Underground Construction articles from October 2006

Underground Construction archives from October 2006

The high cost of boring through laterals.(Editor's Log)
October 1, 2006... There is no doubt that safety and damage prevention have become hot topics in the utility construction industry in recent years, particularly for the underground segment of that market. The very nature of the work frequently means unknown...

Companies consider pipeline to connect Canadian gas supplies to U.S. markets.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... An interstate natural gas pipeline to connect Canadian natural gas supplies to U.S. Northeast markets and regional storage is being proposed by Alliance Pipeline, Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) and NJR Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of New...

WEF releases new wet weather guide.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... The Water Environment Federation (WEF) announces the release of its new electronic publication, Guide to Managing Peak Wet Weather Flows in Municipal Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems. Developed under a Water Quality Cooperative...

Aries' schedules grout boot camp.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... Back by popular demand is a training class for inspectors and operators of test and sealing systems. The three-day technical training event will be held Jan. 16-18, 2007 at Aries Industries Service Center in Pompano Beach, FL. Technical...

Engineers call for action to protect New Orleans.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... A year later, as the nation reflects on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, an expert engineering panel formed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a set of essential recommendations for overcoming the deficiencies in...

Active summer for DCA.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... The Distribution Contractors Association concluded its summer board meeting recently in Sun Valley, ID with just over 100 attendees. Featured speakers included Mary Vermeer-Andringa, president of Vermeer Mfg., discussing "Lean Contracting," and...

CRC-Evans to provide automatic welding on Kuwaiti pipeline project.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... CRC-Evans Automatic Welding has been awarded a contract by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to provide automatic welding equipment and technical assistance for the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) project. The welding equipment will be located on the...

In memorial.(NEWS LINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2006... Russel Currie Scrim, past president of the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada (1968-69 and 1973-74), died Aug. 3 in Lachine, Quebec. He was 88. Scrim started his working career with the Royal Bank of Canada and later became involved in...

Corrosion rule imminent.(Washington watch)
October 1, 2006... While BP's problems with corrosion in its Alaskan oil pipeline have prompted the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to issue a proposed rule on low-stress hazardous pipelines, the rule won't affect gas transmission...

HammerHead Mole.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... HammerHead Mole piercing tools are designed for the contractor that is paid by the foot, not by the hour. More than 17 models range from 2 to 8 inch. Features include the patented clamped rear anvil and a tail bolt system, which offers fast and...

Footage Tools.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... All Big Shots (pneumatic piercing tools) are CNC machined to exact dimensional tolerances from a solid billet of nickel chromoly steel and fully heat treated for superior strength and wearability. The pistons are designed to withstand high...

Hudco Mfg.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... With more than 25 years of experience, Hudco technology is responsible for producing the highest quality piercing tools, parts and accessories. Hudco tools range from 2 inch to 10 1/4-inch in diameter to meet various customer applications....

TT Technologies.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... The Grundomat piercing tool from TT Technologies bores consistently on target time after time. It is constructed from durable hardened alloy steel and reliable machined components for maximum power and precision. Especially suitable for...

Allied Construction Products.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... The length to diameter ratio and one-piece body design combine to keep the Model HH-79 going straight to minimize deflection. The Model HH79 is available with either a pierced nose or a threaded nose with both versions having a threaded tail...

Astec Underground.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... Astec EarthPro Moles (pneumatic piercing tools) offer quick, simple and reliable options for trenchless installation of a wide variety of product pipes that are more cost-effective than traditional open trench installation methods. The tools...

Ditch Witch.(Equipment Spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2006... Ditch Witch Pneumatic Piercing Tools with Quick Reverse feature and Bolt-On Expanders help you complete your short-to-medium range compaction boring projects. The patented piercing tool quick reverse mechanism lets you instantly change...

John Deere.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The new Deere 344J provides many uptime-boosting features found in larger loaders, as well as time-saving conveniences that make it simple and inexpensive to maintain. Key to the 344J's productivity is oscillated stereo steering, which delivers...

CNH Case.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Compact in size, the new Case D Series 2 compact wheel loaders are loaded with innovative features that make them ideal for underground construction applications. The 21D Series 2, 221D Series 2 and 321D Series 2 are equipped with a two-speed,...

