Underground Construction articles from January 2005

Underground Construction archives from January 2005

Outlooks and changes.(Editor's Log)
January 1, 2005... New year, new hopes, new dreams. What will 2005 bring? Most in the underground construction and rehabilitation market seem to believe that the industry turned the corner in 2004 and are cautiously optimistic about the prospects of the new year....

Construction site thefts a problem.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... Fences and locks at construction sites can't always keep thieves from taking what they want or what they think they can sell. In late October of last year, tools worth about $13,000 were stolen from a trailer in front of a Starbucks coffee shop...

Trench safety plays key role in engineering solution.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... The Manning Drive Steam Plant and Utility Distribution Tunnel, a major construction project currently in development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will redefine how maintenance is done on the utilities that provide steam...

Houston PW director addresses GCTA.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... The city of Houston Public Works & Engineering Director Michael Marcotte discussed plans to address the many underground infrastructure needs of Houston at the recent Gulf Coast Trenchless Association bi-monthly luncheon. Marcotte told...

Infrastructure security guidelines issued to water utilities.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... Drinking water and wastewater utilities working to incorporate enhanced security measures into facility design and operation can now benefit from three new interim voluntary security guidance documents that were funded by a grant from the U.S....

GCTA sets February luncheon meeting.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... Alan R. Mueller, Deputy City Manager with the city of Pearland, TX, will be the featured speaker at the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association's general membership meeting on Feb. 9, 2005 at the H.E.S.S. Club in Houston. His topic is "Capital...

Correction.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2005... In the November issue of Underground Construction, an article entitled, "Air Inversion CIPP Increases Productivity" inaccurately listed contractor ProLine Technologies as being located in Grapevine, TX. The company is actually headquartered at...

In memoriam.(Newsline: the latest industry developments)
January 1, 2005... Francis "Frank" Marion Chapman, a retired advertising salesman for Pipeline & Gas Journal, died at his home in La Canada-Flintridge, CA, on Nov. 5, 2004 of cancer. He was 91 years old. Born in Findlay, OH, he graduated from Miami University...

Congress cuts clean water infrastructure program.(Washington watch)
January 1, 2005... Under pressure to keep the federal deficit from ballooning further out of control, Congress whacked $277 million off the EPA's budget for fiscal 2005, which began Oct. l, 2004. In action just before it left town in mid-November, the House and...

John Deere construction & forestry.(Crawler Tractors & Sidebooms)
January 1, 2005... A key feature of the new J Series machines (models the 450J, 550J and 650J) is a standard, infinitely adjustable blade pitch link. With only one wrench, the blade cutting edge angle can easily be adjusted to any position from 52 to 60 degrees...

Worldwide machinery.(Crawler Tractors & Sidebooms)
January 1, 2005... Worldwide has developed a replacement winch system for Caterpillar sidebooms. The old mechanical system and its multitude of hand controls is replaced with a modern hydraulically actuated winch system that has only a single lever control. This...

Liebherr construction equipment.(Crawler Tractors & Sidebooms)
January 1, 2005... Liebherr's crawler tractors use a hydrostatic drive system, which offers several advantages. Power turns are achieved with out interrupting the powerflow to the tracks, and maneuverability--including turning on the spot--and single-lever...

Midwestern Mfg.(Crawler Tractors & Sidebooms)
January 1, 2005... The M16R sideboom designed and built by Midwestern Manufacturing provides a compact and powerful addition to the versatility of the rubber tire tractor. With a lifting capacity of 16,000 pounds, the fully hydraulic M16R enables the operator...

Caterpillar.(Crawler Tractors & Sidebooms)
January 1, 2005... The new T-Series Track-Type Tractors--D8T, D9T and D10T--are powered by Cat engines with ACERT technology that meet EPA Tier 3 and European Union Stage IIIa exhaust emissions regulations. All three engines feature an engine controller, which...

Vacmasters.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Vacmasters SYSTEM 4000 Air-Vacuum Excavation System offers utilities and utility contractors the ability to pothole using supersonic air in any kind of soil, no matter how hard, wet, sunbaked or compact--even ground frost. The SYSTEM 4000...

Vermeer Mfg./Ring-O-Matic.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... Powered by a 34 horsepower BS Daihatsu electric start gas or diesel engine, the Vermeer/ Ring-O-Matic 275 features 450 cfm of vacuum power created by a Sutorbilt lobe-type blower. A CAT PUMPS high-pressure pump with electric clutch supplies...

