PRP is a comprehensive computer program used for prioritizing the assessment, refurbishment or replacement of linear infrastructure such as water, sewer or storm water pipes. The PRP model provides an approach to identify areas where pipeline inspections should commence to confirm pipe refurbishment or replacement, especially in the absence of assessed condition data.

Features of the program include:

• The effective management of water distribution network infrastructure is of great importance to ensure the sustainable delivery of water services and pipe failures cause stress on municipal budgets. A preventative strategy must be taken by proactively replacing pipes and networks that are predicted to fail. However, to spend the budget effectively it is required to determine which areas or pipes are the most critical or contribute the greatest risk toward the budget.
• In addressing this issue, GLS developed an effective algorithm which prioritises pipe replacements to optimise return on investment. A semi-quantitative risk assessment approach with additional eligibility inputs, for decision maker preferences, allow for a ranked list of the most critical pipes that need replacement or assessment. Results are reported in generic GIS format and allow for individual pipe risks to be “rolled up” into larger reporting areas such as street blocks or suburbs, with graphical reporting facilitating the interpretation of the PRP results.
• The PRP model provides the an approach to identify areas where pipeline inspections should commence to confirm pipe refurbishment or replacement, especially in the absence of assessed condition data
• Water distribution pipe replacement planning takes place within the sphere of an asset management programme and therefore an asset management aligned approach was developed which provides an absolute PRP Risk Exposure Index allowing for comparison of pipes between different networks and cities. Failure modes are analysed independently of each other to determine the final corrected remaining useful life (RUL).
• GLS have also expanded the PRP model into a multi-year, risk-based replacement tool for long-term investment forecasting and to determine budget requirements once a satisfactory risk assessment has been established. The multi-year tool allows for replacement on individual pipe, or “rolled-up” regions to not only determine the “How much?”, but also the “where?” and “when?”.
• PRP is continually being further developed and maintained in South Africa by GLS Software for a local and international client base. The engineers of GLS Consulting are well familiar with local and international requirements and are personally involved in projects from their inception to completion using the software.

For more information on the software product please contact us.