Intrinsically Locatable Plastic Materials

Under Development

West Virginia University More »

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Pipe Locating

The project included investigating the use of Ground Sensory Technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) (see picture) and Infrared Thermography (IRT) for buried pipe location. It also investigates the possibility of buried pipe detection using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which has future potential for mounting on aerial drones for rapid mapping.

The project investigates multiple technologies to advance the state-of-the-art in plastic pipe manufacturing and subsurface detection using a combination of innovative material (carbon or glass fiber reinforced polymers) and ground sensory technologies. These fabrics can be wrapped around existing plastic pipes to significantly strengthen them.

Greater Reliability - The project will provide alternative material and accurate, reliable locating of buried plastic pipes from the ground surface for enhancing damage prevention.

https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=632