Infrastructure Management Flashcards

Which pavement condition index (PCI) range typically triggers immediate repair or reconstruction in a public works infrastructure management program?

Answer: 0-25

A PCI of 0-25 indicates 'very poor' to 'failed' pavement condition, requiring immediate corrective action such as reconstruction.

A public works manager implementing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) should primarily use it to:

Answer: Track work orders, asset history, and preventive maintenance schedules

A CMMS centralizes work order tracking, asset data, and preventive maintenance scheduling to improve operational efficiency.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), when a public agency resurfaces a roadway, it is required to:

Answer: Upgrade curb ramps to current ADA standards in the project area

ADA regulations require that when an agency alters a road surface, it must bring pedestrian access features like curb ramps into compliance within the project scope.

Which infrastructure deterioration model best describes how a concrete bridge deck typically loses structural capacity over time?

Answer: Slow initial deterioration accelerating rapidly as damage accumulates

Concrete bridge decks typically exhibit an S-curve or accelerating deterioration where minor defects compound over time, leading to rapid failure if not addressed.

A public works department is prioritizing stormwater pipe replacements. Which factor carries the MOST weight in a risk-based prioritization framework?

Answer: Consequence of failure multiplied by likelihood of failure

Risk-based prioritization multiplies the probability of failure by the consequence of failure to identify the highest-risk assets for investment.

What is the primary purpose of a Level of Service (LOS) standard in public infrastructure management?

Answer: To define acceptable performance benchmarks for infrastructure delivery to the public

Level of Service standards define the performance benchmarks that guide how well infrastructure must function to meet community expectations.

Which document type formally establishes the long-term capital investment plan for public infrastructure needs over a multi-year horizon?

Answer: Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a multi-year planning document that schedules and budgets major infrastructure projects over typically 5-10 years.