Use of trenchless technologies for a comprehensive asset management of culverts and drainage structures

The rapid deterioration and aging of infrastructure elements require transportation agencies to make quick and reliable decisions. While comprehensive infrastructure management strategies have been developed for the visible components of the highway system (e.g. bridges and pavement), culverts and drainage structures are often neglected. In a previous study, the authors investigated the current culvert asset management practices of transportation agencies and also developed the inventory and inspection protocols necessary for establishing an effective culvert asset management program (Najafi et al. 2008). This study builds upon the findings of the previous research project and focuses on the application of trenchless technologies for inspection, construction, repair and renewal of culverts. First, a review of the relevant literature was conducted. Second, in order to identify and characterize trenchless technology methods used for buried pipes, departments of transportation and technology providers were asked to complete a written survey. The limitations of trenchless technologies in terms of applicability to culverts are investigated. A decision support tool is generated in order to help decision makers to identify the most preferred repair/renewal procedures given the condition of the culvert.