LARAS VISion

The main objective of LARAS VISion was the development of a holistic assessment framework for the road inventory equipment and configuration of the traffic infrastructure on the basis of a multidimensional, risk-based life-cycle analysis. The life-cycle analysis refers to the structural safety, function and condition, the economic efficiency and the environmental impact as well as the sustainability of the structural equipment and configuration parts and consequently assesses all essential aspects in the scope of operation and structural maintenance in form of a risk.

The holistic assessment of LARAS VISion provides a basis for decision-making in the scope of acquisition, modernization and maintenance of structural equipment for traffic infrastructure operators and owners (primary stakeholder for the project). LARAS VISion is a substantial component for an integrative and comprehensive asset management of traffic infrastructure. It links procedures and methods tried and tested in other areas (e.g. visual and metrological condition assessment, risk analysis, life-cycle cost analysis) to enable an integral and future-oriented decision-making process.

Main activities of AIT were:

• Collection of typical, existing inventory data
• Description of inventory and condition data required in the future for life cycle modelling
• Definition of functionality and condition for each piece of equipment
• Description of previous and innovative test methods for condition assessment
• Survey of typical inspection intervals and inspection costs
• Evaluation of existing and innovative test methods (strengths & weaknesses)
• Definition of requirements for future, improved test methods
• Identification of the risks and consequences of failure
• Listing of indicators for the description of stability, functionality, economic efficiency and environmental compatibility or sustainability
• Survey of exposure categories