Bring Practicality into Theory in Optimising Asset Renewals

Auckland Council owns a stormwater pipe network of around 6,000 km. These pipe assets are in varying or unknown conditions and are at different standards. Although the network is fairly young, it has started displaying signs of degradation in some areas.

In the context of Auckland Council’s aspirations and objectives; to keep the cost of infrastructure low and manage cost to the community, we need to apply smart management techniques. In this regard we need to consider long-term benefits and optimise our renewal strategies accordingly.

This paper will present our approach to optimise renewal strategy:

• utilise asset condition data – in the best possible way and responsibly
• smart/ sophisticated renewal projections - use best tools and theory
• recognise and incorporate actual performance issues – maintenance history and capacity constraints
• apply asset criticality in renewal prioritisation
• apply reality check to identified renewals – use institutional knowledge, field checks, etc
• scoping projects smartly – consider various treatment options, utilise upgrading opportunities
• monitor actual renewals vs forecast and maintenance cost – to understand the reality

Risk and costs are our key drivers!