Risk-Based Asset Management Modeling for Project Prioritization and CIP Developments

Condition assessment, risk analysis, project prioritization for pipes at risk, and long-term capital improvement planning for aging infrastructure are essential tools for water utility managers. Comprehensive long-term pipe renewal (repair, rehabilitation, and replacement) programs are often created to maintain full serviceability of the pipe network. These programs based on condition and risk assessments help utilities spend maintenance dollars judiciously and avoid costly repairs, the potential harmful effects of deferring maintenance, and negative social, economic, and environmental impacts. This paper focuses on using a GIS-based desktop computer modeling approach to collect condition assessment information for the water infrastructure. The modeling analysis then identifies and prioritizes where and when maintenance activities will be most effective. This approach can reduce maintenance inefficiencies, prevent costly system failures, minimize complaint calls, guide resource deployment, and help determine asset replacement and rehabilitation activities. A case study demonstrating the use of a desktop computing tool for condition assessment and development of long-term risk-based planning is presented to illustrate this modeling approach.