2014 NASTT No-Dig Is a Hit in Orlando
May 14, 2014
The No-Dig Show set up shop this year at the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center for the 23rd annual No-Dig Conference and Exhibition, with trenchless professionals traveling from all over the globe to take in “The Magic of Trenchless.”
There are two main attractions that draw people to the No-Dig Show. One is the technical paper sessions that provide detailed, peer-reviewed papers covering a broad range of topics relevant to the industry. There were 160 papers presented covering the gamut of trenchless methods and issues. The other main component of the No-Dig Show is the exhibition hall, in which attendees can see first-hand the latest products that are keeping the industry at the forefront of the utility construction and repair industry. More than 140 exhibitors filled the exhibit hall.
The 2015 No-Dig Show will be held March 15-19 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Deadline to submit an abstract for the technical program is June 30, 2014. For more details, visit www.nodigshow.com.
Sharon M. Bueno is managing editor of Trenchless Technology.
NASTT Hall of Fame Inducts Its Third Class
One of the featured events at the Gala Dinner was the induction of NASTT’s third Hall of Fame class, recognizing the careers of three industry icons. Honored at the dinner were: NASTT inducted its third Hall of Fame class: Affholder Inc. founder, Robert Affholder; trenchless advocate Joseph Loiacono; and professor emeritus Dr. Raymond Sterling.NASTT Auction Raises Money for Educational Fund
The 13th annual Educational Fund Auction and Reception was held on April 14 — a popular networking event for attendees after a full and busy day of technical sessions and walking the exhibit hall. This year’s event was a record-setter with more than $128,000 raised.The auction raises financial support for NASTT’s 11 student chapters while attendees have a great time bidding on amazing items. Since 2002, the auction has raised more than $700,000.
Once again, the popular Mortimer the Sewer Rat was up for bid and he will spend the next year traveling with Northeast Remsco Construction.
NASTT also held a “Best Costume” contest at the auction, inviting everyone to done their best Pirate wear. Lots of interpretations of what makes an awesome Pirate, with plenty of Jack Sparrows roaming the reception. Taking first place for the event were Jim Rankin of Vermeer and Cindy Preuss of HydroScience Engineers. In NASTT’s Caribbean Vacation Raffle (announced at the Closing Luncheon), the winner was Greg Penza of ULC Robotics.
CIPP Forum Draws Interest
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) continues to dominate the trenchless rehabilitation market, with more and more municipalities and owners turning to the minimally invasive and cost-effective process to address their underground infrastructure. NASTT’s CIPP Forum gathered industry professionals from the engineering, manufacturing and contractor sects to talk about this popular trenchless method.
Taking part in the forum were: moderator Larry Kiest Jr., LMK Technologies and panelists, Ian Doherty, Trenchless Design Engineering Ltd.; Ed Kampbell, Rehabilitation Resource Solutions; Gerry Muenchmeyer, Muenchmeyer Associates LLC; Lynn Osborn, Insituform Technologies; Kaleel Raheim, Interplastic Corp.; John Schroeder, CDM Smith; and Jim Shelton, Malcolm Pirnie/Arcadis.
Before taking questions from the large audience, the panel gave presentations on the History of CIPP, CIPP Technologies Available Today, Industry Standards and Cost Value Benefits.
GAME Trenchless Consultants and Warren Environmental Inc. Receive Joseph L. Abbott Jr. Innovative Product Awards
With the rapid pace of technological innovation across the industry, new products are constantly introduced to the trenchless market. Each year, NASTT recognizes these technological advancements through the Joseph L. Abbott Jr. Innovative Product Awards. Annually, two companies with state-of-the-art products are chosen as recipients of this honor.This year, the Innovative Product Awards were presented to GAME Trenchless Consultants for its JD7 PipeScan+ and to Warren Environmental, Inc., for its Pressure Infusion Lining System. These products are capable of advancing infrastructure management in many important ways.
The JD7 PipeScan+ from Game Trenchless Consultants is an innovative new tool for condition assessment. A relatively new player in the trenchless market, GAME was formed following an agreement with GENIVAR Inc (now WSP Group) to purchase the Canadian rights to the JD7 Technology. To date, the firm has been involved in live water main condition assessment inspections and trenchless engineering design and support for CIPP projects, both for small and large diameter water main and sewer systems of all ages and materials.
The Innovative Product Awards are given in memory of the late Joseph L. Abbott Jr., an active member of NASTT since its inception in 1990. Recognized as one of NASTT’s seven charter members, he also served on its Board of Directors from 2003 to 2007. Following his years of service, he continued to be involved at a high level. Joe was an exhibitor and supporter of all the NASTT No-Dig Shows and is remembered each year by the entire NASTT family.