Wastewater utilities are aiming to implement asset management strategies to minimize costly emergency repairs, to justify expenditures, and to optimize future renewal actions. Consequently, development of deterioration models that explain the behavior of wastewater lines and provide predictions regarding potential future condition levels is gaining importance. In this paper, deterioration models are generated to estimate the probability of failure values for sewer sections. A set of variables was obtained by examining the inventory and inspection databases of a sewer network. Three statistical methods (ordinal regression, multinomial logistic regression, and binary logistic regression) were employed in successive steps. Proportionality of odds assumption was tested for ordinal regression models, and suitability of this particular method was discussed. Estimated condition ratings were compared with observed data, and the binary logistic regression model was found to be more suitable for predicting ...

Airports play an essential role within the transportation and infrastructure sectors. As modernizing and expanding airport infrastructures receive a higher priority, addressing inefficiencies in capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx) through transformative digital ecosystems is gaining an increasing level of interest. Building information modeling (BIM) can form a basis to enable an end-to-end digital delivery platform, where airport life cycle data can be utilized for actionable insights. This study proposes a scalable, novel BIM-based modularized platform architecture based on model-based system engineering (MBSE) principles with systems modeling language (SysML) for optimal collection, integration, management, and utilization of airport critical asset data. This platform architecture aims at acting as a metaframework that enables an airport digital twin through cohesive and structured view of asset life cycle information for insightful actions by major airport stakeholders. Research methodology features an online survey and focus group discussions for data collection; mixed method analysis for data analysis; MBSE with SysML for data mapping; and prototype demonstration and an expert opinion survey for validation. Adopting a scalable BIM-based digital platform is anticipated to result in boosts in business value of airport infrastructures by sustaining value generation in operations and decreasing upfront costs for technology implementation.

Because of deteriorating condition levels of wastewater networks and financial constraints, sewer agencies are seeking methods to prioritize inspection of sewer pipes on the basis of risk of failure. Risk assessment of sewer pipes requires integration of the probability and consequences-of-failure values in a way that reflects the decision maker’s perception of risk. This paper presents the use of a weighted scoring method to determine criticality of sewer pipelines. The procedure involves identifying important factors, determining the relative importance of the selected factors, and summarizing the overall performance of sewer pipes in terms of these factors. Determination of risk of failure by combining the resultant consequence-of-failure values with the probability-of-failure values using simple multiplication, risk matrices, and fuzzy inference systems is presented. Application of these methods is illustrated by using the sewer network information obtained from a local wastewater agency. The ...

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyse how building information modelling (BIM) transforms complex infrastructure settings (i.e. airports) around digital technologies by enhancing connectivity and collaboration between major stakeholders and construction technology solutions. The objectives include understanding each project party's perspective for BIM implementation to align their motivations and connectivity along project's supply chain network and how BIM drives construction technology ecosystem uses for a more integrative and collaborative project delivery.Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts qualitative data collection and analysis methods comprising semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis and an explanatory case study of a large-hub airport project.Findings: The study findings show that enabling BIM implementation leads to streamlining construction technology ecosystem uses that increase connectivity within project parties' processes. Airports – as hosting high-value assets – can fast realize value of synergistic activities throughout project delivery by harnessing significant amount of siloed data created by each major party.Originality/value: The study provides a structured analysis of how complex project settings leverage construction technology uses through their core BIM processes by highlighting multi-party approaches from an ecosystem perspective. This study also contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by presenting a transferrable and scalable approach for leveraging connected construction technology in a large-scale project involving fragmented processes managed by a large number of stakeholders.

Over the last decade, transportation asset management practices have been increasingly enhanced through incorporation of sustainability considerations. Organizational- and network-level guidelines have been developed to assist transportation agencies in sustainability-driven highway network prioritization, but quantifying life cycle economic, social, and environmental impacts of highway treatment activities and projects using consistent, reliable data for informed project-level decision-making remains a challenge. This paper proposes a decision support framework to identify major life cycle economic, social, and environmental impacts of highway treatment activities and projects through integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis, allowing practitioners to determine the most appropriate project alternatives. Databases (e.g., RSMeans) and simulation models (e.g., Athena Pavement LCA and MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) were used to evaluate life cycle impacts from both the agency and user perspectives. Project alternatives using various sustainable/innovative techniques, including warm mix asphalt overlay, cold in-place recycling, full depth reclamation, intelligent compaction, and precast concrete pavement systems, were analyzed. Using the results of life cycle impacts following this framework, practitioners can better understand the implications of project-level decisions, perform what-if analysis to investigate trade-offs among alternatives, and achieve sustainability-related agency goals and objectives.

Approximately a quarter of the bridges in the United States are classified as either functionally obsolete or structurally deficient by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). As such, transportation agencies are challenged to handle the increasing need of upgrades with limited resources. Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) can reduce the construction duration and can decrease the environmental and socio-economic impacts of repair and upgrade activities by minimizing traffic disruptions. As several states are using accelerated construction techniques, a standard guideline would be highly beneficial for these agencies in developing or improving the ABC decision-making process. As problems are often project specific, a decision tool can assist in determining the viability of ABC over traditional construction methods and in selecting appropriate construction and contracting strategies on a case-by-case basis. This paper presents findings of a recent survey with regards to utilization of ABC strategies by state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), and a decision support framework which consists of three models: (1) Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based ABC vs. traditional construction decision-making model; (2) ABC alternatives selection model; and (3) procurement method and contract selection model. The paper also discusses the use of ABC in New York State and describes a New York State bridge project to validate the AHP model.