Drivers of Bridge Decommissioning in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 2674 (8) ◽  
pp. 591-603
Author(s):  
Basak Aldemir Bektas ◽  
Ahmed J. M. Albughdadi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Service Life ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Bridge Management ◽  
Data Files ◽  
National Bridge Inventory

Extending the useful life of bridges through better design, construction, and management is a shared effort among the bridge management community. Data in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) is valuable for understanding the behavior of bridges throughout their service lives. While the primary reason for bridge replacement, intuitively, would be condition, research has indicated that bridge replacement may not necessarily be driven by the condition of the bridge. The estimated median service life for bridges, 53 years, is much lower than the desired service life of 75 years. This paper summarizes the results of an NCHRP Project which identified the main drivers for bridge decommissioning in the United States, based on findings from three complementary analyses using historic NBI data files, select agency records, and data from old and new structure pairs. A common finding in previous studies was that a significant portion (15–30%) of decommissioning could not be associated with any particular reason. Although poor condition is a significant factor, the major driver of bridge decommissioning is functional improvement, and this explains the majority of the unexplained cases. Structures replaced due to functional reasons tend to be replaced at a younger age, leading to a decrease in the overall decommissioning age. While decisions on functional improvement projects are not led by bridge offices, bridge networks are substantially affected by these decisions. Coordinating functional improvement decisions at the agency level and integrating relevant information with decision support tools can improve financial planning and asset management processes.

Rehabilitation Intensity and Patient Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities in the United States: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A Prusynski ◽  
Allison M Gustavson ◽  
Siddhi R Shrivastav ◽  
Tracy M Mroz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective Exponential increases in rehabilitation intensity in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) motivated recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies, which remove financial incentives for providing more minutes of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Yet there is concern that SNFs will reduce therapy provision and patients will experience worse outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between therapy intensity and patient outcomes in SNFs. Methods PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, and COCHRANE databases were searched. English-language studies published in the United States between 1998 and February 14, 2020, examining the relationship between therapy intensity and community discharge, hospital readmission, length of stay (LOS), and functional improvement for short-stay SNF patients were considered. Data extraction and risk of bias were performed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence scale for causation questions. AAN criteria were used to assess confidence in the evidence for each outcome. Results Eight observational studies met inclusion criteria. There was moderate evidence that higher intensity therapy was associated with higher rates of community discharge and shorter LOS. One study provided very low-level evidence of associations between higher intensity therapy and lower hospital readmissions after total hip and knee replacement. There was low-level evidence indicating higher intensity therapy is associated with improvements in function. Conclusions This systematic review concludes, with moderate confidence, that higher intensity therapy in SNFs leads to higher community discharge rates and shorter LOS. Future research should improve quality of evidence on functional improvement and hospital readmissions. Impact This systematic review demonstrates that patients in SNFs may benefit from higher intensity therapy. Because new policies no longer incentivize intensive therapy, patient outcomes should be closely monitored to ensure patients in SNFs receive high-quality care.

A comparison of information behavior studies in United States and India: Number of publications, authorship, journals, theories, research populations, and methods

2022 ◽  
pp. 096100062110696
Author(s):  
Vinit Kumar ◽  
Brady Lund
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Behavior ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Research Populations

This study compares attributes (authors, journals, populations, theories, methods) of information seeking behavior studies based in the United States and India, based on a search of published articles from 2011 to 2020 in relevant information science databases. The findings indicate major differences in information behavior research among the two countries. Information behavior research in the United States tends to focus more on health and medicine-related research populations, employ greater use of information behavior theories, and use a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods (as well as mixed methods). Information behavior research in India tends to focus more on general populations, use less theory, and rely heavily on quantitative research methods—particularly questionnaires (88% of studies). These findings suggest a healthy and intellectually-diverse information behavior research area in the United States and ample room for growth of the research area within India.

Maintrainenance: Keeping Heavy Rail Maintenance on Track

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (7) ◽  
pp. 192-203
Author(s):  
Sreekar Shashank Boddupalli ◽  
Andrea Sherman ◽  
Joe Zerkus ◽  
Alice Grossman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
New York ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Rapid Transit ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Transit Agencies ◽  
Heavy Rail

Infrastructure management is an important aspect of transportation engineering. Contrasting views have emerged on feasible best practice in asset management for various transportation modes. The differences in current practice can provide insight into best practices and lessons learned. This paper focuses on heavy rail maintenance state of practice in the United States and compares the maintenance practices, strategies, and procedures implemented by four transit agencies across the country. The objective of the paper is to provide guidance and examples for other transit agencies in the United States to meet the short-term challenges they face and provide recommendations to improve services nationwide. This paper examines rail maintenance practices at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The paper found that out of the four agencies studied, MARTA has the highest maintenance to operations budget ratio, and most of the maintenance expenditure is on labor. WMATA found that automation of inspection improved maintenance efficiency, and BART is working toward adopting more automated processes. New York City’s MTA shows an example of the importance of clear governance in effective budgeting.

