Robert Baumgardner
Kuwait Infrastructure Maintenance Management System
To meet the infrastructure management challenges of the 21st
century, the Kuwait Ministry of Public Works has launched a large-scale
computerized, in-house Kuwait Infrastructure Maintenance Management
System (KIMMS) to assist in the maintenance of the public works
infrastructure on a nation wide basis. The system will provide
access to accurate, up-to-date information on each infrastructure
component allowing management to quickly assess performance, identify
maintenance and rehabilitation requirements and develop short
and long term budgets. The system is initially being implemented
for roadways, bridges, sanitary and storm sewers and street right-of-way
features. The system will help ensure that there will be adequate
infrastructure to meet development needs and that the maintenance
of this infrastructure is managed to provide for sustainable growth.
The ArcView desk top mapping system is a key component of
the KIMMS providing graphic query and display for integrated analysis
and planning. Users can point and click on any infrastructure
component or group of components and bring up the corresponding
attribute files that show their characteristics, condition and
maintenance status and history. The KIMMS ArcView interface allows
users to query and display infrastructure components based on
their physical and performance characteristics and on their maintenance
status and history.
INTRODUCTION:
To meet the infrastructure management challenges of the 21st
Century, the Maintenance Administration of the Kuwait Ministry
of Public Works (MPW) has realized that using state of the art
technologies and modern management techniques, including geographic
information systems, is a must. Consequently, the Maintenance
Administration (MA) has launched a massive and comprehensive program
to implement a nation wide integrated infrastructure management
system. The system will help ensure that there will be adequate
infrastructure to meet development needs and that the maintenance
of this infrastructure is managed to provide for sustainable growth.
A two year contract was awarded to ITX Technologies of the
USA to develop and implement the required system. The Maintenance
Administration set the following requirements for the system:
· Computers would be used for data storage and analysis to
allow management to accurately and quickly assess the performance
of infrastructure components, identify maintenance requirements,
establish priority programs and plan short-term and long-term
budget needs in a fully integrated manner at the national level.
· A Geographic Information System (GIS) must be a component
of the overall system to provide integrated analysis and maintenance
planning on a nation wide basis. · State-of-the-art equipment
would be used to evaluate the condition of the infrastructure
components. · The system must ensure full coordination between
MPW maintenance programs and the programs of other ministries
to avoid any potential conflicts.
BACKGROUND:
The Maintenance Administration is responsible for maintaining
the national highway network, storm water drainage system, all
bridges and the nation's sanitary sewer network. The Administration
also handles the maintenance of government buildings and the installation
and maintenance of highway traffic signs.
The highway and local street network is over 5,000 km in length
of which about 300 km are freeways. The network contains more
than 250 bridges and storm and sanitary sewer networks of about
5,000 km each.
MPW follows a general strategy in which maintenance work is
carried out through contracts awarded to the lowest bidders. The
maintenance contracts cover the country's five governorates. Roads
and sewers are maintained under separate contracts.
Maintenance programs are executed by issuing work orders under
each contract. Every work order covers a specific location and
is executed during a predetermined time period. Work items covered
under each work order are estimated on the basis of a detailed
site investigation carried out by Maintenance Administration staff.
Payments are made to contractors based on the work accomplished.
PROJECT TEAM:
In order to keep track of the progress of the project, the
accomplishments of the consultant and to ensure that MPW personnel
will be fully capable of operating the acquired system at the
end of the two year effort, a Maintenance Administration project
team was formed.
In-house technical committees and work groups were formed
to coordinate with the consultant and follow up on their work.
Project technical advisors with extensive experience with the
operations and policies of the Maintenance Administration were
selected to act as coordinators between the in-house work groups
and the consultant. Their role includes helping the consultant
better understand the decision making process within Maintenance
Administration so that the system is developed in a manner that
meets MA's needs and local conditions.
It was realized that training is crucial to the future operation
of the completed system. Therefore, a comprehensive training program
was made an integral part of the project. Training is planned
to cover field data collection as well as software operation and
data analysis. In addition to on-site training, the program includes
site visits to maintenance departments operating similar systems
in both the US and Canada.
