Features
Unearth powerful education, networking opportunities at UIC 2024
The most anticipated conference dedicated to the installation, rehabilitation and asset management of the underground infrastructure is almost here. Join your peers Tuesday, March 19 to Thursday, March 21 at the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) in vibrant Oklahoma City, Okla.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration to be held at UIC
The biannual Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Reunion and HDD Hall of Fame celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
PCCA takes workforce development, damage prevention efforts to the States
The PCCA has fought for increased funding for rural broadband and electric power, fewer regulatory roadblocks, faster permitting, damage prevention, workforce development, and more. But in 2023 and now into the new year, PCCA is taking a more active role in the states, especially when it comes to workforce development and damage prevention.
North America 2024 Pipeline Construction Outlook: New LNG Terminals Lead Call for More Pipelines
It comes as little surprise to those in midstream that during the past year, we have continued to see LNG initiatives garner more attention than pipeline projects. However, terminal construction drives new pipeline construction.
Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas
To make repairs, the BCWA team has primarily relied on trackhoes (backhoe loaders) and mini excavators. However, in some environments, using these common equipment fleet staples of most rural water associations can potentially cause additional damage that will need to be addressed.
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.
Editor’s Log: Industry honors and celebrations
It’s officially awards season for the underground infrastructure industry with some amazing people, projects and technology being cited for market contributions.
Navigating, understanding hidden dangers of permit-required confined space entry
There are many occupations that require the safe performance of work when confined space is involved, including sewer structure rehabilitation, manhole entry and infrastructure inspection processes. Any incidents during confined space entry are of particular concern to health and safety, due to the hazards they pose to the potential victim and the attendant and rescue team. Understanding these hidden dangers are vital to a safe work site.
Overcoming challenging HDD locating requirements
Electric Conduit Construction (ECC) recently completed a project in Alsip, Ill., which included running fiber optic cable 1.74 miles under roads, highways, canal and railroad track. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology was used because the right-of-way was laced with existing utilities of all types, including fiber, power, gas, water, sewer and cables.
2024 utility & communications construction outlook, update
Price increases to address products, fuel and labor have impacted total budgets for projects and, thus, the amount of infrastructure that can be installed. Despite the challenge, there is an equilibrium at the end of the track.
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.
Outgoing DCA President Ray Swerdfeger stresses significance of local inclusion
Swerdfeger, the outgoing president of the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA), had the chance to grow up in the family business, working closely with his father. As a second-generation president following in his father's footsteps, Swerdfeger sat down with Underground Infrastructure for an exclusive interview. The discussion covered the accomplishments and directions of the DCA in 2023.
Crossing the Bay
West of Houston, the region’s petrochemical infrastructure creates a tangled maze of pipelines, roads, swamps and endangered ecosystems. Performing HDD operations here would challenge any contractor. Add a crossing under the Intercoastal Waterway to the mix – arguably the busiest commercial shipping channel in the United States – and you have a job that is not for the faint of heart.
Zoo requires unique, specialized approach to infrastructure construction of new exhibit
Discover how Longhorn Organics utilizes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in a groundbreaking project at Caldwell Zoo's Amazon River's Edge exhibit. With a focus on water features for giant otters and jaguars, this article explores the fusion of 7,000 feet of HDPE pipe, ensuring reliability and durability.
Tim Vivian, NASSCO Standard Bearer
This series of articles recognizes those who have not only been critical to the success of NASSCO, but the industry as well. This month, we profile Tim Vivian, a remarkable leader for NASSCO who has been instrumental in aiding the amazing growth of the association through various challenges, all while recognizing and maximizing opportunities.
Directional drilling: Underground firms donate time, skills, labor to Gary Sinise Foundation project
When word spread to William Hatcher’s coworkers at Mid America Energy Services Inc., that he was going to volunteer on a home build for the Gary Sinise Foundation, everybody wanted to jump on board.
