The modern era of asset management, particularly pavements, began in the 1960s and today many agencies worldwide have working systems in place. Development and implementation of these systems has been carried out from the public sector/road owner perspective. Recently, however, a trend to long term, performance based, network type contracts has begun. This, in turn, requires the private sector contractors and engineering subcontractors to apply their own asset management/pavement management systems. The paper first describes the various types of network contracts, and then provides examples. Pros and cons of each type are summarized. A long-term performance based contracting framework, including the underlying rationale and the key elements in arriving at a strategy decision, is described. Recommendations toward maximizing benefits in applying the concept are presented. Finally, the paper discusses the major issues and benefits involved with privatized pavement management and concludes that it can be a mutually beneficial approach; moreover, that the basic principles and technologies are valid and applicable to both the public and private sectors. (a)
Abstract