Asset Management of Underground Infrastructure

Most of the U.S. water and wastewater conveyance infrastructure was installed during the first half of the 20th century and is coming to an end of its useful life. 'Out of sight, out of mind' describes the awareness and significance that has been placed on these underground lifeline systems which support societies quality of life, public health, economic development and living standard. Historically, management of these systems has been described as crises management. They only get attention when there is a failure. It has been determined that a reactive management approach is not sustainable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been instrumental in assisting utilities transition from reactive management practices to proactive practices. This approach involves the principles and practices of Asset Management (AM). AM is a comprehensive approach which involves every aspect of the organization to develop and implement best business practices to address: (a) the current state of the assets, (b) levels of service, (c) critical assets, (d) life-cycle costing, and (e) funding. This course prepares students to utilize sound engineering judgment and principles for managing the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of buried infrastructure systems including pipes, tunnels, chambers, etc.

CEM59700

Credit Hours:

3

Learning Objective:

  • Have an understanding of how utilities (owners of underground infrastructure) are organized and operate
  • Understand rates of deterioration, failure mechanisms, evaluation/inspection technologies, rehabilitation and repair methods of the buried infrastructure systems including pipes, tunnels, and chambers
  • Develop strategic, tactical and operational plans to achieve the mission and objectives for developing and implementing asset management programs for buried infrastructure
  • Improve oral and written communication skills, including effective presentation

Description:

Most of the U.S. water and wastewater conveyance infrastructure was installed during the first half of the 20th century and is coming to an end of its useful life. Out of sight, out of mind describes the awareness and significance that has been placed on these underground lifeline systems which support societies' quality of life, public health, economic development and living standard. Historically, management of these systems has been described as crises management. They only get attention when there is a failure. It has been determined that a reactive management approach is not sustainable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been instrumental in assisting utilities transition from reactive management practices to proactive practices. This approach involves the principles and practices of Asset Management (AM). AM is a comprehensive approach which involves every aspect of the organization to develop and implement best business practices to address: (a) the current state of the assets, (b) levels of service, (c) critical assets, (d) life-cycle costing, and (e) funding. This course prepares students to utilize sound engineering judgment and principles for managing the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of buried infrastructure systems including pipes, tunnels, chambers, etc.

Fall 2024 Syllabus

Topics Covered:

  • Guide to water & wastewater asset management
  • Developing buried asset management programs
  • Managing an asset management program
  • Financing asset management programs
  • Indiana Asset Management Guidelines
  • Project: Development of Asset Management Plans for Utilities

Prerequisites:

Students are expected to be familiar with project planning and management, engineering economics, construction estimating and scheduling.

Applied / Theory:
50 / 50

Homework:

Each assignment will need to be considered as a professional assignment; therefore, neatness and thoroughness are essential components. 

Projects:

The class will be divided into teams. Each team is to function as if they are professionals working for a consulting engineering firm which specializes in providing professional services to municipalities on water and wastewater matters in the State of Indiana.

Textbooks:
  • CTAM 100 Manual. Guide to water & wastewater asset management.
  • CTAM 200 Manual. Developing buried asset management programs
  • CTAM 300 Manual. Managing an asset management programs.
  • CTAM 400 Manual. Financing asset management programs.
  • Indiana Guidelines

Instructor(s)

David Iseley

Email
diseley@purdue.edu