Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Benjamin R. Knost, PhD

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) faces significant challenges in maintaining mission-critical infrastructure within highly corrosive environments, with annual costs exceeding $22.5 billion to combat corrosion. This thesis investigated the interplay between environmental severity, sustainment funding, and infrastructure performance. This research utilized Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) funding data, statistical analyses, and regression modeling, to evaluate how Environmental Severity Index (ESI) categories influence Base Condition Index (BCI) trends and the efficacy of the Facility Sustainment Model (FSM). The analysis revealed that installations in higher ESI categories required significantly greater investment per square foot to achieve comparable improvements in BCI. The results underscored the need for the current FSM to account for environmental factors. This thesis recommended incorporating Environmental Corrosion Factors (ECFs) into the FSM to better reflect the impact of environmental severity on infrastructure performance and funding efficiency. By aligning funding allocations with the environmental demands of specific corrosivity levels, this approach aimed to optimize sustainment strategies, improve infrastructure resilience, and support mission readiness in alignment with the national defense strategy.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-099

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

This work is marked Distribution A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0277

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