Underground Construction articles from December 2003

Underground Construction archives from December 2003

Learning, interacting to make a difference: UCT will mark the first--and primary--opportunity of 2004 fir those in the underground construction and rehabilitation industry to meet, network, learn and interact.(Editor's Log)
December 1, 2003... No doubt you are aware of the 10th Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition that will convene Jan. 13--15, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The question is: Are you coming to the conference?...

Arby Construction make wishes come true.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... The 8th annual Arby Construction Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin was held Sept. 17, at the Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva. The 2003 outing raised $102,000 to make wishes come true for...

U.S. plastic and pipe demand projected to grow.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... Pipe demand in the U.S. is projected to grow 2.5 percent manually to 15.5 billion feet in 2007. Causes point to stricter water management regulations, continued highway and street construction, and the rehabilitation of aging or obsolete sewer,...

Sheehan Pipe Line building 247-mile Grasslands Pipeline.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Co. is building the 247-mile Grasslands Pipeline for Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline. The pipeline is designed u) transport natural gas from developing coalbed and conventional natural gas production in the...

Tampa Bay Water issues default notice to contractor.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... Tampa Bay Water issued a default notice to Covanta Tampa Construction Inc. on Oct. 1, after the contractor failed to meet a deadline for passing a 14-day performance test on the regional water agency's 25-mgd desalination plant. One...

California utility agency approves 'last mile' telecom solution.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a decision that should make it cheaper and easier for Californians to get broadband services. The CPUC decision allows two major utilities to install fiber-optic cable in their...

Official PACP Authority.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... NASSCO's Pipeline and Certification Program (PACP) has been widely acclaimed by the pipe rehabilitation industry as a long needed answer to the problem of standardizing CCTV defect coding. Many system owners and consulting engineering firms...

Trencher + motorcycle = smooth ride.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... Jim Holley of Tesmec, Alvarado, TX, sits astride a vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle which was given away with the purchase of a new trenching machine during the recent ICUEE show. Tesmec manufactures a full line of track trenching machines...

New UAE water pipeline.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... Rammer hydraulic hammers are being used to construct a new 111-mile long water pipeline in the United Arab Emirates. Scheduled for completion this year, the twin pipeline links a new 100-thousand gallon capacity desalination plant being built...

NiSource exits telecom business.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... NiSource Inc. has completed the sale of its telecommunications subsidiary, Columbia Transmission Communications Corporation (Transcom), to NEON Communications Inc., a provider of advanced opticalnetwork services in the U.S. Northeast and...

Solving the Last Mile Bottleneck Workshop.(Newsline: for the latest industry developments)
December 1, 2003... The ChinaTel Summit 2004 conference will be held on Jan. 9-10, 2004, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii. The summit will provide an update on the latest development in the Chinese telecommunications markets and offer a unique...

OSHA crane safety standard to impact utility, pipeline contractors.(Washington Watch)
December 1, 2003... A negotiated rulemaking committee constituted by OSHA is moving quickly to make recommendations on updating the agency's 30-year-old safety standard on cranes. The group of industry, labor and government representatives has already decided that...

Cheyenne Plains faces last hurdle.(Washington Watch)
December 1, 2003... FERC is assessing environmental concerns about the Cheyenne Plains pipeline project which received construction approval on Oct. 22. FERC will publish a final environmental impact statement (EIS) after examining public comments, which were...

FERC takes another step on financial transparency for pipelines.(Washington Watch)
December 1, 2003... Brushing aside complaints from the pipeline industry, FERC imposed a requirement on pipeline companies to file new reports on cash management or "money pool" programs. The requirement grows out of audits conducted by the FERC's chief accountant...

Case.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... The Case 660 trencher trenches to depths of 72 inches and a width of 6 to 16 inches. The 67-horsepower unit gives operators the best of both worlds--a heavy-duty trencher along with power and excellent maneuverability. The unit is powered by a...

