Jump-Starting a Geotechnical Asset Management Program with Existing Data

Abstract

The benefits of transportation asset management principles have been proved for bridges and pavements. Some geotechnical section managers have recognized the value of applying these principles to a range of geotechnical assets. Current FHWA asset management requirements extend to bridges and pavements with optional recommendations for proactive asset management for all asset types, including geotechnical assets. Because the recommendations are optional, agency management may not be prompted to institute a state-level geotechnical asset management (GAM) program. A section-led approach can help such managers jump-start a GAM program with existing inventory data. This approach ensures that the developed program meets section needs and purposes, and the results may be used to influence future agency-level funding for GAM program implementation. The five-step process outlined in this paper walks interested section leaders through starting a GAM program in the absence of a top-down directive, focusing on unstable slope assets as examples and test cases. Existing data can be analyzed and used to develop decision support tools similar to those used in bridge and pavement asset management programs. The results will help the section identify high-risk locations or corridors and data gaps and guide improvements in collecting and integrating existing data sets. The results also will allow the section to develop and program risk-reduction measures and share these results with interested parties. Long term, a GAM program that is begun at the section level will guide agency-level development of best management practices that incorporate geotechnical assets.