Features
Fiber Experiences Record Growth in 2022
(UI) — As the year 2023 begins, the fiber optic cable industry hopes to build on a record year for deployment of fiber to the home (FTTH). In 2022, a record number of homes (7.9 million) were connected to fiber, according to a survey made by RVA, LLC. That brings the total of broadband-connected addresses in the United States to nearly 40 million.
Rehab Technology Profile: NASSCO Standard Bearers Pete Kurz
(UI) — NASSCO continues to set standards for the assessment and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure. A vast array of individuals has contributed to the success of the association, both in the past and present, that has driven NASSCO’s industry mission. This month, Underground Infrastructure profiles Pete Kurz who embraced the ideals of NASSCO to become one of its staunchest supporters and effective memorable leaders.
NA Pipeline Construction Outlook
(UI) — Seldom has a new year arrived with the degree of supply and demand uncertainty facing global energy markets at the start of 2023. Months of soaring oil and natural gas prices gave way in late 2022 as oil demand projections softened on recessionary fears and Europe’s months-long buying spree filled its natural gas storage levels to near capacity.
Utility & Communications 2023 Construction Outlook, Update
(UI) — The captain of a large aircraft carrier sees what he believes to be the light of an oncoming vessel off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The captain of the ship then radios the vessel, urgently saying to divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision with the ship.
Digging Deep for Resilience
(UI) — Resilience is an essential concept for water infrastructure as well, defined by the American Society of Civil Engineers as “a system’s ability to withstand and adapt to the impacts of natural and/or manmade disasters.” As climate instability increases the likelihood of heavy downpours, sewer systems without ample capacity are increasingly vulnerable to overflow.
Mental Health Issues, Suicides Reaching Crisis/Epidemic Levels
(UI) — When I began my career in construction over 30 years ago, mental health and suicide were not on anyone’s list of concerns in our industry. Now, as a safety director, I strive each day to protect our workers from this hidden threat that has risen to become a crisis in our industry.
Strategic Partnership Brings Affordable, Reliable Fiber to Rural Communities
(UC) — According to a 2021 study from BroadbandNow, at least 42 million Americans do not have access to broadband internet. Access to affordable and reliable broadband in the 21st century is largely considered a critical infrastructure necessity, just like transportation, electricity and water.
UCT Welcomes 2023 with High Expectations, Top Education, Profitable Networking
(UC) — With a new year rapidly approaching, final preparations for the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) are well underway. UCT is scheduled for Feb. 7–9, in Orlando, Fla, at the Orange County Convention Center.
Latest DIRT Report Indicates Utility Damage Maintains Incident Levels
(UC) — While ongoing programs are in place to reduce accidental damage to buried utility infrastructure, damages continue to happen, usually during construction or repair work, when interrupting service, and sometimes posing the risk of injury and death.
Telecom Boom Enables Growth of Small, Quality Contractor
(UC) — The changing face of telecommunications continues to present unique opportunities for the growth of small, quality contractors. Telecommunications contractor Prowire Inc. has opened a branch office in Albion, Maine, to better service its clients throughout Maine and New Hampshire. The home office is in South Paris, Maine.
Close-Fit Liner: Technical Guide to Variations of Close-Fit Liners for Mainline Pipe
(UC) — CIPP is a thermoset resin system (polyester, vinyl ester, felt/fiberglass hybrid or epoxy) that is installed into the existing pipeline to be rehabilitated, with either a felt or fiberglass tube of the approximate thickness designed for the application.
ASCE MOP 145 Update on the Design of Flexible Liners for Gravity Pipes
(UC) — In November 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issued a new Manual of Practice (MOP) for the Design of Close-Fit Liners for the Rehabilitation of Gravity Pipes. The purpose of the MOP was to provide good guidance to engineers tasked with making wall thickness designs of liners, such as cured in place pipe.
Harmful Inflation Reduction Act Enacted, Includes Some Opportunities for Pipeline Construction
(UC) — In late 2021, President Biden’s controversial “Build Back Better” (BBB) legislation was blocked in the Senate, thanks to a couple of moderate senators with the courage to buck their party by opposing overreaching climate proposals at the front of the Democratic Party’s agenda.
