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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 15 January 2019

Taehoon Lim, Juan Diego Porras-Alvarado and Zhanmin Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for estimating the “price,” or the not-to-loss value, of individual highway assets, which reflects not only the assets’…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for estimating the “price,” or the not-to-loss value, of individual highway assets, which reflects not only the assets’ capital value but also economic productivity, by adopting a productivity-based asset valuation framework. The price tags can be used in prioritizing highway assets in support of transportation asset management processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopts the utility theory to consider multiple performance measures reflecting the economic productivity generated by the assets, as well as their capital value. Key performance measures are first selected, and their values are retrieved from highway asset management databases. Next, the utility functions representing decision makers’ preferences convert the performance measures into utility values, which adjust the replacement cost (RC) of each highway asset to estimate price tags. To demonstrate its applicability, case studies were conducted for the highway networks of Texas and Washington State in the USA.

Findings

The methodology yielded price tags that better reflect the importance of highways’ roles in the economy in comparison to methods where only RCs are used. Furthermore, it was proven to be flexible enough to accommodate local conditions such as varying data availability.

Originality/value

The research provides a practical and reasonable way to prioritize critical highway assets in purport of maintenance and rehabilitation resource allocations, based on their economic productivity as well as physical condition and historical cost information, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of highway asset management.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2017

Zeeshan Aziz, Zainab Riaz and Muhammad Arslan

Effective management of highways requires management of diverse data sets including traffic volume data, roadway, and road edge and road-side data. Like all major infrastructure…

1693

Abstract

Purpose

Effective management of highways requires management of diverse data sets including traffic volume data, roadway, and road edge and road-side data. Like all major infrastructure clients, highways administration authorities are under pressure to use such platforms for better management of data that, in addition to creating other opportunities, allows improved life cycle management of asset data and predictive analytics. This paper aims to review such opportunities and the value that can be generated through integrated life cycle data management by leveraging Big Data and building information modelling (BIM).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is initially performed to systematically gather information to identify and understand BIM as a collaborative platform. Data management applications in other industries are also reviewed. Interviews were conducted and two industry workshops were organised to understand BIM implementation challenges within highways development projects and the role BIM can play in bridging inefficiencies resulting from loss of information at handover phases. The overall understanding lead to drawing up user needs, gathering system requirements and eventually a system architecture design to promote efficient information management throughout the asset lifecycle.

Findings

It is observed that data from the design and construction phases of projects can be used to inform asset registers from an earlier stage. This information can be used to plan maintenance schedules. Moreover, it can also be integrated with data generated from numerous other sensors to develop a better picture of network operations and support key decision-making. Effective road network management involves collection and analysis of huge data from a variety of sources including sensors, mobiles, assets and Open Data. Recent growth in Big Data analytics and data integration technologies provides new opportunities to optimise operations of highways infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

The system architecture designed for this research is translated into a prototype system as a proof of concept. However, it needs to be tested and validated by end users to be transformed into a useful solution for the industry.

Originality/value

This paper provides an enhanced understanding of new opportunities created to optimise operations of highways infrastructure using the recent growth in Big Data analytics and data integration technologies.

Details

Facilities, vol. 35 no. 13/14
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2018

Kong Fah Tee, Ejiroghene Ekpiwhre and Zhang Yi

Automated condition surveys have been recently introduced for condition assessment of highway infrastructures worldwide. Accurate predictions of the current state, median life…

Abstract

Purpose

Automated condition surveys have been recently introduced for condition assessment of highway infrastructures worldwide. Accurate predictions of the current state, median life (ML) and future state of highway infrastructures are crucial for developing appropriate inspection and maintenance strategies for newly created as well as existing aging highway infrastructures. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes Markov Chain based deterioration modelling using a linear transition probability (LTP) matrix method and a median life expectancy (MLE) algorithm. The proposed method is applied and evaluated using condition improvement between the two successive inspections from the Surface Condition Assessment of National Network of Roads survey of the UK Pavement Management System.

