Date
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Time
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Location Name
Ballroom A
Name
Beyond Surface Level: Best Practices for Safe, Effective, and Accurate Manhole Inspections
Track
System Management
Description
Stormwater or Wastewater manhole structure inspections are useful tools for managing a utility. These inspections serve as key information for an Asset Management Program to help identify the need for rehabilitation or replacement, serve as key metrics when estimating mainline rehabilitation cost, and gives a cost-effective window into the utility’s operational status. Traditionally, manhole inspections were completed on paper, however, this method can introduce error into the collection process with data transfer or lost records. Confined space entry into manholes increases time spent at each asset and additionally requires certified individuals with specialized equipment. We intend to show how digital entry forms can be combined with online mapping to simultaneously increase efficiency and accuracy with inspections. We will detail how new, low cost, commercially available cameras can be used to perform high quality inspections. The resulting videos can then be uploaded to AI software and coded to level 2 NASSCO MACP standards. This will allow utilities instant access to digital twins of their manholes and help prioritize rehabilitation efforts to minimize inflow and infiltration in their system. We will also discuss best practices for leveraging the data collected once field work is complete.