2010 Trenchless Innovations
January — what is it about the start of a new year that elicits so much promise for what’s ahead, putting to rest the challenges of the year that just closed? The construction industry as a whole took it on the chin in 2009 and is now looking for brighter days in 2010.
Each year, Trenchless Technology invites manufacturers to kick off the New Year by sharing with our readers their latest innovations — equipment that pushes the envelope and technology that further shapes the trenchless marketplace. 2009 was a year like none other for the construction industry. With the economy slowly gaining strength, manufacturers are looking to brighter days in 2010. The trenchless market was spared the worst of the economic blues and many manufacturers in the last half of 2009 and now in 2010 are rolling out new equipment and technology to meet the needs of the underground infrastructure market.
There are many challenges facing the water and sewer providers — with cost and efficiency being at the top of the list when designing a new construction or rehabilitation plan. They face federal regulations with regard to asset management and preventitive maintenance techniques, as well as mandates concerning the quality of their utility systems. Utility planners and decision-makers face a tough road as they map out how they will provide customers with the utility services needed to keep a community operating. Owners are now budgeting for annual rehab programs to prevent widespread deterioration and problems with their water and sewers systems.
Many trenchless manufacturers took advantage of recent shows at ICUEE and WEFTEC in 2009 to unveil their newest additions to their product lineups; several will do so during the 2010 trade show season. While we cannot possibly cover all of the innovations of the last year, we hope to give readers a sampling of the latest advances in the trenchless marketplace. Product information was supplied by the manufacturers.
Sharon M. Bueno is managing editor of Trenchless Technology.
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