Specialist CCTV Survey Maps Challenging Huddersfield Culvert for First Bus
Octane Draincare has completed a specialist CCTV drainage investigation for First Bus in Huddersfield, helping to establish the condition and route of a challenging 375mm concrete culvert.
The project presented a number of access and surveying challenges, with the culvert running from an access point close to railway tracks, through a forested area, beneath a canal and onwards through the client’s site.
With conventional inspection methods unsuitable for the difficult route, specialist CCTV technology and GPS mapping were required to investigate the drainage asset safely and accurately.
Culvert CCTV survey tackles difficult drainage access
The investigation focused on a 375mm-diameter concrete culvert, with access conditions making it difficult to establish the route and inspect the condition of the pipework using conventional methods.
Octane Draincare’s specialist drainage survey team mobilised to site with a remotely operated CCTV crawler unit, specifically designed to operate within difficult drainage infrastructure.
The crawler was introduced into the culvert and progressed through the system, capturing detailed internal footage as it travelled along the route.
This provided a clear visual record of the culvert and allowed the team to investigate the condition of the drainage infrastructure without the need for excavation.
GPS drainage mapping establishes the culvert route
Understanding the physical location of the culvert was just as important as inspecting its internal condition.
Working alongside a specialist surveying company, GPS-compatible tracking equipment was attached to the CCTV system. This enabled the team to trace the crawler’s position and map the route of the culvert as the investigation progressed.
The technology was particularly valuable given the challenging environment, with the drainage route passing beneath a canal and through areas of woodland before reaching the First Bus site.
Combining CCTV drainage inspection with GPS mapping provided a much clearer understanding of where the underground asset travelled.
Specialist drainage investigation provides vital asset information
The completed investigation gave First Bus valuable information about the condition, location and route of its drainage infrastructure.
The CCTV footage provided detailed evidence of the internal condition of the culvert, while the GPS mapping helped establish its position beneath the surrounding land and infrastructure.
Together, this information gives the client a stronger basis for planning future maintenance and making informed decisions about the management of the drainage asset.
Drainage surveys for difficult and hard-to-reach environments
The Huddersfield project demonstrates the importance of using the right equipment and specialist expertise when investigating drainage infrastructure that cannot be easily accessed.
From railway-side access and woodland to culverts running beneath canals and operational sites, difficult environments can make conventional drainage surveys challenging.
Octane Draincare’s specialist CCTV drainage survey and mapping capabilities provide clients with detailed information about underground drainage assets, even where access is restricted or the route is difficult to establish.
Need to investigate a difficult-to-access culvert or underground drainage asset? Contact Octane Draincare to discuss your survey requirements.