Location and Evaluation of Underground Infrastructure

The water supply and sewage disposal infrastructure in many communities is in an advanced state of deterioration. A methodology is proposed for developing a GIS-based inventory of underground municipal utilities, along with their construction and repair history and condition assessment, to assist with considerably improved and scientific management of the assets, ensuring effective use of limited available resources. The various deterioration mechanisms occurring in the underground facilities are examined briefly along with the related causes. The condition assessment employs simple non-destructive techniques, as well as more sophisticated non- destructive tests in critical sectors, where further investigation is warranted. These test methods are reviewed summarily along with the relevant underlying principles. The pilot study for a selected small community is briefly described. The issues involved in the extrapolation of the small community model for development of GIS-based inventories and condition assessment, and prioritization for effective management is discussed; this includes issues of scheduling, financing and implementation of repair, rehabilitation and replacement.