ABSTRACT
As shown in previous chapters, major infrastructure projects have wider benefits to society, and as such these benefits should be well assessed. Whole life-cycle performance infrastructure metrics can be applied to infrastructure systems and can adopt a range of basic approaches depending on the maturity of the infrastructure project. However, their application may be more beneficial to those interdependent and interconnected projects that have the greatest value, require considerable funding, are high risk and/or are seen as critical. In some cases, complex approaches may be applied and in these circumstances, higher quality data and predictive modelling techniques will often be needed. Achieving whole life cycle value is a step beyond whole life cost and entails making infrastructure decisions based on broader criteria, while also considerating the needs of a wider range of stakeholders instead of just those typically involved in the immediate decision-making process. Understanding the whole life of an infrastructure project can pay dividends when it comes to costing, construction, maintenance and operation decisions. As expounded in this chapter, the ultimate aim for infrastructure clients and contractors should not only be to construct good infrastructure projects, but also ensure that the right infrastructure projects are constructed to meet the requirements during delivery and completion of an infrastructure project. Moreover, there is a need to ensure infrastructure projects meet the requirements of all stakeholders, particularly the end users.
