ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM : A CASE STUDY AT

PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT

NURUL WAHIDA BINTI MOHAMED

A project report submitted in fulfilment of the

requirement for the award of the degree of
Master of Science (Construction Management)

Faculty of Civil Engineering

University of Technology Malaysia

APRIL 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In preparing this project report, I was in contact with many peoples,

researches, academicians and practitioners. They have contributed towards my
understanding and thought. In particular, I would to express my sincere appreciation
to my project supervisor Prof Dr Muhd Zaimi Abd Majid, for encouragement,
guidance, critics, motivation and friendship. Without his support and interest, this
thesis would not have been the same as presented here.

I am also thankful to the officers of Public Work Department especially Ir

Mohd Hizam B Harun, En Sufiyan B Zakaria, En Hamzah b Hashim dan Cik
Fazleen Hanim Ahmad Kamar for the cooperation and experience shared.

My sincere appreciation also extends to all my colleagues and others who

have provide assistance at various occasions especially, Cik Azlinda Bt Mat Lazim
and Cik Nazirah Bt. Ismail. Their views and tips are useful indeed. Unfortunately, it
is not possible to list all of them in this limited space.

ABSTRACT

Road should be viewed as an important national assets. Like any other assets, road
must be regularly maintained to keep them serviceable. The study conducted on the
Road Maintenance Branch, whereby this branch was established specifically to
manage the assets of the Federal Road to the Public Work Department of Malaysia.
The aim of this study is to investigate on how to improve road maintenance
management system in order to reduce time and cost. The study is carried out
through interviews, questionnaires and archives from the Public Work Department.
Interviews were conducted with the personnel involving in road maintenance
management. The questionnaires were distributed to those who are involved in
maintenance activities at the Public Work Department.The type of road involved in
this study was a Federal Road, P27 under Public Work Department supervision. The
data collected were analyzed using an average index method to obtain the result.
From the result, the most common problem occur during the implementation of
Road Maintenance Management System is to get the funds for the road
maintenance. Public Work Department should consider to monitor the work carried
out by the concessioners in order to improve the Road Maintenance Management
System.

ABSTRAK

Jalanraya merupakan aset penting bagi sesebuah Negara. Seperti aset aset negara
yang lain, jalanraya seharusnya diselenggara setiap masa untuk memeastikan
kelancarannya. Kajian ini dilaksanakan terhadap Cawangan Senggara Jalan, dimana
ia ditubuhkan untuk menguruskan aset Jalan Persekutuan bagi Jabatan Kerja Raya
Malaysia. Focus kajian ini adalah bagi melaksanakan penyiasatan bagaimana untuk
meningkatkan system pengurusan penyelenggaraan jalan bagi mengurangkan kos
dan masa. Kajian ini dijalankan melalui kaedah temuramah, soal selidik dan
maklumat maklumat dari Jabatan Kerja Raya. Temuramah dilakukan terhadap
pegawai yang terlibat dalam pengurusan penyelenggaraan jalan. Soal selidik pula
diagihkan kepada pegawai yang terlibat dalam aktiviti penyelenggaraan di Jabatan
Kerja Raya.Kajian ini melibatkan Jalan Persekutuan, P27 dibawah perlaksanaan
Jabatan Kerja Raya. Data yang dikumpul dianalisa dengan menggunakan kaedah
Index Purata untuk mendapatkan keputusan. Daripada keputusan yang diperolehi,
masalah

yang

biasa

timbul

semasa

perlaksanaaan

system

pengurusan

penyelenggaraan jalan ini adalah bagi mendapatkan peruntukkan. Manakala, bagi

meningkatkan system pengurusan penyelenggaraan jalan adalah pihak Jabatan Kerja
Raya perlu memantau kerja kerja yang dilaksanakan oleh pihak konsesi.

TABLES OF CONTENTS

LIST OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Title

Declaration

ii

Dedication

iii

Acknowledgement

iv

Abstract

Tables of Contents

vii

List of Tables

xi

List of Figures

xi

List of Appendices

xii

CHAPTER

TITLE

PAGE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Aim and Objectives

1.4 Scope of Study

1.5 Research Methodology

1.6 Summary of Chapters

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Definition of Maintenance

10

2.2 Function and Value of Maintenance

11

2.2.1 Function of Maintenance

11

2.2.2 Value of Maintenance

12

2.3 Objectives of Roads Maintenance Management 13

System
2.4 The Road Maintenance Management Process

14

2.5 Problems or Issues in Road Maintenance

17

Management System
2.5.1 Legislative Level Issues

17

2.5.2 Administrative Level Issues

17

2.5.3 Technical Level Issues

18

2.6 Improving Road Maintenance Management

19

System

2.7 Summary

21

METHODOLOGY

22

3.0 Introduction

22

3.1 Research Methodology

23

3.2 Literature Review

23

3.3 Data Collection

24

3.3.1 Primary Data

24

3.3.2 Secondary Data

3.4 Data Analysis
3.4.1 Average Index

25
26
26

3.5 Summary

27

ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

28

SYSTEM AT PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT

4.0 Introduction

28

4.1 Role of Public Work Department

29

4.2 Road Maintenance Cycle

29

4.3 Road Maintenance Procedure

31

4.3.1 Pavement Management System

31

4.3.2 Data Collection Strategy

31

4.3.3 The Need for Engineering Evaluation 34

of the Road Pavements
4.3.4 Pavement Evaluation
5

35

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

39

5.0 Introduction

39

5.1 Factors Considered Important in Road

40

Maintenance Management System

5.2 Problems Occur During The Process of Road

42

Maintenance Management System

5.3 Propose to Improve Road Maintenance

44

Management System

5.4 Summary

46

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

47

6.0 Introduction

47

6.1 Conclusion

47

6.1.1 To Study the Road Maintenance

48

Management System
6.1.2 Problem in Road Maintenance

48

Management System
6.1.3 Basic Approach for Improving the

49

Road Maintenance Management

System
6.3 Recommendation

49

REFERENCES

51 - 53

APPENDICES

54 - 64

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO

TITLE

PAGE

4.1

Bands of Performance Indicator

33

5.1

Important Factors in Road Maintenance

41

Management System
5.2

Problems on Road Maintenance Management

43

System
5.3

Basic Approach for Improving Road Maintenance 45

Management System

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO

TITLE

PAGE

1.1

Flow Chart of Methodology of Study

2.1

Basic Element of a Road Maintenance

16

Management System
4.1

Road Maintenance Cycle

30

4.2

Flow Chart of Pavement Evaluation Process

38

LIST OF APPENDICES

NO

TITLE

PAGE

Form of Interview

54

Form of Questionnaires

56

Sample of Analysis at Network Level

60

Privatization on Road Maintenance

61

Sample of Data Collection DCP Test

62

RAMS Use for Collecting Data

63

Sample of Data Analysis using HDM IV

64

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0

INTRODUCTION

According to Ahmad (2002) maintenance is always a must for any structure in

order to maintain its serviceability and to prevent deterioration that may shorten the
service life. In reality, maintenance works are not given the attention it should have a
budget allocated for maintenance work in which seldom become a prior
consideration. However, it is a fact that maintenance is the most important and the
activity to be carried out to prolong or at least maintain serviceability of structure
until the end of its service life.

