Isle CATwizard – A comprehensive searchable database of condition assessment technologies

Abstract

Water main condition assessment techniques are as many as they are varied. Fundamentally, asset managers need to know which is the right technique for their pipe of interest and context. The ability to choose a technique that provides the right mix of attributes and a proven track record can be both complex and time consuming. Procuring condition assessment tools without full market knowledge may lead to less efficient or effective outcomes or unnecessarily invasive civil works. Isle Utilities sought to address this industry problem through the creation of an online portal that water corporations could use to filter available and suitable techniques. Following from this, the portal was to provide ‘user reviews’ from others who had applied each technique along with both technical and sales contracts from suppliers. Isle Utilities established a worldwide project team of 12 water utilities to fund and develop an online portal facilitating a first-pass assessment of currently available condition assessment tools. The Isle CATwizard provides easy-to-access information about condition assessment techniques including physical requirements and limitations along with cost and performance reviews from water utilities who have applied each technique. The tool simplifies the process of selecting an appropriate water main condition assessment technique without the need to contact a large number of providers in the market. The CATwizard provides a means which facilitates the selection of the right tool the first time. In this way it can help avoid many unnecessary and costly holes being dug around critical assets. Paper 2614 - 1

Techniques