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Background
AIMS is a modeling tool that CDOT uses to forecast the condition of its bridges, pavement and nine other assets. AIMS projects the future condition of each asset based on the level of investment in that asset. AIMS analyses assist the Department by forecasting the condition of assets, by improving project selection, and by informing the strategic direction and funding of asset programs. CDOT uses AIMS to model the investment and resulting condition for these asset classes:
The AIMS modeling tool was built by Deighton Associates Ltd. in dTIMS (Deighton’s Total Infrastructure Management System) software. The software provides key functions, such as forecasting asset condition and generating recommended project lists for each asset. AIMS also helps CDOT determine the optimum funding level (given budgetary constraints) for its assets by analyzing how various budget levels affect asset condition over time.
Deighton’s AIMS software is used by 22 state transportation departments to manage investments in pavement, bridges and other transportation assets. The first version of AIMS was released in 1991. CDOT began using AIMS in the 1990s to manage pavement assets. In 2012, CDOT’s Division of Transportation Development (DTD) selected AIMS as CDOT’s multi-asset management system, eventually scaling it to include 10 other asset classes in addition to pavement. The Department is currently transitioning from using desktop-based versions of the AIMS software to the cloud-based AIMS BA (Business Analytics) platform.
- Pavement
- Bridges
- Fleet/road equipment
- Intelligent transportation systems (ITS)
- Tunnels
- Culverts
- Geohazards
- Signals
- Walls
- Buildings
- Rest Areas
Objective
The objective of this project is to further develop, refine, enhance and document the analysis capabilities of AIMS and to train CDOT staff on the refined and enhanced capabilities. The AIMS operating environment is constantly changing which requires regular updates to the software so it continues providing accurate investment/performance forecasts for CDOT’s assets. Changing factors include the addition of new assets, new or revised performance metrics, asset inventories and conditions, new or revised budgets, refined treatments, refined deterioration assumptions, among others. Additionally, ongoing training is required for CDOT staff to stay current on how AIMS operates based on these changing factors. This project will also develop AIMS functionality and support for Colorado’s five Metropolitan Planning Organizations for bridge and pavement National Performance Measures (NPM’s).