Super Products.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... Super Products has recently added a hydro-excavation option to its line of Camel Sewer and Catch Basin Cleaners. This option adds to the versatility of the Camel by allowing the operator to safely uncover buried utilities, potholes, etc.--even...

Soil Surgeon.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Soil Surgeon is a quick-connect hydro excavation unit that connects to any sewer combination truck that has a telescopic boom. The user can bore a hole 10-feet deep in one minute. Features include: a Tuff Tube, water/air connection; 5,000...

AmeriVac Group.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... AmeriVac Group Inc. has announced the addition of the MV 1400 hydrovac to its Max Vax Series vacuum excavation truck line. Customers that require a larger unit than the MV 700 now have a choice. Just like the MV 700, the MV 1400 has a superior...

Dyna-Vac.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Commander 1600PD is mounted on a compact single axle chassis to make the system more economical and practical for many applications. A powerful 1,600 cfm vacuum system with the capability of 16-inch Hg, the Commander can handle demanding...

Vactor Mfg.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Hibon 8702 positive displacement blower is the latest development on the Vactor HXX Hydro-Excavator. This new option is designed for contractors requiring a unit that vacuums heavier material over longer distances. HXX features include a 12...

Ditch Witch.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Ditch Witch FX60 Vacuum Excavation System combines enhanced "soft" excavation capabilities and increased vacuum power in a compact, trailer- or skid-mounted unit. It is the quietest vacuum excavator in its class. For excavating, soils are...

VacStar.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The VacStar line of vacuum excavation equipment is designed to locate underground utilities, clean the on-site spoils from directional drilling, the cleaning of manholes, storm sewers, catch basins, wash pits, and many other applications. The...

Keith Huber.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... With a King Vac, dirt and debris can be pumped from under a building foundation creating a tunnel for plumbers to repair piping. When the suction loading hoses are completely submerged, the 3,000-gallon debris tank could fill up in less than 60...

Tornado technologies.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The Tornado Hydro Excavator combines reliable components, with a simple, patented design to provide the best value in the hydro excavation industry. Three models are available, with capacities ranging from 4 to 12.5 cubic yards. Ph:...

Pacific Tek.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... Pacific Tek offers a compact vacuum excavator for truck or trailer mounting. The new model PVW-220 offers big capability in a small package. Only 8-feet long, it can fit in a full-size pickup bed or on a trailer as shown here. Features include:...

Trenchless Technology Products.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... Trenchless Technology Products vacuum excavation system is available as a trailer-mounted wet and dry system. The system can excavate using compressed air in most soil conditions. It also has the capability of using water when the conditions...

Vacuum Source (McLaughlin Mfg.).(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... Vacuum Source offers vacuum excavation systems with a choice of positive displacement blowers with 500 to 850 cfm airflow; 30, 43 and 59 horsepower water-cooled diesel engines; 3,000 to 4,000 psi at 4 gpm high pressure water systems; and 250,...

GapVax.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The HydroVax units from GapVax with 5,300 cfm and 28-inch Hg will easily handle most excavating jobs. The 3,000-psi, 40-gpm water system offers the most power for the biggest projects. The six-cyclone filtrations system will provide vacuum pump...

Utiliscope.(Vacuum Systems)
January 1, 2005... The patented Utilivac VE-75 vacuum excavator provides big rig capabilities at a fraction of the cost. The basic system includes Utiliscope's unique air lance, making the VE-75 the world's most portable dry-type vacuum excavator. Although the...

Managing equipment ownership, operating costs.
January 1, 2005... Efficiently managing the costs of owning or leasing and operating construction equipment can make the difference between profitability and a negative bottom line. While some specialized machines require unique considerations, there are...

Jobsite communication options improve with the times.
January 1, 2005... Communicating is an essential element for any organization whose business involves construction. Efficient communications can increase productivity and ultimately increase profit margins, while poor communications waste time and can contribute...

Vancouver's Trout Lake Project: reduces CSO problem.
January 1, 2005... Each year, billions of gallons of wastewater pass through the Greater Vancouver Regional District's (GVRD) sewer and drainage system in British Columbia--one of the largest in North America. Like many modern sewers, the GVRD's system conveys...

Alternative financing: offers attractive solutions for sewer/water capital needs.
January 1, 2005... Owners and operators of water and wastewater systems of various sizes in all parts of the country face multiple challenges: their infrastructures desperately need rehabilitation, upgrading or expanding; funds are not available to do the work;...

