Economics, Asset Value and Financing (Tighe)

3-6pm, Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Overview

This module connects investment in infrastructure to economic benefits and losses as motivation for making better decisions about infrastructure investment recognizing the different scales (project, network, community, regional and national) using examples. Analysis tools are also introduced. Building on these concepts, asset valuation methods are introduced and in-class exercises demonstrate the application of the methods. The module then focuses on financial viability for both projects and organizations and the connections between different financing and revenue generating options.

Curriculum

1.      Review performance measurement

2.      Economics

a.      Economic impact and economic analysis

b.      Engineering economics and project evaluation

3.      Asset valuation

4.      Finance

5.      Project delivery

Instructor: Susan Tighe

Performance and Level of Service  (Amekudzi-Kennedy and Flintsch)

3-6pm, Thursday May 18, 2023

Overview

This module introduces the concept of performance, how performance is measured, used and managed. This concept is present in the context of the laws, policies and regulations for transportation agencies and in the broader context of strategic planning, asset management and performance management. The module moves from the concept to the process of selecting performance measures and targets. Exercises connect the concepts to goals and measures. Examples and best practices from international organizations and state agencies are presented.

Curriculum

1.      Performance: What is it? How is it envisioned, delivered, measured and managed?

•        Laws/Policies/Regulations

•        Strategic Planning

•        Asset Management

•        Performance Management

2.      Selecting Performance Measures and Targets

•        Guidelines

3.      Best Practices

Instructors: Adjo Amekudzi Kennedy and Gerardo Flintsch

Data Science (Attoh Okine)

3-6pm, Monday May 22, 2023

Overview

Advances in technology have allowed us to collect massive amounts of data. A data scientist is a person who has the skills, knowledge, and ability to extract actionable knowledge from the data for the good of society, advancement of science and technology. This module will examine the central question of "what is BIG DATA?", and “how can infrastructure engineers, statisticians, and other professionals employ tools and techniques of data science?” This module will help you develop a deeper understanding of the various phases of Big Data and major aspects of data science for engineering decision making.

Curriculum

1.      "What is BIG DATA?"

2.      How can infrastructure engineers, statisticians, and other professionals employ tools and techniques of data science?

3.      Topics needed to solve data-science problems:

•       Data preparation (collection & integration),

•       Data characterization & presentation,

•       Data analysis (experimentation & observational studies), and

•       Data products.

Instructor: Lee

Sensors and Instrumentation (Lee)

3-6pm, Tuesday May 23, 2023

Overview

This module covers the basic theory behind sensors and instrumentation of infrastructure monitoring and condition assessment. Topics include the purpose of using sensors and instrumentation, the types of sensors that can be used to measure different infrastructure conditions, the interpretation of sensor data for rehabilitation decision analysis and the limitations and errors associated with sensors and instrumentation. Visual and subjective evaluation, non-destructive testing and video image analysis are covered. Examples of field deployments are presented and exercises involve both simulated and actual data.

Curriculum

1.      Visual and subjective evaluation

2.      Non-destructive testing sensors

3.      Instrumentation

4.      Video image analysis

Instructor: Lee

GUEST LECTURE: The Softer Side of TAM: Implementation of TAM Policies in the United States

3-4 pm, Thursday  May 25, 2023

Overview

The development and implementation of TAM plans and processes was first required by all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico with the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) signed into law on July 6, 2012. Over the next four years, the U.S. Department of Transportation worked with the transportation industry to develop a series of new federal regulations, culminating with 23 CFR Part 515: Asset Management Plans on October 23, 2016, that would begin to transform how federal dollars are spent on the management and maintenance of the surface transportation infrastructure. Over a decade has passed since MAP-21 was signed into law and the transportation industry is still working hard to implement and update the regulations as the technology and understanding of TAM practices has changed. This lecture will provide participants with an important perspective and understanding of the softer side of TAM implementation and how transportation agencies at the federal, state, and local level have worked in partnership to ensure the TAM philosophy is instilled into the core functions of their agencies.

Instructors:  Hardy

Deterioration Modeling (Chamorro and Torres Machi)

3-6pm, Tuesday May 30, 2023

Overview

The module introduces the concepts related to modeling and predicting infrastructure condition and performance over time and discusses the uses of deterioration models.  The different types of models that are used to model infrastructure deterioration are introduced and exercises include the development of regression and Markov models. The advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches are discussed. 

Curriculum

1.      Review concepts: infrastructure performance, service life, deterioration

2.      Predicting modeling approaches

3.      Model development

4.      Examples

Instructors: Alondra Chamorro and Cristina Torres-Machi

Risk, Reliability, and Resilience (Gao)

3-6pm, Thursday June 1, 2023

Overview

This module introduces methods to quantify risk and reliability of both components and systems.  The module begins with a review of basic probability and then develops the models and tools needed for rigorous analysis in the context of the larger decision making strategies.  Examples are presented to illustrate the concept and exercises provide an opportunity to apply the concepts.

Curriculum

1.      Why infrastructure management?

2.      Review – why model?

3.      Reliability theory and failure rates

4.      Optimal replacement policy

5.      Reliability of systems

6.      Concepts of infrastructure resilience

7.      Infrastructure resilience modeling

8.      Applications

Instructors: Gao and Zhang 

Decision Making and Optimization (Labi)

3-6pm, Monday June 5, 2023.

Overview

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to optimization in infrastructure management. The module begins by recognizing the role of optimization in the life cycle of physical assets and the different problem contexts for optimization.  Optimization problems are then characterized by the decisions being made, the scale and the resources available. Participants are introduced to continuous variable optimization, discrete variable optimization and both project and network level contexts. Examples are used to illustrate the application of different methods and highlight the importance of understanding the context.

Curriculum

1.      Introduction

·        The process of optimization; Problem contexts; Objectives, constraints and decision variables; Characterizing problems

2.      Continuous variable optimization

3.      Discrete variable optimization

4.      Project level contexts

5.      Network level contexts

Instructor: Labi

Research Methods for Infrastructure Management (SUE McNeil)

3-6 pm, Tuesday June 6, 2023

Overview

Most of us are never taught how to do research, it is something we learn by example, either watching others or by actually doing research.  This module aims to define the research process, including the elements and the types of tools needed to support research in infrastructure management, an inherently interdisciplinary field.  This module is only available to course participants.

Curriculum

1.      What is research?

2.      Writing a research proposal

3.      Research tools

4.      Career planning

Instructor:  McNeil

SOFT SKILLS for Infrastructure Management (SUE McNeil AND Joe Palese)

3-6 pm, Wednesday June 7, 2023

Overview

Success requires a variety of "soft skills" including teamwork, time management, conflict resolution, ajd strong oral and written communication skills, as well as tools for project management, and strategic planning.  This module provides a broad overview of resources and strategies to build these skills. 

Curriculum

1. Introduction – McNeil and Palese

• What are soft skills?

• Why soft skills?

2. Teamwork, negotiation, time management - McNeil

3. Conflict management and leadership - Murphy

• Why do leaders need conflict resolution skills?

4. Project management and strategic planning - Palese

5. Oral and written communication - McNeil

Instructors:  McNeil, Palese and Murphy