US LNG Projects Gear up; Pipelines Help Europe Pivot from Russian Energy
(UC) — Eight months into Russia’s war on Ukraine, a global oil and gas supply squeeze has been further tightened by sanctions on the world’s largest energy exporter, sending power and fuel prices soaring.
UCA Finalists Announced
(UC) — Underground Construction magazine is proud to present the inaugural Underground Construction Awards (UCAs). Taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 8, the UCAs mark the next big event for underground industry awards.
UCT: Former Orlando PWD Named 2023 MVP
(UC) — The Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry will be honored as part of the Underground Construction Awards (UCA) on Feb. 6, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.
RehabZone Embraces Modern, Exciting Technology
(UC) — The RehabZone has been a regular part of the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition since 2002, providing information about technologies and products for trenchless rehabilitation of underground utility infrastructure.
UCT 2023: RehabZone: A Trenchless Experience
(UC) — A UCT exclusive, RehabZone™ is the original, hands-on, interactive educational experience, in the exhibit hall, for the sewer and water industry. This self-paced, walk-through exhibit-within-the-exhibit provides a comprehensive look at modern rehabilitation methods in a no-sell environment.
UCT 2023: Register Early and Save!
(UC) — Do you need affordable training? We’ve got you covered! With UCT’s low rates, everyone can attend without breaking the training budget. Register today at UCTonline.com and save.
2022 Utility & Communications Construction Update
(UC) — Interpreting the direction of the economy in the middle of the volatility of the past three months is a confusing and uncertain exercise. However, after discussing the various scenarios with business owners, manufacturers and researching teams, my view is not whether the economy is in a recession but, rather, how long the downturn will last and what the impact might look like.
UCT 2023: Vital Intel to Grow Your Skills, Business
(UC) — Preparations for Underground Construction magazine’s 28th Annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) are kicking into high gear. UCT will be in Orlando, Fla. at the Orange County Convention Center, Feb. 7-9, 2023.
Artificial Intelligence Speeds Houston’s Sewer Inspections Under Sharp Eye of EPA
(UC) — Working with California-based Sewer AI, through engineering and consulting firm HR Green, Houston has made artificial intelligence a core piece of its inspection and repair workflow since 2021 – the same year a federal judge approved its agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its co-plaintiffs, including the state commission that administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA).
Trenchless Technology Center Report: TTC Research Initiatives Booming
(UC) — The Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University is in the midst of the most active research year of its existence and its Industry Advisory Board (IAB), again, hit an all-time high in 2022. The TTC has recovered from the lull of the global pandemic in all aspects except in-person training, which is expected to bounce back this fall.
The Road to Safety Starts with Stability
Safety is the highest priority on any construction job site, but not every equipment solution aids in attaining that safety goal. In fact, in 2020, more than 174,100 injuries and 124 deaths occurred on construction job sites throughout the United States.
Equipment Spotlight: Compact Excavators (under 25,000 pounds)
Bobcat, CASE, Caterpillar, Doosan Infracore North America, Hitachi, Hyundai and more.
UCT 23: New Features, Old Favorites, Fresh Opportunities
(UC) — For the first time in its 28-year history, the Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) will be held in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 7-9, 2023. In fact, this is only the second time UCT has been in Florida, where the 2010 event was held in Tampa.
Construction Theme Park Opens in Texas
The 3.5-acre park is located at Katy Mills Mall (west of Houston) with its main entrance facing Interstate 10. Dig World in Katy, Texas, was recently unveiled and is now open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Spotlight: Manhole and Pipe Coatings
Spotlight: Manhole and Pipe Coatings
Moving PACP Data Between Systems
After many successful Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) inspection projects end, there is a large amount of collected data that some PACP-certified professionals, engineers and utility workers do not understand.
Pressure Pipe Cleaning and Preparation for Rehabilitation
Pressure pipes, like gravity pipelines, need to be cleaned and prepared for rehabilitation. This NASSCO Tech Tip will discuss pressure pipe cleaning methods and requirements before a pipe rehabilitation is completed.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
- Ditch Witch 1030
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis