Features
OSHA proposed rule on heat exposure raises ire from construction industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule in July that would affect all employers nationwide and require, among other things, a written heat injury and illness prevention plan, substantial heat-injury-related precautions, training and regular, comprehensive program reviews and updates.
Utility & communications construction: Investment trends and sector growth update
Strong investment by investor-owned utilities, the federal government, states and municipalities have led to quality project opportunities that brought significant growth to the contractors serving those markets.
First look: Software program assists contractors with 811 process
Earlier this year, my husband and I had a fence replaced, and we failed to call 811 before the workers began digging. We didn’t even think about it – and we’re not the only ones.
IPEX expands trenchless offering with cost-efficient, large-size NovaForm PVC liner
NovaForm is a styrene-free, expand-in-place structural liner for rehabilitating trenchless sewer and stormwater culverts. This liner combines long-term strength with flexibility, allowing it to handle some of the most challenging installation conditions.
A construction observer’s guide: From manhole rehabilitation to project management insights
A construction observer is the system owner’s representative on a construction project. Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly understand the project plans and specifications and be present on-site during construction to ensure adherence to these plans and specifications, safeguarding the owner’s best interests.
Water, Sewer Damage Awareness Week 2024 is providing education, strategies to industry communities
Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) 2024 is planned for Oct 21-25. This year, key stakeholders in the water and wastewater industry from across the country are gearing up to receive free educational presentations tailored to provide industry-leading practices and strategies to protect and maintain the water and wastewater systems that we all rely on.
Eliminating pipe obstructions with vibrating nozzles
In sanitary sewer and storm lines, scale, grout, mortar residue and mineral deposits as well as cementitious particulates can accumulate over time and harden to the pipe wall or floor.
Eagle Claw drill bit marks 20 years of innovation in HDD
The journey of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) from the oil and gas sector to the construction industry has been quite remarkable. Initially adopted with great success, HDD has seen significant improvements due to advancements in walk-over locating technology and steering capabilities in various ground conditions.
First look: Compact reclaimer introduced to HDD utility market
In response to the growing challenges faced by horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors, Vermeer has introduced the R125 reclaimer, a compact mud recycling system designed to support utility-sized drills.
Best practice of injection grouting in municipal sewers
Injection grouting is often recognized as the "original" trenchless technology of our industry. The first mainline pipe joints were sealed in 1962 in Cottonwood Falls, KS, and we have never looked back!
Buried Asset Management Congress opens registration
The 2024 Global Buried Asset Management Congress (GBAMC) will offer an exceptional platform for professionals across the underground infrastructure sector. Scheduled for Nov. 14-16, in the Omni Severin Hotel, Indianapolis, this event promises to deliver many industry highlights.
Platinum Contracting completes project for Summerlin west expansion
Platinum Contracting, a leading Las Vegas contractor specializing in heavy civil and underground utilities, has completed a large-scale underground infrastructure project in Summerlin. The installation supports the expansion of Southern Nevada’s largest master plan community, setting the foundation for several planned subdivisions.
22 Years of advancing research in underground infrastructure and trenchless technologies: CUIRE's commitment
It is hard to believe that 22 years have passed since the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) was established. In 2006, the first trenchless technology conference was held at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).
5 ways to extend hydro excavator life
Construction season has arrived, and hydro excavators are a critical tool for unearthing utility lines without damaging them, trenching and various other applications. A high return on this machinery investment requires giving time and attention to proper care of your safe digging equipment.
First look: PipeSense uses pressure waves for leak detection
Pipelines, especially those that carry water, can be hundreds of miles long – so it may not always be simple to know for certain that a leak has occurred, let alone pinpoint the problem.
Inside infrastructure: Energy permitting reform legislation once again on the table
The need to update and improve the arduous process of obtaining the permits needed to get critical infrastructure projects off the ground is a longtime priority among supporters of American energy, especially advocates of infrastructure transporting fossil fuels.
Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns
FERC has given a preliminary green light to East Tennessee Natural Gas to build 122 miles of 30-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline, providing about 300,000 dekatherms per day of firm natural gas transportation to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Fossil Plant.
Washington Watch: Congress stalls on pipeline safety bill as PHMSA nears key rule decisions
(UI) — As Congress heads toward the end of this session, presumably in late September, the two, different bipartisan pipeline safety bills passed by two House committees appear to be going nowhere fast.
Remembering Bob Affholder: A legacy of passion and innovation in the CIPP, tunneling industries
(UI) — Robert (Bob) Wilson Affholder, a true industry giant by any measure or perspective, passed away in late July after a brilliant career that amazed, impressed and established his footprint upon essence of both cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation and the tunneling industry.
Supporting OSHA during site inspections
While my fellow colleagues are working diligently to keep everyone safe in the workplace, there is always room to go one step further, and one of those ways is to embrace and support representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during site inspections.
International report: Germany accelerates plans for energy development
Germany plans to actively accelerate the development and modernization of its underground energy infrastructure in the near future.
Utility & communications construction update shows strong market
Across the underground utility infrastructure segment, companies are performing quite well in the power, gas distribution, and water and wastewater construction segments. Strong investment by investor-owned utilities, the federal government, states and municipalities led to quality project opportunities that brought significant growth to the contractors serving those markets.
Japan plans to accelerate underground construction activities
Japan plans to accelerate its underground construction activities in years to come, paying a particular focus to the renewal of aging infrastructure, while enhancing its disaster response capabilities and reducing construction costs.
Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
Baltimore's Back River Outfall Interceptor underwent emergency rehabilitation due to severe damage and deterioration. The project involved advanced techniques and collaboration between Boyer Inc. and Ulliman Schutte Construction to restore the 1907 structure.
Purdue University students gain industry insights at UIC 2024
Held in Oklahoma City, the annual conference provides a platform for attendees to share the latest research findings, technological advancements and best practices, thereby promoting the development of the underground infrastructure industry.
Rehab Technology selection guide
This comprehensive listing provides an invaluable resource in researching availability and specifications of key rehabilitation equipment/materials for the underground infrastructure industry.
Drilling under the LSU campus
A groundbreaking project at LSU utilizes horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology to install two 1,600-foot HDPE pipes, modernizing the campus's chilled water supply and return systems while minimizing surface disruption.
Inside Infrastructure: 8th DCA/AGA workshop bolsters communication, cooperation
The 8th annual DCA & AGA Workshop, held in Kansas City, brought together 140 industry representatives and featured discussions on pipeline safety, workforce development, cybersecurity, and legislative challenges, highlighting the critical importance of collaboration in the gas distribution industry.
Tech Tips: Documenting quality lateral lining installations
(UI) — With CIPP lining of mainline sewers becoming more and more accepted by system owners and utilities, greater attention is being paid to the opportunities to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I) by utilizing CIPP lining for laterals.
26th annual directional drilling survey: More fuel on the fire
As the fiber market continues to burn bright, so does the utilization of horizontal directional drilling. The small rig market’s appetite and need for HDD is again demonstrating remarkable consistency in 2024 according to the exclusive results of the annual Underground Infrastructure HDD Survey.
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
- Texas A&M weighs underground transit plan with Elon Musk's Boring Co. to reduce campus traffic
- Colorado's Wolf Creek Pass tunnel drainage project begins
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
- Dog River pipeline replacement in Oregon improves water supply with new HDPE pipe
- New Portable Welding System From Miller
- Excavator Causes Puerto Rico Power Outage