WERF Research Report
10 total works
Predicting the Remaining Economic Life of Wastewater Pipes
by Sunil K. Sinha, Thiti Angkasuwansiri, and Richard Thomasson
Published 15 December 2011
Accurate prediction of wastewater pipe structural and functional deterioration plays an essential role in the utility asset management process and capital investment planning. The key to implementing an asset management strategy is a comprehensive understanding and prediction of asset condition and performance.
The primary objective of this research is therefore to develop protocols and methods for predicting the remaining economic life of wastewater pipe assets. The limits of deterioration prediction capabilities are not in mathematical models or statistical analysis methods, but in lack of accurate and consistent data. This report presented the short-term phase-1 which has been completed with results from intensive literature reviews, various interviews with utilities, and pipe associations. In this phase, the research team investigated the life cycle of wastewater pipeline and identified the causes of pipe failure in different phases including design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance, and repair/rehabilitation/replacement.
The research team has prepared various modes and mechanisms of pipe failure in wastewater infrastructure system as well as identified environmental and societal consequences of the failure. After reviewing all relevant reports and utility databases, the research team has developed a set of standard pipe parameter list (data structure) and pipe data collection methodology. The data structure has been classified into Gold, Silver, Bronze and Wood standard.
The primary objective of this research is therefore to develop protocols and methods for predicting the remaining economic life of wastewater pipe assets. The limits of deterioration prediction capabilities are not in mathematical models or statistical analysis methods, but in lack of accurate and consistent data. This report presented the short-term phase-1 which has been completed with results from intensive literature reviews, various interviews with utilities, and pipe associations. In this phase, the research team investigated the life cycle of wastewater pipeline and identified the causes of pipe failure in different phases including design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance, and repair/rehabilitation/replacement.
The research team has prepared various modes and mechanisms of pipe failure in wastewater infrastructure system as well as identified environmental and societal consequences of the failure. After reviewing all relevant reports and utility databases, the research team has developed a set of standard pipe parameter list (data structure) and pipe data collection methodology. The data structure has been classified into Gold, Silver, Bronze and Wood standard.
Cost Information for Drinking Water Pipelines
by Sunil K. Sinha, Stephen Welling, and Gregory Baird
Published 31 August 2013
The research presented in this report was performed in order to compile and better understand the total costs of some commonplace drinking water pipeline condition assessment and renewal engineering methodologies and technologies in the U.S.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering all pertinent sources from the body of knowledge. Additionally, detailed case studies describing utility drinking water pipeline condition assessment and renewal engineering project costs were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and through data mining was compiled and synthesized, resulting in the presentation of conclusions regarding the financial, social, and environmental costs of condition assessment and renewal engineering of domestic drinking water pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in costs as driven by pipeline diameter, project length, and supplemental direct costs were summarized, social and environmental cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between current cost data capture practices and future needs were presented. Furthermore, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for cost reporting purposes when performing condition assessment and renewal engineering work on drinking water pipelines.
The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility cost estimating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs. The standard data structure was utilized to gather the desired cost data as a pilot; once data is gathered using the standard method and structure, robust cost trend analyses can be performed.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering all pertinent sources from the body of knowledge. Additionally, detailed case studies describing utility drinking water pipeline condition assessment and renewal engineering project costs were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and through data mining was compiled and synthesized, resulting in the presentation of conclusions regarding the financial, social, and environmental costs of condition assessment and renewal engineering of domestic drinking water pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in costs as driven by pipeline diameter, project length, and supplemental direct costs were summarized, social and environmental cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between current cost data capture practices and future needs were presented. Furthermore, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for cost reporting purposes when performing condition assessment and renewal engineering work on drinking water pipelines.
The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility cost estimating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs. The standard data structure was utilized to gather the desired cost data as a pilot; once data is gathered using the standard method and structure, robust cost trend analyses can be performed.
Condition Assessment for Drinking Water Pipelines
by Nisha Thuruthy, Sunil K. Sinha, and Larry Catalano
Published 31 August 2013
The research presented in this report was performed in order to compile and better understand the state of the technology for drinking water pipeline condition assessment methodologies and technologies, focusing primarily on the geographic regions of the U.S.A.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering conference papers, journal articles, vendor literature, and major reports. Additionally, approximately 50 detailed case studies describing utility drinking water pipeline condition assessment practices were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and through data mining was compiled and synthesized, resulting in the presentation of conclusions regarding the state of condition assessment of domestic drinking water pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in technology use and practices were summarized, cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between needs and available technologies were presented. Furthermore, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for reporting purposes when performing condition assessment work on drinking water pipelines.
