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Asset Groups

Categorise assets by deterioration​

An Asset Group brings together Network assets that are expected to deteriorate in similar ways, due to shared characteristics, e.g. road class, surface type, traffic load.

This enables independent condition modelling for related asset types. For each measured Condition Parameter, a mean deterioration curve is calculated per Asset Group, from current and historical survey data across the Network. The curve predicts how the condition of those assets is likely to change over time.

UK customers typically have Asset Groups that correspond to UKPMS Network Groups. The first letter indicates road classification: A, B, C, Unclassified. The second indicates environmental category: Rural, Urban. These categories support local authority reporting for national indicators, such as 130-01 (principal roads), 130-02 (non-principal roads) and BVPI 224b (unclassified roads).

To create Asset Groups based on other characteristics, please contact Causeway Support.

The Asset Groups panel in Explorer, showing the list of Carriageway groups

Manage Asset Groups​

A set of Asset Groups can be defined for a feature type, e.g. Carriageway, Footway, Kerb.

In the Analysis toolbar, select Asset Groups to show existing sets, grouped by status. Select one to open its contents. If multiple sets exist for a feature type, only one can be active. To use an alternative set, select it, then select Activate.

Settings​

Select an Asset Group within a set to open its settings:

  • Name - enter a descriptive name for the Asset Group.

  • Code - enter one to five characters to use as a short identifier.

The following settings are available when relevant:

  • Default Width (m) - applied to assets where no measured width is available.

  • Renewal Rate - renewal cost per m², used in depreciation calculations.

  • T-Ini - years from new before deterioration becomes measurable on an asset.

  • Total Useful Life - total lifespan in years, from new until an asset is fully deteriorated.

The Asset Group Settings window for the A-roads Rural group

View on map​

For each set of Asset Groups, a Layer is typically available. This lets you visualise those Asset Groups on the map.

In the Explorer toolbar, select Layers, then open the PMS Inventory folder. Hover over a Layer to see the legend describing the Asset Groups.

The Layers dropdown showing Asset Group Layers under PMS Inventory, with styles representing each group code

Use in Analysis​

Asset Groups are used throughout the Analysis module:

  • Condition Parameters use Asset Groups as the basis for deterioration curves, so condition is modelled independently for each group.

  • Treatments apply to specific Asset Groups. If required, treated assets can then be moved to another group.

  • Treatment Sets require you to select Asset Groups and configure severity bands (condition thresholds) for each Condition Parameter measured on them. This determines how Treatments can be triggered on assets.