Space-Based Condition Assessment Model for Buildings: Case Study of Educational Buildings

Despite the importance of the condition assessment (CA) stage in the asset management process, literature review reveals that there are some drawbacks in the current practices. The objective of this paper is to develop a condition assessment model for buildings. A new building asset hierarchy is proposed in which the space is the principle element of evaluation. Physical components within a space are categorized into four main categories. Data are collected from experts via questionnaires to assign relative weights to models' attributes using both the analytical network process (ANP) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) techniques. Finally, the multi attribute utility theory (MAUT) is used to calculate the physical condition assessment of spaces and the entire building. The developed model is applied to a case study of an educational building located in Montreal. Results of the model are compared with the calculated results by the building facility management team. Many lessons are learned from the study; among the most significant findings is the importance of building categories and subcategories that differ according to space type. This model will assist owners and facility managers in the condition assessment phase during the asset management process by applying several tools and techniques to provide an accurate condition assessment. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.