The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility operating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering conference papers, journal articles, vendor literature, and major reports. Additionally, approximately 50 detailed case studies describing utility drinking water pipeline condition assessment practices were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and through data mining was compiled and synthesized, resulting in the presentation of conclusions regarding the state of condition assessment of domestic drinking water pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in technology use and practices were summarized, cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between needs and available technologies were presented. Furthermore, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for reporting purposes when performing condition assessment work on drinking water pipelines.
The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility operating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs.
A robust performance evaluation process greatly enhances wastewater utility's ability to achieve and measure improvement in performance in many key areas. A major contribution from this study is the creation of a database and a comprehensive data collection process. Benchmarking helps utilities make policy and programmatic decisions that reduce operational expenses and increase productivity by: understanding areas of underperformance, understanding customer needs, developing future plans, and setting reasonable goals. A better understanding of the wastewater industry and what constitutes a high performance organization helps employees to visualize the improvement which can be a strong motivator for change.
This report presents the results of web-based wastewater utility benchmarking. This was accomplished by performing a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of overall performance by using wide variety of indicators to evaluate overall performance of utilities. Practical and robust methodologies were used to create a realistic benchmarking process, and it presents the current performance comparisons among multiple utilities for various areas that impact overall utility performance.
Web based benchmarking consists of two major parts - data collection, and result visualization. An online platform known as WATERiD has been created. This platform is where data is saved and results for multiple years can be analyzed and compared. This enables utilities to understand the change in performance over years in defined areas, and relative performance compared to similar utilities.
This report presents the results of web-based wastewater utility benchmarking. This was accomplished by performing a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of overall performance by using wide variety of indicators to evaluate overall performance of utilities. Practical and robust methodologies were used to create a realistic benchmarking process, and it presents the current performance comparisons among multiple utilities for various areas that impact overall utility performance.
Web based benchmarking consists of two major parts - data collection, and result visualization. An online platform known as WATERiD has been created. This platform is where data is saved and results for multiple years can be analyzed and compared. This enables utilities to understand the change in performance over years in defined areas, and relative performance compared to similar utilities.
Utility Benchmarking for Drinking Water
by Ankur Rathor, Sunil K. Sinha, and David Pendley
Published 31 August 2013
A robust performance evaluation process greatly enhances wastewater utility's ability to achieve and measure improvement in performance in many key areas. A major contribution from this study is the creation of a database and a comprehensive data collection process. Benchmarking helps utilities make policy and programmatic decisions that reduce operational expenses and increase productivity by: understanding areas of underperformance, understanding customer needs, developing future plans, and setting reasonable goals. A better understanding of the wastewater industry and what constitutes a high performance organization helps employees to visualize the improvement which can be a strong motivator for change.
This report presents the results of web-based wastewater utility benchmarking. This was accomplished by performing a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of overall performance by using wide variety of indicators to evaluate overall performance of utilities. Practical and robust methodologies were used to create a realistic benchmarking process, and it presents the current performance comparisons among multiple utilities for various areas that impact overall utility performance.
Web based benchmarking consists of two major parts - data collection, and result visualization. An online platform known as WATERiD has been created. This platform is where data is saved and results for multiple years can be analyzed and compared. This enables utilities to understand the change in performance over years in defined areas, and relative performance compared to similar utilities.
This report presents the results of web-based wastewater utility benchmarking. This was accomplished by performing a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of overall performance by using wide variety of indicators to evaluate overall performance of utilities. Practical and robust methodologies were used to create a realistic benchmarking process, and it presents the current performance comparisons among multiple utilities for various areas that impact overall utility performance.
Web based benchmarking consists of two major parts - data collection, and result visualization. An online platform known as WATERiD has been created. This platform is where data is saved and results for multiple years can be analyzed and compared. This enables utilities to understand the change in performance over years in defined areas, and relative performance compared to similar utilities.
Condition Assessment for Wastewater Pipelines
by Sunil K. Sinha, Nisha Thuruty, and Kevin Hadden
Published 15 November 2014
The research results presented in this report were compiled to provide a clearer understanding of the state of the technology for wastewater pipeline condition assessment methodologies and technologies, focusing primarily on the geographic regions of the U.S.A.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering conference papers, journal articles, vendor literature, and major reports. Additionally, approximately 50 detailed case studies describing utility wastewater pipeline condition assessment practices were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and data mining was compiled and synthesized, regarding the state of condition assessment of domestic wastewater pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in technology use and practices were summarized, cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between needs and available technologies were presented.
