February 2013, Vol. 68 No. 2

Keyhole technologies from Utilicor Technologies, Buzzi Unicem USA and Footage Tools.

Mini excavators from Volvo, John Deere, Bobcat, Case, Hitachi and Hyundai Construction.

Pipe and joint fusion equipment from McElroy Mfg., Georg Fischer Connectra, Footage Tools and Ritmo America.

Backhoe loaders from Case, Volvo, John Deere and New Holland. <strong>Case</strong>

Advertisers from the print edition of <em>Underground Construction</em>, February 2013, Vol. 68 No. 2.

The InfraMarker RFID system from Berntsen International designed for marking underground assets uses a unique combination of magnetic location and on-site data storage, which allows utilities to find underground assets faster than ever before, saving both time and money.

Mechanical contractors can now quickly cut soil pipe in hard-to-reach spaces such as those below grade using RIDGID’s new 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter. The 238-P is lightweight at only 13.5 pounds and compact (11.5-inches long).

Reed introduces exclusive Rotary Cutters in new sizes for the biggest and smallest pipe diameters.

A three-model family of electronic Atlas Copco SMART concrete pokers has made its debut in the U.S. market. The third generation re-design of the model 40, 48 and 56 SMART pokers has a streamlined aluminum housing that protects their built-in electronics with an overall weight reduction of 30 percent.

The new SD75 is not just a powerful, hard-working soil compactor with a Tier 4i certified engine and a host of innovative features, the SD75 is a high impact machine that boasts a low impact on the environment.

The HammerHead PortaVision inspection camera, designed for 2- to 6-inch laterals, features a high viewable resolution and a full touchscreen keyboard.

Leica Geosystems in cooperation with John Deere Construction and Forestry division have announced the Leica Geosystems Ready Program for J-Series Crawler Dozers.

Vermeer introduces three new products to its pneumatic piercing tool line-up. The Vermeer Hole Hammer pneumatic piercing tool is a powerful and economical solution that can operate in a full range of soil conditions and applications, plus innovative features provide exceptional control and easy start-up.

Rig Source Inc., based in Elburn, IL, recently launched the new Terramac RT9 rubber track multipurpose crawler carrier. Mike Crimaldi, owner of Rig Source Inc. and one of the creators of the RT9, saw a need for a crawler carrier that was customizable, versatile and easy to maintain.

Crude oil production in the United States is rising at the fastest rate in history, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said recently, as the shale oil revolution pushes output toward a 20-year high this year.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces the 2012 inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding individuals in the off-road equipment industry, and their legacy of innovation, service and leadership.

Ten years ago, CNH Global, Burr Ridge, IL, and Kobe Steel, Japan, signed a 10-year deal that limited Kobe’s Kobelco Construction Machinery marketing and sales to the Asia-Pacific region and made CNH the exclusive North American distributor for Kobelco Construction Machinery. The two companies have decided to let that deal expire.

United States demand for large diameter pipe is projected to rise 6.2 percent annually through 2016 to 197 million feet. Growth will benefit from the repair and replacement of wastewater infrastructure, as many pipe projects, which were put on hold during the 2006-2011 period due to state and municipal budget concerns, move forward.

Over the past decade, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has reduced its use of oil by 98 percent by investing in new, highly efficient power plants that use clean, U.S.-produced natural gas as a fuel to produce electricity. In 2001, FPL used more than 40 million barrels of oil to power customers; in 2012, the company used less than one million barrels.

The Charles Machine Works Inc. welcomed American Augers’ employees into the CMW family of companies at the celebration held Dec. 3, 2012 at the West Salem, OH, facilities.

Direct investment in North American fiber to the home (FTTH) deployment will grow to $4.7 billion annually by 2017 or a total of $18 billion during the next five years, according to the market research firm RVA LLC.

Construction is set to begin on the $922 million Poseidon Carlsbad Desalination Project in San Diego County, CA, that will include an advanced-technology desalination plant and 10 miles of water pipeline.

James Ezell, president of contracting company Southern Diversified Technologies, has spent most of his working life building telecommunications systems. However, for the past several years when Ezell has taken off his hard hat, he has put on the cap of a writer working on a book. The result, <em>Daddy, Do Cowboys Pray?</em> was recently published by New Book Publishing. The book targets children nine -12 years of age, but is expected to appeal to younger children who enjoy having stories read to them.

The Distribution Contractors Association annual fall meeting was held Nov. 13-14 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX. It was organized in conjunction with the DCA’s 2nd Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) on Nov. 14-16.

The year 2012 proved to be another strong year of growth and expansion for the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), reports George Ragula who is wrapping up his two-year term as the NASTT chairperson and as representative for the society’s international affiliate, the ISTT.

The members of the Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) enjoyed a stable year through 2012, said Tommy Muse, the association’s president.

As the old saying goes, money makes the world go round. From the municipal perspective, the world stopped going round about four years ago. But there is emerging a legitimate undertone of hope for improvement emerging from many municipal personnel.

The American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) had an active 2012 focused on its mission of providing key industry information and assistance to its members, reports association president Ricky Dyess.

The most significant federal action this year affecting underground construction companies is likely to be the final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on excavation damage. The rule will have two parts. One will define minimum excavation damage program standards for states.

The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) closed out a strong 2012 with an impressive growth in membership, record attendance at association meetings, active educational programs and an energetic government relations program.

A recently released report Gas Distribution Infrastructure: Pipeline Replacement and Upgrades prepared for The American Gas Foundation by Yardley Associates provides insight into the need for Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) to replace or upgrade existing pipeline infrastructure.

G & W Construction is a utility contractor based in Morehead, KY, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Accidental damage to underground utilities continues to occur with disappointing frequency, despite programs implemented by the Common Ground Alliance and ongoing efforts of utility owners and operators, One-Call organizations and other groups with a stake in protecting buried facilities.

Those in the lower 48 U.S. states know that winters in Alaska are very cold and that everyday life for the hardy souls who live there is different in many ways.

It was a desperate cry for help, presented in powerful and disturbing comments from municipal respondents to the recently completed 16th Annual Sewer & Water Infrastructure Survey conducted by <em>Underground Construction</em>.

A final rule meant to limit pipeline damage from excavation should be made final sometime later this summer. Two advisory committees voted their approval and authorized changes to the proposed rule the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued in April 2012. Many of the changes the advisory committee green lighted appeared designed to toughen requirements on excavators.