Culvert Inspection Vehicle with Improved Telemetry Range

Abstract

Proper inspection of small culverts can prevent roadway failures, traffic disturbances, and save tens of thousands of dollars on costly repairs. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has adopted a policy that requires all culverts to be inspected every 5 years. Because of this, approximately 9,600 small culverts must be inspected annually. In this study, a lightweight inspection vehicle was designed, built, and tested to meet VTrans requirements for efficient and affordable small culvert inspection. Optimal parameters for video transmission through small culverts were understood through theory and a series of field tests. Vehicle form factor was chosen for maneuverability through small, flooded culverts. Performance for drop inlet inspection scenarios is characterized and discussed. Compared with prior designs, the “Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE) 2.0” inspection vehicle offered much greater video telemetry range and superior maneuverability.