Technology
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.
Rehab Technology selection guide
This comprehensive listing provides an invaluable resource in researching availability and specifications of key rehabilitation equipment/materials for the underground infrastructure industry.
Tech Tips: Documenting quality lateral lining installations
(UI) — With CIPP lining of mainline sewers becoming more and more accepted by system owners and utilities, greater attention is being paid to the opportunities to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I) by utilizing CIPP lining for laterals.
Judge blocks Department of Labor's expanded Davis-Bacon rule
(UI) — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Labor's new rule expanding the Davis-Bacon Act, siding with the Associated General Contractors of America in their lawsuit.
Orinda rehab project uses eco-friendly geopolymer to restore aging culverts
Orinda used GeoTree Solutions’ GeoSpray 61 geopolymer mortar to rehabilitate aging culverts, protecting local streams and drinking water. The eco-friendly solution allowed for quick stream flow reinstatement with minimal environmental impact.
New Products
Discover the latest innovations in construction equipment with McElroy's Tritan 560, integrating advanced features for enhanced efficiency and safety on the job site, alongside CASE's expanded lineup empowering crews with new models and upgrades.
United Felts launches new UV CIPP portfolio for trenchless sewer rehabilitation
This portfolio combines the strengths of United GRP and EnviroCure UV, offering comprehensive solutions for varied sewer rehabilitation needs with the unmatched benefits of UV-cured technology.
SewerAI raises $15 million to modernize North American sewer infrastructure with AI
Using SewerAI's platform, customers have been able to double the linear feet of inspections they're able to perform each day while increasing data quality and shortening turnaround times.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion