User Query Interface for the Deep-Foundations Load-Test Database

Abstract

The deep-foundation load-test database is a result of research quality data collection over the past 15 years. The database consists of soils data along with the deep-foundations load-test data gathered from prototype tests conducted all over the world. The soils data include general site information, stratigraphy, laboratory, and in situ test details. The foundations data consist of general foundations information including foundation construction, and load-settlement information to failure. Over 1,000 foundations are currently in the database, and more are being added. The database is checked for its validity and correctness both before and after the data are added to the database to make sure that the data integrity is preserved. Also, the data are periodically backed up and the data input is strictly administered by providing controlled access to the designated individuals. The database is structured to follow the rules of relational database management systems (RDBMS). The database resides in a Unix-based Sun Solaris server, and the database engine is Sybase RDBMS. The database front-end query application is under development for the Internet using Java as the programming language and will run under any Internet-capable browser (e.g., Netscape, Microsoft Internet Explorer) environment. The application will use Java applets to communicate with the database server. The user community includes state highway engineers, geotechnical researchers, students, and practicing engineers. Interested users can access the database using the interface to view, download, and chart the data at run-time.