Reducing damage to underground utilities.
January 1, 2005... Lack of information always has hampered efforts to prevent damage to buried utility infrastructure. Details about accidents that damage underground utilities often are contradictory, making it difficult to accumulate accurate accounts of...

2005 worldwide pipeline construction preview.
January 1, 2005... Underground Construction's worldwide construction survey shows 52,205 miles of oil and gas pipelines are under construction and planned at this time. Of these, 14,296 represent new and planned pipeline projects in North America. The remaining...

U.S. pipeline construction scorecard.
January 1, 2005... U.S. Pipeline Construction Scorecard FUTURE GAS PIPELINE PROJECTS Projects Planned and Under Construction Company Name Project Name &/Or Location U.S. Gas Pipelines Alaskan Natural Gas...

PLCA president's profile: Paul C. Gregory.
January 1, 2005... When the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) holds its 57th annual convention on Feb. 9-13, at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ, Paul C. Gregory will be completing his term as the association's 56th president. "It has...

2005 gas utility construction outlook: emphasizing new customers, maintenance.
January 1, 2005... The U.S. consumed 21.5 Tcf of natural gas in 2003, according to a recent study prepared by Energy and Environmental Analysis Inc. for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation. Additionally, the study projects natural...

Four unique tools offer culvert cleaning solutions.(First Look)
January 1, 2005... Harr Technologies, along with sister company WHIA Construction Inc., has created innovating new ways to clean culverts. Harr Technologies is owned and operated by Bob Harr, while WHIA Construction Inc. is owned by Bob's wife, Sherry. Together...

New research yields innovative design for PVC pipe.(U-tech: underground technology cutting edge technical information for utility construction & rehabilitation)
January 1, 2005... Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and other trenchless installation methods are becoming increasingly popular for municipal water and wastewater projects. Short-haul projects such as road crossings are becoming more and more popular as...

ACIPCO: a century of service with a vision for the future.
January 1, 2005... It was 1905, a year when the anesthetic novocain was introduced, Albert Einstein was working on the theory of relativity and Ty Cobb made his professional baseball debut with the Detroit Tigers. It would also be the year that John J. Eagan...

Pipebursting: when the patents end: Part 1: changes ahead for pipebursting market: expiration of patents suggest potential shifts in market dynamic.(Rehabilitation Technology)
January 1, 2005... Patents covering the equipment used for pipebursting and procedures for using that equipment, expire this year, and contractors, equipment manufacturers and public works officials are pondering how the pipeline rehabilitation market will be...

Pipebursting: when the patents end: Part 2: patents expire, but enforcement continues for previous pipebursting activities.(Rehabilitation Technology)
January 1, 2005... Expiration of Advantica patents covering pipebursting equipment and methods will not cancel responsibility for previous non-compliance, and individuals and organizations who conducted pipebursting operations in violation of terms of license...

Pipebursting: when the patents end: Part 3: patent expirations drive changes in CIPP market.(Rehabiliation Technology)
January 1, 2005... With the expiration of pipebursting equipment and methods patents, many in the pipeline rehabilitation market ponder how the industry could be affected. Certainly, they can't help but look back to when the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) patents...

New pipebursting unit ideal for lead pipe.(First Look)
January 1, 2005... TT Technologies has introduced a new pipebursting machine specially designed to make trenchless replacements of small diameter lead pipe water services. The patent-pending Grundopull was introduced at the 2005 Underground Construction...

Aries industries.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... Aries grout test/seal panel, lateral packer panel and interconnect hose connection options make it easy to operate packers from almost any manufacturer. Aries offers grout reels with 500-foot or 700-foot capacities, with either Quad hose (four...

Prime Resins.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... Groundwater infiltration into storm sewer lines through loose joints and cracks can wash soil from under roadways and cause potholes and cave-ins. These problems can often be fixed quickly, without excavation, by injecting Prime-Flex 920, a...

American Logiball.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... For more than 20 years American Logiball has designed and manufactured equipment for the trenchless rehabilitation of sewers. American Logiball has developed a complete line of mainline, lateral connection and push-type test and seal grouting...

Avanti.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... Avanti International offers a complete line of chemical grouts for trenchless rehabilitation of sewers and manholes. When used to seal the lateral connection and annular space between a liner and host pipe, chemical grout prevents groundwater...

