In collaboration with public partners De Vlaamse Waterweg and the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV), along with professional associations De Vlaamse Waterbouwers, Embuild Vlaanderen, ADEB-VBA, OCW, and Mobibel, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has launched the new chair “Agile and Future-proof Infrastructure for Transport (A-FIT)”. Led by Professor of Sustainable Strategy, Elvira Haezendonck, the chair will coordinate four years of research into integrated, future-oriented road and waterway infrastructure. This in-depth research aims to pave the way for sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure for future generations.
Despite increased efforts in recent years by road and waterway managers to maintain infrastructure, there is a clear backlog in maintenance that needs to be addressed. This is evident from the Asset Wijzer 2023 analysis, which outlines the current condition of the infrastructure. While some progress has been made, we are simultaneously transitioning towards electric vehicles, autonomous driving and navigation, and more sustainable materials. This presents an opportunity to better align tomorrow’s investments with these advancements.
In a previous chair, “Infrastructure Asset Management & Lifecycle Planning”, led by Professor Elvira Haezendonck (VUB) in collaboration with ULB, research was already conducted into the efficient management of current public infrastructure in Belgium. However, there remains a gap in knowledge about the total costs (and benefits) incurred throughout the lifecycle of this infrastructure, and how better maintenance strategies can be implemented. Although existing (social) cost-benefit analyses are available, comprehensive and dynamic methodologies for assessing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of future-proof public infrastructure are lacking. This gap hampers efficient decision-making, leading to an underestimation of future maintenance costs, insufficient attention to future-proofing measures, and inadequate oversight of integrated project challenges as they arise today. As a result, the sustainability and resilience of our infrastructure are at risk, potentially leading to significant societal consequences.
Elvira Haezendonck: “The VUB Chair Agile and Future-proof Infrastructure for Transport (A-FIT) takes on this challenge and will investigate future-proof infrastructure and maintenance strategies, predictive and preventive maintenance approaches, and effective integration methodologies for public transport infrastructure projects. The ultimate goal is, of course, to develop and maintain transport infrastructure that is future-ready, sustainable, and cost-efficient, while further supporting our economy and society. With our partners, the insights will be swiftly delivered to the relevant policymakers and sectors.”
“This chair is undoubtedly a major step forward in improving our strategies and methods.”
Chris Danckaerts, CEO of De Vlaamse Waterweg: "The quality and availability of our infrastructure are key factors for Flanders' reputation. In recent years, we have made significant strides in the professionalisation of maintenance and asset management. This academic chair, supported by the construction sector and road and waterway managers, is an important further step."
Kathy Vandenmeersschaut, Director-General of the Agency for Roads and Traffic: “Aging infrastructure, high traffic volumes, complex structures, and the significant impact of failures place a special responsibility on us to carefully monitor our assets and take appropriate action. Together with other public bodies active in public works and mobility, the AWV is fully committed to asset management. This chair is undoubtedly a major step forward in enhancing our strategies and methods.” *
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.