Structures as stated do not solely refer to buildings. Other structures such as

bridges, roads, harbours, drainages and any kind of engineering structures are also
included. Maintenance on these structures may differ in various ways, but all of it
must be carried out in a strategic and systematic way. This study is conducted to
investigate on how to improve Road Maintenance Management System.

1.1

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

In this new era, the product we design not only for use and demolish but we
start to find or consider new strategies to effectively protect, manage and sustain our
pavement so that not only they are safe to use, but can also be maintained effectively
and last longer.

In Malaysia, especially in government sector many new pavement and

surfacing types have been considered by both the engineers in the Public Works
Department (PWD) and the consultant engineers. Once the concepts are decided the
designers either from the consultants or the PWD are allowed to proceed with the
detail design.

With respect to the pavement and surfacing types encountered, a majority of

the proposals are of the conventional types. However there are proposals that may be
classified as non traditional.

Besides the new design of pavement surfacing types, the major problem still
appear. From News Straits Time, 18 August 2003 the Chief Director of Work Public
says that, Local authority got more complaint from the road user everyday because
of unsatisfied work done.

Therefore, maintenance the road is important to make sure the traffic flow
smoothly. But most of the developed countries are faced with high maintenance cost
on the aging transportation highway. Fwa (2006) highlighted that highway
maintenance can broadly define as an action taken to retain the road pavement in a
safe and useable condition. Road maintenance normally excludes upgrading and
strengthening of the road elements, but maybe done if these appear to be the most
cost effective actions in the long terms. Maintenance could be emergency, remedial
(routine or recurrent) and preventive (periodic) type.

Road maintenance must be planned, managed, design and executed. Planning

and management are done by means of maintenance management systems and
procedures. These system and procedures are normally different from a pavement
and bridge management systems since it do not focus on long term and strategic
repair and upgrading issues. Relevant pavement and bridge can be identified for
protective and preventive actions as part of a road maintenance program. On time
maintenance is extremely important.

Dipak (2005) conduct a study for roads maintenance at Nepal found that the
main objectives of road maintenance is to ensure the serviceability of the road
network and minimize the cost of road transportation, which is comprised of
i.

Agency cost: Capital cost of construction and maintenance of the

facilities over their design life; and

ii.

Road User Cost.

Regarding to Reginald (1986), it is important to view maintenance in the

context of the overall construction process. The role played by maintenance in the
construction process can start from design stage. The involvement of maintenance
department in this stage is as an advisor to the designer to figure out the maintenance
problem in the future.

Regarding to the Armstrong (1984), some of the advantages of the

involvement of maintenance department in early stage are it would able to check the
practicability of the design details, the suitability of patent joint, anticipate leaks,
staining, expansion joints, and many other things that can prevent further defects in
the future caused by miss-design.

1.2

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Most of the road in Malaysia was under responsibility of Department of

Public Work (PWD). Maintenance of road was directly under Branch of Road
Maintenance. From the statistic of complaint from the road user is 31% on road
defect or failure of the road.

Dipak (2005) addressed from his study a number of challenges to achieve

sustainable management of Nepals road network like institutional problems
concerning management and utilization of the fund and capacity constraints in road
agencies.

Derek et al (1986) described three main problems in maintenance which are

inadequate financial, bad management, and poor design.

Financial is the main measurement for the action will take for maintenance
activities and for some householders maintenance budget is the easiest part to cut if
they faced financial problem.

The second problem is bad management, which could be interpreted as

idleness and waste among the maintenance personnel. The maintenance manager and
the staffs ability and responsive to the maintenance problem is one of the tool of
effective maintenance management.

The design also part of the problem in maintenance. It is important to give

more attention to decide which materials and elements will be use, and unfortunately
it is uncommon at the design stage both designer and owner take maintenance as one
of the design consideration. Poor design also includes the poor quality materials
used.

From the above problem, the government spend more money to maintain and
repair the road. So, from the study about road maintenance management system, it
will help the government how to reduce the cost for maintenance and also to make
sure the road in good condition with minimum maintenance.

1.3

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is investigation on how to improve road maintenance

management system. To achieve the aim of this study, the following objectives have
been set:
i.

To study the road maintenance management system in the Malaysia

construction industry;

ii.

To identify the common problem in road maintenance management

system; and

iii.

To identify the basic approach for improving road maintenance

management system.

1.4

SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of research for achieving the goals is focus on maintenance work
done for all Federal Road under PWD Supervision and also related to the
management system on maintenance at PWD. Road Maintenance Branch is the main
target for this study because this branch was implementer for the Road Maintenance
Management System. In Road Maintenance Branch, it has a few units that was
involved in this study which is Unit Kejuruteraan Pemulihan Jalan, Unit
Pengurusan dan Penyelengaraan Jalan Zon Tengah/Timur, Unit Pengurusan dan
Pemyelengaraan Jalan Zon Selatan, Unit Pengurusan dan Penyelengaraan Jalan
Zon Utara and Unit Kejuruteraan Senggara.

1.5

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

To carry out the study, several research methodologies were used, which
includes initial discussion, literature review, data collection, data analysis and
conclusion. Figure 1.1 showed the flow chart of Research Methodology used to
achieve the objectives that have been set.

Figure 1.1: Flow Chart of Research Methodology

1.6

SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS

Chapter One explained about the background of study and the problem of
statement. The aim and objective are defined in this chapter including the scope of
study. Flow chart of the research methodology is also highlighted in this chapter to
give an overall guideline for this study.

Chapter Two discussed about the literature review of this study. This chapter
explained the theoretical background of the study and discuss the work done by
previous researchers.

Chapter Three discussed about the research methodology. This chapter

described the detail methodology used for this study. The research methodology
includes literature review, data collection, data analysis and conclusion.

Chapter Four discussed about the Road Maintenance Management System

which currently implemented at Public work Department. The process of Road
Maintenance Management System was confirmed through the interviews and
archives data.

Chapter Five discussed about the data analysis which were gathered though
the interviews and questionnaires. The method of the analysis used in this study is an
average index.

Chapter Six discussed about the conclusion and the recommendation for this
study. The conclusion was based on the objective given at the initial study.
Recommendation for the further study is also highlighted in this chapter.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of literature review was to study the theoretical background on

about Road Maintenance Management System through the journals, books,
references, internet and articles. The study was related to the aim and objectives of
this study. This chapter discuss on the definition of maintenance, function and value
of maintenance, road maintenance process, the problems and approach for improving
the Road Maintenance Management System.

