Research Project:

Decision-Support System for Management of Slope Construction and Repair Activities: An Asset Management Building Block

Final Report and Technology Transfer Summary

PDF version 329k
HTML version 220k
T2 summary, Asset Management Tools for Slope Maintenance and Repair Decisions 232k pdf

Principal Investigator

J. Erik Loehr
University of Missouri - Columbia
(573) 882-6380
eloehr@missouri.edu

External Project Contact

David Plazak
Iowa State University
(515) 296-0814
dplazak@iastate.edu

Project Objective

To develop a strategy and prototype decision support system for managing slope stabilization investments in infrastructure right-of-way assets.

Project Abstract

The objective of this project has been to develop a decision support framework based on asset management principles to facilitate effective decision making for selection of appropriate methods to stabilize failed earth slopes. Project activities included development of a simple asset management framework suitable for managing geotechnical assets, development of several analysis models to evaluate alternative slope maintenance and repair strategies, and evaluation of the potential for use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) for implementing geotechnical asset management systems.

A simple framework for managing geotechnical assets was developed based on mapping of a generic asset management framework proposed by the Federal Highway Administration. A number of issues that must be addressed prior to complete implementation of a geotechnical asset management system was also identified. The most significant of these issues are lack of established procedures and techniques for collecting the required data and lack of suitable analysis tools required to evaluate alternative management scenarios. Because ongoing efforts to address the required data collection and maintenance are underway, efforts for this project were focused on development of suitable analysis techniques. Two basic forms of analysis models were developed, both of which use decision trees to predict outcomes of alternative stabilization measures. The first form is referred to as the Instant in Time (IIT) form of model to reflect the fact that the model considers only a single application of a repair and, in its current form, does not model the potential costs of alternative stabilization measures over a consistent life-cycle. The second form of model is referred to as the Specific Time Horizon (STH) form of model because it provides capabilities to model the potential need for repeated application of alternative repair techniques within a specified time period. Several preliminary tools, referred to as “break-even” diagrams, were developed using the models to illustrate one potential application of the techniques by field personnel. Efforts undertaken to implement the developed models using personal digital assistants (PDAs) were unsuccessful due to current lack of portability of PC-based tools to PDAs. However, the ability to port the PC-based models to PDAs is expected to be possible in the near future.

Additional efforts should be initiated to incorporate the data collection tools and procedures being developed by others with the analysis tools developed as part of this project. Such efforts should result in a fully functional prototype geotechnical asset management system. The analysis models developed as part of this project should be modified as described in this report. Such modifications are expected to require relatively little effort, but will substantially improve the capabilities and versatility of the models. Once the analysis tools are enhanced and incorporated with appropriate data collection tools, efforts should be undertaken to develop guidance for potential users on selection of appropriate input parameters. Doing so is expected to require a period of trial implementation wherein sufficient data can be generated and evaluated to develop appropriate guidance.

Task Descriptions

Identify and classify costs and hazards for slope failures.
Develop a preliminary data requirements model.
Gather data.
Evaluate, enhance, and apply a preliminary decision support framework.
Use decision support framework to develop a prototype system design.
Document project results and implement technology transfer.

Milestones, Dates

Project Start: July 2000
Task 1: September 2000
Task 2: January 2001
Task 3: June 2001
Task 4: January 2002
Task 5: March 2002
Task 6: June 2002
Project End: June 2002

Student Involvement (e.g., Thesis, Assistantships, Paid Employment)

(2) 25% Graduate Assistants (Masters); 24 months
(2) Undergraduate Assistants; 150 hours/year

Relationship to Other Projects

This project will provide a comprehensive study of asset management systems development relative to a specific niche-application module. This particular application will underscore the relevance of maintenance amortization in asset valuation and facility management.

Technology Transfer Activities

The deliverables of this project will include a report describing the decision making framework and prototype decision support system, presentation of the results at regional and national conferences, submission of articles to scholarly publications, and a prototype computer tool for support and implementation of the decision support system. The report will specifically address how the results of this research can be applied to other similar emerging asset management problems. The PIs will also consider developing a short course to be offered to infrastructure maintenance personnel to facilitate implementation of the decision support system.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The direct benefit of the project will be a study of slope repair and maintenance parameters. Other benefits include lessons relative to managing maintenance expense, and development of a decision framework for asset valuations.

Budget

$140,715

TRB Keywords

Slope, Stabilization, Repair, Asset Management, Maintenance