Underground Construction articles from March 2005

Underground Construction archives from March 2005

The market has changed; have you?(Editor's Log)
March 1, 2005... Time flies as spring arrives. Hard to believe we're already a quarter of the way through 2005. But most people are looking forward to the end of winter this year for reasons other than just "spring fever." Construction and rehab projects are...

Telecom recession appears over, says association.(The Latest Industry Developments)
March 1, 2005... To protect their subscriber base. cable and phone companies are attempting to outdo each other by offering on-demand TV, high-definition TV, broadband Internet access and other services. It has become clear to experts that in order to compete...

Crosstex Energy to build 110-mile gas pipeline.(The Latest Industry Developments)
March 1, 2005... Crosstex Energy, L.P. has entered into agreements with producers in the Fort Worth Basin to support construction of a major pipeline project to bring gas out of the Barnett Shale and into major pipelines that serve markets in Texas and the...

FCC chairman resigns.(The Latest Industry Developments)
March 1, 2005... Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell, who opposed tight regulation of telecommunications but backed unprecedented fines against broadcast indecency, announced he is resigning in March. Powell was named FCC chairman in...

Tsunami relief aid.(The Latest Industry Developments)
March 1, 2005... The Water Environment Federation's (WEP) Board of Trustees approved a $25,000 special contribution to Water for People (WFP), an international nonprofit development organization. The donation will support the organization's efforts to respond...

Correction.(The Latest Industry Developments)(Correction Notice)
March 1, 2005... In the January 2005 issue of Underground Construction, pg. 26, the article, Vancouver's Trout Lake Project Reduces CSO Problem. mentions that the vortex structure was "designed by a university professor to the GVRD's specific requirements... "...

City of Pearland discussed at GCTA.(The Latest Industry Developments)
March 1, 2005... Deputy City Manager Alan R. Meuller for the city of Pearland, TX, was the guest speaker at the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association (GCTA) bi-monthly meeting held Feb. 9 in Houston. More than 100 members and their guests gathered to hear about the...

TRB report miffs industry.(Washington watch)
March 1, 2005... Pipeline industry officials are grumbling about a new report by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) which suggests the Office Of Pipeline Safety (OPS) develop federal guidelines that towns and cities can use when making land use decisions...

McElroy Mfg.(Pipe & Joint Fusion Equipment)
March 1, 2005... McElroy has introduced a new heater for use with its polyethylene pipe fusion machines. The new heater features a microprocessor controlled temperature set point that can be adjusted using an easy-to-read dial and control knob. For fusion...

Central Plastics Co.(Pipe & Joint Fusion Equipment)
March 1, 2005... Central Plastics' BOSS Electrofusion Processor helps solve the problem of remote power supplies. BOSS is a rechargeable processor that can be fully charged in less than eight hours and be 40 percent recharged in one hour. The BOSS Electrofusion...

Footage Tools.(Pipe & Joint Fusion Equipment)
March 1, 2005... The Footage Tools compact Butt Fusion System is ideal for most fusion operations. Trimming or facing the pipe is easy using the gear-drive power facing tool, which is positioned between the pipe clamps using the guide pins. Guide plugs on the...

Connectra Fusion Technologies.(Pipe & Joint Fusion Equipment)
March 1, 2005... Connectra's 28 CQ hydraulic HDPE fusion machine offers 2-inch IPS to 8-inch DIPS capability. With a carriage weight of only 98 pounds, the two-clamp, lightweight design is powered by a unique hand-operated hydraulic pump and a durable electric...

Oklahoma City trenchless municipal sewer & water workshop slated.
March 1, 2005... The UCT Seminar Series kicks off its seventh year of outstanding educational pro grams with its Trenchless Municipal Sewer & Water Workshop scheduled for April 5-6, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Oklahoma City, OK. This will be the first...

Renewed optimism at APCA.(APCA 34th Annual Convention)
March 1, 2005... The fallout from the collapse of Enron, the ripple effect caused by 9/11 and a stagnant market have caused the pipeline industry to struggle over the past few years. However, recent developments and a strong construction outlook have American...

Inrock[R].(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... INROCK[R] and Petron Industries, Inc. have teamed up to bring rig monitoring to the HDD industry. This system will allow the contractor to record drilling data for use in improving performance. Parameters include: drill string rotational speed...

HammerHead.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... HammerHead; More Industry Innovations. The HydroBurst[R] HB80 Pipe Bursting system is strategically designed for the contractor looking for a reliable and simple to operate machine that can be towed on a 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) trailer with a 1...

