From hidden sewer systems to full accessibility for smart decisions

This is the PhD research project of Martin Bjerke. Martin is an industrial PhD student working for VA SYD and Lund University.

PROJECT AT VA SYD Martin’s research focuses on the challenges of asset management in water infrastructure. Asset management involves both making technical assessments of the condition of assets and prioritising between different actions, as available resources are limited. This means working in a complex environment where both social and technical issues give rise to uncertainties and risks that need to be managed.

Martin is evaluating methods for more strategic planning and how this relates to risk management, particularly with an emphasis on complex conditions where traditional approaches – based on more orderly and linear relationships – are insufficient.

Martin’s project is part of Mistra InfraMaint, a research programme with a focus on smart maintenance. The programme envisions sustainable infrastructure that is accessible and safe around the clock. InfraMaint consists of several research projects related to the maintenance and renewal of municipal infrastructure.