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Survey-level condition assessment is recommended for pipes, focusing on structural integrity. Materials destructive testing validates condition assessment or desktop analysis results. The choice of technology depends on a utility's budget and objectives.
Fremont, CA: Global utilities are utilizing condition assessment tools and technologies to enhance the efficiency of replacement programs in aging drinking water distribution systems through effective asset management planning. This article outlines some key things utilities should consider when building a condition assessment or asset management plan.
Setting Objectives to Determine a Budget
Understanding key objectives and budgets is crucial to a condition assessment plan. It helps utilities identify budget needs and allocate resources effectively. Establishing clear criteria early in planning supports selecting appropriate strategies or technology.
Condition Assessment Tools
The inverse triangle structure is helpful for utilities to identify appropriate condition assessments. Desktop analysis offers a comprehensive risk overview, enabling long-term asset planning. Desktop models like age-based asset tracking and AI risk models can target areas with higher risk or failure likelihood. Survey-level condition assessment is recommended for pipes, focusing on structural integrity. Materials destructive testing validates condition assessment or desktop analysis results. The choice of technology depends on a utility's budget and objectives.
Condition Assessment Considerations for Smaller Budgets
Limited budgets and network data can hinder utility condition assessments. Desktop models or survey-level evaluations are recommended for better understanding, while budgets, objectives, and detailed inspections are more valuable for immediate needs or risks.
Here are some ways utilities can manage competing interests when trying to do practical condition assessments but don't have the budget:
● Restructure Condition Assessment Plans Into Phases. Divide condition assessment into phases across budget years to achieve goals within constraints, plan expenditures, identify future budget gaps, and better manage expenses.
● Reduce Scope To Maintain Objectives. Utilities could reduce network scope for a condition assessment project, reducing additional features or physical pipes and requiring lower coverage but balancing budget and objectives based on priorities.
● Start A Pilot Project On Some High-Risk Pipes. This method allows utilities to evaluate cost-effective condition assessment solutions, justify increased budgets post-pilot success, and validate technologies before more significant investments, particularly in budget-constrained situations.
● Reallocation Of Budget From Capital Replacement Plans. Conducting condition assessments can prioritize replacement where it is most needed, providing financial benefits to capital replacement expenditures.
The inverse triangle offers various technology options for utilities, each with its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice must align with established objectives and success criteria.
