Underground Construction articles from December 2007

Underground Construction archives from December 2007

Looking ahead ...(Editor's Log)
December 1, 2007... As the year draws to a close, anxious eyes are always turned towards the new year. This December is no different. After 2006 proved to be a very strong year for underground ground infrastructure, 2007 was a bit of an enigma. Certain aspects of...

Water pipeline under Folsom Dam rejected.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... The Sacramento Business Journal reports that flood control agencies have rejected a request by the cities of Folsom and Roseville and the San Juan Water District in California to build a municipal water pipeline under the future Folsom Dam...

TransCanada plans $5.2B Keystone expansion.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... Based on strong industry support, TransCanada has entered into contracts or conditionally awarded approximately $3 billion for major materials and pipeline construction contractors and is continuing to secure land access agreements in...

Report highlights clean water crisis.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... Nearly 35 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, the majority of states are facing clean water infrastructure needs far greater than available funding, according to a report released by Food & Water Watch. Federal support for water...

Fort Worth Water director addresses GCTA.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... Frank Crumb, P.E., director of the city of Fort Worth Water Department, was the guest speaker at the bi-monthly meeting sponsored by the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association (GCTA) held on Oct. 10, in Houston. The city of Fort Worth Water...

ConocoPhillips proposes advance of Alaska Gas Pipeline.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... ConocoPhillips has submitted a proposal to the governor of Alaska to advance the development of the Alaska Gas Pipeline Project. The proposed pipeline would transport approximately 4 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Alaska...

Bill Adams.(In memoriam)
December 1, 2007... Bill Adams, retired senior vice president of Gregory & Cook Inc., passed away on Oct. 4, at the age of 81. He began his career in 1950 as a construction superintendent for Station Contracting and from 1958-1977, he was a general superintendent...

Richard Emerson.(In memoriam)
December 1, 2007... Richard Emerson, died Oct. 27, after a long battle with lung cancer. He formally worked for Associated Pipe Line Contractors, Gregory & Cook Construction, and Houston Contracting, and most recently for CH2M Hill. During his career, Emerson...

Phoenix seeks trenchless proposals for solving unique project challenges.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
December 1, 2007... The city of Phoenix Water Services Department is planning to install nearly three miles of 36-inch diameter gravity sewer along Broadway Road. Located on the south side of the Phoenix metro area, the Broadway project has several unique aspects....

Controversy flares over LNG quality standards.(Washington watch)
December 1, 2007... Spectra Energy's Algonquin Gas Transmission is getting hit from all sides over the quality of the liquid natural gas (LNG) it expects to bring into the U.S. via the Northeast Gateway project in Massachusetts Bay. Greg McBride, vice president,...

Astec Underground.(equipment spotlight: RUBBER TIRE TRENCHERS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Astec RT460 trencher provides extra-traction with its four-wheel drive axles with both front and rear limited-slip differentials. The RT460 utilizes a full-floating axle design to withstand heavy loads for long...

Vermeer Mfg.(equipment spotlight: RUBBER TIRE TRENCHERS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Combining operator convenience with versatile tools, the RT650 fully hydrostatic trencher joins the next generation of Vermeer rubber tire units. Based on the proven design of the V5750, the RT650 boasts a stronger,...

Ditch Witch.(equipment spotlight: RUBBER TIRE TRENCHERS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Zahn family of trenchers consists of three power units and a set of compatible front ends. One of these machines is the Zahn R300, which is designed to be more powerful, more productive, and faster than any...

Mid America Trenchers.(equipment spotlight: RUBBER TIRE TRENCHERS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Buckeye 9200 Magnum Rubber Tired Trencher's operating weight of 55,000 pounds gives it the strength to handle tough conditions and its nearly 20 mph road speed allows for unheard of wheel trencher mobility....

Arnco.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Arnco AT 410 drop cable air-assist system is designed to quickly and efficiently install flat and round optical fiber and copper drop cables for residential and commercial FTTH and broadband applications. As an...

Astec Underground.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Astec Maxi-Sneaker Series C, a compact ride-on unit. delivers 37 hp 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...

Roose Mfg.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Model RR-250 Self-Load real trailer can carry two, 5.000 pound, 125-inch diameter spools with 62-inch inside working width. It is equipped with tandem osolating wheel system with Dexter Never-Lub axles. Two...

Ditch Witch.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 1030 walk-along trencher is designed for residential and short-run commercial service line work lines requiring trenches up to 6 inches wide and 30 inches deep. Choice of Kohler or Honda air-cooled overhead valve...