GIS INTEGRATION:
ArcView is a critical components of the Kuwait IMMS. It provides
a spatial index to all the infrastructure components and relates
them to a common geographic base. It not only provides answers
to basic location questions (e.g., where are the all the sewer
pipes with a diameter greater than 500 mm), but also to more complex
spatial queries (e.g., locate and display all those street segments
to be rehabilitated within the next six months that have sewer
line replacements planned within the next year). ArcView is linked
to the IMMS infrastructure inventory and work management data
bases. This allows maintenance personnel to develop integrated
maintenance programs that take into account the spatial relationships
between different types of infrastructure.
ArcView allows for coordination between MPW and other Ministries
and between different work groups within MPW. Before work is started
in an area, ArcView can be used to determine comprehensively what
infrastructure is there and where it is located. In addition,
since the Kuwait IMMS links the maintenance history and plans
to the map base, work planned in an area can be coordinated between
different Ministries and work groups to be sure they don't conflict
and are done in the proper sequence.
ArcView can be used in an operational mode to graphically
select particular infrastructure elements for maintenance and
have work orders automatically generated for those elements selected.
The condition and performance of various infrastructure can be
displayed for analysis and presentation.
KUWAIT IMMS COMPONENTS:
The Kuwait IMMS is made up of a number of components integrated
together on a common system platform. The components share a common
user interface and are tightly linked at the data base level through
a client/server approach.
The following is a brief description of each Kuwait IMMS component:
ROADWAY SYSTEMS:
The Roadway Systems include the Pavement Management System
(PMS), Bridge Management System (BMS) and Right-of-Way Features
Management System (RFMS).
Pavement Management System (PMS) -
The PMS provides for a comprehensive inventory and condition
assessment of the Kuwait road network. The module provides for
maintenance and rehabilitation analysis and the development of
priority programming.
The PMS includes a comprehensive pavement database of: ·
Sectional attribute information - section location and ID number
- pavement length, width and number of lanes - pavement layer
thickness and type - traffic volumes, content and Equivalent Single
Axle Loads (ESAL's) - drainage consideration, curb/gutter, shoulder
information, etc. · Performance information - roughness,
deflection, distress and skid resistance · Maintenance history
data - rehabilitation work - (e.g., overlay and type) cost, contract
date, etc., and - maintenance work - (e.g., crack sealing) cost,
contract date, etc.
The PMS also includes network analysis capabilities based
on: · Smoothness of ride provided to users. · Ability
of the pavement structure to carry the current and anticipated
traffic loadings. · Occurrence of pavement defects, deformation
and cracking; the extent of each and the level of severity. ·
Safety aspects resulting from skid resistance evaluation.
The data are used to develop an overall Pavement Quality Index
to allow for objective comparison of one section versus another,
or as the basis for current status summaries and future performance
predictions.
Network-wide rehabilitation programming can be developed for
up to 10 years in the future. The system identifies the sections
in need of rehabilitation and the most cost-effective strategy
to consider for each, based on the financial parameters provided
by the user. An optimum plan and priority list is then determined
for a specific budget.
Bridge Management System (BMS) -
The BMS is a management tool which helps to organize and implement
all activities related to bridge maintenance, replacement and
rehabilitation programs.
The BMS assists decision makers by: · Maintaining all
bridge inventory information · Defining bridge conditions
· Identifying bridge needs · Identifying funding requirements
for Maintenance, Replacement and Rehabilitation (MR&R) programs
· Identifying and prioritizing bridges for MR&R programs
· Identifying bridges for assessment · Finding cost-effective
MR&R alternatives for each bridge · Recommending MR&R
strategies · Accounting of MR&R strategies · Scheduling
minor maintenance and inspections through the Work Management
System (WMS). · Monitoring and rating bridges, and ·
Maintaining the appropriate database of information.
The comprehensive database of the BMS stores information,
on every bridge in the network and includes: · Structure
Identification - number, location, type and name · Rating
- according to local loading conditions · Environmental -
precipitation and frequency · Strategic Importance - importance
and vulnerability · Engineering Criteria - loading, type
of construction and year, traffic volumes and year of, speed limit,
length/width, clearance, etc. · Safety Criteria - approach
width, weight limit, skew, sight distance, illumination, number
of accidents, etc. · Secondary Information - historical significance,
and · Condition - roadway approach, super-structure, substructure,
intermediate supports, channel rating, estimated remaining life,
etc.
