Trenchless Methods
Worker deaths decline amid OSHA crackdown on high-risk trench and fall hazards
According to preliminary data, fatalities in key high-risk areas like trench collapses and falls, which are among the leading causes of death for construction workers, have notably declined.
IPEX expands trenchless offering with cost-efficient, large-size NovaForm PVC liner
NovaForm is a styrene-free, expand-in-place structural liner for rehabilitating trenchless sewer and stormwater culverts. This liner combines long-term strength with flexibility, allowing it to handle some of the most challenging installation conditions.
OSHA cites Massachusetts contractor after fatal trench collapse in Hanson
A federal workplace safety investigation has determined that the fatal injury of a worker in Hanson, Mass., in February 2024 could have been prevented.
Peabody General Contractors to host free trench safety training in Lockhart, Texas
Peabody General Contractors, in partnership with the Austin Chapter of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and OSHA, will host its annual Live Trench Training event on Oct. 4 in Lockhart, Texas.
Texas trench fatalities rise despite OSHA safety regulations
(UI) — Trench collapses continue to be a leading cause of preventable worker deaths in Texas, despite existing safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
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.
Construction worker dies after being found unconscious in trench box
The worker, who was found approximately 15 feet deep in the trench near Second Ave and Pitchkettle Rd in Suffolk, Virginia, was engaged in utility repairs when the incident occurred.
OSHA fines El Paso contractor in deadly trench collapse, citing repeated safety lapses
OSHA determined that CMD Endeavors Inc. failed to provide a proper protective system for a pipe layer working in an excavation. As a result, a trench collapsed, causing a piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker, who later died in a hospital.
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.
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.
OSHA cites contractor for fatal trench collapse in New Canaan, Conn.
A contractor from Easton could have prevented the death of an employee, who was repairing an underground water line, in a trench collapse at a New Canaan work site in December 2023, according to an investigation by OSHA.
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.
United Rentals hosts trench safety webinar for 2024 Stand Down week
Join United Rentals' free trench safety webinar on June 19 during 2024 Stand Down week to enhance excavation safety knowledge and practices.
Garney Construction, Dewberry Engineers complete “record-breaking” trenchless crossing of James River
The Design-Build team of Garney Construction and Dewberry Engineers was hired by the Hampton Roads Sewer District to design and construct a force main crossing the James River in Newport News, Virginia.
Trenchers: Unsung hero of utility installation
Trenching, with its versatility and adaptability, remains a vital method for utility installation across various terrains and conditions. The wide array of trenching machines and attachments available today allows for efficient and effective utility installations, from small residential projects to large-scale industrial applications.
Guam contractor faces $1 million fine over repeated trench safety violations, OSHA investigation reveals
Giant Construction Corp., a Tamuning contractor, is under fire with over $1 million in penalties after federal inspectors discovered trench workers exposed to fatal hazards.
National Trench Safety appoints Fernando Pinera as new CEO
National Trench Safety (NTS), the nation’s largest pure play trench safety solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Fernando Pinera as its new CEO, effective April 1, 2024.
Kelowna, BC, invests $7 million in CIPP technology for sewer pipe repair
The city of Kelowna, located in the south of Canada’s British Columbia province, is set to embark on a $7-million project next week to repair 1.6 miles of sanitary sewer pipe using cutting-edge trenchless technology known as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP).
SA Water tests successful trenchless pipeline repair technique
SA Water undertook a trial of trenchless technology, a first in the metropolitan sewer network, to address issues with a sewer pipe running beneath the popular trade hub.
El Paso Water to use trenchless technology for water line rehabilitation project in April
El Paso Water will use trenchless technology to insert a special liner inside a 70-year-old cast iron water pipe. The project will restore the pipe to near-new condition and extend the pipe’s life by 30-50 years.
Saline, Mich. to repair over 2,000 ft of water main with trenchless technology
Work involves bypassing water piping during the cured-in-place piping (CIPP) process, which involves lining the main with resin that will harden, creating a new water line inside of the aging infrastructure.
Vortex Companies redefines trenchless technology solutions with rebranded CIPP supplier launch
UNITED FELTS will embody the Applied Felts Inc. & FerraTex Solutions brands. These brands will be retired over the coming months. The MaxLiner brand will remain intact under the operation of United Felts.
Vortex Companies acquires Applied Felts for total trenchless rehabilitation solutions
Vortex Companies takes a significant step in revolutionizing trenchless rehabilitation with the landmark acquisition of Applied Felts Inc., including MaxLiner and FerraTex Solutions.
American Pipeline Supplies amplifies role in trenchless technology sector with strategic partnership
The milestone marks a continued commitment by APS to amplify their role as a leader in the trenchless pipe repair & Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) lining industry.
Reline America, East Coast Infrastructure partner to expand UV-GRP Alphaliner network
(UI) — This partnership will bring UV-GRP lining to the Tidewater region, making East Coast Infrastructure a one-stop shop for infrastructure assessment and rehabilitation.
Fourth annual NAXSA Colorado Trench Safety Summit breaks record attendance for second year
(UI) — More than 500 construction and safety professionals converged on the Adams County Fairgrounds near Denver on Oct. 4 with one common goal in mind: learn more about trench safety and help prevent tragedy in the workplace.
NUCA opens state-of-the-art trench rescue training facility in Urbandale, Iowa
(UI) — This state-of-the-art facility is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of industry employees who work in subsurface excavations and help prepare those in the state who are leading the rescue at any accident scene.
Trenchless Technology Center continues to prosper, provide industry research
(UI) — The Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University had another busy year and its Industry Advisory Board (IAB) again hit an all-time high in 2023. Research activities were in full swing and in-person training even came back, with forums in Boston and Houston.
Currently at CUIRE – Annual update of research center’s activities
(UI) — Pipe deterioration is a complex process, involving a combination of aging, chemical and environmental factors. Polymeric SAPL is a new application to structurally renew deteriorated gravity and pressure pipelines and can be applied to a wide range of concrete, masonry, corrugated metal, and steel pipelines.
Tech lesson for Silicon Valley
(UI) — Trenchless technology has been one of the most important advancements in the underground construction industry and has changed the way utility contractors approach projects. For a recent sanitary sewer upgrade project in Palo Alto, it was trenchless pipe bursting that was making an impact.
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility