Asset performance tools

This project created a set of tools that can be used by people managing flood defence structures to assess performance and plan maintenance activity.

From:
Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme and Environment Agency
Published
21 February 2021
Category:
Whole life asset management
Topics:
Asset maintenance, Asset monitoring, Asset performance, Asset system optimisation, Deterioration, Resilient infrastructure
Project status:
Completed
Project code:
SC090038
Date of completion:
31 July 2011

Documents

The report is available on request from fcerm.evidence@environment-agency.gov.uk

Details

This project aimed to translate recent research on managing flood and coastal defence structures into practical tools that people can use. This will help the Environment Agency and local authorities be more effective and consistent in managing these assets.

Background

The Environment Agency and local authorities spend millions of pounds each year maintaining flood defences and structures that protect coasts from erosion to make sure they perform as needed. This involves cutting the grass, dredging watercourses and repairing damage, among other tasks. It’s important to carry out these maintenance activities in a planned and structured way, to make sure that money is spent where it reduces flood risk the most.

Much of the research in recent years has focused on improving the way assets are managed. In particular, projects such as PAMS (Performance-based Asset Management System) and research programmes such as FRMRC (Flood Risk Management Research Consortium) and FloodSite have developed ways of helping asset managers. Managers are able to understand how their activities influence how well the defences perform when needed.

Approach

The Asset Performance Tools (APT) programme developed these concepts into practical tools for asset managers. The programme was structured around the activities it supports, which includes:

  • inspection
  • assessing performance
  • planning asset management
  • managing information

Full details of the APT programme can be found in the SC090038 Asset Performance Tools Inception Report.

The report will be of most interest to:

  • researchers and consulting engineers / scientists
  • asset management specialists
  • professionals who have a role in managing flood and erosion risk management infrastructure

This includes:

  • local authorities
  • coastal groups
  • internal drainage boards

The project started in 2009 and was completed in 2011.

Published 21 February 2021