Condition assessment and safety verification of existing bridges and decisions as to whether bridge posting is required are addressed through analysis, load testing, or a combination of methods. Bridge rating through structural analysis is by far the most common procedure for rating existing bridges. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), First Edition permits bridge capacity ratings to be determined through allowable stress rating (ASR), load factor rating (LFR) or load and resistance factor rating (LRFR); the latter method is keyed to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, which is reliability-based and has been required for the design of new bridges built with federal findings since October, 2007. A survey of current bridge rating practices in the United States has revealed that these three methods may lead to different ratings and posting limits for the same bridge, a situation that carries serious implications with regard to the safety of the public and the economic well-being of communities that may be affected by bridge postings or closures. To address this issue, a research program has been conducted with the overall objective of providing recommendations for improving the process by which the condition of existing bridge structures is assessed. This research required a coordinated program of load testing and finite element analysis of selected bridges in the State of Georgia to gain perspectives on the behavior of older bridges under various load conditions. Structural system reliability assessments of these bridges were conducted and bridge fragilities were developed for purposes of comparison with component reliability benchmarks for new bridges. A reliability-based bridge rating framework was developed, along with a series of recommended improvements to the current bridge rating methods, which facilitate the incorporation of various in situ conditions of existing bridges into the bridge rating process at both component and system levels. This framework permits bridge ratings to be conducted at three levels of increasing complexity to achieve the performance objectives, expressed in the terms of reliability, that are embedded in the LRFR option of the AASHTO Manual of Bridge Evaluation. This research was sponsored by the Georgia Department of Transportation, and has led to a set of Recommended Guidelines for Condition Assessment and Evaluation of Existing Bridges in Georgia.

<p>Increasing cycling as a means of personal travel couldgenerate environmental benefits if associated with acorresponding decrease in car-based transport. In seeking topromote cycling in wintertime, it is desirable to understandhow important the road surface condition is compared to otherfactors in people's decision to cycle or not. In this thesis,the possibility of increasing the number of cyclists byimproving the winter maintenance servicelevel on cycleways isexamined. The attitudes towards cycling during winter ingeneral, and in relation to winter maintenance of cycleways inparticular, is studied through questionnaire surveys. Bicyclemeasurements are related to weather data from Road WeatherInformation System, in order to know the influence on cycleflow during winter from different weather factors. Fieldstudies are performed testing unconventional winter maintenancemethods, in order to see if a higher service level could beachieved on cycleways and if that would lead to an increase inwinter cycling frequency. The field studies are evaluatedthrough road condition observations, measurements of friction,bicycle counts, a questionnaire survey and interviews. A visualmethod to assess winter road conditions on cycleways isdeveloped, in order to compare the service levels achievedusing different winter maintenance methods.</p><p>There is a clear difference in mode choice between seasons.With improved winter maintenance service level it could bepossible to increase the number of bicycle trips to work duringwinter with, at the most, 18 %, and decrease the number of cartrips with 6 %. However, it could not be concluded with bicyclemeasurements, that an enhanced service level in fact, generateda higher winter cycling frequency.</p><p>To increase cycling during winter, snow clearance is themost important maintenance measure. Skid control is not assignificant for the choice of mode but is important to attendto for safety reasons. Winter road condition propertiesimportant both with regard to safety and accessibility ofcyclists, are icy tracks formed when wet snow freezes, snowdepths greater than about 3 cm of loose snow or slush,unevenness in a snow covered surface, loose grit on a baresurface.</p><p>Weather factors with negative influence on winter cyclingfrequency, are temperatures below +5 ° C,precipitationand strong winds. Only the occurrence of precipitation, not theamount of rain or snow, is significant for the cycle flow. Lowtemperatures are more important in reducing the cycle flow thanprecipitation. Temperatures around 0 ° C seem to be extracritical for cyclists, probably due to the larger influence ofprecipitation and slippery road conditions at thesetemperatures.</p><p>An unconventional method using a power broom for snowclearance and brine or pre-wetted salt for de-icing, provides ahigher service level than winter maintenance methodstraditionally used, but it is about 2 to 3 times moreexpensive. The method has great potential in regions, such assouthern Sweden, with low snow accumulations but with major iceformation problems. To assess the maintenance service level,the visual assessment method developed and tested in thisproject is adequate for the purpose, however, furtherimprovements are desirable. As a complement to the visualassessment, a Portable Friction Tester can be used to measurethe surface friction on cycleways during wintertime.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Cycleways, winter maintenance, maintenanceservice level, mode choice, winter cycling frequency, wintermaintenance equipment, winter road condition assessment,bicycle measurements, friction measurement.</p>

