Optimizing 20-Year Asset Management Plans for The City of Vernon Infrastructure Portfolio

Challenge: Develop 20-Year Risk-Based Asset Management Plans

The City of Vernon manages a diverse portfolio of infrastructure assets. The City has been using Excel spreadsheets to model and plan for infrastructure renewal. Managing and maintaining numerous spreadsheets proved to be problematic and hindered the City’s efforts to develop more advanced risk-based optimization models to optimize project selections and investment strategies, and meet organizational objectives and performance metrics. The City also needed to implement advanced asset management processes across all asset types using a consistent and generic methodology and a single integrated solution. The desired solution was also required to support cross-asset analysis and be seamlessly integrated with ArcGIS.

“What the City of Vernon wanted was a tool that could take the results of complex spreadsheet-based asset management plans and plug them into modeling tools that could help the City make better risk-based decisions and to help illustrate the consequences of certain funding scenarios, treatment interventions, and levels of service. What appeals to me about IDS software from a technical aspect is that the functionality is tailored to apply against a wide range of asset classes (from airports to pipes to park assets). It also offers the flexibility to either utilize the results of consultant-led asset management plans or to build similar logic within the software. I’ve been very impressed with the level of service IDS has provided and am looking forward to working with them further.”

– Geoff Mulligan, City of Vernon

Solution: Asset Optimizer

IDS Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to support lifecycle modeling and asset management planning of the City’s parks and sanitary, stormwater, and roads networks. Assets data were directly imported from ArcGIS feature services and Excel. Asset OptimizerTM was then used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop data-driven deterioration and risk models for different asset classes. Costs and benefits models for various asset intervention actions (e.g., repair, rehabilitation, preservation, and replacement) were developed. Multiple budget and performance target scenarios were defined and used to generate optimal annual project lists that maximize assets performance, minimize the risk, and minimize lifecycle costs. Scenario analysis helped to quantify relationships between funding levels and assets condition and risk metrics, and to develop optimized and defensible 20-year asset management plans. Cross-asset analysis helped identify possible coordination of projects across different asset classes (roads, sanitary and storm sewers) as well as to align these projects with the water program developed by the Regional District of North Okanagan. Integration with ArcGIS enabled the City to leverage ArcGIS web tools such as Story maps and Operations Dashboards. The City is planning to use Asset OptimizerTM to develop capital plans for more asset classes including wastewater treatment plant, airport, and facilities.

Vernon Case Study

Optimization of TransLink Asset Renewal Programs Across Transit Asset Portfolios

Challenge: Develop Risk-Based Asset Renewal Programs

The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (“TransLink”) is Metro Vancouver’s regional transportation authority. Under its Capital-M program, TransLink is modernizing systems and processes supporting asset lifecycle management, risk assessment, and investment planning. TransLink required the development of optimal risk-based long-range capital programs for a range of asset classes including asphalt and concrete pavement, facilities, stations, escalators, elevators, hoists, revenue and non-revenue vehicles, among others. Translink required a unique solution that can support data-driven asset lifecycle modeling, instead of a simplistic age-based approach. The solution also needed to support detailed analysis of the relationship between funding levels and performance and risk measures of the asset portfolio, and the ability to optimize project selections to ensure that scare funding resources are invested on the right project at the right time.

“The Asset Renewal Programs are meant to be long‐term, forward‐looking capital programs to justify the asset reinvestment required to maintain a state of good repair for our assets. The process for developing these programs was based on readily available data and information to support the identification of the optimal lifecycle for the assets and the development of a capital investment program for on‐going capital planning. IDS brought insightful data analysis and recommendations with their asset lifecycle modelling techniques and reliability metrics, specifically with regards to the pavement asset class. The IDS team displayed an innate ability to communicate the technical aspects of the assets, based on their understanding of the asset needs and challenges while also being able to bring a big picture perspective on asset management implications. The IDS team clearly established and identified the deliverables for our project, including being very clear and transparent about maintaining the project on time and on budget. At TransLink we have greatly valued the advice and direction from IDS to be well‐informed and supportive of our Asset Renewal Programs.”