10

2.1

DEFINITION OF MAINTENANCE

According to Haas (1978) the definition of maintenance varies among

agencies. In a physical sense, maintenance consists of a set of activities directed
toward keeping a structure in a serviceable state. For pavement, this includes such
work as patching, crack, filling and so on. Following are some definition of
maintenance from different sources.

i.

Definition from BS3811 : 1984 describes maintenance as combination of

technical and management work done on a specific asset or structure to
ensure the structure is in good condition and is functioning at its maximum
capacity . They are two types of maintenance:

Maintenance involving repairing work

Maintenance involving prevention work.

Repairation can be described as rehabilitation or replacement of spoiled

components meanwhile prevention is to prevent defects from occurring.
ii.

Definition from Oxford Advance Learners English Dictionary describes

maintenance as the action of maintaining something or the state of being
maintained.

iii.

From Majdi, et al (2002), definition of pavement maintenance can be

described as methods and techniques used to restore or maintain a specified
level of service and to prolong pavement life by slowing its deterioration rate.

As a summary, the main and only objective of maintenance is to ensure the

specific structure being maintained is in a good and acceptable condition and will not
cause inconvenience to the users.

11

2.2

FUNCTION AND VALUE OF MAINTENANCE

The effectiveness of a maintenance system or work can be assessed through

the performance of structure before and after maintenance. The best person to do the
assessment will be the users themselves because only users will feel the differences
and therefore can comment on the performance of the specific structure.

2.2.1

FUNCTION OF MAINTENANCE

Maintenance works are done to achieve desired goals determined during

stages. The main functions in maintaining the roads in a condition that gives good
service and maximum safety to the travelling public. This is achieved by keeping the
road free of disconcerting physical defects such as potholed pavements, broken
pavement edges, loose gravels, stick surfaces, loose and defective bridges decks and
other imperfections.

12

2.2.2

VALUE OF MAINTENANCE

What is the actual value of maintenance? Building or any other structure that
will last longer with proper and continuous maintenance. Poor maintenance may
result in the need for reparation, renovation or reconstruction, which will increase in
cost at the end of life cycle of the structure. The value of maintenance is discussed
from the aspect of:
i.

Time

Compared to time required for reparation and renovation on a structure,

maintenance consumes less time, but can produce better quality results.
Besides, work qualities for maintenance are also relatively lesser compare to
reparation and renovation.

ii.

Cost

Definitely the costs required by maintenance are lesser then cost required to
repair or to rebuild a structure. Furthermore, a specific structure can still be
running under maintenance hence saving cost from the economic perspective.
For example, closing a runway is a must for resurfacing, will lower the
benefit that can be generated during that period.

iii.

Structure value and performance

Structure will have high value and good performance during its service life if
maintenance works are done according to schedule and plan. Without proper
maintenance, a structure will not be able to provide services at its maximum
performance all the time.

13

2.3

OBJECTIVES OF ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

From the report by OECD Scientific Expert Group (1995), a Road

Maintenance Management System (RMMS) is a maintenance management process
aimed at systematically and objectively determining pavement quality and
programming maintenance actions in response to observed conditions, budgetary
constraints and economic optimisation (reduction of user costs, optimising agency
maintenance cost). The RMMS is a tool which provides assistance to the
maintenance

engineer

for

maintenance

programming,

implementation

and

monitoring.

The major objectives of a Road Maintenance Management System are the

following:
i.

Provide the economic and managerial framework for deciding the optimal
level of maintenance funding and the optimum level of pavement condition
nationwide in both the long-term and short-term perspectives;

ii.

Provide sound methods for developing annual works programmes and

determine resource requirements and budgets;

iii.

Allocate funds in a rational and optimised manner to the various maintenance

tasks and administrations, particularly under budgetary constrains;

iv.

Schedule and perform the work;

v.

Monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the works carried out; and

vi.

Evaluate the consequences of delaying or postponing maintenance on future

budget needs and the future deterioration of pavement condition.

14

2.4

THE ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS

It has to be recognized that the process is applied to an existing road network.

New construction is generally a small part of the whole, but it does need to be
considered within the broader context. The objective is to apply sound knowledge
about the road network and its users in order to make the best possible use of
resources available and maximise benefits to society. Tillotson et al (1996) from
their study, the main factors needed in road maintenance management process may
be summarized as follows.

i.

Inventory. The purpose of the inventory data is to establish what there is

to be managed and where it is located;

ii.

Condition. The condition of a road needs to be measured or assessed with

sufficient precision to enable the need for repair or replacement to be
established within a framework of priorities;

iii.

Traffic. The purpose of the road network is to carry traffic. The amount
of traffic on a particular road is an important factor for establishing
priorities for repair or replacement. The amount of traffic also contributes
to deterioration;

iv.

Deterioration. All roads deteriorate. It is the rate at which deterioration

will take place that needs to be understood as an essential element of a
long-term road maintenance strategy;

v.

Costs and benefits. These are the basis of prioritization within a road
management system that aim to maximise benefits to society rather than
respond to political pressures;

vi.

Resources. We defined these to be the physical constraints including

people and their abilities together with the equipment and materials;

vii.

Budget. This provides the financial constraint that limits repairs and
replacements. The overall budget is likely to be subdivided into
allocations for specific sub-networks such as main roads and secondary
roads. The RMS should aim to advise on overall budget and allocations
within that budget in order to achieve long-term goals;

15

viii.

Standards and policies. These reflect the long-term plans and will be
developed by predicting the future network condition in response to
different budgets, different traffic predictions and different standards and
policies; and

ix.

Management information. Effective decision-making and subsequent

audit depend upon the quality of information. All the information
involved in the various components of the system must be readily
available and in appropriate form for each of the management functions.

According to the report by OECD Scientific Expert Group, the RMMS

consists of the following procedures and elements:
i. Data acquisition and retrieval/databank
ii. Data analyses/models, constraints
iii. Optimization making, implementation/annual work schedules
iv. Follow up/ monitoring system

Refering to the Figure 2.1 is the basic elements of a Road Maintenance Management
System.

16

Figure 2.1 Basic elements of a Road Maintenance Management System

17

2.5

PROBLEMS

OR

ISSUES

IN

ROAD

MAINTENANCE

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Haas et al (1994) have grouped the RMMS related issues and expected
outputs at legislative level, administrative level and technical level.

2.5.1

Legislative Level Issues

The legislative level issues as given below are fairly broad in scope and must
be recognized by the administrative and technical levels.
i. Justification of budget request;
ii. Effects of less capital and maintenance funding;
iii. Effects of deferring work or lowering standards;
iv. Effects of budget request on future status network; and
v. Effects of increased load limits.

2.5.2

Administrative Level Issues

The administrative level issues are related to the decision making process
including budget and programming priorities.
i.

An objectively based priority program to provide justification for budget

requests;

ii. A summary assessment of the current status of the network, in graphical and
tabular format, based on inventory measurements;

18

iii. The means for quantitatively determining the effects of lower budget levels,
and the budget level required to keep the network in its present state;
iv. The means for quantitatively demonstrating the effects of deferring
maintenance or rehabilitation;
v.

