Geotechnical Asset Management of Slopes: Condition Indices and Performance Measures

Abstract

Development of Geotechnical Asset Management (GAM) is part of a national effort to implement Transportation Asset Management (TAM) and Performance Management (PM). Recent research is moving development of GAM beyond the initial steps of inventory and condition surveys towards condition forecasting, estimating service life, and setting levels of service and performance standards. Geotechnical assets such as rock and soil slopes, embankments, materials sites, retaining walls and other elements are complex and our understanding of their services lives is incomplete. Means to estimate the condition of these assets and monitor their condition over time are required for a fully functioning asset management program. These steps are necessary precursors to conducting credible life cycle cost analysis. When life cycle costs are determinable, critical geotechnical elements can be included as part of an asset management program. This paper includes discussion of: 1) problems and issues with estimating service life and condition forecasting for geotechnical assets; 2) development of a Geotechnical Asset Condition Index to represent the condition of rock and soil slopes and embankments; and 3) performance measures for rock and soil slopes and embankments.