Industry News, trenchless people
This week we’re featuring the fourth 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.
Monica Samano, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
The trenchless technology industry offers so many opportunities in the Los Angeles area. With the new Metro Lines and underground utility lines the amount of trenchless work that needs to be done in Los Angeles has more than doubled in the past few years. Various underground utilities exist in the Los Angeles area which leaves the issue of repairing old utility lines and working around them. There is major work with renewing older water systems in the entire area. As a current intern for an electrical subcontractor, I have begun to notice the amount of electrical work that has been increasing underground. My project managers have begun to take an interest in the means and methods to insert underground lines as well. As construction begins to rise exponentially for the 2028 Olympics the demand for construction work that needs to be done in Los Angeles to accommodate the large influx of visitors and residents has caused a boom for construction and will only grow as more businesses and owners prepare for 2028.
As my senior year comes to an end, the need for contractors and subcontractors has been noted at my current workplace. I have noticed that there is more work than there are people and supplies and that I need to prove my worth and skills now. I want to dive into a job that is driven by trenchless technology so that I can use my knowledge and expertise to merge with other contractors to bridge the gap between trenchless technologies and methods with the work that needs to be performed. During the next few years I hope to learn more detailed information about trenchless technology in order to be able to coordinate with vendors about work that needs to be completed. I want to be able to speak to workers handling the equipment to ensure that projects are being handled safely and efficiently by being able to understand the trenchless methods taking place. I also want to be able to identify underground problems and suggest safer and effective trenchless methods. I plan to continue attending future No-Dig Shows to keep up to date with the latest technology and case studies to take back to any workplace. I plan to become a crucial member who is asked to consult on trenchless activities and become one of the pioneers to introduce it to any company that is looking into trenchless technology. As my current company hosts multiple departments I hope to one day create my own division that specializes in Trenchless Technology advocacy and create a greater understanding of trenchless in the workplace.
Congratulations Monica! Thank you for your service and best of luck on your future endeavors in the trenchless industry!
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
Industry News, trenchless people
As a recognition for long-term involvement in the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) and technical or professional contributions to the ISTT, the ISTT Board has created the membership grade of ISTT Fellow. For an ISTT Member to apply (or to be considered) to become an ISTT Fellow, the Member must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have been an ISTT member (or worked for a company holding an ISTT Corporate Membership) for a cumulative total of at least 15 years (gaps in membership are permitted and membership can either have been through an ISTT Member Society or as an International Member in the case that there was/is no ISTT Society).
- Have registered for and attended at least 12 International No Dig Conferences (exhibit only or 1-day registrations are not counted as full attendance).
- Had a minimum of 5 technical papers included in ISTT Conference Proceedings.
An ISTT Member wishing to be considered to be named an ISTT Fellow should submit an application to the ISTT Executive Director BY 30 JUNE 2020 providing:
Name, address, email address, phone number.
- Half- to one-page biosketch.
- A list of the years of ISTT membership with Affiliated Society name, category of membership (i.e., as an individual or under a corporate membership), and corporate membership name if pertinent.
- A list of the ISTT International No Dig Conferences attended as a full registered participant.
- Citation information for the papers published in ISTT Conference Proceedings.
- A list of the years of services and position with Affiliated Society.
Once the ISTT has verified the data submitted, the candidate’s name will be considered by a special review committee. Applications that are sent forward by the review committee will then be examined by the ISTT Executive Subcommittee before the final decision is made. The granting of Fellow status is based on significant accomplishments in the field of trenchless technology as demonstrated, for example, by work experience, by publications, by inventions, by technology advancements, or by mentoring of individuals.
The special review committee is also empowered to make its own nominations for ISTT Fellow in special cases where an individual has made notable technical and/or professional contributions to the ISTT over a long period of time but does not meet specific aspects of the standard eligibility criteria.
When approved, the individual will be entitled to refer to themselves as “ISTT Fellow” or “Fellow of the International Society for Trenchless Technology” and will receive a certificate confirming their status as ISTT Fellow. The ISTT Fellow designation is a continuing recognition but, to retain the ISTT Fellow designation, the person in question must remain an ISTT member in good standing either as an individual member or under a Corporate Membership. Once an ISTT Fellow status has lapsed, the individual will still be able to list the former status as ISTT Fellow with the years that the status was held.
To apply to be reinstated as an ISTT Fellow, a letter requesting a reevaluation should be submitted to the ISTT Executive Director, Peter Smeallie, at smeallie@istt.com.
Industry News, trenchless products
March 10, 2020 – LAKE MILLS, Wisc. – HammerHead® Trenchless, a leading manufacturer of trenchless installation, rehabilitation, and replacement solutions for underground utility infrastructure, today announced a new addition to its award-winning line of Same Path™ technology: the NEW SLX1300 trenchless pipe extraction system for small diameter steel natural gas services.
Pipe extraction using the patented SLX1300 is an innovative new method of replacing coated and bare steel gas service lines 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter, up to 100 feet in length. The hydraulically powered SLX1300 unit produces up to 13.3 tons of pulling force to extract the pipe from the ground while simultaneously pulling new HDPE or MDPE pipe into the same location as the existing pipe, reducing risk to surrounding utilities.
“HammerHead has a strong track record of working closely with crews in the field to find cost-effective solutions for addressing deteriorating gas pipelines,” said Josh Hood, HammerHead Trenchless senior product manager. “A gas company approached us about finding a trenchless way to replace bare steel and our engineering team applied operator feedback to design the SLX1300 to meet needs unique to the gas market. The final design includes innovative features to minimize excavation and reduce operating requirements.”
