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!
Western Region of NASTT is pleased to present our upcoming Annual Regional Conference taking place on October 14 – 16 in Scottsdale, AZ. This event brings together professionals from across the trenchless technology industry for an engaging and educational experience.
October 14 | BATL Axe Social
Come test your mettle and network with fellow conference attendees before the main conference at the WESTT sponsored Axe Throwing Tournament on Thursday, October 14, 2025, at BATL Grounds, 7919 E Thomas Rd #102, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Attendance for this event requires pre-registration. Registration includes participation in the tournament, one drink ticket, and appetizers.
October 15 |
One-Day Seminar
The one-day conference includes a wide variety of technical presentations related to trenchless construction including wastewater collection systems, water transport systems, new technologies, policies, and regulations. The conference will feature an exhibition hall where companies can showcase their services and attendees can view the latest innovations in the industry. CEU hours are available to attendees for the conference/course.
View the Agenda Here.
October 16 |
Trenchless 101 Course
Attendees have the opportunity to register for Intro to New Installation and Intro to Rehabilitation Good Practice Courses for an additional fee. These introductory courses are ideally suited for both newcomers to the industry and anyone who is interested in seeking a refresher course on trenchless technology methods. The New Installation course covers new construction techniques such as microtunneling, HDD, pipe jacking, auger boring and pipe ramming. The rehabilitation session provides an overview of the methods available to public works and sewer agencies to rehabilitate water, sewer, and gas systems without the need for excavation. Registration for Day 2 includes registration for both courses. CEU hours are available to attendees for the conference/course.
View the Agenda Here.
Who Should Attend
This events welcome all NASTT members, non-members, students, and all trenchless technology enthusiasts interested in gaining insight, fostering connections, and advancing their work through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best, expand your network, and stay informed on the evolving trenchless landscape!
Registration and Sponsorships are COMING SOON!
