Underground Construction articles from June 2005

Underground Construction archives from June 2005

Lessons learned, questions to be answered.(Editor's Log)
June 1, 2005... 2001 was a dark time for the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. It seemed like everything had hit at once--first, the telecommunication bubble burst, then the overall economy started to tank and, of course, 9/11 changed our lives...

City took bribes from contractors.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... Federal prosecutors say Atlanta city officials took bribes from a Birmingham, AL, company that won $42 million in sewer contracts with the city through 2004. A federal grand jury in February indicted Roland Pugh Construction Inc. on...

DCA forms new HDD committee.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... The Distribution Contractors Association is forming a new Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Committee to be comprised of both regular and associate members. A chairman and committee members are currently being solicited. The committee will...

OSHA adopts final rule on pipeline safety law.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule implementing whistleblower protection procedures under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. The final rule was published April 8 in the Federal Register. Section...

Alaska gas pipeline expected soon.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... On April 6, Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski said a contract for the Alaska gas pipeline was just months away. The governor said he expects a contract to be signed between the state and oil and gas producers and a pipeline company to build the...

CIGMAT holds 10th annual conference.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... A one-day conference and exhibition was organized by the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston on "Construction, Geotechnical and...

GCTA presents "what is HDD to you?".(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... A discussion of the standard engineering, bidding, surveying and construction practices for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for underground installation was the subject of a presentation at the April 13, bi-monthly luncheon meeting of the...

New HDPE pipe spec focuses on storm sewer applications.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... A new ASTM standard developed by Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems will be an important step in advancing the use of high density polyethylene pipe in municipal storm sewer applications. The standard, F 2306, Specification for 12- to...

TransCanada considers Keystone Pipeline.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... TransCanada Corporation announced it is proposing the construction of a $1.7 billion oil pipeline to transport approximately 400,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Alberta to Illinois. The project would require the conversion of 770 miles of...

Employers cited for gas explosion violations.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... The California Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) released citations in May to multiple employers for violations leading to a gas explosion on Nov. 9, 2004 fatally injuring five employees...

Flour Corp. relocates to Texas.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
June 1, 2005... Fluor Corporation announced that it will relocate its corporate headquarters from Southern California to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area. The relocation is expected to be complete by early 2006. "The relocation will have no effect...

Senate likely to put stamp on natural gas provisions.(Washington watch)
June 1, 2005... When the Senate passes its version of an energy bill, its natural gas provisions will likely be different than those in the bill the House passed on April 21. The House passed the bill by a vote of 249 to 183--with about 40 Democrats supporting...

Ergonomics improve operator comfort and performance: reducing fatigue and stress important factors in modern equipment design.(Productivity = Better Bottom Line)
June 1, 2005... There was a time when performance was the sole standard by which a construction machine was judged. How powerful is it? How much work can it do? And how fast can it do it? Those were questions equipment sales people were prepared to answer...

History, choices for underground infrastructure pipes: pipes have been in service for over 4,500 years.(Pipes)
June 1, 2005... Underground and out of sight, the worlds vital utility infrastructure is composed of uncounted miles of pipe, including iron pipe that has been buried for centuries. The earliest pipes were for transporting water. Water systems were being...

Pipe selection chart.
June 1, 2005... Pipe Selection Chart Advanced Drainage Systems 4640 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard, OH 43026, ph: 800-821-6710, fx: 614-658-0204, www.ads-pipe.com email: info@ads-pipe.com, Contact: Tony Radoszewski Superior abrasion/corrosion...

Riding the wave: contractors concentrating on 'regular' problems, rather than just survival.(7th Annual HDD Survey)
June 1, 2005... Labor is tight, prices in many areas are too low and problems with utility locates remain a major issue. But these days, those are all just run-of-the-mill troubles in paradise for most horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors who,...

Small market continues to thrive; large rig work spotty; contractors cautious.(HDD Market Health Check)
June 1, 2005... Talking to corporate marketing people and field sales personnel of the major horizontal directional drilling (HDD) companies today is a flashback to 1999 or 2000: business is booming. Some sales people can almost be described as giddy. It...

