The primary objective of this research is to develop a Drainage Information Analysis and Mapping System (DIAMS), with online inspection data submission, which will comply with the necessary requirements, mandated by both the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB-34) and the federal storm water regulations.

The DIAMS project will serve as a vehicle for evaluating underground drainage infrastructure assets which includes locating and cataloging pipes, storm-water devices (e.g., manufactured treatment devices), outfalls, and other structures, (e.g., manholes and catch basins), as well as, collecting inspection and rehabilitation/replacement/repair data.

The DIAMS has an electronic documentation system that performs quality checks on the submitted inspection data and stores the approved data in a comprehensive information management system for updating, analysis, classification and mapping.

The DIAMS utilizes a two layer front and back end management tool comprised of MS Access for data submission and SQL database for data storage that is accessed through a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI is structured into four modules: Data Uploading, Asset Identification, System Administration, and Financial Analysis.

The Data Uploading module includes the conversion of user input field data into comprehensive information format, review of input data, quality assurance and quality control checking, and appending the data to the system database. Users can locate assets needing immediate repair by road/milepost based upon their condition state.

The Asset Identification module stores all the receiving storm water data such as the quality/quantity of water and discharge to watersheds, while also being able to develop general property reports. The module also gives users an assessed condition state, which allows them to select the best treatment technique.

The System Administration module allows individual flexibility through editing keywords.

The Financial Analysis module analyzes the selected data and provides optimal recommendations to inspect, rehabilitate, replace, repair or do nothing at both project and network levels. Financial analyses are derived from a sequential process including defining networks, confirming input data sets, and optimizing for budget allocation preferences. At the project level this is achieved by comparing inspection and/or rehabilitation/replacement/repair costs via an updatable user cost, currently based on the 2011 NJDOT Engineer’s Estimate – Maintenance Drainage Repair Contract, with risks and costs associated with failure. At the network level, the associated costs are optimized to meet annual maintenance budget allocations by prioritizing assets needing inspection and rehabilitation/replacement/repair. When all input data have been appended into the module, DIAMS can generate financial summaries and work orders.