Key performance indicators for maintenance management of hydraulic structures based on damage data

The combination of staff shortages, scarce investment funds and aging infrastructure has exacerbated the pressure regarding the maintenance of waterway infrastructure assets. Thus, the accurate condition assessment of existing structures is taking a vital role in determining the urgency of maintenance investments. However, the four-stage damage assessment applied for this purpose in hydraulic engineering leads to less comparative and undifferentiated condition ratings. In contrast, detailed information portraying the need for action is earnestly needed. A research project conducted within the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute has addressed this specific issue based on studies of performance indicators for maintenance management. The results are requirement-specific condition indicators. They extend the damage assessment of the inspection personnel by classifying the damage impact based on available inspection results. The developed key figures can be regarded as an indicator of increased maintenance needs, which can be complemented by further information relevant to maintenance management, e. g. costs, standardized maintenance measures.