Adam Smith
  Photogrammetry
  
• Scott Smith
  State Aid
  
• Trisha Stefanski
  Asset Management
  
• Amy Sullivan
  AASHTOWare Project
  
• Josie Tayse
  Traffic
  
• T.J. Thill
  Surveys