Pipe producers and suppliers with stringent quality-control standards welcome the independent confirmation of structural integrity in the field environment. Further, the traveling public is rewarded with safer roadways and fewer road repairs over the intended service life of the installation.

Rigorous post-installation inspection requirements are beneficial to all storm-system stakeholders and can contribute immeasurably to the overhaul of our nation's long-neglected infrastructure. They should be standard operating procedure everywhere. 

Ali Abolmaali is professor-in-charge at the Structural Simulation Laboratory at the University of Texas at Arlington. He can be reached at abolmaali@uta.edu.