De Neef Construction Chemicals.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... De Neef Construction Chemicals has added epoxy production equipment to the company's manufacturing facility in Waller, TX, and seven new products to its Denepox line of epoxies. De Neef has always had unique epoxies for specialized...

Strong company.(Grouting Technology & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... A pure fused calcium aluminate mortar, Strong-Seal High Performance Mix stops infiltration and restores structural integrity; however, it has been specifically designed for protection against microbiologically induced corrosion. Laboratory and...

Godwin pumps.(By-Pass Pumping)
January 1, 2005... New Godwin Dri-Prime high volume diesel pumps combine high head capabilities with solids handling. Godwin introduces two new Dri-Prime pump models--the 4-inch CD103M and 6-inch CD160M. The new units offer heads from 145 feet to 300 feet with...

Thompson Pump & Mfg.(By-Pass Pumping)
January 1, 2005... Thompson Pump & Manufacturing has created the Enviroprime system for Thompson's dry prime, compressor-assisted pumps in both the heavy-duty trash pump (HTC) and the wet prime open trash/sewage pump (TSC). This system prevents blow-by (sewage,...

Pumpex.(By-Pass Pumping)
January 1, 2005... Pumpex Models K103 and K153 wastewater pumps for trouble-free diverting and re-routing of high volume or intermittent volume flow to by-pass deteriorating sewer lines, coffer dams, streams and creeks with out interrupting surface transpiration...

Grindex pumps.(By-Pass Pumping)
January 1, 2005... GRINDEX TUFF LINE includes three pumps: the Tuff-One and Tuff-Two drainage pumps and the Tuff-Solo sludge pump. These pumps are very light, have high capacity, and are easy to use. Their design and quality guarantee optimum reliability, even...

ITT Flygt.(By-Pass Pumping)
January 1, 2005... The newest addition to the dewatering/by-pass line of Flygt submersible pumps is the mid-range series featuring solids-handling pumps from 15 horsepower through 105 horsepower and individual pump flow rates of up to 10,000 gpm. The pumps all...

Duke's Root Control.(Root Control)
January 1, 2005... Duke's Root Control service is an effective, proven method for controlling sewer line root problems. Over 1,000 municipalities have used Duke's services in more than 60 million feet of sewers. Duke's applies EPA registered products that kill...

RootX.(Root Control)
January 1, 2005... RootX foaming root control is engineered to be a simple yet effective method for eliminating damaging root growth in municipal and residential pipelines. By simply adding water, RootX creates a powerful root killing foam which will reach to the...

LBX Company.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... LBX Company, makers of Link-Belt earthmoving, forestry and material handling equipment, has chosen ATS Asset Tracking Services Inc. (ATS) to provide their vShepherd line of GPS products and services for its line of excavators. Shepherd...

Welded Construction.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Grady McBurnett, formerly sales manager for CRC-Evans Pipeline Equipment, has been named director of business development and manager of special projects at Welded Construction. He will be responsible for directing marketing efforts to expand...

Boyle Engineering.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Boyle Engineering has appointed Philip Petrocelli as its new chief executive officer, reflecting the board of directors' emphasis on overall growth and deeper market penetration in water, wastewater, and transportation. Petrocelli, who served...

Caterpillar.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Caterpillar has launched an expanded and enhanced version of the website Govbidspec.com to help governmental buyers build well-defined Requests for Proposal (RFPs) quickly and accurately, with minimal editing. Caterpillar introduced the...

Allied Construction Products.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Robert Scalabrini has accepted the position of executive vice president/ COO at Allied Construction Products. He brings more than 35 years of construction equipment experience to the company. Scalabrini's experience includes over 20 years in...

Advantica.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Vinod Chauhan, Advantica Asset Optimization Solution consultant, and co-author Wytze Sloterdijk of NV Nederlandse Gasunie, were awarded last November with the first Dan A. Dolene Award by the International Gas Research Conference (IGRC)...

Royal sees benefits of HammerHead pipebursters.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... U Hole, the Cambridgeshire based trenchless equipment supplier, was honored to have HRH Prince Andrew visit the company stand at NODIG Live, Stoneleigh Park. Coventry. U Mole Managing Director Russell Pairhurst introduced the Prince to Earth...

J. J. Keller & Associates.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... J. J. Keller & Associates' Trenching and Shoring Safety video is a new training program focused on OSHA-regulated safety measures and best practices related to excavation-site work. The DVD program demonstrates safe trenching and shoring...

