In many countries navigation infrastructure is approaching, or has reached or moved beyond its design life. Preservation and extended use of existing facilities is dependent upon efficient operation, inspection, maintenance, repair and renovation of these structures. With the development of whole life project costing, the need to identify maintenance and replacement cycles is also vital to compare different investment opportunities.
This paper identifies practical guidelines for identifying cost effective and timely solutions to navigation infrastructure asset management. It provides an inventory of existing decision making tools, establishes guidelines, provides recommendations for timing and methods for periodic inspections, and for scheduling maintenance and repairs during asset life. It also provides a rational means of prioritisation of infrastructure repairs.
The paper has been derived at an international level to establish a common language and to see if a consistent approach could be applied internationally.
Examining the levels of asset management currently undertaken, it is identified that there is a basic or essential level which usually includes creating a hierarchical asset register, a simple life cycle approach, meeting existing levels of service and drawing up maintenance plans on the best available current inspection data. At the same time financial and service performance are measured in order that trends can be monitored and long term predictions created.
An advanced approach has also been identified, which would look at detailed bench marking of asset condition performance and historic costs, life cycle financial modelling, asset deterioration modelling, risk management techniques, optimised decision making and a fully integrated operation and maintenance programme.
All the decision making tools identified within the report are currently in service with PIANC members and by either adopting an essential or advanced approach will allow readers to develop or enhance existing asset management systems. |
