Research
2024 Large horizontal directional drilling rigs census
When a project calls for horizontal directional drilling (HDD), it’s important to use a qualified contractor and the right equipment for the specific needs, especially when it involves a large rig. This annual census, compiled by Underground Infrastructure, serves as a valuable resource in the selection process and, ultimately, project success.
CGA report underscores progress, challenges of buried utilities damage prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently published its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.
Leaking wastewater systems named top source of San Diego River contamination, study finds
(UI) — A five-year study by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) has identified deteriorating wastewater infrastructure as the primary source of human fecal contamination in the San Diego River.
CGA opens registration for 25th annual conference in Orlando, Florida
The conference will bring together industry leaders to reflect on CGA’s quarter-century legacy and explore future innovations in damage prevention.
CGA’s 2023 DIRT report shows fewer utility damages, urges action on locating delays
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has released its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, showing a drop in utility damage incidents but highlighting ongoing challenges in reducing damages to buried infrastructure.
Federal government must address construction workforce shortage with better policies, survey finds
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro.
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.
Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water
A recent survey conducted by water treatment provider Culligan sheds light on widespread concerns among Americans regarding the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water.
California achieves record groundwater recharge in 2023
Despite improvements, California faces a 40 million acre-feet groundwater storage deficit due to decades of over-pumping. Addressing this requires expanding recharge projects, upgrading infrastructure, and modernizing distribution systems.
Flume leads largest residential water use study in North America
Flume Water has been selected by the Water Research Foundation to conduct the largest-ever Residential End Uses of Water Study in North America, involving over 50 utility partners and data from over 100,000 households. This groundbreaking research aims to enhance water management and sustainability across the continent.
WRF funds 26 new water research projects worth $5.9 billion
Utilities and subject matter experts are invited to get involved with these new projects as participating utilities or Project Advisory Committee (PAC) members. Utilities can serve as test facilities, provide samples, respond to surveys, loan equipment, or share staff expertise on research projects of interest.
Fiber Broadband Association advocates for retiring copper in favor of future-proof fiber
FBA's new white paper argues that many telecommunications providers still face unnecessary expenses and complexity by maintaining legacy copper infrastructure, despite having migrated to fiber in core and access networks.
Hudson Tunnel Project set to generate 95,000 jobs during construction phase, report says
According to a recent study by the Regional Plan Association (RPA), the Hudson Tunnel Project, valued at $16.04 billion, is expected to generate 95,000 jobs during its construction phase, surpassing previous projections by a significant margin.
80% of New Jersey residents support natural gas pipeline construction, report finds
An analysis of New Jersey energy demand and requirements shows that three out of four New Jersey households currently rely on natural gas for heating and 80% of New Jersey residents support the construction of natural gas pipelines that would significantly reduce overall emissions.
New Jersey “overwhelmingly” prefers natural gas to power homes, survey says
Nearly 60% of residents also oppose New Jersey wasting millions of taxpayer dollars to stop natural gas pipeline projects.
Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
The Fiber Broadband Association’s Technology Committee has published its “Fiber Broadband Scalability and Longevity” white paper — the latest FBA research that explains optical fiber is the only communications medium that can support both existing and future applications for many decades with no infrastructure changes.
20% of North American water pipelines are beyond useful lives, report finds
Over 800 utilities were surveyed and almost 400,000 miles of pipe data were analyzed, representing 17% of the estimated 2.3 million miles of water mains in the United States and Canada.
Lake Como, N.J., takes bold steps towards resolving water utility concerns
Despite a less-than-ideal offer from New Jersey American Water, Lake Como invested millions in upgrading its water system to address the immediate crisis. However, this decision led to increased water costs for residents to repay the loans taken out for the project.
Funding still flowing despite economic headwinds, challenges
The last two years in America’s municipal infrastructure industry have seen tremendous increases in project activities driven primarily by significant boosts in government funding. If you happened to be a consulting engineer, contractor or manufacturer/supplier, business has been good. Now, 2024 has the potential to be a great year for many in infrastructure.
CIGMAT focuses on challenging research, technology transfer, information sharing
Established in 1984, at the University of Houston, the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) is dedicated to fostering improved understanding of grouting materials and their applications.
Fiber Broadband Association reports record annual growth in North America's FTTH coverage
(UI) — The Fiber Broadband Association has announced the results of its 2023 North America Fiber Provider Survey, which concluded that 2023 set a new record for the highest annual FTTH growth, with nine million homes newly passed by network operators this year alone.
PPI releases technical document comparing polyethylene pipe grades: PE 100-RC vs. PE4710
(UI) — The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) has announced the publication of a new document that provides the technical basis for comparing PE 100-RC to PE4710 pressure pipe.
USIC collaborates to align utility locating resources with BEAD program infrastructure deployment
(UI) — USIC announced that is collaborating with state broadband leaders and internet service providers to ensure the utility locating resources required to support nationwide broadband deployment funded by $42.45 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program grants over the next five years.
Trenchless Technology Center continues to prosper, provide industry research
(UI) — The Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University had another busy year and its Industry Advisory Board (IAB) again hit an all-time high in 2023. Research activities were in full swing and in-person training even came back, with forums in Boston and Houston.
UTSA researches how horizontal directional drilling is evolving in utility construction industry
The study is intended to evaluate the factors, including barriers and drivers, influencing the successful implementation of HDD and autonomous directional drilling for underground utility installations.
Penn State research uncovers fiber optic cable's role in early sinkhole detection
(UI) — Recent research conducted by a Penn State geosciences associate professor suggests that existing fiber optic cables beneath the University Park campus could serve as a means to predict sinkhole occurrences.
Austin Energy underground powerline study granted approval in city council budget
(UI) — A significant portion—57%—of Austin Energy's power lines are already underground. However, the focus of this study is the remaining 5,000 miles of above-ground lines. The analysis aims to identify economically and environmentally viable areas for the transition.
Wint raises $35 million to propel AI-driven leak detection solutions
(UI) — Wint, a 'water intelligence' startup from Israel, has successfully secured $35 million in funding for its cutting-edge water management system that merges AI-driven software with connected hardware to promptly identify and mitigate leaks.
Currently at CUIRE – Annual update of research center’s activities
(UI) — Pipe deterioration is a complex process, involving a combination of aging, chemical and environmental factors. Polymeric SAPL is a new application to structurally renew deteriorated gravity and pressure pipelines and can be applied to a wide range of concrete, masonry, corrugated metal, and steel pipelines.
Caltech research reveals underground fiber optic cables as effective earthquake detectors
(UI) — In California, a network of underground fiber optic cables serves as a vital internet connectivity conduit. However, a Caltech study showed that these underground cables could function as earthquake sensors, detecting and quantifying seismic activity.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- The EPA announces $6.2 billion in funding for Iowa and Kansas water infrastructure