Findings

The proposed LTP matrix model utilises better insight than the generic or decoupling linear approach used in estimating transition probabilities formulated in the past. The simulated LTP predicted conditions are portrayed in a deterioration profile and a pairwise correlation. The MLs are computed statistically with a cumulative distribution function plot.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that MLE is ideal for projecting half asset life, and the LTP matrix approach presents a feasible approach for new maintenance regime when more certain deterioration data become available.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2019

Saeed Haji Karimian, Jasper Mbachu, Temitope Egbelakin and Wajiha Shahzad

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key productivity constraints faced by New Zealand (NZ) road pavement maintenance and rehabilitation contractors (RPMRCs) and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key productivity constraints faced by New Zealand (NZ) road pavement maintenance and rehabilitation contractors (RPMRCs) and the associated mitigation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview-based exploratory research strategy was used to survey senior managers and directors of medium- to large-sized road contracting firms in NZ. Empirical data were analyzed using the multi-attribute analytical technique.

Findings

Results revealed 70 productivity constraints faced by the RPMRCs in NZ; in diminishing order of influence, these constraints were aggregated into eight broad categories as follows: finance, workforce, technology/process, statutory/regulatory compliance, project characteristics, project management/project team characteristics, unforeseen circumstances and other/external factors. The most important constraints in each of the eight broad categories were presented.

Research limitations/implications

The key limitation of the research is that it was based on feedback from a limited number of participants which were less than the minimum required to represent the views of the potential participants in the sampling frame for the study. As a result, the findings may not be reliably generalized beyond the scope of the data used. Further research on the subject is recommended to ensure that the representation of the views of the individuals and companies that comprised the sampling frame is achieved. The current findings could be formulated as propositions or hypotheses to be tested in future confirmatory research.

Practical implications

At the industry level, the findings could provide the basis for the skill development programs of the NZ RPMRCs. The application of the research findings by the RPMRCs and consultants could result in significant improvement in the productivity of the NZ roading sector and the sector’s enhanced contribution to the economy.

Originality/value

Currently, there is little research on the priority constraints to productivity and performance in the NZ roading sector. The findings contribute to knowledge by revealing critical factors constraining productivity performance of the NZ RMRCs and the associated improvement measures. New and more enriching viewpoints were provided on how contractors could leverage their limited resources to address the identified key constraints.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2017

Jiseul Kim and Carol Ebdon

GASB Statement No. 34 required state and local governments to report information regarding general infrastructure in financial statements, to improve understanding of the…

Abstract

GASB Statement No. 34 required state and local governments to report information regarding general infrastructure in financial statements, to improve understanding of the organization's investments in capital assets. Some proponents suggested that this information would affect management practices and potentially resource allocation decisions, but initial survey data found limited evidence of effects. We use dynamic panel analysis covering 47 states from 1995 to 2009 to explore whether implementation of GASB 34 affected state highway capital and maintenance spending. We find evidence of increased capital spending, but no statistically significant change in maintenance expenditures. The choice of reporting method was not found to affect spending outcomes.

Details

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1096-3367

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2019

Kong Fah Tee and Ejiroghene Ekpiwhre

The purpose of this paper is to present a study of reliability-centred maintenance (RCM), which is conducted on the key sub-assets of a newly constructed road junction…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study of reliability-centred maintenance (RCM), which is conducted on the key sub-assets of a newly constructed road junction infrastructure in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The classical RCM methodology, a type of RCM, which has a top down, zero-based approach for maintenance analysis, is implemented in this study.

Findings

The implementation of the classical RCM is successful in its application of various PM policies assigned to the assets and it shows that its application in the highway industry could reduce excessive maintenance backlog and frequent reactive maintenance by effective optimisation of its preventive maintenance (PM) intervals.

Practical implications

Road junctions are originators of more than 70 per cent of road traffic congestion and account for high accident rate. The traditional methods of reliability assurance used in the highway industry such as reactive maintenance and routine maintenance are often inadequate to meet the round the clock usage demands of these assets, thus the consideration for the application of a systematic RCM process for maintaining the system function by selecting and applying effective PM tasks.

