An investigation of the factors influencing sewer structural deterioration

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of sewer physical properties on the structural deterioration of the Leuven (Belgium) sewers was investigated using logistic regression. The analysis revealed that out of the 10 variables considered, only three significantly affected the deterioration process, namely, age, material and length. Comparing the results of this study with similar studies revealed that no single set of factors can explain sewer deterioration, i.e. the process is a localised phenomenon. This study contributes to the widening and ascertaining of the limited – and often conflicting – knowledge with regard to the relationship between sewer properties and sewer deterioration.

Keywords:

• logistic regression
• sewer asset management
• sewer deterioration
• sewer physical properties

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the administrators and staff of the Technical Department of the City of Leuven (Belgium) for providing access to their sewer dataset.