Additionally, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for reporting purposes when conducting condition assessment of wastewater pipes. The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility operating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs.
An extensive literature review was performed, covering conference papers, journal articles, vendor literature, and major reports. Additionally, approximately 50 detailed case studies describing utility wastewater pipeline condition assessment practices were created using information data mined directly from participating utilities. The information gathered through literature review and data mining was compiled and synthesized, regarding the state of condition assessment of domestic wastewater pipelines, recommendations for further research and industry needs, and a description of trends found. Trends in technology use and practices were summarized, cost issues were discussed, and the gaps between needs and available technologies were presented.
Additionally, this report proposes a standard data structure for utilities to use for reporting purposes when conducting condition assessment of wastewater pipes. The collection of the information presented in the proposed standard data structure for utility reporting would provide the data needed to greatly improve utility operating processes and to more easily direct research toward industry needs.
Management Practice for Wastewater Pipelines
by Sunil K. Sinha and Shaoqing Ge
Published 31 August 2013
This report presents state-of-the-art literature and current practice review of management practices for wastewater pipelines. These practices focus on the pipe condition evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization.
In the background part, this report introduced the basic concept and core questions of asset management. The linkage between this research focus and the asset management core questions were introduced. The basic concepts and algorithms of the models were described. The state-of-the-art literature review and current practice review is the core of this research and both focus on the application of the management practice in evaluating and predicting the pipe condition, analyzing the risk, and prioritizing the renewal activities.
This report also presented the standard data structure for management practices in these three focused areas. With this data structure, future data mining from utilities can be used to enrich the management practice in the focused areas in this research. This research had summarized the management practices and also put forward recommendations for future research. The findings of this report will provide guidance for utilities in managing their pipelines regarding the evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization for wastewater pipelines.
In the background part, this report introduced the basic concept and core questions of asset management. The linkage between this research focus and the asset management core questions were introduced. The basic concepts and algorithms of the models were described. The state-of-the-art literature review and current practice review is the core of this research and both focus on the application of the management practice in evaluating and predicting the pipe condition, analyzing the risk, and prioritizing the renewal activities.
This report also presented the standard data structure for management practices in these three focused areas. With this data structure, future data mining from utilities can be used to enrich the management practice in the focused areas in this research. This research had summarized the management practices and also put forward recommendations for future research. The findings of this report will provide guidance for utilities in managing their pipelines regarding the evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization for wastewater pipelines.
Management Practice for Drinking Water Pipelines
by Sunil K. Sinha and Shaoqing Ge
Published 31 August 2013
This report presents state-of-the-art literature and current practice review of management practices for drinking water pipelines. These practices focus on the pipe condition evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization.
In the background part, this report first introduced the basic concept, framework, and core questions of asset management. The linkage between this research focus and the asset management core questions were introduced. The basic concepts and algorithms of the models were described. The state-of-the-art literature review and current practice review is the core of this research and both focus on the application of the management practice in evaluating and predicting the pipe condition, analyzing the risk, and prioritizing the renewal activities.
This report also presents the standard data structure for management practices in these three focused areas. With this data structure, future data mining from utilities can be used to enrich the management practice both from literature review and current practice review in the focused areas in this research. This research summarized the management practices and also put forward recommendations for future research. The findings of this report will provide guidance for utilities in managing their pipelines regarding the evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization for drinking water pipelines.
In the background part, this report first introduced the basic concept, framework, and core questions of asset management. The linkage between this research focus and the asset management core questions were introduced. The basic concepts and algorithms of the models were described. The state-of-the-art literature review and current practice review is the core of this research and both focus on the application of the management practice in evaluating and predicting the pipe condition, analyzing the risk, and prioritizing the renewal activities.
This report also presents the standard data structure for management practices in these three focused areas. With this data structure, future data mining from utilities can be used to enrich the management practice both from literature review and current practice review in the focused areas in this research. This research summarized the management practices and also put forward recommendations for future research. The findings of this report will provide guidance for utilities in managing their pipelines regarding the evaluation and prediction, risk analysis, and renewal prioritization for drinking water pipelines.
Underground Utility Locating Technology
by Berk Uslu, Sunil K. Sinha, and James H. Anspach
Published 31 August 2013
Accurate locations of buried utility infrastructures are very important for utility owners, highway managers and engineers, designers, and contractors. A lack of reliable information on underground utilities not only can result in property damages, construction delays, design changes, claims, injuries, and even deaths, but also cause traffic delays, local business disruptions, environmental problems, and utility service breakdowns.
