Innovative method for assessment of underground sewer pipe condition

The accurate evaluation of current underground infrastructure must be done before any crucial decisions regarding lifecycle analysis, rehabilitation and replacement intervals and appropriate remedial methods can be made. Unfortunately, traditional technologies and management approaches have been limited by the use of insufficient data in the evaluation of the structural integrity of an aged infrastructure. This paper describes an innovative method for assessment of underground pipe, utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Digital Scanning and Evaluation Technology (DSET) to collect accurate information about the condition of a buried pipeline. Prediction modeling, using logistic regression, to measure the extent of deterioration of the infrastructure system, is described. A case study applying this innovative technology to sections of large diameter PVC lined concrete pipe in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, is presented.