TRENCHLESS – PROJECTS | NO-DIG
0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Year
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0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Year
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Above left, figure 2: Inspector (Human) – Pipe length by structural defect grade per year Above right, figure 3: Dragonfly – Pipe length by structural defect grade per year SOURCE: JACOBS
WBSD completed a pilot to verify results before
applying at scale. ● Processed 25,000 linear feet of CCTV videos ● Identified significant pipe deformity defect missed by human inspection
● WBSD manually reviewed defect images to confirm AI findings (see Figure 1)
● Accurate defect identification increased WBSD’s confidence in AI
● Dragonfly pipe insights module (powered by Argon) recognized by WBSD as a significant value-addition
● Pilot expanded to entire sewer network ● Significant cost savings compared to WBSD manual coding budget
Northeastern US Utility Case Study A large northeastern US water/wastewater utility owns a system that includes approximately 1,500 miles of sewers.
Sanitary sewers are inspected using CCTV and
coded by inspectors, with video, coded defects and pipe conditions reviewed by engineering staff (a time- consuming, repetitive, and subjective process). A Dragonfly pilot compared AI results to (human) inspectors and showed how the AI solution with optimized quality control can improve accuracy and efficiency of sewer inspection operations. ● Processed 9,000 linear feet of historical CCTV videos ● Varied pipe materials (PVC, VCP, RCP) ● Compared structural and maintenance defects ● AI identified significant differences in structural defects (see Figures 2, 3) and subtle and difficult to detect defects overlooked by (human) inspectors
● Continuous monitoring by AI captured all defect occurrences
● Defects not previously identified help to manage and prioritize pipes requiring intervention
Spring 2024 | 19
length (miles)
length (miles)
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