Industry News, trenchless people
This week we’re featuring the third installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
One of the requirements to apply for a student scholarship from NASTT is to write an essay on the state of the trenchless industry and what the student sees for them self in the future within the industry.
Raj Magan of Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis (IUPUI) was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
Construction has always been in the roots of my family. As a child I was always around the building construction environment with my late father. This has always been my source of inspiration into a career path in construction. Working in the trenchless industry for the past 2 years of my college career has given me the knowledge that there is a whole different world that exists underneath us. Trenchless professionals have been able to provide non invasive services with the help of advancing technology in equipment and materials. Instead of using traditional excavators for open cut methods, we are able to go hundreds of feet below the earth and create tunnels across cities for Storm/Sewer pipes, Communications/Data lines, Electrical lines, Transportation, etc.
As Research and Development increases in trenchless technology methods, cheaper and more efficient methods of tunneling will become more prevalent in the industry and allow government/private entities to invest in this type of infrastructure for several different purposes. Geotechnical engineers, tunneling consultants, survey engineers, dewatering specialists, erosion specialists, are just some of the roles that contribute to a tunnel project.
The opportunity to serve as a Project Engineer Intern last summer on one of Indiana’s largest tunnel projects has given me the knowledge and interest to pursue a career in the tunneling industry. Multiple TBMs including an Akkerman microtunneling machine was used on this project as well as centrifuges that are used to separate the solids and liquids in the slurry extracted from the tunnel. Getting a first hand with the crew that is inside the tunnel operating the TBM and installing ring beams and lagging has been a unique experience. I learned that you never know what you will run into underground and this increases the liability you have on the job significantly. One thing that I took out of this experience is that specialty trenchless jobs can be tough but they are definitely more rewarding than a typical construction project due to the nature of the project.
After I graduate from the Purdue School of Engineering, my goal is to become a PE after my 5th year working at a tunneling construction company. I plan to gather enough experience over the next 5 years in order to start my own business in the future providing services that cater to the tunneling industry.
Congratulations Raj! Best of luck on your current and future endeavors in the trenchless industry!
Industry News
5/14/20 Des Plaines, IL— Kristine Wiley has been named Director of the Hydrogen Technology Center at GTI, which encompasses top-tier subject matter experts, thought leadership, recently upgraded labs and facilities, and decades of experience. GTI has successfully executed dozens of hydrogen projects at facilities across the nation and around the world, and has established the Hydrogen Technology Center to facilitate increased use of hydrogen in an integrated energy system to meet the challenges of decarbonization.
In this role, Kristine will serve as the leader for the Hydrogen Technology Center and related business activities, working across GTI to synchronize deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to serve our customers and stakeholders. The Hydrogen Technology Center will bring together public-private partnerships to determine how to best use this low-carbon energy carrier for storing and “time shifting” renewable energy and leveraging the existing robust natural gas storage and delivery infrastructure to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future.
“Kristine has extensive hands-on experience in assessing and minimizing environmental impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Along the way, she has built strong client relationships and established a solid reputation in the industry,” says Mike Rutkowski, GTI Senior Vice President, Research and Technology Development. “I am confident she will help GTI build upon our unparalleled experience and technology development capabilities to enable a hydrogen economy and deliver clean energy solutions.”
Kristine’s career spans nearly two decades at GTI, where most recently she served as an R&D Director responsible for GTI’s Environmental, Risk, and Integrity Management R&D programs, leading industry collaborative research focused on developing solutions for the detection and mitigation of methane emissions from the natural gas industry.
Previously, she held positions of increasing responsibility working closely with the energy industry on issues ranging from utility operations and environmental compliance to exploring the use of low-carbon fuels. She has also led industry initiatives on the introduction, impacts, and use of renewable natural gas (RNG), working closely with utilities, pipeline operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to provide technologies and guidance for the integration of RNG into the existing gas infrastructure.
Kristine holds a BA in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
About GTI
GTI is a leading research, development and training organization that has been addressing global energy and environmental challenges by developing technology-based solutions for consumers, industry, and government for nearly 80 years. www.gti.energy
trenchless people
This week we bring you the second installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
One of the requirements to apply for a student scholarship from NASTT is to write an essay on the state of the trenchless industry and what the student sees for them self in the future within the industry.
Kyle LaRose of Oklahoma State University was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
The trenchless technology industry offers a very diverse set of opportunities for students and professionals in many different areas. Whether a construction project in a metropolitan area that uses microtunneling to install or upgrading utility lines or a drilling operator in West Texas running a system which locates the next oil deposit for consumption, trenchless technology will always be a growing field. No matter what industry you are in, the building industry or the oil and natural gas industry it is a very common practice to use different trenchless technologies to further the advancement of infrastructure operations across the world. Without the multitude of different technologies and techniques, more issues would be created instead of solved.
