Technology
Griffolyn pre-liners improve reliability in trenchless pipe lining
Griffolyn reinforced pre-liners offer added protection and reliability during CIPP trenchless pipe rehabilitation, helping prevent resin washout, liner buckling, and installation delays in water and sewer infrastructure projects.
Evanston, Ill., begins sewer line rehabilitation project using CIPP trenchless technology
The City of Evanston has begun work on a multi-month sewer rehabilitation project using the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) trenchless method. Sewer cleaning and inspection started on March 25, with pipe lining scheduled to begin in May, weather permitting.
Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
The innovation, known as a "peristaltic conduit," mimics the segmented movement of earthworms to propel itself through the soil with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.
Tech Tips: Effective in-house root control for sewer systems
Roots infiltrating sewer systems are a major concern for many municipalities, leading to blockages, overflows, and potential EPA fines. Traditional root-cutting methods, such as spinner nozzles for light to medium roots and root saws for heavier growth, can cause pipeline deterioration over time.
SAERTEX multiCom achieves two sustainability rehabilitation milestones
Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate culture at SAERTEX multiCom and embedded in its DNA. Trenchless pipe rehabilitation using SAERTEX-LINERS makes a valuable contribution to protecting the precious resource of drinking water.
Vortex launches water division to tackle aging infrastructure
Vortex Companies has launched Vortex Water, a new division focused on water infrastructure rehabilitation. The move expands the company's trenchless solutions beyond sewer and industrial systems to address aging water pipelines with advanced materials, liners, and trenchless technologies.
Schneider Electric strengthens OT security with SCADAPack RTU upgrade
Schneider Electric has introduced new cybersecurity features for its SCADAPack 470i and 474i remote terminal units (RTUs), aiming to enhance operational technology (OT) security for critical infrastructure.
New Products - January 2025
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights CASE Construction Equipment's limited edition 580 Super N Construction King backhoe loader and Caterpillar's new advanced Cat D8 dozer, showcasing the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
AI's impact on pipeline construction: Transforming productivity and safety
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage. Nearly all of the discussion is how efficiently it can perform repetitive tasks, forecasting, etc. There are fears, as well, that AI will displace humans and their jobs.
Jacobs helps modernize Virginia’s Alexandria sewer system to improve water quality
The RiverRenew project involves the construction of a 2-mile-long, 12-foot diameter tunnel, along with two drop shafts, a deep pump station, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Water sector leaders launch research project to deploy GenAI for water utilities
Today, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), in collaboration with the Water Environment Federation (WEF) The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and Karmous Edwards Consulting (KEC), launched a project on the Role of Generative AI (GenAI) for the Global Water Sector.
Ditch Witch launches new JT21 directional drill
Ditch Witch has announced the launch of its new JT21 directional drill, an upgraded replacement for the popular JT20. According to the product announcement, the JT21 delivers up to 40% more downhole horsepower than its predecessor and 35% faster carriage speed than any drill in its class.
Vortex acquires ETECAS to expand trenchless tech, in-house manufacturing
Vortex Companies, a trenchless technology construction company headquartered in Houston, announced its acquisition of ETECAS UG (ETECAS), a Germany-based leader in trenchless rehabilitation and UV curing equipment.
Transferring technology from control studies to field applications
The Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT), a joint university-industry consortium, is not only focused on performing highly challenging research, but also communicating and educating the leaders from various large counties, cities, transportation departments, construction and oil industries, and engineers and university students, with the new innovative technologies, models.
Columbia, Mo., approves $9.2 million sewer rehab project using trenchless technology
The Columbia City Council has approved plans to move forward with a $9.2 million sewer rehabilitation project aimed at upgrading aging sewer infrastructure across central and west Columbia.
Aquasight launches digital twin solutions for water, wastewater infrastructure management
MassDEP's endorsement of ACE™, combined with the accessibility of AWS Marketplace, allows municipalities to leverage trusted, AI-driven solutions to tackle water and wastewater management challenges while achieving regulatory compliance.
PipeLogix partners with PipeAId to modernize and automate pipeline inspection
PipeLogix, a developer of pipeline inspection software, has announced a strategic, long-term partnership with PipeAId, a provider of AI-powered solutions engineered to automate and improve condition assessment.
From smart sewers to first-of-its-kind infrastructure: How KC Water and Jacobs are shaping Kansas City’s future
KC Water and Jacobs are modernizing Kansas City's infrastructure with smart sewer systems and innovative wastewater projects. Their collaborative efforts, including a first-of-its-kind thermal hydrolysis facility, aim to improve service and sustainability for the community.
Caterpillar expands remote-control tech to Cat medium wheel loaders
The remote control system integrates seamlessly with the loader’s electronic and hydraulic systems, providing responsive and smooth control. It also allows users to switch easily between remote operation and manual in-cab control.
McElroy debuts digital upgrades and operator profiles at INFUSION24
McElroy, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of plastic pipe fusion equipment, announced its digital innovations at INFUSION24, the company’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
New Products - November 2024
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Vermeer's MX150 mixing system, John Deere's next generation of SmartGrade technology, and Yanmar's newly launched TL65RS compact track loaders. Discover the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
A construction observer’s guide: From manhole rehabilitation to project management insights
A construction observer is the system owner’s representative on a construction project. Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly understand the project plans and specifications and be present on-site during construction to ensure adherence to these plans and specifications, safeguarding the owner’s best interests.
Eliminating pipe obstructions with vibrating nozzles
In sanitary sewer and storm lines, scale, grout, mortar residue and mineral deposits as well as cementitious particulates can accumulate over time and harden to the pipe wall or floor.
Modular Water Systems completes key wastewater infrastructure upgrade in Pennsylvania
Water On Demand (WODI), a subsidiary of OriginClear, Inc., announced the successful delivery of its EveraMOD pump station package to a major wastewater upgrade project in Big Beaver Borough, Pennsylvania.
How to reduce fatbergs in sewer systems
Fatbergs, a true enemy of urban plumbing, are monstrous masses consisting primarily of non-flushable household and personal items found in the underbelly of urban sewer systems.
Lummus Technology expands PFAS detection and treatment services
Lummus Technology, a global leader in process technologies, has introduced new analytical services for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals."
CivilGEO unveils GeoSTORM stormwater modeling software
CivilGEO, a civil engineering design software company, has launched GeoSTORM, a new stormwater modeling software designed to streamline the creation, analysis, and review of both urban and rural stormwater models.
Datumate launches Gannt Viewer feature for critical civil engineering projects
With the new Gantt Viewer, a construction manager can manage tasks such as utility relocations, foundation work, and paving. For example, if a sewer installation is delayed due to site conditions, the manager can update the Gantt chart and communicate changes to all stakeholders, ensuring the project remains on schedule.
Best practice of injection grouting in municipal sewers
Injection grouting is often recognized as the "original" trenchless technology of our industry. The first mainline pipe joints were sealed in 1962 in Cottonwood Falls, KS, and we have never looked back!
Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel and Max Bore HDD system offer premium solutions for enhanced drilling performance and efficiency. These innovative products ensure superior wellbore stability, suspension, and filtration control, making them essential tools for a variety of drilling applications.
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Construction worker killed in trench collapse near Prosperity, S.C.
- Two workers rescued after hours trapped in Mich. trench collapse
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- Final construction phase kicks off for Indianapolis deep rock tunnel
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes
- Ameren Illinois to invest $140 million in natural gas pipeline replacement program