Volvo CE.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Super-quiet, super-efficient, super-powerful Volvo compact wheel loaders satisfy your toughest demands on the jobsite. The Volvo compact wheel loader's versatility far exceeds the norm... a quick change bracket and a selection of more than 60...

New Holland Construction.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... With increased engine and hydraulic power and a choice of buckets and attachments, the new W50TC and W80TC compact wheel loaders from New Holland are versatile machines powered by oil-cooled Deutz engines that produce 55 and 75 gross...

Caterpillar.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The new Caterpillar 904B compact wheel loader offers the versatility of a skid-steer loader and the power, comfort and fuel economy of a wheel loader. The 904B features a skid-steer loader quick coupler, high flow hydraulics and powerful Z-bar...

Mustang Mfg.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Mustang Manufacturing is announcing the availability of four newly upgraded Mustang AWS Loaders--each built with an all-wheel-steer design exclusive to Mustang. The new models--ML28, ML48, ML48T and ML68--offer the same precise steering and...

Takeuchi.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Takeuchi is launching a new line of wheel loaders--the TW50, TW60, TW65 and TW80. The operating weights are approximately 8,700, 10,250, 10,350 and 12,600 pounds, respectively. All models are engineered to be rugged, durable and powerful while...

JCB.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Featuring an operating weight of 10,380 pounds and a 1.0 cubic yard bucket, the 407 ZX is equipped with a powerful Z-bar geometry offering excellent rollback and dump angles, as well as powerful breakout for high productivity. A hydraulic...

Yanmar Construction Equipment.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Yanmar Construction Equipment offers two highly maneuverable compact wheel loaders with class leading lift capacities. The larger model, the V4-5A has an operating weight of 7,376 pounds (canopy version). Lift capacity is 4,134 pounds full lift...

Ingersoll Rand.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Ingersoll Rand offers two compact wheel loaders, the WL-350 and the WL-440. The 60-horsepower WL-350 has an operating weight of 11,240 pounds and bucket size of 1.2 cubic yards. The 73-horsepower WL-440 has an operating weight of 13,230 pounds...

John Deere.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The Deere CT 322 and CT 332 set a new benchmark for compact track loaders (CTLs). John Deere's initial entries into the market deliver numerous advantages over current CTLs, including unmatched stability, visibility, serviceability, smoothness...

ASV Inc.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The new SR-80 from ASV defines the next generation of rubber track loader. Using a completely new ASV design with class-leading technology, the SR-80 provides extreme traction, lower ground pressure, maximum operator comfort, excellent machine...

Mustang.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... Mustang bring models MTL16 and MTL25 to market through selected dealers in North and South America. The units operate in tough conditions, such as on sandy or muddy job sites, and have the kind of stability and flotation that a skid-steer...

Bobcat.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... An innovative improvement made to the T300 K-Series compact track loaders was the addition of another roller to its track undercarriage. The additional roller provides better ride quality and improves roller life and overall track life. New to...

New Holland.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The New Holland C185 and C190 compact track loaders are the ultimate high-performance machines for construction, utility and grounds maintenance work. With 2,500 and 2,900 pounds rated operating capacity, respectively, both models feature the...

Ditch Witch.(Equipment Spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2006... The new SK650 mini track loader is equipped with a low-maintenance, 31-horsepower Kubota turbo diesel engine that directs 20 net horsepower to the attachment. Both the fuel and hydraulic tanks are mounted on the outside of the machine's frame....

Movement to locate laterals gaining strength.
October 1, 2006... Efforts to prevent accidental damage to underground utility infrastructures have accelerated over the past several years, bringing positive steps to reduce the number of costly and often dangerous strikes of buried pipe and cable. Among...

Lubbock deep tunnels mitigate flooding.
October 1, 2006... Many first-time visitors to Lubbock, TX express surprise--the city isn't what they expected. In some ways, Lubbock does exhibit traits of the West Texas town those visitors probably anticipated--in the wide open spaces of West Texas,...

