Development of Maintenance Management Model for Enhancement Performance of Culverts: A Case of Kinondoni District Council
Abstract
Culverts are vital components of urban drainage infrastructure, yet many suffer from poor performance due to inadequate maintenance practices. This study developed a comprehensive maintenance management model to enhance culvert performance in Kinondoni District Council, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods research approach, 194 infrastructure professionals were surveyed to assess factors affecting culvert performance through Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. A multiple regression model was developed and validated to predict culvert condition based on seven critical factors: structural integrity, hydraulic capacity, blockage clearance, desilting, climate change adaptation, erosion protection, and maintenance practices. The regression model demonstrated strong predictive capability with R = 0.780, explaining 60.8% of variance in culvert performance (F = 41.837, p < 0.001). Field validation across four representative culverts showed performance scores ranging from 54.7% (good condition) to 20.6% (poor condition), confirming the model's discriminatory capability. The RII analysis revealed structural integrity (84.3%) and hydraulic capacity (83.4%) as the most critical factors affecting culvert performance. The study concludes that systematic, evidence-based maintenance management significantly improves infrastructure performance and resource allocation efficiency. The developed model provides practitioners with quantitative tools for prioritising interventions and optimising maintenance strategies, ultimately extending culvert lifespan and enhancing drainage system reliability in urban environments.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Edwin Kabwoto, Blausius Ngayakamo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