– Llewellyn Fonseca, TransLink

Solution: Asset Optimizer

In collaboration between AECOM Canada Ltd and IDS, Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to support the development of deterioration models and optimized risk-based capital programs for several TransLink asset classes. Assets data were directly imported from ArcGIS and Excel, and organized in a multi-level hierarchy. Asset OptimizerTM was then used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop data-driven deterioration and risk models for each of the asset classes. Costs and benefits models for various asset intervention actions (e.g., repair, rehabilitation, and replacement) were also developed, along with constraints governing these interventions.

Multiple budget and performance target scenarios were defined and used to generate optimal annual project lists that maximize assets performance, minimize the risk, and minimize lifecycle costs. The scenario results helped to accurately determine funding needs to meet target system-level performance or risk levels, and also to assess the impact of various investment levels on the system performance and risk metrics. This analysis made it possible to quantify the relationship between funding levels and assets condition and risk metrics, and to develop optimized and defensible 20-year asset management plans.

Download Case Study

Optimization of Asset Management Plans for Electric Assets Portfolios

Summary

Client: Shermco Industries, Canada.

Project: Optimization of Risk-Based 10-Year Asset Management Plan for Transformers in an Industrial Plant.

Using its flagship Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software, IDS has worked with Shermco Industries to assess and forecast the Health Index for a portfolio of power transformers using inspection and testing results, build predictive and risk models, and develop optimal 10-year asset management plan.

Solution: Asset Optimizer

Asset OptimizerTM is uniquely positioned to meet the requirements for advanced decision analytics and asset management of electric assets. The software was used by IDS-trained Shermco staff to support detailed analysis of transformers inspection and test results, and the calculation of Health Indices considering a wide range of parameters such as dissolved gas analysis (DGA), oil quality, furan, power factor, load history, visual inspection, bushing condition, and age. Historical testing data was used to analyze historical performance trends and develop Weibull predictive models to forecast future performance and likelihood of failure of transformers. Criticality models were developed considering the consequence of a transformer failure with respect to safety, reliability, service interruption, and financial impact. Deterioration and criticality predictive models enabled accurate and reliable prediction of risks.

Cost and benefits models for two main interventions were defined: oil processing/refurbishment and transformer replacement. Multiple budget and performance target scenarios were then defined and used to generate optimal annual project lists that maximize system-level performance, minimize risk, and minimize lifecycle costs. Scenario trade-off analysis helped to quantify relationships between funding levels and performance and risk metrics, and enabled the development of optimized and defensible 10-year asset management plan for all transformers. Using a similar approach, lifecycle models and asset management plans for other electric assets, such as circuit breakers and conductors, can also be supported.

Download Case Study

20-Year Risk-Based Optimal Renewal Plan for City of Regina Water Distribution Network

Challenge: Optimize Water Mains Long-Range Renewal Plans

The City of Regina manages an inventory of approximately 1,155 km of water mains, about 30% of which were constructed 50 years ago. In face of increasing demand and limited financial resources, the City needed to develop optimized 20-year risk-based renewal plans for its ageing water mains inventory to minimize risks, maximize network performance, and ensure service reliability. Although the City has been undertaking several initiatives to optimize water main renewal projects, current approaches often relied on subjective and heuristic methods to prioritize projects and were not capable of generating optimized long-term renewal plans. The City needed a solution that can support risk-based multi-objective optimization to maximize network-level condition, minimize risk, and minimize lifecycle costs. The City required the solution to be capable of accurately determining funding needs to meet performance and risk targets, and identify annual optimal project lists over a 20-year planning horizon.

Solution: Asset Optimizer

IDS Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to support lifecycle modeling and asset management planning of the City’s water network. Asset OptimizerTM was then used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop data-driven deterioration and risk models. The deterioration models for various pipe groups were developed to forecast the rate of deterioration (i.e., growth of pipe break rate) based on historical break data. The consequence of pipe break was assessed based on multiple criteria such as pipe’s location, diameter, level of service criticality, number of affected customers, etc. The forecasted condition and criticality of each pipe segment was used to calculate a risk metric. Two renewal actions were defined: open-cut replacement and lining using cured-in-place (CIPP). The cost of renewal actions was assumed based on historical data and industry average. Benefits were defined in terms of condition improvement increments.

