November 2019 Vol. 74 No. 11
Rehab Zone
History of Technology Information at UCT’s RehabZone
Gerry Muenchmeyer, P.E. | Principal, Muenchmeyer Associates
In 2002, a comprehensive display of various trenchless technologies at the Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) became a reality with the birth of the RehabZone.
The unique RehabZone was the first inclusive display and learning tool for many trenchless technologies. It included current technology data, but also was set up as a no-sales zone. Examples of technologies and associated products were displayed, and detailed posters were designed to explain all aspects of each specific technology. Material samples were provided by industry sponsors, and experts were positioned throughout the ’Zone to answer visitors’ technical questions. In 2002 and several subsequent years, technical information was also presented by continuous slide presentations displayed for the duration of the RehabZone exhibit.
In 2006, a Technology Pocket Guide was added to the display to include the history of the RehabZone and a short outline of current technologies that were available in the industry and displayed at the ’Zone. The pocket guide was designed to conveniently fit into the attendee’s pocket for referral during the RehabZone tour and for later follow-up reference. In subsequent years, the Technology Pocket Guide was simply renamed the Technology Guide.
The Guide is presented each year by NASSCO, in partnership with Jon S. Schladweiler, Arizona Water Association and in cooperation with Underground Construction magazine/UCT, ASCE Trenchless Installation of Pipelines and Pipelines Infrastructure Systems Technical Committee and the Water Environment Federation Collection System Committee.
The annual Guide includes an introduction for that year’s RehabZone, including new features and highlighting the current year’s team of industry volunteers, responsible for creating and setting up the RehabZone display.
The RehabZone is funded annually through the generous sponsorships of active trenchless rehabilitation companies. Participation can be as a platinum, gold or silver sponsor. ’Zone sponsors are showcased in the Technology Guide and have the opportunity each year to add non-sales technology information into the Guide.
In addition, when a new or emerging technology is introduced into the industry, details are listed in an emerging technology section of the Guide. Then in subsequent years the information becomes part of standard technology descriptions.
The Guide is published and distributed each year during the RehabZone event and subsequently throughout the year at various technical events scheduled throughout North America. It’s also available in Spanish for emerging technology reference in Mexico, Central and South America.
The RehabZone Technology Guide is revised and updated each year and is available, for free, at the UCT RehabZone exhibit and from NASSCO, upon written request. •
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
RehabZone: rehabzone.org
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