PRV stations provide fire protection, lower insurance rates.
October 1, 2006... The city of Hillsboro, home to businesses such as Intel, Planar Systems and TriQuint, is one of several high technology centers in Oregon. Most of Hillsboro's commercial industry is located in park-like, industrial campuses built to blend in...

HDPE saves $125,000 on Arizona Water Conservation project.
October 1, 2006... One of the largest water wholesalers in the country got their first taste of what a growing number of water companies in the U.S. already know--the financial bottomline for water projects using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the same color...

Mojave river pipeline project: PVC pressure pipe plays cost-saving role.
October 1, 2006... California's San Bernardino County, the nation's largest with an area of some 20,105 square miles, has been growing rapidly for over four decades. Located in the southeast part of the state, its geography extends eastward from the outskirts of...

Repairing 9-miles of LA's lower north outfall sewer.(Rehabilitation TECHNOLOGY)
October 1, 2006... The rehabilitation of an aging Los Angeles sewer tunnel currently under way has posed numerous challenges for project designers and the contractors doing the work. One of the biggest challenges is the tunnel's size. The nine-mile long...

Short burst, big savings.(Rehabilitation TECHNOLOGY)
October 1, 2006... In the midst of a $53 million addition to the Mechanical Engineering building on the Purdue University campus in Indiana, it was discovered that a 15-foot deep, 12-inch clay sewer lateral that serviced the building had a collapsed section of...

TT Technologies.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... Static System Burst and replace ductile iron, steel and lined pipe with the new Grundoburst static pipebursting system from TT Technologies. Pulled by a hydraulic bursting unit, the cutter head's special cutting wheels split the host pipe....

Astec Underground.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... Static System The Astec EarthPro PB-40 Pipebursting System is a fast and efficient hydraulic pipe replacement system. This innovative tool breaks out failed or aging sewer, water, gas and other utility lines and replaces or upsizes them...

HammerHead.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... Static System Eighty-five percent of the sewer and water market consists of pipe sizes ranging from 3 to 12 inch diameters. The HydroBurst HB80 is a reliable and simple to operate machine designed specifically for contractors and...

Ditch Witch.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... Static System Ditch Witch has entered the pipebursting market with three new compact pipebursting systems--the PR50, PR75 and PR95. The equipment is designed to fracture or cut existing pipes of 2-16 inches O.D., pulling new replacement...

Tenbusch: Push Technology.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... Tenbusch Inc. manufactures a line of trenchless equipment that allows the local contractor or city crew to replace or upsize existing old pipe (water or sewer). The TIM system utilizes several rigid pipe materials including--clay, ductile iron,...

Terra AG.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2006... The TERRA-HYDROCRACK is a hydraulic cracking system that renews gas pipes, water pipes and sewerage lines. Due to its high thrust and pullback forces of 60 tons, it cracks or cuts PE pipes, steel pipes, cast iron pipes or even ductile cast iron...

Mears Group.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Andrew Lu has joined Meats Group as manager of Pipeline Integrity Services. Lu received both his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and his master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He...

Topcon Positioning Systems.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Several key promotions were recently announced by Topcon Positioning Systems executive management. Peter Wallace. former national sales manager-survey, has been promoted to director of sales-survey. Murray Lodge, former national sales...

Ingersoll Rand.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Ingersoll Rand announces the appointment of Larry Silber to president. Utility Equipment. In addition to taking on new responsibility for the Utility Equipment business, Silber maintains his current responsibility for sales to the rental...

B. Frank Joy.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... The board of directors of the Joy Companies Inc., a regional underground contractor based in Hyattsville, MD, has announced the promotion of Melissa R Koehler, CPA, to president and chief operating officer of B. Frank Joy, LLC. Ken Joy will...

Multiquip.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Multiquip has added three dealers in South Africa, bringing to four the number of outlets carrying MQ and STOW Construction Equipment products across the country. Ian Dickie & Co., Lambson's Hire and Sales, and PowerBase CC are the newest...

Advanced Drainage Systems.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Advanced Drainage Systems, a leading manufacturer of smooth interior corrugated high-density polyethylene pipe IHDPE) broke ground for its newest multimillion dollar manufacturing plant and its first in New Jersey on Aug. 22. The company...