Optimal annual project lists under multiple planning scenarios were generated and analyzed to assess the impact of various funding levels, and to determine funding needs to meet performance and risk targets. Detailed analysis of various scenarios helped to accurately quantify relationships between funding levels and system-wide condition and risk metrics and to optimally select projects where mostly needed. This analysis supported the development of objective, defensible, and optimized water mains renewal plan that is aligned with the City policies and service goals.

Download Case Study

City of Lethbridge Total Asset Management Solution: Integration of Capital Planning and Project Delivery

Challenge

Serving a population of approximately 100,000, the City of Lethbridge is managing over $2 Billion stock of infrastructure assets. Since 2005, the City has been implementing asset management best practices and software systems to support a corporate-wide Community Asset Management Program (CAMP) initiative. To extend this effort, the City needed a solution to develop advanced risk-based optimization models to optimize project selections and investment strategies across all asset types. The City required the solution to support the entire asset management cycle: from data analytics, lifecycle modeling, and capital planning to program development and project management. Since the City has been using Cityworks for work management, the desired capital planning solution was required to interface with the City’s Cityworks and to support integration between capital programs and project delivery and management processes, and to enable seamless data exchange between the two systems.

“Asset Optimizer has functional tools that provide valuable information about our assets. Customized dashboards provide insight into the current state of our infrastructure and reports can summarize this information and share with others as needed. The interactive mapping functionality makes it easy for non-GIS users to easily query the data and display it visually for better understanding. The renewal planning tool allows the entry of different budgets and helps predict the future condition and risk of our assets. One of the most impressive functions of this system is its ability to determine capital renewal strategies across multiple asset classes and identify the most optimal scenario. IDS staff has been very helpful and efficient throughout this project with quick turnaround of information and system training. Staff have been very accommodating throughout this project and are very knowledgeable in deterioration model calculations for different asset classes.”

– Blair Ritchre, City of Lethbridge

Solution: Integration of Asset Optimizer and Cityworks

IDS Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to support lifecycle modeling and asset management planning of the City’s linear assets: roads, sanitary, stormwater, and roads networks. Assets data were imported from ArcGIS geodatabases and Excel sheets. Asset OptimizerTM was then used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop data-driven deterioration and risk models for different asset classes. Costs and benefits models for various asset intervention actions were developed, along with constraints or rules governing their applicability.

Optimal annual project lists for multiple planning scenarios were generated and analyzed to assess the impact of various funding levels on assets performance and risks, and to determine funding needs to meet specific performance and risk targets. Subsequently, a 10-year optimized capital improvement plan was generated for each asset class. Cross-asset analysis helped identify possible coordination of projects across different asset classes.

Working closely with Esri Canada, an interface between Cityworks and Asset OptimizerTM was developed. Asset OptimizerTM automatically created work orders associated with planned projects using pre-defined templates. As projects execution progress, status updates and actual project time and expenditure logged in Cityworks are tracked in Asset OptimizerTM, enabling the creation of accurate up-to-date program status and budget reports, thus creating full visibility of programs and projects across different departments in the City.

Download Case Study

Risk-Based Multi-Objective Optimization for Iowa DOT Long-Range Bridge Improvement Programming

Challenge: Optimize 20-Year Bridge Improvement Programs

With increasing challenges of ageing and deterioration of bridges, climbing maintenance backlogs, and insufficient investments, optimization of long-range bridge improvement programs has been a high priority for Iowa DOT. Bridge programming decisions need to focus on optimizing budget allocation and investment strategies to meet organizational objectives and performance metrics. Programs need to be designed to ensure the safety and adequacy of managed bridge inventories, reduce risks and lifecycle costs, and maximize return on investment. Iowa DOT required a unique solution that can support detailed analysis of the relationship between funding levels and performance and risk measures of the bridge inventory, and the ability to optimize project selections to ensure that scarce funding resources are invested on the right project at the right time.

