Hydraulics Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE)
The Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE) is an enhanced radio-operated car, which allows MnDOT to inspect culverts and pipes to determine if any repairs or replacement is needed. Often the culverts and pipes are too small or difficult for a person to enter to visually inspect it, so the vehicle is operated via radio control with a camera and lights to record and view conditions with just one specialist at the site. It has discovered damage in culverts underneath roads long before the problem becomes an emergency. The device was modified by Rochester MnDOT workers in the inventory department, who are experienced radio-operated car hobbyists. They have built a HIVE device for each MnDOT district and created an online guide for parts, repairs and operation to allow all MnDOT users to access the information when issues arise.
Better Inspections, Better Data, Better Decisions
By using the HIVE unit, eight culverts changed from no work needed to repair needed, because large joint separations or broken flanges with exposed soil visible were detected by video far into the pipe. In one case study, an end-of-pipe inspection showed significant pipe damage that would typically result in a full replacement costing about $45,000. However, HIVE video footage showed that the damage was limited to just 12 feet of the pipe near the end. Instead of replacing the entire pipe, a $1,000 repair was implemented resulting in $44,000 savings.
Specifications
- Waterproof
- Wi-Fi transmission
- 4x4 drive
- $1,200 vehicle/camera
- $300 tablet
- Transported in 11”x17” box
- Observed Range
- 24-inch diameter =~ 250 feet
- 18-inch diameter =~ 150 feet
- 12-inch diameter =~ 50 feet
Videos
Recognition
- Minnesota Governor’s Better Government Award (2016)
- AASHTO-RAC Sweet Sixteen High-Value Research Projects (2017)
Build Your Own
More Information
- Public Works Expo (PWX) slide presentation (October 2016)
- Minnesota Transportation Conference flyer (March 2017)
- AASHTO RAC slide presentation (July 2017)
Enhanced Culvert Inspections Best Practices Guidebook
Webinar: Enhanced Pipe Inspection Research
Researcher Doug Youngblood, CDM Smith, describes technologies that go beyond end-of-pipe inspections from MnDOT’s new guidebook on enhanced culvert inspections.