The dynamics around managing urban infrastructure are changing dramatically. Today???s infrastructure management challenges ??? in the wake of shrinking coffers and stricter stakeholders??? requirements ??? include finding better condition assessment tools and prediction models, and effective and intelligent use of hard-earn data to ensure the sustainability of urban infrastructure systems. Wastewater collection networks ??? an important and critical component of urban infrastructure ??? have been neglected, and as a result, municipalities in North America and other parts of the world have accrued significant liabilities and infrastructure deficits. To reduce cost of ownership, to cope with heighten accountability, and to provide reliable and sustainable service, these systems need to be managed in an effective and intelligent manner. The overall objective of this research is to present a new strategic management framework and related tools to support multi-perspective maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement (M, R&R) planning for wastewater collection networks. The principal objectives of this research include: (1) Developing a comprehensive wastewater collection network asset database consisting of high quality condition assessment data to support the work presented in this thesis, as well as, the future research in this area. (2) Proposing a framework and related system to aggregate heterogeneous data from municipal wastewater collection networks to develop better understanding of their historical and future performance. (3) Developing statistical models to understand the deterioration of wastewater pipelines. (4) To investigate how strategic management principles and theories can be applied to effectively manage wastewater collection networks, and propose a new management framework and related system. (5) Demonstrating the application of strategic management framework and economic principles along with the proposed deterioration model to develop long-term financial sustainability plans for wastewater collection networks. A relational database application, WatBAMS (Waterloo Buried Asset Management System), consisting of high quality data from the City of Niagara Falls wastewater collection system is developed. The wastewater pipelines??? inspections were completed using a relatively new Side Scanner and Evaluation Technology camera that has advantages over the traditional Closed Circuit Television cameras. Appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures were developed and adopted to capture, store and analyze the condition assessment data. To aggregate heterogeneous data from municipal wastewater collection systems, a data integration framework based on data warehousing approach is proposed. A prototype application, BAMS (Buried Asset Management System), based on XML technologies and specifications shows implementation of the proposed framework. Using wastewater pipelines condition assessment data from the City of Niagara Falls wastewater collection network, the limitations of ordinary and binary logistic regression methodologies for deterioration modeling of wastewater pipelines are demonstrated. Two new empirical models based on ordinal regression modeling technique are proposed. A new multi-perspective ??? that is, operational/technical, social/political, regulatory, and finance ??? strategic management framework based on modified balanced-scorecard model is developed. The proposed framework is based on the findings of the first Canadian National Asset Management workshop held in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007. The application of balanced-scorecard model along with additional management tools, such as strategy maps, dashboard reports and business intelligence applications, is presented using data from the City of Niagara Falls. Using economic principles and example management scenarios, application of Monte Carlo simulation technique along with the proposed deterioration model is presented to forecast financial requirements for long-term M, R&R plans for wastewater collection networks. A myriad of asset management systems and frameworks were found for transportation infrastructure. However, to date few efforts have been concentrated on understanding the performance behaviour of wastewater collection systems, and developing effective and intelligent M, R&R strategies. Incomplete inventories, and scarcity and poor quality of existing datasets on wastewater collection systems were found to be critical and limiting issues in conducting research in this field. It was found that the existing deterioration models either violated model assumptions or assumptions could not be verified due to limited and questionable quality data. The degradation of Reinforced Concrete pipes was found to be affected by age, whereas, for Vitrified Clay pipes, the degradation was not age dependent. The results of financial simulation model show that the City of Niagara Falls can save millions of dollars, in the long-term, by following a pro-active M, R&R strategy. The work presented in this thesis provides an insight into how an effective and intelligent management system can be developed for wastewater collection networks. The proposed framework and related system will lead to the sustainability of wastewater collection networks and assist municipal public works departments to proactively manage their wastewater collection networks.

