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Arif, F (2013) A decision support framework for infrastructure maintenance investment decision-making, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: decision support; motivation; multi-attribute utility theory; utility theory; funding; infrastructure management; investment; programming; public infrastructure; rehabilitation; probability
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1496774938
  • Abstract:
    Infrastructure management agencies are facing multiple challenges, including aging infrastructure, reduction in capacity of existing infrastructure, and availability of limited funds. Therefore, decision makers are required to think innovatively and develop inventive ways of using available funds. Maintenance investment decisions are generally made based on physical condition only. It is important to understand that spending money on public infrastructure is synonymous with spending money on people themselves. This also requires consideration of decision parameters, in addition to physical condition, such as strategic importance, socioeconomic contribution and infrastructure utilization. Consideration of multiple decision parameters for infrastructure maintenance investments can be beneficial in case of limited funding. Given this motivation, this dissertation presents a prototype decision support framework to evaluate trade-off, among competing infrastructures, that are candidates for infrastructure maintenance, repair and rehabilitation investments. Decision parameters' performances measured through various factors are combined to determine the integrated state of an infrastructure using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT). The integrated state, cost and benefit estimates of probable maintenance actions are utilized alongside expert opinion to develop transition probability and reward matrices for each probable maintenance action for a particular candidate infrastructure. These matrices are then used as an input to the Markov Decision Process (MDP) for the finite-stage dynamic programming model to perform project (candidate)-level analysis to determine optimized maintenance strategies based on reward maximization. The outcomes of project (candidate)-level analysis are then utilized to perform network-level analysis taking the portfolio management approach to determine a suitable portfolio under budgetary constraints. The major decision support outcomes of the prototype framework include performance trend curves, decision logic maps, and a network-level maintenance investment plan for the upcoming years. The framework has been implemented with a set of bridges considered as a network with the assistance of the Pima County DOT, AZ. It is expected that the concept of this prototype framework can help infrastructure management agencies better manage their available funds for maintenance.

Azhar, N (2014) Integrated construction project delivery system in the U.S. Public sector: An information modeling framework, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Farooqui, R U-H (2011) Achieving zero accidents: a strategic framework for continuous safety improvement in the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Ibrahim, M (2016) Analyzing decision making in alternative contracting for highway pavement rehabilitation projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Inyim, P (2015) Time, cost, and environmental impact analysis for sustainable design at multiple building levels, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Jia, J (2017) Multi-criteria evaluation in support of the decision-making process in highway construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Ozcan-Deniz, G (2011) An integrated multi-agent framework for optimizing time, cost and environmental impact of construction processes, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Panthi, K (2009) A methodological framework for modeling pavement maintenance costs for projects with performance-based contracts, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Perkinson, C L (2008) The use of computing technology in highway construction contractor companies as a total jobsite management tool (TJMT), Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Raihan, M A (2018) Improved methods for network screening and countermeasure selection for highway improvements, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Sheykhi, R (2016) Risk-based decision making support for construction corporate resource management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Vesali Mahmoud, N (2016) A comprehensive decision support framework in the front-end phase of major transportation projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.

Zhu, J (2016) A system-of-systems framework for assessment of resilience in complex construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Florida International University.