Aqueduct Inspection

In the world of infrastructure development, some projects face uncertain paths, awaiting crucial information before moving forward. One such project, involving the construction of a road, was at a standstill, as the impact on an outfall remained unknown. That’s when our team was brought in to utilize cutting-edge CCTV and LiDAR technology to unlock the hidden mysteries of the aqueducts internal structure.

Exploring the Uncharted Depths: The aqueduct, which has remained un-inspected since its construction, required a novel approach to obtain required information. We devised a bespoke pipe inspection vehicle (PIV) equipped with high-definition CCTV to venture deep into the outfall’s depths. This PIV acted as a stable floating platform, offering a unique vantage point to capture intricate details.

Harnessing the Power of LiDAR: To complement the CCTV inspection, we employed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, renowned for its accuracy in creating detailed 3D scans. By combining the two technologies, we embarked on an unprecedented journey to map the aquaducts internal terrain comprehensively.

A Symphony of Technology: The PIV’s extendable arms emerged as a pivotal innovation, serving a dual purpose. Not only did they stabilize the LiDAR scans, ensuring unrivalled detail, but they also protected the outfall’s walls from any potential damage during the process.

Creating the 3D Point Cloud: The LiDAR scans captured from within the outfall were skilfully integrated with topographical lidar scans of the surrounding area. This fusion of data resulted in a real-world 3D point cloud, presenting our client with a vivid and holistic representation of the aqueduct and its surroundings.

Empowering Informed Decisions: Armed with this comprehensive data, our client could now make well-informed decisions regarding their project. They gained crystal-clear insights into the aqueducts condition, enabling them to evaluate their current plans or explore alternative pathways.

The Future of Infrastructure Exploration: This project’s success underscores the potential of integrating CCTV and LiDAR technologies. As we move forward, such innovative approaches will continue to transform the way we assess and interact with complex infrastructure, empowering progress while preserving the integrity of our engineering endeavours.

Conclusion: The aqueduct exploration journey exemplifies the power of technology in unravelling hidden complexities. Our collaboration with cutting-edge CCTV and LiDAR tools brought light to the unseen, aiding our client in making informed choices for their project. As pioneers in infrastructure exploration, we look forward to embracing even greater challenges, reshaping the landscapes of tomorrow.

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The work and attention to detail from initial enquiry to follow up and support after site work was excellent form all members of the team. I will be recommending the engagement of WSG to all of my colleagues going forward and will not hesitate to contact them again should I have similar work to carry out.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Question

Why was an aqueduct inspection required on this project?

Key decisions on a planned road scheme were blocked by unknowns; the aqueduct had never been inspected internally, so reliable condition and geometry data was needed.

We built a bespoke Pipe Inspection Vehicle (PIV) with HD-CCTV, using it as a stable floating platform to capture detail without damaging the structure.

CCTV provides visual condition and features; LiDAR adds millimetre-scale geometry for measurements and modelling. Together they give a defensible, decision-ready dataset.

They stabilised the LiDAR unit for crisp scans and protected the aqueduct walls during the inspection.

A registered 3D point cloud integrating internal LiDAR with topographic scans, HD video/stills and a concise report—clear evidence to support design choices.

Yes—by revealing internal condition and true geometry, the data let the client validate current plans or select better alternatives with confidence.

Absolutely—our workflow adapts to different diameters, access constraints and environments across aqueducts, tunnels and large pipelines.

Non-intrusive methods, controlled contact points and purpose-designed tooling (e.g., guarded arms, stable mounts) reduce risk to the structure.

Objectives, drawings/records, access points, dimensions, water conditions and required deliverables/standards.