Underground Construction articles from February 2008

Underground Construction archives from February 2008

PCCA, RDUP discuss contract.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... PCCA members met with Rural Development Utility Program (RDUP) staff at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15, 2007 to discuss issues regarding the agency's planned rewrite of the 515 construction contract for telecommunications...

Alaska reaches milestone for Alaska Gas Pipeline.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... The State of Alaska has completed its review of applications submitted by five companies for the exclusive right to build the 2,100 mile Alaska Gas Pipeline to transport North Slope gas to market. On Jan. 4, Gov. Sarah Palin announced that...

Baltimore completes world's largest plugging project.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... The city of Baltimore, MD. faced the problem of many municipalities across the nation--that of aged and failing infrastructure. Baltimore's situation comes in the form of very old, pre-stressed, concrete pipe with an ID of 102 inches. The pipe...

Michels Corp. contributes to United Flight 93 memorial.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... Wisconsin Red Granite, near Wausau, WI, now provides the focal point of the first memorial recently dedicated to the 40 brave men and women on the fateful United Flight 93 that crashed in a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11, 2001. The 40, six-foot...

Research reports, Houston infrastructure update.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Members and guests of the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association (GCTA) held their latest bimonthly luncheon in December at the HESS Club in Houston to hear presentations given by three speakers on a variety of issues....

Georg Fischer to acquire Central Plastics.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... Swiss industrial group Georg Fischer Corp. has announced it has agreed to purchase Central Plastics Co. for an undisclosed sum. The deal, expected to close by the end of March, is subject to Federal Trade Commission approval. Central...

City agrees to improve sewer system.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... The city of Fort Wayne, IN, has agreed to make an estimated $250 million worth of improvements to resolve longstanding problems with overflows from its sewer system, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have...

In memoriam.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)(Obituary)
February 1, 2008... Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) announces that its Chair man of the Board, Frank Eck, passed away Dec. 13, 2007 from complications following open heart surgery. He was 84. In 1944, Eck earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering at the...

R.H. White Constructs "green" gas pipeline for university.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
February 1, 2008... R.H. White Construction Company has begun constructing a 12.7-mile pipeline to transport recovered and purified methane gas from a landfill in Rochester, NH, to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) campus in Durham, NH. R.H.White selected The...

Senate greenhouse gas bill poses concerns.(Washington watch)
February 1, 2008... The greenhouse gas reduction legislation which passed a Senate committee in December and is headed to the Senate floor this winter could have a big impact on pipelines and their customers. But according to Martin Edwards, INGAA's vice president...

John Deere.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The J-Series backhoes feature all new ZF power train components including the transmission, front and rear axle. All models provide exclusive, standard powershift transmission for fast, smooth, on-the fly,...

Caterpillar.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 450E Backhoe Loader is in the 17-foot dig depth class and is the largest backhoe loader in the Caterpillar line. The 450E has 124 net hp and a backhoe digging depth of 17 feet 3 inches when equipped with a...

Kubota tractor.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The versatility of this highly maneuverable, combination TLB makes the Kubota B26 TLB (tractor loader backhoe) three machines in one. The B26 TLB has a sleek, modern design that improves operator visibility. It also...

New Holland Construction.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Holland Construction offers a full range of loader backhoes. A narrow backhoe boom provides excellent visibility. Moreover, the fast backhoe swing leads to high-production trenching and efficiency. The larger...

Allmand Bros.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Powered by a Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engine, the Allmand TLB-225 heavy-duty compact tractor loader backhoe offers ample power for various jobsite challenges with versatility, high maneuverability and performance....

Volvo construction equipment.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Volvo assembled a team of backhoe loader experts from around the world to help develop BL70. The team, in turn, utilized customer input at every phase of the development through a series of head-to-head backhoe...

The Charles machine works.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ditch Witch XT850 is a cross between a compact track loader, a mini excavator and a compact loader backhoe. The XT850 is a powerful, lightweight excavator/ tool-carrier with options that include trailer, stands...

Case.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 580 Super M+ provides optimum performance and operator comfort in rough operating conditions or when high flotation is required. This 90-hp machine features a large capacity 93-inch loader bucket and has a loader...

Komatsu America.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WB156-5 and the WB156PS-5 backhoe loaders are equipped with Tier 2 engines and feature operating weights between 16,530-18,780 pounds and loader bucket options up to 1.50 yd3. The backhoe loaders feature a...