Stone Construction Equipment.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Stone Construction Equipment named Lynne Woodworth to the position of president and chief executive officer. Robert Fien will remain as chairman of the board, working closely with Woodworth to ensure the long-term success of the company....

Henkels & McCoy.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Henkels & McCoy has appointed William Mattiford, Certified Safety Professional, to the position of corporate safety director. Mattiford has served in electric generation, transmission and distribution safety and safety training, including 34...

Spell Capital Partners, Uponor Aldyl Company.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Spell Capital Partners of Minneapolis, MN, through PW Poly Corporation of Hastings, NE, a subsidiary of PW Eagle, has acquired Uponor Aldyl Company. PW Eagle is a manufacturer of PVC pipe products and is the second largest PVC pipe maker in the...

Atlas Copco, Wilson Equipment Co.(Business news: the latest industry news)
January 1, 2005... Atlas Copco Construction Tools announced the addition of Wilson Equipment Company as its new distributor of hydraulic breakers in Kentucky. With locations in Lexington, Corbin and Prestonburg, KY, Wilson Equipment will sell, service and support...

Case Construction Equipment.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... Case Construction Equipment has added to its D Series wheel loader line, the 721D XT tool carrier, which features redesigned linkage, improved visibility, increased material retention and improved stability. The same redesigned enhancements...

Toro.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... The Toro Dingo TX 413 compact utility loader is designed to specifically meet the needs of rental centers and light-duty contractors. The Dingo TX 413 is an economical alternative to larger tracked compact utility loaders and is ideal for post...

Bobcat expands family of mini track loaders.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... Bobcat Company introduces the new MT55 mini track loader. The MT55, which features more horsepower and a wider track for lower ground pressure, enables contractors to get their jobs done faster and with less turf disturbance. "Anytime you...

HammerHead new fiber piercing tool line.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... Earth Tool Company, manufacturer of HammerHead trenchless products, has added the fiber line HammerHead Mole piercing tools to its product line. The new 2-inch and 3-inch piercing tools feature replaceable heads and patented quarter-turn POWER...

Grindex AB.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... Grindex's new slurry pump series Bravo is designed for very abrasive applications. Slurry and other fluids with high concentrations of sand and stones normally wear out the hydraulic parts of the pump. Grindex has solved the wear problem by...

BOMAG.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... BOMAG Light Equipment introduces redesigned remote controls for its BPH80/65S reversible plate and BMP851 multi-purpose compactors. The new remote design weighs only 3.5 pounds for enhanced operator comfort. Due to an ability to send more...

Industrial Specialties Mfg.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... A new series of black or white polypropylene filters is now available from Industrial Specialties Manufacturing. Ideal for air, liquid or vacuum service, these quickly disassembled filters are easily serviceable by replacing the filter...

Komatsu America.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... The PC40MR-2 compact hydraulic excavator offers an improved cab for operator comfort. The operator compartment has been expanded to facilitate easier entry and exit and provide more room for operating the machine's foot pedals and joystick...

Perma-Liner's InnerSeal Lateral Connection Technology.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... Perma-Liner's InnerSeal Lateral Connection Technology is a new patented technology for lateral to mainline trenchless rehabilitation. "We have already sold three systems to installers with more than 800 laterals to be rehabilitated in the...

Ditch Witch.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... The Ditch Witch XT850 compact utility vehicle is a cross between the company's SK (mini skid steer) and MX (mini excavator) series. The XT850 is a powerful, lightweight excavator/tool-carrier that comes complete with trailer, stands and enough...

Acme Dynamics.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... The ACME Dynamics QUIETZONE dry prime trash pumps operate at the lowest noise levels--sound pressure levels down to 60 d(B)a at a distance of 23 feet. They are used when restricted noise levels are required on a project. Ideal for use in...

AlturnaMats.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... VersaMats is a new mat design created for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The mats feature a new fiat, slip-resistant finish called AlturnaGrip that lends itself to foot traffic on one side and vehicle traffic on the reverse side. VersaMats...

GE Energy.(New products: the latest product developments)
January 1, 2005... GE Energy has adapted ultrasound technology used in hospitals to create the most advanced inspection tool for evaluating the "health" of liquid pipelines. GE Energy's UltraScan Duo is the oil and gas industry's first pipeline inspection gauge,...