Vermeer.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The RT1250 trencher/ plow can be used for trenching applications from rural water line installations to utility installations along railroads. A 120-hp Cummins QSB3.9TAA turbocharged, air cooled engine has more...

Kiefer Industrial Trailers.(equipment spotlight: CABLE LAYING EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kiefer's ICD Series of cable trailers are available in sizes "icd" 100,200, 300 and 400. Standard features include: 6- or 10-inch steel channel cold formed frame and tongue; 1/2-inch formed steel plate five-position...

Pipe ramming in thin air.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pneumatic pipe ramming continues to prove that it is one of the most versatile and effective trenchless methods. With much of the attention being placed on pipe ramming's effectiveness for assisting directional...

Restrained joint PVC: offers corrosion solution for Navy Air Station.
December 1, 2007... In 2006, U.S. Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA, was stuck with a potable water distribution system that was falling apart. Corrosive soils on the Pacific Coast had damaged the system's steel piping, warranting a vast...

Joint-use buried duct network for upgrading, maintaining utility cables.(U-Tech: Underground Technology: Cutting Edge Technical Information For Utility Construction & Rehabilitation)
December 1, 2007... When it comes to upgrading or replacing utility cables--whether telephone lines, CATV cables or electric power supply lines--it is tough to beat the convenience of overhead facilities. It is a relatively simple matter to remove and/or add new...

Wind power: generates work for Michels.(Directional Drilling)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Although wind power still represents only a tiny fraction of the electrical power consumed today, that is changing--faster than many may realize. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that the U.S....

HDD sewer installations in the nick of time.(Directional Drilling)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The picturesque seaside village of Ogunquit, ME, recently completed improvements to its sanitary sewer system which reduces infiltration problems, increases capacity and bypasses much of the old, ductile iron...

Janssen lateral renovation demonstrates technology.(Rehab News)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Umwelttechnik Franz Janssen GmbH reports its first success in the U.S. market. On behalf of their U.S. partners, The Janssen Process Company, the sewer rehabilitation specialist from the Lower Rhine developed a new...

Godwin pumps.(BYPASS PUMPING)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new, three-inch solids handling 4-inch x 4-inch CD140M and 8-inch x 6-inch CD180M portable diesel pumps offer both elevated heads and solids handling capabilities without sacrificing flow rate. The CD140M pump...

Rain for rent.(BYPASS PUMPING)
December 1, 2007... The DV 150i 6-inch pump is designed to reduce operator maintenance costs for bypass and dewatering projects. With superior fuel efficiency, this pump is able to move more gallons of water at a lower cost. The high efficiency impeller offers...

Thompson Pump & Mfg.(BYPASS PUMPING)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The JSC Series Solids Handling ENVIROPRIME pump has a heavy-duty cast-iron construction and ability to dry-prime and re-prime automatically. This model is ideal for sewage bypass and general construction dewatering...

The Gorman-Rupp Co.(BYPASS PUMPING)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The model PA6C604045T-ESP offers high performance, sound attenuation and an environmental containment base. It has flow rates up to 2,750 gpm, heads up to 200 feet and can handle 3-inch solids. The pump has the...

Holland pump.(BYPASS PUMPING)
December 1, 2007... PT6TPA featuring a 50 cfm water tolerant, diaphragm vacuum pump, uses an automatic dry priming and re-priming system providing three times more priming power. The PT6TPA uses an enclosed 2-vane impeller and easily handles up to 3-inch diameter...

UCT 2008: #1 provider of essential information, education to underground utilities.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New program innovations and upgrades promise to provide the best education and information opportunity of 2008 for underground contractors, sewer/water personnel, utilities (gas, telecom and electric) and engineers....

2nd WaterWorks Conference to be held.(UCT 2008)(Conference news)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In partnership with the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association and Underground Construction magazine, the second WaterWorks Conference will follow-up on the acclaimed success of the first event in 2007. The two-day...

NASTT to hold two special courses at UCT.(UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) will hold two, special one-day Good Practices Courses in conjunction with UCT at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Sewer Laterals Good Practices Course is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan....

Same great concept, new directions for RehabZone.(UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... The RehabZone will again be a primary focus of interest at the 2008 Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) for professionals and others who want to know about rehabilitation. The RehabZone is a...

HDD summits: focus pressing industry issues.
December 1, 2007... Discussion leaders have been named for three 2008 UCT HDD Summit sessions which will cover three timely and important topics of vital interest to the horizontal directional drilling industry. The "summit" format is new to UCT (the...