Estimates of the future status of the network (in terms of average

serviceability, condition, safety, etc.) for the expected funding;

vi. Costs of pavement management implementation, including inventory,

assignment of responsibility and manpower requirements; implementation
staging and schedule, etc; and
vii. Implementation experience of others and documentation of their experience.

2.5.3

Technical Level Issues

From a technical perspective, pavement management involves a large number

of issues and questions. In addition, the question and issues faced at the
administrative level must be appreciated if technical activities are to be meaningful.
The following is an example listing of some of the key questions for this level,
involving both network and project considerations:

i.

Inventory database design and operation;

ii.

Methods and adequacy of inventory database;

iii.

Models for predicting traffic, performance, distress, skid, etc., - their

reliability, consistency, reasonableness, deficiencies;

iv.

Criteria for minimum serviceability, minimum skid, maximum distress,

minimum structural adequacy reasonableness, effects of changes in criteria,
etc;

v.

Models for priority analysis and network optimization;

vi.

Verification of models;

vii.

Relating project (sub) optimization to network optimization;

19

viii. Method for characterizing materials and using results;

ix.

Sensitivity of model analysis results to variations in factors;

x.

Construction Quality control;

xi.

Effects on construction and maintenance on pavement performance;

xii.

Communication among design, construction and maintenance, within existing

administrative structure;

xiii. Guidelines of pavement management implementation;

xiv. Relating pavement management to maintenance management; and
xv.

Improving the technology of pavement management and making use of

implementation projects for this purpose.

2.6

IMPROVING ROAD MAINTENANCE MANGEMENT SYSTEM

Every system which is practicing now has their strength and weakness
together with the improvement in technology. So, for the Road Maintenance
Management System was not excluded and need to improve the system time by time.
A systematic approach to maintenance management is needed for several reasons:

i.

Provide information on the current state of pavements and forecast future

condition;

ii.

Give objective alternatives for maintenance policies;

iii.

Provide a sound basis for resource allocation and optimal use of funds;

iv.

Increase the effectiveness of management and provide savings in expenditure;

and

v.

Provide an objective, rapid and repeatable system for decision making.

20

Grigg (1985) was concluded that five categories interdisciplinary need to

improve in maintenance management.

i. Improve the processes of public works management. In this category four

elements of the research problem appear: to improve the effectiveness of
public works managers, to improve the processes of management, to use
computer based tools, and to encourage innovation in management;
ii. Utilize new technologies and materials in road management. This field of
technology contains many opportunities for improving the cost effectiveness
of services, including instruments to measure performance and predict
failures, materials for construction and repair, use of information systems and
models to locate problems, and making in situ repairs and tests;
iii. Reduce constraints caused by codes, standards and incentive structures. The
specific studies needed, according to that report, were an inventory of federal
standards, an analysis of relationships between key federal standards and the
related state, local, and professional standard areas; an evaluation of the likely
impact of federal standards on the overall cost; and an analysis of the
opportunity costs;
iv. Improve the financial capacity for road maintenance management. Four
elements to this question include managing finances to make services self
supporting, determining the best roles of the three levels of government,
evaluating tax and regulatory policies, and evaluating the results of
privatization; and
v. Adjust maintenance management of future pattern of living. Consider trade
offs, and where a level or service cannot be maintained, bite the bullet and
reduce it.

21

2.7

SUMMARY

In summary this chapter, has discussed about the process, problems and how
to improve the Road Maintenance Management System. The main objective of
maintenance is to ensure the specific structure being maintained in a good and
acceptable condition and will not cause inconvenience to the users. There are three
value in road maintenance which are cost, time and performance. The process of
Road Maintenance Management System is only applied on existing road. There are
three levels of problem which occur during Road Maintenance Management System
and whereby this system needs to improve from time to time together with the
technology. This information from the previous study can also be used as a guidance
and guidelines.

22

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY OF STUDY

3.0

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of research methodology is to provide a sound platform for the

researcher to achieve the aim and objectives of the study. This chapter highlights the
chronological order of research methodology, discusses on how the research
methodology will be conducted in order to achieve the objectives of this research. It
is also important in obtaining relevant primary data from the selected group. From
there, an analysis is conducted to study the data obtained from respondent and
finally, based on the results obtained, a conclusion is derived.

23

3.1

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology conducted in this study is to make sure the study was
done with the right procedure. Research methodology can be broken down into five
stages. They are listed below in chronological order:
1. Literature review;
2. Data collection;
3. Data analysis; and
4. Conclusion and comment

3.2

LITERATURE REVIEW

In order to conduct a literature review, reading materials such as books,

journals, online journals, online websites and conference papers are gathered. These
reading materials provide a good source for secondary data needed for this research
will be recorded. From there, this data serves as a benchmark for primary data
collection.

24

3.3

DATA COLLECTION

Data can be obtained from various sources and it is important to look for data
at the right place. Data required for research purpose can be divided into two types,
as discuss below.

3.3.1 Primary data

The collection of first hand information from the target audience. The data
collection can be done through two methods as follows:
i.

Questionnaires
A questionnaire can be drawn up and distributed to the target personnel to
obtain the required data. In this study, 30 of questionnaires was distributed to
those who are involved in maintenance activities at Public Work Department.
This main purpose is to identify problem and improving the RMMS.
Question asked should focus on matters related to objectives.

25

ii.

Interview

Interview is very important and the main source to obtain the data for this
study. Interview method was used to clarify the data obtained from archives
and questionnaires. This step is important to further understand the
maintenance process of works in PWD. Interviews were held with
maintenance officers of Department Of Maintenance, PWD to obtain direct
information and data needed.

iii.

Archive
Archives data is the data obtained from the PWD. From archives that enabled
the identification of area of study. The use of this data is to confirm all
information and other details to be used in the final analysis of this research.

3.3.2 Secondary data

Secondary data can be obtained through literature, references such as books,

journals, conference papers, magazines, newspapers, reports, internet surfing and so
on.

26

3.4

DATA ANALYSIS

All data must be scrutinized carefully to eliminate the irrelevant elements.

Relevant and useful data will be sorted and organized in such a way as to simplify
data analysis. Statistical tools will be applied in computing results and drawing
conclusions.

All data must be scrutinized carefully to eliminate the irrelevant elements.

Relevant and useful data will be sorted and organized in such a way as to simplify
data analysis. Statistical tools will be applied in computing results and drawing
conclusions.

3.4.1

Average index

Abd. Majid, and McCaffer (1997), show the average index is calculated using
the following formula

ax
xi

i i

Average Index =

Where,

ai = constant that represent the weight of i,

xi = variables that represent the respondent frequency for i
i

= 1,2,3,4,5.

