INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET MANAGEMENT - 2020/1

Module Overview

This module provides an overview of the management of infrastructure assets both at individual as well as network/system level. It introduces the concepts, theory and methods for infrastructure asset management through utilisation of a whole-life framework. It covers asset management frameworks, risk management and asset performance modelling towards the development of maintenance strategies for infrastructure assets. Case study examples from different infrastructure sectors are reviewed. 

Module provider

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Module Leader

IMAM Boulent (Civl Env Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

JACs code: K421

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

The module content includes the following topics:
 

• Introduction to Asset Management

Definitions, drivers, key questions; State of the Nation reports; Examples of infrastructure assets; Key principles, benefits of asset management; Overview of BS ISO 55000/1/2 guidelines

• Asset Management Framework

Asset Management System; Asset management policies, strategies, plans; examples from different organisations; Elements of Asset Management System

• Whole-life Analysis of Infrastructure Assets

Whole-life framework, asset life-cycles; Whole-life vs life-cycle costs; Deterioration of assets; Maintenance strategies

• Risk in Infrastructure Asset Management

Definitions, sources, categories, importance of risk; Principles of risk management; methodology; Quantifying risk, risk-based decision making; Decision trees; fault/event tree analysis; Risk acceptance; Case studies in infrastructure

• Performance Frameworks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Overview of performance frameworks; Performance vs condition of assets, performance modelling, deterioration models; Performance indicator examples; performance/ condition targets; Asset management system performance evaluation; Operational management of assets; Structural health monitoring. 

• Case Studies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Case studies on the application of asset management principles and frameworks from different infrastructure sectors

 

This module is within core subject of Construction Management and covers the thread of Health and Safety Risk Management

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is centred on two units of assessment:

  

1. The end-of-semester examination provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of infrastructure asset management concepts and frameworks and perform risk-based, whole-life analysis of infrastructure assets for decision-making (Learning outcomes 001, 002, 003 and 005).



2. The coursework tests the ability of the students to model performance of infrastructure assets under different conditions and to develop basic optimisation skills for maintenance planning (Learning outcomes 003, 004 and 006). 

Where appropriate, feedback will be given during the discussions in lectures and online through SurreyLearn for the self-study questions that will be uploaded. Students will receive written feedback on the coursework report.

Module aims

• Introduce the basic principles of infrastructure asset management and the organisational frameworks available for whole-life management of infrastructure assets.
• Discuss the range of decision-support tools which are available to infrastructure asset owners and their agents/consultants and the different levels of asset management strategies.
• Provide an overview of whole-life performance modelling of infrastructure assets, both at individual project and network level, and describe the effect of deterioration and maintenance interventions on asset performance.
• Highlight the importance of risk management towards decision-making in infrastructure asset management.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The module is delivered principally by lectures and discussion of case studies, and includes guest speakers from industry from different infrastructure sectors.

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

Reading list for INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET MANAGEMENT : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/engm266

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.