Robert L. Schmitt, P.E., Ph.D.

University of Wisconsin - Platteville

1 University Plaza

Platteville, WI  53818-3099

Ph: 608-342-1239

Fax: 608-342-1566

email:  schmitro@uwplatt.edu

The objectives of this research study are to (1) develop a comprehensive guide to statistics for use in maintenance quality assurance (MQA) programs, and (2) synthesize case studies of agencies with effective MQA programs (as a severable deliverable).

In recent years, transportation Maintenance Quality Assurance (MQA) programs have developed to assure that maintenance quality is being achieved.  MQA programs have to be capable of detecting insufficient maintenance efforts, poor material performance, and incorrect procedures when evaluating end-product performance.  Data collected to assess whether these capabilities are achieved require a statistically-valid sampling and evaluation process.  At the October 2004 Maintenance Quality Assurance Peer Exchange held at Madison, Wisconsin, participants raised questions regarding use of statistics in MQA programs.  The purpose of this study is to answer these questions and provide maintenance practitioners with an understanding of how to understand and use statistics in MQA programs. 

A comprehensive literature review will investigate the state-of-practice for managing statistics in MQA programs for transportation maintenance.  Statistical aspects of MQA will be analyzed, including underlying assumptions of MQA data distributions, assembling collected data for analysis, performing a rigorous statistical analysis with actual data, and performing computer simulations and sensitivity analysis of key parameters. Finally, a guidebook will be written for using statistics in MQA programs.  An electronic presentation, suitable for delivery to a state DOT management team, will be created that is web-accessible.

Project Start Date: May 1, 2005. Project End Date: December 31, 2005

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