A prioritized listing of bridge maintenance and/or rehabilitation
programs can be developed on an annual basis for a ten year period.
The budget or schedules can be modified on a fix when need arises
basis.
Right-of-Way Features Management System (RFMS) -
The RFMS addresses all features included in the streets right
of way and typically includes: traffic signs, pavement markings,
traffic signals, guard-rails, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and other
roadway features.
The RFMS outputs include condition, priority lists of work,
and location details complete with costs that are provided through
the Work Management System (WMS). The outputs can also be input
into other systems (e.g., PMS) to identify peripheral activities
such as the costs required to totally rehabilitate/maintain all
features within the limits of a section. In conjunction with the
WMS, the system will automatically establish inspection schedules.
UTILITY SYSTEMS:
The Utility Systems modules include the Sanitary Sewer Management
System (SANS) and Storm Sewer Management System (STMS).
Sanitary Sewer Management System (SANS) -
The SANS provides information management, performance and
condition analysis capabilities that evaluate the true level of
need for a sanitary collection system through a series of engineering
models. In this way, the Maintenance Administration managers can
easily monitor and predict the sanitary sewer system maintenance
levels and rehabilitation requirements.
The SANS provides network analysis capabilities on a pipe
by pipe basis, through condition/performance assessment based
on the following parameters: · Structural Condition - considers
the structural condition of a sanitary sewer system based on digital
defect surveys utilizing closed circuit television cameras (CCTV).
· Environmental Impact - considers the impact of extraneous
flows caused by major rainfall events on the social and physical
environment (basement flooding, sanitary sewer overflows to natural
water courses, etc.). · Conformance to Standards - considers
a sanitary sewer's conformance to present engineering standards
(i.e. minimum pipe size, minimum slope). · Strategic Importance
- considers the impact a pipe failure would have on the public.
· Maintenance - considers the sanitary sewer's operational
efficiency based on observed indications of potential high maintenance
(i.e. roots, debris, grease).
This data are blended to generate a Quality Index which reflects
the combined needs of each section of the sewer network.
The SANS establishes a benchmark for tracking the rate of
structural deterioration of a sewer network. When combined with
the WMS, performance feedback can also be provided, allowing operational
expenditures to be more effectively planned to meet projected
needs. Using the system outputs, multi-year optimum priority programs
for a predetermined set of annual budgets can be developed. Alternatively,
annual budget requirements can be determined to effectively maintain
and rehabilitate sanitary sewer networks.
Storm Sewer Network Management System (STMS) -
Similar to the SANS, the STMS provides information management,
performance and condition analysis capabilities for storm sewer
networks as well as defined open channels.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION:
Inherent in the design and implementation of an IMMS is the
identification of a common systems platform that can support and
bind together the various component system features required.
The Kuwait IMMS provides for a common user interface across all
its components (PMS, BMS, RFMS, SANS and STMS] and a tight linking
of the data base through a client/ server approach, The Work Management
System (WMS) and the Mapping Module are the two major system integration
components upon which the IMMS integration is built.
The WMS is activity based and supports the day-to-day work
deployment and work performance analysis requirements for the
IMMS component systems. The mapping module provides a common spatial
user interface to all component systems (PMS, BMS, RFMS, SANS
and STMS) and addresses all the spatial data management issues
including links to ArcView.
A description of these two major system integration modules
upon which the IMMS is built are as follows:
WORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (WMS):
The WMS is a core component of the Kuwait IMMS. Each of the
component parts of the IMMS (PMS, SANS, STMS and RFMS) are linked
to and operate with the WMS. Projects created by each component
part of the IMMS may be transferred to the WMS. WMS is then utilized
to order the work, assign contractors and/or in-house crews, track
the schedule of the work and track the cost of the work against
standards and/or budgets. When the work is completed, this information
is transferred to the appropriate IMMS component system so that
the list of pending projects can be adjusted.
The WMS provides for monitoring, analyzing and optimizing
daily maintenance and operational activities carried out by various
maintenance crews responsible (in-house or contract) for the roadway
and utility systems. It issues the work orders, payment certificates
and other forms meeting the requirements of the MPW.
The WMS consists of the following key modules which are discussed
in detail following:
- Service Request Management
- Program Planning · Work Order Management
- Work Load Analysis, and
- Historical Management.
