Remote Vehicle Serves as Inspectors’ Eyes in Tight Culverts

It’s kind of an overgrown, odd-looking remote control boat. However, its use is anything but child’s play in the collection of important data during the inspection of submerged culverts and hard-to-reach structures.

Ayres’ structural inspectors have been using a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) to inspect submerged culverts as part of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation statewide contract. The inspector controls the vessel from the bed of a pickup truck, while another inspector feeds the ROV and up to 1,500 feet of umbilical cord into the culvert.

The ROV contains three cameras (front and back) that project images back to the truck; these images can be used to document deficiencies where inspectors’ eyes and hands can’t reach or where conditions are too dangerous. The inspectors search for decay, corrosion, or other damage within the concrete or metal culverts, while also documenting any scour. It’s all here in this video.

Ayres’ structural inspectors have piloted both submarine type and crawler-type ROVs (think mini-tank) to inspect highway and hydroelectric projects.

For more information about Ayres’ inspection services, please contact Rick Maslyn.