Features

For home internet users with broadband connections, "high speed" service usually is considered a necessity. Yet there are many regions in America that do not have broadband access, and an increasing number of small communities recognize attracting new business is unlikely to succeed without access to broadband.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | Sneak Preview from March's Issue

Damage Prevention/Safety Program Enjoys Strong Start At UCT

The debut of the Damage Prevention and Safety Conference at the 2010 Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) got off to a promising start, said event coordinator Walt Kelly, and participants were enthusiastic about the content and value of educational sessions and hands on training.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | Sneak Preview from March's Issue

Large Diameter Sliplining Works To Rehabilitate Aging Interceptor Sewers In Albuquerque

One of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, Albuquerque, NM, has the same problem as many municipalities--old and failing interceptor sewer lines. However, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) took a proactive approach to address this problem rather than a reactive approach of waiting for a failure.

Authored by: Michael Rocco, Trenchless Manager, AUI Inc. | Sneak Preview from March's Issue

Culvert Replacement On the Ice Road Truckers Highway

Harr Technologies' trenchless method of cleaning culverts and its successful use on projects in Alaska resulted in company owner Bob Harr being asked to help solve a critical problem threatening to close the James Dalton Highway, well known to American television audiences from the series Ice Road Truckers.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | Sneak Preview from March's Issue

DCA Looks To New Leadership, Better Economy

During 2009, members of the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) dealt with the effects of a continuing economic recession as well as making a transition in leadership with the retirement of longtime Executive Vice President Dennis Kennedy and hiring as his replacement Robert (Rob) Darden.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2

APCA Remains Active; Markets Stable

Members of the American Pipe Line Contractors Association (APCA) experienced a relatively "good" 2009, despite the worldwide recession that has negatively affected many construction markets.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2

Lower Prices, Consumption, Near-Term Construction Lessens 2010 Spending Levels

The latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate that close to 70 million customers rely on the nation’s natural gas distribution network to deliver fuel to their home or business. Natural gas is delivered to customers through a 2.3-million mile underground pipeline system.

Authored by: Rita Tubb, Managing Editor | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2

Updated ASCE Manhole Guidelines Focus On Issues, Rehab Methods

Manholes are critical assets of the nation's underground wastewater infrastructure. Recently updated manhole inspection and rehabilitation guidelines are aimed at improving manhole structural integrity by identifying issues and the appropriate methods of repairing and rehabilitation so that timely maintenance prevents major problems.

Authored by: Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2

Keyhole Basics: Coring 101

Over the past decade, as utilities and their underground contractors look for more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly ways to make repairs to underground utilities and install buried infrastructure, they are beginning to realize many benefits associated with keyhole technology.

Authored by: E. Marshall Pollock | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2

Underground Construction’s 13th Annual Municipal Infrastructure Survey: Signs Of Life in Sewer/Water Economy

Trepidation: [n.] a feeling of alarm or dread.
As we approached 2009 with an economy in free fall and zero confidence in any kind of positive funding trend, public works officials approached the coming year with extreme trepidation.

Authored by: Robert Carpenter, Editor | February 2010 Vol. 65 No. 2