Toward Infrastructure Improvement

This book advises the federal government on a national infrastructure research agenda. It takes the position that the traditional disciplinary and institutional divisions among infrastructure modes and professions are largely historical artifacts that impose barriers to the development of new technology and encourages the government to embrace a more interdisciplinary approach. In order to be practical, the study focuses on infrastructure technologies that can be incorporated into or overlay current systems, allow for alternative future alternative future urban development, and are likely to have value cutting across the distinct functional modes of infrastructure. Finally, the report is organized according to seven broad cross-cutting areas that should promote interdisciplinary approaches to infrastructure problems: systems life-cycle management, analysis and decision tools, information management, condition assessment and monitoring technology, the science of materials performance and deterioration, construction equipment and procedures, and technology management.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive SummaryIntroductionThe Context and Status of U.S. Infrastructure ResearchSystems Life-Cycle ManagementAnalysis and Decision ToolsInformation ManagementCondition Assessment and Monitoring TechnologyScience of Materials Performance and DeteriorationConstruction Equipment and ProceduresTechnology ManagementResearch Leading to Infrastructure ImprovementReferencesAcronymsAppendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffAppendix B: ProspectusAppendix C: Workshop ParticipantsAppendix D: Methodology Employed in the StudyAppendix E: Specific Technologies