CCTV Video Equipment for Enhanced Culvert Inspections

When more detailed information on culvert conditions is required, inspectors can use enhanced inspection technologies. It includes multiple sensor inspections (e.g., laser ring, sonar, inclinometer), core sampling, and remote video (CCTV) inspections that can measure or digitally record conditions that are not apparent from a simple visual inspection. The remote video inspection is officially recommended as a preferable choice for all types of culvert inspections, including design-related, post-construction, condition, and emergency / complaint-related.

Enhanced inspections are justifiable when the cost of collecting data does not exceed the value of the data.

Many states and provinces have no local contractors who can conduct multiple sensor robotic culvert inspections. To decrease the high contracted cost of a video inspection driven by an out-of-state mobilization, Departments of Transportation may realize cost savings using their own equipment instead of hiring a contractor.

Analyzing results from multiple enhanced field inspections Minnesota Department of Transportation made a few pertinent conclusions:

• Culverts smaller than 48 inches were challenging to enter and inspect. Consequently, the end-of-pipe inspection was conducted for those types of culverts.
• Conducting an inspection from one end in a black plastic culvert was difficult. Even with high-powered lighting, gouges in the culvert wall were difficult to inspect.
• An end-of-pipe examination does not produce detailed, quantified measurements of culvert condition. It is difficult to see damage beyond 20 to 30 feet from the culvert inlet/outlet.
• Compared to laser scan inspections, CCTV video inspections generate more cost-effective data. CCTV effectively identifies types of damage in a culvert and the damage location relative to the culvert inlet. Laser ring scanning can better quantify culvert deformations and corrosion; however, severe corrosion and deformations can also be seen in the CCTV inspection video.

Manhole and culvert inspection cameras offer a number of advantages when used in the workplace. They allow visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas such as water, sewer, or wells without the need for workers to descend. This increases safety, reduces the risk of accidents, and improves work efficiency. In addition, the cameras are equipped with various features such as backlighting, adjustable LED brightness, and image recording capabilities, making the inspection process more convenient and informative.