Geotechnical data management involves the systematic collection, storage, validation, and exchange of subsurface information. The AGS (Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists) format is the standard electronic data interchange format for geotechnical data — widely adopted across Australia and internationally.
What Is Geotechnical Data Management?
Geotechnical investigations generate large volumes of data — borehole logs, laboratory test results, field test records, groundwater readings, and instrumentation data. Effective data management ensures this information is:
- Accurate — validated against standards and protocols
- Accessible — available to all project stakeholders
- Consistent — using standardised terminology and formats
- Traceable — fully auditable from collection to reporting
- Reusable — structured for future projects and asset management
The AGS Data Format
What Is AGS?
The AGS format (now AGS 4.1.1 AU in Australia) is an electronic data transfer standard for geotechnical and geoenvironmental data. It uses a structured text file format with predefined data groups (tables) and fields.
Key Principles
- Group-based structure — each data type has its own GROUP (table)
- Mandatory fields — certain fields are always required for completeness
- Controlled terminology — standardised descriptions and abbreviations
- Self-contained — a single .ags file contains all project data
- Auditable — full history of data changes maintained
AGS Data Groups
| GROUP | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PROJ | Project information | Mandatory |
| HOLE | Hole/borehole details | Mandatory |
| SAMP | Sample information | Mandatory |
| SAMP_REF | Sample reference | Optional |
| GEOL | Geology / lithology | Mandatory |
| DETL | Layer descriptions | Mandatory |
| ISPT | SPT test results | Required if tested |
| IVAN | Vane shear test | Conditional |
| IDEN | Index / classification tests | Mandatory for lab |
| IPEN | Penetration tests (DCP) | Conditional |
| ICBR | CBR test results | Conditional |
| ICMP | Compaction test results | Conditional |
| ITRL | Triaxial test results | Conditional |
| ISHR | Direct shear test results | Conditional |
| ICNS | Consolidation test results | Conditional |
| IROC | Rock testing results | Conditional |
| ICHE | Chemical test results | Conditional |
| PTIM | Date/time records | Optional |
| DISA | Displacement / monitoring | Optional |
AGS File Structure
!HEADER — file header information
PROJ — project data
HOLE — borehole data
GEOL — geological descriptions
IDEN — index test results
...
Each GROUP has:
— HEADING line: defines field names (e.g., LOCA_ID, LOCA_TYPE)
— TYPE line: defines data types (STRING, NUMBER, DATE, etc.)
— UNIT line: defines measurement units
— DATA lines: the actual data records
AGS 4.1.1 AU (Australian Variant)
The Australian version of AGS 4.1 was specifically adapted for the local industry:
- Published by the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS)
- Incorporates Australian terminology (AS 1726)
- Aligned with state road authority requirements (TfNSW, TMR, VicRoads)
- Free to download from geomechanics.org.au
Australian-Specific Groups
| Group | Australian Application |
|---|---|
| HOLE | Includes AS 1726 compliant fields |
| GEOL | Uses AS 1726 soil/rock descriptors |
| IDEN | Extended for Australian test standards |
| ICBR | Includes Australian standard conditioning |
Data Management Workflow
Step 1: Data Collection
- Field data captured on tablets or paper logs
- Laboratory results from NATA-accredited LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
- Instrumentation data from automated data loggers
Step 2: Data Validation
- Check for mandatory fields and valid entries
- Verify against controlled terminology lists
- Cross-check depth intervals and sample references
- Run format validation (AGS validator tools)
Step 3: Data Integration
- Merge data from multiple sources (field, lab, geophysics)
- Resolve inconsistencies between datasets
- Build a single project database
Step 4: Data Storage
| Storage Type | Advantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| AGS text file | Universal format, auditable | Exchange between parties |
| SQL database | Queryable, relational | In-house data management |
| Cloud platform | Multi-user, version-controlled | Large projects, real-time access |
| GIS integration | Spatial analysis | Site-wide visualisation |
Step 5: Data Reporting
- Automated borehole log generation
- Statistical analysis of test results
- Integration with design software (gINT, OpenGround, HoleBASE)
Software Solutions
| Software | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| gINT | Bentley | Industry-leading logs and database |
| OpenGround | Bentley | Cloud-based, AGS compatible |
| HoleBASE | Keynetix | SI database, AGS import/export |
| A GS Log | Various | Simple AGS-compatible logging |
| AGS Validator | Various | Validate AGS files |
| QGIS / ArcGIS | OS / Esri | Spatial data management |
Australian Standards
| Standard / Guideline | Title |
|---|---|
| AGS 4.1.1 AU | Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data |
| AS 1726-2017 | Geotechnical site investigations |
| AS ISO 17025 | Laboratory data management requirements |
| TfNSW QA Specification | Data submission requirements |
| AGIF | Australian Geotechnical Information Framework |
Digital Twins for Geotechnical Data
A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical asset that integrates geotechnical data with design and construction information.
Benefits
- Single source of truth for all subsurface data
- Integration with BIM (Building Information Modelling)
- Real-time updating from monitoring instruments
- Long-term asset management capability
Applications
| Stage | Digital Twin Use |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Real-time borehole database integration |
| Design | Ground model with 3D visualisation |
| Construction | As-built ground conditions integrated with monitoring |
| Asset management | Long-term records for maintenance and future works |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use AGS format?
AGS format ensures geotechnical data can be exchanged between parties without loss of information. It is required by many Australian state road authorities (TfNSW, TMR) for major infrastructure projects.
Can AGS files be opened in Excel?
Yes, AGS files are tab-delimited text files and can be opened directly in Excel. However, editing them in Excel risks data corruption — dedicated AGS software is recommended.
Is AGS the same as the British format?
The original AGS format was developed in the UK. AGS 4.1.1 AU is the Australian adaptation with local standards and terminology.
What is a "single source of truth" in geotechnical data management?
A single source of truth means all project data is maintained in one validated master database. All outputs (logs, reports, design parameters) are generated from this database, eliminating inconsistencies between multiple file versions.