7 Enhanced Culvert Inspection Technologies

In the vast majority of cases, an end-pipe culvert inspection will be more than enough to determine whether the culvert needs to be replaced.?

The end-pipe inspection is the simplest and, in most cases, the most cost-effective inspection strategy. All you need is a high-powered flashlight and some manpower.?

Sometimes, inspectors have unique needs that can only be met by an inspection that uses modern technology. Enhanced culvert inspections are capable of collecting an impressive array of data.?

But when do you need to use an enhanced culvert inspection technique? What are the most modern methods?

When Should I Use Enhanced Culvert Inspection?

In general, most situations only call for an end-pipe inspection. But when the need for accurate data outweighs the cost, you should consider an enhanced inspection method.?

Some conditions that might merit enhanced inspection include

• Post-construction condition inspections
• CIPP liner inspections
• Ovality inspections
• Flow capacity inspections
• Inspecting a culvert longer than 60 feet

If an adult can’t see through the entire culvert and can’t fit in there themselves, then you’ll likely need to find an alternative inspection method.

Common Enhanced Culvert Inspection Techniques

Multiple Sensor Inspection

A multiple-sensor inspection is a measurement-based inspection that uses sensors on top of a remote-controlled crawler.?

These sensors are customizable. Inspectors have the option to mount different sensors depending on what’s being measured. Sensors include

• Sonar Profilometry Sensors - This device uses sound to quantify debris beneath the water of a fully or partially submerged culvert.
• Inclinometer Sensor - This sensor will help inspectors determine the slope of a culvert.?
• Laser Profilometry - This sensor uses a laser light, shaped like a ring, to measure the shape and measurements of a culvert. More advanced sensors can collect spatially-coded data points that describe the surface of the culvert, for instance.?

Mandrel Inspection

Mandrel inspections are another measurement inspection. This method requires an inspector to pull a deflection gauge through a plastic culvert.?

Mandrel testing helps determine the culvert's shape, and mandrel inspections can help inspectors determine whether the culvert is within ovality tolerances.?

Unfortunately, Mandrel inspections can be susceptible to deformation. This makes them great for post-construction inspections, but less useful for other inspection needs.?

Hammer Sound Testing

Hammer Sound Testing is a quick, effective method for gathering more data about the structural integrity of a concrete culvert after a visual inspection has determined that there is metal spalling or damaged rebar.??

When rebar corrosion occurs, voids begin to form in the concrete, which can fundamentally affect the culvert’s structural integrity.?

During a Hammer Sound Test, the inspector will tap the concrete walls with a hammer. This will be able to identify voids in the culvert’s construction. These results are subjective, however.?

Core Sampling Test

Core sampling tests provide a more objective way to gather data about the structural integrity of a concrete culvert.?

It is, however, a destructive test. The inspector will collect a core sample from the culvert’s wall and then test that sample to determine the culvert’s compressive strength.?

This compressive strength is compared against the culvert’s original design specifications and tolerances.

Closed-Circuit Television

By far the most common enhanced culvert inspection technique, CCTV inspections offer inspectors a means to visually inspect a culvert when it is inaccessible.?

CCTV cameras are normally attached to a crawler, which is then sent into the culvert. The cameras record a visual inspection.

Should the inspector encounter damage, they are able to record that damage and address them.

Using a camera does introduce some problems, though. It’s essential that the camera records colors accurately, and higher-quality video is essential for the proper diagnosis of culvert problems.

Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer Inspection

Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE) inspections are one of the newest enhanced inspection methods.?

A HIVE is, essentially, a smaller CCTV crawler set-up. This makes it easier for individual inspectors to provide a CCTV video recording. It also allows for CCTV inspections of smaller culverts.

The key difference between HIVE inspection and traditional CCTV inspections is the ability of the vehicle to get to hard-to-reach places that a crawler typically cannot.?

Joint Photographic Experts Group Mosaic Inspection

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Mosaic Inspection is a new and emerging culvert inspection technology. JPEG Mosaic inspections allow inspectors to record a 360-degree image of the culvert wall. These images undergo post-processing to develop a photographic model of the culvert.? This allows inspectors to pan, zoom, and otherwise engage with the inspection, enabling them to get more information about the culvert itself.?

Getting Ready for a Culvert Inspection? Know Your Repair Options.

If you’re inspecting culverts in your area, you’re likely looking into repair and replacement options. InfraSteel? is an excellent option that allows you to repair culverts without compromising their flow capacity.

Contact our sales team today to learn if InfraSteel? is right for your project.