Technology
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.
EarthGrid, EnerTech to deploy underground infrastructure projects across US in $18 billion investment
Utilizing EarthGrid's patented plasma-powered machines, this joint venture will develop a network of underground tunnels designed to upgrade the current power grid and fiber networks with reliability, efficiency, and resiliency while accelerating the clean power transition.
FDNY to modernize underground asset management with OpenGov’s Cartegraph software
Specifically, the Fire Department of the City of New York's Plant Operations will migrate to OpenGov's Cartegraph Asset Management software to integrate their Esri GIS mapping database with the NY811 one-call system to streamline installation and maintenance efforts.
New Mexico launches AI-powered initiative to spot water leaks
New Mexico is teaming up with Google Public Sector and Woolpert Digital Innovations on a new initiative called Hydro Delta, which uses artificial intelligence to detect water leaks, many of which are hidden underground and difficult to identify.
Crews begin trenchless repair of 70-year-old sewer main in Lakeland, Fla.
The city of Lakeland Wastewater Collection Division has begun repairing a 70-year-old sewer main along North Crystal Lake Drive between Smithfield Avenue and Lowery Avenue.
First look: PipeSense uses pressure waves for leak detection
Pipelines, especially those that carry water, can be hundreds of miles long – so it may not always be simple to know for certain that a leak has occurred, let alone pinpoint the problem.
Vortex Companies acquires cured-in-place pipe provider Premier Pipe
Vortex Companies recently acquired Ohio-based Premier Pipe USA (Premier Pipe), a longtime provider of high-performance cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) products.
Ferguson Waterworks partners with AQS for nationwide leak detection solutions
Through this collaboration, Ferguson Waterworks will supply and maintain AQS’s advanced leak management systems for water supply networks, including both distribution and transmission lines.
Remembering Bob Affholder: A legacy of passion and innovation in the CIPP, tunneling industries
(UI) — Robert (Bob) Wilson Affholder, a true industry giant by any measure or perspective, passed away in late July after a brilliant career that amazed, impressed and established his footprint upon essence of both cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation and the tunneling industry.
Supporting OSHA during site inspections
While my fellow colleagues are working diligently to keep everyone safe in the workplace, there is always room to go one step further, and one of those ways is to embrace and support representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during site inspections.
Aquasight joins Google AI Academy infrastructure program to address U.S. water, wastewater challenges
Aquasight will gain access to tailored mentorship, advanced AI development, and strategic guidance from Google's experts. The goal is to refine and enhance Aquasight's AI and Digital Twin offerings, enabling the company to tackle pressing challenges in the water and wastewater utility industry nationwide.
Electro scan secures sewer assessment project in Jersey, Channel Islands
This assessment will identify leaks, cracks, and defects within the sewer network, providing crucial data for the Jersey government to make informed decisions on repairs and maintenance.
Patent pending for United Felts “one-of-a-kind” EnviroCure CIPP liner technology following re-launch
EnviroCure uses a unique impermeable polymer coating technology to create a barrier that prevents styrene emissions, meeting regulatory standards and significantly improving job site safety. The liner is designed for ease of installation using traditional methods, ensuring that it can be integrated seamlessly into existing operations without additional equipment or training.
ITpipes secures $20 million to transform water infrastructure management with AI, cloud solutions
ITpipes leverages AI and machine learning for automated condition assessment to provide quality inspection records for decision-making. ITpipes offers cloud-based tools housed in a single inspection repository. By leveraging Environmental Systems Research Institute mapping for visualization, these tools help cities transition from reactive to proactive pipeline planning.
GDC awards first tunnel boring contract for NY-NJ project for $465 million
The Palisades Tunnel Project will construct the first mile of 5,100-foot twin tunnels on the New Jersey side, including boring, lining with waterproof concrete, and creating the Hudson County Shaft for Tunnel Boring Machine removal.
Leica introduces DD300 CONNECT for improved underground utility detection
By detecting the position of underground utility networks, the DD300 CONNECT aims to improve worker safety and prevent damage to underground infrastructures.
Azuria Water Solutions acquires trenchless utility firm Oxbow Construction
Azuria Water Solutions, the leader in technology-enabled water solutions, has announced the acquisition of Oxbow Construction, a trenchless utility company based in Troutdale, Oregon.
Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
Baltimore's Back River Outfall Interceptor underwent emergency rehabilitation due to severe damage and deterioration. The project involved advanced techniques and collaboration between Boyer Inc. and Ulliman Schutte Construction to restore the 1907 structure.
CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
A pioneer in trenchless rehabilitation and boring/tunneling, Robert "Bob" Affholder passed away Friday, July 26.
GDC secures $16 billion for Hudson Tunnel project, set to create 95,000 jobs
The Gateway Development Commission has finalized the funding needed for the Hudson Tunnel Project, securing a total of $16 billion. The HTP, a major underground infrastructure project, will replace and expand the aging rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River.
Milwaukee to build $13 million facility for advanced wastewater tech testing
The $13 million lab will test new wastewater treatment technologies and is expected to significantly impact public health and drinking water quality worldwide.
Editor’s log: The road to rehab intensifies
The 1970s marked a revolution in underground infrastructure with the birth of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology, allowing pipe repairs without excavation. This innovation, alongside other trenchless methods, has transformed the industry and continues to drive efficient solutions for aging infrastructure.
Leica Geosystems launches new underground utility locator
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announced the launch of the Leica DD300 CONNECT utility locator and Leica DA300 signal transmitter, a combined, ready-to-use solution for versatile and reliable underground utility detection.
Pennsylvania township receives $6 million to rehabilitate 25,000 feet of sewer main
The $5.8 million project involves rehabilitating or replacing nearly 25,000 feet of sewer main with new sanitary sewer pipes and manholes. It is scheduled to begin on October 1 and be completed by May 30, 2025.
VIAVI Solutions launches NITRO Fiber Sensing asset management solution for critical infrastructure
VIAVI Solutions Inc. launched NITRO Fiber Sensing, an integrated real-time asset monitoring and analytics solution for critical infrastructure ranging from oil, gas and water pipelines to electrical power transmission, border/perimeter security and data center interconnects.
Bay Village, Ohio, begins sewer testing to improve system
Duke’s Root Control Inc. has been contracted to carry out the testing in six areas selected based on historical data, recent surveys, and the Ohio EPA's work with the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Bechtel to oversee tunnel construction in $12.7 billion BART Silicon Valley extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has awarded Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation a contract to manage construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II extension.
Construction begins on new water pipeline project in Kyle, Texas
At over 20 miles in length, Segment C marks the final segment of the Alliance Water transmission system to begin construction and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2025.
- 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
- 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
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds