Business

PLCA Well-Positioned For Great Year

The Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) is closing out an active 2012 with members busy and labor agreements in place with the unions representing the four crafts engaged in pipeline construction.

PACP Class Held In Colombia

NASSCO, the National Association of Sewer Service Companies, recently conducted its first-ever Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) course in Spanish. Held in Bogotá, Colombia, on Oct. 17-18, the instruction included the recently-translated PACP manual and training materials.

Guidelines For Pipe Bursting Technology

Pipe bursting is a trenchless replacement method in which an existing pipe is broken either by brittle fracture or by splitting, using an internal, mechanically applied force by a bursting tool. At the same time, a new pipe of the same or larger diameter is pulled in, replacing the existing pipe.

CIGMAT Report: Center Studies Concrete Coatings And Repair Methods For Corroded Steel Piles

The Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) is currently working on projects related to composite coatings to protect reinforced concrete and repair methods for corroded steel piles. Over the years, CIGMAT researchers have developed unique testing facilities and developed test protocols approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to test grouts and coatings for infrastructure rehabilitation. A Life Cycle Cost model (CIGMAT-LCC) for wastewater systems has been developed and may be viewed on the CIGMAT website.

Dealing With The Unexpected - What To Do When Things Don't Go As Planned

Pipe bursting is a reliable and proven method of replacement of deteriorated or under capacity utility lines. The IPBA has developed a recurring series of technical articles and this article will be written with the understanding that the reader has an advanced knowledge of the pipe bursting process.

INGAA forms board-level task force on gas-electricity integration

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) has established a board-level task force to address questions related to the anticipated future growth in natural gas-fired generation.

WESTT No-Dig Goes to Ontario, CA

If you are involved with trenchless construction or are planning to be involved, the 8th Annual Western Regional No-Dig Conference & Exhibition to be held in Ontario, CA, on Oct. 29-30, is a must-attend event to obtain the latest technical information to ensure a successful project.

Ensuring A Successful ‘Burst Day’

Pipe bursting is a well-established and proven method for replacement of an existing underground utility throughout the world. The growth of pipe bursting as a method of choice is directly related to the success of installations and the comfort level utility system owners have with the technology.

David Kavanaugh Elected President At PLCAC’s 58th Convention

For the 350 delegates who attended the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada’s (PLCAC) 58th annual meeting, it was a time to reflect on the association’s busy year and its many accomplishments.

ICGA Releases Grout Specification For Trenchless Industry

NASSCO, the National Association of Sewer Service Companies, has recently released Suggested Standard Specification for Pressure Testing and Grouting of Sewer Pipe Joints, Laterals and Lateral Connections Using the Packer Method with Solution Grouts.

DCA Initiates Federal Advocacy Program

The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) has initiated a federal advocacy program to advance the interests of the association in the halls of Congress and before federal regulatory agencies. DCA represents contractors, suppliers and manufacturers who provide distribution construction services including installation, replacement and rehabilitation of gas pipelines and fiber optic, cable and duct systems in communities across the country.

Managing Burst Forces

Pipe bursting is a reliable and proven method of replacement of deteriorated or under capacity utility lines. The IPBA has developed a recurring series of technical articles and this article is written with the understanding that the reader has an advanced knowledge of pipe bursting and risk management associated with a pipe bursting project.

Current Issues, New Tech Focus Of CIGMAT Conference

At the University of Houston, a leading public research university located in Houston, the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) and the university’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering held a successful one-day conference and exhibition.

Emerging Technology Program launched

The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) has announced the launch of a North American industry collaborative to drive the deployment of energy-efficient emerging technologies and solutions.

M. Dan Murphy Elected President At PLCA’s 64th Annual Convention

Chris Leines, outgoing president of the Pipe Line Contractors Association and president of Minnesota Limited LLC, welcomed about 550 delegates to the Park Hyatt Aviara on Feb. 21 to 25, in Carlsbad, CA. It was another large turnout for the association’s 64th annual meeting.

Midstream investment to impact U.S. economy through 2035

Investment to expand and construct midstream infrastructure – mainline pipelines, laterals, processing plants, gathering lines, compression and storage – to bring natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil supplies to markets will support an average of over 125,000 jobs each year from 2012 through 2035, generate nearly $57 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue, and add more than $511 billion in total economic output, a new study finds.

NASSCO Continues To Expand Programs, Membership

It was another busy year of growth and accomplishment for NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies), as membership reached an all-time high of nearly 450, plus the more than 150 delegates at the annual convention also set a record.

NASSCO Extends Deadline For PACP Recertification

The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) has extended the deadline for Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) recertification from Feb. 29 to Aug. 31, 2012.

Shale Gas Growth Keeps PLCA Members Busy

Most members of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) were busy throughout 2011 with major projects to further develop the expanding shale gas and oil markets.

In Memoriam: Al Colthorp

Al Colthorp of Lake St. Louis, MO, died on Oct. 18, 2011 at the age of 77. Colthorp graduated from Michigan State University with a masters in Civil Engineering, and was a registered Professional Engineer.

NASTT Builds On Success Of 2011

It was a busy and eventful year for the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) with several significant accomplishments achieved and a strengthening of their internal processes that will guide the society in the coming years.

DCA Professional Development Conference Termed A Success

The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) held its first Professional Development Conference (PDC) Nov. 2-4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX.

RehabZone Celebrates 10th Anniversary At UCT

Volunteers are busy finalizing plans for the 2012 RehabZone, the popular sales-free “show within a show” at the annual UCT Show (Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition). The events will be held Jan. 24-26 in San Antonio, TX.

Design Approach, Inspection For Manhole Rehabilitation Technologies

The design of manhole coating and lining systems must take into consideration a number of conditions in the manhole, both as a whole and as individual components. When evaluating the nature of the coating or lining that will work best, a number of conditions should be defined.

Pipe Bursting For Replacement Of Sanitary Sewer Laterals

Pipe bursting is a proven method for replacing underground pipelines and is the only method of pipeline rehabilitation and replacement other than open-cut excavation that can increase the size of an existing utility without trenching. This article will discuss the replacement of private sanitary sewer lateral pipes.

First Look: New Method To Monitor Curing Of CIPP Installations

Pipeline Renewal Technologies is introducing an innovative method for monitoring cure temperature of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liner installations.

CIPP Best Practices

There are four key elements to having a really good Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) installation: 1. Proper saturation of the tube; 2. Proper inflation of the resin saturated tube in the host pipe; 3. A full and thorough curing of the resin system used; and 4. A proper cool-down of the CIPP.

What Is Necessary For Manhole Rehabilitation Success? Correct Application, Use Of Manhole Rehab Technologies

Manholes consist of multiple components and are made of different materials, each serving a different purpose but contributing to the complete manhole structure. Each component typically has its own set of defects and deterioration mechanisms.

Jetter Pipe Cleaning Video Provides Essential Information

A new jetter pipe cleaning video will be available for distribution this fall. Produced by NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies) and industry partners, the video contains information about jetting equipment and tools and how they are used to safely and successfully clean pipes, said Sheila Joy, chairperson of the NASSCO committee responsible for developing the video.

Manholes Rehabilitation: Sometimes Misunderstood, Yet Key Infrastructure Solution

Editor’s Note: This is the first of three articles focusing on the current state of manholes, manhole assessment and manhole rehabilitation. Part two will be published in the August.