SINCE 1991
AquaCoustic Remote Technologies specializes in inspections of underwater structures such as trunk or mainline sewers, hydro dams, reservoirs, ports and bridge abutments using a wide range of technologies to create accurate condition assessments. AquaCoustic principals have over 30 years experience in assessing underwater conditions. Our clients include many major civil engineering firms and municipalities throughout North America.
Trunk sewer inspections project examples
An industrial sewer survey
Surveys of industrial sites present particular challenges. At this site, manhole access points were difficult to locate or could not be found at all, and onsite drawings were out-of-date or missing information.
Once in the sewer main itself the difficulties continued. The presence of debris in the line and high flow levels prevented adequate viewing of the pipe circumference visually, aeration levels threatened to compromise sonar data, and water temperatures were high enough to endanger the electronic equipment.
Despite these difficulties, sufficient information was acquired to determine the condition of the sewer. The line suffered from corrosion due to the chemical content of the waste, high levels of debris accumulation, and ground water infiltration.
If chemical corrosion is not identified and addressed the sewer main may structurally deteriorate to such an extent that it is in danger of collapse.
Debris accumulation in sewer mains is highly undesirable as it restricts the hydraulic capacity of the main and can potentially lead to blockages and sewer back-ups of the complete system.
Infiltrating ground water migrates through defects and open joints, and significant quantities of fine material surrounding the pipe had been removed and transferred into the main. This in turn causes the pipe/soil interface to weaken and provides the opportunity for further structural damage to develop.
Fortunately, this survey resulted in identification of the issues prior to catastrophic failure, and the proper remediation could take place.
An investigation of a potable water line
Limited access due to the rugged terrain made the investigation of this potable water line difficult.
The 18-inch steel gravity pipeline was operating at low pressures and followed the contour of the mountain slope with velocities that are flat and slow. The lack of adequate cover and/or bedding made the pipeline highly susceptible to deformation and damage. In one location the crown of the pipe had been deformed and barricades had been installed to prevent automobiles from driving over it.
A CCTV and profiling sonar survey was carried out.