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is an engineering practice that reduces the risk posted by potential underground utility conflicts throughout the project development process. SUE utilizes new and existing technologies to accurately identify, characterize, and map underground utilities through the integration of professional utility records research, visual site inspection, geophysics, survey, and utility exposure. SUE is often the most suitable method for mitigating risks associated with uncertain underground information. All industries suffer from the limitations of short-lived, widely diverse data collection efforts and isolated data management strategies.
The report investigates the current snap shot of utility engineering practices in other industries and synthesizes the best practices followed in locating underground utilities. The transportation industry is undoubtedly the most advanced in the in utility locating and data management practices thank to early introduction and continuous support from FHWA on SUE research and implementation. Thus, this synthesis heavily investigates the utility engineering practices followed by state Department of Transportation across the nation.
The research provides not only the snap shot of the current practices and technologies, but also implementation recommendations to ensure the application of the best practices followed by other industries in utility locating. These recommendations would yield enormous benefits to all the stakeholders involved, including but not limited to water and wastewater utilities.
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is an engineering practice that reduces the risk posted by potential underground utility conflicts throughout the project development process. SUE utilizes new and existing technologies to accurately identify, characterize, and map underground utilities through the integration of professional utility records research, visual site inspection, geophysics, survey, and utility exposure. SUE is often the most suitable method for mitigating risks associated with uncertain underground information. All industries suffer from the limitations of short-lived, widely diverse data collection efforts and isolated data management strategies.
The report investigates the current snap shot of utility engineering practices in other industries and synthesizes the best practices followed in locating underground utilities. The transportation industry is undoubtedly the most advanced in the in utility locating and data management practices thank to early introduction and continuous support from FHWA on SUE research and implementation. Thus, this synthesis heavily investigates the utility engineering practices followed by state Department of Transportation across the nation.
The research provides not only the snap shot of the current practices and technologies, but also implementation recommendations to ensure the application of the best practices followed by other industries in utility locating. These recommendations would yield enormous benefits to all the stakeholders involved, including but not limited to water and wastewater utilities.
Water Infrastructure Asset Management Primer
by Leon F. Gay and Sunil K. Sinha
Published 23 October 2014
Water infrastructure systems are essential for sustaining societal quality of life. However, they face a variety of challenges and potential threats to sustained performance, including ageing, deterioration, underfunding, disruptive events, and population growth, among others. Infrastructure Asset Management can contribute significantly to address those challenges and sustain system performance in the long term.
Current infrastructure asset management frameworks focus mostly on performance management, and although sustainability and resiliency management are considered at some degree, it is necessary to advance the understanding and integration of more practical and comprehensive sustainability and resiliency enhancing methods and tools into the asset management practice mainstream. Infrastructure sustainability and resilience are still predominantly academic topics, but there are enough practical advances to start integrating and relating them with current asset management mainstream discourse. Furthermore, the integration of infrastructure sustainability and resilience methodologies with asset management is convenient given the increase in risks to infrastructure performance worldwide.
This Primer presents an integrated understanding of Water Infrastructure Management in terms of Performance Management, Sustainability Management, and Resiliency Management. The document also presents a discussion on the state-of-the-literature and the state-of-the-practice on these three infrastructure management topics as observed by the WATERiD research team while developing the national knowledge database. Finally, this Primer compares both the theoretical and practical domains in order to identify gaps and formulate recommendations for improving holistic water infrastructure asset management and also advancing integrated performance, sustainability, and resiliency management theory and practices in the water sector.
Current infrastructure asset management frameworks focus mostly on performance management, and although sustainability and resiliency management are considered at some degree, it is necessary to advance the understanding and integration of more practical and comprehensive sustainability and resiliency enhancing methods and tools into the asset management practice mainstream. Infrastructure sustainability and resilience are still predominantly academic topics, but there are enough practical advances to start integrating and relating them with current asset management mainstream discourse. Furthermore, the integration of infrastructure sustainability and resilience methodologies with asset management is convenient given the increase in risks to infrastructure performance worldwide.
This Primer presents an integrated understanding of Water Infrastructure Management in terms of Performance Management, Sustainability Management, and Resiliency Management. The document also presents a discussion on the state-of-the-literature and the state-of-the-practice on these three infrastructure management topics as observed by the WATERiD research team while developing the national knowledge database. Finally, this Primer compares both the theoretical and practical domains in order to identify gaps and formulate recommendations for improving holistic water infrastructure asset management and also advancing integrated performance, sustainability, and resiliency management theory and practices in the water sector.