Development of a bridge asset management plan for Southern Downs Regional Council

Abstract

[Abstract]: Asset Management is defined as the combination of management, financial, economic, engineering and other practices applied to physical assets with the objective of providing the required level of service in the most cost effective way (IIMM 2006, p. xii). Southern Downs Regional Council’s bridge network represents a large investment and many thousands of dollars are spent annually on maintenance and management. This project aims to develop a core Asset Management Plan for bridges. The main objective of the dissertation is to compile a core Bridge Asset Management Plan for Southern Downs Regional Council Specific objectives are as follows: · Minimise the whole of life cycle costs of bridge assets. · Clearly justify forward works programs and expenditure. · Ensure that legal obligations are met through compliance with relevant acts and policies. · Report on asset description including current conditions and general overview of existing bridges. · Determine the future demand and the effects of changing demand on the bridge assets. · Produce a financial summary including long-term financial expenditure. · Ensure that asset/service is maintained for present and future generations at an equitable cost.