2.4.3 The lifecycle plan

The approach to lifecycle planning adopted by an organization should be documented. Documentation should include the assumptions made, performance requirements, maintenance needs, the decision-making process, and the proposed maintenance strategy, including the timing of interventions.

A lifecycle planning approach will enable the maintenance strategy for all assets to be determined. However, the principal assets, where the greatest investment and/or risk will be incurred, should be considered as priorities when resources are scarce. Lifecycle planning is therefore likely to provide the greatest benefits for assets where large investments are made, including carriageways, footways, structures, and lighting.

The lifecycle planning process is shown in Figure 2.4.3.

The degree to which each aspect is considered, as well as its sophistication, depends on the organization’s stage of maturity and the benefits it will achieve by investing in a lifecycle approach.