September 2025 Vol. 80 No. 9
Features
Trenchless Technology Center research updates
Research activity at the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University remains near all-time highs, both in terms of active projects and funding. The center currently has a dozen active externally funded projects, with several more in the pipeline. In addition, numerous internally funded projects focus on all aspects of trenchless technology, from rehabilitation methods and materials, to innovative pipeline assessment technology.
One of the more active thrusts has been analysis and evaluation of various liner materials and coatings, primarily for the rehabilitation of pressure pipe systems. TTC remains the industry leader in developing new techniques for validating the long-term performance of liner materials that do not currently fall into any existing category of material or method at ASTM.
The center’s leadership in the field has led to numerous externally funded studies, as well as other labs regularly reaching out to learn how TTC performs its testing. This type of testing is critical to the wide-spread acceptance of pressure pipeline as a long-term solution to water main repairs.
TTC provides advanced testing and development capabilities focused on performance, sustainability and reliability in the following areas:
- Testing for composite sewer products
- Expanded long-term creep testing
- Updated short-term burst and data logging
- Developing green materials & carbon capture
- VOC testing for both lab and field
- Expanded large-scale structural testing
- Standard and cyclic loading
- In all orientations
- 250 kip capacity
This expertise on liner and pipe evaluation also led to a new NSF Industry University Collaborative Research Center (IUCRC) Center for Innovation in Structural Integrity Assurance (CISIA) project. CISIA’s pre-competitive research addresses structural integrity problems in deteriorating civil infrastructures and aging mechanical components, and its members awarded TTC a project to focus on long-term validation of creep behavior in liner materials.
As always, CISIA is actively recruiting new industry members. For more information about the center, please visit or for more information about any TTC research or capabilities, please contact TTC Director, Dr. John Matthews, or Associate Director of Research, Dr. Shaurav Alam.
TTC staff/student updates
TTC welcomes Reed Edwards to the TTC Staff. Reed has an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s in engineering and technology management, with a concentration in Construction. He has been with TTC since 2019, as an undergraduate student worker. He will be assisting with research projects and the municipal forum program hosted by TTC.
Reed, with the assistance of Quade Wells (lab manager), will also be doing student outreach to assist our IAB with its workforce development needs by connecting members companies with LA Tech students looking for internships and full-time industry positions.
Dr. Shaik Hussain and Quade Wells both recently celebrated three years in their roles at TTC last summer. Hussain has been leading most of the new materials research ongoing at TTC, including the recent award from the NSF Engines program through the Louisiana Engine known as FUEL. Wells has also been working diligently on multiple TTC studies and has been leading the composite manhole testing and validation work being requesting by industry.
TTC Director Dr. John Matthews also offered the center’s congratulations to Shaik and his Shafia on welcoming a new baby boy, Ruhaan, and Quade and his wife Shelby on welcoming their baby boy, Hunter.
Over the past year many TTC students have been successful in competitions and obtaining awards. Doctoral student Niloy Paul won second prize in the prestigious poster competition at the 2025 No-Dig.
TTC was not lacking in students winning scholarships over the last year, either. Undergraduate Jackson McKinney and graduate student Reed Edwards were both recipients of the AGC Education and Research Foundation Scholarship. Edwards and Paul were also awarded the Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Merit Based Scholarship.
Wells was also successful in obtaining trenchless based scholarships this year which included the NASSCO Jeffery D. Ralston Scholarship and the NASTT South Central Chapter Scholarship. TTC is very proud of the continued success of its students.
TTC Industry Advisory Board
The TTC Industry Advisory Board (IAB) celebrated its 34th anniversary in Ruston, La., at its annual meeting in October 2024. Membership remains high, with more than 60 industry members. A few highlights from IAB members recently included Dr. John Matthews being awarded the ISTT Fellow Medal at the 2024 ISTT No-Dig in Dubai. Member Azuria won the Best Overall Innovation Award at the 2025 No-Dig. Dennis Pivin, director of HSE for NASSCO won the Environmental Awareness Award at the UI Awards at the 2025 UIC Conference in Houston.
There have also been some changes to the IAB over the past year including: Jeff Maier, now representing Dewberry; Ted Kasten joined the IAB as a full member representing Infrastructure Rehab USA; Matthew Tooley, principal civil engineer, now represents Jacobs; Mike Davison, now represents Aqua-Pipe; and Alex Rossebo, now represents Visu-Sewer. Tom Wynne with the city of New York DDC continues to serve as the TTC IAB Chairman.
In memory of our former TTC IAB Vice Chair and LA Tech Alum, Ali Mustapha, the IAB will recognize a distinguished individual whose leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. Mustapha’s vision, professionalism and commitment to excellence advanced every endeavor he was part of, leaving behind a legacy of service and accomplishment. He will be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude for his contributions, and his example will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
If you are interested in learning more about the IAB or joining the board, please contact TTC Director, Dr. John Matthews.
Ali Mustapha
TTC Auger Boring School
TTC successfully hosted its 7th Annual Auger Boring School (ABS) last February in Ruston, La. This year’s program featured a notable first: a live field demonstration of boring through concrete at the Barbera Education and Research Training (BERT) Facility, and simulating rock conditions to enhance the training experience. Designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in auger boring design, application and installation, ABS combines in-depth classroom instruction with hands-on field training. The course was led by some of the nation’s leading auger boring experts.
Participating sponsors and speakers included:
Barbco, Baroid, BGN Trenchless, Midwest Mole, U.S. Shoring & Equipment Co., Trenchless Rental Solutions (TRS), GeoEngineers, Kilduff Underground Engineering, Tri-Loc Trinity Products, Olson Construction Law, Rail Pros, Enviro Rentals, Louisiana 811, and the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC).
For more information about this program or to inquire about the next Auger Boring School, scheduled for Fall 2026, please contact Dr. John Kraft, TTC Director of Special Schools.
Bore through a concrete block simulating rock conditions
Municipal Forums
TTC is pleased to announce its 2025 series of in-person Municipal Forums. These events provide a valuable opportunity for municipalities, industry experts, and solution providers to come together and share insights on key transportation and infrastructure topics.
Forum Schedule:
- Vancouver, Washington – Nov. 20, 2025
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – Dec. 2, 2025
TTC welcomes participation. If you are interested in hosting a forum, suggesting specific topics for the program, or presenting at any of the events, please contact TTC Director Dr. John Matthews.
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