One of the best opportunities to reduce pipeline accidents and subsequent product loss comes from implementing better pipeline condition assessment and fault detection systems. Transient analysis model based condition assessment is the most promising technique because pressure transients propagate entire system interacting with the pipe and any devices in the system. Transient measurements embody a large amount of information about the physical characteristics of the system. The performance of this technique has its difficulties because a highly accurate transient model is required. Real systems have numerous uncertainties and flow system components that presents a major challenge in the development of precise transient analysis models. To improve transient modelling for the performance of condition assessment, this research undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the transient behaviour of distributed and various local energy loss system components in water and gas pipelines. The dynamic behaviours that have been investigated in this research are the effect of unsteady wall resistance, viscoelasticity effects of polymer pipe, and local energy loss elements including leakages, entrapped air pockets, orifices, and blockages during unsteady pipe flow conditions. The dynamic characteristics of these system components are modelled based on the conservative solution scheme using the governing equations in their conservative form. Use of the conservative form of the equations improves the sensitivity and applicability of transient analysis in both liquid and gas pipeline systems. The numerical model results are compared to laboratory experiments in water and gas pipelines to observe the interaction between transient pressure wave and system components and to verify the proposed models. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1337145 / Thesis( Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering 2008

Within this thesis was carried out a reconnaissance of water distribution network of the city of Slavkov u Brna. The reconnaissance consists of: age analysis of piping materials; water losses evaluation; failure rate evaluation. Then was done a condition assessment of water supply network according to a chosen methodology. Using CARE-W LTP RSM software were projected a few technical-economic alternatives of rehabilitation of water network of the city of Slavkov u Brna. Then was prepared a project of rehabilitation of chosen section of water network. The work resulted in recommendations for the owner and operator of the water network of the city of Slavkov u Brna.

This diploma thesis deals with the topic the assessment of the technical condition of water supply networks. Part of the work is a case study that evaluates the technical condition of the water supply network in the city district Brno-Lisen. The work describes in detail how the pressure zones and selected water mains evaluated. The output is an Excel application, which can be set according to technical indicators carry out an evaluation of the technical condition of the individual pressure zones.

Thesis deals with the technical audit of public water supply. The first part is devoted to the current state of the problem in the Czech Republic and abroad. The thesis describes the methodology developed by ÚVHO FAST Brno, which is used to evaluate technical condition of selected parts of the water supply infrastructure. In the practical part of the thesis, the aplication TEA Water is used in the preparation of a technical audit for the part of the water supply of Brno.

Under de senaste årtionden har tågförseningar i järnvägen ökat allt mer i samband med en minskande driftsäkerhet. Orsaken till den låga driftsäkerheten kan kopplas till den ökade trafikmängden och eftersatta underhållsarbeten, det vill säga slitna spår som används alldeles för länge. Detta ökar därmed störningskänsligheten för fel som ger upphov av stopp i trafiken, vanligtvis benämns det som ett ”signalfel”. Ett signalfel handlar om ett fel som kan uppstå i en mängd olika komponenter inom signalanläggningen. Dessa har delats in i sex olika delar bestående av signalställverket, spårledningar, baliser, tågledningssystem, plankorsningar samt själva signalerna. Ett fel i någon av dess komponenter ger till följd att signalerna går till ett säkert läge vilket innebär ett stopp i trafiken. De orsaker och komponenter som bidrar till en låg driftsäkerhet i järnvägen lyfts fram i detta arbete för att upplysa om de problem som återfinns i järnvägen. Fokus har legat på att ta fram åtgärdsförslag på den komponent som bedöms känsligast i signalanläggningen. Resultatet visade på att fel som sker i signalanläggningen till störst del genereras av spårledningar. Inom spårledningar så är det mest förekommande felet överledningar av isolerskarvar, vilket bedöms vara den känsligaste komponenten i signalanläggningen. Detta gäller speciellt i Stockholmsområdet, där tågtrafiken är som tätast och störningar påverkar ett stort antal resenärer. Åtgärderna som utförs för spårledningsfel är främst kortsiktiga lösningar såsom rensningar, kontroller eller ingen åtgärd alls. Oftast utförs lösningarna först efter att fel har uppstått, vilket innebär att ”signalfel” och dess konsekvenser redan har påverkat trafiken. För att höja driftsäkerheten krävs ett mer aktivt och effektivt underhållsarbete. Satsningar på innovativa lösningar och åtgärdsförslag bör utföras i syfte att minska frekvensen för störningar. / During the past decades, the railway train delays have increased greatly associated with a decreasing reliability. The cause of the low reliability can be connected to the increased amount of traffic and the lagging maintenance, that is to say worn track that remains too long. This thereby increases sensitivity to disturbance of the fault that causes stop in the traffic, usually termed it as a 'signal failure'. A signal failure is an error that can occur in a variety of components within the signalling system. These have been divided into six different parts consisting of signalling control, track circuits, beacons, train control systems, level crossings and signals themselves. An error in one of its components gives the result that the signals go to a safe state, which means a halt in traffic. The causes and components that contribute to a low reliability of the railways are highlighted in this work to raise awareness of the problems found in the railway. The focus has been on developing action proposals on the component that is deemed most sensitive in the signaling system. The results showed that errors occurring in the signaling system are mostly generated by the track circuits. The most common error in track circuits is the occurrence of conduction on the insulated joints, which is judged as the most sensitive component in the signalling system. This is especially true in the Stockholm area, which is where the train traffic is as most dense and where disturbances affect a large number of travelers. Actions performed on track circuit faults are mainly short-term solutions such as cleansing, checks and no actions at all. Solutions usually performs after error has occurred, which means that signalling failure and its consequences already has affected the traffic. In order to increase the reliability it requires a more active and effective maintenance work. Investments in innovative solutions and action proposals should be performed in order to reduce the frequency of disturbances.

