Join us for an educational luncheon on problems associated with artesian pressures, cobbles/boulders, abrasive soil/bedrock, coal mines, gravel pits, excessive settlement/ground loss, mixed face conditions, high groundwater, and other relevant issues.
Over 40 Years of Navigating Geotechnical Challenges in Trenchless Crossings Trenchless crossings are an efficient and effective means of crossing unstable terrain, watercourses, environmentally sensitive areas or areas of congestion and urban development. While trenchless technologies have improved dramatically over the last decades, they can still be adversely affected by ground conditions that are either not properly investigated or inadequately understood. New trenchless methods, such as drill-intercept (HDD) and Direct Pipe, have enabled crossings to be considered in ground conditions that would have previously been deemed not feasible. This talk will highlight Bob Saunders’ experiences with some of the challenges posed by geotechnical conditions with various types of trenchless crossing methods. He will address specific problems associated with artesian pressures, cobbles/boulders, abrasive soil/bedrock, coal mines, gravel pits, excessive settlement/ground loss, mixed face conditions, high groundwater, and other relevant issues.
Presenter: Robert (Bob) Saunders, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Bob Saunders is an associate and geotechnical Engineer with Thurber. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Calgary (1981) and a master’s in geotechnical engineering from the University of Alberta (1989). Bob has over 40 years of experience with civil engineering projects in Western and Northern Canada, primarily focusing on pipelines and geohazards. His early experience was with the Foothills gas pipeline project in the Yukon. He has specialized in trenchless construction, with his first HDD being completed in 1990, and has assessed hundreds of trenchless crossings of landslides, watercourses, and civil infrastructure since then.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – If you are an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $20 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. If you are NOT an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $40 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. Checkout will show a $0 balance, but this is simply because the payment is differed.
Join us for an educational luncheon on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Applications in Condition Assessment and Asset Management of Collection Systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming water and wastewater utilities by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This presentation explores how AI technologies can improve condition assessment activities, enable proactive maintenance, and reduce costs. AI-driven commercially available applications will be presented and illustrated using case studies.
Presenter: Erez Allouche, Ph.D., P.Eng. | Trenchless Technology and Innovation Leader | Stantec
Dr. Erez Allouche has devoted much of the past three decades to research and practice in the field of underground infrastructure. His work focuses on the development of new condition assessment technologies and the design and analysis models for underground construction using trenchless methods. He specializes in the design of complex Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and microtunneling crossings, and to date, has completed the design and/or construction oversight of more than 160 such crossings around the world. These installations have included crossing of major highways, railways and rivers. His design experience also covers crossings utilizing other trenchless methods such as Direct Pipe™, pipe jacking, auger boring, pipe ramming, down-the-hole hammer and horizontal direct bores. Prior to joining Stantec, Erez was a Professor of Civil Engineering at Louisiana Tech University and the Director of the Trenchless Technology Center. He is the inventor/co-inventor of 17 patents in the area of trenchless technologies, and the author/co-author of more than 260 publications in the areas of buried infrastructure management and pipeline installation using trenchless techniques. Erez is a former member of NASTT’s Board of Directors.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – If you are an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $20 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. If you are NOT an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $40 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. Checkout will show a $0 balance, but this is simply because the payment is deferred.
To kick-off the 2025-26 season of NASTT events in Edmonton, the Edmonton Section is hosting a free BBQ over lunch at the Crossing Company yard in Nisku. The yard will have varied microtunneling, direct steerable pipe thrusting (DSPT)/Direct PipeTM, auger boring, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment and tooling on site for attendees to see up close with the Crossing Company staff available for any questions attendees may have.
There will be opportunity to tour the yard, or to just enjoy the free BBQ and spending some informal time with other people in the trenchless industry!
Must bring a hard hat, reflective vest, and CSA Grade 1 or 2 protective footwear.
Free parking will be available.
NASTT South Central Chapter is pleased to present our upcoming 9th Annual Trenchless Technology Conference, taking place on November 3-4, 2025, in Arlington, Texas at the University of Texas at Arlington. This event brings together professionals from across the trenchless technology industry for an engaging and educational experience.
Join us in sunny Arlington for a dynamic program that includes technical presentations, exhibitor showcases, and networking opportunities. Designed for engineers, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, utility personnel, and other industry stakeholders, this event will explore current challenges, emerging trends, and proven solutions in the trenchless field.
Key Highlights Include:
- Latest Trenchless Technologies & Methods
- Inspection, Leak Detection, and Asset Management Strategies
- Rehabilitation Techniques and Best Practices
- Regulatory Frameworks and Upcoming Standards
- Case Studies from Local and Regional Projects
- Opportunities to Network with Industry Leaders
Event Schedule:
November 3 | Exhibitor Move-In at UTA (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) followed by a Welcome Reception (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
November 4 | Full-day conference and technical sessions with exhibitors at the University of Texas at Arlington
Social Mixer:
Join us at the Welcome Reception on November 3 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This casual gathering provides an excellent opportunity for registrants to network and connect in a relaxed setting before the main conference day.
Who Should Attend:
This event welcomes NASTT members, non-members, students, and all trenchless technology professionals interested in gaining insight, building relationships, and advancing their work through collaboration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best, expand your network, and stay informed on the evolving trenchless landscape!
Join industry leaders, innovators, and trenchless champions for the Trenchless Elevated Conference—your front-row seat to the latest advancements in underground infrastructure. Hosted by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NASTT, this one-day event returns for its 16th year in just outside Salt Lake City.
Set against the backdrop of Utah’s dynamic infrastructure landscape, this conference delivers unmatched technical education, peer-to-peer insights, and access to the technologies shaping the future of trenchless solutions. Whether you’re looking to solve today’s toughest underground challenges or plan for tomorrow’s infrastructure demands, Trenchless Elevated is where progress happens.
Who Should Attend?
– Utility & Infrastructure Professionals – Engineers, contractors, and field experts focused on trenchless innovation and implementation
– Municipal Leaders & Government Agencies – Officials seeking sustainable, non-disruptive infrastructure solutions
– Academics & Industry Researchers – Professionals exploring the latest trends, case studies, and technologies
Why Attend?
– Cutting-Edge Education – Stay up to date with emerging methods and breakthroughs in trenchless design and construction
– Expert Speakers & Panels – Gain insights from top voices in the field through curated technical sessions and real-world project highlights
– Regional Networking – Connect with key players from across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond
– Interactive Exhibit Hall – Explore tools, technologies, and service providers advancing trenchless solutions
Special Offerings
– Municipal Scholarships Available – Supporting public sector participation
– Early Bird Registration – Just $249 – Save your seat before rates increase!
– Limited Sponsorship Opportunities – Get high-impact visibility with a targeted and engaged audience
Join us in Sandy, Utah for this energizing event focused on shaping the future of trenchless technology in the Rocky Mountain Region.