Under the sea: drill navigated path that many thought impossible.
June 1, 2005... One of the primary benefits of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the technology's ability to install pipe, conduit and duct, and cable beneath surface obstructions. With today's sophisticated equipment and guidance systems, it is routine...

Cost-saving HDD, PVC upgrade town's entire water system.
June 1, 2005... The residents of the small town of Wheeler in northwest Indiana enjoy a plentiful, dependable supply of clean, good-tasting drinking water. But that wasn't always so. Not long ago, water to the 160-plus homes and dozen businesses depended...

Rescuing downhole tools: an inexact science, modern equipment strives to give contractors an edge.
June 1, 2005... One of the most frustrating problems a directional drilling crew can encounter is having a rig's drill string break or become stuck during drilling or pullback operations. Not only does work come to a halt, attempting to retrieve expensive...

Equipment selection guide.
June 1, 2005... AUGER BORING Company Model Type Drive Weight (lbs) American 24-100 mechanical 2,300 * Augers 24-150 ...

Mears Group.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Alan Eastman has joined Mears as director of the Pipeline Integrity Services. Eastman received his Metallurgical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, and comes to Mears with 24 years of experience in the Gas Transmission...

Godwin Pumps.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Godwin Pumps has added two new sales engineers to its team located at the Godwin rental office at 2727 Appelt Drive, Houston, TX. Clay Hoffpauir of Spruger, TX, joins Godwin Pumps as a sales engineer responsible for developing new business...

Takeuchi US.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Takeuchi US has appointed Scott Carnell to the position of National Sales Manager. Carnell is a sales and marketing professional who has more than 20 years experience in the construction equipment industry. Carnell's focus will be on the...

Morris Knowles & Associates.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... James C. Bollibon, P.E., P.L.S. has been named president of Morris Knowles & Associates Inc., a general civil engineering and land surveying firm. Bollibon has been with the firm for more than 27 years and formerly served as vice president. He...

Multiquip.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Multiquip has opened a new Fort Worth, TX, distribution center, ensuring quicker product delivery and greater product availability for customers throughout the Southwest. The new distribution center stocks Multiquip compaction and power...

DuPont Engineering.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... DuPont Engineering has entered a training partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Contractor craft personnel assigned to a DuPont site are now required to be assessed and trained with NCCER's...

Road Machinery Co.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has acquired the majority ownership interest in Road Machinery Company, a Komatsu distributor of construction, mining and utility equipment, with corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, and eight branch offices throughout the...

ADS Environmental Services.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... ADS Environmental Services, a leader in wastewater flow monitoring and Underground Intelligence, is expanding the availability for its current hardware and software offerings. Specifically, the company is now making its full inventory of flow...

Ditch Witch Midwest re-locates Indiana locations.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Ditch Witch Midwest has re-located both of their Indiana locations to new facilities, The Fort Wayne business moved to a new facility at 4418 Merchant Road in Fort Wayne, The Danville business moved to a brand new facility at 1550 West...

CNH Capital.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... CNH Global N.V. has announced that the credit, insurance and financial service offerings of its Case Credit and New Holland Credit brands have been combined and re-branded as "CNH Capital" effective May 1, 2005, in the U.S. and Canada. The...

Vortechnics, Stormwater Management.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Vortechnics Inc. and Stormwater Management Inc., two providers of stormwater treatment systems, are integrating their operations. Effective immediately, Vortechnics and Stormwater Management have merged and now operate under the direction of...

Federal Signal EPG.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Federal Signal Environmental Products Group (EPG) recently announced the addition of three new employees: Chip Avery, Group Vice President of Finance: Scott McArthur, Service Manager, Elgin Sweeper Company: and Edward Beauregard, Northeast...

New book provides comprehensive reference for trenchless methods.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... This comprehensive reference covers the latest techniques and materials for high-demand trenchless technology methods. Offering practical procedures, details on new tools and techniques, and analysis methods that can save pipeline owners,...