Inside infrastructure: Addressing increasing hostility toward plastic products
It often seems like the ongoing assault on all things plastic has no end in sight. In the construction industry, shortsighted efforts to reduce production of, and access to, plastic products can have lasting impacts at a time when dilapidated infrastructure is finally getting the attention – and funding – it needs in the wake of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other recent legislation.
First look: First electric vacuum excavator introduced
(UI) — After the first lithium-ion battery hand tool for the building trades was introduced in 2005, a representative of a major distributor called it the most significant advance in tools in the last 20 years.
Underground Infrastructure Conference preview: Powerful education, networking await at UIC
Technologies and sustainability practices for underground infrastructure are always evolving. Staying ahead of the curve is a necessity. By attending the 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), Tuesday, March 19, to Thursday, March 21, in Oklahoma City, Okla., you can develop your skills and take advantage of strategic networking in just two-and-a-half days during this exciting event.
Damage prevention and safety: SUE, vac excavation increase safety and save time
When it comes to underground utilities, safety is paramount. As municipalities grow and various areas undergo advancement and development, the number of buried utilities grows.
Midstream consolidates, expands ahead of LNG export demand
U.S. midstream companies would be hard-pressed this year to approach the record earnings that many achieved in 2022, but the sharp decline in oil and natural gas prices from last year’s highs hasn’t blunted their expansion efforts.
How to extend longevity of underground concrete structures
(UI) — From precast manholes to cast-in-place lift stations and pump stations, concrete structures are found everywhere throughout underground sewer infrastructure. Installed below grade and left to serve their critical functions, many such assets are at the point of requiring rehabilitation and need attention before they deteriorate further and require full replacement.
Rent vs. buy: Which offers the best ROI for mini excavators?
(UI) — Mini excavators’ compact size and versatility make them a popular choice for the construction industry. There is a large variety of attachments available, allowing them to tackle almost any task on the job site. Although choosing from so many different models and configurations can be a challenge, one of the biggest decisions contractors may face is whether to rent or buy the mini excavator.
Russ Ford named 2024 MVP of underground infrastructure industry
(UI) — Russ Ford, a noted infrastructure expert, has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry for 2024. Ford, a senior associate at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., will be honored at a special luncheon on March 19 at the annual Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
CGA’s GIS case study highlighting value in facility mapping information
(UI) — Common Ground Alliance (CGA) recently released a groundbreaking case study as part of its Next Practices Initiative titled “PILOT: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Damages by Providing Ticket-Level Visualizations of Underground Facilities to Designers, Locators and Excavators.”
CGA’s DIRT report correlates infrastructure investment with increased excavation damage
(UI) — Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently announced the findings from its 2022 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT). It revealed concerning increases across key damage indicators.
Innovative solution for managing I&I challenges in sanitary districts
(UI) — A major challenge sanitary districts everywhere face is recurring and growing inflow and infiltration (I&I), from substantial amounts of groundwater and stormwater entering the sewer during periods of heavy rain. This issue is of paramount importance, as heavy rainfall can cause the intrusion of large volumes of groundwater and stormwater into the sewer system, overwhelming pump stations and treatment plants, and even causing costly sewer overflows.
Asset management: Working with Duke’s ‘like having a crystal ball’
(UI) — When optimizing sewer and wastewater treatment systems, it can be overwhelming to look at more than 100 miles of sewer pipe funneling heavy flow during a rain event and wonder where that excess flow is coming from.
Touring NASSCO’s new sewergrouting.com website
Information about what is believed to be the oldest trenchless technology has just gotten easier to find. ICGC – NASSCO’s Infiltration Control Grouting Committee –has just completed a full revision of its website found at SewerGrouting.com.
Utility and communications: Construction update
With technology on full display at the Underground Infrastructure Conference, coupled with the ongoing labor challenges throughout the industry, artificial intelligence (AI) has been on the minds of contractors and investors alike.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- West Virginia approves $67 million for water, sewer projects