While growing up in the industry has given me many skills and assets needed to be successful in my professional career, though I still have much to learn. I believe with my degree in Construction Engineering & Technology at Oklahoma State University as well as work experience will always be exposed to trenchless technologies and what it has to offer. The construction industry is constantly improving and expanding, not only in every state across the U.S., but across the globe. Picturing myself 5 years in the future if difficult, but not impossible. Once graduation comes and I commission as an Army National Guard Officer in Horizontal Engineering, I will be established with a company and planning training exercises with my military unit all at the same time. As for the company that I am with, only time can tell.
Though I plan to be an officer in the military, I will also pursue my civilian career in the construction industry. I chose being a Horizontal Engineering Officer because I wanted my military and civilian jobs to build off each other. I am constantly trying to learn skills needed to be the best construction manager in the industry and what better way to do that than be a part of the military as well as work in the civilian market. I believe that being a part of the military has taught me many skills needed to be a professional within the industry such as my leadership skills and heightened my verbal communication skills. I am extremely excited to see what my future has in store for me, but only I am the one that sets limitations on my progression within the construction industries which include commercial, trenchless and heavy civil.
Congratulations Kyle! We thank you for your military service and best of luck on your future endeavors in the trenchless industry!
trenchless people
We are pleased to bring you the first installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
One of the requirements to apply for a student scholarship from NASTT is to write an essay on the state of the trenchless industry and what the student sees for them self in the future within the industry.
Josiah Dehnke of Kent State University was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
The rapid growth of the trenchless industry comes at a pivotal time for the underground infrastructure in the United States. The 2017 ASCE report card graded drinking water, wastewater, and energy all a D+ or lower. A large portion of our underground utilities are in desperate need of repairs, rehabilitation and replacement. Although this underground infrastructure is the primary carrier of drinking water, wastewater, gas, oil, and power, it is also widely overlooked. This is the epitome of “Out of sight, out of mind”.
Luckily, as trenchless technology continues to grow, so does the opportunity to begin a career in the field of trenchless and help ensure the bright future of our civilization and its prosperity. From rehabilitation to new installation, the opportunities in this rapidly growing industry are endless. Not only is trenchless technology the most cost and time effective option, but it is also far superior in terms of intrusion and environmental concerns. As the emphasis on minimal environmental impact continues to grow, so do the benefits of trenchless.
The trenchless industry is a great opportunity for students such as myself looking to get into a unique and ever changing career upon graduation. Because our underground infrastructure is the carrier of every type of commodity, this creates a wide variety of opportunities in the electric, wastewater, drinking water, and oil and gas industries. Within those industries, a project manager or engineer could be involved in rehabilitation, new install or repairs.
Becoming a part of this industry would also provide opportunities to travel all over North America and possibly the world. These possibilities are some of the many reasons why I am looking forward to attending my first NASTT No-Dig Show in Denver. Upon deciding to pursue a concentration in Civil Construction, my first class was Civil Utilities and my professor largely covered trenchless technology. Upon beginning the coursework, I instantly became interested in the industry and wanted to learn more. A few months into the semester, our NASTT student chapter was lucky enough to have Bernie Krzys on campus for a speaking event. Hearing Mr. Krzys speak as well as having a conversation with him about the ever-expanding industry and the developing technology in the trenchless community made me eager to learn more.
I’m hoping to have some networking opportunities at the No-Dig show that may lead to employment opportunities with some of the most respected contractors in the country. This industry’s diverse and unique opportunities truly intrigue me. I chose to be a part of the civil construction industry because of the opportunity to directly improve our infrastructure and wellbeing; being able to be a part of a unique and environmentally sound community such as trenchless technologies would make my career choice even more fulfilling.
Congratulations Josiah and best of luck on your future endeavors in the trenchless industry!
Industry News, trenchless people
Philadelphia PA – Pipe Lining Supply is pleased to announce the recent hire of Steve Maszczak to the position of Technical Representative serving the Northeastern USA.
Steve brings over 10+ years of CIPP experience to Pipe Lining Supply. This experience started as a CIPP technician, moved to a CIPP foreman, and the last 7 years as sales and project management. “With Steve’s extensive background of CIPP along with his sales/project management skills, he was an excellent candidate to grow our presence in the Northeast region.” states owner John Heisler.
Steve will support Pipe Lining Supply’s customer base with training, advice, and sales for CIPP lateral lining and AIPPR pipe coating projects for drain, waste, and vent in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Pipe Lining Supply is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of materials and equipment used in the lateral sewer lining and DWV rehabilitation business. The company was formed to support customers who need training and support as well as the equipment and materials to rehabilitate aging sewer laterals and pipe to restore your pipes to LIKE new condition, extending pipe life 50+ years!
Our goal is to serve the industry with a complete warehouse stocked with the best products at the lowest delivered cost on a timely basis.
CONTACT:
Pipe Lining Supply, Corp.
Michelle Strasburg
Director of Marketing
888-354-6464
www.pipeliningsupply.com
This week we’re featuring the third installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
As Research and Development increases in trenchless technology methods, cheaper and more efficient methods of tunneling will become more prevalent in the industry and allow government/private entities to invest in this type of infrastructure for several different purposes. Geotechnical engineers, tunneling consultants, survey engineers, dewatering specialists, erosion specialists, are just some of the roles that contribute to a tunnel project.