UCT 2008 products & services guide.(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2007... Advance Products & Systems #411 www.apsonline.com GET INTO POSITION QUICKLY... with APS Casing Spacers for centering water and sewer pipes within casings, providing protection from electrical shorting between carrier pipe and casing....

Asset management.(New For 2008)
December 1, 2007... This session will provide an overview and status of the major programs and projects which will shape and develop the pathway forward in obtaining excellence in implementing asset management programs.

Quality assurance/quality control for Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) installations.(New For 2008)
December 1, 2007... Today, after more than 30 years of successful installations and tens of thousands of miles of pipe installed, the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology continues to grow. For these 30 years, CIPP liners have provided a solution that addresses...

Voices from the field: real pipebursting, in the real world.(New For 2008)
December 1, 2007... Pipebursting has become a widely accepted pipe replacement technology in the U.S. As municipalities achieve greater awareness of their infrastructure replacement needs, larger and more comprehensive projects are being bid using this technology....

NASSCO slates PACP, MACP training at UCT.(UCT SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 31 & February 1)
December 1, 2007... A special two-day, training and certification program for pipeline inspection and assessment will be held in conjunction with UCT on Jan. 31 --Feb. 1. The Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) is a joint effort be tween NASSCO...

McElroy Mfg.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] McElroy Manufacturing has released its newest version of the Polyethylene Pipe Fusion Catalog and Reference Guide. The guide, now in its sixth edition, includes detailed information on the full range of McElroy...

John Deere.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... The U.S. Department of Defense awarded John Deere Construction & Forestry Company an estimated $125 million contract to build up to 540 Medium Crawler Tractors (MCTs). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MCTs are being built for the Marine...

Allied Construction Products.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... Eddie Turner has been appointed district manager of the southeast territory at Allied Construction Products. He will cover the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Turner brings more than 25 years of...

Griffin Dewatering/Griffin Pump and Equipment Inc.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... Griffin Dewatering and Griffin Pump and Equipment Inc. have launched an improved Web site for its customers at www.GriffinPump.com. Griffin Corporation is comprised of Griffin Dewatering and Griffin Pump and Equipment and specializes in...

Hill International.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... Hill International, the worldwide construction consulting firm, has announced that John A. Garrafa has joined the firm as senior business development manager in the Philadelphia Project Management Group. In this capacity he is responsible for...

Volvo.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... Buoyed by higher volumes, Volvo Construction Equipment's 2007 financial year continues to be characterized by strong growth in sales and profitability. Sales in the period rose by 24 percent and operating income increased by 10 percent,...

Terex.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... Jacob Thomas has joined Terex Corporation as vice president, technology. This position reports directly to Tom Riordan, president and COO of Terex. Thomas will be responsible for new product technology globally, working in conjunction with...

Third generation Vermeer family members join company.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Vermeer Manufacturing Company has announced that two members of the Vermeer family's third generation have joined the company. Jason Andringa, son of co-CEO Mary Vermeer-Andringa, joined the company in 2005 as...

Metrotech launches easyloc for underground locating.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Metrotech introduces the Easyloc single active frequency underground locating instrument. An economical and technical solution to utility locating incorporating a rugged housing, automatic digital display, and high...

McLaren Industries.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring floatation, traction and tire protection in an easy-to-install and inexpensive-to-maintain package, McLaren Industries PROTRAC Series High Performance Skid-Steer Tracks are offered in three styles to handle...

Jet-Lube.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... Jet-Lube Jacking System Grease ECF, ALCO-EP ECF, and Wire Line Lubricant ECF join Jet-Lube thread compounds in meeting Norway's Yellow (SFT) and the United Kingdom's "E" classification by CEFAS. These classifications are the most stringent...

GPS expands capabilities of resource management software.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HCSS has launched an integrated GPS feature that significantly expands the capabilities of its resource management software, The Dispatcher. Managers can now make better decisions based on accurate information from...

Steve Vick Intl.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Live Service Isolation technique is a safe alternative to the practice of cutting service pipes in live gas conditions. Designed for use as a cut-off procedure or, in conjunction with Live Service Insertion,...

Pipeline Inspection Co.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SPY Model 670 Holiday Detector does not require a belt and can be quickly modified by changing out the electrode. By simply grounding and wetting the electrode, inspectors can inspect any paint, epoxy and coating....

RWF Bron.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The BRON 400 Mulcher features a quality CAT engine and hydrostatic drive for seismic line, right-of-way maintenance and land clearing operations. It's an economical way to comply with local and state No-Burn...