Don't bury that leak!(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Your men can test each pipe joint as it's laid in less than 30 seconds and tell whether it's going to leak or not, before it's buried without pressure. An ultrasonic transmitter is used in coordination with an ultrasonic detector. The detector...

Diversified Brands.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Diversified Brands announces improvements to its Krylon[R] Industrial Quik-Mark[TM] Solvent-Based Fluorescent Orange Inverted Marking Paint. The enhanced formulation provides a color-fast, accurate mark until the mark has weathered away....

Vacmasters.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... VACMASTERS manufactures a complete family of AIR-VACUUM EXCAVATION SYSTEMS and DIRECTIONAL BORING MUD VACUUMS. Our SYSTEM 4000, SYSTEM 3000 and SYSTEM 1000 air-vacuum excavators enable operators to pothole using high pressure air 95% of the...

700PD power drive with adapters.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Add power to drilling, tapping, or threading jobs--save hours of hand work! Reed offers two adapters to fit popular power drives. The adapters require Reed's 700PD power drive to do the work. The TMPDA fits the 13/16" boring bar that is common...

Godwin Dri-Prime[R].(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... New Godwin Dri-Prime[R] 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' to 300' with 3"...

HCSS.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Heavy Job job tracking software by Heavy Construction Systems Specialists (HCSS) makes recording daily jobsite information effortless with a handheld PDA, laptop or desktop PC. In minutes, timecard information and daily jobsite data can be...

Astec Underground.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... American Augers and Trencor, now known as Astec Underground, are industry-leading manufacturers of trenchers; horizontal directional drills, boring machines, mud systems and downhole tooling. Our equipment is in service all over the world...

Thompson's Piston Wellpoint pumps.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Extremely efficient and packed with user benefits, Thompson's Piston Well-point pumps are capable of operating for long periods of time on a small amount of fuel. Available in 3--and 6-inch models, the pumps provide high air handling necessary...

Central mine equipment.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... The CME-50DD is a simple, rugged and reliable mid-size directional drill that provides 50,000 lbs. of thrust and retract and over 9,000 ft/lbs. of rotary torque. The CME-50DD features a rack and pinion, feed and retract system. Dual range...

Laney Machine, Inc.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Laney Machine, Inc. offers surface to surface bentonite mixing systems in a variety of sizes. From 300 to 1500 gallons. The 750 mixer uses a 4" pump that delivers 200 gpm., has a 4 point shearing mix, and a venturi jet hoper. Gas or diesel...

Lansas[R].(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... LANSAS[R] - NEW ATLANTA WAREHOUSE LANSAS[R] has answered the needs of our customers once again! We now have a fully stocked warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. Our stock includes plugs from 3/4" to the largest multi-size plug available, the 60" X...

SDR 26 HWS Expands Inserta Tee[R] Line Inserta Fittings Co.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... SDR 26 HWS Expands INSERTA TEE[R] Line INSERTA FITTINGS Co. announces an expansion of its family of compression lateral connection fittings. This INSERTA TEE[R] allows SDR26 HWS 4" (100mm) through 15" (375mm) laterals to be connected to any...

4" Hex Augers in Sizes to 60" McLaughlin makes the only 4" hex auger with both shanks and sockets of through hardened alloy steel.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... 4" HEX AUGERS IN SIZES TO 60" McLAUGHLIN makes the ONLY 4" hex auger with both shanks and sockets of through hardened alloy steel. Heavy-duty flighting is 3/8" thick (1/2" also available) with overlapped joints and machine-welded flights for...

STI[TM] Gasketed Sewer Fittings.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... STI[TM] Gasketed Sewer Fittings Feature Heavy Duty Branches. STI[TM] Gasketed Sewer Fittings are now fortified against stress and breakage to a degree never before available in a PVC sewer fitting. The branches are strengthened at the...

CIPP Corporation.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... CIPP Corporation performs Cured-In-Place Pipelining installations throughout the United States. CIPP Corp. has the experience and expertise that you are looking for in all phases of sewer rehab, including lining, engineering and marketing....

Formex.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... FORMEX duct spacers temporarily support an array of ducts within a trench until it's filled with suitable fill material. The spacer provides independent support and separation of each duct. Optional footpads provide specified vertical...

HDPE Product Catalog.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... ISCO Industries has published a new, extensive Product Catalog complete with information about HDPE pipe and specifications, HDPE molded and fabricated fittings, McElroy fusion machines, mechanical connections and much more. The 208 page...

