Asset Management Decision Support Tools: Computational Complexity, Transparency, and Realism †

Abstract

Asset management decision support tools determine which action (maintenance, rehabilitation, or reconstruction) is applied to each facility in a transportation network and when. Sophisticated tools recognize uncertainties and consider emerging priorities. However, these tools are often computationally complex and lack transparency, the models are difficult to evaluate, and the outputs challenging to validate. This paper explores computational complexity, transparency, and realism in transportation asset management decision support tools to better understand how to select the right tools for a particular context. The results provide direction for agencies when selecting decision support tools, and for researchers and tool developers working towards developing the right tool for an application.