No description available.

Gravel roads are essential for economic development as they facilitate the movement of people, transportation of goods and services, and promote cultural and social development. They typically connect sparsely populated rural areas to urban centres, providing essential access for residents and entrepreneurs. Maintaining these roads to an acceptable level of service is crucial for the efficient and safe transportation of goods and services. However, substantial maintenance investmentis required, yet resources are limited. Gravel roads are prone to dust, potholes, corrugations, rutting and loose gravel. They deteriorate faster than paved roads, and their failure development is affected by traffic action and physical, geometric and climatic factors. Thus, more condition monitoring and proper road condition assessment are necessary for dynamic maintenance planning to reach efficiency and effectiveness using objective, data-driven condition assessment methods to ensure all-year-round access. However, objective data-driven methods (DDMs) are not frequently used for gravel road condition assessment, and where they have been applied, the practical implementation is limited. Instead, visual windshield assessment and manual methods are predominant. Visual assessments are unreliable and susceptible to human judgement errors, while manual methods are time-consuming and labour-intensive. Maintenance activities are predetermined despite dynamic maintenance needs, and the planning is based on historical failure data rather than the actual road condition. This thesis establishes a data-driven approach to gravel road maintenance describing the systematic assessment of the gravel road condition and collection of the condition data to ensure efficient and effective maintenance planning. This thesis uses a design research methodology based on a literature review, concept development, interview study and field experiments. A holistic approach is proposed for data-driven maintenance of gravel roads encompassing objective condition data collection, processing, analysing, and interpreting the findings for obtaining reliable information concerning the condition to gravel road decision support by utilising the opportunities presented by technological advancements, particularly sensor technology. Then, decision-making is primarily influenced by the objectively collected gravel road condition data rather than the evaluator’s perception or experience. The successful implementation of a data-driven approach depends on the quality of the collected data; therefore, data relevance and quality are emphasised in this thesis. The lack of data quality and relevance hinders effective data utilisation, leading to less precisionin decision-making and ineffective decisions. Furthermore, the thesis proposes a participatory data-driven approach for unpaved road condition monitoring, allowing road users to be part of the maintenance process and providing an efficient and effective alternative for collecting road condition data and accomplishing broad coverage at minimum cost. A top-down iiapproach for data-driven gravel road condition classification is proposed to achieve an objective assessment to address the lack of readily available quality and relevant condition data. The established data-driven approach to gravel road maintenance is evaluated and verified with field experiments on three gravel roads in Växjö municipality, Southern Sweden. The research findings indicate that properly implementing a data-driven approach to gravel road maintenance would ensure efficient and effective condition assessment and classification, which are a basis for a maintenance management system of gravel roads and enable road maintainers and authorities to achieve cost-effective decision-making. / Sustainable maintenance of gravel road