One feature is the unit’s on-board pipe shear that the operator engages to cut the pipe material as it is extracted into manageable segments for easy disposal.
The pipe extraction process requires two access points: a machine pit located where the service connects to the main, and an access point opposite the machine from which to pull in the new pipe. A cable is fed from the machine through the pipe and attached to the new pipe at the other end. The machine’s jaws clamp the steel pipe and the cable within it, and the machine is then engaged to pull the pipe from the ground. The jaws release and the machine cycles forward to clamp and pull another segment. The pipe shear located behind the machine’s clamping jaw can be engaged at the operator’s discretion to segment the extracted pipe in any length as space allows.
The compact size of the unit requires a working pit approximately 4 feet wide by 4 feet long and the entire system can be transported in the back of a standard pickup truck, reducing costs associated with extensive excavation and support equipment needs.
“The US DOT reports that there are more than 1.5 million of bare steel services still in operation in the US and the lack of a protective coating can cause the steel to corrode and deteriorate faster than other materials. Having efficient and cost-effective replacement methods for these kinds of pipes is critical,” explained Hood. “Operators across the country have observed the cost savings and benefits of trenchless construction methods so we’re proud to introduce a new trenchless technology that facilitates rapid replacement of at-risk steel gas pipes.”
The HammerHead Trenchless line of Same Path Technology also includes a patented pipe slitting system used for the trenchless replacement of plastic gas services. The SLX1300 is designed for steel pipe but preliminary field testing on additional pipe materials is underway.
The new SLX1300 pipe extraction system will be on display in the HammerHead Trenchless booth (#C31747) at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show March 10-14 in Las Vegas, Nev.
The SLX1300 is available from HammerHead Trenchless authorized dealers in North America. Authorized dealers can be found on the web at www.hammerheadtrenchless.com or by calling 800.331.6653.
Photo: The HammerHead Trenchless SLX1300 pipe extractor offers a trenchless solution for replacing 0.5-1.25” steel gas services by extracting the steel pipe and simultaneously pulling new PE pipe into place.
Industry News, trenchless people
Annually, the Third Graders from East Canton Elementary School partner with area businesses to create special one of a kind Valentine’s Day card boxes. It is a great tradition that is spearheaded by Mrs. Rebecca J Carter, Principal of East Canton Elementary.
This year Third Grader Maddie Karahuta, daughter of Barbco, Inc. Maintenance Leadman, Shaun Karahuta designed an incredible box that is a miniature version of one of Barbco’s powerful, ground boring, augers!
Maddie presented this wonderful box to Barbco Co-Owner and General Manager, David Barbera recently!
This Valentine’s Day Box is proudly displayed in the Barbco, Inc. lobby!
Industry News, trenchless people
BROWNSVILLE, Wis. (April 1, 2020) — It is with profound sadness that Michels announces the passing of industry icon Robert H. Westphal on Tuesday, March 31.
Bob devoted 55 years of his life to Michels, tirelessly pushing the company’s performance, and the pipeline and trenchless construction industries’ potential to higher levels. Hired by Dale Michels in April 1965 as a pipeline laborer, Bob quickly established himself as a great leader, generous mentor and valued friend to those he worked with, including the Michels family.
“It is our belief that the strength of his successors defines a leader’s true success,” said Pat Michels, President and CEO, Michels Corporation. “In that regard, Bob was the best. He was selflessly devoted to improving the abilities and skills of those who worked with him.”
“Throughout the decades, I have had the privilege of calling Bob my boss, my mentor, my colleague and my friend,” Michels said. “He had a major impact on me in each of those roles.”
In his career, Bob filled many roles, including laborer, operator, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, vice president, senior vice president and, at the time of his death, senior construction advisor. He helped guide Michels’ development and execution of strategic business initiatives domestically and internationally.
A statesman in the construction industry, Bob was a valued member of many organizations. In 2019, he was inducted into the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) Hall of Fame and was named Trenchless Technology Person of the Year in 2011. Bob was also an active member of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), where he served on the Board of Directors for 13 years and as president in 2005. In 2018, he was named an Honorary Member.
Bob’s legacy will leave a significant impact on Michels and the industry he loved. We extend our thoughts and condolences to his wife, Jone; his sons Scott, Jeff, Matt and Chad; his many other family members; and his large extended family at Michels.
This week we’re featuring the fourth installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
As my senior year comes to an end, the need for contractors and subcontractors has been noted at my current workplace. I have noticed that there is more work than there are people and supplies and that I need to prove my worth and skills now. I want to dive into a job that is driven by trenchless technology so that I can use my knowledge and expertise to merge with other contractors to bridge the gap between trenchless technologies and methods with the work that needs to be performed. During the next few years I hope to learn more detailed information about trenchless technology in order to be able to coordinate with vendors about work that needs to be completed. I want to be able to speak to workers handling the equipment to ensure that projects are being handled safely and efficiently by being able to understand the trenchless methods taking place. I also want to be able to identify underground problems and suggest safer and effective trenchless methods. I plan to continue attending future No-Dig Shows to keep up to date with the latest technology and case studies to take back to any workplace. I plan to become a crucial member who is asked to consult on trenchless activities and become one of the pioneers to introduce it to any company that is looking into trenchless technology. As my current company hosts multiple departments I hope to one day create my own division that specializes in Trenchless Technology advocacy and create a greater understanding of trenchless in the workplace.
