Research and development needs of road asset management after VOH research programme

This report defines the research and development needs in the field of road asset management after the Road Asset Management Research Programme (VOH). To identify the needs, the results of the research programme have been analysed in respect to the aims of the programme. The quality of road asset management varies from one part of assets to another. Data and analysis methodologies for the management of paved roads are well developed. The management of gravel roads and road furniture, on the other hand, need development of both data-collection and analysis. There is generally insufficient knowledge of the structural condition of the road network. The management systems of gravel roads and road furniture need to be developed. In the development of prediction models, the requirements of life-cycle analysis should be taken into account. The greatest lack of knowledge and methodologies concern the impacts of maintenance, as well as information services and communication. The concluded research and development needs have been combined into three complementary subjects:(1) development of the total management of maintenance, (2) improvement of the life-cycle management,and (3) closing the gaps of information on needs and impacts on maintenance. Within these subjects, the areas of development have been elaborated and prioritized by assets (paved roads, gravel roads, road furniture, cycle paths). Development of the total management of maintenance and improvement of life-cycle management are applicable to the theme Transport system economy in the research and development strategy of FinnRA. The FinnRA should define the role and priorities of road asset management in its research and development strategy. Thereafter, there is a need for detailed project descriptions defining the size, cost and schedule of projects. This report may be found at http://alk.tiehallinto.fi/julkaisut/pdf/3201034-v-voh_vaylaomaisuuden_hallinta.pdf