Register to Attend UESI Pipelines 2023 Pre-conference Workshops

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute’s (UESI) Pipelines 2023 Conference is set for Aug. 12-16 in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to the technical sessions and exhibit hall, UESI has a slate of pre-conference workshops planned that take place Aug. 12 and 13. All events take place at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. 

The Pipelines Conference is the premier industry event for utility and pipeline owners, design and consulting engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, students, educators, researchers, and pipeline professionals. The conference will also include surveying as it relates to pipeline and utility projects.

Registration for the conference is ongoing and those interested in taking part in the pre-conference workshops must be registered for the conference (either full or daily). To find out more about these workshops visit pipelinesconference.org/program/workshops.

Workshops scheduled for Aug. 12 are:

Innovation in Large-Diameter Pipeline Management

This utility-focused workshop has two sessions on new technologies for pipeline condition assessment and then features two sessions on utility process development and implementation. Workshop attendees will gain; utility perspectives on testing, trialing, and implementation of new technology; enhanced understanding of utility data needs; training on utility process development for pipeline management; and an improved understanding of decision-making criteria for pipeline rehabilitation.

Field Investigation Techniques & Interpretation for the ASCE-38 Standard

This short course will look at different field investigation techniques and the interpretation of the results for the Standard Guideline for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities (ASCE 38-22). You will learn about equipment and methodology including pipe and cable locators, advanced geophysics (MCGPR), vacuum excavation. Also covered are specific issues related to the interpretation of raw field data and understanding of the methodology, as well as professional interpretations of the results and understanding how to apply the quality levels as described in the ASCE-38 Standard. This session also covers summary reporting and understanding how to provide reliable data for the intended design. Attendees will also learn about the use of meta data and how to apply it to your utility investigation.

Large Equipment Owners Forum

Owners with pipelines also have large equipment. This forum presents information from various points of view – the owner, the consultant, and the manufacturer. This year the focus is on large valves and how some owners are trying to unify specifications. A discussion regarding the challenges owners have regarding coating/lining valves. A representative from a valve manufacturer will share information regarding best practices owners should be aware of in procuring valves.

Force Main Rehabilitation

Force Main Rehabilitation of pressurized wastewater pipes (force mains) has been gaining momentum as more utilities discover many of these pipes are suffering from corrosion and in need of renewal. In addition to the loads and environmental conditions that take their toll on pipes over time, force mains are prone to hydrogen sulfide induced corrosion particularly at high points where air pockets can form. Based on a webinar organized by National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO), the goal of this workshop is to provide an educational and interactive platform on force main rehabilitation with speakers from manufacturers/contractors, consultants, owners and academia.

Workshops scheduled for Aug. 13 are:

50 Years of Success – Steel Pipe Review of Standards and Design

This 4 -hour seminar will review past and present standards, steel making, design, manufacturing, and installation over the past 50 years. Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) members will discuss several design topics including internal pressure, fittings including outlets and harnesses, buried pipe design including a review of soils, welding, and an introduction to steel pipe design for seismic. QA/QC will be reviewed and the STI/SPFA audit program will be covered. Improvements for each topic will be discussed and how that affects the current life expectancy of today’s steel water pipe.

Direct Steerable Pipe Thrusting Manual of Practice

This workshop will provide attendees with an introduction to the direct steerable pipe thrusting (DSPT) method (also known as Direct Pipe) and the newly released ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 155: Direct Steerable Pipe Thrusting. The method is a relatively recent innovation in the trenchless pipeline installation industry that combines characteristics of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and conventional microtunneling to install pipelines in ground conditions that would be challenging for other trenchless methods. This workshop will introduce attendees to DSPT equipment and history, cover project scoping and planning, go over geotechnical and other due diligence, talk about geometrical design, discuss steel stress and buckling analysis, explore contractual considerations, and review important construction considerations. Attendees will receive one print copy of the new ASCE Manual of Practice No 155. 

A Comprehensive Look at Municipal Installations of PVC and HDPE

This workshop will provide updates on best practices for designing, handling, and installing trenchless. Attendees will become more familiar with trenchless technology installations and their feasibility. They will learn the preliminary planning and design requirements for trenchless technology methods. Attendees will learn about the calculations required for designing safe trenchless installations and they will learn about case studies for installation of trenchless technology projects.

Manhole Rehabilitation and Inspection – 3rd Edition of Manual of Practice 92

Earlier this year, ASCE released the third edition of MOP 92 – Manhole Inspection and Rehabilitation. This workshop will provide attendees with current information on standardized inspection, assessment, and prioritization through the implementation of decision-making strategies, manhole repair and rehabilitation materials and technologies, quality processes, and design of coatings and linings used for manhole rehabilitation. Attendees will receive one print copy of the third edition of ASCE MOP 92.

To find out more about these workshops visit pipelinesconference.org/program/workshops.

Pipeline Research Symposium

Also on Sunday, Aug. 13, Dr. Mo. Najafi, P.E., F. ASCE, CUIRE Director and Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, will lead a Pipeline Research Symposium.

This symposium will include presentations by select speakers on emerging pipeline-related technologies. The attendees will be divided into interactive discussion groups to develop strategies to assist emerging technologies become accepted in the marketplace. Each group will address two technologies and include facilitators, a report leader, and a recorder to capture information.

To find out more about the symposium, visit pipelinesconference.org/program/research-symposium.  

To take part in any of the pre-conference events, attendees must be registered for the conference. To register for the Pipelines 2023 Conference, visit pipelinesconference.org/registration. The deadline for advanced registration ends July 26.

SOURCE – UESI