Planning and managing copper cable maintenance through cost-benefit modeling

This paper describes the authors' work to reduce the cost, and improve the reliability of their outside plant. Lacking adequate information, one cannot apply traditional life-cycle cost models. In this paper, they focus on the process and modeling portions of their work. They describe the rehabilitation process first, then the dominant failure modes associated with outside plant equipment. This knowledge leads them into the strategic model they use to plan long term rehabilitation, and the tactical models they use to support immediate rehabilitation decisions. Although their work continues, they have already improved their use of rehabilitation funding in the following ways: (i) in applying cost-benefit modeling to the rehabilitation process, they have simplified the engineering analysis, and will continue to save money by guiding engineering decisions; (ii) their models have helped finance managers with long-term rehabilitation budget planning, and have provided them with better control of the rehabilitation budget; and (iii) by applying science to this problem, they have given visibility to maintenance and reliability planning.