A geotechnical engineering systems approach for arctic transportation facility planning and design

An applied systems approach is outlined that identifies, defines, and integrates into the overall project implementation process those geotechnical engineering functions, processes and data valuable to the planning and design of complex linear transportation projects in geotechnically variable arctic terrain. System objectives, components, attributes, and internal/external functional relation ships are identified and explained from a practical perspective. Geotechnical route characterization is explained from a landform-based format. The systems approach is presented from a project perspective, starting with definition/ identification of needed geotechnical input/output, and progressing through route selection, preliminary design, and final design. Criteria for system develop ment and application are identified as they relate to transportation facility projects.