Standardized procedures and training of inspectors is required to determine pipeline and culvert performance. In addition, training should be offered through recognized industry organizations and programs that certify the qualifications of those who have completed inspection programs. The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) in the USA and the Sewer Pipe Inspection and Management Association in Canada are two such organizations established to train and certify pipeline inspectors.
Post installation inspection and testing is needed to verify conformance with design, determine initial condition and performance, verify pay items and requests, set a baseline for future inspections, and verification of structural strength of installation. Post installation inspections are often part of a performance-based specification. Generally, the methods and tools for post installation inspection include manned pipe investigations for 48-inch diameter and larger, mandrels that measure deflection/shape control, video cameras that take pictures and videos that are then evaluated, and the combined camera and laser inspections termed laser/video inspections.
The concrete pipe industry believes that post video inspection and deflection testing be required for quality control and quality assurance, and that further testing is needed to evaluate the long-term performance of HDPE pipes. For example, all previous monitoring points established on prior inspections or research projects should be measured and evaluated for long-term performance. In addition, a uniform pipe assessment/inspection program is desirable for quality control and for long-term performance monitoring. A quality control/quality assurance inspection program should be established for all drainage materials and structures.