Achieving Cost Efficiency through a Programmatic Approach to Condition Assessment

With the adoption of asset management principles in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in performing condition assessment of aging infrastructure. Given the limited availability of resources, utilities are looking for cost-effective approaches which allow them to prioritize their assets in need of rehabilitation. A programmatic approach to condition assessment offers several advantages including an increase in the cost efficiency of inspection and assessment activities. This paper describes the elements of a programmatic approach to condition assessment and its major advantages and limitations. The paper makes the case for deriving cost efficiency through this approach, and highlights other benefits a utility may realize by adopting a programmatic approach to condition assessment. Additionally, the paper provides general guidelines for establishing a condition assessment program. A case study is included to illustrate application of this approach.