PolyPipe Inc.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... PolyPipe Inc. has announced an expansion project is underway at its plants in Texas and Tennessee to increase large diameter capacity and capabilities to 63 inches. The projects are expected to be completed in spring of 2007. "The...

Skyline Steel.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour officially opened the Skyline Steel Pipe Group facility near Yellow Creek Port in Tishomingo County, MS, on August 22 during a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new $17-million state-of-the-art steel processing...

Fire truck gets new life.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... This 1955 International Pumper fire truck was purchased by Dave Nelson of Pilchuck Contractors Inc. in Kirkland, WA, (now owned by Michels Corporation). Nelson bought the truck to provide fire protection for his mountain cabin outside of...

Gourdie-Fraser.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Gourdie-Fraser welcomes three new staff members. Brian Boals, a licensed professional engineer and project manager, has a master of science degree in civil/hydraulic engineering from the University of Michigan. He brings more than 12 years...

Troy Stokes joins Akkerman.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Troy Stokes has joined Akkerman Inc, in the technical sales and leasing department. Stokes grew up working with his father's underground contracting business and has been involved in construction ever since. In the early 1990% Stokes' career...

Long rock bores are good match for Robbins MSBU.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... Robbins' newest trenchless product, the Robbins Motorized Small Boring Unit (MSBU) is a technically advanced type of Robbins' Small Boring Unit (SBU). Both Robbins MSBUs and SBUs are used in conjunction with an Auger Boring Machine (ABM). The...

Cues.(REHAB PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... Built using contemporary Microsoft Visual Studio technologies, Granite XP offers flexibility, customization and ease-of-use to meet the growing needs of the water/wastewater industry. Familiar Microsoft Windows layout screens provide an...

RS Technical Services.(REHAB PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... The Private Eye System is a full function, portable mainline sewer inspection system that includes an Omni Eye II Zoom color camera and a mainline tractor transporter. It is able to support mini mainline systems such as the 1300 and 1500 Series...

Wyo-Ben.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... MicroGel and MTA-1 are products designed for the pipe jacking and microtunneling industry. These products are the new generation of bentonite lubrication fluids. When compared to the traditional bentonite-based tunnel lubricants, this new fluid...

Setra.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... The Model 595 digitally compensated submersible pressure transducer gives a true level reading even when subjected to media temperature changes over the range of +23[degrees]F to +113[degrees]F, making this unit ideal for groundwater...

CONTECH construction products.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... The Optimizer is an innovative underground detention technology system engineered to stabilize and manage storm water runoff. Optimizer detention systems contain flow control devices that use pressure head to begin immediately discharging at...

Krylon Products Group.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... Krylon Products Group offers a new solutions guide addressing the most common challenges faced in today's industrial coatings applications. The color, 24-page pocket guide outlines 10 typical application challenges--from coating without use of...

Work Area Protection.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... Work Area Protection Corp. offers a full line of traffic control products that include traffic cones, drums, channelizers, signs and stands, warning lights, barricades, pole light brackets, manhole material lifts and rescue devices, manhole...

Utility locator helps bay area prevent earthquake damage.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... This year marks the 100th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the San Francisco Bay area, damaging thousands of buildings and causing countless deaths and injuries. If that same 7.9-magnitude earthquake were repeated today, there...

Industrial Magnetics.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... The Manhole Cover Lift System is ergonomically designed to make the removal and replacement of manhole covers easy and safe. Industrial Magnetics' Manhole Cover Lift System utilizes the convenience of a doily in combination with the deep...

ITT Flygt.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2006... The model BS-2750 is a high-performance submersible pump designed for corrosive liquid pumping. The slim design pump is made entirely of stainless steel and is engineered to handle corrosive liquids with a pH range of 2-10. Because of its slim...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... 2006 Oct. 15-18 Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Francis Marion Hotel Charleston, SC PH: (202) 331-2820 Web: amwa.net Oct. 16-19 California Rental Association San Diego, CA PH: (916)...

A time to reevaluate: what is our biggest, best safety opportunity today?(THE LAST WORD ...)
October 1, 2006... There's always a lot of good discussion around the industry about how important safety is, about what we can do to improve it--things like more accurate marking of utilities, better locating of marked lines, advanced locating equipment, proper...