Figure 1. SI system layout

ERDC TN-DOER-I6

March 2001

data, and formats and displays these data to the dredge crew to provide quality control of the

dredging project.

The DSS sends data in near real-time to the Ship Server (in a standard format), which is

another computer on the dredge loaded with Corps SI software. The Ship Server then

performs tasks that include automated review of data for quality assurance, data archival,

report generation, and graphical displays of data.

The Shore System provides the same functionality as the Ship Server, but has greater data

storage and data reporting capabilities. Data (which may include daily reports) are taken

from dredges either by wireless data link or magnetic media and are archived on the Shore

System.

Figure 1 is an illustration of the SI system

components and configuration.

Inspector

computers are also shown in Figure 1. These

inspector computers are additional onboard

computers such as a laptop personal computer or

hand-held computing device with SI software

that can connect to the Ship Server or Shore

System. They are an optional part of the system

that adds operational flexibility by allowing

multiple user access to the SI system throughout

the dredge. Dredging contractors are not required

to supply inspector computers (unless otherwise

noted in the specifications), and existing Corps

computers may be used as an inspector

computer. Shore-based SI users will typically

use their existing desktop computer to run the

freely available SI software and connect with the

SI database to view SI data.

Figure 1. SI system layout

The DSS and all shipboard sensors are the

property of the contractor, who is required to

maintain them. The contractor purchases the

Ship Server computer hardware for the Corps, and the Corps installs SI software on the Ship

Server computer. The Shore System consists of Corps-supplied hardware and software. The

Corps SI software on the Ship Server is similar for both hopper and pipeline SI systems. Both

hopper and pipeline dredge SI systems monitor dredge position and dredge state, and report and

manage these data for Corps dredging contracts. However, each system collects data and

computes measurements specific to each dredging type. The data collected by each SI system

are listed in Table 1. Additionally, the hopper dredge SI system computes Tons Dry Solids

(TDS).