Helpful Hints for Writing a No-Dig Paper

These guidelines have been prepared to assist authors in the preparation of writing technical papers for NASTT’s No-Dig Show. NASTT’s No-Dig Show Program Committee strives to produce a technical program filled with high-quality, peer-reviewed papers that are the best in the industry. There are wide ranging experience levels in technical paper production amongst the authors. As such, it has been suggested that a guideline might be helpful for general use.

NASTT’s No-Dig Show papers should follow a basic outline that consists of the following:

 

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusions
  • References

 

Abstract

The abstract should be a brief description of what is contained in the paper. The abstract should follow or be very similar to the abstract that you presented to the Program Committee for consideration of publication. Slight changes are acceptable; however, be sure to make any changes known to the Program Chair (Kimberlie Staheli at kim@stahelitrenchless.com and to Michelle Hill (mhill@nastt.org).

 

Introduction

The introduction should explain the setting or background for the paper. This section is NOT a repeat of the abstract. The introduction should give the reader a sense of why you are writing the paper and why you feel it is important to the trenchless industry. The introduction should set the stage for the body of the paper.

 

Body

The body of the paper should be the primary section where the main topic of your paper is discussed. There should not be a heading entitled “Body,” rather; this section should be broken down into several sub-sections. For example, if your paper were describing a project case history, the body might be broken down into the following sub-sections:

 

  • Design
  • Geotechnical Conditions
  • Contracting
  • Construction
  • Challenges and Lessons Learned

 

If you were writing a research paper, the body of the paper might have sub-sections entitled:

 

  • Hypothesis
  • Testing Mechanisms/Research Studies
  • Results
  • Analysis

 

If you were writing about a specific construction method, you might have sub-sections entitled:

 

  • Description of Method
  • Applicable Soil Conditions
  • Challenging Applications
  • Case Histories

 

Regardless of the type of paper, the body should be broken down into sections that “tell the story” so that the information is presented in a logical order.

 

Conclusions

All NASTT’s No-Dig Show papers should have a conclusions section. After all, why are you writing the paper? What are the ultimate conclusions? Think about the reason that you wanted to write the paper. Why is your paper important to the trenchless community? Why would people want to read your paper? Do not be concerned about repeating the important conclusions that may already be contained in the body of the paper. This section should be brief however; it should contain the important facts.

 

References

It is important to include all applicable references – including those that belong on figures.

If you are having difficulty getting started on your paper, make an outline with all of the pertinent headings. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that the paper is well organized.

Please remember that you are required to prepare your paper in the standard No-Dig format. The format can be found on the website at www.nodigshow.com/speaker-resources/.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Kimberlie Staheli, NASTT’s 2013 No-Dig Program Chair
kim@stahelitrenchless.com