Spring Training 2005 adds value, John Deere style.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... The John Deere dealership organization's rookies and seasoned sales veterans recently converged upon the company's Sacaton facility near Phoenix, AZ, for their annual Spring Training conference. Ten, three-day sessions were held from February...

Gas Technology Institute.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... The Gas Technology Institute has made executive team changes in the corporate and research/development departments to strengthen its organization. Robert Stokes has been promoted to senior vice president of corporate development. In this...

IPSCO.(Business News: The Latest Industry News)
June 1, 2005... Linda D'Angelo has been appointed as director, Business Development, Canadian Tubular Products by IPSCO. In this role, D'Angelo will be responsible for exploring new market and production opportunities for tubular products in Canada. D'Angelo...

TerraCon--the new trenchless raceway system from IPEX.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... TerraCon is the new PVC conduit raceway system designed by IPEX for trenchless applications and horizontal directional drilling (HDD). TerraCon's slide-in locking system and pre-installed, pre-lubricated gaskets provide a water-tight connection...

Caterpillar.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Caterpillar has added Non-Marking Extreme Duty Solid Flexport tires to the skid-steer loader tire line. The new tires can be used on concrete, stone, indoor floor material, driveways and walkways. The tire compound nearly eliminates the need...

Kenco.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... The Kenco Superlift attachment features a unique body that accepts multiple attachment grips. Interchangeable grips allow the operator to adapt the attachment for different job situations with a wide range of size capability. Kenco's patented...

WennSoft.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... WennSoft has introduced Service Management for Axapta, a product that will deliver the product functionality to serve as an effective solution for warranty tracking, installation, work orders and field service operations. Service Management for...

George Fischer Sloane.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... George Fischer Sloane has expanded its Schedule 80 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pressure Piping Systems to include large diameter 10 and 12-inch pipe sizes. The new Schedule 80 pipe is available in 20-foot...

Chemline.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Chemthane 3300 acrylic/polyurethane is a high gloss, chemical-resistant coating that offers outstanding gloss and a smooth finish to a variety of industrial and commercial substrates. It is formulated in a 1:3 mix ratio with pigmented acrylic...

DM3MECH mechanical hot tapping machine.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Reed Manufacturing has introduced a new hot tap using the DM3MECH mechanical drilling machine. With the right hole, the saw can cut or drill for up to 4-inch valves on copper, steel or plastic pipe. Both the DM3MECH and DM3MECHB models come...

BOMAG.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... The new BOMAG BPR65/70D reversible plate compactor features an engine hood made of high-strength, fine-grained steel that helps protect the engine and other internal components from job-site and transportation damage. The hood is hinged and...

ESCO Tool.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... The MILLHOG Dictator Hydraulic I.D. Clamping Tool is designed for machining up to 20-inch diameter Schedule 160-pipe in the field and features only eight sets of clamps for the full working range of the tool. Providing 6,500 foot-pounds of...

Kanga Loaders.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... The D800R Model is based on the industry proven Kanga Loaders 7 Series diesel track machine with a few bonus features to suit dangerous operating conditions fitted with tracks to give improved performance and stability. It is fully radio...

ARNCO.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Easy to locate with traditional locating equipment, Signal-Guard is locatable when empty or with dielectric optical fiber cables. The insulated 16-gauge copper conductor offers added resistance to corrosion, abrasion resistance and moisture...

Ridge Tool enters utility market.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Expanding on the innovative technology of its well-known line locators for the plumbing market, Ridge Tool is introducing similar technologies for locating utility lines under the RIDGID SeekTech brand name. Just like the NaviTrack and...

Multiquip.(New Products: The Latest Product Developments)
June 1, 2005... Multiquip's three new gasoline-powered rammers: the MT-65HA, MT-74FA and MT-84FA. are just what contractors need for the premium compaction of cohesive and mixed soils. All three rammers showcase practical new features most requested by...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
June 1, 2005... 2005 June 27-29 Rapid Excavation, Tunneling Conference & Exhibit Westin Seattle Hotel Seattle, WA Contact: Tara Davis PH: (800) 763-3132 FX: (303) 979-3461 July 17-20 WEF Collections Systems 2005 Sustaining Aging Infrastructure:...