Terex construction Americas.(equipment spotlight: BACKHOE LOADERS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Terex TX870B Tractor Loader Backhoe weighs in at 16,986 pounds, and offers a maximum digging depth of 20 feet 4 inches. This machine comes standard with a dipper, suspension seat, 1.32 cubic yard loader bucket...

John Deere construction & forestry.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The John Deere 17D Compact Excavator boasts adjustable-width tracks and a backfill blade with foldable end sections. When the tracks are retracted and the blades' end sections folded, the machine fits through a...

Yanmar America.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yanmar's new 3.836 pound operating weight Vi017 offers true zero tail swing. The variable undercarriage Yanmar Vi017 achieves the ultimate goal of no overhang at all even on jobs right up against a wall for worry...

Hitachi.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two improvements to the new Zaxis 17U-2 Compact Excavator is its adjustable-width tracks and its backfill blade with foldable end sections. Using both features reduces the overall width to 40 inches. When fully...

Volvo construction equipment.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Volvo compact excavators offer a complete range of seven tracked excavator models with digging depths ranging from 6 feet, 9 inches to 12 feet 6 inches and operating weights from 3,164 to 11,130 pounds, combined with...

Kobelco America.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2008, Kobelco will offer its compact excavator line with a redesigned power train that delivers improved power, performance and efficiency. With a zero-tail-swing design that allows movement and work in close...

Case.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CX17B Compact Excavator has hydraulic retractable tracks that allow the machine to pass through a 39-inch opening. It delivers 15.15 net hp, swing speed is 0-8.6 rpm, and bucket force is 3,417 pounds. Arm force...

Kubota Tractor Corp.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kubota's U-Series zero tail swing excavators are available in four models and come equipped with a Kubota E-TVCS diesel engine. Features include large-capacity variable displacement pumps, strong bucket breakout...

New Holland Construction.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Holland Construction offers a full line of zero-tail-swing compact excavators that deliver productivity and peace of mind when maneuvering in tight job sites while delivering the power and breakout force needed...

Bobcat Company.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Bobcat angle blade is being offered as a factory-installed option on the Bobcat 335 compact excavator. The option allows operators to hydraulically angle the blade +/- 25 degrees, thus creating a four-way...

Caterpillar.(equipment spotlight: MINI EXCAVATORS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 302.5C Mini Hydraulic Excavator features more power, greater digging forces, a more comfortable operator station and easier access for service. The mini excavator gets a net 24.9 hp. The 302.5C retains the...

McElroy Mfg.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The PolyPorter is a hand-operated tool used much like a dolly to aid in the lifting and moving of polyethylene pipe up to eight inches in diameter. Once pipe is in place, the PolyPorter functions as a pipe stand....

Central plastics.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Central's BS-4 Butt Fusion Machine is capable of butt fusing 1/2 inch IPS thru 4 inch IPS pipe and fittings. This compact machine is manufactured using structural aluminum castings for stability, yet is still light...

Connectra fusion technologies.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... The Connectra 28HP is a hand-operated hydraulic butt fusion machine with a sturdy rectangular frame design that provides operators with a rigid and safe fusion platform. The machine's hydraulic system is powered by Connectra's rugged,...

Footage tools.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The compact Butt Fusion System is designed to fuse PE and HDPE pipe up to 6 inch in diameter making it ideal for many applications. Trimming or facing the pipe is simple using the gear drive power facing tool, which...

Ritmo America.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The RAM 414 is an independent and motorized electrohydraulic butt fusion machine with fusion capabilities ranging from 4-inch IPS to 14-inch IPS pipe sizes. The machine is designed for infield fusion of HDPE pipe and...

Q-Tek.(equipment spotlight: PIPE & JOINT FUSION EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The updated 864 Saddle Fusion Machine features increased pipe capacity of 1 1/4 to 8 inches; tighter machining control; better fusion visibility; and allows for easier change-over of tops. It is available with two...

McLaughlin group.(equipment spotlight: KEYHOLE TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] McLaughlin has introduced the industry's first trailer-mounted combination air/water vacuum excavator, providing contractors with the advantages of both systems in one package. A power pack added to the McLaughlin...

SIMCO drilling equipment.(equipment spotlight: KEYHOLE TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SIMCO 255 PTC pavement coring drill rig is a compact, all hydraulic unit designed for drilling key holes up to 18-inches in diameter. This easy to operate, self contained rig can be mounted in most 3/4 to 1 ton...

Utilicor technologies.(equipment spotlight: KEYHOLE TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Minicor Rotary Coring Attachment is 48-inches wide for ease of use on sidewalks or in other confined spaces where larger truck-mounted machines won't fit. The unit fits all skid-steer loaders with a rated...

