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INSTRUCTORS:
Otto Ballintijn
Maziar Mahdavi, PhD, PE
Alan Silva, EIT
Amin Tehrani, PhD, PE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference.
Using Inertial Navigation Technology to Obtain Critical Pipeline Data (25 minutes)
This presentation introduces inertial navigation technology as a powerful tool for mapping underground pipelines with high accuracy and resolution. Traditional mapping approaches, such as walkover systems and ground-penetrating radar, are often limited to shallow depths and can be disrupted by interference from other utilities. In contrast, inertial navigation systems use gyroscopes, accelerometers, inclinometers, and odometers within a probe to track heading, inclination, roll, and distance traveled at a frequency of 100 points per second. By combining entry and exit GPS coordinates with the measured path, the system reconstructs a precise 3D model of the pipeline alignment, including bends and inclinations. The method works across pipe materials, sizes, and depths without external tracing, making it especially useful for congested urban corridors, river crossings, and high-pressure systems. Case studies highlight how utilities can obtain more reliable as-built data, avoid costly damages, and enhance asset management strategies.
Wastewater Lift Stations Concrete Condition Assessment Utilizing LIDAR Measurements and Digital 3-D Images (31 minutes)
This presentation showcases an innovative method for assessing the structural condition of wastewater lift stations using LiDAR scanning and digital 3D imaging. Conventional inspections often require confined space entry, which is costly, disruptive, and hazardous. Instead, LiDAR devices and imaging equipment are deployed into wet wells to capture millions of data points and detailed visual records of interior walls without halting operations. Advanced processing, including Python-based analysis and 3D meshing, allows engineers to reconstruct the original wall geometry, measure wall loss with high precision, and calculate deterioration volumes. By combining images with quantitative models, the approach supports more accurate rehabilitation planning, including estimating required concrete restoration and prioritizing repairs. The method also allows for repeatable long-term monitoring, providing valuable insight into deterioration rates and service life prediction.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the principles of inertial navigation systems and how they collect high-resolution pipeline alignment data.
- Describe the advantages of inertial navigation over traditional pipeline mapping methods, particularly in deep or congested conditions.
- Discuss how LiDAR and 3D imaging improve accuracy, safety, and repeatability in lift station condition assessments.
- Identify how quantitative wall loss measurements can inform rehabilitation design and long-term asset management.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Utility and Pipeline Engineers
- Design and Consulting Engineers
- Construction Contractors
- Project Managers
- Academic and Professional Researchers
- Early Career and Pipeline Professionals
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]