InterCon Construction Inc.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... We Can Dig It or We Can Drill It--InterCon has enjoyed over a decade of steady growth, performing hundreds of successful contracts from our Midwestern base. Our total package of services includes: Gas distribution; Small diameter pipeline...

Thompson Pump Rotary Wellpoint Pumps.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Thompson Pump Rotary Wellpoint Pumps. Thompson Pump's Original Rotary Wellpoint Pumps are available in 8 and 12-inch models, handling 1,750 and 3,000-GPM,respectively. Thompson Pump offers wellpoint accessories to complete any wellpoint system....

Shredder backreamer.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Melfred Borzall's extensive line of backreamers for directional drilling includes the Shredder. Carbide-tipped cutting teeth are strategically placed to efficiently rip through tough ground conditions. Angled fluid passages along the cutting...

Drillers Suply.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Rig safety is a serious matter. Improperly utilized pipe wrenches are a leading cause of job site injuries in the HDD industry. ELIMINATE these accidents while insuring proper make-up / break out torque and decrease drilling tool connection...

Sauereisen SewerSeal No. F-170.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Sauereisen SewerSeal No. F-170: A versatile new lining to restore and protect collection systems. Sauereisen introduces SewerSeal, a durable new calcium aluminate-based lining that prevents inflow and infiltration in underground infrastructure....

EXTReam reamers.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... EXTReam reamers, only from Rail-head. Designed with the "Tough Bores" in mind. No moving parts and field rebuildable. Low pull back pressures and high success rates. Complete more "Tough Bores" with the EXTReam reamer. Available in 8", 12" and...

Inliner Technologies.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Inliner Technologies is a Licensor of Cured In Pipe Place Renewal Systems. We provide long-term solutions for pipes in the size range 4"-96". Our products are installed via a network of trained contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada. Circle...

Laney Machine.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Horizontal Boring Machine by LANEY MACHINE--The Laney 3D-55 is self contained and Dowered by a 3 cylinder VM Diesel engine that makes 67 horsepower. Power is transferred through a S speed Eaton Fuller transmission, and the machine has 24,550...

Eclipse[R] SST[R]--HDD's new wireline guidance system.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Digital Control Incorporated in Kent, WA, has begun project demos in the United States with the Eclipse[R] SST[R] wireline guidance system used for horizontal directional drilling projects where a magnetic grid is not feasible. This system...

Reliner[R].(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... The RELINER[R] Manhole Channel Repair System is molded fiberglass flumes and pipe sections used to rehabilitate inverts without flow interruption and are also used in new construction. Field-installed modular components bolt together, are...

Ideal pipe for sliplining.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... HOBAS pipe's high strength-to-weight ratio, smooth surface and flush, push-together joints are ideal for sliplining. Its superior hydraulic characteristics provide maximum flow recovery. The centrifugally cast, fiberglass-reinforced, polymer...

Railhead Underground Products.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... The newest addition to Railhead Underground Products is the 5" Incredibit[R]. Designed for use on 50,000# and larger machines, the 5" Incredibit[R] includes the patented features found only on Railhead's Incredibit[R] and sonde housings. The...

Krylon[R].(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Diversified Brands introduces Krylon[R] Industrial REFLECT-A-LITE[TM] clear aerosol reflective coating. REFLECTA-LITE uses a glass sphere technology to coat objects, making them extraordinarily visible in darkness or under emergency lighting...

STI[TM] Gasketed Sewer fittings with Ultra Heavy Duty Branches.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Now available for immediate shipment, STI[TM] Gasketed Sewer fittings with Ultra Heavy Duty Branches. These branches are based on C900 and are even thicker and heavier than DR 14. The thickest and strongest branches in the industry are now...

Raven's products continually meet the challenges encountered in underground rehabilitation and corrosion protection.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Raven's products continually meet the challenges encountered in underground rehabilitation and corrosion protection. Raven's team approach provides solutions through high performing products suitable for the environment, custom application...

Vactor HXX Hydro-Excavator.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Vactor Manufacturing, the world's leading vacuum truck manufacturer, worked closely with excavation contractors to develop the easy to use Vactor HXX Hydro-Excavator. Unlike mechanical excavation, there is little chance of damage when water is...

Premier Drill Pipe.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Premier Drill Pipe is introducing state-of-the-art drill rod technology with the introduction of a new line of forged, inertia-welded rod. These forged rods produce a weld that we guarantee for the life of the rod irrespective of drilling...