Sewer/water spending flat for 2008: overall small spending increase still anticipated.(11th Annual Principal Municipal Survey)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With an uncertain economic future and election year jitters, most municipal officials are cautious even nervous--about how their spending plans will play out in 2008. Still, city officials across the United States...

OSHA getting active, sewer funding continues to decline.(Federal Regulatory Outlook)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2008 will be a big year for the underground construction industry in Washington if for no other reason than OSHA. which has been the Rip Van Winkle of federal regulatory agencies, is about to emerge from its slumber...

Weather has Oklahoma weighing underground options for power grid.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last December, ice storms left more than 600,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses without electrical service, and even before power was fully restored, property owners began asking why more electrical lines are not...

Growth continues to drive PLCA.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Significant growth in association membership and pipeline and construction work plus good relationships with the four pipeline unions were highlights in 2007 for the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), said...

Customers, new infrastructure and maintenance remain a top priority.(Gas Distribution Outlook)
February 1, 2008... The nation's growing demand for natural gas is putting pressure on the gas distribution industry to take on costly new infrastructure projects and commit to major outlays to maintain the nation's 1.9 million miles of distribution mains and...

Urban rehab project uses trenchless methods for zero gas service interruption.
February 1, 2008... A city that never sleeps rarely comes to a standstill for anything, and refitting the gas pipeline servicing a major urban enclave is no exception. So, when Con Edison, the company that owns and manages the gas pipeline system for the city of...

Dedication of TTC's research facility achieves milestone for industry service.
February 1, 2008... For nearly 20 years, the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University has played an important role in the emergence of trenchless construction methods, helping advance the industry through research and development programs...

Managing your mobile construction assets.
February 1, 2008... The transportation industry and other organizations routinely use Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to monitor trucks and other vehicles. With the most sophisticated systems, each vehicle is equipped with a monitoring device...

APCA poised for future.(CONVENTION PREVIEW)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his role as 2007 president of the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA), James Driver has helped guide the association through a strong construction year. APCA is a national association of merit shop...

Vermeer expands maxi HDD rig line-up with HRE acquisition.
February 1, 2008... Vermeer has announced it has acquired the operating assets of Horizontal Rig and Equipment (HRE) and is adding the three horizontal directional drill models to its equipment line. Production of the three models will be moved from Conroe,...

Rental industry expected to remain stable with slow growth.(RENTAL MARKET)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Short-term rentals continue to account for a significant number of machines working on North American construction sites, including underground utility construction projects. Although the slumping housing market...

United Rentals' CEO looks at 2008.(United[R] Rentals)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... Final 2007 figures haven't been reported yet, but United Rentals, the world's largest equipment-rental company, expects them to show revenues to be $2.63 billion, up by 3.9 percent over the previous year, says Chief Executive Officer Michael...

ARA selects inductees for Rental Hall of Fame.(RENTAL UPDATE)
February 1, 2008... The American Rental Association announced the newest inductees into the Rental Hall of Fame. Bill Begley, Tom Hawthorne and the late James Keenan will be formally inducted during the keynote session on Feb. 12, at The Rental Show in Las Vegas....

Komatsu to integrate with BigRental in Japan.(RENTAL UPDATE)
February 1, 2008... Komatsu Ltd. announced it executed a basic agreement with Chikashi Shike, representative director of BigRental Co. Ltd., who owns 42.1 percent of the shares in BR, with the intent to integrate BR with Komatsu Rental Japan Ltd., which is a...

Volvo CE Rents opens franchise in Colorado.(RENTAL UPDATE)
February 1, 2008... Volvo Construction Equipment Rents (Volvo Rents) has announced the opening of a Volvo Rents equipment rental franchise in Denver, CO. Premiere Equipment Rentals, owned by Eric Radewahn and Andy Piotrowski, has opened its first Volvo Rents...

Evolution of reinforced resin composite repairs for pipelines.(FIRST LOOK)
February 1, 2008... Innovative and quality products for reinforced resin composite pipeline repairs are evolving and available to the pipeline industry. An example of this innovation is the Carbon-Ply Composite Repair System developed by Cross Link Composites LLC....

Case CE.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recently introduced and upgraded hydrostatic dozer models from Case Construction Equipment are the subjects of two new brochures available for download from www.casece.com or through Case dealers. One brochure...

Doosan Infracore.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Doosan Infracore has completed the acquisition of the Bobcat, Utility Equipment and Attachments businesses from Ingersoll Rand Company. The three entities will operate as individual businesses of Doosan Infracore International, a US-based...

