Condition & Maintenance

Preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance: choosing the right mix

Maintenance strategies differ in when work is triggered and what evidence is used. Most infrastructure portfolios use a mix rather than one universal approach.

Editorial review: August 12, 2026 · Andrew P. Marlowfield

Preventive work is time or usage based

Tasks are scheduled before known deterioration or wear is expected to become unacceptable.

Predictive work uses condition information

Measurements or inspections can help target interventions when condition indicates a need.

Corrective work follows a defect or failure

This can be reasonable for low-consequence items but risky for assets whose failure disrupts important service.

Strategy should match consequence

The appropriate mix reflects service impact, detectability, access, cost and the owner’s tolerance for interruption.

Scope. This page explains asset-management concepts, not operating procedures for critical infrastructure. Inspection methods, intervention thresholds and safety decisions must follow the asset owner’s standards, local rules and qualified professional judgement.