INTEGRATED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM SIMPLIFIES CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING

This presentation shows the benefits of the Asset Management Modeling Study conducted by the City of Newark, Ohio, Harfan Technologies, InfraMetrix and Malcolm Pirnie's Red Oak Consulting. The Study evaluates the systematic approach to Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) through the use of an Integrated Decision Support System (IDSS) and the effect of supplementing the analysis with field condition data. The following three-step process was used within a pilot area to evaluate the benefits of using an IDSS for water distribution and wastewater collection systems:Standard deterioration curves based on currently available data (pipe age, material, break history, etc.) were analyzed using Harfan's decision support system. A Rehabilitation and Repair (R&R) plan was developed from this analysis.InfraMetrix assessed the current condition of the sewer system, and the funding analysis was run a second time to compare the effect of this additional data.An integrated analysis of the water and wastewater system was conducted to assess the benefit of considering multiple-utility system improvements within the same right-of-way.The initial analysis conducted in Step 1 demonstrated that a methodical approach based on available data resulted in a clear R&R plan and budget. The additional condition assessment data gathered during Step 2 showed that the collection system was in much better structural condition than was anticipated, which contributed to further R&R cost reductions. The final analysis in Step 3 considered the effect of coordinating R&R for both water and wastewater to minimize disruption and optimize available funds. This integrated analysis resulted in an even greater reduction of the CIP budget.The Newark Asset Management Modeling Study demonstrated how a structured approach to organizing and analyzing available information simplifies the CIP process and provides the tools to support required funding. This Study also shows how field data of actual system conditions can refine the model and provide more accurate planning each year that the system is used.