27

To determine the satisfaction level of related personnel on maintenance

management system, average index method with five different scales is used. The
scales are shown below:

1 = Very satisfied

1.00 < Average Index < 1.50

2 = Satisfied

1.50 < Average Index < 2.50

3 = Average satisfied

2.50 < Average Index < 3.50

4 = Not satisfied

3.50 < Average Index < 4.50

5 = Least satisfied

4.50 < Average Index < 5.00

The result and the average index for each part will be shown in the same table.

3.5

SUMMARY

In this chapter, all the procedure or the methodology of the study was
explained. Research methodology started with literature review in which the data
serves as a benchmark for this study. Data required for research purpose can be
divided into two types which is Primary Data and Secondary Data. The data
collected and were analysed an using Average Index.

28

CHAPTER 4

ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT PUBLIC WORK

DEPARTMENT

4.0

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter will discuss about the Road Maintenance Management System
at Public Work Department. It explains the detail procedure for Road Maintenance
Management System which was applied at Public Work Department. The cycle of
maintenance is elaborated including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and
evaluation.

29

4.1

ROLE OF PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT

Public Works Department is synonymous with the road, thats the impression
most people in Malaysia. This is because the Public Work Department has been
involved with the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure since the prior
independent. Among the major services to the people of the Public Work Department
road network construction in the area regional development such as Felda, Felcra,
Ketengah, and others, the East-West Highway (Gerik Jeli), and Jalan Simpang PulaiPos Selim-Lojing. Public Work Department role in the management of the Federal
Road was entrusted because strictly using an act such as Transportation Act 1987 Act
(Act 333) and the Traffic Rules and Regulation.

4.2

ROAD MAINTENANCE CYCLE

Road network is essential for economic and social development. In Malaysia,

more than 96% of transportation of goods carried by road network. Thus, the
efficient of road management is very important because for every ringgit if not spent
on road maintenance will increased the transportation costs between RM2 to RM4.
The efficiency of road maintenance can avoid accidents. Estimated loss due to road
accidents is between 1% to 3% of Gross Domestic Product.

In 2006, Y.B. Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has given instructions to
PWD to manage all government assets and the use of effective methods for adding or
maintain the value of the asset. In response to government mandates and trust of the
people, maintained Branch of Road Maintenance Facilities (CSFJ), branch
established specifically to manage the assets of the Federal Road to the PWD,
constantly strive to improve asset management practices with the chisel management
principles assets. The road maintenance cycle practicing by PWD are listed below:

30

i.

Initiation get information about the asset (road) from the database, annual
data collection, feedback and also the complaint system;

ii.

Planning plan the budgeting using the prioritizing systems are

HDM4/BMS/SPRS;

iii.

Execution use the work program to implementation by PWD state and also
privatization;

iv.

Monitoring/control PWD control the maintenance based on the monthly

progress, quarterly financial meeting and audit; and

v.

Evaluation performance monitoring, system improvement and value

adding.

Figure 4.1 Road Maintenance Cycle

31

4.3

ROAD MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE

4.3.1

Pavement Management System

Malaysia recognizes the need for a systematic approach to pavement

management as early as 1986 when the Public Works Department initiated and
adopted the Borough Snaith Maintenance (BSM) system. It was the first pavement
management system in Malaysia. In association with this project was the first
extensive data collection exercise was mooted. BSM which was labour intensive and
later superceded with another system which was developed in 1992. In 1992,
Malaysia conducted the National Axle Load Study. The Pavement Appraisal and
Management Suite (PAMS) which is based on econometric model and uses HDM-III
technology was developed and adopted, and simultaneously, the data collection
methodology was changed accordingly. Subsequently, Malaysia adopted HDM-4 in
2002 with the Roads Asset Management System (RAMS) project. This project builds
on data and knowledge available within PAMS, and utilizes the latest models
available in HDM-4. This project was jointly completed by PWD, Kumpulan
IKRAM, ARRB Transport Research and TRL, UK. The primary objective of RAMS
is to provide JKR with a network level planning and programming tool to manage its
Federal Road network.

4.3.2 Data Collection Strategy

Currently, the data collection exercise for federal roads in Malaysia is carried
out at 3 years cycle. It is divided into 3 region namely northern (Perlis, Penang,
Kedah, Perak and Selangor), southern/East Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan, Melaka,
Johor, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan) and eastern (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang).

32

The data collection activities are carried out by PWDs Maintenance Unit
through the Kumpulan IKRAM Sdn Bhd (IKRAM). Upon completion of the data
processing and coding, IKRAM will submit the data to PWD for them to perform the
Programme Analysis in HDM-4. The output from HDM-4 i.e. maintenance
programme will then be passed to Maintenance Unit at respective state levels for
them to proceed with the site verification. Two main objectives of doing the site
verification are to ensure that the proposed treatment location is accurate hence
proposing actual treatment at that particular location. Apart from populating the
collected data into RAMS/HDM4, it was also used to be analyse the overall current
condition of the federal roads. Various parameters such as roughness, cracking,
rutting and texture depth will be analysed and reported as an average condition of the
network respectively. The condition is determined or identified based on the agreed
performance indicators band as shown in the table below.

Although there is an agreed performance indicators, it is subjected to change

due to variation in material characteristics as well as pavement deterioration
performance. Study carried out in Malaysia in 1980s showed that the main mode of
failure is cracking.

Besides the pavement functional condition analysis, axle load survey also
being carry out and will be used as one of the important input in the RAMS. It is also
being used to monitor the increment of the number of axle or damaging factor over a
period of time. In our case is the interval of monitoring period.

33

Table 4.1: Bands of Performance Indicator

Parameter

Roughness

Category
Good

Fair

Poor

PWD

PWD

PWD

< 3.0

3.0 IRI 5

> 5.0

(m/km)
All Crack Area

<5

5 ACA 15

>15

(%)
Rutting

<5

5 RD 10

>10

>0.5

0.3 TD 0.5

< 0.5

>0.65

0.65 SRV 0.55

<0.55

(mm)
Texture Depth
(mm)
Skid Resistance
Value

Ideally, quality of the HDM-4 output mostly depends on the quality of the
data collected. Based on that consideration, PWD has planned to set a closer data
collection interval i.e. yearly basis instead of 3 years as currently practiced. Type of
data to be collected also will be of concern as the data changes significantly in a
short period of time (condition). The parameters such as structures and inventory will
be maintained as it is.

34

4.3.3

The Need for Engineering Evaluation of the Road Pavements

In order to ensure that the road network is able to satisfy the ever increasing
demand placed on it due to increased traffic, there is a need for a systematic
approach to the maintenance of the road network. The lack of proper engineering
records on past construction and maintenance works now. Necessitates the need for
full engineering evaluation to be carried out before the design of further road
improvements or rehabilitation.

By using definitive and sound engineering decisions, appropriate solutions

for pavement maintenance problems can be found. Comprehensive evaluation on
distressed pavements can fulfill this requirement. This allows the most appropriate
method of rehabilitation to be selected thus minimizing long term total expenditure.

