ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on two of the most broadly applicable structures: manholes, which are key access points for many different types of buried utility systems, and laterals, which feed into sanitary sewer systems. Manholes and laterals are significant because technology and standards have emerged for comprehensively inspecting both, suggesting a future direction for the industry. It should come as no surprise to discover that many system operators do not have comprehensive knowledge of exactly where all of their manholes are, and many condition assessment programs begin with a thorough locating project often using Global Positioning System receivers. Unlike manholes, which can be found in a variety of utility networks, lateral lines are restricted to sewer systems. Just as PACP exists for pipelines and MACP for manholes, the Lateral Assessment Certification Program was created by NASSCO to standardize defect coding for lateral inspections.
