PVC is a test-matrix control, not an all-pipe location claim¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Record ID | DECISION-0002 |
| Type | decision |
| Title | PVC is a test-matrix control, not an all-pipe location claim |
| Status | proposed |
| Updated | 2026-09-09 |
Decision¶
Proposed: keep PVC in the bench-scale and Edison material set as (1) an EM / metal-detection non-response control and (2) a GPR geometry/presence target. The proposal will not claim that the system locates all pipes, including nonmetallic ones, as a primary objective. Primary claim remains probable lead-containing metallic service-line detection and prioritization, with material ID treated as probabilistic and to be measured.
Basis¶
- FINDING-0002
Alternatives Considered¶
Alternative A¶
Drop PVC from the test kit to avoid the reviewer question.
Alternative B¶
Claim full nonmetallic utility mapping as in-scope.
Why This Decision¶
PVC is useful experimentally. Claiming all-pipe location is not supported and is what the reviewer asked to clarify.
Proposal Impact¶
Technical Objectives, Technology Description, Task 1 material kit, Expected DoD Benefit.
Technical Impact¶
Fusion logic: GPR geometry + EM response vs GPR geometry + EM non-response.
Cost / Schedule Impact¶
Negligible (one extra coupon in the kit).
Risks Introduced¶
Reviewers may still want PE/HDPE if "nonmetallic" is left ambiguous. Name PVC specifically.
Open Items¶
Task 2 must still measure PVC GPR detectability in Edison soils and under pavement.