UC Survey Reveals Major Trends for Underground Infrastructure

11/6/2019

A comprehensive survey of Underground Construction readers revealed several interesting trends in the market place.

Reflecting market expectations, the annual HDD Contractors Roundtable was among the most popular sessions at this year's Underground Technology Conference. (UC staff photo)

The survey, launched in August and September, is ongoing and will continue to be updated.

Survey responses provided a snapshot of how the market views future directions and development. An unaided recall question asked industry personnel: what is the biggest trend you see that will change the underground construction industry in the next five years? The number one response, by a substantial amount, was “More trenchless applications/More directional drilling.”

The next major trends listed included “Rehab/Replace deteriorating infrastructure,” “Lack of skilled labor” and “Introduction of new technologies.”

Other trends named, in order of response, were:

Better imaging/mapping of underground utilities
Changes in project funding/entrance of venture capital
Use of composite road plates
Introduction of new pipe materials
Environmental protection
More materials

The survey also asked industry personnel about their reading habits and their decision-making authority. Fully 83 percent are involved in purchasing decisions.

Survey respondents read three out of four issues of Underground Construction and it was named the most valuable publication serving the underground/trenchless industry by a wide margin.