Trencor.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... The Trencor 60 Series features Cat-type undercarriages for reduced maintenance, and fast 2-speed drive motors for optimum travel speeds. The digging booms can bc sectionalized for easy dimension changes, and many of the models can accommodate...

Ditch Witch.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... The Ditch Witch RT70 Powershift Trencher is a reliable, compact, medium-utility, rubber-tire tractor designed to meet a wide range of underground construction needs. The model RT70 is ideal for replacing existing service lines, installing new...

Vermeer.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... The Vermeer hydrostatic RT450 riding trencher/plow is designed to provide contractors and rental center operators ease of operation, powerful performance and rugged reliability. The RT450 features a center-mounted backhoe operator sear,...

Burkeen.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... The B-25 is just another example of finding a need in the market and filling it. Featuring the economy of a walk-behind trencher combined with the functionality of a full size riding trencher. With the B-25 trencher, you get the best of both...

Trench-Tech.(Trenchers)
December 1, 2003... Trench-Tech's Model 2300 Mechanical Chain Trencher is one in a series of four models ranging in horsepower from 240 to 750. The 2300 offers features of larger machines such as a quiet and roomy cab, new pump drive system, Trench-Tech...

RWF Bron.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The BRON Vibratory Plow is available for attachment to power units rated at 50 to 500 horsepower. These offsetting plows are designed for the installation of fiber-optic cable, copper cable, flexible conduit and pipe at working depths from 38...

Roose Mfg.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The two-reel self-load trailer, the RR-250 from Roose Mfg. can carry two-to 125-inch diameter spools and has a 10,000 pound payload capacity. Manual hydraulic pumps are standard. Available options include a power rewind attachment reel brake....

TESMEC USA.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... TESMEC's TRS-700B, designed for dirt and light rock application, features a 185 horsepower Cummins engine and weights 29,000 pounds. With a six-foot boom and 12-inch cup cutters, maximum digging depth in dirt is eight feet and six feet in rock....

Ditch Witch.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The new compact hydrostatic trencher 1330 trencher features a reversible digging chain for dislodging rocks or spoils caught in the chain. Features include the hydraulic digging chain drive, a hydraulic oil cooler that requires less hydraulic...

Condux Intl.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The Fiber-Optic Cable Blower allows for the safe and fast installation of fiber-optic cable. With top speeds approaching 300 feet pet minute, installers simply attach a missile to the front of the cable. Compressed air then propels the missile...

Trencor.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The Trencor 1260RS is a heavy-duty, utility trencher specifically designed as a rocksaw--it is not a converted chain trencher. This strong, rugged machine offers flexibility and the unibody tractor frame weldment is stronger than bolted plate...

Vermeer.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... With a width of 35.5 inches, the compact SP11 walk-behind vibratory plow is ideal for irrigation and service-line installations such as cable TV, electric, phone, gas or water. The SP11, equipped with steel shielding and dual-wheel option,...

Burkeen.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The B-30P, Vibratory Plow is a versatile combination vibratory plow, trencher, and boring unit that can lay cable or pull pipe up to 2-inch diameter, at depths of 12 to 24 inches. The B-30B is ideal for installing irrigation systems or...

Case.(Cable Laying Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The Maxi-Sneaker Series C, a compact, ride-on unit, delivers 37 horsepower and buries cable to a depth of 24 inches. The unit is powered by a four-cylinder, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine. Ideal for underground telephone, CATV, electrical...

HDD plays key role: in Chicago pilot lighting project.
December 1, 2003... The city of Chicago has completed a $7.5 million test project that dramatically illustrates the benefits of horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The Chicago Bureau of Electricity has installed two blocks of an attractive new type of...

HDD solves 12 kV submarine feeder cable installation.
December 1, 2003... The San Leandro channel includes a bird sanctuary that provides habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl including the endangered California Clapper Rail. The Clapper Rail inhabits the marshland along the shore and is at risk of being disturbed...

