United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology: UKSTT - June 2003

New Installation - Large Project, sponsored by Ferro Monk Systems and Severn Trent Water Ltd

Won by Barhale Construction Plc for 'Bewdley River Flood Defence Accommodation Works, Phase 1'.

Short listed were Avoidatrench for 'Isle of Man Gas Pipeline', and Perco Engineering Services for 'Augerboring for Railtrack - Watford to Bletchley Line'.

New Installation - Small Project, sponsored by Subterra Ltd and Thames Water Ltd

Won by Longbore Ltd for 'The Hams Hall Pipeline'.

Short listed were Avoidatrench for 'Gunnelswood Road', and Barhale Construction for 'Upwell and Outwell First Time Sewerage Scheme'.

Renovation - Large Project, sponsored by Sir Alfred McAlpine Ltd

Joint winners were Subterra Ltd for 'Eccup Raw Water Main Refurbishment' and T J Brent Ltd for 'Fast Cure for Plymouth Headache'

The Young Engineer Award, sponsored by Byzak Ltd and the UKSTT, was awarded to Rania Gideon of Haswell Consulting Engineers.

A Certificate of Merit was awarded to Barhale Construction Plc for Construction Safety on the Lowestoft Salvesen Rising Main.

Ray Sterling, Chairman of ISTT, presented a Highly Commended Certificate to Anti-Corrosion Protection Systems of Dubai, which was submitted for the ISTT 2002 Awards and was awarded at the International No Dig Conference in Las Vegas. The certificate was for the Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Project.

UKSTT Chairman Norman Howell extended a special welcome to Ray Sterling, Chairman of ISTT. Norman outlined the activities of the Society during the last year, which included the No-Dig Live event at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry. A record 110 companies displayed the very latest developments in trenchless technology, with over 2000 visitors attending (13% from overseas). The Society has also been active in holding meetings with MPs, government officials and industry representation groups to increase awareness of no-dig systems. The society is involved in the preparation of the Department of Transport's Trenchless Guidelines, and was also invited by the British Tunnelling Society to join them in addressing the All Party Parliamentary Group for Underground Space.

Following on from the success of the UKSTT village at IWEX 2001, a similar arrangement is planned for this year's IWEX at the NEC on 11-13 November. Members will be able to occupy individual shell scheme stands (which can be smaller that normally offered by the organisers) around the perimeter of a central UKSTT hospitality area.

As well as being grouped with like-minded companies and having the use of the UKSTT hospitality area, all members exhibiting within the

When UKSTT was set up in 1993, training was one of the objectives laid down in its constitution. The Society recognised that there was a need for the training of operatives in order to spread and improve knowledge. A national training standard would give confidence to employers, knowing that operatives had achieved an acceptable level of competence and had adequate safety knowledge for the technique being used. Once UKSTT had defined the techniques that the industry was comfortable with - such as impact moling, pipebursting and CIPP - the Training Sub-Group was set up.

The Sub-Group recognised that it would need training and assessment expertise, the assistance of a specialist professional body and an organisation with an accredited training centre. An association was made with the WTI Training Group, one of the most respected utility training companies in the UK, and with extensive experience of international training and assessment.

Both organisations have put substantial time and effort into this initiative. Last year UKSTT and WTI formerly entered into a joint venture to further the objectives for training, certification and development of trenchless technology. Many modules are now available: impact moling, HDD, pipebursting (hydraulic rod), pipebursting (pneumatic), use of drilling fluids in HDD, CIPP - background, CIPP - ambient cure, CIPP - heat cure, CIPP - UV light cure, surface tracking for guided boring, management of HDD, management of impact moling, management of pipebursting, and Subterra SubCoil systems.

UKSTT is pleased to be associated with Underground Construction 2003, which offers a unique opportunity for tunnelling professionals from across the world to meet and discuss current and future projects, and to attend the associated conference. Norman Howell, UKSTT Chairman, will lead the session on 'Trenchless Technology: a Sustainable Tool', with additional contributions from members of the UKSTT Council.

UC 2003 will attract a top quality international audience of client companies,

Simona UK are pleased to announce that their HPPE (PE100) SPC-Drinking Water Pipes are now approved for use below ground in public water supplies and generally meet WIS 4-32-17 and the European standard prEN 12201.

SIMONA PE100 SPC is a multi-layer pipe consisting of a black inner pipe with a strength classification PE100, and a co-extruded dark blue modified PP jacket for below ground identification.

The Grundotugger pipe bursting system from the TT Group provides the portability and power to burst and replace service laterals up to 50 m long quickly and easily. This lightweight system includes bursting heads for 100 and 150 mm pipe, winch cable and power pack.

Grundotugger is smaller, less expensive and easier to use for lateral line replacement than conventional bursting equipment. Its compact design provides high grip and pulling power, and a smooth jaw configuration reduces cable damage.