Originality/value

It uses an approach that critically develops and analyses thoroughly preventive and continuous maintenance strategy in a new circumstance with environment of uncertainty and limited operating data. The case-based reasoning cycle has been applied in the RCM approach with real-time data obtained from a UK-based network maintenance management system for highway infrastructures.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2021

Wenhua Hou and Lun Wang

With the majority of highway projects in China having entered their operational phases, the maintenance and repair of the pavement is receiving increasing attention. One problem…

446

Abstract

Purpose

With the majority of highway projects in China having entered their operational phases, the maintenance and repair of the pavement is receiving increasing attention. One problem that needs to be addressed urgently is that of how to raise the proper funds for highway maintenance to ensure the sustainable operation of the project. To this end, the aim of this study is to investigate the capital demand for operation and maintenance of a project by means of a refinancing scheme, in order to reduce the possibility of project bankruptcy and to enhance the economic value of the project.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of the dynamic complexity of the highway pavement maintenance system, a Markov model is used to predict pavement performance, and an optimal capital structure decision model is proposed for highway public–private partnership (PPP) project refinancing, using the method of system dynamics (SD). The proposed model is then applied to a real case study.

Findings

Results show that the proposed model can be used to predict accurately the dynamic changes in the demand for road maintenance funds and refinancing during the period of operation, before making the optimal decision for the refinancing capital structure.

Originality/value

Although many scholars have studied the optimal refinancing capital structure of PPP projects, the dynamic changes inherent in the demand for maintenance funds for highway PPP projects are seldom considered. Therefore, in the approach used here the influence of the dynamic change of road maintenance capital demand on refinancing is investigated, and SD is used for the optimal capital structure decision-making model of highway PPP project refinancing, to make the decision-making process more reasonable and scientific.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Handbook of Transport Modelling
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-08-045376-7

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2019

Kong Fah Tee and Ejiroghene Ekpiwhre

The purpose of this paper is to propose and confer a strategic cost model as a concept for good decision making for highway asset treatment in the transport industry.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and confer a strategic cost model as a concept for good decision making for highway asset treatment in the transport industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on asset performance condition and treatment renewals using a five-point performance for developing prospective treatment strategies. The strategic cost model is presented in the similitude of picturesque and its outcomes via an exploratory data analysis.

Findings

The results articulate the best maintenance plan for the forthcoming and future years. The strategic cost model uses the combination of the current condition band, the sample area and likely treatment cost for proposing the optimal treatment solution based on consideration of desired treatment level.

Practical implications

The strategic cost model is suitable for outlining the asset performance condition, treatment renewals and analytical cost optimisation. The formulated analytical cost model and developed prospective strategies enable good decision making, long-term contract negotiations and whole life cost maintenance and management.

Originality/value

Embracing eminent performance condition from the research area of lifecycle planning and deterioration models of a physical asset, a prospective cost strategy for asset maintenance is proposed in the study. The resultant treatment strategies using the analytical approach portray the ability that enables the adaptation of expected outcomes.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2021

Afiqah R. Radzi, Rahimi A. Rahman and Shu Ing Doh

Various approaches have emerged to assist practitioners in making more informed decisions in highway construction projects. However, industry practitioners are still using…

Abstract

Purpose

Various approaches have emerged to assist practitioners in making more informed decisions in highway construction projects. However, industry practitioners are still using subjective ways to make decisions. Also, researchers have developed tools and techniques with similar objectives. Lack of information on what has been developed might lead to those issues. Therefore, this paper aims to review trends of evolution, pinpoint strengths and gaps in the literature and identifies potential future directions for decision-making research in highway construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted on published articles on decision-making in highway construction projects using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique.

Findings

The analysis of 101 articles revealed that existing decision-making research in highway construction projects targets improvements in four areas: feasibility, conceptual, detailed scope and detailed design. The four areas consist of sixteen subthemes that are detailed in this study. In addition, most research involved developing decision support tools and systems as well as decision-making models, techniques and frameworks. Lastly, several research areas have emerged, such as adding more decision criteria including those with uncertainties, expanding existing decision-making models into decision support systems, benchmarking decision criteria between different sample populations and exploring inter-and intra-relationships between decision criteria.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of existing research on decision-making in highway construction projects. Also, it reveals research gaps in the body of knowledge to point out directions for future research. Finally, industry practitioners can use the findings to develop strategies for effective decision-making processes.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000