HDD plays essential role in OU campus electric cable installations.
December 1, 2003... Many think of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) as a primary tool for telecommunications construction, and indeed the evolution of this innovative trenchless procedure was closely tied to the building of the information highway during the...

Roto-Rooter diversifies with HDD, piercing tools.
December 1, 2003... Plumbing contractors around the United States are finding that trenchless construction and rehabilitation methods can help them improve service offerings while increasing their bottom line. Rote-Rooter Services is a prime example. ...

OPI solves pipe makeup problems on HDD crossing.(First Look)
December 1, 2003... In early 2003, Janco Directional Drilling, Iowa, LA, was awarded a contract to install an 18-inch steel casing using horizontal directional drilling under the Hudson River for Cannon Industries Inc. The project called for a 30-inch hole to be...

It's all about underground.(UCT 2004: Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition)
December 1, 2003... UCT To Examine Industry Opportunities, Directions All eyes of the underground infrastructure industry are now anxiously focused on the upcoming Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition scheduled for Jan....

RehabZone builds upon success: special 'no-sales' zone provides cutting-edge, generic education.(Rehab Zone)
December 1, 2003... Once again, the RehabZone will be an important part of the Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition (UCT) scheduled next month in Houston. Event organizers and sponsors plum to make the 2004 version even better...

HDD field seminar back by popular demand.
December 1, 2003... An in-the-field directional drilling seminar for both small- and mid-sized rigs will be held in Conroe, TX, (just north of Houston) at the training facilities of the Tri-Flo International at the conclusion of UCT on Jan. 16. Baroid and Ditch...

UCT 2004 Educational Sessions.(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Track I-A = Tutorial: Introduction To Sewer & Water Rehabilitation Techniques 9-9:30 a.m. Cured-In-Place-Pipe Speaker: Dave Kozman, American Water Services Description: Cured-in-place pipe is one of the...

UCT 2004 exhibitors/products and services guide.
December 1, 2003... Ace Pipe Cleaning #1243 www.caryloncorp.com Circle No.201 Advance Products #237 & Systems www.advprod.com Circle No. 202 Advantica Technologies #101 www.advantica.biz Circle No. 203 Advantica is a premier provider of advanced...

Textbook to promote trenchless technology.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... McGraw-Hill Company will publish the first trenchless technology textbook. This book is planned to go to print in spring 2004 and will be available n early summer of 2004. The book will include case studies and design examples as it is designed...

American Augers.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... American Augers has announced several promotions and appointments at its West Salem, OH, facility. Guy Randall, former director of Engineering was promoted in general manager of American Augers and is leading the company into the future...

Attachment Technologies.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) has acquired 100 percent of the stock of Attachment Technologies Inc. (ATI) and Pengo Corporation. ATI is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment attachments for skid-steer loaders, excavators,...

Severn Trent Services.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Severn Trent Services announced that it has been awarded two, five-year contracts (including options) to operate newly acquired utility systems in Citrus County and Lee County, FL. Awarded by the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), a...

Tiger Equipment, Smith Air Compressors.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Tiger Equipment and Smith Compressors have jointly announced a strategic marketing partnership. Under this marketing partnership, Tiger will market the Smith line of portable air compressors to the rental industry in various market areas in the...

Baseline Technologies.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Calgary-based Baseline Technologies Inc. announced the addition of Tom Sawyer, P.E., to the company as their new chief executive officer. Sawyer's arrival coincides with Baseline's recent gains in the pipeline industry, including agreements...

Allied Construction Products.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Al Springer, national sales manager, Allied Construction Products, has announced tire appointment of Mike Thurman in the district manager position in the south central territory covering the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas,...

Topcon.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Topcon Positioning Systems has been granted a fully paid, nonexclusive license to use U.S. Patent No. 4,807,131 owned by Philip M. Glegg related to 3D automated control systems for earth moving equipment. Topcon is a provider of positioning...

