The New York City skyline is an impressive sight.
Our bustling metropolis is populated with an array of skyscrapers and various bridges and tunnels that connect the five boroughs.
And every one of those vital structures is supported by caissons.
Similar to an anchor, caissons are steel or concrete enclosures that are sunk deep into the ground or the floor of a body of water to the bedrock beneath those surfaces. Once in place, the caisson is filled with concrete or grout to form a foundation that provides support, stability cushioning and optimal weight distribution to the respective structure.
Before the chamber is filled to create the foundation, engineers and construction teams need to ensure that the caisson does not have any cracks or fractures. Plus, they need to confirm that the caisson is drilled in the bedrock so it can safely support structures such as high-rise buildings, highway overpasses, bridges, tunnels and piers.
If the structural integrity of a caisson is compromised, it could result in construction delays, increased expenses, safety risks, and even complete abandonment of the project.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore some of the difficulties faced during traditional caisson inspections and highlight an innovative approach to this important inspection process: the use of specialized video inspection equipment.
The Challenges of Traditional Caisson Inspections
Since caissons are 50-100 feet underground or submerged in deep waters, inspecting them is incredibly important – and challenging.
As caissons are located below ground or water surfaces, accessing them is an issue.
Traditionally, these inspections were conducted by sending specialists into the caissons below ground or water. However, this method is problematic from both logistical and safety standpoints.
First, these down hole-style inspections don’t provide a clear picture of the caisson’s structural integrity. The naked eye cannot see clearly or acutely in such confined spaces. Therefore, the caisson may have cracks, stress fractures or other signs of damage that are going undetected. So, the information that’s collected from these inspections is incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate.
Additionally, these types of inspections are unsafe. Sending a specialist below ground or under water increases the risk of injury to the individual. This method is considered so risky that many construction monitoring companies no longer provide this service. Those that do still provide this service often charge premium prices, making this option less cost-effective.
However, there is an alternative caisson inspection method that is more accurate, logistical, safer and cost effective: video caisson inspections.
Enjoy Better Results with Video Caisson Inspections
To avoid the logistical and safety issues associated with traditional caisson inspections, organizations now have the option to employ construction site video monitoring services.
By using a remote-controlled camera, a construction monitor can easily access the caissons to perform a detailed real-time inspection. Equipped with a high-resolution lens, this specialized camera can see imperfections in the caissons interior surface that would otherwise be overlooked during down-hole inspections.
As the camera is water-resistant and designed to withstand the pressure associated with traveling underground or water, it eliminates the safety risks associated with sending specialists in the caisson to confirm that the structure is properly drilled in the bedrock.
Once the inspection is finished, engineers can assess the collected data to determine if the caisson passes muster. If not, they can take corrective action to reduce any possible risks, delays or expenses associated with the identified issues.
Saltus Specializes in Video Caisson Inspections
Clearly, traditional caisson inspection methods are problematic on many levels.
Not only do they produce incomplete and inaccurate information about the structure’s integrity, they may also put personnel at risk. And since the risks are greater performing these inspections, many providers charge exorbitant fees to conduct them.
Fortunately, video caisson inspections from Saltus provide highly detailed data to make more informed decisions regarding the integrity and condition of new and existing structures.
And it does this more accurately and without the need of putting personnel at risk.
To enjoy the many benefits offered by video caisson inspections, contact our team today to discuss the specifics of your current or upcoming project.