Jet Tag Trailers.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Jet Tag Trailers are ideal for the construction industry. They are manufactured in standard capacities of 10, 12, 20, & 25 tons to accommodate a variety of hauling needs. The 20 Ton Tag is ideal for hauling bulldozers, backhoes, excavators and...

Versatile HOBAS pipe.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... No pipe is ideal for all applications, but extremely versatile HOBAS fiberglass-reinforced, polymer mortar pipe comes close. It provides inherent corrosion resistance, superior hydraulics and a life expectancy of 50 years or more. Key...

Garner.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Garner is 23year old, ISO Certified Company that manufactures equipment to clean sewers. The proven patented process includes the Sewer Hog [TM] which is designed to clean large diameter sewers quickly and efficiently without the need of...

Ditch Witch[R] JT1220 Mach 1.(Product Showcase)
March 1, 2005... The Ditch Witch[R] JT1220 Mach 1 compact directional drilling system is one of the industry's most productive 12,000-pound (53 kN) horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machines. Even with the highest horsepower in its class, it produces the...

UCT, industry back in growth mode.(UCT 2005 Review)
March 1, 2005... Enthusiasm, optimism and increased attendance defined the 2005 Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition (UCT) held January 25-27 in Houston. The mood was a striking change from the previous three years when...

Atlanta selected as UCT host city for 2006.
March 1, 2005... Based upon strong exhibitor and attendee recommendations, UCT will move to the Atlanta area for the 2006 show. Located in northwest Atlanta. the Cobb Galleria Convention Centre has been selected to host the underground construction and...

Astec Underground.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... UCT continues its tradition of being the industry launching pad for new product innovations. Cutting edge technologies and services in the construction and rehabilitation industry were everywhere visitors turned during the 11th annual UCT...

TT Technologies.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... TT Technologies unveiled two new products--the Grundopull and Grundowinch RW10 HB. The Grundopull is a new trenchless method for removing and replacing lead, plastic, copper and steel services. The hydraulically powered Grundopull splits or...

Godwin Pumps.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... Godwin Pumps debuted two new Dri-Prime diesel pumps--the 4-inch CD103M and the 6-inch CD160M--that combine high head capabilities with solids handling. Suited for the underground construction industry, the high volume units handle flows from...

Thortex America.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... Thortex America, a distributor of Copon and Thortex high-performance coatings, announced that E-Wood breakthrough technology producing the first rapid set, high build, semi-structural spray lining product that will confer structural properties...

Earth Tool Company.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... The PortaWinch PW15 makes easy work out of installing the last mile fiber to the home (FFTH). The patent pending PortaWinch PW15 is a light weight, portable tool that installs up to five ducts in a single pull 300 feet or more at a rate of 11.5...

Vermeer.(New Products Debut At UCT)
March 1, 2005... The D24x40 Series II Navigator horizontal directional drill delivers 4,000 foot-pounds of torque and with a Tier II 125 horse-power John Deere diesel engine, it has the power to drill in tough conditions. Featuring 24,000 pounds of pullback and...

RehabZone provides unique educational resource.
March 1, 2005... The RehabZone had another successful run at the most recent Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition (UCT) in Houston. The informative, no-selling-permitted "show within a show" drew almost twice the number...

GCTA golf tourney hits participant record.
March 1, 2005... The 7th Annual Gulf Coast Trenchless Association's UCT Golf Tournament grew to record size this year with 147 golfers participating. Players came from all across the country (and even internationally) to enjoy this major event. Held at the...

Philip McAfee selected MVP honoree.
March 1, 2005... Philip McAfee, founder of PM Construction, earned the distinction of the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association and Underground Construction magazine's 2005 Most Valuable Professional award during a special luncheon and award ceremony hosted by the...

Industry executives appraise pipeline sector.(Pipeline Opportunities Conference)
March 1, 2005... Key pipeline industry executives at the Pipeline Opportunities Conference held Jan. 25 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, told attendees a significant amount of pipeline transmission construction work looms ahead. The conference, sponsored by...

PLCA president pushes for competitive labor agreements at 57th annual convention.(PLCA Convention Review)
March 1, 2005... Paul Gregory, president of Gregory & Cook Construction Inc., based in Houston, has a long family history in the pipeline construction industry. His grandfather, Phil Gregory, served as Pipe Line Contractors Association president in 1958, and...