After a new pavement is constructed, both environmental and traffic stresses

will cause it to deteriorate. The rate of deterioration will depend on the severity of
the traffic loads and the variability of the road materials. In the evaluation process,
the identification and classification of the type of failure is necessary if correct
remedial treatments are to be undertaken. Pavement engineers are faced with the
difficult task of evaluating pavements that have been subjected to varying traffic
loads under variable environmental conditions and material properties. Field
measurements are valuable practical tools in the evaluation of road performance and
in the identification of the causes of failure. The task becomes more difficult if the
pavement has gone through a series of previous unrecorded maintenance treatments.

35

4.3.4

Pavement Evaluation

The pavement evaluation processes practised in the PWD road pavement

maintenance are at three levels. These are the System Level, Network Level and
Project Level. For the network level, pavement evaluation requires a different
methodology and equipment.

This topic deals with pavement evaluation at project and detail level. The
choice of equipment, information quality requirement, accuracy, methods of analysis
and techniques used are given.

The main steps of the evaluation can be summarized as follows:

i.

To divide the road into suitable lengths of design sections;

ii.

Predict the mode of failure;

iii.

Identify failure causes and delimit the failure area; and

iv.

Select suitable short or long term remedial solutions

The above can be carried out efficiently by dividing the tasks into two
assessment tiers, initial and detail assessments. Brief description of the flow of the
work is given below.

i.

Project initiation

There are two normal mechanisms that initiate pavement evaluation at the
project level:

From network level priority listing; and

Specific evaluation request when a pavement requires upgrading due to

special reasons.

36

After a specific budget has been allocated for a project in a network priority
list, a detailed pavement evaluation is normally required to optimise the budget. This
evaluation is necessary as the condition of the pavement may have changed since it
was evaluated during the network level pavement survey. For accurate results, the
time lapse between the evaluation exercise and the commencement of the
rehabilitation construction must be minimised.

ii.

Physical Condition Assessment

Simple physical condition assessment of the pavement at the beginning of the

evaluation exercise helps efficient organisation of this task. This can be done visually
or using a simple and cheap methods. A general condition of the pavement is
recorded. A decision should be made at this juncture whether the pavement is
suffering from structural or non-structural failure.

If it is structurally sound, its functional condition should be queried. If the

pavement is both structurally and functionally adequate then the pavement is
considered sound, otherwise detail testing will be needed.

iii.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Non-destructive testing is currently the state-of the-art method for detailed

pavement investigation. NDT allows more data collection along the road and
provides a more confident representation of the pavement condition. It is necessary
not to miss any weak areas at this level of testing. This testing will provide the base
data for analysis and rehabilitation design.

iv.

Analysis And Rehabilitation Design

The base data from the NDT tests together with other information that was
taken previously is compiled and analysed at this stage. Additional tests may be
required if the information is not sufficient. Suitable methods of analysis are applied
to produce recommendations of remedial measures.

37

v.

Selection Of Remedial Measures

This can be the most important part of the evaluation exercise. The first step
is to understand and diagnose the pavement problem. This will then help to provide
the solution. The correct solution is not always easy to achieve. Long term
engineering solution should be chosen at this juncture. It must be assumed that
budget is not a constraint at this stage.

vi.

Cost analysis

With budget constraints, the balance between engineering or non-engineering

driven solution must be considered carefully. This scenario is common in Malaysia.
A simple costing analysis of the remedial measures may provide sufficient answers
to the problem.

The costing analysis should provide information to ascertain the budget

requirements. If the cost of actual rehabilitation requirement exceed the allocated
budget, the rehabilitation solution may require changes. Short terns and long term
remedial measures are selected depending on the allocated budget. Staged
constriction is another option worth considering in order to reduce initial
rehabilitation costs but still fulfills the engineering requirement.

The feasibility of various remedial measures may involve discussions with

the appropriate authorities before the final options are selected. Other feasible
remedial methods can be applied if the conventional methods are not appropriate or
slow.

38

Figure 4.2 : Flow Chart of Pavement Evaluation Process

39

CHAPTER 5

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

5.0

INTRODUCTION

This chapter discuss on data analysis obtained from the interviews and
questionnaires on the Officers of Public Work Department. All information required
is collected from the Road Maintenance Branch of Public Work Department. The
purpose of the analysis is to obtain the information from the Officers of Public Work
Department on the current procedure for Road Maintenance Management System,
the problems on road maintenance management system and the basic approach to
improve the road maintenance management system at the Public Work Department.

The interview was conducted on the officers of Public Work Department

which attached at the Road Maintenance Branch. Most officers have experienced
more than three years. This observation is important to show that they are very
experience and expert in road maintenance management. The aim of the interviews is
to attain the first objective of the study which is to know the present practice of Road
Maintenance Management System at Public Work Department. This method of study
conducted was discussed in the previous chapter, Chapter 4. The following paragraph
will discuss the result of the data obtained from the questionnaires and interviews.

40

The questionnaires are divided into four sections, which include the
respondent background, factors that are important to be considered in Road
Maintenance Management System, problems of Road Maintenance Management
System and basic approach in improving the Road Maintenance Management
System. Respondents for the questionnaire are the officers at Public Work
Department which are involved in the maintenance management. There are 30 set of
questionnaires that were distributed to the respondents. From the questionnaire, the
analysis was done using an average index which was discussed in Chapter 3.

5.1

FACTORS CONSIDERED IMPORTANT IN ROAD MAINTENANCE

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Frequencies for the best ranked and the least ranked factors which described
the importance of Road Maintenance Management System are derived from the
respond of respondents. The factors which are important to be considered in Road
Maintenance Management System are listed as eight factors. The most important
factors in Road Maintenance Management System is Quality of Work whilst the
least ranked is the Data of Inventory at 2.00 and 2.57 of average index.

41

Table 5.1 Important Factors in Road Maintenance Management System

No

Factors

VI

NI

LI

Average

Scale

Index
1

Quality of Work

13

2.00

Required Cost

2.28

Required Period

2.43

Quality Of

11

2.10

Design
5

Working Load

2.24

Workers Skill

2.19

Data of Inventory

2.57

Database System

2.43

VI = Very Important, I = Important, A = Average, NI = Not Important, LI = Least

Important

From the analysis also show that all the factors are in Important category
which include the factors Quality of Work, Required Cost, Required Period,
Quality of Design, Working Load, Workers Skill and Database System. While
the factor Data of Inventory which is in Average category.

In Road Maintenance Management System practice, Quality of Work is

most important in road maintenance. It is because the public can judge the road
maintenance based on the Quality of Work. When there are more complaints on
road maintenance it shows that the Road Maintenance Management System was
weak. So, the management should take this factor as the most important in Road
Maintenance Management System.

