PLATO: A new engine for the implementation of HDM technology for road infrastructure management analysis

摘要

The PLATO Engine (Pavement Life-cycle Analysis and Treatment Optimisation) was developed as the analysis engine, which together with the CONFIRM Data Repository, form a state of the art Road Infrastructure Management System (RIMS). PLATO incorporates Road User Effects models sourced from HDM-4, and Road Deterioration and Works Effects models which, although starting with HDM-4, have been greatly modified and supplemented to enhance their credibility, consistency and sensitivity to critical parameters. The PLATO Engine incorporates many special features and capabilities including models with real explanatory power, which greatly assists the calibration task, automatic pavement configuration to feed a four layer pavement model, automatic generation of treatment options and true Top Down' network optimisation delivered through genetic algorithms. The System can add very significant functionality to a fully contemporary Data Repository, and together provide the manager with a comprehensive Road Infrastructure Management System. The outputs are a powerful source of information and advice for policy formulation and program development, with almost any 'what if' scenario modelled with a minimum of complexity. The PLATO Engine was used with great success in an initial application in Greece, and example outputs are provided in the Paper.