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Toward Infrastructure Improvement An Agenda for Research (1994) / Chapter Skim
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Analysis and Decision Tools
Pages 49-54

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From page 49...
... Improved methods for forecasting need, regulatory changes, and societal demands, for assessing impact and risks associated win new and innovative practices, and for modeling system behavior will provide rational, documentable analysis and will support policy decisions. Payoffs will include Improved ability to incorporate nontechnical, societal requirements, issues; and benefits into infrastructure planning, design, and operations decision making.
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From page 50...
... Areas of largest analytical uncertainty include technology improvement forecasts, fuel substitutability, and waste-product disposal, issues that are not easily addressed using most standard analytical tools. In the area of telecommunications, policy analysis methods are needed to support consideration not only of intra-system options but also of linkages among information and data processing.
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From page 51...
... Typically, increasing demand leads to increasing usage and degrades performance, which then inhibits demand. Highway traffic congestion is perhaps the clearest example of this effect, but delays in receiving telephone dial tones, flickering electric lights, and variations of water pressure demonstrate its symptoms in other infrastructure modes.
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From page 52...
... · Can more effective systems be developed for rapidly disseminating information about new infrastructure technology to decision makers and the public? ANTICIPATING CONSEQUENCES OF CATASTROPHIC EVENTS Recent catastrophic events such as the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes, Hurricane Andrew, and flooding along the Missouri and central Mississippi Rivers can yield valuable infonnation for improving infrastructure design and management practices to respond to rare events and extreme conditions.
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From page 53...
... Construction activities adjacent to infrastructure elements may cause effects similar to catastrophic natural events, and should also be included in such research. Construction Effects on Lifeline Systems Disruptions of some elements of infrastructure such "lifeline systems" as water and electric power supply to critical facilities like fire stations and hospitals—pose especially important risks to public health and safety.
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From page 54...
... The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake cut all pipeline inflow of water to the Marina District, as predicted by computer simulations. Using the special vehicles, fire was stopped before it could spread to acIjacent blocks, thereby saving lives and substantial property loss.
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Key Terms

  • water supply
  • loma prieta
  • design methods
  • infrastructure elements
  • condition assessment

  • infrastructure design
  • design tools
  • infrastructure professionals
  • computer simulation
  • infrastructure modes

  • anticipating consequences
  • prieta earthquake
  • maintenance management
  • improved methods
  • analysis methods

  • special vehicles
  • service environment
  • foster research
  • thereby saving
  • environmental quality

  • substantial property
  • facilitate planning
  • computer simulations
  • especially sensitive
  • represents unknown

  • warrant significant
  • support operational
  • committee proposes
  • allow timely
  • innovative practices


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