Kubota Tractor.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kubota Tractor launches an exclusive hydraulic utility valve system as standard equipment for its RTV900 Worksite Utility and Turf Utility models. Additionally, eight complementary heavy-duty hydraulic tools are now...

TT technologies.(REHAB PRODUCTS)
December 1, 2007... The Tight-In Pipe (TIP) method is ideal for the restoration of failing sewer and water lines. During the TIP method, a product pipe is pulled inside of the existing pipe utilizing a hydraulic pulling unit such as the Grundoburst 400S. The new...

Chemline.(REHAB PRODUCTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Chemthane 4200PW is a solvent-free, two component polyurethane lining (1:1 spray ratio by volume). It is rated NSF-61 and is approved for drinking water contact in steel storage and distribution applications for...

De Neef UK, Sdi-unistride.(REHAB PRODUCTS)
December 1, 2007... De Neef UK and Sdi-unistride introduces a new generation of pipe joint injection sealing gels--SewerSeal JF--which utilize a rubberized acrylate-based chemical to replace a certain amount of the water used in the sealing gel. This dramatically...

Calendaar of events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2007... 2008 Jan. 10-12 Associated Equipment Distributors Chicago, IL PH: (630) 574-0650 Jan. 21-25 World of Concrete LV Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Web: worldofconcrete.com Jan. 29-31 UCT 2008...

Be amazed. Be informed: prepare for the best educational and informational opportunity of 2008 for the underground utility construction and rehabilitation industry.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... The many and varied elements all converge on Atlanta in January for the largest, most comprehensive conference and exhibition of 2008 focused on the business of trenchless and open-cut underground utility construction and rehabilitation. ...

HDD Summit--an industry first.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... Taking a "town meeting" approach, there will be three summit sessions: * Crossbore issues, (Jan. 29): * Educating engineers, about the benefits of HDD (Jan. 29): and * Economics of HDD (Jan 30). In each session, discussion...

Extreme Education Programs for 2008.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... HDD Summit These roundtable, audience-interactive discussions will focus on issues of utmost importance to HDD. Several key companies and associations have committed to participate in the discussions. Topics will include crossbores...

Same great concept, new directions for RehabZone.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... The RehabZone will again be a primary focus of interest at the 2008 UCT for professionals and others who want to know about rehabilitation. The RehabZone is a generic, no-selling area on the UCT exhibit floor with exhibits providing general...

Sewer Rehabilitation Strategy Workshop.(UCT SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 28)
December 1, 2007... Presented by noted engineering project managers and researchers George Kurz of Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, and Pat Stevens of ADS Environmental Services, this course will take attendees through a process to develop an overall strategy to...

2nd WaterWorks Conference to be held.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)(Conference news)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In partnership with the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association and Underground Construction magazine, the second WaterWorks Conference will follow-up on the acclaimed success of the first event in 2007. The two-day...

Special session continues forum discussion on important liner design issues.(Education, Information, Profit & Networking = UCT 2008)
December 1, 2007... A two-hour interactive session at UCT titled "Engineered Design Concepts For Trenchless Renewal--A Forum For Discussion" will continue important discussions initiated last summer at the annual ASCE Pipelines Conference. ASTM's F-1216 wall...

CUIRE Trenchless Technology Engineering & Inspection School.(UCT SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 27 & 28 * January 31 & February 1)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Six special trenchless technology schools, organized by the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research (CUIRE) at the University of Texas-Arlington, will be held in conjunction with UCT. The schools are...

NASTT to Hold 2 Special Courses at UCT.(UCT SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 30 & 31)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) will hold two, special one-day Good Practices Courses in conjunction with UCT at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Sewer Laterals Good Practices Course is...

NASSCO Slates PACP, MACP Training At UCT.(UCT SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 31 & February 1)
December 1, 2007... A special two-day, training and certification program for pipeline inspection and assessment will be held in conjunction with UCT on Jan. 31-Feb. 1. The Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) is a joint effort between NASSCO and...

GCTA MVP Award Luncheon.(UCT EXTRA: January 29)
December 1, 2007... The Gulf Coast Trenchless Association and Underground Construction magazine will award the coveted Most Valuable Professional Award on Tuesday, Jan. 29, in conjunction with UCT. The special luncheon will begin with a reception at 11:30 a.m. at...

Getting to UCT.(TRAVEL AND SHOW INFORMATION)
December 1, 2007... Using UCT's official Web site is the easiest way to make your arrangements for the convention and is also the most flexible and economical. Hotel rates, airfare discounts and car rental rates have been negotiated exclusively for you! Book...