S11 E04: Smells Like Money Podcast: Doing the Most With What You Have - Addressing Budget Shortfalls for Buried Infrastructure

In this insightful episode of the DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Dr. Samuel Ariaratnam, a renowned professor at Arizona State University (ASU) and a leading authority in trenchless technology. This episode is part one of a two-part series where Dr. Sam discusses the pressing issue of aging underground infrastructure and how municipalities can creatively stretch their budgets to manage these critical assets.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Dr. Samuel Ariaratnam “Dr. Sam”

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Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to Dr. Sam Ariaratnam:

Dr. Sam is a respected figure in the trenchless technology field, known for his pioneering work and expertise in construction management and engineering at ASU.
His insights into trenchless technology have been instrumental in addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure in the U.S. and globally.

The Hidden Challenge of Underground Infrastructure:

Unlike visible infrastructure like roads and bridges, underground water and sewer systems often go unnoticed until a major issue arises.
Preventative maintenance is crucial, but funding gaps make it challenging for municipalities to maintain these systems effectively.

Preventative Maintenance and Asset Management:

Dr. Sam emphasizes the importance of a strong asset management plan, comparing the maintenance of infrastructure to the human body—preventative care can stave off costly emergencies.
Innovative technologies, like CCTV cameras and predictive models, are essential tools for assessing and maintaining underground systems.

The Role of Trenchless Technology:

Trenchless methods offer municipalities a way to repair and install underground utilities with minimal surface disruption.
Dr. Sam highlights the importance of adopting these less invasive technologies to manage infrastructure in densely populated areas, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Phoenix.

Case Study: Central Arizona Project:

Dr. Sam shares insights into how the Central Arizona Project (CAP) effectively manages its large-diameter water pipelines through proactive maintenance and the use of advanced technologies like acoustic monitoring.
The contrast with a catastrophic pipeline failure in Calgary, Alberta, underscores the importance of preemptive maintenance and inter-agency cooperation.

Global Perspective on Urban Growth and Infrastructure:

The conversation extends to global cities like Shanghai and Sao Paulo, where rapid urbanization places significant stress on aging water and sewer systems.
Dr. Sam discusses the need for cities worldwide to embrace trenchless technologies to avoid major disruptions in their critical infrastructure.

Final Thoughts:

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder from Suzan: cities must do the best they can with the resources they have. Dr. Sam reinforces that adopting new technologies and strategies, even on a limited budget, is essential to managing the ongoing challenges of aging infrastructure.

Conclusion:

In this episode of “DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money,” Dr. Sam Ariaratnam illuminated the pressing challenges faced by municipalities in managing aging underground infrastructure. With a focus on preventive maintenance and innovative trenchless technologies, he emphasized the importance of asset management to stretch limited budgets effectively. The conversation underscored the critical need for cities to prioritize proactive measures, embracing new technologies to mitigate the risk of catastrophic failures. As Dr. Sam highlighted, doing the most with what you have is not just about making do—it’s about planning smartly to ensure the longevity and reliability of our essential infrastructure.

Contact Information:

Dr. Samuel Ariaratnam “Dr. Sam”

Professor, Arizona State University (ASU)

Sun State Chair of Construction Management and Engineering

Samuel’s Profile – linkedin.com/in/samuel-ariaratnam-783332

Website – construction.asu.edu/faculty/ariaratnam (Personal)

Email – ariaratnam@asu.edu

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