Steam Generator Asset Management Program

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Padmanabha J. Prabhu ◽  
Damian A. Testa
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Steam Generator ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Strategic Plan ◽  
The United States ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Steam Generators ◽  
Pressurized Water

The Steam Generator Asset Management Program (SGAMP) is a long term program designed to maximize the performance and reliability of the steam generators. The SGAMP focuses on plant specific conditions and hence is applicable to the original or the replacement steam generators. It is recommended that the utility and the vendor form a joint steam generator management team (SGMT) to develop, monitor and implement a long-term plan to address steam generator operation, maintenance and life extension goals. The SGMT will consist of representatives from operations, chemistry, maintenance and engineering functions and will be responsible for making decisions related to the steam generators. The charter of the SGMT is to develop a steam generator strategic plan that will cost-effectively manage steam generator options. The strategic plan is consistent with the Steam Generator Program Guidelines (NEI 97-06 in the United States). The strategic plan is a living document and is revised periodically to incorporate inspection results, new technology developments, lessons learned and industry experience. Cost-benefit analyses of strategies may be performed to prolong steam generator operability through steam generator performance modeling (tube degradation, fouling, etc.), diagnostic tools, regulatory strategy, condition monitoring and operational assessment strategy, and maintenance strategy. The SGMT will provide input regarding potential maintenance of the steam generators with schedule and cost impacts for each outage. It will also recommend engineering evaluations to be performed in support of program goals and will develop short- and long-term recommendations. These recommendations will address action plans, performance measures and results. Secondary side inspection and cleaning strategy should be developed (techniques and frequency) to maximize performance cost-effectively. This paper is based on Westinghouse experience gained by working with several pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant operators in the United States (US).

Captain Hall and the so-called Survivors of the Franklin Expedition

Polar Record ◽  
1944 ◽  
Vol 4 (28) ◽  
pp. 170-185
Author(s):  
Richard J. Cyriax
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Other ◽  
Other Hand

When Sir Leopold McClintock returned from King William Land in 1859, he stated that none of Sir John Franklin's officers and men could still be living, and the principal Arctic authorities entirely agreed with him. Nevertheless, a dissentient voice was raised in the United States by Captain Charles Francis Hall. Convinced that survivors might still be found, he undertook two Arctic expeditions in search of them. His first expedition, to Frobisher Bay (1860–62), yielded no relevant information, and need not be described. On the other hand, his second expedition, which lasted five years (1864–69), was not in vain. He spent the first winter near Wager River, and the other four winters at Repulse Bay, and made many journeys from his winter quarters. The stories told him by Eskimos convinced him at first that his long-cherished belief was founded on fact, and he informed his friends in the United States that survivors of the Franklin expedition might still be alive. Not until he himself had visited King William Land in 1869 did he realise that he had been too sanguine.

scholarly journals Аnalyzing existing systems of bridgework management on motorways

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (92) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Anatoly Bilchenko ◽  
Alexander Kislov
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Rational Solution ◽  
The United States ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Bridge Management ◽  
The Road ◽  
Concrete Elements ◽  
Capital Intensive

Abstract. The existing system of bridgework management in our country does not satisfy the bridge branch as it is financially and organizationally integrated in the structure of the road organizations which allocate for operation of bridge constructions4÷10 % of all financing for road operation. This situation is explained by the fact that bridges are very capital-intensive and require in-depth preparation in the hierarchy of road organizations. Goal. The purpose of this work is to improve the system ofbridge management in the country based on the analysis of world experience. Methodology. The analysis of many bridge management systems in Europe and the United States may allow to find the most rational solution in terms of practical implementation, to improve the situation in the bridge industry – which is the transition from overhaul to preservation of structures in the first 15-20 years. Results. This preservation allows to extend their service life. During this period the repairs of road clothes (at the expense of capital repairs) should be carried out aiming to prevent from developing damages of reinforced concrete elements. Originality. The main feature of the improved system of bridgework management is ensured regulation of the process of bridges maintenance which would provide comfort for traffic and long-term safety of structure functioning. Practical value. To implement this system, it is necessary to divide the operation of roads and the operation of bridges into separate structures with separate funding. 

scholarly journals A Unified Flash Flood Database across the United States

2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 799-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan J. Gourley ◽  
Yang Hong ◽  
Zachary L. Flamig ◽  
Ami Arthur ◽  
Robert Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Flash Flood ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Flash Flooding ◽  
Regional Trends ◽  
Spatiotemporal Behavior ◽  
Flood Database ◽  
Flooding Events

Despite flash flooding being one of the most deadly and costly weather-related natural hazards worldwide, individual datasets to characterize them in the United States are hampered by limited documentation and can be difficult to access. This study is the first of its kind to assemble, reprocess, describe, and disseminate a georeferenced U.S. database providing a long-term, detailed characterization of flash flooding in terms of spatiotemporal behavior and specificity of impacts. The database is composed of three primary sources: 1) the entire archive of automated discharge observations from the U.S. Geological Survey that has been reprocessed to describe individual flooding events, 2) flash-flooding reports collected by the National Weather Service from 2006 to the present, and 3) witness reports obtained directly from the public in the Severe Hazards Analysis and Verification Experiment during the summers 2008–10. Each observational data source has limitations; a major asset of the unified flash flood database is its collation of relevant information from a variety of sources that is now readily available to the community in common formats. It is anticipated that this database will be used for many diverse purposes, such as evaluating tools to predict flash flooding, characterizing seasonal and regional trends, and improving understanding of dominant flood-producing processes. We envision the initiation of this community database effort will attract and encompass future datasets.

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