Table 5.1 shows that the least important factor is Data of Inventory. In actual
practice, Data of Inventory was also important in Road Maintenance Management
System. This data of inventory was important because from this data, the road
maintenance can be evaluated effectively to make sure the maintenances are in order.

42

5.2

PROBLEMS

OCCUR

DURING

THE

PROCESS

OF

ROAD

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Problems

occur

during

the

implementation

of

Road

Maintenance

Management System need to define by the Public Work Department for improving
the current Road Maintenance Management System. This analysis was conducted on
the data gathered through interviews and questionnaires.

From the interviews, there are major problems occur during the process of
Road Maintenance Management System which listed below:

i. Budget: Most critical problems in road maintenance. Public Work

Department need to do prioritisation for road maintenance.
ii. Project Delivery: Most of the project which deliver to the Branch of
Maintenance and Fasilities do not comply the acceptance criteria.
iii. Data of Road under Maintenance: the data was not too accurate and also
the problem to keep the data in systematic manner.
v. Do not have Standard Manual in Road Maintenance.
vi. Less training for the staff.

From the data gathered using questionnaires, the frequencies for the most and
the least ranked problems during the implementation of Road Maintenance
Management System are derived from the respondents feedback. The analysis was
rigorously done based on eight major problems which listed in Table 5.2.

Most respondent agreed that problem in Road Maintenance Management

System is Fund for the Maintenance whilst the least respondent agreed is Less
Training for the Staff at 2.29 and 3.05 of average index.

43

From the Table 5.2 also shows that Fund for the Maintenance is in Agree
category. There are seven problems fall in the category of Slightly Agree. These
problems are Medium of Communication follow by Data Input and Validation,
Specification Or Manual Procedure, Design Stage, Data Of Inventory,
Privatization Of Road Maintenance and lastly Less Training For The Staff.

The finding shows that the most respondent agreed on the problem of Road
Maintenance Management System was funds or budgets for maintenance work.
Public Work Department needs to prioritise the maintenance work before the
maintenance done by the concessioners.

Table 5.2 Problems on Road Maintenance Management System

No

List of Problem

StA

SlA

DA

SDA

Average

Scale

Index
1

Funds For The

2.29

Road
Maintenance
2

Design Stage

2.86

SlA

Privatisation of

2.95

SlA

2.76

SlA

2.57

SlA

3.05

SlA

Road
Maintenance
4

Medium of
Communication

Spesification or
Manual Procedure

Less Training for

the Staff

Data of Inventory

2.95

SlA

Data Input and

2.76

SlA

Validation
StA = Strongly Agree, A = Agree, SlA = Slightly Agree, DA = Disagree, SDA =
Strongly Disagree

44

While the least respondent agreed the problem on Road Maintenance

Management System was less of training to the staff. In actual practice, Public Work
Department provides training for their staff and required to attend course or training
at least 7 days per year.

5.3

BASIC APPROACH FOR IMPROVING ROAD MAINTENANCE

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Each system must have their strength and weakness. From the study, was
defined a few problem in Road Maintenance Management System at Public Work
Department. The basic approach for improving the current Road Maintenance
Management System is shown in Table 5.3. This analysis was conducted on the data
gathered through interviews and questionnaires.

From the interview that has been conducted, it was found that there are two
basic approach for improving the Road Maintenance Management System as listed
below:
i.

Systematic database storage either for the hard copy or soft copy. The
systematic database storage information is required when involving
the road maintenance; and

ii.

Monitoring the works carried out by concessioners.

From the data gathered using questionnaires, frequencies of highest and

lowest ranked for basic approach for improving the current Road Maintenance
Management System are derived from the respondents feedback. The highest ranked
for basic approach is Monitoring the Works Carried Out by Concessioners whilst
the lowest ranked is Initial Study and General Survey at an average index of 1.62
and 2.14.

45

Table 5.3 Basic Approach for Improving Road Maintenance Management

System

No

List of Problem

StA

SlA

DA

SDA

Average

Scale

Index
1

Initial Study and

10

2.14

13

1.86

12

1.81

1.90

14

1.81

12

1.81

2.14

14

1.62

General Survey
2

Standardise the
Basic System or
Methodology

Training for
Understanding of
Road
Maintenance

Use Maintenance
Technology and
Methods

Planning for the

Funds

Awareness at
Design Stage

Standardise Data
Collection

Monitoring the
Works Carried
Out by
Concessioners

StA = Strongly Agree, A = Agree, SlA = Slightly Agree, DA = Disagree, SDA =

Strongly Disagree

46

From the Table 5.3 also shows that all the basic approach fall in respectively
the category of Agree. These approaches include Monitoring of Works Carried
Out by Concessioners, Training for Understanding of Road Maintenance followed
by Planning for the Budget, Awareness At The Design Stages, Standardise the
Basic System or Methodology, Use Maintenance Technology and Methods,
Standardise Data Collection and Initial Study and General Survey.

All the maintenance for the road work was privatized for 25 years. From the
questionnaires, Monitoring of Works Carried Out by the Concessioners was needed
to make sure the maintenance work was done appropriately. Public Work
Department can improve the ways of monitoring or supervision by increasing the
numbers of audit.

The approach of Initial Study and General Survey which obtain the lowest
ranked by the respondents shows that the Branch of Road Maintenance and Facilities
not involving in initial study. In real practice at Public Work Department, initial
study was done by Highway Department. However, cooperation between this two
branch can avoid the problems in maintenance in the future.

5.4

SUMMARY

From the analysis, it can be summarized that the most important factor in
Road Maintenance Management System is Quality of Work. Basically the most
serious problem occured during the implementation of Road Maintenance
Management System is to obtain the budgets for the road maintenance. The basic
approach has highlighted that Public Work Department in improving the Road
Maintenance Management System need to monitor the work carried out by the
concessions.

47

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.0

INTRODUCTION

This is the last chapter of this report in which it will conclude the analysis
conducted Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. The recommendation of further road
maintenance development for the future study is also included to improve The Road
Maintenance Management System at Public Work Department.

6.1

CONCLUSION

From this study conclusions related to the objectives of the research are
made. The conclusions for the three objectives are as follows.

48

6.1.1

To Study The Road Maintenance Management System In The Malaysia

Construction Industry.

The first objective is to conduct the study on Road Maintenance Management

System in the Malaysia Construction Industry has been achieved. The Road
Maintenance Management System for the current practice at public Work
Department can be concluded as follows:

i.

Initiation obtain information about the asset (road) from the database,
annual data collection, feedback and also the complaint system;

ii.

Planning plan the budgeting using the prioritizing systems are

HDM4/BMS/SPRS;

iii.

Execution Public Work Department State and Concessioners should use

the work program for project implementation.

iv.

Monitoring/control PWD control the maintenance based on monthly

progress, quarterly financial meeting and audit; and

v.

6.1.2

Evaluation based on performance monitoring and system improvement.

