Toogoolawah Stormwater Network Survey and Condition Assessment, QLD
Client Name
Somerset Regional Council
Value
Over $50,000
Service
Asset Management
Duration
2022 - 2023
The Challenge
Somerset Regional Council are responsible for urban stormwater networks across the region’s townships and is progressively carrying out survey and condition assessment inspections across each township. One of the biggest issues facing council is that much of the network captured is not accurately represented spatially nor in the current asset register.
These inspections are used to firstly obtain a greater confidence level in their asset register and additionally obtain a greater understanding of the size, location and condition of the stormwater network to undertake more accurate maintenance programs and valuations. The challenge was to obtain an accurate representation of Toogoolawah’s stormwater network within a small budget and timeframe.
These inspections are used to firstly obtain a greater confidence level in their asset register and additionally obtain a greater understanding of the size, location and condition of the stormwater network to undertake more accurate maintenance programs and valuations. The challenge was to obtain an accurate representation of Toogoolawah’s stormwater network within a small budget and timeframe.
The Solution
Proterra Group’s proposal was adopted to undertake the inspection and condition assessment program of the stormwater network using the Quickview AirHD pipeline inspection system. During inspections, the location of all associated pit, pipe and structure assets was confirmed by Survey RTK GPS capture with an accuracy of 0.05m horizontally and 0.01m vertically.
Along with measuring and recording all applicable attribute data, condition assessment ratings for structural and serviceability aspects were assigned for each asset using the IPWEA Practice Note 5 – Stormwater Drainage guideline. Photos of pits/structures and videos of pipes were captured and recorded detailing all defects and conditions in detail.
The Quickview camera system allows preliminary condition assessment data to be obtained across a larger area of the network at a fraction of the cost of CCTV technology. The preliminary data includes a steady and clear video of the entire pipe, up to 80m (inspect 40m from each end), allowing defect identification and condition assessment to be recorded. This project also allowed for visual inspection and condition assessment of each pit/structure/MH and recording of required data attributes to increase the accuracy and confidence of the council’s asset register.
Along with measuring and recording all applicable attribute data, condition assessment ratings for structural and serviceability aspects were assigned for each asset using the IPWEA Practice Note 5 – Stormwater Drainage guideline. Photos of pits/structures and videos of pipes were captured and recorded detailing all defects and conditions in detail.
The Quickview camera system allows preliminary condition assessment data to be obtained across a larger area of the network at a fraction of the cost of CCTV technology. The preliminary data includes a steady and clear video of the entire pipe, up to 80m (inspect 40m from each end), allowing defect identification and condition assessment to be recorded. This project also allowed for visual inspection and condition assessment of each pit/structure/MH and recording of required data attributes to increase the accuracy and confidence of the council’s asset register.
Client Contact
Phil Herron - Asset Engineer
Chol Lueth - Design Engineer
Chol Lueth - Design Engineer
Local Buy Contract
Yes
Delivery Team
Dan Whitehouse, Joel Devey, David Mitchell, Brok Whale
The Benefit
The biggest challenge for this project was the inaccurate representation of assets in the council's asset register, therefore it was decided that a field survey of the network was carried out prior to inspections. This was carried out using Topcon RTK GPS survey equipment with GIS spatial processing completed to obtain accurate field maps for the field crews to carry out a more efficient inspection programme.
Additionally, the Quickview AirHD inspection method allows for the inspection program to be carried out in an expedited timeframe and within a small budget, while still allowing a vast sample of the network to be captured. This methodology allows our Field Officers to quickly mobilise with minimal equipment. Productivity is essentially doubled from traditional CCTV methodology with cost potentially reduced by half. Additionally, asset accessibility is significantly higher than CCTV due to fewer factors causing survey abandonment.
Additionally, the Quickview AirHD inspection method allows for the inspection program to be carried out in an expedited timeframe and within a small budget, while still allowing a vast sample of the network to be captured. This methodology allows our Field Officers to quickly mobilise with minimal equipment. Productivity is essentially doubled from traditional CCTV methodology with cost potentially reduced by half. Additionally, asset accessibility is significantly higher than CCTV due to fewer factors causing survey abandonment.
The Result
By undertaking an accurate field survey of the stormwater network, it was identified that the extent of the network was vastly different than initially believed, with an additional 14% of pipes identified and captured, an additional 42% of pits/manholes identified and captured, and the majority of the network being re-projected spatially. This aspect was especially noticed by Council as this affects associated activities such as operational/capital planning, asset class valuations and asset management plans.
The inspection program was carried out with good progress and high-quality data being captured appeasing Council's reporting requirements, with priority areas also being identified allowing Council to make more informed decisions of repair, and also identifying assets that require immediate attention.
Proterra Group's customised Client Dashboard was utilised throughout this project allowing Council many benefits such as viewing inspection data and videos/photos in real time which allows Council to assess the condition of the network immediately and also assist with project programming and identifying additional assets to inspect if required. It also allowed both Council and Proterra Group to undertake project management tasks much quicker such as project progress and cost control.
The inspection program was carried out with good progress and high-quality data being captured appeasing Council's reporting requirements, with priority areas also being identified allowing Council to make more informed decisions of repair, and also identifying assets that require immediate attention.
Proterra Group's customised Client Dashboard was utilised throughout this project allowing Council many benefits such as viewing inspection data and videos/photos in real time which allows Council to assess the condition of the network immediately and also assist with project programming and identifying additional assets to inspect if required. It also allowed both Council and Proterra Group to undertake project management tasks much quicker such as project progress and cost control.