Hydro Stop, Quest Specialty Chemicals.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Hydro Stop Inc. has announced that it has been acquired by Quest Specialty Chemicals Inc. in an asset purchase, and will continue to operate under the name Hydro Stop LLC and maintain current operations based in Charleston, SC. Hydro...

Koch Pipeline Company.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Koch Pipeline Company L.P. employees in Texas have achieved Voluntary Protection Program Star status becoming only the fourth pipeline operating group in the United States to earn that designation. Representatives from the U.S. Occupational...

U Mole to represent Robbins SBU Division products.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] U Mole Ltd. of Gt. Gransden, Cambridgeshire, UK will now partner with The Robbins Company to represent their full line of SBU Division products, from Rockheads to Auger Boring Machines. U Mole also will provide local...

CH2M HILL.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... CH2M HILL, a global full-service engineering, construction and operations firm, has completed the acquisition of Trigon EPC, an industry leading engineering and field service company specializing in upstream and midstream oil and gas projects....

Allied Construction Products.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Eddie Turner has been promoted to the position of director of sales for Allied Construction Products. Turner recently served as the Allied district manager covering the Southeast Territory. In his new role, Turner will establish both company...

Colorado School of Mines.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... The Colorado School of Mines will be hosting a Grouting Fundamentals & Current Practice Course, June 2-6, Golden, CO. The 29th Annual Short Course is presented by the Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education, Mining Engineering...

AlturnaMats acquires Mobile Matts.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... AlturnaMats Inc. announces the acquisition of Mobile Matts, Green Bay, Wl. According to Michael Gierlach, president of AlturnaMats, the integration of AlturnaMats with Mobile Matts comprises the largest ground protection mat manufacturing group...

CONTECH.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... CONTECH Construction Products Inc. announced it exceeded the company's first quarter fiscal year 2008 forecast despite the unsettled economy and continued decline in the residential construction market. "We've powered through an unstable...

TT Technologies hires new regional manager.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] George Mallakis joins TT Technologies as regional manager in California with more than 21 years of varied trenchless technology experience. He has experience both as a municipal engineer and as a contractor in...

Pipeline seal & insulator.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... The new LineSeal sealing and flange isolation gasket was created as an alternative for extreme critical sealing applications. The 316 stainless steel cored gasket features G-10 retainer material and a PTFE (Teflon) seal as a standard. LineSeal...

Underground Tools Inc.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... Underground Tools Inc. offers a wide selection of rock trencher chains. All UTI rock trenching equipment is manufactured to provide long wear life, while providing aggressive rock trenching productivity. Trencher parts from UTI are lab tested...

Kubota Tractor Corporation.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... The Kubota KX080-3 is the largest and most advanced excavator made by Kubota. Designed especially for work environments where space is limited, but additional power, capacity and efficiency are required, this eight-ton, tight tail-swing...

New JT3020 packs more punch, creates less noise.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... Building on its popular Ditch Witch JT2720 Mach 1 horizontal directional drill, Ditch Witch is introducing the new JT3020 Mach 1 extended-range, self-contained machine with 30,000 pounds of pullback and the capacity to bore pilot holes up to...

Hitachi introduces two new fleet options.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... Construction fleet managers can now choose from two ZXLink Machine Monitoring Systems from Hitachi to control their fleet operations--Advanced and Ultimate operating levels are available for field or factory installation on any Zaxis Dash-3...

Made SA.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... The Nadir system is designed for pre-identifying live low-voltage cables and feeders for electrical utility work. Two components help identify live low-voltage cables under load in a trench or substation exit. A transmitter is connected using...

Thompson Pump & Mfg.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... 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 general construction dewatering applications. The 6-inch pump is designed for flows...

Rain for rent.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The XH 150 Power Prime pump is designed to produce extra high discharge heads for mining and dewatering projects. With superior fuel efficiency, this pump is able to move more water at a lower cost. The XH 150 can...

Heath consultants.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... The portable Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD) is changing the way methane surveys are conducted. Using laser technology, remote detection allows the user to safely survey areas that may be difficult to reach, such as busy roadways, yards...

Stow.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
February 1, 2008... STOW returns with a full line of centrifugal and diaphragm pumps. The DP-2 and DP-3 self-priming diaphragm pumps are ideal for draining slow seepage from small excavations, trenches and construction sites, and pumping industrial waste. The DP-2...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... 2008 Feb. 20-24 Pipe Line Contractors Association 60th Annual Convention Ritz Carlton Kapalua Maui, HI PH: (214) 969-2700 Web: plca.org Feb. 27-March 1 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International ...