Structure Management Sections
After all the necessary datasets are loaded into the system, you can prepare the system to run analysis.
Update Network Master
With Management Sections developed, we are ready to perform network analysis. In Structures Analyst, the Network Master file is the starting point for all network analyses. These analyses depend on the columns included in the table. The columns to be included can be decided based on decision-making and reporting requirements for each customer.
The Network Master table combines data from the various sources (structure condition, traffic data, structural material, structural type, etc.). It is central to Structures Analyst because it is the starting point for all network analyses and should contain the latest information for all structures. It represents the current structures, traffic, classification, and condition for the network as a whole. Out of the box, Network Master Data window can be accessed by following the steps below:
- Select the Structure Analyst module
- Select Inventory from the banner menu at the top of the page
- Click Network Master in the drop-down menu
- View the Network Master Data menu
Because Network Master is the input data stream for network analysis, it must be re-calculated at least once a year for the current data set to be used in network analysis and it should also be recalculated each time any of the condition indicator settings change.
Network Master typically uses the current Structure attributes as the master for analysis data. Other data (such as structure type inventory, traffic, condition in the form of performance index, and construction history) are then assigned to the Network Master when it is filled. Data for the Network Master is calculated according to rules developed for each client, using the Update Target Table function.
The Network Master Data window shows all structures in Network Master and provides descriptive information about each road structure. All the columns in Network Master are calculated using formulas and can be configured by right-clicking and selecting Update Target Table. For each element the current element-level data is displayed in a pane within the Network Master window.
The configuration process will configure the Network Master to include all the fields needed for analysis and reporting. As part of the process, a system job routine will be setup to update the Network Master based on the rules defined by the agency. When it is time to update Network, navigate to the System Job Schedule window by following the steps below:
- Select the System module
- Select Tools from the banner menu at the top of the page
- Click System Job in the drop-down menu
- Click Schedules
- Execute the Structure Analyst: Create and Update Network Master using Performance Master data system job
Update Performance Master
Performance analysis uses historical information to provide a feedback mechanism to improve the predictive capabilities of Structure performance models. The primary repository for data used in performance analysis is the Performance Master.
The main difference between Performance Master and Network Master is that Performance Master has an EFF_YEAR column, and can be considered an archive of Network Master’s data from each year.
Performance Master usually contains the same columns as Network Master and typically follows the same data calculation rules. Normally, after the Network Master is finalized each year, the user runs the process to update Performance Master which appends Network Master’s data to the Performance Master.
Out of the box, the Network Master Data window can be accessed by following the steps below:
- Select the Structure Analyst module
- Select Inventory from the banner menu at the top of the page
- Click Network Master in the drop-down menu
- View the Network Master Data menu