“IDS software helped show us the impact of differing funding levels. This helped us understand the daunting task ahead of us. The system’s ability to show how funding levels change the overall condition of the bridge population is very beneficial. This system provided information that quantified how much spending was needed to better preserve our bridge population. The system verified spending levels that we knew were needed, but were only able to use broad assumptions to determine ourselves. Being able to see how the health of the bridge population changes with different spending levels is something that has always been difficult to quantify.”

– Scott Neubauer, Iowa DOT

Solution: Asset Optimizer

Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop optimal 20-year risk-based plans for Iowa state-owned bridges. The software implemented a unique risk model, developed by Iowa DOT engineers, to assess the priority of bridges based on structural condition and load rating, as well as a range of criticality factors, e.g., vertical and horizontal clearances, traffic levels, type of carried roadway, detour length, and waterway adequacy. Data-driven deterioration and risk models were developed based on historical NBI data and considered a range of variables such as age, traffic volume, design load, and deck type, etc. Cost and benefits models for various bridge improvement actions were defined, along with various constraints governing these actions.

Multiple planning scenarios were defined for interstate and non-interstate bridge groups. Iowa DOT engineers defined scenario parameters including budget profile, target condition or risk metrics, budget splitting among improvement methods, average annual inflation rate, etc.  Asset OptimizerTM generated optimal project lists that satisfied all defined criteria and constraints. Scenario analysis helped to quantify relationships between funding levels and system condition and risk metrics, and to develop optimized and defensible long-range bridge improvement program.

Download Case Study

Caltrans – Cross-Asset Optimization of Transportation Infrastructure Assets

Summary

Client: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Project: Cross-Asset Optimization Model Development Services

IDS is working with Caltrans to develop and demonstrate an innovative cross-asset multi-objective optimization model to support project selection and prioritization of transportation infrastructure assets for the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). IDS Asset OptimizerTM software is being used to support the development and implementation of this model

Solution: Asset Optimizer

Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software is being used to implement an innovative 3-step cross-asset risk-based multi-objective optimization approach to optimize budget allocation and generate long-range network-level project portfolio. The optimization model will support the development of 10-year optimal plans under a range of scenarios and investment strategies, with an initial focus on bridge and pavement assets. The optimization model extends Caltrans’ current MODA methodology to enable efficient prioritization and optimal programming of projects across highway system assets. The model will help evaluate the impact of different funding levels on system performance and risk metrics and determine required funding levels to meet performance and risk targets. The cross-asset optimization model will help Caltrans make optimal programming and investment decisions to meet organizational objectives and performance metrics, and deliver optimized long-range programs for its entire transportation asset portfolio.

Download Case Study

AECOM Use IDS Asset Optimizer to Deliver Risk-Based Long-Range Asset Management Plans

An Opportunity for Advancing Asset Management State-of-Practice

As one of the world’s largest engineering and asset management consultant, AECOM works with clients across the globe by delivering industry’s most innovative and comprehensive asset management plans. Working across market sectors to solve clients’ complex asset management problems, AECOM uses IDS Asset OptimizerTM cloud-based GIS-centered software to support asset lifecycle modeling, risk assessment, and investment planning. The cross-asset portfolio-level analysis and multi-objective optimization capabilities of Asset OptimizerTM enables AECOM to perform the most complex asset lifecycle analysis and modeling to deliver reliable, transparent, and defensible asset management plans.

” My experience with IDS is that it is one of the leading asset management decision support systems (DSS) on the market today. The combination of advanced asset analytics, its dashboarding capabilities and proven user-friendly interface makes it my go-to DSS for clients that require optimized life cycle and asset management solutions.” – Chris Lombard, AECOM

Successful Collaboration to Deliver Value to Clients

AECOM Canada Ltd, with support from IDS, deployed Asset OptimizerTM to support the development of optimized risk-based and long-term asset management plans for a number of clients. Example projects include:

  • Development of asset management plans for water and wastewater assets at the Comox Valley Regional District, including water mains, wastewater sewers, pump stations, wastewater treatment plant, and compost facility.
  • In support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asset management strategy for Safeguards Assets, Asset OptimizerTM was used to develop optimized 10-Year capital plans for the agency’s assets including major equipment, communication and IT systems, vehicles, and laboratories.
  • Development of Asset Renewal Programs (ARPg) for some of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) assets to support life cycle strategies and state-of-good-repair objectives.

