Search

Based on internal estimates, the US Air Force (USAF) has a deferred infrastructure maintenance backlog for its real property portfolio of over $33 billion (about 10% is airfield pavements). Without an increase in funding, divestiture of excess infrastructure, or change in strategy, this backlog is estimated to climb to over $50 billion by 2030. Reversing the growing infrastructure backlog trend requires new methods and strategies to rethink how the USAF invests in its infrastructure. This paper studied three areas aimed at improving network-level budget allocation. The algorithm behavioral and economic airfield simulation tool (BEAST), developed herein, creates a simulation tool capable of modeling behaviors and decisions of 109 organizations managing a global network of airfield pavements over 30 years. The BEAST is used to forecast outcomes of USAF investment decisions utilizing its current management strategies and historical behaviors. Analysis findings are compared to outcomes using a lowest life cycle cost tool, known as rapid asset modeling of pavement sustainment strategies (RAMPSS). The USAF's current strategy is unsustainable; however, switching to recommendations from BEAST and RAMPSS provides a potentially significant course correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) estimates it has a $33 billion deferred maintenance backlog within its $263 billion infrastructure portfolio. While the USAF has had recent success advocating for additional funding, new investment and maintenance strategies are ultimately needed to reduce the cost of ownership of its infrastructure while addressing risk and performance-based requirements. This paper documents a simulation-based methodology to implement a portfolio-wide, lowest life-cycle cost strategy projected to provide a $126 million annualized savings. The RAMPSS algorithm developed through this research provides a strategic, decision-making support tool to help reverse the growing maintenance backlog. Analysis from RAMPSS of the USAF's pavement portfolio suggests that airfields are generally more cost-effective to maintain if kept in better conditions with strategies other than localized preventative maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]