Drilled crossings results in record 15,700-foot pipe pull.(Historic Drills)
March 1, 2005... Patterson & Wilder Construction Company Inc., Wilmington, NC, along with subcontractor Michels Directional Crossings of Brownsville, WI, made horizontal directional drilling (HDD) history with completion of a record-setting gas line...

HDD contractors dealing with labor shortage.(Directional Drilling)
March 1, 2005... During the boom days of the late '90s, one large horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractor was putting new drill units in service at a rapid pace. To meet escalating demands for drilling services, more personnel were needed. But none...

Contractor uses experience to install conduit through caliche.(Directional Drilling)
March 1, 2005... Larry Fortin knows all about challenges. As the owner of an underground construction business in a state with some of the toughest ground conditions in the country, he has to be prepared for any type of obstacle. And over the years, he's...

New downhole tool offers survey, pressure info.(First Look)
March 1, 2005... Sharewell has introduced a new wireline guidance tool for horizontal directional drilling applications that provides both directional survey information and annular pressure during drilling operations. The tool was exhibited for the first...

Vermeer Mfg.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... The patented Vermeer 5.5" Survey While Boring (SWB) Mud Motor can give horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors the competitive edge in rock drilling performance. Featuring the exclusive SWB rock drilling technology, this motor's...

Astec Underground/EarthPro.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... The V-Rock Reamer has an open-winged design for use in a wide variety of soil conditions from dirt and sand to limestone and glacial till. The heavy-duty construction of the V-Rock provides the strength, durability and reliability to complete...

DCD Design & Mfg.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... The Poly-Puller has many excellent features including a polyurethane nose cone that has proven to be extremely durable in all types of conditions. Its four-jaw clamping system uses the same jaws that have proved successful in the DCD sealed...

Sharewell.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... Sharewell's Shielded Reamer prevents cave-ins during the pullback phase of a directional bore. This unique tool has an enclosed swivel and connection area that protects the pulling system from borehole environments. Cobble, gravel and other...

Melfred Borzall.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... Melfred Borzall's extensive line of back-reamers for directional drilling includes the Shredder. Carbide-tipped cutting teeth are strategically placed to efficiently rip through tough ground conditions. Angled fluid passages along the cutting...

Sandvik Smith.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... Sandvik Smith has expanded its rock reaming product line to include the 24-inch HDX reamer "Kit" components. These components incorporate the latest in HDD design technology from Sandvik Smith. With 50 percent more tungsten carbide, Sandvik...

Wenzel Downhole Tools.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... Help reduce the wear and tear on your drill with a Downhole Shock Tool. These units absorb vibration and shocks and help keep the bit on the bottom of the hole at all times. These units are also useful in making backreaming a smooth procedure,...

Ditch Witch.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... The Rhino Rock Backreamer is designed for enlarging diameters of pilot holes made through rocky soil conditions with horizontal directional drilling equipment. Cutting cones welded on the tool's shaft contain tungsten carbide inserts that eat...

Railhead Underground Products.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... The EXTReam from Railhead Underground Products is designed with no moving parts--at the end of a backream you simply replace any worn teeth and the EXTReam is ready to go again. Although the EXTReam will work in other conditions, it performs...

BICO Drilling Tools.(Drilling Tools)
March 1, 2005... BICO's line of Flex-Drill Mud Motors has been specially configured for the unique situations encountered in utility or river crossing applications. BICO carries a full line of BICO Hole Openers and can offer same day shipping in most cases. The...

Wyo-Ben.(Fluids/Polymers)
March 1, 2005... Wyo-Ben's Plugz-It will fill voids and swells to prevent mud loss and restore circulation. Plugz-It materials are mixed with clean drilling fluid and pumped through the bit and pushed into fractures, cobbles and cavities. After a few minutes,...

Baroid Industrial Drilling Products.(Fluids/Polymers)
March 1, 2005... Baroid Industrial Drilling Products introduces EZ-MUD GOLD clay and shale stabilizer. EZ-MUD GOLD beaded polymer, when added to a QUIK-GEL or BORE-GEL slurry, yields an inhibitive drilling fluid system while maintaining manageable and effective...

M-I HDD Mining & Waterwell.(Fluids/Polymers)
March 1, 2005... MAX BORE HDD is a premier one-sack, horizontal fluid system designed for mini (7,500 to 33,000 pounds)through midi (33,000 to 80,000 pounds) drilling machines. This proprietary blend of bentonite, bentonite extenders and polymers has proven its...