Affecting the Grand Trifecta - Integration of Condition Assessment Program to Launch Multi-Billion Dollar Capital Improvement Program Updates

The Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) is taking a novel approach to CIP planning for its wastewater interceptor infrastructure by using optimization software formerly only utilized for water infrastructure. Optimization software consumed typically available pipe data (i.e. age, diameter, material, break history) in addition, Multiple Sensor Inspection (MSI) and CCTV condition assessment data for 100+ miles of unlined reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) were added to the software's input dataset. The TRA Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS) service area is capable of treating up to 189 MGD (8.3 cubic meters per second) of wastewater and serves over 1 million people. Approximately 50 percent of the interceptors conveying influent to the CRWS treatment plants are composed of RCP with no protective interior lining. Much of these interceptors are in serious decline with surcharge events leading to frequent and severe failures. Rather than initiating reactionary million-dollar capital projects due to pipeline failures and after-the-fact maintenance records, TRA has launched a proactive multi-pronged approach to the development of their multi-billion dollar Capital Improvement Program. The program development consists of three major components: a Condition Assessment (the basis of this abstract), a hydraulic modeling update to evaluate capital investment using an optioneering approach, and a detailed Linear Storage or Tunnel Storage Options Analysis. Each of the CIP components will be integrated into the optimizations driven by Optimatics software. The software will use automated analysis to produce Consequence of Failure (COF) and Likelihood of Failure (LOF) for each pipe segment resulting in an overall Business Risk Exposure (BRE). Utilizing data inputs, GIS, and the COF, LOF, and BRE results the optimizer will recommend the optimal grouping of pipes to include in CIP packages for replacement or future inspection. The software packaging will emphasize cost avoidance, alternative solutions via multi-objective optimization, and defendable solutions utilizing comprehensive scenario analysis. The program enhances decision-making transparency and uncovers projects that might be missed in compartmentalized processes and standard desktop exercises. These insights are valuable for agencies aiming to enhance asset management and condition assessment initiatives. TRA is an adopter of new software solutions that drive the best or most optimal long-term investment strategies that benefit TRA's customers with the clearest view to long time financial considerations and built-in flexibility. This paper will showcase this data-driven integrated condition assessment program utilizing the Optimatics optimizing software to automate intelligent decision-making resulting in smart capital planning projects and scalable future wastewater pipeline condition assessments. In addition to the approach, the paper shall discuss key outcomes as well as lessons learned that will be applicable to other agencies around the country looking to drive integrated asset management, data management, and/or condition assessment programs. Key outcomes that will be discussed relate to: - Avoidance of significant capital and operating costs through an exhaustive analysis of infrastructure improvement and system operating alternatives. - Identification of a range of feasible, alternative solutions for stakeholder consideration based on multi-objective optimization. - Production of highly defensible solutions based on a comprehensive, unbiased optimization scenario analysis. - Improved decision-making through enhanced transparency. - Highlighting projects that meet multiple criteria which may have been missed using siloed processes.