Asset OptimizerTM supported in-depth data analysis and development of data-driven deterioration and risk models for each asset class. Multiple budget and performance target scenarios were defined and used to generate optimal annual project lists that maximize assets performance, minimize risk, and minimize lifecycle costs. The scenario analysis helped to accurately determine funding needs to meet target performance or risk levels, and to develop comprehensive and defensible asset management plans.

Download Case Study

Developing 20-Year Risk-Based Capital Plans for Port of Vancouver Infrastructure Assets

Overview

Client: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Project: Development of Optimal 20-Year Risk-Based Asset Management Plans

IDS Asset Optimizer software was used to enable the Vancouver Port Authority to develop optimized risk-based 20-year capital plans for the Port’s critical infrastructure assets, including pavement, dock structures, and shoreline protection assets.

About the Port of Vancouver

Located in the southwest coast of British Columbia, the port consists of 16,000 hectares of water, more than 1,000 hectares of land, and about 350 kilometres of shorelines. The port manages 14 different asset classes.

Challenge

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port, and the third largest in North America in terms of annual tonnes of cargo. The Port manages a significant and diverse portfolio of infrastructure assets including roads, overpasses, dock structures, shoreline protection, utilities, buildings, among others. Since 2009, the Port has been taking several initiatives to implement a strategic and systematic asset management program to ensure sustainability of the Port’s asset portfolio. To ensure efficient implementation of asset management best practices, in line with ISO 55000 standards, the Port needed to adopt an innovative decision support tool that can support the prioritization and optimal programming of capital projects across various infrastructure asset classes.

Solution

IDS Asset OptimizerTM GIS-centered cloud-based software was used to perform in-depth data analysis and develop deterioration and risk models for the Port’s pavement, docks, and shoreline protection assets. Optimal 20-year asset rehabilitation and replacement plans were developed under a number of scenarios to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of various funding levels on asset performance and risk, and also to evaluate budget requirements to achieve desired performance and risk targets. For each planning scenario, the software generated optimal annual project lists that defined which asset to rehabilitate or replace and which rehabilitation or replacement method to use, subject to defined constraints on condition, risk, and budget.

Detailed trade-off analysis of various scenarios helped to quantify relationships between funding levels and system-wide condition and risk metrics. Analysis of various scenarios also helped to explicitly define performance objectives and constraints and accurately assess funding needs and consequences of various funding levels. These results would ultimately support the development of objective and optimized long-range asset management programs, and enable the justification of planning decisions using quantitative measures and consistent procedures that are aligned with the Port’s policies and objectives.

Download Case Study

Enhancing Yukon’s Transportation Asset Management Framework

Enhancing Yukon’s Transportation Asset Management Framework

Overview

Client: Government of Yukon, Highways & Public Works

Location: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Project: Transportation Asset Management Framework Initiative

IDS was commissioned by the Transportation Division of Yukon’s Highways & Public Works to provide technical services to support the asset management initiative and to undertake a review of the Division’s asset management processes.

Challenge

Yukon’s Transportation Division has undertaken a major initiative to implement innovative processes and technology to implement asset management best practices. An important activity within this initiative is the assessment of the current state of asset management practices in the Division to identify areas where improvements can be made to advance these practices. This activity required the development of a gap analysis tool that emphasizes the key areas relevant to the needs and state of practice in the Division, and to establish goals and priorities towards continuous improvement of organizational practices, performance, and maturity.

Solution

This project involved customization of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Gap Analysis Tool, which provides a structured approach to assess maturity of asset management practices in transportation agencies using a hierarchical organization of asset management areas, categories, elements, and criteria. The project also involved the development of a maturity model and an online survey to collect and analyze information pertinent to asset management processes in the Division. The data collected addressed the six main practice areas identified by the AASHTO model, namely, Legislative Compliance, Policy Guidance, Planning & Programming, Program Delivery, Information & Analysis, and Lifecycle Management & TAM. Subsequently, the data was aggregated, analyzed, and summarized to provide insight into current practices, assess maturity of processes using a quantitative scale, and identify gaps and opportunities to improve asset management processes.