Systematic road asset management - an essential practice

The management of any asset requires a very good knowledge of that asset. This means having an accurate knowledge not only of the amount, type and age of the asset but also of its condition and rate of deterioration. Asset management involves achieving desired objectives so it is essential that any system used is the one the authority wants, not one that someone else suggests should be used. American local government authorities have primarily concentrated on the pavement aspect of systematic road asset management and this aspect is concentrated on here. Some brief mention is made of other infrastructure items later. The basic principles and practices of systematic pavement management are examined, with specific reference to systems inspected in the United States. The objective is to clarify the concept and format of pavement management systems and to assist in the understanding of their application in managing our road assets. The problem with existing practices is discussed and ways in which pavement management systems can assist, and the concept and constitution of systems are examined, with specific reference to the data required and the analysis and reporting functions used. Other uses of the systematic approach are also mentioned. General advice in regard to system selection is given. In particular, a user-friendly and a user-manageable system is advised; for first-time users, the system should be as simple as possible.