APPLICATION OF ROBOTICS IN DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF LARGE DIAMETER PIPELINES

摘要

The Trinity River Authority (TRA) has recently completed installation of 25,000 linear feet of a 104-inch diameter relief wastewater interceptor. This has allowed for the transfer of flow to the new pipeline and the evaluation of three parallel pipelines, two 72-inch and one 96-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipelines (RCP), the oldest of which was constructed in 1959. With the assistance of three engineering firms for these segments, TRA is undertaking the in-pipe analysis of the existing condition of the facilities using RedZone~TM robotic equipment in a full-scale application of the technology. Several technologies were considered for use in defining the existing condition of the pipeline segments so these considerations will be presented to demonstrate the basis for use of the technology in this application. Drivers for the use of this technology include sensitive public recreation areas, long reaches of pipeline without manholes, and recent history of pipeline collapses. The characterization of existing pipe through high resolution video and laser measurement will be presented along with decision matrix results of the assessment completed in late fall 2008. A risk profile was then structured to account for the combined condition rating and the consequence of failure. The condition assessment performed through use of this robotic technology has resulted in considerations for rehabilitation only possible with certain types of data through application of this technology. Utilization of this data will be applied to the most severe of the three evaluated segments to demonstrate the design considerations and limitations that were encountered with this assessment. Finally, the benefits for use of the technology will be presented in contrast to an approach without this technology, through condition assessment, risk analysis, and rehabilitation design considerations.