Service Request Management Module -
This module assists in the gathering of information from service
requests initiated either by the public or internally within the
MPW. It provides the ability to log public service requests, track
complaints, and initiate/dispatch work assignments. The Windows-based
system allows for easy entry and review of service requests. The
user can quickly assign a pre-defined response letter and review
historical information related to service requests. Key service
request information can be automatically transferred to the Work
Order Management Module if the request warrants the creation of
a work order. Work order information can be copied to the Service
Request Management Module, confirming that a work order has been
generated and that a request is being responded to by the appropriate
personnel or contractor.
Program Planning Module-
The purpose of this module is to assist MPW Operations personnel
in the development of maintenance programs for scheduled (preventative)
and unscheduled activities as well as to schedule periodic inspection
activities.
Work Order Management Module -
The purpose of this module is to track and report on the work
performed, resources used and activity status on all infrastructure.
The module manages both scheduled and unscheduled work activity.
Work orders are generated for user defined groups or as individual
work orders for each component or structure or collection components
through the assembly of projects. Work orders may be cross-referenced
to address street names, cross-streets, maps, etc. This module
also produces payment certificates and other documents related
to the work.
Work order related information can be accessed from the inventory
screens for each component structure. The work order information
that can be displayed includes: scheduled or preventative maintenance,
unscheduled maintenance, open work orders and work order history.
Preventative maintenance activities as well as periodic inspections
can be automatically scheduled. Preventative maintenance can be
scheduled over a user defined time interval.
Work Load Analysis Module -
The purpose of this module is to provide the necessary tools
to analyze key activity performance information obtained through
completed work orders.
A cost accounting summary provides the user with instantaneous
access to key operational performance information such as work
cost efficiency for a specific job task. This powerful activity
and performance feedback tool allows the user to quickly and easily
evaluate the multitude of individual job activities being performed
for the various infrastructure networks.
Work costs are automatically recorded against budgets and
graphic displays indicate the budget status at any given time.
Historical Management Module -
The purpose of this module is to provide controlled archiving
of the work order data as well as summarize key structure related
data such as repair orders or test results. This information is
stored on-line for subsequent use by the various infrastructure
condition analysis modules as well as for summarizing work performed
by various contractors and/or work crews.
WMS Linkage to ArcView -
The WMS is also linked to the ArcView desktop mapping system
so vital information may be analyzed and displayed including:
- An accounting of work performed on a particular part of the
infrastructure;
- An accounting of all costs incurred in the maintenance and/or
rehabilitation of each individual part of the infrastructure;
- An automatic updating of the attribute and/or condition records
indicated on the map;
- Graphic displays of periodic inspection and periodic maintenance
activities.
MAPPING MODULE:
In order to fully utilize the IMMS along with it's individual
components (pavement management, bridge management, right-of-way
management, sanitary sewer management, storm sewer management
and work management), the system provides for interfaces with
major GIS systems including ArcInfo and ArcView. The KIMMS is
designed to be closely integrated with ArcView to allow the GIS
to maintain location information and to provide for graphic query
and display of infrastructure description, condition and performance
information.
Geographic Information System -
Each of the individual infrastructure components are linked
to ArcView which serves as the common geographic information system
for the Kuwait IMMS.
Available infrastructure inventory and attribute data from
existing map bases such as the Kuwait Data Information Management
System (KUDAMS) are being electronically ported to the IMMS to
serve as base attribute information. In addition to the existing
utility spatial files, a street center line file has been generated
and linked for mapping access and thematic display of pavement
and other infrastructure information. The KUDAMS right-of-way
and edge-of-pavement coverage have been used to generate the center
line file. Upon completion of data collection, data conversion
and analysis, the electronic record of present condition will
also be ported to ArcView.
Using ArcView the user can query and view both the physical
attribute and condition information for each part of the infrastructure
system. Through the integration process, all of the components
may be viewed on one map so that integrated projects may be developed
for maintenance and rehabilitation of the infrastructure.
Robert Baumgardner
Project Engineer
ITX Technologies/Soor Engineering Bureau
PO Box 4748
Safat, 13048 Kuwait
Kuwait Telephone: 965-252-5310
Kuwait Fax: 965-252-5410
US Telephone: 206-313-5805 US Fax: 206-313-5804 Internet: kuwreb@aol.com