Problem in Road Maintenance Management System

The second objective is to identify the problem on Road Maintenance

Management System has been achieved. It can be concluded that the budget is the
vital element in the whole planning of the road maintenance system. Without the
budget, the maintenance system cannot be implemented and after a few years the
road will be demolished and required the highest cost. The other main factor in
determining the successful of road maintenance is the full commitment and
awareness of all level within the organization i.e. policy makers and the operators
level.

49

6.1.3

Basic Approach for Improving the Road Maintenance Management

System

The third objective is to identify the basic approach for improving the Road
maintenance management System has been achieved. Currently the road
maintenance was carried out by the concessioners. There are few problems identified
from this privatization. Therefore, Public Work Department needs to improve the
system of monitoring the work done by the concessioners. Besides that, the other
approach was also important is planning the budget in a rational and optimized
manner to obtain the optimum maintenance work.

6.2

RECOMMENDATION

From the study of Road Maintenance Management System, the quality of

data collected data play a major role in determining the effectiveness as well as
accuracy of the PMS output and overall road maintenance cycle. In order to achieve
that, few aspects need to be improved such as traffic, vehicle fleet, performance
model and system features.

Currently traffic data was provided by another party in our agency which is
sometime not adequate or accurate in performing program analysis in HDM4. Whilst
for the vehicle fleet and road deterioration model, only one set of data or model has
been used in the system. It seems not so accurate due to variation in vehicle fleet and
performance of the pavement material throughout the country. By introducing
regional or specific vehicle fleet and performance model, the accuracy of the system
output will be improved.

50

Another aspect of improvement is directly related to the system itself. By

incorporating the reporting feature in the system, the operators are able to analyse
and view the current condition of the road. For example use of GIS to show the
current road condition.

For the further study, it is recommended that to focus on the system itself
which include the database system, collecting data system and standard manual
procedure for road maintenance.

51

REFERENCES

Abdul Majid M., Z and McCaffer R (1997). Assessment of Work Performance of

Maintenance Contractors in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Management in
Engineering. ASCE. September/October.

Ahmad Riza, H, (2006), Maintenance Management and Services ( Case Study:

Perkeso Buildings in Peninsular Malaysia, Master, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia.

An OECD Scientific Expert Group (1995). Road Transport Research, Road

Maintenance Management system in developing countries.
A.S Hornby (1995), Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary, 5th Ed England, Oxford
University Press.
British

Standard

Institution

(1984).

Maintenance

management

terms

in

teratechnology. BS3811:1984.
Buletin Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, Jun 2009 Suku Tahunan Bil 6, Bahagian Senggara
Fasiliti Jalan.
Buletin Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, September 2009 Suku Tahunan Bil 7, Bahagian
Senggara Fasiliti Jalan.
Chong, S. E, (2006), The Maintenance of Aiport Pavement A Case Study at Senai
International Airport, Degree, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Dipak, N. C., Roads Board Nepal: A Sustainable Approach to Road Maintenance

Management, Transport and Communication Bulletin for Asia and the
Pacific, 2005, No. 75.

52

Dr Ahmad Ramly (2002). Prinsip dan Praktis Pengurusan Penyenggaraan

Bangunan. Pustaka Ilmi, Selangor.

Haas, R. and Hudson, W. R., Pavement Management Systems, McGraw-Hill, New

York, 1978.

Inthiran, K. (2004), Privatization of Road Maintenance in Malaysia: A Case Study,

Master, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Lee, Reginald (1987). Building Maintenance Management Oxford : BSP Professional

BKS.

Muhammad Suhail Badrul amal, Majdi Mohamad, Nafisah Abdul Aziz (2002),
Privation of Maintenance for Federal Roads in Peninsular Malaysia. 5th
Malaysia Road Conference, 7 -9 October 2002, Kuala Lumpur.

Neil S. Grigg (1988).Infrastructure Engineering and Management, A WileyInterscience Publication.

Norazlina, M. K. (2007), Emergent Trend In Malaysian Construction Industry : The

Rise of Facilities Management, Master, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Note on Road Maintenance, Public Work Department.

T. F. Fwa (2006). The Handbook of Highway Engineering, Taylor & Francis Group.

Tillotson, H.T., Kerali, H.R. and Snaith, M.S., Proceedings of the International
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Bangalore, 1996, pp. 220 227.

53

Weng Tat Chan,T. F. Fwa, Kh. Zahidul Hoque (2001), Constraint handling methods
in pavement maintenance programming, Transportation Research Part C
9; pg. 175 - 190.

54

.
APPENDICE A
ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM A CASE
STUDY AT PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT (PWD)

INTERVIEW FORM

Name

: .................................................................................................

Designation

: .................................................................................................

Question 1
Experience and role at CSFJ.

Question 2
Explain the current procedure for road maintenance management system which applied at
CSFJ.

55

Question 3
Problems occur during the process of road maintenance management system.

Question 4
Propose to improve the road maintenance management system at PWD.

Question 5
What your expectations for road maintenance management system in the future?

56

APPENDICE B

QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic : Road Maintenance Management System A Case
Study At Public Work Department
This research is mainly conducted for academic purpose only
All source and information and data obtained are deemed to be private
and confidential.

The questionnaire contains of Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV.
Kindly complete the entire question.
PART I : RESPONDENT BACKGROUND

1) Respondents Name
(optional)

:_________________________________

2) Address
(optional)

: _________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

3) Contact Number
(optional)

: _________________________________

4) Designation

: _________________________________

5) Experience

: _________________________________

6) Level of Academic

: _________________________________

57

PART II : ROAD CONDITION

Which of the following factors are important in road maintenance? Please

rate accordingly.

1. Very Important 2. Important

5. Least Important

3. Average

4. Not Important

Quality of Work

Required Cost

Required Period

Quality of Design

Working Load

Workers Skill

Data of Inventory

Database System

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PART III : PROBLEMS IN ROAD MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

What are the most problems occur during the implementation of road
maintenance management system? Please rate accordingly.
1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Slightly Agree

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Funds for the road maintenance

Design stage

Privatisation of road maintenance

Medium of Communication

Specification or manual procedure

Less training for the staff

Data of inventory

Data input and validation

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PART IV: IMPROVING THE ROAD MAINTENNCE MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM

What are the basic approach should be built on by PWD to improve the
present Road Maintenance Management System? Please rate accordingly.
1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Slightly Agree

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Initial study and general survey

Standardize the basic system or

methodology

Training for fully understanding of road

maintenance

Identify the maintenance technology and

methods

Planning for the funds

Awareness the design stages

Standardized data collection

Monitoring the works carried out by

concessioners

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APPENDICE C
SAMPLE OF ANALISYS AT NETWORK LEVEL

61

APPENDICE D
PRIVATIZATION OF ROAD MAINTENANCE

62

APPENDICE E
SAMPLE OF DATA COLLECTION DCP TEST

63

APPENDICE F
RAMS USED FOR COLLECTING DATA

64

APPENDICE G
SAMPLE OF DATA ANALYSIS USING HDM-4