Affecting the Grand Trifecta—Integration of Condition Assessment Program to Launch Multi-Billion Dollar Capital Improvement Program Updates

The Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) is currently conducting a Wastewater Interceptor Condition Assessment Program (Program) for over 100 mi of unlined reinforced concrete pipes (RCP) throughout the Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS) collection system by means of Multiple Sensor Inspection (MSI). The MSI data will be used to determine the remaining wall thickness of the piping, which in turn will be utilized to calculate the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of the unlined RCP interceptors within the CRWS collection system. Rather than initiate reactionary multi-million-dollar capital projects due to pipeline failures and after-the-fact maintenance records, TRA has launched a proactive multi-pronged approach to the development of their multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The program development consists of three major components: a condition assessment (the basis of this abstract), a hydraulic modeling update to evaluate capital investment using an optioneering approach, and a detailed linear storage or tunnel storage options analysis. Each of these components will be integrated with optimization driven by Optimatics Optimizer software. TRA has been a power user of the InfoWorks ICM software and related precursor products since 1998. These varying design philosophies drive towards the best or most optimal investment strategy that benefits TRA’s customer cities with the clearest view towards long-term financial considerations and built-in flexibility. The majority of the unlined RCP pipelines within the CRWS collection system are in similar, poor condition due to corrosion from low velocities and elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide. TRA has adopted an integrated condition assessment approach to tackle the challenging task of prioritizing pipeline rehabilitation and replacement. By incorporating the development of risk factors specific to TRA’s concerns and calculated RUL, the Program is establishing a robust, cyclical, and dynamic data and risk management process for asset management-driven decision-making. As part of this integrated approach, optimization technology is being leveraged to develop several rehabilitation scenarios that account for risk as well as overall cost. This program will establish a planning process for identifying specific assets for rehabilitation and/or replacement, a prioritized approach to bundle relevant assets into capital projects, and leverages optimization technology that identifies several scenarios to minimize cost, mitigate risk, and maximize organization value. This paper/presentation will showcase this data-driven integrated condition assessment program that enables automated intelligent decision-making, informs capital planning, and sets the foundation for sustainable and scalable future pipeline condition assessments. In addition to the approach, this paper/presentation shall discuss key outcomes as well as lessons learned that will be applicable to other agencies around the country looking to drive integrated asset management, data management, and/or condition assessment programs.