3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Upper Division
Most of the U.S. water and wastewater conveyance infrastructure was installed during the first half of the 20th century and is coming to an end of its useful life. "Out of sight, out of mind" describes the awareness and significance that has been placed on these underground lifeline systems which support societies' quality of life, public health, economic development and living standard. Historically, management of these systems has been described as "crises management." They only get attention when there is a failure. It has been determined that a reactive management approach is not sustainable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been instrumental in assisting utilities transition from reactive management practices to proactive practices. This approach involves the principles and practices of Asset Management (AM). AM is a comprehensive approach which involves every aspect of the organization to develop and implement best business practices to address: (a) the current state of the assets, (b) levels of service, (c) critical assets, (d) life-cycle costing, and (e) funding. This course prepares students to utilize sound engineering judgment and principles for managing the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of buried infrastructure systems including pipes, tunnels, chambers, etc.
Learning Outcomes1Understand how utilities (owners of underground infrastructure) are organized and operate.
2Understand rates of deterioration, failure mechanisms, evaluation/inspection technologies, rehabilitation and repair methods of the buried infrastructure systems including pipes, tunnels, and chambers.
3Develop strategic, tactical and operational plans to achieve the mission and objectives for developing and implementing asset management programs for buried infrastructure.
4Improve oral and written communication skills, including effective presentation.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.