Hancor.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Jerry Liffrig has accepted the position of national distribution manager for Hancor. Liffrig joined Hancor in 1990 in sales management roles that have helped the company grow distributor relationships from the Mid-Atlantic states, throughout...

Swagelok.(Business: general industry reports)
December 1, 2003... Swagelok now offers the Chinese and Japanese language versions of swagelok.com that offers expanded product information and access to online purchasing capabilities through independent Swagelok sales and service centers. The updated sites can...

CS Unitec.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... CS Unitec's line of portable air, electric and hydraulic powered hacksaws covers virtually any industrial need for cutting pipe and structural steel. With a stroke of 2 3/8 inches, CS Unitec portable Hacksaws are ideal for on-site cutting of...

Topcon positioning systems.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Topcon's new line-up of improved theodolites, the DT-200 series, replaces the DT-100 series. The DT-200 series integrates the same advanced absolute circle reading technology found in Topcon's total station products, eliminating the need for a...

Vermeer's Interrogator EZ locates buried utilities.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Vermeer makes the task of locating buried utilities easier with the Interragator EZ GPR system. This new arrival joins the Interragator II currently being used by con tractors, municipalities, engineer and utility/ locating services. Using...

Multiquip.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... The MVC-64 Series one-way vibratory plate compactors are designed for compaction of granular soils and asphalt, and their narrow width makes them ideal for work in confined spaces. The four-model line offers numerous improvements over...

TERRA AG.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... The TERRA-JET 4514 D is a new horizontal directional drilling machine with a torque of 3,320 loot-pounds a pullback force of 31,000 pounds and a drilling fluid volume of 49 gpm. It can produce directional bores up to 1,000 feet in length, in...

American Augers w/digital photo.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... With over one million pounds of thrust and pullback, the American Augers DD Million Eighty horizontal directional drill offers unprecedented power to complete even the most difficult directional drilling shots. Powered by two Cat 3412 E DITTA...

Hobas offers larger pipe.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Hobas Pipe USA had added another larger size to its product line to meet customer needs. They now offer a ll0-ineh diameter, centrifugally cast, fiberglass reinforced, polymer mortar (CCFRPM) pipe. Because of its thin wall construction, the...

Pinpoint Laser Systems.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Pinpoint Laser Systems has introduced a new and improved flatness measuring and aligmnent kit. Machine beds, rollers, web assemblies, X-Y stages and mechanical slides can be precisely checked to 0.0005 inch for flatness and adjusted. The use of...

Hancor.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Hancor's Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Unit, incorporating the patent pending Baffle 55 device, reduces the velocity and turbulence of water flow, thus allowing the grit, sediment and other solids common to parking lots and roadways to settle and...

Pumpex.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Pumpex offers a portable manhole dewatering pump what is designed to solve confined space restrictions. the lightweight pump series handles dewatering and drainage of a manhole up to 65 feet deep with hard-to-reach access by operating in any...

Melfred Borzall.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... Melfred Borzall's new deluxe fluted reamer, Juggernaut, combines the ruggedness of a heat treated alloy steel body with the longevity of having replaceable carbide cutters. Not only are the cutters replaceable, but there are more of them than...

SPY portable holiday detector inspects pipe coatings.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... The Pipeline Inspection Company, based in Houston, offers three portable holiday detector packages designed to quickly and accurately inspect coatings on 2- to 60-inch pipe. SPY Models 715, 725 and 735 portable holiday detectors are lightweight...

Vacuum Source.(New products: the latest products)
December 1, 2003... The new VT250D/G Vacuum Excavator includes a 500-efm positive displacement vacuum blower with a 250-gallon collection tank. Powered by a 25 horsepower air-cooled gas engine or optional 30-horsepower water-cooled diesel engine, the unit features...

Calendar: important upcoming industry events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... 2004 Jan. 5, Pipeliners Association of Houston, H.E.S.S. Club, 5430 Westheimer, Houston, "IX. Web: www.houstonpipeliners.org/ meetings.shtml Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition, George R. Brown Convention...